ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted healthcare negatively across the globe. The practice of gastroenterology has been affected especially gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy which is considered high risk for transmission of the virus. As a community of practitioners there is the need to share information and make evidence-based statements to guide GI practice in Ghana. This GASLIDD position statement based on the growing and rapidly evolving body of knowledge is to provide up to date information on the COVID-19 disease and guidance for the practice of gastroenterology in Ghana and beyond. It is to help the GI community of practice to maintain the highest level of health delivery and safety for our patients, staff, community and GI practitioners
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal , Gastroenterology , GhanaABSTRACT
Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is one of the commonest medical emergencies worldwide associated withsignificant morbidity and mortality and high medical care cost. Worldwide morbidity and mortality associated with UGIB rangesfrom 6-13%. There are scanty data available about the causes of UGIB from peripheral hospitals in Ghana. Aim and Objectives:The study was to determine the common causes of upper GI bleeding in Saint Dominic Hospital, Akwatia a district hospital inGhana. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at endoscopy unit of St. Dominic Hospital.Patients with symptoms of UGIB referred for Gastroscopy were selected and endoscopic findings recorded. Results: Out of the400 patients who underwent gastroscopy during the study period, 107 (26.8%) had upper GI bleeding. 65 (60.8%) of them weremales and the median age was 54 years. Approximately 50% of the patients (57, 53.3%) had only haematemesis. The commonestcause of bleeding was peptic ulcer disease, 40 (37.4%). Conclusion: Peptic ulcer disease was the common cause of UGIB at theSt. Dominic Hospital, Akwatia, Ghana"