The application of gastrointestinal endoscopy in children: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Digestive endoscopy is increasingly vital for diagnosing and treating pediatric gastrointestinal conditions.
• Pediatric endoscopy requires specialized approaches differing from adult procedures regarding indications, objectives, and safety measures.
• Key considerations include age-appropriate equipment, tailored sedation, and bowel preparation for pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of pediatric digestive endoscopy.
• To detail the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of endoscopy in children's digestive tract diseases.
• To review critical aspects including instrument selection, sedation safety, procedural indications, adverse events, and regional disparities.

Main Methods:

• Review of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic techniques in pediatric gastroenterology.
• Analysis of age-stratified instrument selection, sedation protocols, and safety evaluations.
• Examination of indications, contraindications, and potential adverse events of endoscopic procedures in children.

Main Results:

• Endoscopy offers minimally invasive and efficient diagnosis and treatment for a wide spectrum of pediatric digestive diseases.
• Significant progress has been made, but challenges persist, including a lack of specialized devices and operator training.
• Regional disparities in the development of pediatric endoscopy exist.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric digestive endoscopy is a valuable tool, but requires specialized approaches for safety and efficacy.
• Future advancements necessitate multicenter studies, standardized guidelines, and integration of AI and novel imaging.
• Optimizing pediatric endoscopy requires a focus on precision, safety, and efficiency through continued research and technological innovation.