Colonic Diverticulosis at Colonoscopy in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pooled Estimates.

INTRODUCTION: There is need to ascertain any epidemiologic shift of diverticulosis among Africans with traditionally high fiber diet consumption patterns and rare diverticulosis prevalence. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, African Journal Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. Eligibility criteria included full-text observational and experimental human colonoscopy studies on asymptomatic and symptomatic African population from 1985 to 2022. Case reports, conference abstracts, dissertations, systematic reviews, and studies lacking colonoscopy findings were excluded. NIH quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies was used to assess risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using inconsistency (I2) statistics. RESULTS: Thirty studies were included. Pooled prevalence rate of colonic diverticulosis in the last decade (2012-2022) has increased to 9.7% (95% CI 6.5-13.4; I2 = 97.3%) from 3.5% (95% CI 1.4-6.4; I2 = 62.7%). The highest regional prevalence rate was in West African studies at 11.3% (95% CI 7.6-14.9; I2 = 96.2%). Proportion of individuals with diverticulosis ≥50 years and male sex were 86.9% (95% CI 80.5-92.1) and 65.2% (95% CI 55.0-74.8), respectively. The left colon had the highest diverticulosis frequency (37% [148/400]). Bleeding/inflammation complications were sparingly detected (OR 0.2 [95% CI 0.03-0.75; p < 0.0001]). CONCLUSION: An increasing utilization of colonoscopy revealed approximately a threefold increase in the prevalence rate of colonic diverticulosis in Africa. This pathology was most common in males aged >50. Left colon was predominantly affected. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the effect of westernization of diet.

Outcomes of Early Versus Standard Closure of Diverting Ileostomy After Proctectomy: Meta-analysis and Meta-regression Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare outcomes of early and standard closure of diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) after proctectomy and determine risk factors for anastomotic leak (AL) and complications. BACKGROUND: Formation of DLI has been a routine practice after proctectomy to decrease the incidence and potential adverse sequela of AL. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared outcomes of early versus standard closure of DLI after proctectomy. Main outcome measures were postoperative complications, AL, ileus, surgical site infection, reoperation, readmission, and hospital stay following DLI closure. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs (932 patients; 57% male) were included. Early closure group included 474 patients and standard closure 458 patients. Early closure was associated with higher odds of AL [odds ratio (OR): 2.315, P =0.013] and similar odds of complications (OR: 1.103, P =0.667), ileus (OR: 1.307, P =0.438), surgical site infection (OR: 1.668, P =0.079), reoperation (OR: 1.896, P =0.062), and readmission (OR: 3.431, P =0.206). Hospital stay was similar (weighted mean difference: 1.054, P =0.237). Early closure had higher odds of AL than standard closure when early closure was done ≤2 weeks (OR: 2.12, P =0.047) but not within 3 to 4 weeks (OR: 2.98, P =0.107). Factors significantly associated with complications after early closure were diabetes mellitus, smoking, and closure of DLI ≤2 weeks, whereas factors associated with AL were ≥ American Society of Anesthesiologists II classification and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: Early closure of DLI after proctectomy has a higher risk of AL, particularly within 2 weeks of DLI formation. On the basis of this study, routine early ileostomy closure cannot be recommended.

Strategies to reduce ileus after colorectal surgery: A qualitative umbrella review of the collective evidence.

BACKGROUND: Various strategies were proposed to reduce postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. This umbrella review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of current evidence on measures to reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. METHODS: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus to identify systematic reviews that assessed the efficacy of interventions used to prevent postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. Data on study characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were summarized in a narrative manner. RESULTS: A total of 26 systematic reviews incorporating various strategies like early oral feeding, gum chewing, coffee consumption, medications, and acupuncture were included. Early oral feeding reduced postoperative ileus and accelerated bowel function return. The most assessed intervention was chewing gum, which was associated with a median reduction of postoperative ileus by 45% (range, 11%-59%) and shortening of the time to first flatus and time to defecation by a median of 11.9 and 17.7 hours, respectively. Coffee intake showed inconsistent results, with a median shortening of time to flatus and time to defecation by 1.32 and 14.45 hours, respectively. CONCLUSION: Early oral feeding, chewing gum, and alvimopan were the most commonly assessed and effective strategies for reducing postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. Medications used to reduce postoperative ileus included alvimopan, intravenous lidocaine, dexamethasone, probiotics, and oral antibiotics. Intravenous dexamethasone and lidocaine and oral probiotics helped hasten bowel function return. Acupuncture positively impacted the recovery of bowel function.

