Gastroenterology service in a teaching hospital in rural New Zealand, 1991-2003.
OBJECTIVE
To retrospectively collect inpatient and outpatient data and to assess the use of endoscopic procedures during the years 1991, 1997 and 2003 to analyse for trends.


METHODS
This retrospective survey was conducted in a University-associated Gastroenterology Unit offering secondary and tertiary health care services for a population of approximately 182,000 people in Southern New Zealand. Data collected included patient contacts (in- and outpatients), gastroscopic and colonoscopic investigations.


RESULTS
We observed a significant increase in the absolute numbers of patient contacts over the years (1991: 2308 vs 1997: 2022 vs 2003: 2783, P < 0.0001) with inflammatory bowel disease, other diseases of the colon, anus and rectum and iron studies related disorders decreasing significantly but liver disease and constipation increasing linearly over time. The use of endoscopy services remained relatively stable but colonoscopic investigations for a positive family history of colorectal cancer increased significantly while more gastroscopies were performed for unexplained anaemia.


CONCLUSIONS
The whole spectrum of gastroenterology contacts was studied. A substantial proportion of colonoscopies and outpatient consultations were undertaken to screen for colorectal cancer. This proportion is likely to grow further. Our findings have implications for the recruitment and training of the next generation of gastroenterologists.
Schultz
Michael
M
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand. michael.schultz@otago.ac.nz
Davidson
Andrew
A
Donald
Sarah
S
Targonska
Bogna
B
Turnbull
Angus
A
Weggery
Susan
S
Livingstone
Vicki
V
Dockerty
John D
JD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006780:Hospitals, Rural / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies