Histopathological spectrum of gastrointestinal lesions seen in university of uyo teaching hospital, South–South Nigeria

Introduction: This is a retrospective study of all gastrointestinal tract (GIT) specimens seen in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital over a 10-year period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017. Materials and Methods: Data were extracted from the departmental registers, patient request forms, and duplicate copies of histology reports of all cases seen. Results: GIT specimens accounted for 4.3% of all specimens. Majority of them were inflammatory lesions, distantly followed by malignant lesions. Inflammatory diagnoses were seen in all parts of the GIT with the appendix accounting for 76.3% of the inflammatory lesions. Appendicitis was the most common diagnosis, while negative appendix was the second most common diagnosis. In all sites except the anus, males were affected more than females in a sex ratio of 1.5:1. Age groups 10–39 years accounted for 79.9% of all appendix inflammatory lesions, with age group 20–29 contributing the highest. Age groups 40–59 had most gastritis cases. Age group 50–59 years accounted for most malignant lesions, with the majority seen in the colon. Adenocarcinomas distantly followed by squamous cell carcinomas were the most common histologic malignant diagnoses made. Conclusion: The pattern of GIT lesions seen in our institute has been documented and this will serve as a baseline data for future local studies.