Utility of Narrow Caliber Echo-bronchoscope in Pre-school Pediatric Population: A case series (with video)

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Minimally Invasive Endoscopy
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Limited data exists on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) application in children under 4 years.
• Assessing gastrointestinal, pancreatobiliary, and mediastinal conditions in this age group presents unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of using smaller caliber echo-bronchoscopes for EUS in children younger than 4 years.
• To determine the clinical utility of EUS in managing pediatric diseases within this age range.

Main Methods:

• A prospective evaluation of consecutive children under 4 years old undergoing EUS.
• Utilized smaller caliber echo-bronchoscopes for the endoscopic ultrasound procedures.
• Focused on cases where EUS was deemed clinically beneficial.

Main Results:

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was found to be feasible in young children under 4 years.
• The procedure demonstrated a favorable safety profile in this pediatric population.
• EUS provided valuable clinical insights for managing various conditions.

Conclusions:

• EUS utilizing smaller caliber echo-bronchoscopes is a safe and feasible diagnostic tool for pediatric patients under 4 years.
• This technique expands the management options for gastrointestinal, pancreatobiliary, and mediastinal diseases in very young children.