Upper gastrointestinal fibreoptic endoscopy experience in the Sudan. Analysis of 2500 endoscopies

The results of 2500 upper gastrointestinal fibreoptic endoscopies carried out at Soba University Hospital, Khartoum, between January, 1980, and June, 1982, were reviewed. 42% of the patients had no disorder visible on endoscopy, 9% had oesophageal varices, 0.7% gastric ulcer, 17% duodenal ulcer, and 2% pyloric obstruction. Duodenal ulcer was seen more commonly in men (male/female ratio 4.5/1) and in young people. Endoscopy is a feasible procedure in developing countries. It is more informative and cheaper than barium meal radiology.