Effectiveness of a colonoscopic screening programme in first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer.

Aim: The study aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of a colonoscopy screening programme in first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and to identify factors associated with advanced neoplasia.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study. Individual characteristics, family trees and colonoscopy findings of asymptomatic first-degree relatives of CRC patients were collected.

[Gastric pneumatosis and gas in the portal venous system secondary to peptic ulcer].

A 72-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with recurrent vomiting without abdominal pain. On physical examination, the patient was afebrile and her abdomen was soft and nontender with a giant abdominal-wall hernia. Upper endoscopy showed a deep, 3-cm ulcer at the gastric angulus.

[Diagnostic value of colonoscopy indication as predictor of colorectal cancer: is it possible to design a fast track diagnosis?].

Background: Diagnostic delay in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is a quality indicator and its reduction could improve prognosis of the disease.

Objective: To analyze the diagnostic value of different colonoscopy indications in CRC and to select the signs or symptoms that, if prioritized in a rapid diagnostic circuit, would be most efficient.

Material And Methods: A retrospective analysis of 2219 outpatients who underwent colonoscopy from 2000 to 2007 was performed.

[Referrals to a gastroenterology outpatient clinic: differences according to patients' geographical origin].

Introduction: The characteristics of users of the Spanish public health system have been evaluated in multiple studies. However, these studies usually refer to users of primary care and emergency services and less frequently to users of specialized services. Some studies have described differences according to patients' geographical origin.

[Resident physician training in the digestive system. The point of view of the residents].

Aim: To evaluate various aspects of current training of Spanish residents in gastroenterology.

Method: An anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to fourth-year resident physicians in Spanish hospitals with accredited gastroenterology residency programs.

Results: Forty residents in the fourth year (53% offered positions), four from the second year and one from the first year (20 men, 25 women) answered the survey.