Prevalence of polyps and diverticulosis of the large bowel in the Cretan population - An autopsy study

While a number of studies have been performed in the United States, norther n Europe, and some other countries on the epidemiology of large bowel polyp s and diverticulosis, information from southern Europe and especially Greec e is very limited. Our autopsy study sought to determine the prevalence of large bowel polyps and diverticulosis in the population on Crete. Specimens of colon and rectum were obtained during forensic postmortem autopsies and examined for the presence of polypoid lesions and diverticulosis. Data wer e collected from a total of 502 autopsies (320 men, 182 women; median age 6 5 years (range 16-93). Polyps were found in 106 cases (21.1%). These were a denomas in 73 cases (14.5%), hyperplastic polyps in 25 (4.9%), and mucosal tags in 8 (1.5%). Diverticulosis of the large bowel was found in 115 (22.9% ). The prevalence of adenomas and diverticulosis increased with advanced ag e. The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in Crete is slightly lower than that which has been reported in most other studies in economically develop ed countries. The prevalence of colorectal adenomas in Crete is one of the lowest rates reported in Europe and is compatible to the known low incidenc e of colorectal cancer in Crete.