FAQs colorectal surgery
Colorectal surgery: Frequently asked questions
Have a quick question about our team, appointments, endoscopy, or common colorectal conditions in the South West? Browse the sections below for clear, practical answers, including About and appointments, Endoscopies, Other procedures, and Conditions we treat. If you can’t find what you need, our reception team can point you to the right page or help you book the next step.
About and appointments
Where is South West Colorectal Surgery located in Bunbury and Busselton?
We consult at 16 Edward Street, Bunbury and 20 Prince Street, Busselton. Procedures can be arranged at St John of God Bunbury and at the Bunbury Day Hospital.
Our rooms at 16 Edward Street, Bunbury and 20 Prince Street, Busselton are attended every day of the week from 9am until 4.30pm. Paid street parking is available in front of the clinic.
How do I book an appointment with South West Colorectal Surgery?
You will need a GP referral for a consultation. Once you have a referral, you can call our rooms on (08) 9742 1876 to book. If you have copies of scans,blood tests, endoscopy reports, or a medication list, please bring them along; they help us make your first visit more efficient.
What happens at my first consultation?
At your first appointment, we’ll take a careful history, review any test results, and talk through what we think is going on. If you need further investigations (like a colonoscopy), we’ll organise them and explain the steps in plain language so you know what’s happening and why.
Do you work with a gastroenterologist in Bunbury and Busselton?
Yes. We work with Dr Halim Elsherif, a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist, consulting in our Bunbury and Busselton rooms. This shared-care approach means we can coordinate investigations (such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, polyp removal, and capsule endoscopy when appropriate) and keep as much of your care local as possible. We also collaborate with Dr Callum Pearce in Perth.
Who is Dr Xavier Harvey?
We’re a specialist colorectal and general surgical practice in Bunbury ande Busselton. Dr Xavier Harvey is a surgeon and the only Member of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand living in the southwest. We focus on problems of the lower digestive tract (colon, rectum and anus), and we also provide a broader general surgery service when needed.
Who is Dr Halim Elsherif?
Dr Halim Elsherif is a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist. Halim is part of our practice, so patients can access coordinated gastroenterology and colorectal care in the South West. His consultations take place at South West Gastroenterology in Bunbury and Busselton, and a more detailed bio is available at swgastroenterology.com.au.
Does South West colorectal collaborate with a Bunbury or Busselton naturopath?
Yes. We collaborate with Tim O’Grady (naturopath) as an adjunct to specialist medical and surgical care. Some people want help with things like diet quality, symptom tracking, and general wellbeing while they’re being assessed or recovering. Used sensibly, this can complement the medical and surgicaltreatment plans. We keep the focus on safe, evidence-based care, and we encourage people to discuss any supplements with us; some can interfere with anaesthesia, bleeding risk, or other medicines.
Consultations with Tim can be arranged in the rooms at South West Colorectal Surgery.
Does South West colorectal collaborate with a Bunbury and Busselton physiotherapist?
Yes. We collaborate with Dale Scott at Koombana Physiotherapy because pelvic floor and bowel problems often improve with the right physical therapy. Physiotherapy can be a valuable adjunct for issues like bowel control problems, urgency, difficulty emptying, pelvic floor dysfunction, and recovery after certain pelvic procedures. Where it fits, we’ll coordinate a shared plan so your exercises and symptom goals match your medical or surgical treatment.
What does ERAS mean and does South West Colorectal follow its principles?
ERAS stands for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery. It’s an evidence-based set of steps that aims to reduce complications and speed up recovery; things like good pre-op preparation, careful fluid management, modern pain relief (often reducing opioid use), early eating and drinking, and early mobilisation. At South West Colorectal Surgery we follow ERAS-style principles where they’re appropriate for you, and we coordinate this with the anaesthetic and hospital team around your operation.
Endoscopies
What does a colonoscopy procedure involve?
A colonoscopy is a camera test that lets us examine the inside of the colon and rectum using a thin flexible scope. It helps us investigate symptoms, check for inflammation, and find and remove polyps; removing polyps can reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
Good bowel preparation is key. We’ll give you clear instructions; this usually involves a short-term diet change and a laxative solution to clean the bowel so we can see properly. If the bowel isn’t clean, we may miss small polyps and the test may need to be repeated.
Will I be asleep during my colonoscopy?
