Patients from the southern districts of Tamil Nadu who require treatment for intestinal ulcers, rectal bleeding, and intestinal polyps at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai will no longer have to endure prolonged waiting periods. This improvement follows the installation of a new colonoscopy unit within the hospital's general surgery department, which became operational on June 6.
Enhanced access to colonoscopy services
Until now, GRH had only one colonoscopy setup, located in the gastroenterology department at the super speciality block, according to V B Ganesh, professor and head of the general surgery department. A colonoscopy involves inserting a flexible tube equipped with a camera through the rectum to examine the large intestine. This procedure is essential for detecting ulcers, bleeding, polyps, and cancers of the colon and rectum.
Previously, patients referred from primary health centres and district hospitals, as well as those arriving directly at GRH with advanced symptoms, faced waiting periods of 15 to 20 days for procedures and surgeries related to these conditions. With the new facility, the waiting time has been significantly reduced to just three or four days.
Benefits of the new unit
Beyond facilitating surgical planning, the unit will strengthen early screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancers. Ganesh noted that many patients mistake symptoms such as rectal bleeding for piles and seek medical attention only at an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging. The department has already trained approximately 130 doctors in colonoscopy, including 15 postgraduate students and MS graduates who previously had little or no exposure to the procedure.
This initiative is expected to improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier detection and timely intervention for colorectal conditions.
