Cap polyposis: A rare cause of rectal bleeding in children

AIM: To evaluate the clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of cap polyposis in the pediatric population. METHODS: All pediatric patients with histologically proven diagnosis of cap polyposis were identified from our endoscopy and histology database over a 12 year period from 2000-2012 at our tertiary pediatric center, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore. The case records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. The demographics, clinical course, laboratory results, endoscopic and histopathological features, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed. The study protocol was approved by the hospital institutional review board. The histological slides were reviewed by a pediatric histopathologist to confirm the diagnosis of cap polyposis. RESULTS: Eleven patients were diagnosed with cap polyposis. The median patient age was 13 years (range 5-17 years); the sample included 7 males and 4 females. All of the patients presented with bloody stools. Seven patients (63%) had constipation, while 4 patients (36%) had diarrhea. All of the patients underwent colonoscopy and polypectomies (excluding 1 patient who refused polypectomy). The macroscopic findings were of polypoid lesions covered by fibrinopurulent exudates with normal intervening mucosa. The rectum was the most common involvement site (n = 9, 82%), followed by the rectosigmoid colon (n = 3, 18%). Five (45%) patients had fewer than 5 polyps, and 6 patients (65%) had multiple polyps. Histological examination of these polyps showed surface ulcerations with a cap of fibrin inflammatory exudate. Four (80%) patients with fewer than 5 polyps had complete resolution of symptoms following the polypectomy. One patient who did not consent to the polypectomy had resolution of symptoms after being treated with sulphasalazine. All 6 patients with multiple polyps experienced recurrence of bloody stools on follow-up (mean = 28 mo). CONCLUSION: Cap polyposis is a rare and underrecognised cause of rectal bleeding in children. Our study has characte     

Successful treatment of cap polyposis by avoidance of intraluminal trauma: clues to pathogenesis

"Cap polyposis" is a rarely-encountered condition in which distinctive inflammatory polyps are located from the rectum to the distal descending colon. Microscopically, the polyps consist of elongated, tortuous, and distended crypts covered by a "cap" of inflammatory granulation tissue. Although the pathogenesis is unknown, mucosal prolapse has been postulated to be an important etiological factor, given certain clinical and histological similarities. We describe two cases of cap polyposis with protein-losing enteropathy. One was treated successfully by avoidance of straining at defecation. Another resolved after double-barreled transverse colostomy. Both successful treatments support a causal link of polyposis to prolapse.     

Colonic Surgery in Patients With Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome: A Case Series

PURPOSE Juvenile polyposis syndrome is characterized by multiple hamartomatous polyps in the large intestine. When indicated, the surgical choices in symptomatic juvenile polyposis syndrome patients are colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis or proctocolectomy with pouch. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the surgical options in juvenile polyposis syndrome patients who present with symptomatic colonic polyps.METHODS The charts of all juvenile polyposis syndrome patients who had had at least one colonic operation since 1953 in our institution were reviewed. The following data were abstracted: demographics, the number and site of the polyps, symptoms, the intervals and types of the colonic operation, follow-up, and the patients current status.RESULTS There were 13 patients (6 males) with a median age of 10 years (range, 1–50 years) at the time of diagnosis. Patients had colonic (n = 13), rectal (n = 12), and gastric (n = 6) polyps. Rectal bleeding (n = 11) was the most common presenting symptom. Three patients underwent proctectomy as the initial operation. Although a rectum-preserving operation was initially performed in ten patients, a subsequent proctectomy was required in five of them within a median of 9 years (range, 6–34 years). Therefore, eight patients had their rectum removed during the study period; five had an ileal pouch–anal anastomosis, one had a Koch pouch as a restorative surgery, and two had an end ileostomy. No relation was observed between the number of colonic and rectal polyps and the type of surgery or the need for proctectomy. Patients were followed up a median of 3 years (range, 2–24 years) after their ultimate operations. During this period, one patient (20 percent) who underwent restorative proctectomy and 4 patients (80 percent) whose rectums were preserved required multiple endoscopic polypectomies for recurrent polyps in the pouch (first patient) or their rectums (the other four patients). The patient who underwent the Koch procedure required surgery for recurrent polyps in her pouch.CONCLUSIONS One-half of the patients who initially underwent rectal preservation required subsequent proctectomy. The number of colonic or rectal polyps does not influence the choice of the surgical procedure. Both restorative proctocolectomy and subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis need endoscopic follow-up because of the high recurrence rates of juvenile polyps in the remnant rectum or pouch.     

