Endoscopy 2007; 39(7): 665-668
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-966643
Case report

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Spontaneous regression of rectal polyps following abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis, without sulindac treatment: Report of four cases

G.  M.  Filippakis1 , G.  Zografos1 , N.  Pararas1 , S.  Lanitis2 , D.  Georgiadou1 , M.  G.  Filippakis3
  • 1Surgical Department A, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
  • 2Second Surgical Dept. and Unit of Surgical Oncology, Red Cross General Hospital, Athens, Greece
  • 3General Surgery Department, Evgenidio Hospital, Athens, Greece
Further Information

Publication History

submitted 9 January 2007

accepted after revision 12 February 2007

Publication Date:
05 July 2007 (online)

The only curative treatment for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is prophylactic surgery and the two most popular options are total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Today, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has gained wider acceptance as a safer procedure, but ileorectal anastomosis still remains an option, especially for young patients with a moderate phenotype of the disease and limited polyps in the rectum. Partial or complete regression of rectal polyps after total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis and treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as sulindac is reported in up to 80 % of patients. However, in some cases such regression can be spontaneous and long-lasting following total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis, without further treatment with NSAIDs. We present the cases of four patients with FAP treated by colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis, who had immediate, complete spontaneous regression of multiple polyps in the rectal stump, with no further need for sulindac treatment.

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G. M. Filippakis, MD, PhD

Hippokration General Hospital
Propaedeutic Surgical Department A

115 Vass. Sofias Ave.
Abelokoipoi, P.C.: 11526
Athens
Greece

Fax: +30-210-7483770

Email: gfilipp@hotmail.com