Résumé
Aim: To assess the frequency and the clinical features of polyps of the colon and rectum in children
Methods: A total of 34 patients [20 boys and 14 girls, mean age: 5.4 years] were enrolled in this 14-years retrospective study. Diagnosis was done for almost all patients by colonoscopy [n=8] or recto-sigmoidoscopy [n=19]. After endoscopic polypectomy, polyp's type is determined by histological examination
Results: Minimal and relapsing rectal bleeding was the most frequent finding of polyps of the colon and rectum [85.3%] followed by spontaneous emission of polyp [n=3], rectal prolapses [n=2], chronic constipation [n=1] and abdominal pain [n=1]. The polyp was unique in all cases and with a mean size of 12 mm. The majority of polyps were localized in the rectum or sigmoid [97%] and were pediculate [81.2%]. Endoscopic polypectomies concerned 26 polyps while two small polyps were left. Most of the polyps corresponded histologically to juvenile polyps [96.2%]. The immediate post-op course was uneventful for 26 children
Conclusion: Our study suggests that rectal bleeding is the most frequent finding of polyps of the colon and rectum in childhood. Outcome after endoscopic polypectomy is good