Unveiling the Volume and Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at a Tertiary Care Center: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Endoscopy is a vital procedure for diagnosing and managing digestive diseases. The volume of upper gastrointestinal endoscopies performed at healthcare centers in Nepal is poorly documented. There is a knowledge gap regarding the volume of endoscopies performed, including whether they are overutilized or follow proper guidelines. With rising digestive disease cases in Nepal and global increases in digestive malignancies, endoscopies are crucial for accurate diagnosis and cancer detection. The aim of the study was to assess the volume of endoscopies performed and identify the spectrum of pathologies associated with these procedures.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at Rapti Academy of Health Sciences (RAHS) over a period of two years. After approval from the Institutional Review Committee of RAHS (IRC RAHS), data were collected using a structured proforma, which included variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, and visual endoscopic pathological findings. Patients under 14 years of age and those who were hospitalized were excluded from the study.

Results: A total of 2,305 patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, with females comprising 68% (n=1,567). The mean age of participants was 43 years, with the majority (n=537; 23.30%) in the 30-39 age group. Gastritis was the primary finding in 1,243 (53.9%) participants, while 38 (1.64%) had significant suspicious malignant lesions.

Conclusion: The volume of gastrointestinal endoscopies performed was higher compared to similar settings in other hospitals in Nepal. Gastritis was the most common finding, with a significant number of cases showing suspicious malignant lesions during endoscopy.