Perineal disease and faecal incontinence
Emergency referrals
All urgent cases must be discussed with the on call Surgical Registrar to obtain appropriate prioritisation and treatment. Contact through:
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (07) 3646 8111
- The Prince Charles Hospital (07) 3139 4000
- Redcliffe Hospital (07) 3883 7777
Urgent cases accepted via phone must be accompanied with a written referral and a copy faxed immediately to the Central Patient Intake Unit: 1300 364 952.
Does your patient wish to be referred?
Minimum referral criteria
Does your patient meet the minimum referral criteria?
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days is desirable
- Persistent perineal sepsis
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days is desirable
- Symptomatic obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS)
- Fissure not responding to maximal medical treatment after 6 weeks
- External rectal prolapse
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days is desirable
- Pilonidal disease
- Warts
- Uncomplicated haemorrhoids
- Anal skin tags and benign peri-anal polyps
- Uncomplicated fistula in ano
- Faecal incontinence
If your patient does not meet the minimum referral criteria
Consider other treatment pathways or an alternative diagnosis.
If you still need to refer your patient:
- Please explain why (e.g. warning signs or symptoms, clinical modifiers, uncertain about diagnosis, etc.)
- Please note that your referral may not be accepted or may be redirected to another service
Other important information for referring practitioners
Not an exhaustive list
- Local application of cold packs and oral anti-inflammatory medications
- Referral to pelvic floor physiotherapist
- Education about pelvic floor care and specific techniques for defecation
- Oral antibiotics such as Augmentin®, or clindamycin where penicillin allergy is a factor, should be considered.
- Sexual counselling for the couple
- Counselling for subsequent pregnancy management
- Importance of follow-up six weeks and three months postpartum
- Postpartum management: avoid constipation, use of aperients, dietary advice
- Reassurance and provide support – psychological
Fistula
- Persisting fistula discharge/infections Glyceryl trinitrate 0.2% ointment
(Rectogesic®): TDS for four-six weeks (NS) - Lifestyle modification (increased activity, dietary, weight, smoking, alcohol)
Pilonidal Sinus
- Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is the preferred antibiotic.
- Lifestyle modification (increased activity, dietary, weight, smoking, alcohol)
- Advice on hygiene, sweating activity, activity associated with sitting and buttock friction
Referral requirements
A referral may be rejected without the following information.
Send referral
Hotline: 1300 364 938
Fax: 1300 364 952
Electronic: eReferral system
Mail: Metro North Central Patient Intake
Aspley Community Centre
776 Zillmere Road
ASPLEY QLD 4034
Health pathways
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Login to Brisbane North Health Pathways:
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