[Familial adenomatous polyposis: a follow-up of the extracolonic manifestations]

Total colectomy is the only effective treatment for prophylaxis against colon cancer in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). We present our experience with 4 children colectomized for FAP, with a particular focus on the long-term surveillance to detect extracolonic manifestations.

We review the clinical histories of 4 patients from 10 to 16-years-old, with family histories of FAP. Performed for each patient were: genetic testing, colonoscopy, double contrast enema, gastro-oesophageal duodenoscopy, thyroid and abdominal ultrasound, fundus oculi, and tumour markers (CEA, CA 19.9). They underwent total colectomy with ileoanal anastomosis and anorectal mucosectomy with an ileal J-pouch. During follow-up, they were monitored regularly with imaging techniques (including a video capsule in one patient) and endoscopy. Also evaluated were faecal continence, food intake, and height-weight development.

All had multiple polyps in the colon, and mutation of the APC gene. Hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium was observed in three. Immediately postoperative, there were abundant diarrhoeic stools, two presented an episode of "pouchitis", and one moderate undernourishment. One patient had an intraperitoneal haemorrhage that was resolved by blood transfusion. All 4 have normal faecal continence. During the first months postoperative, two patients showed considerable weight loss. In the follow-up (> 3 years), moderate undernourishment was observed in one patient. Duodenal polyps were found in two patients--in one by duodenoscopy, and in the other with the video capsule.

After colectomy, FAP patients may develop extracolonic clinical manifestations, some of which may be malignant such as thyroid and periampullary cancer. Careful surveillance of these patients is therefore very important, with annual checks using gastroduodenoscopy and thyroid and abdominal ultrasound.