Polyp prevalence at colonoscopy among Nigerians: A prospective observational study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Colonic polyps are a significant precursor to colorectal cancer.
• Understanding their prevalence and characteristics in diverse populations is crucial for targeted screening.
• Limited data exists on colonic polyp epidemiology in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence, distribution, and clinicopathologic features of colonic polyps in Nigerians.
• To assess polyp detection rate (PDR), polyps per colonoscopy (PPC), and adenoma detection rate (ADR).

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of colonoscopies performed between January 2007 and December 2013.
• Data collected included patient demographics, indications, polyp characteristics, and histopathology.
• Analysis of 415 patients, with 67 found to have colonic polyps.

Main Results:

• The overall PDR was 16.1%, with a median patient age of 57 years; 64.2% were 50 or older.
• Adenomatous polyps were the most common (47.5%), followed by inflammatory polyps (18.8%).
• Patients aged 50 and above had a higher likelihood of adenomatous and hyperplastic polyps (P=0.010).

Conclusions:

• Colonic polyps are not rare in Nigerians, particularly those over 50.
• The high proportion of adenomatous polyps suggests a link to colorectal cancer.
• Routine screening colonoscopy for Nigerians aged 50 and above is recommended.