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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 from1 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.

Background: Hernia repair is one of the most common procedures performed by general surgeons, mostly in an elective setting. The true incidence/prevalence of hernias in Nigeria is unknown, however, suture (tissue) repair is predominantly reported. Aims: To study the distribution of adult abdominal wall hernia and the surgical and anaesthetic techniques for elective repair in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of surgical patients undergoing elective abdominal wall hernia repair in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Nigeria from January 2009 to December 2014. Data extracted from the theatre records were patients’ demographic, type of hernia, repair technique, anaesthesia, operating time, and cadre of performing surgeon. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 400 adult patients had elective repair of abdominal wall hernias during study period. The age range was from 17- 85 years (mean 39.3 ± 6.0) and M: F ratio of 1.9:1. There were 287(70.9%) inguinal, 43(10.6%) incisional and 36(8.9%) epigastric hernias. Mesh repair was recorded in 11(2.7%) cases with laparoscopic technique in 2 cases. Subarachnoid block was the choice anaesthesia in 365(85.4%) cases. The least mean operating time (38.6 mins) recorded was in repair of femoral hernia and longest (105.3mins) with incisional hernia repair. Conclusions: Suture repair is the predominant repair technique. Routine hernioplasty and laparoscopic hernia repair need to be encouraged.

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.To correlate pit pattern characterization of colorectal polyps using SPIES endoscopy and the histopathology.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.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).SPIES endoscopy is a useful, rapid, and non-invasive tool in the endoscopic assessment of colorectal polyps.

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. Keywords: Gastric ulcer; duodenal ulcer; endoscopy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease of global importance. The practice and formulation of effective health policies in developing countries is marred by lack of appropriate colorectal cancer screening and up-to-date cancer registry. Aims: To study the frequency and presentation pattern of CRC in two metropolitan cities in a region of Nigeria. Materials and Method: An observational study of lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy performed from April 2013 to April 2018 at private/public health facilities with endoscopy service in 2 major cities in the Niger Delta area, Nigeria. A questionnaire was distributed for completion to all practicing endoscopists in the area. The variables collated included demographics, indications, endoscopic findings and histopathology. Analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20 Armonk, NY. Results: A total of 466 flexible lower GI endoscopies were recorded: 434 colonoscopies; 32 sigmoidoscopies. Histologically confirmed cases of CRC were 45 (44 adenocarcinoma and 1 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) with age range from 28 years to 79 years; mean age of 52.3±13.7 years. There were 30 males and 15 females; predominant site was the rectum with 25 (55.6%) cases recorded. Conclusion: Colorectal cancer is not uncommon in this Nigerian population. A targeted screening policy is recommended.

Colonoscopy is a screening tool for colorectal cancer. The cost of this service, ready availability and expertise are factors limiting its routine use in low-/middle-income countries. The aim was to study premalignant colonic polyps in asymptomatic middle-aged Nigerians and highlight the usefulness of screening colonoscopy in a sub-Saharan African population. We carried out an observational study on asymptomatic patients undergoing screening colonoscopy in a referral endoscopy facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria from January to December 2018. The variables collated were demographics, endoscopic and histologic findings. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20 Armonk, NY. A total of 144 colonoscopy procedures were performed during the study period with 70 asymptomatic cases for screening indication. Sixty-five were males and 5 females. The age range was from 48 years to 60 years; mean 54.8 ± 3.6 years. A polyp-detection rate of 53.7% was recorded with multiple polyps seen in 13 cases. Adenoma(s) detected in 19 persons were: 22 tubular adenomas with low grade dysplasia; 3 tubulo-villous adenomas with low grade dysplasia; 1 sessile serrated adenoma. The adenoma detection rate was 28.8%. No abnormality was detected in 19 cases. There is a worrisome prevalence of adenomatous polyps; villous adenoma is rare. A targeted policy of screening and surveillance by colonoscopy will curb the rising incidence of colorectal cancer.

