Related Experiment Videos
Colonoscopy in patients with benign anorectal disease
W E Longo1, P A Dean, K S Virgo
1Department of Surgery, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Benign anorectal conditions do not predict colorectal neoplasia. Colonoscopy decisions should prioritize age, symptoms, and other risk factors for detecting colorectal cancer.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Benign anorectal diseases are common.
- The association between benign anorectal conditions and colorectal neoplasia is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of colorectal neoplasia and inflammatory bowel disease in patients with benign anorectal disease.
- To assess if benign anorectal disease predicts colorectal neoplasia.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 102 consecutive patients with benign anorectal disease (hemorrhoids, fissure, fistula, abscess, condylomata) without gastrointestinal symptoms.
- All patients underwent colonoscopy over a three-year period.
Main Results:
- No inflammatory bowel disease was diagnosed.
- Colorectal neoplasia was detected in 9.8% of patients (9 adenomas, 1 adenocarcinoma).
- Neoplasia was more common in older patients and those with a family history of colorectal cancer, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Benign anorectal disease and colorectal neoplasia can coexist.
- Benign anorectal disease is not a reliable predictor of colorectal neoplasia.
- Colonoscopy referral should be guided by age, symptoms, and established risk factors.