The diagnostic upper GI endoscopy camp: a pilot for enhancing service provision and training in eastern Uganda

Background: Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms are common in East Africa but there is limited diagnostic endoscopy availability. Surgical camps are a recognised method of providing intensive service provision and training. We describe a novel application of the camp model for diagnostic UGI endoscopy in eastern Uganda. Methods: A 7-day camp took place in an existing endoscopy department of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Patients with symptoms warranting investigation were invited for free diagnostic UGI endoscopy, biopsy and H.pylori testing. Results: 148 patients underwent endoscopy. 47 were deemed to have significant pathology, 7 with malignancy. 61% had H.Pylori. A resident surgeon was trained and performed 55 supervised unassisted procedures. Conclusion: Our pilot has illustrated that camps are a safe and efficient way of providing intense endoscopy service and training in an established department. Camps can be utilised for scaling up much needed endoscopy services and training in low- and middle-income countries. Keywords: Gastrointestinal endoscopy; Helicobacter pylori; esophageal neoplasms.