[Colorectal polyps in children. A study of 34 patients].

AIM: To assess the frequency and the clinical features of polyps of the colon and rectum in children.

METHODS

A total of 34 patients (20 boys and 14 girls, mean age: 5.4 years) were enrolled in this 14-years retrospective study. Diagnosis was done for almost all patients by colonoscopy (n=8) or recto-sigmoidoscopy (n= 19). After endoscopic polypectomy, polyp's type is determined by histological examination.

RESULTS

Minimal and relapsing rectal bleeding was the most frequent finding of polyps of the colon and rectum (85.3%) followed by spontaneous emission of polyp (n=3), rectal prolapses (n=2), chronic constipation (n=1) and abdominal pain (n=1). The polyp was unique in all cases and with a mean size of 12 mm. The majority of polyps were localized in the rectum or sigmoid (97%) and were pediculate (81.2%). Endoscopic polypectomies concerned 26 polyps while two small polyps were left. Most of the polyps corresponded histologically to juvenile polyps (96.2%). The immediate post-op course was uneventful for 26 children.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that rectal bleeding is the most frequent finding of polyps of the colon and rectum in childhood. Outcome after endoscopic polypectomy is good.