[Development and thoughts of digestive endoscopy in children]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Digestive Endoscopy
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Digestive endoscopy in children has seen nearly 40 years of development, expanding diagnostic and treatment capabilities for pediatric digestive diseases.
• Despite advancements, challenges persist, including uneven development, lack of standardized diagnostic/treatment systems, adult-centric techniques, and variable training quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and address the key challenges hindering the standardized and healthy development of pediatric digestive endoscopy.
• To propose strategies for optimizing pediatric digestive endoscopy, focusing on patient comfort and technological innovation.

Main Methods:

• Review of the current state and challenges in pediatric digestive endoscopy.
• Analysis of the need for pediatric-specific approaches, standardization, and technological integration.

Main Results:

• Current practices often lack homogeneity and pediatric-specific considerations, impacting development.
• Standardization of space, processes, perioperative evaluation, training, and access is essential.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric digestive endoscopy requires a dual focus on pediatric characteristics and technological innovation, emphasizing comfort and standardization.
• Developing consensus statements and guidelines is vital for high-quality development, improved patient outcomes, and advancing the field.