Background: Hyperplastic polyposis (HP) is important to recognise as it increases the risk of adenomata which may develop dysplastic change or frank adenocarcinoma. We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with HP.
Case: Following a diagnosis of HP in this patient, it was noted that the number of polyps were progressively increasing over time, becoming pancolic and extending into the rectum. Genetic testing for a familial polypotic syndrome was negative. Histological analysis demonstrated that the majority of polyps were hyperplastic, but there were also serrated and tubular adenomata with foci of low-grade dysplasia. Whilst there was no evidence of frank malignancy or high-grade dysplasia, following a risk-benefit discussion the patient underwent a laparoscopic total colectomy with an ileal pouch formation.
Conclusion: This case highlights the complexity in the management of HP and that even in the absence of confirmed invasive disease, patients may elect to undergo prophylactic colonic resection.