Small bowel endoscopy in children

L de Ridder1, M M Tabbers, J C Escher

  • 1Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Paediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Molewaterplein 60, 3015 GJ Rotterdam, The Netherlands. l.deridder@erasmusmc.nl

Insights

Pediatric small bowel endoscopy is challenging. Video capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy offer new diagnostic tools for children, with this review defining their clinical uses.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Minimally Invasive Diagnostics

Background:

  • Small bowel examination in children presents challenges due to anatomical factors.
  • Traditional endoscopic methods are limited in visualizing the entire small intestine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on pediatric capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy.
  • To define clinical indications and practical aspects of these advanced endoscopic techniques in children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature appraisal of recent studies on pediatric enteroscopy.
  • Analysis of clinical data regarding capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy.

Main Results:

  • Video capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy are emerging as valuable tools for pediatric small bowel pathology.
  • These techniques offer improved diagnostic capabilities compared to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

  • Capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy are increasingly utilized in pediatric care.
  • Understanding their indications and practicalities is crucial for effective clinical application.

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy01:28

Endoscopic Procedures III: Video Capsule Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy, or wireless or video capsule endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure for examining the entire gastrointestinal tract. Patients swallow a capsule about the size of a vitamin tablet. The capsule is equipped with a transmitter, a battery, an LED light source, and a color video camera to capture images throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, tumors, polyps, ulcers, unexplained...
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy01:29

Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP01:26

Endoscopic Procedures V: ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure that combines endoscopy and fluoroscopy to diagnose and treat conditions related to the bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, and gallbladder. This procedure is beneficial for identifying and addressing blockages, gallstones, strictures, and tumors within the biliary or pancreatic systems. ERCP is both diagnostic and therapeutic, offering the ability to visualize and treat identified problems in one session.
Patient...
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy01:25

Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy

The colon, or large intestine, is the final segment of the digestive system. Its primary functions include absorbing water and vitamins produced by gut bacteria and transforming waste from liquid to solid to form stool. In adults, the large intestine is approximately 5 feet long and consists of four main sections:
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination01:28

Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination

Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...