Colorectal polyps — An Irish experience

Summary

This paper presents a retrospective analysis of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and histopathology of colorectal polyps presenting to the Gastroenterology Unit of one hospital over a three year period. Colorectal polyps were found in 58 of 373 (15.5%) patients examined consecutively by colonoscopy, and in 23% of those colonoscoped specifically for rectal bleeding. Polyps occurred most frequently in males. The peak incidence occurred in the 6th decade in males and the 7th in females. Rectal bleeding was the most common presenting symptom in the polyp bearing patients. Polyps occurred most frequently in the sigmoid colon (57%). Radiology was of limited value in diagnosis. Seventy seven per cent of lesions were amenable to colonoscopic removal, and the majority of these were performed as a day-ward procedure.

The proportion of villous elements increased with increasing polyp size. Although the relatively benign tubuloadenoma was the most common histological type, there were a greater number of the tubulovillous, villous and adenocarcinomatous varieties than have been found in most series. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.