Predicting polyposis severity by proctoscopy: how reliable is it?

PURPOSE: Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis need prophylactic colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis or restorative proctocolectomy. Preoperative rectal polyp counts have been used as one factor to determine which operation should be done, triaging patients according to risk of rectal cancer or completion proctectomy after ileorectal anastomosis. This study was designed to examine the reliability of preoperative proctoscopy in predicting familial adenomatous polyposis severity and outcome after ileorectal anastomosis. METHODS: Familial adenomatous polyposis patients were categorized according to preoperative proctoscopy as follows: Group 1, 5 or fewer adenomas; Group 2, 6 to 19 adenomas; Group 3, 20 or more adenomas. Familial adenomatous polyposis severity was defined as mild if there were < 1,000 polyps in the colon at colectomy and severe if there were > 1,000 polyps. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients were reviewed, 80 in Group 1, 59 in Group 2, and 74 in Group 3. There was no difference among the groups in mean age at presentation. Patients with fewer than five rectal adenomas were predominately females. They rarely had symptoms (22.8 percent), had mostly mild polyposis (86.5 percent), and in 74 of 80 cases underwent ileorectal anastomosis. Only six underwent restorative proctocolectomy. Of those having an ileorectal anastomosis, five needed later proctectomy, none for cancer. Patients with 6 to 19 rectal polyps were a similar group to those with 5 or fewer. Most were asymptomatic (67.8 percent), most had mild polyposis (81.6 percent), and 54 of 59 underwent ileorectal anastomosis (5 had restorative proctocolectomy). Only 3 of the 54 having ileorectal anastomosis needed subsequent proctectomy, 2 for rectal cancer. The patients with 20 or more rectal polyps were different. They usually presented with symptoms (86 percent), the majority (56.6 percent) had severe polyposis, and only 50 percent (37/74) underwent ileorectal anastomosis, the other half having restorative proctocolectomy. Of the 37 patients with an ileorectal anastomosis, 13 needed later proctectomy (35.1 percent), 4 for cancer (10.8 percent). CONCLUSION: Fewer than five rectal adenomas at presentation almost always predicts mild disease, and patients do well after ileorectal anastomosis. Twenty or more adenomas usually means severe disease. Patients with 6 to 19 adenomas are often mildly affected, but their phenotype is less benign than that of patients with fewer than five polyps. Although not foolproof, proctoscopy is a useful test in triaging patients with familial adenomatous polyposis according to disease severity.     

