Colorectal complications of end‐stage renal failure and renal transplantation: a review

Aim End‐stage renal failure (ESRF) and renal transplant recipients are thought to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal complications. Method A review of the literature was performed to assess the prevalence and outcome in both benign and malignant colorectal disease. Results No prospective randomized studies assessing colorectal complications in ESRF or renal transplant were identified. Case series and case reports have described the incidence and management of benign colorectal complications. Complications included diverticulitis, infective colitis, colonic bleeding and colonic perforation. There was insufficient evidence to associate diverticular disease with adult polycystic kidney disease. Three population‐based studies have shown up to a twofold increased incidence of colonic cancer but not rectal cancer for renal transplant recipients. Bowel cancer screening (as per the general population) by faecal occult blood testing appears justified for renal transplant patients; however, evidence suggests that consideration of starting screening at a younger age may be worthwhile because of an increased risk of developing colonic cancer. Two population‐based studies have shown a threefold and 10‐fold increased incidence of anal cancer for renal transplant recipients. A single case–control study demonstrated significant increased prevalence of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) and intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) in patients with established renal transplants. Conclusions Despite the lack of high‐level evidence, ESRF and renal transplantation were associated with colorectal complications that could result in major morbidity and mortality. Bowel cancer screening in this patient group appears justified. The effectiveness of screening for HPV, AIN and anal cancer in renal transplant recipients remains unclear.     

Virtual colonoscopy in colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed tumor in both males and females in the United States. Current modalities for colorectal cancer screening include fecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, and colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy is a promising new method for assessing the entire colon. Vining and Gelfand first described this technique in 1994. Since then, virtual colonoscopy has been shown to be extremely safe and well tolerated by patients. Indications for virtual colonoscopy include screening for polyps, incomplete or failed colonoscopy, and preoperative assessment of the colon proximal to an occlusive cancer or even redundant fixed or stenotic colon that cannot be endoscopically traversed. Virtual colonoscopy may dramatically increase patient participation in screening programs, leading to early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Although virtual colonoscopy seems a potentially attractive screening method for colorectal cancer, the cost-effectiveness of this method is yet to be determined.     

Which renal transplant patients should receive cytomegalovirus immune globulin? A cost-effectiveness analysis.

Our study objective was to determine the cost-effectiveness of prophylaxis with cytomegalovirus immune globulin for preventing CMV-associated disease in renal transplant patients. We used a decision analytic model applied to 5 groups of renal transplant recipients at varying risks of developing CMV-associated disease. We obtained the rates of developing CMV-associated disease, graft rejection, and mortality, and the effectiveness of CMV-IG from the published literature. We used actual variable costs of CMV-IG, hospitalization, dialysis, and outpatient follow-up. The incremental cost of administering CMV-IG compared with withholding it ranged from $29,800 per life saved for the highest risk group, CMV-seronegative recipients of kidneys from CMV-seropositive cadaveric donors, to $1.68 million per additional life saved for the lowest risk group, CMV-seronegative recipients of grafts from CMV-seronegative donors. The outcome was somewhat sensitive to the effectiveness of CMV-IG in preventing CMV-associated disease but not sensitive to wide variations in CMV-IG costs, dialysis costs, outpatient costs, and the probability of graft rejection. Our conclusion is that prophylaxis with CMV-IG is very worthwhile for renal transplant recipients at high risk of CMV-associated disease and is possibly worthwhile for some patients at lower risk. The cost-effectiveness of other strategies for preventing CMV-associated disease, such as prophylaxis with acyclovir, CMV vaccine, or unselected immune globulin, should be compared with CMV-IG.     

The topography of colorectal cancer varies by race/ethnicity and affects the utility of flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 50 is recommended for all Americans considered at "average" risk for the development of colorectal cancer either with flexible sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) or with colonoscopy. Patients who elect flexible sigmoidoscopy and FOBT undergo full colonoscopy only if left-sided neoplasia is detected or if the FOBT is positive. Unfortunately in blacks and whites most right-sided colorectal lesions are unaccompanied by left-sided sentinel lesions, which leads some to prefer colonoscopic screening in these patients. The topography of colorectal cancer in Asians and Latinos is unavailable. We used 1988-1995 California Cancer Registry data to determine the topography of 105,906 consecutive colorectal cancers among Asian, black, Latino, and white patients. We found that the proportion of colorectal cancer distal to the splenic flexure and therefore detectable by flexible sigmoidoscopy varied by ethnicity: Asian (71%) > Latino (63%) > white (57%) > black (55%); P < 0.001. These differences were significant after adjusting for age and sex. The risk of distal disease relative to whites was 1.61 in Asians, 1.15 in Latinos, and 0.82 in blacks (P < 0.001). Flexible sigmoidoscopy detects a higher proportion of colorectal cancers in Asians and Latinos than in whites or blacks. Further study is needed to assess whether the topography of benign colorectal neoplasia parallels that of malignant disease. Colorectal screening recommendations may need to incorporate racial and ethnic differences in colorectal neoplasia topography.     