Stapler size independently predicts postoperative complications following stapled ileocolic anastomosis: A retrospective cohort study.

AIM: Staplers used in ileocolic anastomosis construction differ in length and height. We assessed the impact of stapler type in creating ileocolic anastomoses on postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study of an Institutional Review Board approved database included patients who underwent laparoscopic right colectomy for cancer between January 2011 and August 2021. All patients had construction of extracorporeal antiperistaltic stapled ileocolic anastomosis using a linear cutting stapler. Main outcome measures were short-term (<30 day) morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: In all, 270 patients (136 men; median age 70.2 years) were included. A 75 mm stapler was used in 49 (18.1%) patients, 80 mm in 97 (35.9%) and 100 mm in 124 (45.9%). Blue cartridge (stapler height 3.5 mm) was used in 175 (64.5%) and green cartridge (4.8 mm) in 18 (7%) patients; this information was unavailable in 77 (28.5%) cases. Apical enterotomy closure was performed by linear stapler in 54% and linear cutting stapler in 46%. Apical staple line reinforcement or imbrication suturing was used in 26.3%. The overall postoperative complication rate was 28.9%. The anastomotic leak rate was 2.6%. Independent predictors of complications after laparoscopic right colectomy were older age (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1-1.06; P = 0.01), extended colectomy (OR 2.76, 95%CI 1.07-7.08; P = 0.035) and emergency surgery (OR 4.5, 95%CI 1.3-14.9; P = 0.014). A 100-mm linear cutting stapler was an independent protective factor against postoperative complications (OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.18-0.85; P = 0.019). Stapler height and closure technique of apical enterotomy did not affect postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Independent predictors of complications after laparoscopic right colectomy were older age, extended colectomy and emergency surgery. Using a 100 mm stapler was an independent protective factor against postoperative complications.

Minimally Invasive Surgery in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Progress So Far.

Background The global practice of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has progressed from basic to advanced procedures. Consequent to this, almost all surgical procedures can be performed through a minimally invasive technique. This study aims to audit the practice of MIS in healthcare facilities within a city in a developing country in Africa. Methods This is a multicenter, multispecialty, retrospective descriptive study of minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic surgeries performed in private and public health care facilities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, conducted for a duration of 10 years, from January 2010 to December 2019. A proforma was distributed for completion to identified surgeons from the included study centers. Data on MIS, including types of procedures, time trends, frequency, category of surgery, and cost, were collated. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 20.0, New York, USA). Results There were 5845 minimally invasive procedures performed during the study period, out of which only 92 (1.57%) were carried out in government-owned hospitals. Of these, 2570 were gynecologic (44.0%), 1873 were urologic (32.0%), 1300 were general surgeries (22.2%), 142 were pediatric surgeries (2.4%), and 3 (0.05%) were thoracic minimally invasive procedures performed within the 10-year period. The cost of procedures ranged from <$200 USD to >$2000 USD. The hospital stays ranged from <1 day to a maximum of 13 days. Conclusion The practice of MIS has made significant progress but has been primarily driven by the private sector. Subsidizing the cost of MIS procedures in government-owned hospitals is likely to improve patronage and improve the skills of surgeons.

Pit Pattern Analysis of Colorectal Polyps using Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) Endoscopy: A Pilot Study.

