New High Resolution Anoscopy Service Launched at OUH

A new outpatient High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) service has been established at the Churchill Hospital, part of Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust.

This development of this service marks a significant step forward in the early detection and management of anal pre-cancer and cancer across the region.

Occtopus, the Oxford Colon Cancer Trust, has kindly funded vital specialist equipment enabling the launch of the service. The outpatient clinic has begun seeing patients, with capacity expected to grow as the service becomes fully established.

The newly funded equipment will allow our clinicians to perform high-resolution examinations of the anal canal in a comfortable outpatient setting. HRA is a leading diagnostic technique that improves the ability to identify abnormal cells at an early, more treatable stage, which is particularly important for patients at higher risk of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN).

The launch of this service expands OUH’s capacity to deliver proactive, specialist care and reduces the need for patients to travel outside the region for advanced assessment. It moves the patient experience from an inpatient, general anaesthetic procedure to a local anaesthetic day case, freeing up theatre time and saving valuable resources.

David James, a consultant colorectal surgeon at OUH and the service lead said: "Thanks to the generous support of Occtopus, we can now offer patients a state-of-the-art high resolution anoscopy service here in Oxford, which typically was only offered in London. 

"Early detection through a local clinic is crucial, and this equipment allows us to provide faster, more accurate diagnoses as patients can access appointments closer to home in a more comfortable and time-effective outpatient setting, which will ultimately improve the healthcare experience and outcomes for our patients."

Professor Sir Neil Mortensen, Chair of Occtopus, said: "Occtopus is committed to improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal and anal cancers. Funding this equipment means patients across Oxfordshire and beyond will receive world-class care much closer to home, positioning Oxford as a leader in colorectal healthcare. We are proud to support OUH in expanding this important service and to assist in the positive impact it has on local patients."