Gut Health Assessment in Brisbane
In short
A gut health assessment is a detailed consultation focused on finding the cause of digestive symptoms rather than treating them in isolation. Dr Goutham reviews your symptoms, history, diet, medications and lifestyle, then builds a personalised investigation plan — which may include blood tests, breath tests, stool and faecal calprotectin testing, gut microbiome testing, colonoscopy, gastroscopy or capsule endoscopy. It is ideal for ongoing or unexplained symptoms, and for anyone told they “just have IBS” who wants a clearer answer. Importantly, symptoms should never be assumed to be IBS until red-flag causes have been excluded.
A thorough, personalised consultation
A gut health assessment begins with a detailed consultation. Dr Goutham takes a careful history of your symptoms, medical background, diet, medications and the lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your gastrointestinal issues.
Dr Goutham develops an investigation plan around your symptoms and findings. This can include targeted tests and, where appropriate, imaging or specialised investigations of how your digestive tract is structured and how it functions. The results guide treatment and follow-up.
The goal is a holistic, evidence-based approach — investigations and treatments tailored to you, rather than a one-size-fits-all plan — supporting effective, long-term management of your gut health and overall wellbeing.
Digestive symptoms worth investigating
A gut health assessment is particularly helpful for persistent or unexplained symptoms, including:
- Bloating and excessive wind
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Altered bowel habits — diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two
- Reflux, heartburn or indigestion
- Food intolerance or sensitivity
- Nausea or early fullness after eating
- Unexplained weight change or fatigue
- Symptoms suggestive of a functional gastrointestinal disorder, such as IBS
If you have already been told your symptoms are “just IBS” but you do not have a clear answer, an assessment can help confirm the diagnosis or uncover a treatable cause that has been missed. You can read more in our article It’s Not Always IBS.
Matching the right test to your symptoms
Not everyone needs every test. Your plan is built around your symptoms and history. Depending on the picture, investigations may include:
| Investigation | What it looks at |
|---|---|
| Blood tests | Iron levels, inflammation, coeliac screening, thyroid and liver function |
| Faecal calprotectin | Helps distinguish inflammatory bowel disease from functional gut disorders |
| Stool & microbiome testing | A profile of gut bacteria, interpreted alongside your symptoms and other findings |
| Breath testing | Lactose or fructose intolerance and small-bowel bacterial overgrowth |
| Gastroscopy | Direct view of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum (and coeliac biopsies) |
| Colonoscopy | Direct view of the large bowel to exclude structural causes |
| Capsule endoscopy | Examines the small bowel when standard scopes are normal |
Learn more about gut microbiome testing and how results are considered alongside symptoms and other findings.
What a gut health assessment can uncover
Many digestive symptoms can arise from a range of conditions. A structured assessment helps tell them apart so the right treatment can begin. These include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome and other functional gastrointestinal disorders
- Coeliac disease and food intolerances
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Reflux and gastritis
- Gut microbiome results
- Enzyme deficiencies and malabsorption
- Structural causes such as polyps or, rarely, bowel cancer
If symptoms continue after a normal colonoscopy or another test, Dr Goutham can review your symptoms, history and results to plan the next stage of assessment.
Symptoms that need prompt assessment
Most digestive symptoms are not dangerous, but some warrant earlier investigation. Speak with your GP or our team promptly if you notice:
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained iron deficiency or anaemia
- A persistent change in bowel habit, especially if you are aged 45 or older
- Difficulty swallowing, or persistent vomiting
- A family history of bowel cancer, coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease
Two important safety points
Symptoms should never be assumed to be IBS until these red-flag causes have been excluded. And if coeliac disease is being considered, keep eating gluten until your blood tests and any biopsies are complete — stopping gluten early can hide the diagnosis.
A holistic, specialist-led approach
Specialist assessment
Led by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, specialist surgeon — GESA-accredited, with the ability to investigate both the structure and function of your gut under one roof.
Personalised, not generic
Your investigation plan is tailored to your symptoms and history — no one-size-fits-all testing.
Whole-person care
We look at diet, lifestyle and the microbiome alongside any procedures, supporting lasting digestive wellbeing.
We care for patients across:
From symptoms to a clear plan
A gut health assessment is a partnership — we investigate thoroughly, explain clearly, and coordinate with your GP.
Consultation
A detailed review of your symptoms, history, diet, medications and lifestyle.
Personalised plan
Targeted tests are chosen to assess both the structure and function of your gut.
Investigations
Blood, stool, breath, microbiome testing and endoscopy as needed, with gentle sedation where relevant.
Results & management
Dr Goutham explains the findings, starts treatment and writes to your GP for continuity of care.
Gut Health FAQs
What is a gut health assessment?
Do I need a referral?
Will I definitely need a colonoscopy or gastroscopy?
I’ve been told I have IBS — is an assessment still worthwhile?
What is gut microbiome testing?
Should I change my diet before the assessment?
Explore more: The Gut Health Hub · Colonoscopy · Endoscopy · Rectal Bleeding · Capsule Endoscopy · Pricing & no-gap · No-gap health funds · Bowel cancer screening
Your next step
Arrange a gut health assessment.
Contact the team about your referral or an appointment.
Have a question?
Ask about your referral, booking arrangements or an existing appointment.
Send an enquiryOpens the secure form in a dedicated page.
Last medically reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, Specialist Endoscopic Surgeon — September 2026