Background: Endoscopic management of colorectal polyps includes detection, characterization, and therapeutic strategies. Pit pattern analysis is a useful tool when differentiating neoplastic and non-neoplastic colorectal polyps. Aim: To correlate pit pattern characterization of colorectal polyps using SPIES endoscopy and the histopathology. Materials and Methods: Total colonoscopy was performed on 189 patients by same endoscopist from January 2020 to September 2021 using Image 1 Connect (TC200), Image 1 H3-Link (TC300) and video-colonoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany). Identified polyps were classified using Paris classification for mucosal lesions and the pit pattern according to Kudo's modified criteria using SPIES endoscopy. All lesions were diagnosed by histopathological examination. Kappa index (κ) was used to evaluate the agreement of SPIES endoscopy Kudo's pit classification with the histopathological diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were independently determined. Result: Thirty-four polyps were detected in twenty-nine patients with twenty-one (61.8%, 21/34) polyps histologically confirmed as neoplastic. SPIES endoscopy characterized seventeen (50%, 17/34) of the polyps as neoplastic, four (1.8%, 4/34) as non-neoplastic (false negative) and four (1.8%, 4/34) as false positives. The sensitivity and specificity of SPIES endoscopy were 81.0% and 69.2% respectively and same values for PPV and NPV. The diagnosis of neoplastic polyps by SPIES endoscopy was in moderate agreement with histopathological diagnosis (κ = 0.502). Conclusion: SPIES endoscopy is a useful, rapid, and non-invasive tool in the endoscopic assessment of colorectal polyps.

Sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate versus 4L split-dose polyethylene glycol for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy in high fibre diet African patients.

INTRODUCTION: an adequate bowel preparation is essential for good mucosal inspection during colonoscopy. This study aims to compare the efficacy of two validated oral lavage solutions for colonoscopy preparation in African patients. METHODS: a prospective observational study of patients undergoing colonoscopy in a referral endoscopy facility in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, using sodium picosulfate magnesium citrate (SPMC) and 4L split-dose polyethylene glycol (PEG). Variables collated were sociodemographic, primary indication, comorbidities, Aronchick bowel preparation scale, polyp/adenoma detection, caecal intubation and outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 20. RESULTS: one hundred and twenty-four patients received PEG prior to colonoscopy and SPMC in 175 patients. The age range was from 22 to 92 years; mean age of 53.8 ± 14.2 years for PEG group and 55.3 ± 13.2 years for SPMC group (p=0.361). There were 215 males and 84 females. An excellent/good bowel preparation scale was recorded in 77 (62%) PEG group and 130 (74.3%) for SPMC group (p=0.592). PEG was predominantly used in the early years of endoscopists practice with the odds ratio (OR) of no polyp detection in the PEG vs SPMC groups as 1.64 (confidence interval CI 1.06-2.55) versus 0.76 (CI 0.62-0.92), respectively (p=0.016). For no adenoma detection, OR was 4.18 (CI 1.12-15.60) versus OR 0.63 (CI 0.52-0.75), respectively (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: there is similar efficacy profile using either split volume PEG or SPMC prior to colonoscopy in these African patients. Polyp and adenoma detection rates are highly dependent on the expertise of the endoscopist.

Risk Factors for Inadequate Bowel Preparation During Colonoscopy in Nigerian Patients.

Background The past few decades have witnessed the introduction of various innovative technologies into colon study by colonoscopy. A well-prepared bowel is crucial to their effective utilization. An inadequate bowel preparation during colonoscopy is associated with increased technical difficulties, enhanced risks of perforation, longer examination durations, reduced adenoma detection rates, and additional costs related to repeated colonoscopies. There is a paucity of literature from Africa on the multiple patient factors that affect the quality of bowel preparation; hence, the need to identify patients at risk for inadequate bowel preparation to allow for more diligence in this special group. Aim To study the risk factors of inadequate bowel preparation for colonoscopy and identify the group of patients who need intensified preparation in a Nigerian population. Methods A case-control study of consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy in an open access/referral-based multi-disciplinary endoscopy facility in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria from March 2014 to November 2020. Consecutive adult patients who underwent colonoscopy with inadequate bowel preparation irrespective of the indication were retrospectively identified. Each case of inadequate bowel preparation while using a particular bowel preparation agent was matched with the next colon study with adequate bowel preparation (control) for the same agent in a 1:1 ratio. The variables collated were age, gender, literacy level, colonoscopy indication, medical history, bowel preparation agent, timing of endoscopy, and outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results There were 143 cases of inadequate bowel preparation during colonoscopy included in the study with an equal number of control (cases of adequate bowel preparation). The age of patients ranged from 24 years to 92 years. Bleeding per rectum - 122(42.7%), and screening for colorectal cancer - 67(23.4%), were the leading indications for colonoscopy in study patients. Bivariate analysis of cases and controls revealed significant difference in educational status, comorbidity of hypertension, and constipation (p < 0.01, p = 0.082, p = 0.143, respectively). In the multivariate analysis of risk factors, the odds ratio (OR) for secondary level of education and below was 2.54 (95% confidence interval CI 1.50-4.30; p = 0.001); hypertension - OR 1.64 (95% CI 0.98-2.73; p = 0.058); constipation - OR 1.27 (95% CI 0.52-3.10; p = 0.598). Conclusion The educational status of patients is a strong risk factor associated with inadequate bowel preparation for colonoscopy in this Nigerian population. There is a need for effective patient education especially for patients with a low literacy level.

