Use of a Novel Camera to Check the Bowel After Polyp or Tumour Removal
This study is looking at a new, smaller camera, called a 'rectoscope', to check the end part of the bowel (rectum) after polyps or small cancers have been removed. These regular checks are very important to make sure everything is healthy. Waiting lists for these checks can be long, so researchers want to find a better way. The new camera is like a short telescope. The study wants to see if this camera can be used safely in an outpatient clinic with a simple enema (a liquid put into the bottom to clear the bowel) instead of the usual strong bowel preparation drinks you take the day before. The goal is to make these vital follow-up checks quicker and more comfortable for patients, helping to shorten waiting times for everyone.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you have a polyp or a small cancer removed from the lower part of your bowel (rectum), it's often done using special tools inserted through your bottom. This avoids big operations and the need for a colostomy bag (a stoma). After this, it's really important to have regular check-ups with a camera to make sure nothing has grown back. If these checks are delayed, any new growth could become serious and harder to treat.
At the moment, there can be long waiting lists for these camera checks, partly because of things like COVID. In some areas, many patients are waiting more than six months longer than they should. This study aims to find a new way to reduce these waiting times and make the process easier for patients.
The researchers are looking at a new type of camera called a 'rectoscope'. It's a short, thin camera that has already been used safely and comfortably for other bowel conditions. The study wants to check if this rectoscope can be used in a clinic setting with a simple enema (a preparation that clears the bowel from the bottom) instead of the strong liquid medicine you usually drink the day before. If successful, this could mean faster, more comfortable checks, helping patients get their follow-up appointments on time and freeing up resources for other important tests.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to improve follow-up bowel checks.
- It uses a new, small camera called a 'rectoscope'.
- The goal is faster, more comfortable checks for patients.
- It could help reduce long waiting lists for these important tests.
- The study explores using an enema instead of strong bowel prep drinks.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to take part in this study, you need to be at least 16 years old and be able to understand and agree to participate. You must also live in the United Kingdom.
A key requirement is that you must have recently had a polyp or a small tumour removed from your rectum (the very end of your bowel). This removed area must be easy to reach with a standard short camera called a rigid sigmoidoscope.
Unfortunately, if you are under 16 years old, or if you are not able to provide your informed consent to take part in the study, you would not be able to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you aged 16 or over?
- Do you live in the United Kingdom?
- Have you recently had a polyp or small tumour removed from your rectum?
- Is the area where the polyp/tumour was removed easy to reach with a short camera?
- Are you able to understand and agree to take part in a study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the study will involve different steps. In the first stage, you'll have the new rectoscope camera used at the same time as the usual camera during a standard camera test in the endoscopy room. For this, you'll still use the usual bowel preparation medicine you drink beforehand. This is to see if the new rectoscope is comfortable for you and easy for the doctor to use.
In later stages, if you're one of the patients involved, the study might try using an enema (a liquid put into the bottom) to clear your bowel instead of the drinkable medicine, in combination with both cameras. Finally, the aim is to use only the new rectoscope in an outpatient clinic setting after using an enema. The total number of extra visits or the exact duration for each patient isn't specified, but it focuses on improving a single follow-up camera check.
You won't need to take any new or different medication as part of this study, beyond the bowel preparation method being tested (either the usual drink or an enema).
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Western General HospitalVerified postcodeEdinburgh, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a 'rectoscope'?
It's a short, thin camera used to look closely at the lower part of your bowel (rectum).
Why do I need these camera checks?
They are important to make sure that polyps or small cancers removed from your bowel haven't grown back.
Will this new camera be uncomfortable?
The researchers believe patients are unlikely to feel much difference compared to standard camera tests, and it has been found to be comfortable for other patients.
What is an enema?
It's a liquid put into your bottom to help clear out the bowel for a camera check, an alternative to drinking strong bowel preparation medicine.
Will taking part affect my normal treatment?
No, your decision to take part or not, or to withdraw, will not affect your standard medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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