RESUMO
BACKGROUND/AIM: The authors aimed to determine the clinical value of colonoscopy by evaluating the frequency of colorectal neoplasm (CRN) detection in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) as compared with healthy controls and analysed the risk factors of advanced CRN in patients with EGC. METHODS: The medical records of 201 patients diagnosed as EGC and age- and gender-matched healthy controls were retrospectively reviewed. Frequencies and clinical features of colorectal polyps of patients and controls were compared. Risk factors of advanced CRN in patients with EGC were also analysed. RESULTS: Frequencies of CRN in patients and controls were 49.8 and 49.3% respectively (P = 0.90). They were more common in the right colon in patients (P < 0.05). Advanced CRN were found in 10.3% of patients and in 3% of controls (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that old age and smoking history were risk factors of an advanced CRN in patients with EGC. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of a coexisting advanced CRN was higher in EGC patients. The study shows colonoscopy plays an important role with respect to the detection of synchronous advanced CRN in patients with EGC.