Background: Undocumented observations suggest a rising incidence of gastrointestinal tract cancers (GITc) among urban dwellers in Nigeria. Aim: The aim is to report on the incidence and clinic-pathological characteristics of GITc in Port Harcourt and its environs. Materials and Methods: Clinical, pathological, and demographic information on cancer patients obtained from various hospitals, radiology centers, and pathology laboratories within Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor local government areas of Rivers state between 2008 and 2017 were reviewed. The information was coded using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rd Edition and stored in Canreg 4 software in the Port Harcourt cancer registry. Results: GITc constituted the third-most common systemic cancers consisting of 12.2% (328 cases) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.05:1. The annual age-standardized rate ranged between 1.1–21.6/100,000 for females and 1.8–15.9/100,000 for males, with the highest rate recorded in 2017. The mean age was 51.2 ± 15.8 years with bimodal peak age groups of 50–54 and 55–59 years. The most common sites for GITc were colorectal followed by the liver and stomach consisting of 44.5%, 16.5%, and 15.2% of cases, respectively. Epithelial malignancies, i.e., carcinomas markedly predominated over malignancies of other cell types such as mesenchymal cell malignancies, lymphoreticular cell malignancies, and germ cell malignancies and constituted 92.4% of total GITc. Conclusion: GITc is posing a public health challenge in Port Harcourt and environs. A government-sponsored health plan on cancer control, including awareness campaigns on the adoption of more healthy lifestyles, hepatitis B vaccination, colonoscopy screening with prompt treatment, is advocated.

Background: Colonoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis and screening of colorectal cancer. There is an increasing utilization of this gastroenterology service in recent years. Aim: To study the diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in a metropolitan city of Nigeria. Patients and method: A prospective study of all consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy in a referral endoscopy facility in Port Harcourt metropolis of Nigeria between March 2014 and September 2017. Data collated included: age, sex, location/type of lesion found by colonoscopy and pathologic diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Chicago, IL USA) version 20. Results: A total of 212 colonoscopies were performed in 210 patients. The age range was from 4 to 86 years; mean age of 53.5 ± 13.9 years. There were 148 males and 64 females; M: F ratio of 2.3:1. A total of 176 (83.0%) procedures had a positive diagnostic yield and the site distribution of pathologies included: anus/anal canal 128 (41.3%); recto-sigmoid 76 (24.6%); transverse colon 44 (14.4%). Haemorrhoids 112 (54.4%); diverticular disease 27 (13.1%) and polyps were frequent findings with multiple pathologies seen in 74 (34.7%) cases. Conclusion: Colonoscopy has a high diagnostic yield in middle-aged population with a high rate of multiple pathologies seen. Diverticular disease is not uncommon among the studied population as traditionally reported.

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.

Background Non-epithelial neoplasm involving the breast is uncommon. Hodgkin's lymphoma in rare cases present primarily as localised extranodal involvement of the breast. This report aims to present a case of Hodgkin's lymphoma of the breast treated by chemotherapy with complete remission achieved.Method The case records of a 66 years old female who presented with a six-month history of swelling in left armpit and a left breast mass of 4 months duration and a literature review of the subject utilizing existing literature, Medline and google search were utilized.Result A tissue diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma with typical Reed-Sternberg cells seen after incisional biopsy. The use of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisolone for chemotherapy achieved complete remission.Conclusion Hodgkin's lymphoma should be considered as a differential for mitotic lesion of the breast as the prognosis is favourable and treatment excludes mastectomy with its morbidity and psychosocial considerations.Keywords Breast; Hodgkin disease; malignant lymphoma

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 environmentKeywords: Endoscopy, diagnosis and treatment, gastro‑intestinal bleeding

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common debilitating disease affecting productivity worldwide. The excellent soft-tissue contrast, noninvasiveness, the absence of bone artifact and ionizing radiation has made magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the gold standard for evaluating etiology of LBP. Aim: This study is to determine the frequency and pattern of occurrence of MRI findings in patients presenting with LBP as well as correlating it with sociodemographic factors and body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 120 patients who had MRI of the lumbar spine was performed during a 12-month period in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Data recorded included: Sociodemographics, anthropometry, duration of pain, and MRI findings. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. Pearson Chi-square test was used to compare age, sex, occupation, BMI with MRI findings. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The age distribution of patients was from 18 to 80 years; mean age was 51.0 ± 13.2 years. Males were 66 (55%) and females 54 (45%). LBP was chronic in 98 (82%), and professionals had the highest frequency - 49 (40%). Intervertebral disc degeneration was the most common MRI finding and correlated significantly with age (r = 0.342, P = 0.002) and BMI (r = 0.433, P = 0.001) of patients. Conclusion: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a common cause of LBP in our environment. There is a significant association between its presence, extent and severity with the BMI and age of the patients.