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04/06/2008
Each year in the UK around 13,000 people are
diagnosed with rectal cancer.
There are claims today that surgeons are choosing the
'wrong op' when trying to intervene and treat the
problem which can leave a patient needing a colostomy
Claims that many rectal cancer patients receive an
"inappropriate" operation have been rejected by
surgeons. Leeds University researchers said hospital
data showed the abdominoperineal excision (APE)
operation, which leaves patients with a permanent
colostomy, was being used too often.
Consultant surgeons argue however that it remains the
most effective option for may sufferers. However there
is a possibility that where mistakes have been made,
patients may be able to claim
NHS compensation
for medical negligence
Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be used to
tackle it, the normal approach is to try to surgically
remove the tumour and then repair, as far as possible,
the tissues of the rectum and anus.
Those living in deprived areas of the country were
also more likely to receive an APE than those living in
more affluent areas. Patient choice Professor David
Forman, who led the research, said: "Should patients be
able to look up the APE rate of their local trust before
going there? I think they should. "What this does is
serve notice on the profession that there has been an
unacceptable level of variation in the use of this
operation, and by having clear targets and guidelines
and publicly available statistics and audit will help
patient choice."
MORE NEWS:
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to NHS cutbacks - 30th September
The
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reviewed every 5 years - 24th July 2008
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2008
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