Abstract
Background: The pattern of endoscopic findings of upper gastrointestinal tract (UGT) including gastro esophageal reflux (GERD), peptic ulcer diseases (PU), and upper gastrointestinal malignancies was not studied recently in Sudan.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to know the pattern of endoscopic findings of upper gastrointestinal tract.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study which was conducted during the period from March to September 2013, at endoscopy unit in Omdurman Teaching Hospital. All patients referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were included in the study.
Results: A total of 390 subjects was enrolled in the study.56.4% were females; the male to female ratio was 1.3:1, their ages ranged from 11 to 80 years old with a mean age of 50.2 years. The most common endoscopic findings in the study group was Gastritis 54.9% followed by esophagitis 42%, peptic ulcer diseases 21%, esophageal varices 13.8% and upper gastrointestinal tumors (esophageal and gastric) 13.2%. Normal findings were found in 3% of all patients in the study group.
Conclusion: Upper gastrointestinal disorders are more common in Sudan compared to other countries. Esophageal varices and upper gastrointestinal malignancies are increasing compared to previous studies. Further studies are required to characterize abnormalities of upper gastrointestinal tract.