On Thursday 3 September, Evolution Healthcare welcomed GPs and Nurse Practitioners to Laparoscopy Auckland for The GP’s GI & General Surgery Toolkit: Common Problems, Better Referrals, Faster Answers – an interactive CME evening focused on some of the gastrointestinal and general surgery presentations commonly seen in general practice.
Rather than a traditional lecture format, the evening centred around realistic GP case studies, giving attendees the opportunity to work through common clinical scenarios alongside a panel of specialists from Endoscopy Auckland and Laparoscopy Auckland.
From common presentations to confident referral decisions
The panel explored a range of gastrointestinal and general surgery presentations, including altered bowel habits, IBS and bloating, iron deficiency anaemia, rectal bleeding, incidental gallstones, upper abdominal pain and umbilical hernias.
Through case-based discussion, specialists shared practical guidance around recognising red flags, choosing appropriate initial investigations, determining referral urgency and deciding when a patient may be appropriately monitored, reassured or referred.
An important part of the discussion was also looking at referrals from the specialist perspective – including the clinical information that can help specialists make informed decisions and support patients in accessing the right care sooner.
Early-onset bowel cancer: patients we cannot miss
The evening also included a dedicated session on early-onset bowel cancer, highlighting the importance of recognising concerning symptoms and identifying patients who may require further investigation or timely specialist referral.
The session provided an opportunity to consider bowel cancer alongside the many more common gastrointestinal symptoms encountered in primary care, and the clinical signs that may warrant a different approach.
Practical referral insights from our specialists
The evening concluded with a rapid-fire session covering common referral issues and practical tips that GPs and Nurse Practitioners can apply in everyday practice.
The specialist panel included:
Dr John Dunn – General Surgeon and Endoscopist, Endoscopy Auckland
Associate Professor Adam Bartlett – General and HPB Surgeon, Laparoscopy Auckland
Dr Wal Baraza – General and Colorectal Surgeon, Endoscopy Auckland
Dr Michael Chu – General and HPB Surgeon, Laparoscopy Auckland
Dr Henry Wei – Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Endoscopy Auckland
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the evening and contributed to the case discussions and questions.
