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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting millions worldwide. Characterised by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation, IBS can significantly impact quality of life. While it isn’t life-threatening, its symptoms often mimic more serious conditions, making accurate diagnosis crucial.
In Brisbane, patients seeking expert care for IBS can consult Dr. Goutham Sivasuthan, a specialist surgeon at Upper Edge Surgery. With expertise in endoscopy and colonoscopy, Dr. Sivasuthan helps diagnose IBS, exclude serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colorectal cancer, and provides tailored management strategies.
This blog explores IBS in depth, its diagnosis, the role of a surgeon in managing symptoms, and how Upper Edge Surgery in Brisbane can assist patients in achieving better digestive health.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning there’s no structural damage to the gut, but its function is disrupted. It’s classified into three main subtypes:
IBS-D (Diarrhoea-predominant) – Frequent loose stools and urgency.
IBS-C (Constipation-predominant) – Hard, infrequent stools and straining.
IBS-M (Mixed) – Alternating diarrhoea and constipation.
Common Symptoms of IBS
Abdominal pain or cramping (often relieved by bowel movements)
Bloating and gas
Diarrhoea, constipation, or both
Mucus in stool
Food intolerances (e.g., gluten, dairy)
What Causes IBS?
The exact cause is unknown, but several factors contribute:
Gut-brain axis dysfunction – Miscommunication between the brain and digestive system.
Altered gut motility – Faster or slower movement of food through the intestines.
Microbiome imbalance – Changes in gut bacteria.
Post-infectious IBS – Following a gastrointestinal infection.
Stress and anxiety – Can worsen symptoms.
Why Accurate Diagnosis is Essential
Since IBS symptoms overlap with serious conditions like colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and coeliac disease, proper evaluation is critical. A misdiagnosis can delay treatment for life-threatening illnesses.
How is IBS Diagnosed?
There’s no single test for IBS. Instead, doctors use the Rome IV criteria, which require:
Recurrent abdominal pain at least 1 day per week in the last 3 months, plus
Two or more of:
Pain related to bowel movements
Change in stool frequency
Change in stool appearance
However, before confirming IBS, other conditions must be ruled out.
The Role of a Specialist Surgeon in Diagnosing IBS
An endoscopic surgeon like Dr. Goutham Sivasuthan plays a key role in:
Excluding serious conditions through endoscopy and colonoscopy.
Providing expert management advice for persistent symptoms.
Diagnostic Procedures Offered at Upper Edge Surgery (Brisbane)
1. Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) using a flexible camera. It helps detect:
Polyps or tumours (colorectal cancer screening)
Inflammation (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
Diverticulosis
2. Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy)
This procedure examines the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine, checking for:
Coeliac disease
Gastritis or ulcers
Hiatal hernia
3. Biopsies & Lab Tests
Testing for coeliac disease or bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Stool tests to exclude infections.
Once serious conditions are excluded, IBS can be confidently diagnosed.
How Dr. Goutham Sivasuthan Helps Manage IBS
While IBS has no cure, effective management can drastically improve symptoms. Dr. Sivasuthan provides:
1. Personalised Dietary Advice
Low FODMAP Diet – Reduces fermentable carbs that trigger bloating.
Fibre adjustment – Soluble fibre (e.g., oats) helps IBS-C; insoluble fibre may worsen IBS-D.
Identifying food triggers (e.g., gluten, dairy).
2. Medication Management
Antispasmodics (for cramping)
Laxatives or anti-diarrhoeals (for IBS-C or IBS-D)
Probiotics (to balance gut bacteria)
3. Stress & Lifestyle Modifications
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helps manage stress-induced IBS.
Regular exercise – Improves gut motility.
4. When Surgery Might Be Considered
While IBS rarely requires surgery, Dr. Sivasuthan ensures patients don’t have surgical conditions (e.g., bowel obstructions) mimicking IBS.
Why Choose Upper Edge Surgery in Brisbane?
Expertise: Dr. Goutham Sivasuthan specialises in gastrointestinal surgery, endoscopy, and colonoscopy.
Advanced Diagnostics: State-of-the-art procedures to exclude serious diseases.
Personalised Care: Tailored treatment plans for long-term relief.
Convenient Location: Serving Brisbane with high-quality digestive health services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about IBS
How is IBS diagnosed?
IBS is diagnosed based on your symptoms and by excluding other conditions. This usually involves blood tests, stool tests, and procedures like colonoscopy or endoscopy to rule out more serious diseases.
Does IBS increase the risk of bowel cancer?
No. IBS itself does not increase your risk of bowel cancer, but because symptoms can overlap, it’s important to rule out cancer through appropriate testing, particularly if you have red flag symptoms.
What is a colonoscopy and why might I need one?
A colonoscopy is a procedure where a flexible camera is used to view the colon and rectum. It is commonly used to investigate symptoms such as bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or abdominal pain—and to screen for bowel cancer.
Can a surgeon treat IBS?
While IBS is typically managed with diet and lifestyle changes, a surgeon plays a key role in the diagnosis phase, particularly in ruling out other conditions. Surgeons like Dr Sivasuthan are also equipped to manage complications or other abdominal issues if they arise.
Where can I get an endoscopy or colonoscopy in Brisbane?
Upper Edge Surgery offers diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy and colonoscopy services across Brisbane. Contact us now to learn more.
Conclusion
IBS can be a difficult condition to live with—but with the right help, it is manageable. If you’re in Brisbane and suffering from abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits, a consultation with Dr Goutham Sivasuthan at Upper Edge Surgery can help you get answers.
From ruling out serious conditions using colonoscopy and endoscopy, to helping you find a sustainable treatment strategy, expert surgical input can be a valuable part of your IBS care plan.
