Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy by Pediatric Surgeons: Our Early Experience

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Procedures

Background:

• Pediatric upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is crucial for managing gastrointestinal issues in children.
• Medical gastroenterologists traditionally perform UGI endoscopy, but their availability is limited, particularly during emergencies.
• Pediatric surgeons offer a potential solution to address the scarcity of pediatric gastroenterologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and benefits of performing UGI endoscopy by pediatric surgeons.
• To assess the role of pediatric surgeons in managing pediatric gastrointestinal pathologies via endoscopy.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2017 to January 2022.
• Data from 95 patients (aged 1-16 years) undergoing 130 UGI endoscopies were analyzed.
• Parameters included patient demographics, indications for endoscopy, procedures performed, and complications.

Main Results:

• Esophageal stricture (41 patients) and UGI foreign body (18 patients) were the most common indications for UGI endoscopy.
• Thirty emergency procedures were performed.
• One complication (perforation during dilation) occurred, managed conservatively.

Conclusions:

• UGI endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool that can be successfully performed by trained pediatric surgeons.
• This practice can expedite patient management, reduce the need for additional anesthesia, and is particularly useful in emergency situations.
• Pediatric surgeons performing UGI endoscopy can supplement decision-making and improve care delivery.