COLONOSCOPIC EVALUATION FOR LOWER G.I. BLEED AS SCREENING

Abstract

Background: Little data exist on the yield of colonoscopy in its different indications, especially lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Furthermore, there are no formal guidelines regarding the timing of its performance in the work up for lower GI bleeding.
Aims and Objectives: Detection of diseases which modify the treatment of lower GI bleed and its incidence. Detection of miscellaneous condition associated with lower GI bleed
Methods: In a retrospective study, spanning from October 2014 to October 2016, the clinical data of all the patients undergoing colonoscopy were retrieved from the hospital records including the predominant symptom which mandated colonoscopy The type of
GI bleed (overt or occult) along with the presence or absence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was noted.
Results: The incidence of causes for Lower G.I Bleed through colonoscopic evaluation as screening are as follows:- Haemorrhoids - 27%, Carcinoma Colon - 21%, Inflammatory Bowel Disease - 17%,Colorectal Polyps - 16%,Carcinoma Rectum -12%,Diverticulosis -4%,Others (abdominal tuberculosis) - 1%,Idiopathic causes - 2%.
Conclusion: For hematochezia and occult bleed, colonoscopy is important whether IDA is present or not. In this study, the incidence of Colorectal malignancies in patients presenting with Lower G.I Bleeding is predominantly high (35%). Henceforth, a Complete Colonoscopic Evaluation is a must in patients presenting with Lower G.I Bleeding with age more than 40years with more than 6 months duration of Bleeding Per Rectum.