TOTAL COLONOSCOPY IN CHILDREN

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (1) , 49-53
Abstract
One hundred and twenty-three total colonoscopies were performed on 115 children with ages ranging from 3 mo.-16 yr. The major indications were suspected inflammatory bowel disease and unexplained rectal bleeding. Ninety-seven percent of all procedures were carried out with sedation only. Adult colonoscopes were used in most of the patients, but in babies and small children pediatric instruments were preferable. Total colonoscopy was possible in all patients with a patent colon. The terminal ileum was examined in 63 patients. Endoscopic snare polypectomy was successfully carried out in 8 children and multiple hemangiomas were electrocoagulated in one. Total colonoscopy in this pediatric proved to be at least as easy, rapid, well-tolerated and safe as in adults. In selected patients a single colonoscopy can give an accurate diagnosis with biopsy proof and sometimes the opportunity for definitive treatment.