Indications of Colonoscopy and Their Diagnostic Yield

Abstract

Aims: To look for common indications and gastrointestinal pathologies observed on colonoscopy and to assess its diagnostic yield with respect to different clinical indications. Study design: Observational cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: Department of Medicine, Rehman Medical Institute from 1st January 2018 to 31st March 2019 Methodology: Five hundred and seventy three patients referred for colonoscopy were included. The demographic profile, indication of colonoscopy and colonoscopy findings were noted. Results: There were 231 (40.3%) males and 342 (59.7%) females with mean age 42.32±17.51 years. Bleed per rectum was most common indication noted in 284 (49.6%) followed by altered bowel habits 125 (21.8%) cases. Two hundred and fifty two (44%) colonoscopies were normal. One hundred and seventy three (30.2%) revealed significant lesions and 148 (25.8%) lesions were insignificant. Internal hemorrhoids were observed in 130 (22.7%) followed by colitis in 54 (9.4%). Abnormal computerized tomography abdomen revealed significant lesions in 62.2% of patients. Chronic diarrhea followed by constipation, altered bowel habits and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) showed 34.5%, 25.7%, 17.6% and <10% significant lesions respectively. Conclusion: Rectal bleed was the most common indication followed by altered bowel habits. Most common colonoscopy findings were hemorrhoids followed by colitis and abnormal growth. Abnormal computerized tomography abdomen gave the best diagnostic yield for colonoscopy. Keywords: Colonoscopy, Indications, Diagnostic yield