Pattern of colonic disease in lower gastrointestinal bleeding in Jordanian patients

PURPOSE: This study was developed to document causes of rectal bleeding of Jordanian patients and compare them with results from several parts of the world. METHODS: Diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy was used as a firstline investigation on 701 consecutive Jordanian patients presenting with rectal bleeding. When indicated, technetium 99m-labeled red blood counts or selective angiography were used also. RESULTS: Most common causes according to frequency were hemorrhoids, polyps, ulcerative colitis, amebic colitis, neoplasm, diverticulosis, anal fissure, Crohn's disease, and arteriovenous malformations. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study addressing this problem from this part of the world. Findings were different from many other results published in western and eastern studies in certain disease entities.