Frequency of Colorectal Polyps in Patiens Younger vs. Older Than Fifty Years: Analysis of 4718 Colonoscopies Through Data Mining

INTRODUCTION: . There are different recommendations regarding the age at which colorectal cancer screening should begin using video colonoscopy (VC) in individuals under 50 years of age. Aim. To analyze the frequency of colorectal polyps in patients of any age, using data mining (DM) from a VC registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: . A prospective colonoscopies registry (January 2015-December 2019) was analyzed. Cases with at least one polyp were retrieved using DM, along with the characteristics of each case and polyp, and were compared according to age. RESULTS: . A total of 4,781 colonoscopies were retrieved from patients: 13.1% in those < 40 years old, 5.8% in those 4044, 8.1% in 45-49, and 71.7% in those ≥ 50; 62.1% were female, and 62.2% were diagnostic VC. At least one polyp was identified in 15.6% of patients < 40 years old, 19.4% in those 40-44, 21.6% in those 45-49, and 34.6% in those ≥ 50 (p < 0.001). Of these, sessile serrated polyps were found in 8.2%, 5.6%, 8.4%, and 7.7%, and adenomatous polyps in 30.6%, 27.8%, 44.6%, and 49.5%, respectively. The risk of having at least one polyp increased significantly with age: 45-49 (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.06-2.05; p = 0.02), and ≥50 (OR 2.81; 95% CI 2.24-3.56; p < 0.001). A minimum age of 47 years was estimated for polyps screening, and 48 years for sessile or adenomatous serrated polyps (sensitivity > 85%). CONCLUSION: . The results of this study demonstrate a significant increase in colorectal polyps even in individuals < 50 years of age. It is necessary to evaluate colorectal cancer screening using VC at an earlier age.