We had the pleasure of attending the Association of Coloproctology Great Britain and Irelands (ACPGBI) Annual Meeting held in Manchester from 3rd to 5th July 2023. This significant event gave our key account managers, marketing, and clinical team an excellent platform to showcase their expertise and knowledge regarding the Qufora IrriSedo product range. Throughout the conference, there were ample opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions with numerous healthcare professionals, facilitating valuable exchanges of ideas and insights.
Association of Coloproctology Nurses (ACPN) – ‘Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: where are we now?’
On Monday afternoon, Brigitte attended the Association of Coloproctology Nurses (ACPN) session – ‘Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: where are we now?’ where a panel of experts showcased the topic of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS).
The sessions enriched the audience’s understanding and broadened their knowledge of the subject matter.
First to present was Nicola Fearnhead (Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust), who provided a perceptive overview of the contextual background surrounding LARS.
Robin Johnston delivered a thought-provoking presentation from a patient’s perspective, sharing the impact and challenges faced by individuals affected by LARS.
Jennie Burch (Head of Gastrointestinal Nursing Education at St Mark’s Hospital), who studied LARS during her PhD, drew from her research highlighting the unique role that a specialist nurse has in effectively managing LARS.
Julie Cornish (Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, University Hospital of Wales) shared the planned strategies and approaches that will be implemented in the POLARIS research project, aiming to define the optimal pathway for managing LARS.
Finally, Kate Walsh’s (Physiotherapy Manager/Clinical Lead at Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Trust) presentation stipulated the important contributions physiotherapists can make in optimising outcomes and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals dealing with LARS.
Pelvic Floor Session
Michelle shares insights from a thought-provoking pelvic floor session from Tuesday morning, highlighting some of the key messages:
Anal Sex and Sphincter – Lesley Hunt, Colorectal Surgeon, Sheffield
In 2022, Lesley co-authored a paper discussing the rise in female engagement in anal sex, sparking global attention and initiating discussions on a traditionally sensitive topic.
The potential risks associated with anal sex for females, were highlighted, such as an increased vulnerability to faecal incontinence due to a shorter anal canal and the impact of childbirth, which may potentially harm the internal anal sphincter.
By recognising these factors, healthcare professionals (HCPs) can better identify females who may be at risk. Lesley strongly advocates for enhanced education targeting girls and young women empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their sexual choices.
Male to female gender reassignment and the pelvic floor – James Bellringer, Urologist, London
James delivered an intriguing presentation on feminising genitoplasty, namely vaginoplasty, offering valuable insights into the surgical procedure. Surgical outcomes of vaginoplasty have shown some patients to report experiencing urinary symptoms, such as a diminished urine stream, following the operation.
However, no significant changes were observed in bowel symptoms after the procedure.
Acute Obstetric Injury – Charlotte Chaliha, Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, London
During her presentation, Charlotte addressed the topic of obstetric injuries and focused on the development of a pathway aimed at preventing obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs).
An intriguing point she highlighted was the angle at which an episiotomy can be performed to potentially reduce perineal injury. Her clinics include a national referral centre that caters to patients with complex functional pelvic floor issues, including obstetric injuries.
Association of Coloproctology Nurses (ACPN) – Tuesday presentations
Thank you to everyone who attended the Association of Coloproctology Nurses session on Tuesday afternoon and for taking the time to listen to Michelle present the findings from the PERSPECTIVE study.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who visited our stand. It is always a joy to reconnect with familiar faces and forge connections with new individuals as well!
