Endoscopic evaluation of dysphagia

Abstract

Background: Dysphagia basically means difficulty in swallowing. Dysphagia may result from structural or neuromuscular disorders of the esophagus. Endoscopy is the main indication for patients with dysphagia to determine the underlying etiology. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the plethora of disorders leading to dysphagia in this region of Punjab.Methods: The present study was carried out in the department of General Surgery at Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences And Research, Sri Amritsar. Gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed both on the patients admitted and those who presented at outpatient department. The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy.Results: The sample consisted of 100 patients presenting with dysphagia. Total number of males were 42% and 58% females. It was found that the most common age group presenting with dysphagia was 41-60 years followed by 61-80 years. It was also observed that the most common cause of dysphagia was growth of esophagus (24%). Lower esophagus was most common site of lesion found in 30 (45%) of the patients. Squamous cell carcinoma was found in 52 (24%) of the patients. Maximum patients (84%) were of lower socioeconomic status. Dysphagia was more common in females as compared to males.Conclusions: It can be concluded that prevalence of dysphagia in Indian settings is more in the middle to the elderly age group with a female preponderance. Endoscopy plays an important role in detecting premalignant conditions leading to dysphagia.