You have had an abnormal colonoscopy. What happens next?

You have had a colonoscopy (examination inside the bowel with a camera) and an abnormal area has been found. This may be a cancer.   

Don’t worry you are not alone!

The colorectal team will be here to support you through your patient pathway.

We would advise bringing along a family member or friend to support you to any clinic appointments.

Who are the colorectal team?

The colorectal team consists of consultant colorectal surgeons (doctors that specialises in bowel surgery), specialist nurses (with specialist skills and knowledge of the bowel), stoma nurses (have expert knowledge of, and care for a part of the bowel brought to the skin surface – known as a stoma) and a care co-ordinator (provides support that may be needed such as referral for benefit advice).

Our aim is to ensure that you know what is happening and to keep you informed of the next stage of your care.

What happens now?

One of the colorectal team will be contacting you within the next few days – this is to explain what further tests you require to enable a diagnosis to be made. This is usually scans (pictures of inside your body). These scans may include:

Computed Tomography (CT) of the chest abdomen and pelvis. This scan is a special type of X-ray which shows internal organs and soft tissues in more detail. This scan can help the doctors to determine the extent of your disease.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Typically of your pelvis and rectum (if appropriate).This scan uses strong magnetic and radio waves to produce images of the inside of your body.

These scans should be done within two weeks of your colonoscopy.

Histology

During colonoscopy (camera test of the bowel) most patients will have a biopsy (tissue sample) taken when abnormalities are found. This sample is then looked at by a histopathologist (a specialist in looking at tissue samples under a microscope) who determines the exact type of abnormality found (e.g. normal tissue, benign tissue or a cancer). This is essential to help with diagnosis and to plan treatment.

The scan and histology results are both needed before discussion at the Colorectal Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting (MDT). This can take up to 3 weeks.

What is the Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting (MDT)?

After the Colorectal Team has both results (scan and tissue sample) your case will then be discussed at the MDT meeting. This happens weekly.

The members of the MDT include:

• Colorectal Consultant Surgeons (Specialists in surgery on the bowel).
• Colorectal Specialist Nurses (Specialists in bowel cancer).
• Consultant Radiologists (Experts in reading CT and MRI pictures).
• Consultant Histopathologists (Specialists in looking at tissue samples under a microscope).
• Consultant Gastroenterologists (Specialists in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the abdomen).

Members of the MDT help each other to make the best possible decisions regarding your treatment.

What is decided at the MDT?

Several decisions are made at the MDT. These are always made in the patient’s best interest, to ensure the best outcome possible.

These decisions could involve:

• Surgery (operation on your bowel).
• Oncology referral (oncologists are experts in cancer treatment with, for example, chemotherapy and radiotherapy).
• Further tests (such as another camera test of the bowel may be needed).
• Supplementary Scans (MRI or CT scan on another part of the body, such as liver or lungs).

After the MDT meeting the colorectal specialist nurses will contact you to give an update and arrange either a clinic appointment with the consultant or to organise further tests or scans.

Contact

Colorectal Services

Monday to Friday
9.00am-4.00pm
Telephone: 01642 624399

Please contact us with any queries and questions.

There is also an answerphone to leave a message and we will try to respond within 24 hours.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]