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[Pediatric colonoscopic polypectomy]
Insights
Endoscopic polypectomy is a safe and effective outpatient procedure for treating colorectal polyps in children, significantly reducing bleeding per rectum. This technique offers a simple solution with no reported complications in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Context:
- Colorectal polyps are a common cause of rectal bleeding in infants.
- Endoscopic polypectomy has become the standard treatment due to its low morbidity and mortality.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic polypectomy for colorectal polyps in pediatric patients.
- To analyze the characteristics of polyps and patient demographics in a pediatric cohort.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 122 polypectomies in 88 pediatric patients (mean age 1-5 years) found juvenile polyps (87.6%) most common, frequently located in the rectum and measuring 1-2 cm.
- The procedure was performed successfully as an outpatient treatment without general anesthesia or complications.
- Pedunculated polyps (78.7%) were the most frequent type observed.
Impact:
- Colonoscopic polypectomy is a valuable, straightforward, and secure method for managing pediatric colorectal polyps.
- This approach minimizes the need for more invasive surgical interventions in children.
Abstract:
Colorectal polyps are relatively frequent in infancy and constitute one of the main causes of bleeding per rectum. Endoscopic polypectomy, with its lower morbidity and mortality, has revolutionized its treatment. Between October 1, 1985 and May 31, 1994, 122 polypectomies were done in 88 pediatric patients. Forty five patients (51.1%) were male and 43 female (48.9%). Forty four patients (50%) were between 1 and 5 years of age. Ninety five polyps (77.9%) were found more frequently in the rectum. Regarding the size, 63 polyps (51.6%) measured between 1 and 2 cm. Seventy three patients (83%) had a single polyp, 10 patients (11.4%) had 2 polyps and 1 patient had 12 polyps. Ninety six polyps (78.7%) were pedunculated, being this the more frequent form found. Histologically the most common was the juvenile polyp, found in 106 cases (87.6%). The polypectomies was carried out without using general anesthesia and is performed as an outpatient procedure. We had no experience of endoscopic complications. It is concluded that colonoscopy polypectomy is a useful, simple and safe procedure for treating colorectal polyps in children.