Abstract
BackgroundBenign anorectal conditions are fairly common. Physicians of various specialties usually see patients with these conditions before being referred to colorectal specialists, frequently with an incorrect diagnosis.We sought to evaluate the effect of attending an outpatient colorectal clinic by medical students on the diagnostic accuracy of these conditions.MethodsOver a 1-year period, medical students were randomized into a group that attended the clinic, and one that did not. Both groups were shown images of six common benign anorectal conditions. The overall diagnostic accuracy as well as the diagnostic accuracy for each one of these conditions was prospectively evaluated for both groups.ResultsNineteen students attended clinic and 17 did not. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 80.6% for students attending clinic and 43.1% for non-attending students. (p < 0.05) In the attending group, diagnostic accuracy was significantly greater for prolapsed internal hemorrhoids (73.6% versus 35.2%, p < 0.05), thrombosed external hemorrhoid, (73.6% versus 17.6%, p < 0.05) fissure (100% versus 47%, p < 0.05), and anal tags (68.4% versus 11.7%, p < 0.05%).ConclusionExposure to these conditions during surgical clerkships in medical school may help future specialists provide better care for patients with benign anorectal disorders.
Highlights
It is reasonable to state that misdiagnosis of benign anal disorders leads to delay in the definitive treatment of these disorders, which may be preceded by a slew of unnecessary
It is imperative that non-colorectal physicians make accurate diagnoses of benign anorectal disorders and provide basic treatment, as there are a limited number of colorectal specialists; exclusive care of these patients by such a specialist would possibly be impractical and unnecessary [2]
Our study demonstrated that medical students attending the outpatient colorectal clinic had better overall diagnostic accuracy for benign anorectal conditions than those that did not
Summary
It is imperative that non-colorectal physicians make accurate diagnoses of benign anorectal disorders and provide basic treatment, as there are a limited number of colorectal specialists; exclusive care of these patients by such a specialist would possibly be impractical and unnecessary [2]. These physicians should be able to refer patients for specialized consultation to a colorectal surgeon, when necessary
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
