Colonoscopic findings in patients presenting with lower gastrointestinal bleeding at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: In the investigation of the cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB), colonoscopy is the most effective and convenient method. Information concerning the aetiology of LGIB in Nigeria is still scarce because, colonoscopy is not widely available in the country. The aim of this study therefore, was to describe the colonoscopic findings in patients presenting with LGIB at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Patients & Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which was carried out at the endoscopy unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The data of 101 patients who presented with lower gastrointestinal bleeding and underwent colonoscopy were analysed.

Results: The patients comprised 62 (61.4%) males and 39 (38.6%) females, giving a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. The mean age of the patients was 59.6±14.7 years with a range of 27-91 years. Analysis of the age groups showed that 29 (28.7%) of the patients were aged 70 years and above. At colonoscopy, 63 (62.4%) of the patients had only one abnormality, while 32 (31.7%) and 4 (4.0%) patients had 2 and 3 abnormalities respectively. The most frequent colonoscopic findings were haemorrhoids, colonic diverticulosis, colonic polyps and rectal tumour in 51 (50.5%), 36 (35.6%), 23 (22.8%) and 17 (16.85) patients respectively.

Conclusion: In our practice, haemorrhoids and colonic diverticulosis were the leading causes of LGIB at endoscopy. Colonoscopy is therefore recommended for all patients presenting with LGIB, especially for those who are 50 years and older in age.

Keywords: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding, Colonoscopy, Nigeria