Teleconsultation and telediagnosis of patients with anal and colorectal conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic
Keywords:
teleconsultation, telediagnosis, telemedicine, anorectal conditions, colonic conditions, coloproctologyAbstract
Introduction: Telemedicine was an effective alternative during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of teleconsultation in patients with anal and colorectal conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A descriptive, prospective longitudinal study was conducted on consecutive patients who sought specialized care in Coloproctology in the period from April 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. They were divided into two groups (benign and malignant conditions); all were counseled and treated. The sample consisted of 151 patients who met the selection criteria. Teleconsultation was performed by telephone and WhatsApp chat of the specialist who conducted the study.
Results: Coloproctology teleconsultation was effective in 143 patients (94.7% of the sample), with improvement of symptoms and disappearance of symptoms in benign anal conditions. The most frequent conditions were complicated hemorrhoidal disease (69 patients: 32 with fluxion and 37 with hemorrhoidal thrombosis), and anal fissure (65). Reconsultation was performed in 143 (94.7 %). A total of 102 patients (67.5 %) were scheduled for rectoscopy and 95 (62.9 %) were discharged.
Conclusions: Teleconsultation was effective during the COVID-19 pandemic. It allowed the diagnosis, definitive treatment and follow-up of acute anal conditions; it avoided face-to-face consultation during the peak of the pandemic; and, in patients with colorectal conditions, it facilitated the planning of face-to-face consultation to corroborate the diagnosis and indicate treatment.
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