Colonoscopic and histopathological assessment of colorectal polyps among north Indian population

Background: Colonic polyps are the abnormal growths from the colonic mucosa, usually benign but there is a definite though a small risk for cancerous transformation. Scarce data about this condition is available from Northern India. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of colonic polyps in patients undergoing colonoscopy for various health indications. In addition, we studied the various characteristics of these polyps including the histological classification Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study we included adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent colonoscopy from July 2016 to June 2018 at a tertiary care hospital setting in New Delhi, India. The socio-demographic variables were ascertained for all patients. Data about indication of colonoscopy, the findings on colonoscopy, finding regarding the colonic polyps (type, number, size, location and histological type) was collected. Results: We found a total of 246 patients to have colonic polyps and total number of polyps found was 369.The median age of the patients was 56 years (IQR 44-68).  Majority of the patients with polyps (74.8%) were males. Polyps were most commonly seen in left colon (35.36%). Histologically, most common type was adenomatous polyps 58.9% (Tubular adenoma in 44% and tubule-villous adenoma in 8%). Hyperplastic polyps were noted in 22% followed by inflammatory polyps in 14% polyps. Adenocarcinoma was reported in 2 polyps (0.8%). Conclusions: Prevalence of colorectal polyps in our study is lower compared to most of the western countries. On histology majority of polyps were adenomatous.