Patients are referred into the colorectal service by their GP, A&E, gastroenterology department and other hospital consultants. They are seen in the outpatients department.
Tests & investigations
- MRI or Magnetic resonance imaging, is a scan that produces images of the body, using a large magnet and radio waves, and gives detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels.
- Colonoscopy, test which uses a colonoscope (thin, flexible telescope) to look
into the large intestine endoscopy, test which uses an endoscope (long, flexible tube with a light attached to it) to look inside the body.
- CT scan, uses x-rays to takes images at different angles, it is more detailed than a normal x-ray
- Sigmoidoscopy (rigid or flexible) uses a small tube with a light at the end to look into the rectum and sigmoid colon (lower part of the large bowel). Air is introduced into the intestine through the sigmoidoscope to inflate it for better viewing.
Some of the investigations shown above may take place prior to the outpatient appointment.
What to expect
Urgent suspected cancer GP referrals are seen within two weeks through the fast-track system via our cancer referral office. We will tell your GP immediately if a cancer diagnosis is made. Non-urgent referrals will be seen during a routine outpatient appointment. Patients can be discharged, or an open appointment will be given.
Following the investigation, patients return to the outpatient clinic to receive their results. The consultant and Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) will both be present. In the case of patients who are diagnosed with a colorectal cancer, initial treatment or surgery takes place within two to four weeks of the diagnosis being confirmed and discussed with the patient.
Patients who require surgery for colorectal cancer will be operated on at Homerton and chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment will take place at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Ongoing support
After surgery the follow-up in the outpatients department is with a surgeon, or with the Nurse Consultant, who will inform you of your pathology/ histology results. If you need further treatment, you will be referred to an oncologist to discuss possible further treatment.
There is designated colorectal CNS who sees all patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. If you do not need further treatment after your surgery you will then be followed up by the Colorectal CNS either in a face to face clinic or via telephone contact.
Colorectal, stoma and palliative care clinical nurse specialist teams provide ongoing practical and emotional support and referral to other health care professionals where appropriate. We provide a telephone support service as well as a colorectal stoma support group, helping patients cope with their physical and emotional issues.
