Pattern of referals for Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and spectrum of endoscopic findings in Osogbo

Background: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms are numerous and varied, this impacts on the pattern of clinical diagnosis and referral for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The increasing availability of EGD expands the scope of diagnosis and guides towards appropriate treatment options. Methods: In this study we review 243 records of adult patients over an eighteen month period in two endoscopy centres in Osogbo, to determine the pattern of referral for EGD and the spectrum of endoscopic findings among patients in our centers. Results: The mean age was 46± 16.59 years, range 16-95. Symptoms were the indications for referral in 98 patients, uncomplicated PUD constitutes the most common specific indication (88). The indication was not documented in the referral note in 18 patients. The procedure was completed in 216 patients. After EGD, the stomach was found to be the most frequent site of pathology and PUD was the most frequent diagnosis. UGI malignancy was found in 21 patients, the stomach accounted for 14 of these. Clinically unsuspected lesions such as mucosa polyps were diagnosed after endoscopy. Conclusion: UGI symptoms rather than specific clinical diagnosis are the more common indications for referral, while PUD still remains the most common UGI disease. Keywords: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, Referral indication, Pattern, Finding, Accuracy