Colonoscopy in lower gastro-intestinal haemorrhage

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy

Background:

• Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage diagnosis can be challenging with standard investigations.
• Colonoscopy offers a direct visualization method for the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic and management utility of colonoscopy for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
• To assess colonoscopy's role in cases with uncertain radiological findings or normal barium studies.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 107 patients undergoing colonoscopy for lower gastrointestinal bleeding over a 2-year period.
• Comparison of colonoscopy findings with previous radiological and sigmoidoscopy results.

Main Results:

• Colonoscopy confirmed, defined, or refuted radiological findings in a significant number of patients.
• Twenty-eight previously undiagnosed lesions were identified by colonoscopy.
• Colonoscopy achieved a diagnosis in over two-thirds of patients with frank bleeding and normal radiographs, but was less effective for occult bleeding.
• Polypectomy was performed in 30 patients, with 37 polyps removed.

Conclusions:

• Colonoscopy significantly enhances the diagnosis and management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly when initial investigations are inconclusive.
• It is a valuable tool for identifying lesions and therapeutic interventions like polypectomy.