TREATMENT OF FAMILIAR ADENOMATOUS POLYPOSIS-COLI WITH SULINDAC

Background: The effect of sulindac, a nonsteroid antiinflammatory drug, has been reported to cause both regression and suppresion of colon polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and Gardner's syndrome. We report our experience with seven patients with diffuse colonic polyposis treated with sulindac. Patients and methods: Seven patients with familiar adenomatous polyposis, four men and three women (mean age, 30 years; range 16 to 41 years) were included in this study. Two patients that underwent prior colectoctomy with ileorectal anastomosis and had polyps in the rectum were also included. The polyps ranged in size from 0.2 to 2.5 cm; most of them were less than 1 cm, Sulindac was given 150 mg. twice a day. Further colonoscopic examination was done at 6-month intervals during follow-up in all patients. Results: A disappearance or a marked reduction in the number and size months of treatment with sulindac. The drug was well tolerated and no side effects were observed during treatment. Conclusion: The authors conclude that sulindac is effective in inducing the regression of rectal polyps in familial, adenomatous polyposis.