Predicting polyposis severity by proctoscopy

PURPOSE: Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis need prophylactic colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis or restorative proctocolectomy. Preoperative rectal polyp counts have been used as one factor to determine which operation should be done, triaging patients according to risk of rectal cancer or completion proctectomy after ileorectal anastomosis. This study was designed to examine the reliability of preoperative proctoscopy in predicting familial adenomatous polyposis severity and outcome after ileorectal anastomosis. METHODS: Familial adenomatous polyposis patients were categorized according to preoperative proctoscopy as follows: Group 1, 5 or fewer adenomas; Group 2, 6 to 19 adenomas; Group 3, 20 or more adenomas. Familial adenomatous polyposis severity was defined as mild if there were <1,000 polyps in the colon at colectomy and severe if there were >1,000 polyps. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients were reviewed, 80 in Group 1, 59 in Group 2, and 74 in Group 3. There was no difference among the groups in mean age at presentation. Patients with fewer than five rectal adenomas were predominately females. They rarely had symptoms (22.8 percent), had mostly mild polyposis (86.5 percent), and in 74 of 80 cases underwent ileorectal anastomosis. Only six underwent restorative proctocolectomy. Of those having an ileorectal anastomosis, five needed later proctectomy, none for cancer. Patients with 6 to 19 rectal polyps were a similar group to those with 5 or fewer. Most were asymptomatic (67.8 percent), most had mild polyposis (81.6 percent), and 54 of 59 underwent ileorectal anastomosis (5 had restorative proctocolectomy). Only 3 of the 54 having ileorectal anastomosis needed subsequent proctectomy, 2 for rectal cancer. The patients with 20 or more rectal polyps were different. They usually presented with symptoms (86 percent), the majority (56.6 percent) had severe polyposis, and only 50 percent (37/74) underwent ileorectal anastomosis, the other half having restorative proctocolectomy. Of the 37 patients with an ileorectal anastomosis, 13 needed later proctectomy (35.1 percent), 4 for cancer (10.8 percent). CONCLUSION: Fewer than five rectal adenomas at presentation almost always predicts mild disease, and patients do well after ileorectal anastomosis. Twenty or more adenomas usually means severe disease. Patients with 6 to 19 adenomas are often mildly affected, but their phenotype is less benign than that of patients with fewer than five polyps. Although not foolproof, proctoscopy is a useful test in triaging patients with familial adenomatous polyposis according to disease severity.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Boston, Massachusetts, June 24 to 29, 2000.     

Long-term survival after treatment of malignant colonic polyps

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the long-term outcome and survival of patients treated for malignant colonic polyps. METHODS: A retrospective review of 15,975 cases of colonoscopies with 8,685 endoscopic polypectomies performed between 1972 and 1990 was undertaken. In 65 patients, the polypectomy specimens contained invasive carcinoma. Six patients were excluded (follow-up, <6 months). Polyp data, operative findings, and follow-up on the remaining 59 patients were recorded. RESULTS: Malignant polyps were found in 35 males and 24 females who had an average age of 64 (range, 39–81) years. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 202 (mean, 90) months. Tumor differentiation was poor in one and well or moderately differentiated in 58 patients. Positive or indeterminate margins were found in 13 patients. Thirty-seven (63 percent) patients were managed with polypectomy and surveillance. Four of these (with rectal tumors) also had an additional local excision for questionable margins. One recurrence was noted in a patient who refused surgery, which was recommended because of indeterminate margins. Twenty-two patients (37 percent) underwent colectomy. Indications included Haggitt Level 3 or 4 invasion (19), inadequate margins (7), patient preference (1), and poor differentiation (1). Residual disease was found in colectomy specimens of three patients (14 percent). There were no cancer-related deaths in either treatment group. Life table analysis demonstrated a five-year survival of 82 percent for the colectomy group and 95 percent for the polypectomy group (P=0.15). CONCLUSION: Treatment of patients with malignant polyps must be individualized based on evolving criteria. Patients in whom polypectomy margins are inadequate should undergo colectomy. With appropriate selection criteria, patients selected for colectomy had a five-year survival rate similar to the rate of those treated by polypectomy alone.     

Rectal Cap Polyposis Masquerading as Ulcerative Colitis with Pseudopolyposis and Presenting as Chronic Anemia: A Case Study with Review of Literature

Cap polyposis (CP) is an under recognized form of non-neoplastic colonic polyps, characterised by the presence of inflammatory polyps with a distinct “cap” of granulation tissue. CP is often seen masquerading as chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The most common symptoms are mucoid diarrhoea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, and tenesmus. In this case report, we present a patient who was diagnosed with CP during the investigation of unexplained chronic long standing anemia secondary to intermittent rectal bleeding. CP, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with intermittent rectal bleeding and mucoid diarrhoea.     

