Indications and outcome of colonoscopy in the middle of Nile delta of Egypt.

Background: In Egypt, few data are available on the outcome of colonoscopy. Epidemiologic studies have shown that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) tends to increase. Endoscopists have reported an increasing incidence of IBD and colorectal cancer (CRC). This may be explained by an increasing index of suspicion and the availability of endoscopy. Population-based studies are lacking.

Aim: The aim of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the patient characteristics and final diagnosis in patients subjected to colonoscopy in Tanta University Hospital and affiliated hospitals at the middle of Nile delta of Egypt, which is one of the most densely populated regions in the country.

Methods: This study was done at the endoscopy units of Tanta University Hospital and affiliated hospitals (all units of colonoscopy at Gharbia governorate) from June 2008 to June 2009. A total of 864 patients presented with different indications for colonoscopy. All findings were recorded, analyzed, and discussed.

Results: Colonoscopy revealed a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) in 22%, hemorrhoids in 18%, CRC in 15%, benign colorectal polyps in 9%, Crohn's disease (CD) in 3%, diverticulosis in 2%, and anal fissures in 2% of patients. No organic colonic disease was found in 28% of patients. Complications occurred in less than 1% of the cases.

Conclusion: In Egyptian patients subjected to colonoscopy, the most frequent diagnoses were UC, followed by hemorrhoids, CRC, benign polyps, and CD. This may represent an increasing incidence of UC and CRC. Colonoscopy was safe and few complications were recorded. Prospective population-based studies are needed in order to measure the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors of various diseases of the colon in Egypt.