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[Colorectal polyps in children. A study of 34 patients]
Samir Boukthir1, Sonia Mazigh Mrad, Fayçal Oubich
1Service de Médecine Infantile C, Hôpital d'Enfants de Tunis, Bab Saadoun, Tunisie.
Insights
Rectal bleeding is the most common symptom of juvenile polyps in children. Endoscopic removal of these colon and rectal polyps leads to a good outcome.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
Context:
- Colorectal polyps are uncommon in children.
- Understanding their clinical presentation and pathology is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of colorectal polyps in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic polypectomy for these lesions.
Summary:
- This retrospective study analyzed 34 children with colorectal polyps, predominantly juvenile polyps (96.2%).
- Rectal bleeding was the most frequent symptom (85.3%), with polyps typically solitary, pedunculated, and located in the rectum or sigmoid.
- Endoscopic polypectomy was performed in 26 patients, with a successful and uneventful post-operative course.
Impact:
- Highlights rectal bleeding as the primary indicator of colorectal polyps in children.
- Demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic polypectomy in managing pediatric colorectal polyps.
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.
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