Short- and long-term results of colonoscopic polypectomy in children

Eighty-four colorectal polyps of up to 3.3 cm in diameter were removed with the diathermy snare during 48 colonoscopies on 42 children, aged 2 to 18 years (mean, 7.4 years). Most polyps were juvenile and the majority were located in the sigmoid colon (55%) or rectum (37%). No complications related to medication, colonoscopy, or snare polypectomy were observed. The two presenting symptoms, rectal bleeding and anemia, disappeared soon after polypectomy in all but one patient with adenomatous polyposis coli, subsequently operated upon. Follow-up examinations, including total colonoscopy, performed 4 months to 7 years (mean, 25 months) later did not reveal abnormalities in any of the 37 children whose previously removed polyps were juvenile. The authors conclude that endoscopic snare polypectomy is an effective and safe treatment for colorectal polyps in the pediatric age group.     

Spontaneous resolution of rectal polyps in patients with familial polyposis following abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis

One hundred sixteen patients were reviewed after abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) for familial polyposis to determine the rate of postoperative spontaneous regression of rectal polyps. The failure of the IRA procedure was correlated with the preoperative number of rectal polyps and the degree of rectal polyp regression. Spontaneous resolution of rectal polyps occurred in 64 percent of the patients (complete 38 percent, partial 26 percent). In those patients initially having complete resolution, 55 percent redeveloped polyps during follow-up. With a mean follow-up of 9.3 years, seven patients have developed rectal cancer. Rectal cancer development was more common in those patients who had innumerable rectal polyps prior to IRA. Initial polyp regression did not preclude later development of rectal cancer. There were 11 deaths during the follow-up period, but only one of these was from rectal cancer. Abdominal colectomy and IRA is an effective treatment for familial polyposis. Spontaneous regression of polyps occurred in 64 percent of patients, but continuous and complete follow-up is necessary to fulgurate recurrent polyps and to screen for the development of cancer.     

The potential and limitations of laser photoablation of colorectal adenomas.

Ablation of colorectal adenomas by Nd:YAG laser energy was investigated in 271 patients. Two hundred and forty-one patients, selected because of poor surgical and medical condition or refusal of surgery, presented with incompletely removed polyps or with lesions unsuitable for endoscopic polypectomy. Thirty patients with polyposis coli were treated for rectal stump polyps after subtotal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis. Because of insufficient follow-up (28) or malignant degeneration (23), full evaluation was possible in 196 colon adenoma and 24 polyposis patients. Complete ablation with histologic confirmation for at least 12 weeks was achieved in 150 (82%) of the 183 colon adenomas. This declined to 141 (77%) because of later recurrences in prolonged follow-up. Treatment of large adenomas was less successful than that of intermediate and small lesions: ultimate ablation in 56, 85, and 93%, respectively. Impressive was the immediate relief in 100 symptomatic elderly patients, who were bothered by frequent diarrhea, excessive mucous discharge, and incontinence. All patients survived despite major complications (7%) that mainly consisted of stenosis and hemorrhage. Rectal stump polyps were eliminated in 20 patients with polyposis coli. The remaining four had an uneventful ileoanal anastomosis for ultimately uncontrollable growth of polyps. Malignancy was discovered in 22 adenoma patients and in 1 polyposis patient. We recommend laser ablation of colorectal adenomas for small and medium-sized polyps, that cannot be removed by endoscopic polypectomy in inoperable patients or in patients refusing operation. Laser treatment for extensive adenomas seems only appropriate for symptomatic relief.     

The fate of patients following polypectomy alone for polyps containing invasive carcinoma

Eighty-two patients with colon and rectal polyps containing invasive adenocarcinoma treated by polypectomy alone were studied. Seven of 34 patients (21 percent) with sessile lesions had an adverse outcome, including five local recurrences and two distant metastases. They occurred from 4 to 68 months after the polypectomy. Forty-seven pedunculated polyps with invasion to the head (Level 1) or to the stalk (Level 3) and one polyp to the base of the stalk (Level 4) had no evidence of local recurrence or signs of metastasis. Twenty-eight percent of patients were found to have adenomatous polyps, and 4 percent had malignant polyps during the follow-up examinations (range, 3–119 months; mean, 53 months). The findings suggested that pedunculated polyps with invasion to the head (Level 1), neck (Level 2), or stalk (Level 3) can be safely treated with a complete polypectomy provided that the carcinoma is not undifferentiated. Sessile lesions as well as Level 4 pedunculated lesions should be treated aggressively. If resection is not performed, a long-term follow-up in these patients is essential.Read in part at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, St. Louis, Missouri, April 29 to May 4, 1990.     

