ESOPHAGEAL VARICES:

MAJOR ENDOSCOPIC FINDING ON UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY

Abstract

. Objectives To document the frequency of esophageal varices and their importance in a tertiary care hospital of Southern
Punjab. Design: Observational. Setting: Endoscopy unit of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital. Period: From Nov 2005 to May 2007.
Materials & Methods The data of 500 patients who underwent upper GI endoscopy was analyzed. Demographic features, reasons for referral
and endoscopic diagnoses were noted. Results: Among 500 patients, 57% were referred due to upper GI bleeding, 9% due to dysphagia, 8%
due to persistent vomiting and 7% due to dyspeptic symptoms. Common endoscopic diagnoses were esophageal varices (44%). Conclusion:
Major Endoscopic finding in our study was esophageal varices. Gastric or duodenal ulcers, congestive gastropathy, obstructive lesions of
esophagus and stomach were the next most common observations.