Colorectal Biopsies and Surgical Resection Specimens: A Two-Year Audit at a Public Sector Hospital in Lahore

Abstract

Background: The colorectum hosts a multitude of pathologies, ranging from non-neoplastic to neoplastic lesions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the histopathological spectrum seen in colorectal biopsies and surgical resection specimens, taking into account their clinical presentation and colonoscopic findings.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore. Patients of all ages and both genders were included in the study. All the colorectal biopsies and resection specimens presenting to the department from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, were included in the study. Data collection included demographic profile of the patients, signs and symptoms, colonoscopic findings, type of surgery done and histopathological report of the specimen. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis.
Results: This study comprised 223 colorectal specimens in total. Patients varied in age from 03 years to 90 years. The commonest specimen was an endoscopic colorectal biopsy (n = 172, 77.1%). The commonest clinical presentation was chronic diarrhea (n = 128, 57.41%). The most common colonoscopic finding was an altered vascular pattern (n = 130, 58.29%). On histopathology, 40 cases (17.93%) were neoplastic, and 183 cases (82.06%) were non-neoplastic. The commonest histopathological finding was chronic nonspecific colitis (n = 98, 53.6%). The commonest malignancy was colorectal adenocarcinoma (n = 22, 55%).
Conclusion: An early colonoscopy followed by endoscopic biopsy/surgical resection is recommended in all colorectal lesions to differentiate between benign and malignant causes, detect high-grade dysplasia and incidental findings.