The Prevalence and Characteristics of Colorectal Polyps found by Sigmoidoscopy in Asymptomatic Korean Adults / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal polyps play an integral role in the development of colon cancer. The prevalence of colorectal polyps in Korea was reported to be 5-12%. However, these results were obtained from retrospective studies, in which the subjects were symptomatic patients. Therefore, we performed a prospective study in asymptomatic Korean adults to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of colorectal polyps. METHODS: Flexible sigmoidoscopy was done during the period between August 1994 to November 1995 in 2,985 aymptomatic individuals who visited Samsung Medical Center for health check-ups. RESULTS: 1) Polyps were found in 590 subjects (20.4%) out of 2,985 individuals. The prevalence rate increased with age. 2) In histologic findings of colorectal polyps, there were 369 cases (45.8%) of adenomatous polyps, 245 cases (30.4%) of hyperplastic polyps and 5 cases of carcinomas. 3) Moderate to severe dysplasia was found in 15.4% of adenomatous polyps and the grade of dysplasia increased with polyp size. 4) The prevalence rate of polyps increased according to obesity, blood cholesterol and triglyceride level, the frequency of alcohol consumption and the amount of smoking in cases. Conclusions: Screening by sigmoidoscopy is considered to be beneficial for detection of colorectal polyps in asymptomatic Korean adults, especially in individuals with risk factors such as obesity, heavy smoking and alcohol consumption.