Gastrointestinal endoscopy findings in Guyanese: a review of 250 cases in Diamond

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The advent of flexible endoscopy has made possible to visualize the mucosa of the entire intestine. This service is not yet widely available in Guyana, with few reports concerning upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings on the population of this country. OBJECTIVE: To describe: endoscopic findings, clinical symptoms and any complications from endoscopic examinations. METHODS We reviewed the endoscopy records of two hundred and fifty patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the East Bank Demerara, Diamond Regional Hospital in Guyana. The patient’s demographics; symptoms, endoscopic diagnosis and any adverse outcome were documented. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 17. RESULTS: The mean age was
39.6 years for males and 41.2 for females. Most of the patients were in the 31-40 years age 1e group. The main symptoms at admission were epigastralgia (58.8 %), heartburn (22%) and regurgitations (16%), and endoscopic diagnoses were gastritis (100 %); hiatal hernia (64.4 %) and duodenum gastric reflux (38.4 %). Spicy food represents the most common predisposing factor, followed by alcohol consumption and smoking. No complications or mortality were reported during the study. CONCLUSION: The frequency of gastrointestinal endoscopy diagnoses in Guyana was not different from other countries. This study provides a new reference for future research and can inform objective recommendations for community-based interventions. Provision of endoscopic facilities and training of necessary personnel should be encouraged by all relevant parties, so the services can be accessible and affordable by all who require it, in view of its importance in patient management.