Gastroscopy: Endoscopy of the upper gastro-intestinal tract performed by a family physician in a community hospital

Objective: To analyse the findings of upper gastro-intestinal endoscopic examinations performed by a family physician in a community hospital and to investigate the implications thereof.Study Period: Two years.Setting: Mamelodi Community Hospital to the east of Pretoria.Method and patients: Patients 16 years and older who presented with upper gastro-intestinal problems and in whom endoscopy was indicated, were examined.Results: 185 Patients (61,6% male) were examined and the following pathology found: oesophagitis (38,4%), oesophageal carcinoma (1,6%), hiatus hernia (13%), gastritis (25,4%), gastric ulcer (12,5%), intra pyloric ulcer (4,3%), duodenal erosion (15,4%) and duodenal ulcer (16,2%). Nocturnal epigastric pain, pain with meals, weight loss, dyspepsia, heartburn and vomiting were the most common presenting symptoms.Conclusion: Upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic procedure that could be performed by a family physician in a community hospital. It results in the correct diagnosis in patients presenting with upper gastro-intestinal symptoms and leads to cost-effective management.Recommendation: Family physicians should be trained to perform upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy to enable them to manage patients with upper gastro-intestinal problems effectively.