CR04 SIX YEAR, PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF RECTAL BLEEDING CLINICS AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Abstract

Background One stop rectal bleeding clinics are designed to diagnose and treat colorectal diseases which present with rectal bleeding. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital rectal bleeding clinic is an open access clinic and is unique in South Australia. It offers flexible sigmoidoscopy and facilities for treating common anorectal conditions.Methods All patients presenting to the rectal bleeding clinic were prospectively recorded into a database. Data is collected on the presentation, past medical history, diagnosis, treatment and intended follow‐up.Results A total of 1539 cases were seen in the clinic between March 2000 and February 2006. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed in 1145 cases (75.03%). Banding or injection of haemorrhoids was performed in 383 cases. A total of 590 patients were referred for colonoscopy and of these 27 were diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell cancer of the anus. The majority of these patients were over 50 years old (26 of 27; 96.30%) and had associated symptoms, such as weight loss or altered bowel habit, with their rectal bleeding (23 of 27; 85.19%).Conclusions Rectal bleeding clinics can facilitate early diagnosis of colorectal malignancy and can also provide a ‘one stop shop’ for treating benign anorectal conditions.