A clinical study of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Japanese children.

A total of 370 children who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (534 procedures) were retrospectively studied. All procedures were performed successfully. Side effects were demonstrated in only one case (0.2%), which was complicated by perioral cyanosis during the procedure. As to pre-endoscopic medication, it was thought that topical pharyngeal anesthesia alone may well be used for school-age children over 7 years of age, general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation for neonates, and intravenous sedation for infants and younger children. Of 370 patients studied, 70.8% had endoscopic diagnoses. The most common diagnosis was gastritis (136 cases), followed by peptic ulcer (75), duodenitis (29), and esophagitis (20). Several conclusions for indications were drawn from the present study. Pediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a safe and useful method for diagnostic and therapeutic approach, if adequate pre-endoscopic medication is chosen.