Esophageal varices: major endoscopic finding on upper GI endoscopy

ABSTRACT

To document the frequency of esophageal varices and their importance in a tertiary care hospital of Southern Punjab. Endoscopy unit of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital. From Nov 2005 to May 2007. The data of 500 patients who underwent upper GI endoscopy was analyzed. Demographic features, reasons for referral and endoscopic diagnoses were noted. 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%]. 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