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.