Gastric epithelial polyps: a retrospective endoscopic study of 12974 symptomatic patients.

This is a retrospective endoscopic study on the incidence of gastric epithelial polyps (adenomas, hyperplastic, inflammatory) in 12,974 consecutive symptomatic Greek adults submitted to endoscopy during a 4-year period, in two endoscopy units. A total of 258 polyps were found in 157 patients (1.2%), 80 males and 77 females (age: 22-87 years); 67.5% of these patients were older than 60 years. Two hundred and two (202) polyps were totally removed. In 43 patients (27%), more than one polyp was found. Polyps were mainly hyperplastic (75.6%). Adenomas were found in 6.6%, and only in patients older than 50 years. Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps were equally distributed in males and females. A male predominance was observed in adenomas (2:1). Most of the polyps were in the antrum (43.8%) and were hyperplastic (75.2%). Of 501 previously operated patients (gastrectomy or gastrojejunostomy), 26 (5.2%) had polyps. No adenomas were seen in the anastomosis area. Most of the polyps (61.9%) were smaller than 0.5 cm; 13.3% were greater than 1 cm. No coincidence of polyps with gastric cancer was observed.