Colonoscopy in the diagnosis of unexplained rectal bleeding

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Colorectal Medicine

Background:

• Unexplained rectal bleeding is a common clinical concern.
• Diagnostic colonoscopy is crucial for evaluating lower gastrointestinal symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in patients presenting with unexplained rectal bleeding.
• To identify the prevalence of significant colorectal lesions in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Colonoscopy was performed on 306 patients with unexplained rectal bleeding.
• Barium enema was used to establish diverticulosis in a subgroup.
• Subsets of patients with occult bleeding or melena also underwent evaluation.

Main Results:

• Significant lesions were detected in 30% of patients.
• Polyps (≥0.5 cm) were found in 14%, and carcinoma in 8%.
• Other findings included inflammatory bowel disease, vascular malformations, and radiation colitis.

Conclusions:

• Colonoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing the cause of unexplained rectal bleeding.
• A substantial proportion of patients harbor significant colorectal pathology requiring intervention.