Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Using the Endoscope for Endobronchial Ultrasound in the Esophagus
Published on: November 21, 2023
[Pediatric endoscopy: state of the art]
J Elías Pollina1, J A Esteban Ibarz, N González Martínez-Pardo
1Servicio de cirugía pediátrica, Hospital Infantil Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza.
Insights
Pediatric surgeons perform esophageal dilatations and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), but adult gastroenterologists handle most endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Flexible bronchoscopy is more common in specialized units.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy
Context:
- Growing concern regarding the scope of pediatric surgical specialties.
- Limited existing data on the practice of pediatric endoscopy.
- Need to assess current endoscopic procedures among pediatric surgeons.
Purpose:
- To survey pediatric surgical departments on their current endoscopic practices.
- To identify which procedures are performed by pediatric surgeons versus other specialties.
- To understand the volume and management of various endoscopic interventions.
Summary:
- A survey of 24 hospitals revealed that pediatric surgeons commonly perform esophageal dilatations and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).
- Most endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures are managed by adult gastroenterology units.
- Flexible bronchoscopy is performed by multiple specialties, with higher volumes in dedicated units.
Impact:
- Highlights the division of labor in pediatric endoscopy, with clear roles for esophageal dilatation and PEG.
- Identifies a gap in pediatric surgeon involvement in ERCP, necessitating collaboration with adult specialists.
- Suggests a need for consensus on qualifications and protocols for pediatric endoscopic procedures.
Introduction:
Our society has shown always a great concern with the limits of our speciality. However, we have never approached the issue of pediatric endoscopy. For this reason, we have decided to carry our a survey to assess the present situation of endoscopy among surgeon pediatricians.
Material And Methods:
Twenty-four hospitals whose services include pediatric surgery were sent a survey centred on the following items: name of hospital, number of beds, in pediatrics, number of surgical interventions per year (which enabled us to classify the services in four groups, depending on their surgical volume), which unit is in charge of esophagus-gastroscopy, colonoscopy, esophageal dilatation, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), endoscopic retrograde colangio-pancreatography (ERCP), rigid and flexible bronchoscopy, and number of such examinations per year.
Results:
We received twenty-two answers to the survey (91,88%). The upper endoscopies are carried out in 47,43% of the cases by Pediatric Surgery, (ten units carry out the 100% of the endoscopies in their hospital). All but two ERCP are carry out by the unit of adult gastroenterology, whereas esophageal dilatation and PEG are carry out in 89.33% of cases by Pediatric Surgery. Rigid bronchoscopy is performed by Pediatric Surgery in fifteen units, while flexible bronchoscopy is performed by Pediatric Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology, Pneumology and Pediatrics.
Conclusions:
The high degree of response proved the concern with strengthening certain techniques in the field of Pediatric Surgery. Esophageal dilatations and PEG are techniques in the hands of pediatric surgeons, while ERCP is in the hands of adult endoscopists. The units that offer flexible bronchoscopy carry out many more examinations. It would be necessary to reach a consensus regarding various issues related to these examinations, ranging from who is qualified to carry them out to their legal assistance.
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