Six-year prospective analysis of the rectal bleeding clinic at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia.

BACKGROUND

One-stop rectal bleeding clinics (RBC) are designed to diagnose and treat colorectal diseases that present with rectal bleeding. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital RBC is an open access clinic and is unique in South Australia. It offers flexible sigmoidoscopy and facilities for treating common anorectal conditions.

METHODS

Data of all patients presenting to the RBC were prospectively recorded into a database. Data were collected on the patient details, presentation, medical history, physical examination, treatment and intended follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 1539 cases was seen in the clinic between March 2000 and February 2006. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was carried out in 1145 cases (75.03%). Banding or injection of haemorrhoids was carried out in 383 cases. A total of 590 patients was referred for colonoscopy and of these, 27 were diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell cancer of the anus. Most of these patients were more than 50 years old (26 of 27; 96.30%) and had associated symptoms, such as weight loss or altered bowel habit with their rectal bleeding (23 of 27; 85.19%).

CONCLUSION

Rectal bleeding clinics can facilitate early diagnosis of colorectal malignancy and can also provide a 'one-stop shop' for treating benign anorectal conditions.