Faculty mentor/PI email address
ERGLEIME@virtua.org
Is your research Teaching and Learning based?
1
Keywords
gynecology oncology, rectal cancer, screening, referral
IRB or IACUC Protocol Number
G23019
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Background: A retrospective chart review of 139 female patients with Stage I-III rectal cancer treated at our institution (2017-2022) revealed only 32.6% (n=45) had documented age-appropriate gynecologic screenings prior to surgical intervention. These findings were disseminated to colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists through departmental meetings and tumor boards. This follow-up study evaluates the impact of that educational initiative on gynecologic referral patterns.
Hypothesis: Targeted education of colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists would significantly increase gynecologic referral rates for female rectal cancer patients.
Methods: This pre-post quality improvement study compared gynecologic referral rates among female patients with Stage I-III rectal cancer. The pre-intervention cohort comprised 139 patients (2017-2022). The post-intervention cohort included patients diagnosed between January 1 and June 30, 2025. Patients with incomplete records or stage IV disease were excluded. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from electronic medical records.
Results: Nineteen female rectal cancer patients were identified post-intervention. Eleven (57.9%) were referred for gynecologic assessment; 2 refused referral and 1 was already followed for gynecologic cancer history. Four left the healthcare system (referral status unknown), 2 had poor performance status without definitive treatment, and only 1 (5.3%) had no documented referral or discussion. Referral rates increased from 32.6% to 57.9% post-intervention (p0.01).
Conclusions: Gynecologic referral rates improved substantially following targeted education through departmental meetings and tumor boards. Routine gynecologic evaluation should be integrated into multidisciplinary rectal cancer management to reduce morbidity from unplanned procedures and re-operations in irradiated pelvises.
Disciplines
Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications | Medicine and Health Sciences | Neoplasms
Improving Adherence to Comprehensive Gynecological Assessments in Female Rectal Cancer Patients Prior to Rectal Cancer Treatment
Background: A retrospective chart review of 139 female patients with Stage I-III rectal cancer treated at our institution (2017-2022) revealed only 32.6% (n=45) had documented age-appropriate gynecologic screenings prior to surgical intervention. These findings were disseminated to colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists through departmental meetings and tumor boards. This follow-up study evaluates the impact of that educational initiative on gynecologic referral patterns.
Hypothesis: Targeted education of colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists would significantly increase gynecologic referral rates for female rectal cancer patients.
Methods: This pre-post quality improvement study compared gynecologic referral rates among female patients with Stage I-III rectal cancer. The pre-intervention cohort comprised 139 patients (2017-2022). The post-intervention cohort included patients diagnosed between January 1 and June 30, 2025. Patients with incomplete records or stage IV disease were excluded. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from electronic medical records.
Results: Nineteen female rectal cancer patients were identified post-intervention. Eleven (57.9%) were referred for gynecologic assessment; 2 refused referral and 1 was already followed for gynecologic cancer history. Four left the healthcare system (referral status unknown), 2 had poor performance status without definitive treatment, and only 1 (5.3%) had no documented referral or discussion. Referral rates increased from 32.6% to 57.9% post-intervention (p0.01).
Conclusions: Gynecologic referral rates improved substantially following targeted education through departmental meetings and tumor boards. Routine gynecologic evaluation should be integrated into multidisciplinary rectal cancer management to reduce morbidity from unplanned procedures and re-operations in irradiated pelvises.