Introduction: Lower gastro-intestinal bleeding refers to blood loss of recent onset originating from a site distal 
to the ligament of Treitz. It may manifest as haematochezia (passage of maroon or bright red blood or blood 
clots per rectum). Information is scanty on the subject in Nigerians. 
Aims and Objectives: To determine the colonoscopic findings in Nigerians with lower gastro-intestinal 
bleeding in Ilorin.
Methodology: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study carried out at the Endoscopy suite of Crescent 
hospital, Ilorin from January 2010 to April, 2013. The endoscopy register was reviewed, and the biodata, 
indications and colonoscopic findings were recorded on a proforma.
Results: A total of 174 patients had colonoscopy carried out on them. Out of these, seventy eight had lower 
gastro-intestinal bleeding comprising 52 (66.7%) males and 26(33.3%) females. Their age ranged from 4 to 90 
years with a mean of 53.3+/-19.9 years. The colonoscopic findings were haemorrhoids 28(35.9%); 
diverticulosis 20(25.6%); rectal cancer 13(16.7%); colonic polyps 12(15.4%); angiodysplasia 9(11.5%); proctitis 
4(5.1%); rectal polyps 4(5.1%); anal warts 3(3.8%); anal cancer 2(2.6%); colitis 2 (2.6%); colon cancer 1(1.3%); 
normal findings 4 (5.1%). 
Conclusions: Haemorrhoids, diverticulosis, colo-rectal cancer, and polyps in decreasing order are the 
commonest findings in Nigerians with lower gastro-intestinal bleeding.