[Contribution of coloscopy to diagnosis of rectal bleeding in Dakar (Senegal)]

Rectal bleeding is a common reason for seeking medical attention and can lead to diagnosis of serious disease. The purpose of this report is to describe lesions discovered by coloscopy in patients assessed for rectal bleeding in Dakar, Senegal.

This retrospective study was carried out from January 2006 to December 2008 at the Aristide Le Dantec University Medical Center in Dakar. Coloscopy reports involving patients presenting with rectal bleeding were compiled. Age, quality of preparation, use of sedation, and lesions observed were analyzed.

A total of 143 patients underwent coloscopy for rectal bleeding. Mean patient age was 51.3 years (range, 2 to 85 years) and the sex ratio was 1.7 (90 men). Preparation was considered as good in 55.5% of cases. Sedatives were used in 57% of cases. Coloscopy findings were normal in 9.8% of cases. The most common lesions were hemorrhoids (53.14%), rectocolitis (17.5%), cancer (11.9%), polyps (11.2%), and diverticulosis (11.2%). Multiple lesions were found in 20 patients (14%).

Coloscopy for assessment of rectal bleeding in Dakar revealed a range of lesions with hemorrhoids and rectocolitis accounting for most.