High complete resection rate for pre-lift and cold biopsy of diminutive colorectal polyps.

Background And Study Aims:  The majority of polyps removed at colonoscopy are diminutive (≤ 5 mm) to small (< 10 mm) and there are few guidelines for the best way for these polyps to be removed. We aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of cold biopsy forceps polypectomy with pre-lift (CBPP) for polyps ≤ 7 mm. Our aims were to assess completeness of histological resection of this technique, to identify factors contributing to this and assess secondary considerations such as timing, retrieval and complication rates.

Learning from adverse outcomes: guidelines on colonoscopic polypectomy in patients aged 85 years and older.

A patient between 80 and 90 years of age died following a polypectomy as part of a colonoscopy surveillance programme for previous polyps. As a consequence of this adverse event, we have amended our local guidelines. While perforation is a recognised complication of polypectomy, it was felt that the decision taken to remove the polyp was incorrect.

Two-week wait symptoms are prevalent in screened patients with a positive faecal occult blood test but do not predict cancer.

Aim: Lower gastrointestinal (LGI) symptoms are prevalent in patients screened for bowel cancer yet do not predict a finding of cancer. This study evaluates symptoms in patients with these characteristics against the 2-week wait (2ww) criteria to determine whether they predicted cancer in these patients.

Method: A prospective cohort study was performed.

Introducing an annualised contract for a consultant team in a district general hospital.

The majority of physicians work a weekly timetable consisting of programmed activities (PAs) defined by the consultant contract. This paper describes the implementation of an annualised contract within a gastroenterology department, which is located across two district general hospital sites within the same trust. The perceived benefits of the system include the introduction of a new out-of-hours emergency endoscopy service, more efficient backfilling of vacant endoscopy lists and greater transparency of work patterns and workload between colleagues and within the trust.

Slipping through the bowel cancer screening programme.

Aim: Colorectal cancer is common and a leading cause of cancer death. Faecal occult blood screening has been shown to reduce mortality. The aim of this study was to identify patients in Gloucestershire with a new diagnosis of colorectal cancer who had previously been screened via the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP).