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Patient-reported symptoms after pediatric outpatient colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy under general anesthesia

Steven J Steiner1, Marian D Pfefferkorn, Joseph F Fitzgerald

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225, USA. ssteiner@iupui.edu

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|October 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy under general anesthesia are safe procedures. Most children experience no symptoms after these endoscopic examinations, with only a few reporting mild, temporary issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Endoscopic Procedures
  • Patient Outcomes

Background:

  • Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are crucial for diagnosing pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Assessing post-procedure symptoms in children undergoing these procedures is important for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and nature of patient-reported symptoms following pediatric colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
  • To evaluate the tolerability of these endoscopic procedures in children.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving children (≤18 years) undergoing colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy under general anesthesia.
  • Patient interviews were conducted at least 30 days post-procedure to record symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Out of 68 participants, 15% reported symptoms, most commonly diarrhea, gas, and sore throat.
  • Symptom frequency did not differ between colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
  • Intubation of the terminal ileum, polypectomy, or prior procedures did not impact symptom occurrence.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric outpatient colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy under general anesthesia are generally well-tolerated.
  • A small percentage of children experience mild, self-resolving symptoms post-endoscopy.
Abstract

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