Is Endoscopic Polypectomy an Adequate Therapy for Malignant Colorectal Adenomas? Presentation of 114 Patients and Review of the Literature

PURPOSE This study was designed to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic polypectomy of malignant polyps with and without subsequent surgery based on histologic criteria.METHODS Consecutive patients with invasive carcinoma in colorectal polyps endoscopically removed between 1985 and 1996 were retrospectively studied. Patients with complete resection, grading G1 or G2, and absence of vascular invasion were classified as low risk. The other patients were classified high risk. Available literature was reviewed by applying similar classification criteria.RESULTS A total of 114 patients (59 males; median age, 70 (range, 20–92) years) were included. Median polyp size was 2.5 (0.4–10) cm. After polypectomy, of 54 patients with low-risk malignant polyps, 13 died of unrelated causes after a median of 76 months, 5 had no residual tumor at surgery, and 33 were alive and well during a median follow-up of 69 (range, 9–169) months. Of 60 patients with high-risk malignant polyps, 52 had surgery (residual carcinoma 27 percent). Five of eight patients not operated had an uneventful follow-up of median 57 (range, 47-129) months. Patients in the high-risk group were significantly more likely to have an adverse outcome than those in the low-risk group (P < 0.0001). Review of 20 studies including 1,220 patients with malignant polyps revealed no patient with low-risk criteria with an adverse outcome.CONCLUSIONS For patients with low-risk malignant polyps, endoscopic polypectomy alone seems to be adequate. In high-risk patients, the risk of adverse outcome should be weighed against the risk of surgery.     

Long-term results of transanal endoscopic microsurgery after endoscopic polypectomy of malignant rectal adenoma

Background

There is no consensus on the treatment and prognosis of malignant rectal polyps. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) after endoscopic complete polypectomy of malignant rectal adenomas with long-term follow-up.

Methods

Of 105 patients with pT1 rectal carcinoma in 32 patients TEM followed complete endoscopic polypectomy while 73 had primary TEM. Local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis, overall and cancer-specific survival were determined by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Median follow-up was 9.1 years. In 32 patients with TEM following complete polypectomy no residual cancer was found. LR occurred in 3/28 (11%) patients with low-risk carcinoma (pT1 G1/2/X, L0/X, R0) and in 1/4 (25%) with high-risk carcinoma (pT1 G3/4 or L1). After primary TEM with complete resection (minimal distance >1 mm) LR occurred in 6/60 (10%) with low-risk carcinoma. After incomplete TEM resection (minimal distance ≤1 mm) LR occurred in 3/8 (38%) patients with low-risk and in 1/5 (20%) patients with high-risk carcinoma. Grading was the only significant risk factor for LR after endoscopic polypectomy followed by TEM (p = 0.002). At all outcomes did not differ between postpolypectomy TEM and primary TEM.

Conclusions

Patients with malignant rectal polyps removed by endoscopic polypectomy have a substantial risk of LR even if TEM of polyp site is cancer free. Risk of LR depends on tumor characteristics. In low-risk carcinoma long-term follow-up is necessary. The high LR rate in patients with high-risk rectal carcinoma restricts the use of TEM alone.

