Upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria: an Audit

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Accurate diagnosis of disease conditions using laboratory, imaging or endoscopic investigation is essential for appropriate treatment. There is paucity of data on upper GI endoscopy in Port-Harcourt. This audit of our early experience is intended to provide data on the pattern of endoscopy findings which is needed to improve the quality of patient care. The study aims to report the pattern of presentation as well as the endoscopic and pathologic findings of symptomatic upper gastro-intestinal disease conditions.

METHOD

All consecutive patients presenting to the endoscopy unit of a private hospital from February 2012to October 2013 were prospectively studied. The sociodemographic, indications, endoscopic findings and histopathologic report for biopsies were collated. Data was statistical analyzed using SPSS version 20.

RESULTS

There were 44 OGDs in 37 patients performed during the study period. Twenty-one were males and 16 females. A male: female ratio of 1.3:1 and age range from 5-86y ears (mean 46.4±18.5 years).The major indications were dyspepsia 23(52.3%) and dysphagia 8(18%).Non- ulcerative gastritis was the most common endoscopic finding seen in 16 (32%) cases and more than one pathologic condition was seen in 8(18%)cases.

CONCLUSION

Peptic ulcer is not the most common cause of dyspepsia. Gastritis and multiple non- ulcer pathologies in a patient are more common thus the need for thorough endoscopic investigation in symptomatic upper GI disease.