BackgroundMore than half of the world’s population is infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the primary cause of chronic gastritis. Chronic gastritis is associated with peptic ulcer and in advanced stages with an increased risk of developing gastric adenocarcinoma. In many developing countries access to upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy services is limited. As a result, many UGI diseases are treated empirically.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of H. pylori in patients presenting with dyspepsia, and the mean time from onset of symptoms to performing an endoscopy examination.MethodsA cross sectional descriptive study conducted from 5th January to 30th April 2014. Adult patients with dyspepsia who were referred for UGI endoscopy were recruited consecutively. Questionnaires were used to collect data which were analyzed using STATA software. IRB approval was obtained.ResultsIn total, 111 participants’ data were analyzed. The F:M ratio was 1:1.4, mean age 43 years (SD = 16). The prevalence of H. pylori gastritis was 36%. The minimum time to endoscopy was 3 weeks, maximum 1,248 weeks and the mean time 57 weeks.ConclusionThe burden of H. pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia was high. Patients had prior empirical antibiotic therapy. Access to endoscopic services is limited.

Background: Inguinal hernia is a common surgical condition. Whereas complications associated with hernia repair are well documented, chronic postoperative groin pain has received less attention. Objective: To review the frequency and associated risk factors for chronic post herniorrhaphy groin pain at a tertiary urban hospital. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study using data retrieved from patient files and theatre logs was conducted. Only inguinal herniae patients 13 years and above were considered. Pain was self reported at least 3months to 2 years after repair. Results: Eighty nine patient data were analyzed. Mean aged was 40.5years, Male:Female ratio was 6:1. Fifteen (17%) patients reported pain lasting > 3 months. No significant age difference was noted between those with pain and the pain free. All those with chronic pain were male. Conclusion: Inguinodynia was common in this population. Post herniorraphy pain predictive risk factors in this population ought to be investigated.