     

Cap polyposis refractory to Helicobacter pylori eradication treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection

Cap polyposis is a rare intestinal disorder. Characteristic endoscopic findings are multiple inflammatory polypoid lesions covered by caps of fibrous purulent exudate. Although a specific treatment has not been established, some studies have suggested that eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is effective. We report a case of a 20-year-old man with cap polyposis presenting with hematochezia. Colonoscopy showed the erythematous polyps with white caps from the sigmoid colon to rectum. Histopathological findings revealed elongated, tortuous, branched crypts lined by hyperplastic epithelium with a mild degree of fibromusculosis in the lamina propria. Although H. pylori eradication was instituted, there was no improvement over six months. We then performed en bloc excision of the polyps by endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD), which resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. ESD may be a treatment option for cap polyposis refractory to conservative treatments. We review the literature concerning treatment for cap polyposis and clinical outcomes.     

Clinical Features of Ileal Pouch Polyps in Patients with Underlying Ulcerative Colitis

Purpose Polypoid lesions rarely occur in the ileal pouch in ulcerative colitis patients after restorative proctocolectomy. Clinical features, malignant potential, and management of pouch polyps have not been characterized. Methods We identified 23 ulcerative colitis patients with large polyps (size≥1 cm) of the ileal pouch from our 2,512-case ulcerative colitis pouch database. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and histologic data were reviewed. The Pouchitis Disease Activity Index symptom score (range, 0–6) was used to quantify patients’ symptoms before and after polypectomy. Results Of the 23 patients, 95.7 percent (22 patients) had pouch endoscopy indicated for the evaluation of symptoms when polyps were detected, and 60.9 percent of patients had the polyps in the pouch, 26.1 percent in the anal transitional zone, and 21.7 percent in the afferent limb. The mean size of pouch polyps was 1.9 cm ± 1 cm. Twenty-one patients (91.3 percent) had concomitant pouchitis, cuffitis, or Crohn’s disease. On histology, 21 patients (91.3 percent) had inflammatory-type polyps, and 2 (8.7 percent) had dysplastic or malignant polyps. In 18 patients who had endoscopic polypectomy with concurrent medical therapy, the prepolypectomy and postpolypectomy mean symptom scores were 3.4 ± 1.7 and 1.1 ± 1.2 points, respectively (P = 0.015). Two patients (8.7 percent) had pouch excision for malignancy or for concomitant chronic refractory pouchitis. Conclusions The majority of patients with large ileal pouch polyps were symptomatic. These polyps were typically detected on the background of pouchitis, cuffitis, or Crohn’s disease. Although the majority of polyps were inflammatory type, polyps in two patients were dysplastic or malignant. Endoscopic polypectomy with concomitant medical therapy seemed to improve patients’ symptom scores. Supported in part by a NIH grant R03 DK 067275 and an American College of Gastroenterology Clinical Research Award (to B.S.). Poster presentation at meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, Honolulu, Hawaii, October 30 to November 2, 2005. Reprints are not available.     

Management of the Difficult Colon Polyp Referred for Resection: Resect or Rescope?

Purpose Patients are frequently referred for resection of difficult colon polyps. Before colectomy the experienced surgeon has the option of repeating the colonoscopy to assess the polyp, tattoo the site, and potentially remove the polyp. The purpose of this study was to review our results with this approach. Methods All new patients referred during a five-year period to an 11-physician colon and rectal surgical group with the diagnosis of colon polyp (CPT 211.3) that was not previously removed were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with rectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, previous cancer, or familial adenomatous polyposis were excluded. Patient demographics, details of the polyps, success of polypectomy, reasons for surgical resection, pathology, and complications were analyzed. Results The study population consisted of 252 patients with a mean age of 65 years. Eighty patients underwent resection upon referral without a repeat colonoscopy. Upon resection, invasive cancers were found in 13 cases. A total of 172 patients underwent at least one repeat colonoscopy by the colorectal surgeon. Of this group, 101 patients had successful polypectomy, thus avoiding major colectomy. The remaining 71 patients had a subsequent colon resection after at least one repeat colonoscopy. In 26 cases the polyp site was tattooed for later localization. There were nine postpolypectomy hemorrhages treated nonoperatively and two perforations. Conclusions Repeat colonoscopy by an experienced surgeon leads to complete removal and avoidance of major colectomy in 58 percent of these cases. Patients with large difficult polyps referred for resection should be considered for repeat colonoscopy before surgery. Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, St. Louis, Missouri, June 2 to 6, 2007. Reprints are not available.     

