Paediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy: experience in a Sudanese university hospital

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Background:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a vital diagnostic tool in pediatric care.
• Understanding the specific indications and outcomes in children is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the primary indications for performing GI endoscopy in children.
• To document the diagnostic findings resulting from upper and lower GI endoscopy in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 113 pediatric patients (< or = 16 years) undergoing GI endoscopy.
• Data collected from January 2004 to January 2006 at Soba University Hospital, Khartoum.
• Analysis of indications and diagnoses for both upper and lower GI endoscopy procedures.

Main Results:

• Upper GI endoscopy (73% of cases) was most commonly indicated for haematemesis, portal hypertension, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
• Key upper GI diagnoses included oesophageal varices, gastritis, and hiatus hernia.
• Lower GI endoscopy (27%) was predominantly indicated for rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, and anaemia.

Conclusions:

• GI endoscopy is frequently indicated for upper GI bleeding and suspected portal hypertension in children.
• Rectal bleeding is the leading indication for lower GI endoscopy in the pediatric population studied.
• The findings underscore the importance of endoscopy in diagnosing significant GI pathology in children.