Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding In A Nigerian Diagnostic Center: A Retrospective Study Of Endoscopic Records

Abstract

Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common indication for endoscopy. We aimed to describe the endoscopic findings in patients referred to our center with UGIB. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of the endoscopic findings in patients with UGIB between August 1, 2017, and April 30, 2019, in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. Results: Eight hundred thirty-two patients underwent endoscopy, of which 129 (16%) were for UGIB, which occurred twice as frequently in males. Melena was the most frequent presentation. Endoscopic abnormalities including gastric/duodenal peptic ulcers (39%), gastroduodenal erosions (36%), and varices (12%), were identified in 83% of the participants. Most ulcers were low risk. Conclusion: Patients presenting to our center with UGIB commonly have gastric/duodenal peptic ulcers or gastroduodenal erosions.