Three-year evaluation of a rapid-access coloproctology clinic

Evolving surgical practice has placed increasing pressures on surgical outpatient clinics. This article provides a prospective evaluation of a rapid-access coloproctology clinic over a 3-year period.

Primary care physicians (PCP) were circulated details of the clinic, and invited to refer any patient presenting with colorectal or anorectal symptoms, or with a family history of bowel cancer wishing advice about screening. Data were collected prospectively and patients and the referring PCPs were invited to complete a self-administered structured questionnaire.

In all, 3,119 patients were referred, the main indications being rectal bleeding (67%), abdominal pain (16%) and change in bowel habit (15%). The average time interval between PCP visit and specialist consultation was 2 days and neoplastic disease was detected in 7.1% of patients. 70% of patients with haemorrhoids and 39% of those with other minor diseases were discharged back to their PCPs after definitive treatment at the time of their visit to the clinic. The majority of PCPs and patients expressed satisfaction with the service as evidenced by the returned questionnaires.

These data show that a more universal implementation of such clinics may result in improved care of colorectal disease and considerable savings of outpatient time and resources.