Diagnostic Yield of Colonoscopy in Patients Presenting with Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) poses a significant challenge in clinical practice due to its diverse etiologies and potential for serious morbidity and mortality. Colonoscopy is the preferred, valuable diagnostic tool for identifying the underlying cause of LGIB. This study aimed to evaluate colonoscopic findings in patients presenting with LGIB at a tertiary care hospital in Baghdad. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective descriptive study reviewed records of patients, who underwent colonoscopy for LGIB, at the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital in Baghdad Governorate between January 1 and July 31, 2023. The analysis included age, sex, and endoscopic findings. Results: A total of 228 patients were included, with 124 (54.4%) males and 104 (45.6%) females. The mean age was 39.23 ± 20.57 years. A colonoscopy revealed a diagnostic yield of 68.0%. LGIB was more prevalent among individuals aged 40 years and younger (53.5%). The most common colonoscopic finding was hemorrhoids (20.2%), followed by polyps (13.1%), colitis (9.2%), ulcerative colitis (8.3%), and colorectal cancer (7.9%). Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of colonoscopy in evaluating LGIB. Larger, multicenter studies are recommended to validate these findings and guide clinical practice in LGIB management.