FIT in Diverticulitis

Launched by ROYAL SURREY COUNTY HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST · Jan 8, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "FIT in Diverticulitis," is looking at whether testing stool samples for hidden blood can be a safer and simpler way to follow up after a diagnosis of diverticulitis, which is an inflammation of pouches in the colon. Currently, patients often need more invasive tests like colonoscopies after experiencing diverticulitis. The goal of this study is to see if a test called the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) can help rule out bowel cancer without needing these more complicated procedures. Researchers will also look at other markers of inflammation and the bacteria in the bowel to gather more information.

To participate, individuals must be 18 years or older and have been diagnosed with diverticulitis confirmed by a CT scan. They should also be scheduled for one of the usual follow-up tests. Participants will collect three stool samples over a period of six weeks using kits provided to them. There are no risks associated with participating, and while this study won't change the immediate care for participants, it could lead to less invasive testing for future patients. If you're interested or have questions, you can reach out to James Norman at the provided email.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Computerised tomography diagnosis of acute diverticulitis
• • Participants capable of giving informed consent
• • Aged ≥ 18 years
• • Clinical decision for colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy or CT colonoscopy follow-up after diverticulitis diagnosis
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Paediatric patients (\<18 years)
• • Not provided at least 1 faecal sample
• • Unable to/unwilling to provide informed consent
• • Withdrawal of consent for inclusion in study
• • Previous pan-proctocolectomy, subtotal colectomy surgery, or presence of stoma
• • Currently being treated for colorectal cancer
• • Mental health illness limiting compliance
• • Treated in hospital with colonic resection
• • Did not have colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy or CT colonoscopy