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Structured Approach to Colonoscopy Technique Optimization: A Single-Center Experience with Novice Endoscopists
Published on: July 11, 2025
Colonoscopy in children
Mohammad Issa El Mouzan1, Ibrahim Abdulkarim Al-Mofleh, Asaad Mohammad Abdullah
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. drmouzan@hotmail.com
Insights
Pediatric colonoscopy in Saudi Arabia is a valuable diagnostic tool, with colitis being the most common finding. This study details the procedure
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.
Background:
Pediatric colonoscopy is routinely performed in most hospitals in Saudi Arabia and yet published data are scarce. The objective of this report is to describe our experience in the practice of pediatric colonoscopy in Saudi Arabia.
Patients And Methods:
Retrospective analysis of data of all patients below 18 years of age who underwent colonoscopy over a 10-year period.
Results:
From 1414 H (1993 G) to 1423 H (2002 G), two hundred and seventeen colonoscopies, of which 183 diagnostic procedures, were performed on 183 children. The majority (94%) were Saudi nationals, the age range was between 5 months and 18 years, and the female to male ratio was 1:0.8. Colonoscopy was total in 58 (32%) and limited in 125 patients (68%). The commonest reason for not completing the procedure was securing the diagnosis in 45/125 patients (36%). The commonest indication was rectal bleeding (35%). The highest yield was in children with bloody diarrhea (91%) and the lowest in those with abdominal pain (27%) with an overall yield of 44%. Colitis was the most common diagnosis occurring in 66% of the children.
Conclusion:
this report highlights the role of colonoscopy in the recognition of diseases of the colon in our community and identifies some of the problems areas associated with the performance of this procedure in our institution.
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