Colonoscopy in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Colorectal Diseases

Background:

• Published data on pediatric colonoscopy in Saudi Arabia is limited.
• Pediatric colonoscopy is a routine procedure in Saudi hospitals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the experience and outcomes of pediatric colonoscopy in Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of colonoscopy data from patients under 18 years old.
• Data collected over a 10-year period (1993-2002).

Main Results:

• 183 diagnostic colonoscopies were performed on children aged 5 months to 18 years.
• Rectal bleeding was the most common indication (35%).
• Colitis was the most frequent diagnosis (66%), with the highest diagnostic yield in bloody diarrhea (91%).

Conclusions:

• Colonoscopy plays a crucial role in diagnosing pediatric colon diseases in Saudi Arabia.
• Identified challenges in performing pediatric colonoscopies within the institution.