ABSTRACT
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.
