Publication: Upper GI Endoscopy in Children- in an adult suite
Date
2005
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Although Upper GI endoscopy is commonly performed in adults, paediatric endoscopy is not available in many of
our referral centres. The efficacy and safety of upper GI endoscopy in paediatric age group performed in adult suite
of Kathmandu Medical College is reviewed. Patients and Method: A retrospective study of endoscopies performed
on children aged up to 15 years in an adult endoscopy suite of Kathmandu medical college over last one year is
presented. All cases were the referred cases from paediatric unit for various problems. Results: Endoscopy in
paediatric group comprises only 6% of total upper GI endoscopies performed during the same year. Sex ratio was
almost equal. Most cases (87%) were performed under local anaesthetic and well tolerated by the patients. Recurrent
abdominal pain (RAP) was the commonest indication and among them one third of cases had significant positive
finding. Conclusion: Upper GI endoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool in children. Where specialized paediatric
endoscopy units are not feasible i.e. developing countries, endoscopic services to children can be safely provided in
adult endoscopy suite with or without sedation. Upper GI endoscopy is well tolerated by children even without
sedation.
Key words: Endoscopy, Recurrent abdominal pain.