Colorectal cancer in familial adenomatous polyposis

PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine the relationship among surgical treatment, colorectal cancer, and outcome in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). METHODS: Records of 115 patients with FAP who underwent surgery at The Mount Sinai Medical Center between 1947 and 1994 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients without cancer were compared with those with colorectal cancer at initial surgery and with patients who developed rectal cancer following colectomy. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (27 percent) had colorectal cancer at the time of initial surgery (colon=24; rectal=7). Another 11 patients (26 percent) developed rectal cancer after colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA). Mean age of patients with colorectal cancer at initial surgery was significantly higher than those without cancer (P <0.01). Patients who developed rectal cancer after IRA were significantly older than patients with colorectal cancer at initial surgery (P <0.01). All patients with rectal cancer after IRA had advanced disease with either nodal or distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancer remains a major problem in the treatment of patients with FAP. Nearly one-fourth of these patients have colorectal cancer at initial operation, and one-fourth of patients with IRA develop rectal cancer after a mean follow-up of 13 years. Patients with rectal cancer following IRA are more likely to have advanced tumors than patients with colorectal cancer at initial operation. The high incidence and late stage of rectal cancer detected while under surveillance after IRA supports excision of the entire colorectal mucosa as the treatment of choice for most patients with FAP.     

Colorectal schistosomiasis

The role of colonoscopic polypectomy for schistosomal polyps was studied. The results showed that, in spite of the large number of polyps, a total of 404 polyps were removed from 20 patients. The procedure is feasible with minimal complications. A marked reduction of rectal bleeding occurred in half the patients, and the remaining half had minimal symptoms. Colonoscopic polypectomy gives equal results to colonic excision for schistosomal polyps.     

Long-term observation of patients with gastric polyps

104 Patients with gastric polyps and 8 patients with gastric polyposis were controlled between 1 and 7 years after polypectomy. In about 20% of the cases recidivations of polyps were found. Patients with primarily multiple polyps had more frequently recidivations than patients with solitary polyps. The recidivation polyps are in most cases small and histologically above all hyperplastic. In 4 cases a carcinoma of the stomach developed after 1-4 years. In patients with polyposis of the stomach no development of the carcinoma was observed. Patients with polyps of the stomach and polyposis of the stomach should annually be examined endoscopically.     

Local excision with transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) after endoscopic R1/R2-polypectomy of pT1 "low-risk" carcinomas of the rectum

The transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is an adequate method for the local full-thickness excision of large rectum polyps and pT1 "low-risk" rectal carcinomas. We studied prospectively the relevance of this surgical technique concerning complete tumour excision after R1/R2-polypectomy of malignant rectal polyps. 16 patients with pT1 "low-risk" rectal carcinoma and macroscopic (R2) or microscopic (R1) incomplete endoscopic polypectomy were locally resected by TEM. In 12 patients (75 %) no residual tumour was found. In the remaining four cases (25 %), one adenoma with high-grade atypia, two pT1 "low-risk" carcinomas and one tumour infiltration in the mesorectal fat were diagnosed. The patient with the mesorectal infiltration was immediately operated on with radical resection. No further tumour cells were found in this specimen. The median follow-up was 21 months. One patient with a pT1 "low-risk" carcinoma developed a local recurrence and a single hepatic metastasis in the left liver lobe after TEM. Both were completely resected. Currently, all patients are living without evidence of tumour recurrence. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a suitable method for the treatment of pT1 "low-risk" rectal carcinomas after incomplete endoscopic polypectomy. In cases of a "high-risk" tumour or deeper tumour infiltration (pT> 1) after TEM radical resection must be carried out.