Update of Aetiological Patterns of Adult Gastric Outlet Obstruction in Accra, Ghana

Background: The aetiology of gastric outlet obstruction globally has evolved from benign to malignant causes, but there seem to be no recent data on the trends in Ghana. The aim was, therefore, to identify the current patterns in the aetiology of gastric outlet obstruction in the adult population in Ghana. Methodology: This was a retrospective review of all confirmed cases of gastric outlet obstruction in the last decade, spanning from June 2004 to May 2014, that were managed at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Results: A total of 107 patients were managed for gastric outlet obstruction with a male to female ratio of 2.15:1 and most of the patients making 71.3% of cases belonged to the age range of 40 to 60 years. The predominant aetiology for gastric outlet obstruction was found to be gastric cancer (55.140%), followed by peptic ulcer disease (27.103%). Conclusion: The aetiology of gastric outlet obstruction in Ghana has evolved from benign to malignant causes, following current global trends. Gastric cancer is now the most important cause of gastric outlet obstruction in Ghana, followed by peptic ulcer disease which predominates as the commonest benign cause.