Articles

Patterns of Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Findings at Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma, Ethiopia

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Background: Lower gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common causes of morbidity worldwide, yet data on their prevalence and patterns within resource-limited settings like Ethiopia remain scarce. Endoscopy is a vital diagnostic and therapeutic tool for these conditions.

Objectives: To assess the patterns of lower GI endoscopic findings at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) and explore associations with demographic and clinical variables.

Methods: This retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study included 216 adult patients (≥15 years) who underwent lower GI endoscopy at JUMC from September 9, 2021, to September 8, 2022. Patients with incomplete records or repeat procedures were excluded. Data on demographics, indications, and findings were collected using a structured tool and analyzed with SPSS v29.0. Descriptive statistics summarized the data; chi-square and multivariate logistic regression tested associations, with significance at p<0.05.

Results: Of 230 procedures, 216 met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 43.6 ± 16.2 years, with a male predominance (68.5%). The most common indication was lower GI bleeding (35.2%). Hemorrhoids were the most frequent endoscopic finding (46.3%), followed by colorectal polyps (21.2%) and colorectal cancer (11.1%). Benign lesions predominated, but the notable prevalence of polyps and cancers underscores the importance of early detection strategies.

Conclusions: Benign conditions, especially hemorrhoids, are prevalent among patients undergoing lower GI endoscopy at JUMC. However, the significant rates of polyps and cancers underscore the importance of expanding endoscopic services, enhancing training, and implementing community screening programs to improve early detection and management.

Problems of Distribution and Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

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This article provides an overview of the literature data on the problem of the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Some pathophysiological aspects of this pathology are analyzed. The authors conclude that gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common clinical problem that affects millions of people around the world, according to some reports, up to 25–30% of the adult population is affected by it. Patients are recognized by both classic and atypical symptoms. GERD is associated with lifestyle factors, in particular obesity and tobacco smoking, which also threatens overall health.

Imaging, Endoscopic and Surgical Aspects Correlation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Perspective

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Chronic inflammatory bowel disease have been the major focus of research in gastroenterology these late years. It is due to the elevated incidence of comorbidity as well as complications. MRI, endoscopy as well as histology are the three pillars of the diagnosis, follow-up and prognosis of these pathological entities. Our aim for this study was to determine the relationship between the radiologic, endoscopic modalities and the histological severity of the active disease.