The association between colonic diverticulosis and colorectal polyps in a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between colonic diverticulosis, colorectal polyps, and colorectal cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 648 patients (275 females, 373 males) who underwent complete colonoscopy between January 2016 and June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The presence and localization of diverticula, polyps, and cancer were recorded, and the association between diverticular disease and the formation of polyps and cancer was evaluated.

RESULTS

Diverticula were identified in 53 patients (8.2%), while 595 patients (91.8%) had no diverticula. Polyps were detected in 148 patients (22.8%), and no polyps were found in 500 patients (77.2%). Adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 67 patients (10.3%), with no malignancy observed in 581 patients (89.7%). The mean age of patients with polyps was 59.5 years, compared to 53.3 years in those without polyps (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that diverticulum status did not significantly influence the risk of polyp formation, whereas advanced age was identified as a significant risk factor (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Advanced age is a significant risk factor for colorectal polyp formation, whereas diverticulosis is not an independent risk factor. These findings highlight the importance of age-based screening strategies for colorectal neoplasia.