106 A Retrospective Study Comparing Histopathology Proformas For Anterior Resections Against the Royal College of Pathology (RCPath) Guidelines

Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) published guidance on clinical information needed on histopathology forms accompanying colorectal cancer specimens. Inadequate information can significantly impact the ability of histopathologists to accurately interpret specimens; in turn correctly diagnose and stage cancers. The primary aim of our audit was to evaluate local compliance with the RCPath guidelines. Method Histopathology request forms of 50 patients undergoing anterior resections between January 2018-19 were retrospectively evaluated against the RCPath guidelines, ‘Standards and datasets for reporting cancers’ published in December 2017. Results Of the 50 patients, the site and type of tumour resection were documented in 94% and 56% of cases, respectively. 48% of cases specified whether the surgery was open or laparoscopic. However only 4% mentioned the preoperative tumour stage, and only 10% recorded whether any pre-operative therapy had been given. Furthermore, no cases reported whether there was a family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusions Information on colorectal histopathology forms is failing to meet RCPath guidelines. Significant information regarding preoperative treatment, associated malignancy risk factors and resection type is absent in over half of cases. This will have detrimental effects on the ability of histopathologists to accurately assess and interpret cancer specimens.