Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
Published on: September 22, 2023
Indications and yield of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in children
Mohammad I El-Mouzan1, Ibrahim A Al-Mofleh, Asaad M Abdullah
1College of Medicine and King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, PO Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. drmouzan@hotmail.com
Insights
Pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed common indications like duodenal biopsy and abdominal pain. Gastritis and esophagitis were the most frequent diagnoses in children undergoing these gastrointestinal tract (GIT) procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Understanding gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders diagnosed via endoscopy is crucial for pediatric clinicians.
- Endoscopic procedures in children have evolved, with new indications emerging, such as small bowel biopsies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the indications for and diagnostic yield of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in pediatric patients.
- To identify common gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed through endoscopy in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1015 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies performed on pediatric patients (under 18 years) between 1993 and 2002.
- Data collected from King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Main Results:
- 851 diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopies were performed on children aged 4 days to 18 years.
- The most common indications were duodenal biopsy (29%) and abdominal pain (24%).
- Highest diagnostic yields were observed for ingestion of caustic substances (86%), hematemesis (75%), and vomiting (67%), with an overall yield of 43%. Gastritis (32%) and esophagitis (30%) were the most common diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopic practices in children have expanded, leading to new diagnostic avenues like small bowel biopsy.
- Variations in endoscopic indications and diagnostic yield exist across different age groups, reflecting diverse pediatric gastrointestinal disease patterns.
Objective:
Knowledge of the pattern of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders detected by endoscopy is important for clinicians. The objective of this paper is to report on the indications and yield of endoscopy.
Methods:
Retrospective analysis of data of all patients below 18 years of age who underwent upper GIT endoscopy from 1414 H (1993 G) through to 1424 H (2002 G) over a 10-year period at King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Results:
One thousand and fifteen upper GIT endoscopies were performed, of which 851 diagnostic procedures were performed on 851 children. The majority (96%) were Saudi nationals, the age range was between 4 days and 18-years, and the male to female ratio was 0.7: 1. The 2 most common indications were duodenal biopsy (29%) and abdominal pain (24%). The best diagnostic yield was in children presenting with ingestion of caustic substances, followed by hematemesis, and vomiting in 86%, 75% and 67%. The overall yield, however, was 43%. Finally, the most common diagnoses were gastritis and esophagitis occurring in 32% and 30% of the children. Age related variations are reported.
Conclusion:
The increasing practice of endoscopy in children resulted in the development of new indications such as endoscopic small bowel biopsy. The differences in indications and yield of endoscopy with age reflecting the varying pattern of diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
01:24Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow
Purpose and Procedure
Patients undergoing this procedure ingest a liquid containing barium sulfate with a chalky...
01:26Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP
Patient...
01:28Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.