Angiodysplasia of the colon. Experience of 26 cases.

26 patients referred for colonoscopy with unexplained anaemia or blood loss per rectum were found to have angiodysplasia located in the caecum and/or ascending colon. All patients had undergone previous extensive investigation. After endoscopic photography of the lesions coagulation and biopsy were carried out in 23 patients. In 3 patients the extent of the lesion demanded surgical management, and right hemicolectomy was carried out without prior coagulation biopsy, 3 other patients underwent surgery at a later date-2 for further bleeding and 1 for complications of coagulation biopsy. Colonoscopy with photography and coagulation biopsy proved a safe and effective approach to the management of angiodysplasia in the majority of patients. It provided successful treatment and confirmation of the diagnosis without resort to major surgery, which in elderly patients is associated with high morbidity and mortality.