Should gastroscopy and colonoscopy for young children?

The article was professionally consulted by MSc Vu Tan Phuc - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.

Gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer is a disease that adults rarely think children can have, moreover, the symptoms of the disease are easily confused with other diseases. To accurately diagnose the disease, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are often indicated when there are signs of disease, but this procedure has many potential risks for the child.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a method of diagnosis and direct examination of the digestive system, including the upper part of the stomach and duodenum (called gastroduodenal endoscopy) and the lower part of the colon or large intestine (called endoscopy). Colon).
When performing endoscopy, the doctor will insert a flexible endoscope through the mouth (with gastroscopy) or through the anus (with colonoscopy) to examine the inside of the digestive tract. From there, there are images to help the doctor diagnose and give appropriate treatment for the child.
When children have symptoms suspected of having peptic ulcer disease such as anorexia, slow weight gain, prolonged abdominal pain, positive test for Hp bacteria, etc., the doctor will appoint internal medicine. gastroscopy. The child's gastroscopy and colonoscope are the right size, the doctor will give the child a short anesthetic for about 5 minutes and perform the endoscopy.
However, in fact, in Vietnam, there have been cases of children dying from gastroscopy.
So, should gastroscopy and colonoscopy for young children? Referring to many studies, the rate of stomach inflammation and ulceration in children under 10 years old only accounts for about 1.7% and 1.9%. Thus, peptic ulcer disease is not a common disease in children, so endoscopy should not be performed in every case.
According to pediatricians, children with abdominal pain can have many causes, if it is necessary to do diagnostic tests, it is necessary to choose a simple one, using a less invasive method.
Parents should also not be too worried about the use of gastroscopy in children. Currently, there are scanners that are suitable for children, if performed by highly qualified and well-trained doctors, the rate of complications is very small. In addition, according to many anesthesiologists, the use of new anesthetics and a short anesthetic time (only about 5 minutes) to help the baby wake up immediately after the endoscopy will not affect the baby's health later. .

Endoscopy of the stomach and colon in young children to diagnose the disease is indicated in the following cases:
Persistent abdominal pain in children under 5 years of age Pain that keeps the child awake at night. Persistent epigastric pain associated with eating Unexplained anemia Persistent and severe vomiting Blood vomiting Growth retardation or unexplained weight loss Black stool occult blood positive for persistent abdominal pain Children with persistent abdominal pain, a history of parents, siblings with stomach cancer or children living with a person with peptic ulcer disease with HP. Persistent abdominal pain in children receiving anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids.

Perform endoscopy in the morning, let the child fast that morning
Stop all medications being taken, stop antibiotics at least 1 month before endoscopy, drugs to reduce gastric acid secretion of PPI group (lansoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole ....) at least 2 weeks before the date of the colonoscopy. If the child's abdominal pain is suspected to be due to peptic ulcer disease, but the endoscopy cannot be done, some drugs can be used to reduce symptoms without affecting the results of endoscopy and HP tests such as rebamipide, sulcrafate, phosphalugel.

Gastroscopy in children to ensure safety, it is mandatory to give anesthesia to let the baby sleep completely before inserting the endoscope. In particular, do not use the anesthetic Ketamine because there are many side effects, should use drugs such as Propofol, Midazolam...
Furthermore, parents should take their children to the doctor and perform an endoscopy if indicated at the hospital. prestigious hospitals, fully equipped, modern machinery, reputable and experienced doctors, safe use of anesthetics.
Vinmec International General Hospital is a prestigious address for medical examination and treatment in general and for examination, diagnosis, gastroscopy and colonoscopy for young children in particular, chosen by many parents and patients.
Especially, at Vinmec Phu Quoc there is a Master. Doctor Vu Tan Phuc is a seasoned expert with nearly 10 years of experience in the field of Endoscopy - Gastrointestinal - Hepatobiliary tract.
Doctor Vu Tan Phuc is not only known for his high professional skills and extensive experience, but also for his dedication and devotion to patients in the medical examination and treatment process.
Choosing Vinmec for medical examination and treatment, patients can be completely assured of a team of experienced, well-trained doctors and leading equipment.