Postcolectomy Regression of Adenomatous Polyps of the Rectum

The purpose of this paper is to record two examples of spontaneous regression of adenomatous polyps of the rectum following total colectomy and ileoproctostomy and to present the results of cytological and cytochemical studies performed on the regressing adenomas. In 1957, Hubbard1reported a similar experience in a patient with familial polyposis. It seems likely that additional examples of this biological phenomenon will be observed in the future. The added information which can be expected through careful study of these patients will not only modify in some instances the surgical management of patients afflicted with diffuse polyposis but can be expected to add greatly to our understanding of the biogenesis of these lesions. Report of Cases Case 1.—Present Illness. —The patient was a 17-year-old male Negro admitted to the hospital March 6, 1957, with the chief complaint of bloody diarrhea of two months' duration associated with mild cramping