Digital fecal occult blood testing in the ambulatory urology clinic

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the use and yield of fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) in an ambulatory urology clinic. STUDY DESIGN: Patients seen in the ambulatory urology clinic were prospectively evaluated with FOBT. The test was performed only on patients when a rectal examination was indicated as part of their urologic evaluation. Patients who were found to have a positive FOBT were then referred for additional gastrointestinal evaluation. RESULTS: One hundred eight patients were evaluated, including 57 men and 51 women. Eight patients (7%), including six men and two women, were found to be positive for fecal occult blood. Two patients were found to have upper gastrointestinal sources of bleeding (one gastritis with Barrett's esophagitis and one with a duodenal ulcer). Two patients had benign lower gastrointestinal sources of bleeding, including one with hyperplastic polyps and one with a tubular adenoma. One patient was diagnosed with a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. One had negative followup fecal occult blood test, and two were lost to followup. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of FOBT to routine digital rectal examination performed in the ambulatory urology clinic is an inexpensive and simple test that can detect otherwise asymptomatic underlying gastrointestinal pathology. Although the six-sample test is a preferred test for colorectal cancer screening, a digital FOBT during routine urologic evaluation can detect a clinically significant upper or lower gastrointestinal lesion, at the same time increase compliance with FOBT. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm the benefit of digital FOBT during a routine urologic visit.     

Colonoscopic screening in first-degree relatives of patients with sporadic colorectal cancer

Colonoscopic screening has been recommended in asymptomatic first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer. In fact this population is believed to have an increased risk in developing colorectal neoplasia. The purpose of this study is to report the impact of colonoscopy in a series of completely asymptomatic first-degree relatives of patients operated on for colorectal cancer at our institution. A total of 480 individuals was requested to participate in a screening program based on faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and colonoscopy in those with positive FOBT. Colonoscopy was also suggested to persons with negative FOBT. After the first 195 examined relatives, FOBT was abandoned because of continuously increasing acceptance of colonoscopy. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty four subjects (52.4%) accepted to participate at the screening program. After the first 195 examined relatives, FOBT was abandoned because of continuously increasing acceptance of colonoscopy. A total of 142 colonoscopies was performed. Colonoscopy was completed in 112 relatives (78.9%). Thirty-three subjects (23.2%) had a positive colonoscopy: one had invasive adenocarcinoma, one had large villous adenoma and 31 had 54 polyps. Twenty-three lesions (40.3%) were located proximal to the splenic flexure. Of the 54 polyps, 45 (83.3%) were less than 1 cm in size. These findings confirm the utility of colonoscopic screening in asymptomatic first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer. However, its feasibility with the current endoscopic facilities remains an unsolved question.     

Screening for Prostate, Breast and Colorectal Cancer in Renal Transplant Recipients

American Society of Transplantation guidelines recommend screening renal transplant recipients for breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. However there is a lack of evidence to support this practice. Computer simulation modeling was used to estimate the years of life lost as a result of these cancers in 50-year-old renal transplant recipients and subjects in the general population. Renal transplant recipients lost fewer years of life to cancer than people in the general population largely because of reduced life expectancy. In nondiabetic transplant recipients, loss of life as a result of these cancers was comparable with that in the general population only under assumptions of increased cancer incidence and cancer-specific mortality risks. Even with two-fold higher cancer incidence and disease-specific mortality risks, diabetic transplant recipients lost considerably fewer life years to cancer than those in the general population. Recommended cancer screening for the general population may not yield the expected benefits in the average renal transplant recipient but the benefits will be considerably higher than for patients on dialysis. Transplanted patients at above-average cancer risk in good health may achieve the benefits of screening that are seen in the general population.     

