Clinic Outpatient Letter

Dear Mrs. Davies It was a pleasure to meet you today at the Colorectal Surgery Clinic. Your presenting complaint is a 3-month history of intermittent rectal bleeding, described as bright red blood mixed with stool, occurring approximately 2-3 times per week. You also report a change in bowel habits, specifically increased stool frequency and a sense of incomplete evacuation for the past 6 weeks. There has been no significant weight loss or abdominal pain. You previously underwent a flexible sigmoidoscopy 2 years ago, which revealed internal haemorrhoids, but no other pathology. Your past medical history is significant for well-controlled hypertension managed with Ramipril. There is no family history of bowel cancer. Physical examination today revealed no palpable abdominal masses. Digital rectal examination identified grade II internal haemorrhoids, but no palpable masses or tenderness. There was no perianal pathology noted. To summarise, your symptoms of rectal bleeding and altered bowel habits are concerning and warrant further investigation to exclude serious diagnoses, particularly given your age. While haemorrhoids are a common cause of rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habit necessitates a thorough evaluation. We will proceed with a colonoscopy to thoroughly examine your large bowel. This will help us identify the cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate management. My secretary will contact you shortly to arrange a convenient appointment. We will review the findings once the procedure has been completed. Thank you for your trust in allowing me to be part of your care. Summary: - 3-month history of intermittent rectal bleeding and 6 weeks of altered bowel habits. - Colonoscopy to be arranged to investigate symptoms. With kind regards, Dr. Benjamin Carter Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Secretary: Ms. Sarah Jenkins, sarah.jenkins@colorectalsurgery.com