One stop rectal bleeding clinic: the coventry experience.
ABSTRACT Among most patients attending a rectal clinic, rectal bleeding is a common presenting feature. In most patients, the cause is attributed to a benign lesion. In a small percentage, the cause is neoplastic, and for this reason, rectal bleeding merits further study. Left-sided tumors account for the majority of these tumors and are within the reach of a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This study aimed at examining the diagnostic performance of the one stop rectal clinic in Coventry. Between November 2001 and May 2002, 250 consecutive patients were seen in the one stop rectal bleeding clinic of a tertiary referral hospital. Patients were asked of the nature of rectal bleed and altered bowel habits and were examined by digital rectal examination, with a proctoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy before either a full colonoscopic examination or flexible sigmoidoscopy with a completion Barium enema. During the study period, colorectal cancer was detected in 4 patients (1.6%), adenomatous polyps in 36 patients (14.4%), and ulcerative colitis in 8 patients (3.2%). In 98 patients (39.2%), no abnormality was present, and in the remaining patients, diverticulosis (n = 60; 24%) and hemorrhoids were present (n = 44; 17.6%).
- BJU International 02/2011; 107(4):526-30. · 3.13 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Rectal bleeding is considered an important sign of colonic disease, particularly colorectal cancer. The epidemiology of rectal bleeding in the community is poorly understood. Moreover, there is little information as to whether individuals seek health care for this problem. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of rectal bleeding and levels of healthcare seeking amongst an Australian population. A community sample of adults aged above 18 years of Penrith (a Sydney suburb representative of the Australian population) selected randomly from the electoral roll. The survey consisted of a self-administered questionnaire sent out to 440 residents stratified for equal numbers of men and women. The response rate was 77% (n = 338; mean age 46 years; SD: 16; range: 18-90; 55% women). Blood in the stools in the previous 12 months was reported by 18% (95% CI: 14-23). Colour of the blood in bowel movements was reported as bright (72%), dark (7%), bright and dark (10%), 11% did not know. Only 31% (n = 21/68) of respondents with rectal bleeding had visited a physician primarily about the presence of blood in the bowel movement within the previous 12 months. The majority (90%) who consulted about the presence of blood were aged between 30 and 60 years. Blood in the stools was independently associated with younger age (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99, P = 0.01), feelings of incomplete rectal evacuation (OR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.66-7.08, P = 0.001), self-reported injury or tear (OR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.53-7.69, P = 0.002), and surgery (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.03-7.14, P = 0.04) to the perianal region. Rectal bleeding is common in the general population. Only one-third of those with rectal bleeding consults a physician about their condition. Rectal bleeding occurs in younger individuals, those who suffer from incomplete evacuation and among individuals who have had an injury, tear or surgery to the anus.Colorectal Disease 11/2008; 11(9):921-6. · 2.02 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The Stirling Royal Infirmary Rapid Access Colorectal Clinic (RACC) is a one-stop clinic that uses flexible sigmoidoscopy as the initial investigation to diagnose patients referred urgently with colorectal symptoms. This study aimed to examine the diagnoses and outcomes of patients who attended the RACC in 2006. All patients who attended the RACC from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2006 were identified and retrospectively reviewed from our prospectively collected unit database and case notes. Five hundred ninety-one patients attended the RACC in 2006. One hundred sixteen (19.6%) patients were discharged after the first clinic attendance, and the remaining 475 (80.4%) had further investigations or clinic review. There were 370 barium enemas requested with 92.4% compliance. The most common pathology identified by barium enemas was diverticular disease which only required reassurance and lifestyle changes. There were nine false-positive findings from barium enemas requiring further investigations. Of the 105 patients without barium enema, 49 had a colonoscopy. In total, 42 colorectal cancers were diagnosed with 34 (81.0%) distal to the splenic flexure and eight (19.0%) proximal. Of these, 32 (76%) were diagnosed by flexible sigmoidoscopy, three (7%) by barium enemas, three (7%) by colonoscopy, and four (10%) by computed tomography. A rapid access colorectal clinic using flexible sigmoidoscopy as the initial diagnostic test was safe and effective in investigating distal colonic pathologies. However, over two thirds of patients proceeded to imaging of the remaining colon, and most of them were found to have only benign pathologies. The cost effectiveness and acceptability of this were unclear.International Journal of Colorectal Disease 07/2009; 24(11):1341-5. · 2.24 Impact Factor