Colorectal cancer screening: practices and attitudes of gastroenterologists, internists and surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care has recommended the use of annual or biennial fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy in the periodic health examination of asymptomatic people over 50 years of age. Therefore, we decided to ascertain the current colorectal cancer (CRC) screening practices and attitudes of surgeons, gastroenterologists and internists. METHODS: In June 2002 (with a final mailing in December 2002), a questionnaire was sent to all gastroenterologists, internists and surgeons in Alberta. It included items on demographic and practice characteristics, CRC screening practices and opinions about CRC screening. RESULTS: Responses were received from 42 gastroenterologists, 83 internists and 68 surgeons. Overall, 141 of 187 respondents (75.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 68.6%-81.4%) recommended that average-risk adults undergo CRC screening. Internists were less likely to recommend screening than either gastroenterologists or surgeons (95% CI for the difference 7.2%-32.8%). The most commonly recommended screening test was colonoscopy (70%), followed by FOBT (65%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (47%) and air-contrast barium enema (31%). Colonoscopy was the only test recommended by 7 (22.6%) of 33 gastroenterologists, 9 (16.4%) of 59 surgeons and 3 (6.1%) of 49 internists. Respondents were more likely to list barriers to the use of colonoscopy (mean 5 barriers) for screening than for either FOBT or flexible sigmoidoscopy (mean 2 barriers for both tests). Only 3 respondents indicated that they themselves would not undergo screening. Colonoscopy was the only screening test that 135 (70.0%) of the 193 would themselves undergo. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of Alberta specialists recommend CRC screening for average-risk adults. Colonoscopy was the most commonly recommended test, despite the perception of more barriers to that technique and the 2001 guidelines prepared by the Canadian Task Force for Preventive Health Care, which did not support colonoscopy.     

Screening practices of patients presenting for resection of a colorectal neoplasm

Multiple studies demonstrate the efficacy of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in patients over 50 years of age. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding which screening method to use, and compliance has been poor. The objective of this study was to identify the CRC screening practices at two institutions and determine the relationship between screening and pathologic stage for patients presenting with a colorectal neoplasm. This study, conducted at the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System and the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) between October 30, 2000, and September 1, 2004, included 198 patients > or = 50 years who presented for resection of a primary colorectal neoplasm. Pathologic stage and prior screening were identified retrospectively through chart review and patient response to an anonymous survey. Prior screening was demonstrated in 71 per cent of patients. Colonoscopy was the most commonly used modality. There was a higher percentage of CRC screening at VAMC compared with UVA (80% vs 62%, P < 0.0008). Patients at UVA were more likely screened with colonoscopy, whereas fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) was most common at VAMC (P < 0.0001). Prior CRC screening and cancer stage were inversely related. Ninety-one per cent of patients with benign polyps had been screened prior to diagnosis, compared with 72 per cent of patients with stage I and II cancer and 54 per cent of patients with stage III and IV cancer (P < 0.05). Of patients presenting for surgery, 71 per cent underwent CRC screening. Variability exists in the methods employed for CRC screening. CRC screening facilitates diagnosis at an early stage.     

The high prevalence of colorectal neoplasms in preoperative patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm or peripheral artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: In Japan, the incidence of both colorectal carcinoma and vascular disease is increasing. We screened preoperative patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or peripheral artery disease (PAD) for colorectal cancer. DESIGN OF STUDY: This study was retrospective and cross-sectional. MATERIALS: The subjects were 492 patients admitted for elective surgery of AAA or PAD. METHODS: The patients underwent immunochemical faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) before operation, and those with positive results underwent investigations for colorectal neoplasm. We compared the results with that of screening programmes performed on the general population. RESULTS: Of the 408 patients that underwent FOBT, 104 (25.5%) were positive. After colonoscopy, six (1.5%) had colorectal carcinoma and 16 (3.9%) had advanced adenoma. These values were several folds higher than that for the general population in Japan. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AAA or PAD carry a high risk for colorectal neoplasm.     

