Colonoscopic polypectomy in children

Abstract

Objective: Juvenile polyps are common in children and present with bleeding per rectum. The aim of present study was to evaluate the role of endoscopic polypectomy by snare and diathermy technique on outdoor basis. Design: A prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital / Hayatabad Medical Complex from 1992 to 1999. Subjects and Methods: Children presenting with fresh bleeding per rectum with normal stool were included in this study. They underwent colonoscopy on outdoor basis after 72 hours' preparation. Polypectomies were performed by polypectomy snare on coagulation mode with a voltage of 2.5 MV. Results: The maximum number of children were between 9-15 years with a male dominance. Polyp size ranged from 1-4 cm. All polyps were recovered successfully and most of them were hamartomatous lesions (85.50%). No major complications were seen. Conclusion: Colonoscopic polypectomy is effective and safe in children and can be done on outpatient basis.