Diagnostic yield and therapeutic outcome of hysteroscopy in women with infertility in a referral clinical setting: a Port Harcourt, Nigeria experience.

INTRODUCTION: intrauterine pathologies were traditionally evaluated by blind dilatation and curettage along with hysterosalpingography. Hysteroscopy is a veritable tool for evaluation of uterine cavity pathologies with an increasing availability in Nigeria. The study aims to report the diagnostic yield and therapeutic outcome of hysteroscopy in women with infertility from a Nigerian metropolis. METHODS: a retrospective cross-sectional study of consecutive cases of infertile women referred for hysteroscopy to an ambulatory care endoscopy facility in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The variables collated included age, parity, past gynaecological history, indication, hysteroscopy findings and interventions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: included in study were 75 patients undergoing a total of 124 hysteroscopic procedures. The age range of patients was 25 to 56 years (mean 40.7 ± 5.9 years). A positive diagnostic yield of 93.3% with non-visualization of intracavitary uterine pathology in 5 patients was recorded. The most common pathologies were submucous myoma-25(31.3%), endometrial polyps- 18(22.5%) and intrauterine adhesions-18(22.5%). There was no statistical difference between the mean age of patients with or without polyp, myoma and intrauterine adhesions (P = 0.185, P = 0.510 and P = 0.619 respectively) but a non-linear relationship between age and polyp detection (Eta2 = 0.024). Operative hysteroscopies were all performed on out- patient basis but staged in 30(40.0%) patients. CONCLUSION: benign uterine growths and intrauterine adhesions are frequent causes of uterine factor infertility. A high successful completion rate of hysteroscopic interventions was achieved.

Topography and Morphology of Gastric Cancer in Nigeria: A Dual Institution Review of 622 Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopies.

Introduction Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The burden of this disease is highest in developing countries of East Asia, Eastern Europe, and parts of Central and Southern America. Africa, despite having a similar high profile of Helicobacter pylori infection with East Asia, has a reported low prevalence of gastric cancer. There is a paucity of data on the natural history and endoscopic presentation of gastric cancer in West Africa. Aim To study the topography and morphology of gastric cancer from two institutions in Southern Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study of 622 consecutive cases of upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy performed in two referral endoscopy facilities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria from February 2012 to January 2021. Variables collated from centre records included age, sex, ethnicity, symptoms, site, endoscopic classification, and histology of gastric cancers. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results There were 17 (2.7%) cases of histologically confirmed gastric cancer. The age range of patients was from 34 years to 99 years (mean 60.7 ± 14.6 years). There were nine males and eight females (M:F ratio of 1.1:1). Antrum and cardia were predominantly affected in 10 (60.0%) and seven (6.7%) cases, respectively. Borrmann type 1 advanced gastric tumor was seen in seven (53.8%) and adenocarcinoma, the predominant histology, in 14 (82.4%) cases. Helicobacter pylori was detected in a sole case of gastric cancer. Conclusion Gastric cancer is uncommon in our environment and with a delayed presentation. A predominance of gastric antrum topography and exophytic growth morphology is the pattern.

Recommendations of the Laparoscopic Surgery Society of Nigeria on the Conduct of Minimal Access Surgeries during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic has affected surgical practice worldwide. Laparoscopic procedures utilizing gas for pneumoperitoneum require specific consideration. METHOD: A panel of experts of the Laparoscopic Surgery Society of Nigeria (LASSON) was constituted to draft recommendations on the conduct of minimal access surgical (MAS) procedures during and after the pandemic in Nigeria. RESULTS: The Society strongly believes that laparoscopy and other (MAS) procedures can be safely performed during and after the current COVID-19 pandemic if appropriate safety measures are adhered to. The Society therefore makes the following recommendations for all units performing MAS in Nigeria: (1) Design clear cut measures to navigate the pandemic in each hospital. (2) Triage surgical services and procedures. (3) Encourage screening and testing of all patients (4) Provide adequate patient communication and consenting (5) Ensure compulsory use of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) (6) Minimize preoperative and intraoperative personnel (7) Envisage postoperative respiratory challenges and make adequate preparation for respiratory support: (8) Make specific considerations for the confirmed COVID 19 positive patients:(9) Private facilities offering MAS and endoscopic procedures should take special measures during the pandemic (10) Know your limits. CONCLUSION: The Society encourages all MAS practitioners to adhere to these recommendations.

Re-bleed and Mortality Amongst Patients Following Initial Endoscopy for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Single-Center Nigeria Study.

Background and aim Clinical and endoscopic parameters are predictive of patient outcome following acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The study aimed to investigate factors related to re-bleed and mortality following initial endoscopy among Nigerian patients with recent upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Methods This is a cohort study of patients undergoing endoscopy for recent-onset UGIB at a referral endoscopy facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, from April 2014 to November 2020. Patients' demographic and clinical data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, amount of blood transfusion, endoscopy results, and Rockall scores were retrieved from patients' charts. The re-bleed and mortality rates were noted on follow-up by telephone. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 (IMB Inc., Armonk, USA). Results A total of 560 patients had flexible video oesophagogastroduodenoscopy during the study period, and 46 (8.2%) of these were included in the study. Their age ranged from 28 years to 84 years (mean 58.6 ± 15.8 years) with 32 (69.6%) males and 14 (30.4%) females. Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastritis/gastric erosions were the leading endoscopic diagnoses in 24 (52.2%) and 12 (26.1%) patients, respectively. Multiple comorbidities (p=0.021) and higher ASA score (mean 3.0; 95% confidence interval CI: 2.47-3.53; p=0.021) are associated with re-bleed, which was recorded in seven (15.2%) patients. Four (8.7%) cases of mortality were recorded in patients with a mean full Rockall score of 4.25 (95% CI: 1.52-6.97; p=0.021). Conclusion Re-bleed is more common in patients with multiple comorbidities, ASA score of three or more, and bleeding gastro-oesophageal varices at initial endoscopy. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with a full Rockall score of more than three.

Current status of peptic ulcer disease in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies on peptic ulcer disease (PUD) have shown a recent decrease in hospital admissions in Western countries. OBJECTIVE: This paper aimed to study the current status and risk factors of PUD in a Nigerian metropolis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of symptomatic patients at upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy diagnosed with PUD from February 2014 to September 2019 at a referral endoscopy facility in Port Harcourt, Niger delta region of Nigeria. The variables studied included demographics, symptoms and duration, blood group, chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) use, smoking, endoscopic and histology findings. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: A total of 434 upper GI endoscopies were performed during the study period with thirty-one diagnosis of PUD made. The mean age of gastric ulcer (GU) and duodenal ulcer (DU) cases were 54.4 ± 20.2yrs and 48.1 ± 14.5yrs respectively (p = 0.367). GU to DU ratio was 1.4:1. H. pylori infection, chronic NSAID use and blood group O were seen in 7(22.5%), 8(25.8%) and 18(72.0%) respectively. Major indication in 21(67.7%) cases was gastrointestinal bleeding. CONCLUSION: There is a low diagnostic rate of PUD (6.7%) with pre-pyloric antral gastric ulcers as most common type and multifactorial aetiology.

Hemorrhoidal disease: Predilection sites, pattern of presentation, and treatment.

Background: An engorgement and prolapse of the anal cushion lead to haemorrhoidal disease. There are different anatomical sites and presentation of this common pathology which affects the quality of life. Aims: To study the predilection sites, presentation and treatment of haemorrhoidal disease. Patients and Method: A cohort study of patients diagnosed with haemorrhoids at an Endoscopy centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria from February 2014- July 2017.The patients were divided into 2 groups: A - asymptomatic and B- symptomatic. Variables studied included: demographics, anatomic variations, grade of haemorrhoids, clinical presentation and treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20.0. Armonk, NY. Results: One hundred and twenty- one cases were included in study. There were 76 males and 45 males with age range from 15 -80 years (mean 51.9±13.1yrs). Bleeding per rectum was the most common presentation. The position frequency of haemorrhoids in decreasing order were: right posterior (34.1%); right anterior (28.2%); left lateral (17.1%); left posterior (7.6%). Multiple quadrants were affected in 58(72.5%) cases of external haemorrhoids. Grade I, II and III haemorrhoids were seen in 38 (31%), 31(26%) and 21(17%) cases respectively. Conclusion: The most common anatomical site of external haemorrhoids is the right posterior quadrant position; frequently, multiple sites are simultaneously affected. Goligher classification Grade 1 hemorrhoids are effectively treated by injection sclerotherapy using 50% dextrose solution; a cheap and physiologic sclerotherapy agent.

RésuméContexte: Un engorgement et un prolapsus du coussin anal entraînent une maladie hémorroïdaire. Il existe différents sites anatomiques et présentation de cette pathologie commune qui affecte la qualité de la vie. Objectifs:Étudier les sites de prédilection, la présentation et le traitement de la maladie hémorroïdaire. Patients et méthode:Étude de cohorte de patients chez lesquels des hémorroïdes ont été diagnostiquées dans un centre d'endoscopie à Port Harcourt, dans l'État de Rivers, au Nigéria, de février 2014 à juillet 2017. Les patients ont été divisés en 2 groupes: A - asymptomatique et B - symptomatique. Les variables étudiées comprenaient: la démographie, les variations anatomiques, le grade des hémorroïdes, la présentation clinique et le traitement. L'analyse statistique a été réalisée à l'aide de IBM SPSS Statistics pour Windows, version 20.0. Armonk, NY. Résultats: Cent vingt et un cas ont été inclus dans l'étude. Il y avait 76 hommes et 45 hommes âgés de 15 à 80 ans (moyenne de 51,9 ± 13,1 ans). Les saignements per rectum étaient la présentation la plus courante. La fréquence de positionnement des hémorroïdes par ordre décroissant était la suivante: droite postérieure (34,1%); antérieur droit (28,2%); latéral gauche (17,1%); postérieur gauche (7,6%). Des quadrants multiples ont été touchés dans 58 (72,5%) cas d'hémorroïdes externes. Des hémorroïdes de grade I, II et III ont été observées dans 38 (31%), 31 (26%) et 21 (17%) cas, respectivement. Conclusion: Le site anatomique le plus commun des hémorroïdes externes est la position du quadrant postérieur droit; fréquemment, plusieurs sites sont affectés simultanément. Classification de Goligher Les hémorroïdes de grade 1 sont efficacement traitées par sclérothérapie par injection en utilisant une solution de dextrose à 50%; un agent de sclérothérapie bon marché et physiologique.

Endoscopic Evaluation of Upper and Lower Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding.

INTRODUCTION: A myriad of pathologies lead to gastro-intestinal bleeding (GIB). The common clinical presentations are hematemesis, melena, and hematochezia. Endoscopy aids localization and treatment of these lesions. AIMS: The aim was to study the differential diagnosis of GIB emphasizing the role of endoscopy in diagnosis and treatment of GIB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of patients with GIB referred to the Endoscopy unit of two health facilities in Port Harcourt Nigeria from February 2012 to August 2014. The variables studied included: Demographics, clinical presentation, risk score, endoscopic findings, therapeutic procedure, and outcome. Data were collated and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. RESULTS: A total of 159 upper and lower gastro-intestinal (GI) endoscopies were performed during the study period with 59 cases of GI bleeding. There were 50 males and 9 females with an age range of 13-86 years (mean age 52.4 ± 20.6 years). The primary presentations were hematochezia, hematemesis, and melena in 44 (75%), 9 (15%), and 6 (10%) cases, respectively. Hemorrhoids were the leading cause of lower GIB seen in 15 cases (41%). The majority of pathologies in upper GIB were seen in the stomach (39%): Gastritis and benign gastric ulcer. Injection sclerotherapy was successfully performed in the hemorrhoids and a case of gastric varices. The mortality recorded was 0%. CONCLUSION: Endoscopy is vital in the diagnosis and treatment of GIB. Gastritis and Haemorrhoid are the most common causes of upper and lower GI bleeding respectively, in our environment.