Upper GI Endoscopy and Dilatation (Child)

Introduction

An upper GI endoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. In children, this procedure may be performed for various reasons, including difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, or bleeding in the digestive tract.

What is an Upper GI Endoscopy?

An upper GI endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end to visualize the inside of the upper GI tract. The tube is inserted through the mouth or nose, and the doctor can see images of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum on a monitor.

Why is an Upper GI Endoscopy Performed in Children?

An upper GI endoscopy may be performed in children for various reasons, including:

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bleeding in the digestive tract
• Vomiting blood or black tarry stools
• Celiac disease or other conditions that affect the small intestine
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Esophageal strictures or narrowing

What is Dilatation?

Dilatation, also known as balloon dilatation, is a procedure that may be performed during an upper GI endoscopy to widen a narrowed area of the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract. A balloon is inserted through the endoscope and inflated to stretch the narrowed area.

How is an Upper GI Endoscopy and Dilatation Performed in Children?

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or conscious sedation, depending on the child's age and medical condition. The steps involved are:

1. The child is given anesthesia or sedation to help them relax and remain still during the procedure.
2. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose and guided through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
3. The doctor visualizes the inside of the upper GI tract on a monitor and looks for any abnormalities.
4. If a narrowed area is found, a balloon may be inserted through the endoscope and inflated to dilate the area.
5. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes to complete.

Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with an upper GI endoscopy and dilatation in children. These may include:

• Bleeding or perforation of the digestive tract
• Infection
• Allergic reaction to the anesthesia or sedation
• Damage to the teeth or mouth
• Reaction to the dilatation procedure, such as chest pain or difficulty swallowing

After the Procedure

After the procedure, the child will be taken to a recovery room where they will be monitored for any complications. The doctor will discuss the results of the procedure with the parents and provide instructions on how to care for the child after the procedure.

The child may experience some discomfort or pain after the procedure, which can be managed with medication. They may also have a sore throat or difficulty swallowing for a few days after the procedure.

Follow-up Care

Follow-up care is important to ensure that the child recovers fully from the procedure and to monitor their condition. The doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to check on the child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.