A G W Muthukumarana
Sri Jayawardenapura General Hospital, Srilanka
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Surgery Current Research
Introduction and Objectives FIT is now established worldwide as a screening test for Colorectal carcinoma. FIT can also be used to selectively fast track symptomatic patients for colonoscopy, since many patients present with vague and non-specific symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between FIT results and colonoscopy findings in a cohort of symptomatic patients. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a surgical department of a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka. A structured data collection sheet was used. FIT positivity and colonoscopy findings were recorded and analyzed. Results Among 157 participants, 49.0% (n=77) were male and 51.0% (n=80) were female. FIT was positive in 68.8% (n=108) and negative in 31.2% (n=49). Among FIT-positive patients, 49 (45.4%) had normal colonoscopy findings, compared to 32 (65.3%) FIT negative (p=0.021). Adenocarcinomas were detected in 16 (14.8%) of FIT-positive patients and 1 (2.0%) FIT-negative patient (p=0.021). Adenomatous polyps were seen in 23 (21.3%) FIT-positive and 6 (12.2%) FIT-negative patients (p=0.160). Hyperplastic polyps in 4 (3.7%) FIT-positive and none among FIT-negative (p=0.304). Diverticuli were present in 5 (4.6%) of FIT-positive and 4 (8.2%) FIT-negative (p=0.457). Haemorrhoids in 3 (2.8%) FIT-positive and 3 (6.1%) FIT-negative (p=0.375). Inflammatory changes in 8 (7.4%) FIT-positive and 3 (6.1%) FIT-negative (p=1.000). Discussion and Conclusions There was a significant association between FIT positivity and Adenocarcinomas. This study supports the role of FIT to selectively fast track symptomatic patients for colonoscopy.
A. G. W. Muthukumarana, a healthcare professional from Sri Lanka, specializes in diagnostic approaches for lower gastrointestinal disorders. He has focused his recent work on Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) for detecting occult blood in symptomatic patients. His clinical interest lies in improving early detection pathways for colorectal conditions. Muthukumarana contributes to advancing non-invasive, patient-friendly diagnostic methods. He is com mitted to enhancing gastrointestinal care and supporting evidence-based clinical decision-making.
