Analysis of Endoscopic Findings among Gastrointestinal Patients in Gondar University Hospital

Abstract

Background: All upper gastrointestinal diseases are presumably prevalent in North Ethiopia. However, the exact nature and prevalence of these problems are not clearly identified. Until recently, patient assessment and treatment relied basically on assumptions and experience acquired from other parts of Ethiopia. .

Objective: To assess the distribution and prevalence of upper gastro-intestinal problems in the areas served by the Gondar

University teaching hospital.

Methods: A one year prospective study of 500 consecutive patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for upper gastrointestinal examination. The procedure was conducted by trained personnel using an Olympus model GIF-E 600 fiber-optic endoscope.

Results: The most prevalent finding is a non- ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) which accounted for 37.8% followed by active duodenal ulcer and pyloric stenosis or deformity with a feature of gastric outlet obstruction in 21.8% and 15.6% of the cases, respectively.

Esophageal varices accounted for 8.2%. There is no significant difference between male and female ulcer prevalence.

Esophageal carcinoma was detected in 3.0% and 1.84% of the patients had gastric cancer. The majority of the patients are below 35 years of age. The most common presenting symptom was found to be dyspepsia (48.8%). Only 15% presented a history of upper GI bleeding. Surgical treatment was indicated in 11% and Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy provided to 27.2% of the study cases.

Conclusions: This study has shown the pattern of upper GI pathologies prevalent in this part of the country. It is also noted that younger age groups are affected with both esophageal and gastric carcinoma in the study area. However, this is a hospital based study which may not reflect the actual prevalence in the community.