Bidirectional endoscopy in patients with fecal occult blood

BACKGROUND: Current screening protocols for colorectal cancer depend primarily on fecal occult blood testing (FOBT). However, positive test results do not always indicate the presence of a colonic neoplasm. METHODS: We reviewed the results of 100 consecutive bidirectional (upper and lower) endoscopic procedures performed to evaluate positive FOBT results. Patients were excluded if they presented with gross bleeding, a history of bowel lesions, or previous intestinal operations. There were 31 women and 69 men whose mean age was 51 years. RESULTS: Major abnormalities were found on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (n = 24), colonoscopy (n = 13), or both studies (n = 2). Active bleeding was manifested in two patients, (Barrett's ulcer, duodenal arteriovenous malformation). Two other patients had malignancy: One had a cecal adenocarcinoma and the other a gastric adenocarcinoma. Various benign lesions also were identified in the stomach including esophagitis (n = 8), ulcers/erosions (n = 8) varices (n = 5), and arteriovenous malformations (n = 2). Colonic pathology included polyps (n = 8), arteriovenous malformations (n = 3), and rectal varices (n = 1). Diverticulosis and hemorrhoidal disease were present in 29 and 16 patients, respectively, but were not considered to be likely sources of a positive FOBT. CONCLUSION: Positive FOBT results may indicate the presence of either upper or lower intestinal pathology, and bidirectional endoscopy is an efficient and accurate technique for the comprehensive evaluation of occult bleeding.     

我国开展结直肠癌筛查工作的必要性和可行性

近年来,我国结直肠癌的发病率和病死率明显升高,开展结直肠癌筛查是目前控制结直肠癌病死率最有效的手段.结直肠癌有明确的癌前病变--结直肠腺瘤,并且可以通过肠镜检查发现,这是结直肠癌能够早诊、早治的基础.筛查病变的步骤分为两步:第一步选择对象人群;第二步检查结直肠.筛查人群选择的准确性直接影响到筛查效率.常用的筛查方法有粪...     

A 30-Year Analysis of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma in Transplant Recipients and Proposal for Altered Screening

Purpose The risk of malignancy after solid-organ transplantation is well documented. However, the incidence and specific risk for colorectal adenocarcinoma, although previously proposed, has been difficult to calculate. We reviewed the University of Wisconsin transplant database for all cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma to assess the risk of this malignancy, as well as the need for improved screening in this population. Methods The transplant database was queried using diagnosis codes for colorectal adenocarcinoma to configure a list of eligible patients. Exclusion criteria included: age less than 18 years at the time of transplant, diagnosis of colorectal cancer or patient death less than 12 months posttransplant, and pretransplant history of colorectal cancer or proctocolectomy. Statistical analysis determined overall incidence, age-specific incidence, and survival for this population. Results A total of 5,603 kidney, liver, or combination transplants were eligible for analysis from 1966 through 2004. The mean follow-up was 9.3 years. We identified 40 cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Twenty-five of these cases (62%) occurred in kidney transplant recipients, 13 after liver transplant, and two after kidney–pancreas combination. Twenty-seven patients (68%) diagnosed with cancer have died, 12 of metastatic disease. The median survival postcancer diagnosis was 2.3 years. These results were compared to the National Cancer Institute Survival, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for colon and rectal cancer. The current age-adjusted annual incidence based on year 2000 census data is 0.053% (52.9/100,000), and the extrapolated 10-year incidence is 0.27%. The 10-year incidence in the transplanted cohort is 0.71% (incidence ratio = 2.6). The 5-year survival postcancer diagnosis is 63.5% in the general population (SEER), vs. 30.7% in the transplant cohort. The SEER median age at diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma is 72.0 years. Of the transplant recipients who developed cancer, the median age at diagnosis was 58.7 years (32.4 to 78.2), and 11 patients (27%) were diagnosed at or before age 50. In the U.S. population, the annual incidence of colorectal adenocarcinoma below the age of 50 is 0.0055% (5.52/100,000) and the 10-year extrapolated incidence is 0.11%. The 10-year incidence in the under-50 transplant cohort is 0.33% (incidence ratio = 3.0). In this under-50 cohort, median time from transplant to cancer diagnosis was 7.8 years. Conclusion The incidence of and 5-year survival after diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma in transplant recipients is markedly different than the general population. Patients are often diagnosed at a younger age. With current screening guidelines, over 25% of at-risk patients would not be screened. We propose modifying these guidelines to allow earlier detection of colorectal cancer in this population.     

Faecal occult blood testing in areas of high incidence and mortality; the effect of screening the population aged 50 to 59

Aim In central Liverpool, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is 119% of the national average. Currently, screening is offered to those aged 60–70 through the National Bowel Cancer screening programme. A theoretical model showing the effect of the introduction of biennial screening in individuals aged 50–59 has been applied to the population of central Liverpool. Method The impact of screening using faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) in individuals aged 50–59 in central Liverpool (n = 47 440; males 23 312) was assessed by a model based on three levels of compliance. Results After modelling, the positive FOBT result for increased incidence of CRC, the positive predictive value for adenoma and cancer detection was calculated using age‐specific positivity rates. The results indicate that between 120 and 162 new diagnoses of CRC per 100 000 population aged 50–59 could be detected by biennial screening, dependant on compliance rates. Conclusion Screening individuals aged 50–59 can identify early cancers and significant adenomas, which may contribute to a reduction in the expected high mortality rate found in this geographical area.     

