AIM: To examine the risk of colorectal neoplasm in acromegalic patients by meta-analyzing all relevant controlled studies.METHODS: Extensive English language medical literature searches for human studies, up to December 2007, were performed using suitable keywords. Pooled estimates [odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)] were obtained using either the fixed or random-effects model as appropriate. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated with the Cochran Q test whereas the likelihood of publication bias was assessed by constructing funnel plots. Their symmetry was estimated by the adjusted rank correlation test.RESULTS: For hyperplastic polyps the pooled ORs with 95% CI were 3.557(2.587-4.891) by fixed effects model and 3.703(2.565-5.347) by random effects model. The Z test values for overall effect were 7.81 and 6.984, respectively (P