Evaluation of the quality of internet content available to patients regarding colorectal involvement of endometriosis and associated surgical treatments

Abstract

Abstract Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can infiltrate the rectum and colon in a significant proportion of those affected. Patients commonly seek information regarding their diagnosis and treatment on the internet. Information available, however, may be incomplete or not applicable to all cases. This study aims to evaluate the quality and content of internet information on colorectal endometriosis treatment. Methods: The search term ‘colorectal endometriosis’ was used to identify websites on popular search engines including Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Websites were classified into 4 subtypes: Academic Institutions, Private Medical Centres, Non-profit Organisations, and Commercial Websites. Two independent assessors evaluated the quality of the websites using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria and the DISCERN scoring system. Results: Sixteen websites were identified. 25% from Academic Institutions, 25% from Private Medical Centres, 12.5% from Non-profit Organisations, and 37.5% were Commercial Websites. Mean(±SD) JAMA criteria and DISCERN scores for all websites were noted as 1.38±1.29 and 44.75±14.53 respectively. Most websites adequately discussed treatment options, mean(±SD) DISCERN score 3.69±1.40. Risks of surgeries were infrequently discussed, mean(±SD) DISCERN score 2.56±1.50. Only 50% of the websites discussed complications of colorectal surgery including anastomotic leak and stoma requirement. Conclusion: This study demonstrated variable levels of quality and reliability of internet content regarding colorectal endometriosis treatment and associated complications. These findings can be highlighted to patients using the internet to obtain information on colorectal endometriosis.