Esophageal Varices:

Abstract

. Objectives To document the frequency of esophageal varices and their importance in a tertiary care hospital of SouthernPunjab. 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 referraland 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 ofesophagus and stomach were the next most common observations.