Abstract
PURPOSE: To analyze clinical and endoscopic aspects of dyspeptic patients submitted to upper endoscopy in a reference center in the interior of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: Observational, descriptive, and analytical research through interviews and endoscopic reports of 80 patients with dyspeptic complaints submitted to upper endoscopy. RESULTS: Among the respondents, 66.25% were women, most were aged ≥ 40 years old and had epigastric pain as their main symptom, and 29.75% had no appropriate indication to perform upper endoscopy. Mild enanthematous gastritis of the antrum was the most frequent finding, and 92.5% had non-significant findings. Rapid urease test was positive in 25%. The following findings showed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05): age < 40 years old, female gender, and gastric lesion with positive urease test; smoking with gastric lesion and age less than 40 years old with normal examination. Patients with significant findings had appropriate indications for upper endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The correct indication of upper endoscopy is essential for satisfactory endoscopic yields and accurate diagnosis.