Spectrum of upper GI disease in rural Kerala-Upper GI endoscopy assisted clinical study

Abstract

Introduction: Upper gastrointestinal tract disorders are one of the most commonly encountered problems in clinical practice. The definitive diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal disorders rest on endoscopic evaluation and biopsy if required for planning proper treatment. Objectives: To determine the spectrum of disease in upper gastrointestinal tract. To establish endoscopy as an effective tool in the proper diagnosis of various upper gastrointestinal tract disorders. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted among patients who presented with upper gastrointestinal symptoms at Dr. S.M.C.S.I. Medical College, Karakonam, Trivandrum from November 2009 to July 2012. Results : Out of the 378 cases, 246 cases (65.1%) had normal finding and 132 cases (34.9%) had abnormal findings. Among the 132 abnormal finding 85 cases had oesophageal, 50 cases had gastric and 11 had duodenal pathologies. Among these cases, 14 cases had both oesophageal and gastric diseases. Conclusion : In our study, the commonest pathology in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms was esophageal followed by gastric and duodenal diseases. We therefore conclude that upper GI endoscopic evaluation is a must in all patients who present with upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms.