Suspected Gastrointestinal Malignancies in General Practice

The COVID pandemic caused an upheaval to the endoscopy services for suspected upper and lower gastrointestinal malignancies. To talk us through the changes in how referrals are managed and what that means for us in general practice and our patients, we’re joined by GPwSI in Gastroenterology Dr Sophie Nelson and Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Alistair Makin. Our discussion includes using FIT tests to risk stratify patients with suspected lower GI malignancies, the use of the Edinburgh Dysphagia Scale for suspected upper GI malignancies, a reminder of 2 week wait criteria, and little on iron deficiency anaemia and Helicobacter Pylori. 

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• Greater Manchester Gastroenterology Webinar 24th Sept 2020. Speakers: Dr Sophie Nelson, Dr Varinda Athwal (LFTs), Dr Sarah Taylor (FIT testing), Dr Alistair Makin (GI cancers), and Dr May Aldean (advice and guidance) 
  The link includes links to endoscopy pathways. https://gpexcellencegm.org.uk/resources/gm-gastroenterology-gp-education-webinar/#.YEYVCWj7SUk

• Guidelines for managing patients with dyspepsia in primary care: https://gpexcellencegm.org.uk/resources/guidelines-for-managing-patients-with-dyspepsia-in-primary-care/#.YFEP4C2l23U 

• NICE Gastrointestinal tract (lower) cancers - recognition and referral (Feb 2021): https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/gastrointestinal-tract-lower-cancers-recognition-referral/

• NICE Gastrointestinal tract (upper) cancers - recognition and referral (Feb 2021): https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/gastrointestinal-tract-upper-cancers-recognition-referral/

• Gateway C (an online cancer education platform for primary care): https://www.gatewayc.org.uk/

• Greater Manchester Upper and Lower GI Cancer guidelines are available on TeamNet for Manchester clinicians

• North West Iron Deficiency Anaemia Guidelines and Coeliac Guidelines: Not yet published but watch out for these soon!

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This podcast has been made with the support of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, GP Excellence and Wigan CCG. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

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