Acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in Ghanaians: an endoscopic review at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

ABSTRACT

Upper gastro-intestinal (UGI) endoscopy was performed at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital; between 1981-83; on patients with history of acute upper gastro-intestinal haemorrhage. Eight-six (86) such patients were endoscoped and results have been retrospectively analysed to establish the major symptomatology; the underlying lesions; and any other relevant contributory factors. The role of endoscopy in the management of acute upper gastro-intestinal haemorrhage as well as its potential cost effectiveness are discussed. The term endoscopy; in the text refers to oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy; and GI bleed refers to upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage