Abstract

Introduction: Colonoscopy is an effective modality for diagnosis and treatment of lower gastrointestinal conditions. However, there are limited data regarding the diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in Al- Gamhoria Teaching Hospital. This study aimed to describe the

characteristics, indications, findings and completion rate of colonoscopy at Al-Gamhoria Teaching Hospital.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of colonoscopy records was conducted in a period of 15 months (January 2014 to March 2015) at Al-Gamhoria Teaching Hospital. All patients’ records of lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (LGIE) were reviewed and relevant information were retrieved. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, 20) was used for data entry and analysis.

Result: Colonoscopy was performed for a total of 151 patients (88 males and 63 females) with a mean age of 47.2 ± 17.3 years (ranged 9- 86 years). General surgeons performed 90.7% of the endoscopies, the remaining were done by gastroenterologists, and all procedures were diagnostic. Bleeding per rectum (53.8%), abdominal pain (30.8%), constipation (11.5%) and anemia (7.7%) were the commonest indications for endoscopy. Colorectal cancer (14.6%), haemorrhoids (11.9%), polyps (10.6%) and colitis (7.3%) were the commonest endoscopic findings. Normal endoscopy was reported in 49% of patients and caecal intubation (complete colonoscopy) was successful in 67.5% of cases.

Conclusion: Satisfactory use and yields of colonoscopy can be ensured in a scarce-resource setting.

Keywords: Lower Gastrointestinal Tract, Endoscopy, Indications, Findings, Aden.

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