Question 1

What does a gastroenterologist do?

Accepted Answer

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the digestive tract, including the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large bowel, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Dr Jeffrey Tu is a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist based in Sydney, consulting at The Mater Hospital (Wollstonecraft), East Sydney Private Hospital, Freshwater Day Hospital, and the Centre for Digestive Diseases (Five Dock).

Question 2

What conditions does Dr Jeffrey Tu treat?

Accepted Answer

Dr Tu specialises in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), gut microbiome disorders, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), coeliac disease, colonoscopy and gastroscopy, colorectal polyp removal, Barrett's oesophagus, liver disease, and haemorrhoid treatment including infrared coagulation (IRC).

Question 3

What is Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) and does Dr Tu perform it?

Accepted Answer

Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a procedure in which carefully screened donor stool microbiota is transferred into a patient's gastrointestinal tract to restore a healthy gut microbiome. It is most established for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection and is being investigated for ulcerative colitis, IBS, and metabolic conditions. Dr Jeffrey Tu is a leading FMT practitioner at the Centre for Digestive Diseases (CDD) in Five Dock — Australia's largest FMT programme. FMT can be delivered via colonoscopy, nasojejunal tube, or oral capsules (Restoba).

Question 4

What is a SIBO breath test and do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

A SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) hydrogen breath test measures hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine after ingesting a sugar solution. It is used to diagnose SIBO, lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, and sorbitol intolerance. Dr Tu offers hydrogen breath testing in Sydney. Testing at the associated HydroLab facility in Chatswood does not require a referral, and results are available on the same day.

Question 5

What is a gastroscopy and what does it involve?

Accepted Answer

A gastroscopy (also called an upper endoscopy or OGD) is a procedure in which a thin, flexible camera is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is used to investigate symptoms such as reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, nausea, upper abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss. The procedure is performed under sedation and typically takes 10-20 minutes. Dr Jeffrey Tu performs gastroscopy at The Mater Hospital (Wollstonecraft), East Sydney Private Hospital, and Freshwater Day Hospital.

Question 6

What is a colonoscopy and how do I prepare for one?

Accepted Answer

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the entire large bowel used to investigate rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits, iron deficiency anaemia, polyp surveillance, and colorectal cancer screening. Preparation involves a low-residue diet the day before, followed by a bowel cleansing preparation (laxative solution). Patients must fast from solid food for at least 6 hours before the procedure and arrange a responsible adult to escort them home. Dr Tu performs colonoscopy at The Mater Hospital, East Sydney Private Hospital, and Freshwater Day Hospital.

Question 7

What are the fees for a gastroscopy or colonoscopy at Shore Gastroenterology?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary depending on the procedure, complexity, and your private health insurance cover. As a guide, a diagnostic gastroscopy has a specialist fee of approximately $650, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $239.95. A diagnostic colonoscopy has a specialist fee of approximately $900, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $394.75. Combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy is approximately $1,250 with a Medicare rebate of approximately $577.20. Health fund gap cover may reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. Contact Shore Gastroenterology on 02 7245 8903 for a personalised estimate.

Question 8

Do I need a referral to see Dr Jeffrey Tu?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To access Medicare benefits for a specialist consultation with Dr Jeffrey Tu, you will need a valid referral from your general practitioner (GP) or another specialist. GP referrals are valid for 12 months; specialist-to-specialist referrals are valid for 3 months. Direct Access Colonoscopy referrals are also accepted for eligible patients. To book, contact Shore Gastroenterology on 02 7245 8903 or via HotDoc online booking.

Question 9

Does Dr Jeffrey Tu offer consultations in languages other than English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr Jeffrey Tu is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and offers consultations in both English and Mandarin. This is particularly valued by patients from Chinese-speaking backgrounds who prefer to discuss complex gastrointestinal conditions in their first language.

Question 10

Where does Dr Jeffrey Tu consult and how do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Dr Jeffrey Tu consults at four Sydney locations: Suite 1.13, The Mater Hospital, 25 Rocklands Road, Wollstonecraft NSW 2065; East Sydney Private Hospital, Darlinghurst; Freshwater Day Hospital, Freshwater; and the Centre for Digestive Diseases, Five Dock. To book, call Shore Gastroenterology on 02 7245 8903 or book online via HotDoc at jeffreytu.com.

Question 11

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits in the absence of structural disease. Treatment is tailored to the individual and may include dietary modification (low FODMAP diet), gut-directed therapies, microbiome testing and restoration, SIBO treatment, and in selected cases, faecal microbiota transplantation. Dr Tu takes a thorough, evidence-based approach to IBS, including hydrogen breath testing and comprehensive microbiome stool analysis.

Question 12

What is Barrett's oesophagus and how is it monitored?

Accepted Answer

Barrett's oesophagus is a condition in which the normal lining of the lower oesophagus is replaced by intestinal-type cells, usually as a consequence of long-standing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It carries a small but increased risk of progression to oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Management involves regular endoscopic surveillance gastroscopy and optimisation of reflux control. Dr Jeffrey Tu manages Barrett's oesophagus surveillance at Shore Gastroenterology.

Question 13

What haemorrhoid treatments are available at Shore Gastroenterology?

Accepted Answer

Dr Jeffrey Tu offers infrared coagulation (IRC) for the treatment of internal haemorrhoids. IRC is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure performed in the outpatient setting without general anaesthesia. It uses infrared light to reduce the blood supply to haemorrhoidal tissue. The procedure takes only a few minutes and most patients return to normal activities the same day. IRC is suitable for grade I-III internal haemorrhoids.

Motility

How your microbiome sets the pace of your gut