Current international developments in population screening for colorectal cancer

Pilot programmes for screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk individuals using faecal occult blood testing are planned to commence in Australia in 2002. The National Cancer Control Initiative was interested to compare Australia's progress in this area with that of other countries. Information on programmes or pilot programmes for colorectal screening in average-risk individuals was sought by letter, fax or email from cancer organizations, government departments and professional bodies in 55 countries worldwide. Based on the responses received (32 replies), no country was identified as having an active programme for colorectal screening for the general population based on the characteristics of identification of eligible subjects, active recruitment and integrated screening and follow up, which would allow determination of the participation rates, detection rate and outcomes such as the stage distribution of cancer. In the United Kingdom a pilot programme is under way to test the feasibility and acceptability of screening for colorectal cancer in the general population using faecal occult blood testing. In Finland, health authorities have agreed that the evidence is sufficient to embark on a pilot programme, and Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland are considering pilot programmes. From our enquiries, in countries using a planned approach, only the UK appears to be ahead of Australia. The British pilots have commenced earlier and are larger and have a shorter time frame than the Australian pilots.     

Colorectal cancer screening characteristics of patients presenting with symptoms of colorectal cancer and effect on clinical outcomes

IntroductionNational colorectal cancer screening, utilising a faecal occult blood test (FOBT), is now well established in the UK. The aim of this study was to define the screening characteristics of patients presenting to secondary care with symptoms of colorectal cancer and to assess the effect of screening outcome on subsequent symptomatic presentation.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of all patients of screening age presenting within one calendar year in a tertiary trust via a two-week wait (2WW) pathway owing to suspicion of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer related outcomes were compared between patients in the cohort who had previously accepted bowel cancer screening and patients who had previously declined bowel cancer screening. The primary endpoint was overall incidence of colorectal neoplasia. Secondary endpoints included incidence of colorectal malignancy, cancer related mortality, cancer related outcomes and polyp related outcomes.ResultsOverall, 2,227 patients presented via the 2WW pathway; 955 were aged 60–75 years. Among the latter, 411 (43%) had been screened previously and had a negative FOBT, and 544 (57%) had declined screening. Incidence of colorectal neoplasia did not differ between the two groups (113 [27%] vs 143 [26%], p=0.7). Of those with a negative FOBT and subsequent symptomatic presentation, 16 (3.9%) were diagnosed with a colorectal malignancy compared with 36 (6.6%) of those who declined screening and had subsequent symptomatic presentation (relative risk: 1.7, 95% confidence interval: 0.96–3.02, p=0.08). There were no differences between the two groups with regard to TNM (tumour, lymph nodes, metastasis) stage, Dukes’ stage, metastases, number of polyps or cancer related mortality (median follow-up duration: 20 months).ConclusionsThe incidence of colorectal neoplasia was similar among patients who previously had a negative FOBT and those who declined screening. There was a higher incidence of colorectal cancer detected among those who declined screening but it did not reach statistical significance. All other cancer and polyp outcomes were similar between the groups.     

A decision-analytic economic evaluation of valaciclovir prophylaxis for the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in renal transplantation

OBJECTIVE: This analysis evaluates the cost-effectiveness of valaciclovir prophylaxis using clinically and economically important health outcomes including graft failure, life-years, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). METHODS: A Markov model was developed using a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of valaciclovir prophylaxis, together with a published epidemiological study and national renal transplant registry data. The model's population was stratified into two risk groups by donor/recipient cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus at transplantation: donor-positive/recipient-negative (D+R-) and recipient-positive (R+) patients. The model estimated costs and health outcomes over a 30-yr period from the perspective of Australian health care providers. RESULTS: The total health care cost was $3619 lower for D+R- patients receiving valaciclovir prophylaxis compared with those not receiving prophylaxis. D+R- patients receiving valaciclovir gained an extra 0.33 yr of life and 0.27 QALYs. R+ patients receiving valaciclovir prophylaxis gained an extra 0.07 yr of life and 0.05 QALYs, with an incremental cost of $914. This equates to $17 127 per QALY gained, which is highly cost-effective compared with other drugs and health interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Valaciclovir for the prophylaxis of CMV disease in renal transplant recipients is a cost-effective intervention, significantly reducing the burden of CMV disease to patients and health care providers.     

