LOWER GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT BLEEDING IN ILORIN, NIGERIA

AB, Olokoba; MO, Bojuwoye; OA, Obateru

doi:10.21608/ejsur.2013.366722

LOWER GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT BLEEDING IN ILORIN, NIGERIA

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

² Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Nigeria.

10.21608/ejsur.2013.366722

Abstract

Introduction: Lower gastro-intestinal bleeding refers to blood loss of recent onset originating from a site distal
to the ligament of Treitz. It may manifest as haematochezia (passage of maroon or bright red blood or blood
clots per rectum). Information is scanty on the subject in Nigerians.
Aims and Objectives: To determine the colonoscopic findings in Nigerians with lower gastro-intestinal
bleeding in Ilorin.
Methodology: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out at the Endoscopy suite of Crescent
hospital, Ilorin from January 2010 to April, 2013. The endoscopy register was reviewed, and the biodata,
indications and colonoscopic findings were recorded on a proforma.
Results: A total of 174 patients had colonoscopy carried out on them. Out of these, seventy eight had lower
gastro-intestinal bleeding comprising 52 (66.7%) males and 26(33.3%) females. Their age ranged from 4 to 90
years with a mean of 53.3+/-19.9 years. The colonoscopic findings were haemorrhoids 28(35.9%);
diverticulosis 20(25.6%); rectal cancer 13(16.7%); colonic polyps 12(15.4%); angiodysplasia 9(11.5%); proctitis
4(5.1%); rectal polyps 4(5.1%); anal warts 3(3.8%); anal cancer 2(2.6%); colitis 2 (2.6%); colon cancer 1(1.3%);
normal findings 4 (5.1%).
Conclusions: Haemorrhoids, diverticulosis, colo-rectal cancer, and polyps in decreasing order are the
commonest findings in Nigerians with lower gastro-intestinal bleeding.

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