[Inflammatory giant polyps of the colon]

Five cases of inflammatory giant polyps associated with idiopathic colitis are presented. The underlying disease was ulcerative colitis in 3 cases and Crohn's disease in 2 cases. The alteration caused in 3 cases passage disorders. Physical and X-ray examinations raised the possibility of malignancy, thus operation was performed. In 2 further cases endoscopic polypectomy brought improvement and the operation could be avoided. On the basis of electronmicroscopic examination the authors are of the opinion that giant polyps are specific forms of inflammatory granulation with fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, vessels, mast cells and extended autonomous nerves as dominant elements. It is held as feasible that due to the nerves and contractile myofibroblasts these forms are capable to move actively. This might explain the peduncle formation and - together with the passage disorders- the strong abdominal spasm characterizing the clinical picture.