A novel indicator for surveillance colonoscopy following colorectal cancer resection

Introduction Current surveillance for recurrent intraluminal or metachronous colorectal cancer following resection is largely undertaken by colonoscopic examination of the remaining colon. The burden on colonoscopic services is high and the procedure is expensive. Immunological faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is a sensitive and specific test for detecting colorectal cancer, and may fine tune the need for timely surveillance colonoscopy. Methods Consecutive patients due for surveillance colonoscopy following colonic resection for cancer were prospectively studied. Each patient had a single faecal sample obtained at per rectal examination on a gloved examining finger. This was subjected to immunological FOBT in the clinic, and patients were categorized as FOBT positive or negative, according to the result. Colonoscopy as well as ultrasound or CT of the liver were performed within eight weeks of FOBT. Results Six hundred and eleven patients had both FOBT and colonoscopy. Fifty‐nine (13.6%) were categorized as FOBT‐positive. Of these, nine had biopsy‐proven recurrent or metachronous cancer, 12 patients had one, or more adenomatous polyps, one patient had radiation proctitis and two patients had pan‐colonic mucositis following chemotherapy. In the remaining 552 FOBT‐negative patients, no cancers were found. Thirty‐eight patients had polyps that were removed. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting cancer by immunological FOBT was 100% sensitivity for detecting adenomatous polyps was 24% but specificity was 93%. Conclusion The immunological faecal occult blood test provides sensitive detection of metachronous and recurrent cancer in postoperative surveillance. Routine application may be used to reduce the frequency of colonoscopic surveillance, as a negative FOBT may be taken as a sign that colonoscopy may be deferred safely.     

直肠指检和肠镜检查在直肠癌和大肠癌筛查中的效果评价

为评价直肠指检和肠镜检查在普通人群直肠癌和大肠癌筛查中的效果,本研究以问卷调查和免疫法大便隐血试验（FOBT）检查为初筛,直肠指检和肠镜检查为复筛,作为大肠癌筛查方案,以海宁市普通人群7831例初筛人群中1015例高危人群的直肠指检和肠镜检查结果为样本,定义距肛门≤10cm且直径≥1．0cm的肿块为直肠指检能够发现,距肛门〉10cm的肿块和肿块虽距肛门≤10cm但直径〈1．0cm,为直肠指检所不能发现。分析直肠指检和肠镜检查对直肠肿瘤和大肠肿瘤的检出效果。结果显示,距肛门≤10cm肿瘤占筛查发现的大肠肿瘤总例数的31．3％（56／179）;经直肠指检筛查,直肠肿瘤和大肠肿瘤的检出率分别为2．6％（3／115）和1．7％（3／179）,直肠癌和大肠癌的检出率分别为50．0％（2／4）和25．0％（114）,进展性直肠肿瘤和大肠肿瘤的检出率分别为40．0％（4／10）和14．8％（4／27）。结果表明,直肠指检在普通人群的直肠癌检查中至关重要,对大肠癌的筛查需进行肠镜检查。     

结直肠癌及其筛查认知情况、筛查意愿与文化程度相关性的调查分析

目的了解门诊患者对结直肠癌及其筛查认知程度和筛查意愿,为提高结直肠癌筛查率提供依据。方法向广州地区某家综合性医院门诊患者随机发放自制问卷,对其结直肠癌的认知程度及筛查意愿和相关影响因素进行调查。结果共216例门诊患者纳入研究,其中高学历组（高中、中专及以上学历）96例（44.4%）,低学历组（初中及以下学历）120例（55.5%）。对结直肠癌认知程度高学历组是低学历组的1.8倍（83.3%vs46.7%,P〈0.01）。比起高学历组,低学历组患者对结直肠癌相关筛查手段、大便潜血检查、肠镜更缺乏认识（均P〈0.05）。晚期发现结直肠癌预后差、早发现则生存概率高的问题上,高学历组比低学历组患者更认同（75.0%vs40.0%,P〈0.01）。如果得到医师推荐,高学历组比低学历患者更愿意接受大便潜血检查（79.2%vs66.7%,P〈0.05）。结论门诊患者对结直肠癌及其筛查认知程度偏低,其中低学历患者对结直肠癌的认识尤为不足。在结直肠癌筛查的相关宣传中,要侧重对低学历患者的宣教。