Most people have sedation so they’re very drowsy and comfortable. We’ll explain what’s planned for you and what to expect on the day. You’ll also need someone to take you home afterwards.
What are the risks of a colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is very common and generally safe, but risks can include bleeding (especially if a polyp is removed), perforation (a tear in the bowel wall), and side effects from sedation. We’ll talk through your individual risk and answer questions before you consent.
What is capsule endoscopy and when is capsule endoscopy used?
Capsule endoscopy is a small camera capsule you swallow; it takes images as it passes through the small bowel, which is difficult to see with standard scopes. We usually consider it when colonoscopy and gastroscopy haven’t explained symptoms like ongoing bleeding or low iron, and we need a closer look at the small bowel.
We’ll take care of organising the capsule endoscopy for you. While we don’t report on the test ourselves, we work closely with Dr Callum Pearce, a well-respected gastroenterologist based at Westside Gastroenterology in Perth. He reviews the capsule images and sends us the report. That means we can go through the results with you here, during your local appointment; no need to travel just to get answers.
Other procedures
What does colorectal cancer surgery involve?
Colorectal cancer surgery aims to remove the cancer safely and restore bowel function where possible. The exact operation depends on where the cancer is (colon or rectum), how advanced it is, and your overall health. We’ll explain the plan, likely hospital stay, and recovery expectations before surgery.
What is rectal prolapse surgery and when is rectal prolapse surgery needed?
Rectal prolapse is when the rectum slips out of place; in more severe cases it can protrude through the anus. We usually consider surgery when symptoms affect quality of life; this can include the rectum coming out during bowel motions, difficulty emptying, or leakage. A common operation we perform is laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (keyhole surgery) to restore the rectum to its normal position.
What is sacral neuromodulation for incontinence?
Sacral neuromodulation is a treatment we use for bowel control problems (faecal incontinence), and sometimes urinary symptoms too. A small implanted device sends gentle electrical signals to nerves near the tailbone to improve the communication between the pelvic organs and the nervous system. It usually starts with a trial phase; if the trial helps, we can consider a permanent implant.
Conditions
What are the common conditions treated by a colorectal surgeon?
We commonly treat conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. This includes haemorrhoids, anal fissure, fistula, diverticular disease complications, pelvic floor problems (including rectal prolapse), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and bowel cancer risk issues such as polyps.
When should I be concerned about bowel cancer symptoms?
We take symptoms seriously, but it’s also true that many bowel symptoms have non-cancer causes. Symptoms that deserve assessment include rectal bleeding, a clear change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal pain or bloating, and iron deficiency or anaemia. If you’re unsure, we can help work out the right next step and whether a colonoscopy is appropriate.
What is inflammatory bowel disease surgery and when is IBD surgery needed?
Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Medication is usually first-line, but surgery may be needed for complications such as strictures (narrowing), fistulas, abscesses, uncontrolled bleeding, or when inflammation is not responding to treatment. We’ll coordinate care with gastroenterology and tailor the plan to your situation.
Do you treat haemorrhoids, anal fissure and fistula as part of proctology?
Yes. Proctology is the assessment and treatment of anal conditions, including haemorrhoids, anal fissure and fistula. We start with a careful assessment and aim for the simplest effective treatment; if a procedure is needed, we’ll explain options and recovery clearly.
When is diverticular disease surgery needed?
Most people with diverticular disease don’t need surgery. If surgery is being considered, we weigh up your individual circumstances carefully; this includes how severe your symptoms are, whether there have been complications, and how the condition is affecting your quality of life. Our aim is to help you make the decision that is right for you.
What is surgery for endometriosis involving the bowel?
Surgery for endometriosis targets endometriosis that has spread to the colon or rectum. We use specialised surgical techniques to remove or treat bowel endometriosis where appropriate, with the goal of easing symptoms and improving quality of life. We also coordinate care with your gynaecologist and other team members when needed.
South West Colorectal Surgery
Get in touch
Have questions or are you ready to schedule your appointment? Contacting us is easy:
Give us a call: Reach out to our friendly team at (08) 9742 1876 to discuss your needs, ask any questions, or book an appointment.
Visiting us? Our map shows where you can find us in Bunbury and Busselton.
16 Edward Street
Bunbury WA 6230
20 Prince Street
Busselton WA 6280