Mrs U’s prognosis is considered moderate (around 70 to 90 per cent five-year survival).Ī solicitor’s letter is received by the hospital and Mr J, claiming damages for clinical negligence. Mr J undertakes an anterior resection and ileostomy, and the procedure is reversed three months later. A CT scan indicates that the cancer has not spread (staged T2) and surgery is scheduled. ![]() The procedure and a subsequent biopsy reveal a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Mr J organises a non-urgent colonoscopy and again offers reassurance that it is unlikely to be anything serious. She returns to her GP who refers her again to Mr J. Over the few next months Mrs U’s condition does not improve, with frequent constipation (relieved somewhat by laxatives) and sometimes passage of bloody mucus. Mrs U declines and leaves the consultation “feeling reassured” and relieved at being spared the “ordeal” of a colonoscopy. He reassures Mrs U that he does not believe the symptoms are serious and informs her that a colonoscopy could be arranged on request. Mr J carries out an examination and orders bloods tests to investigate further. She repeats her history of constipation, more recently with some minor bleeding particularly on straining. ![]() The GP makes a private referral to a local hospital.Ī week later Mrs U attends an appointment with a colorectal surgeon, Mr J. She reports that the laxative has provided some relief but the abdominal cramps persist. Three weeks later Mrs U returns to the GP with ongoing constipation and altered bowel habit. Examination reveals nothing abnormal, and the GP prescribes a laxative and advises Mrs U to return if no better. ![]() A 66-year-old woman – Mrs U – attends her GP complaining of abdominal cramps and constipation.
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