High resolution colonoscopy in a bowel cancer screening program improves polyp detection.

Aim: To compare high resolution colonoscopy (Olympus Lucera) with a megapixel high resolution system (Pentax HiLine) as an in-service evaluation.

Methods: Polyp detection rates and measures of performance were collected for 269 colonoscopy procedures. Five colonoscopists conducted the study over a three month period, as part of the United Kingdom bowel cancer screening program.

Changing management and survival in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer.

Background: Patients with metastatic colorectal cancers have poor outcomes. Yet recent developments in the use of chemotherapy and surgery have promised improvements in survival. The aim of this study was to compare the treatment and survival for all patients presenting with stage IV colorectal cancer managed over the last 20 years at a tertiary referral center and to define independent predictors for survival.

Randomized cross-over trial of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution and water for colostomy irrigation.

Purpose: Water for colostomy irrigation is largely absorbed by the colon, which may result in less efficient expulsion of stool. This study compared the outcome of colonic cleansing with water and polyethylene glycol solution.

Methods: In a cross-over study, 41 colostomy irrigators were randomly assigned to water or polyethylene glycol solution irrigation first and then the other regimen, each for one week.

Patient perceptions of MRSA.

Drug-resistant nosocomial infections are an increasing problem. This issue has received considerable media coverage. To our knowledge there have been no studies investigating patient awareness and perceptions of nosocomial infections.