Publication:

Study of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms

Background Upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are the commonest complaints among the general population and the diseases associated with them carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Hence early diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition can prevent life threatening complications. Upper GI endoscopy is an effective diagnostic as well as therapeutic tool for the patients presenting with upper GI symptoms. The objective of the study is to show the effectiveness of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as an initial diagnostic, screening and therapeutic tool in patients with upper GI symptoms.

Methods Present study comprises of 100 patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal symptoms at JSS Hospital, Chamarajanagar (both out-patients and referred patients) during the period of October 2018 to June 2019, who underwent upper GI endoscopy.

Results Out of 100 patients, 60 were males and 40 were females. In the study majority of the patients were found to have gastritis, esophagitis and acid peptic disease. Other patients had malignant changes, reflux disease, hiatus hernia, perforation, foreign body, obstruction and esophageal varices.

Conclusions Upper GI endoscopy is a simple, safe, more reliable and valuable tool with easy learning curve. It will remain as the initial investigation of choice for the patients with upper GI symptoms. It plays a significant role as a screening, diagnostic as well as therapeutic tool.