About Colorectal Diagnostics

Since 1996, Colorectal Diagnostics has been investigating the causes of anorectal dysfunction in patients from Queensland, the Northern Territory and Northern New South Wales and in this time we have seen over 15,000 patients. The centre was envisaged by the late Dr Geoff Mumme and from this Colorectal Diagnostics was established.

The centre was the first fully equipped facility of its type and is the longest-running accredited facility of its type in Australia, aiming to enable better outcomes for patients suffering from a range of colorectal conditions.

How Can We Help You?

Our Services

Anorectal physiology testing is a series of tests, each of which gives part of an overall clinical picture. The tests performed are requested according to a patient’s individual clinical presentation. At Colorectal Diagnostics, all of our tests are conducted by doctors, not technicians or nurses. This allows the opportunity for real-time analysis and interpretation, combined with an instant assessment and consultation with the patient.

Each individual test typically takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Often a combination of up to 3 tests is requested and this takes approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and does not require any sedation or hospital admission. All patient examinations are conducted with a female Registered Nurse also in attendance.

Anorectal Manometry

A short thin probe is inserted into the anal canal to measure the pressures of the anal sphincters or muscles. A balloon is also inserted into the rectum to assess rectal sensation.

Pudendal Nerve Studies

A flat probe is placed on the doctor’s finger which is inserted into your anal canal to assess the function of the nerves that supply the anal sphincters.

Endoanal Ultrasound

An internal ultrasound is performed in the anal canal to visualize the structure of the sphincters and surrounding tissues.

Endorectal Ultrasound

An internal ultrasound is performed in the lower rectum to visualize the rectum and the surrounding tissues. The rectum is beyond the anal canal and this procedure may be slightly uncomfortable.

SNS Programming

Your Sacral Nerve Stimulator (SNS) programme and battery are reviewed and assessed. Please bring your patient programmer handset with you to the appointment.

Experienced team of practitioners

Our Doctors

Since the inception of Colorectal Diagnostics over 25 years ago, thousands of patients have been helped by our highly qualified and experienced team of doctors. Colorectal Diagnostics is the established leader in providing high quality anorectal physiology studies making it the clinic of choice for our referrers.

Dr John Lumley

Dr John Lumley is a Colorectal Surgeon with a special interest in laparoscopic surgery and pelvic floor dysfunction. He has been practicing at The Wesley Hospital since 1992.

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Dr Aida Stevenson

Aida has more than 15 years experience in colorectal diagnostic procedures and surgical assisting in the colorectal field.

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Dr Damien Petersen

Dr Damien Petersen is a specialist colorectal surgeon at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital at Spring Hill. He completed his medical degree at the University of Queensland in 1991.

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Professor Andrew Stevenson

Andrew is a Senior specialist Colorectal Surgeon and the Past Director of the Colorectal Surgery Unit at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (2004-2018)..

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For referring doctors

Request Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.  You need a referral/request from a GP, specialist or hospital clinic.  The request details which tests you need as well as any relevant clinical details.  Your doctor can download the request form HERE

At the conclusion of your tests, we ask you to wait whilst we transcribe the report. You will receive a copy of the report before you leave. You will also receive the original Ultrasound photos, if there are any. We suggest you take these with you to your next appointment with your referring doctor. We will also send a copy of the report to your referring doctor.

The short answer is “it depends”. Most people find the tests are similar to an internal examination. Some medical conditions can mean there is more discomfort. The doctor and nurse present will communicate with you throughout the tests to ensure you are OK and if it is too much, they will stop.

Before your test you will need to use a Microlax Enema approximately one hour prior to LEAVING HOME to attend your appointment. If you have an queries or concerns regarding the preparation please contact our clinic to discuss your concerns.

When you book your appointment we will give you an estimate of the fees involved and the rebate to be expected, depending on the tests that are requested by your doctor. Full payment of the fee is expected on the day of your appointment and we can submit your Medicare claim online so you should receive your rebate within 24 – 48 hours. There will be an out of pocket (Gap) amount. For more details on Medicare rebate, claiming and the gap, please speak with our receptionist.

If you are concerned that you have too far to travel or are worried about how you may respond to the
Microlax, you are welcome to arrive to your appointment 45 minutes early and administer the enema in the bathroom in the clinic.

Click the button on the home page, or HERE. If you would like us to send you a request form pad, please send an email with your postal address.

No. You may eat and drink as usual.

Download the request form and email or fax it to our clinic. We will contact your patient and organise an appointment.

Call our clinic on 07 3839 2794 and we will do our best to help you.

Blogs

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Collaborating With

Colorectal Diagnostics prides itself on being the established leader within its field. We are therefore proud of our relationships with leading technology providers, both locally and internationally.