Value of fiberoptic gastrointestinal endoscopy in infants and children

Abstract

Fiberoptic gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed on 52 patients between the ages of 2 months and 16 years. The procedures were safely and easily done with premedications consisting of meperidine, promethazine, and chlorpromazine, and atropine, with diazepam given at the time of the procedure. Fiberoptic endoscopy was particularly helpful in localizing the site of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, in retrieving foreign objects, and in removing colonic polyps. In contrast, endoscopy added little to the clinical history and roentgenographic studies in children with recurrent abdominal pain or vomiting, in whom we believe fiberoptic endoscopy is not indicated unless the symptoms or history appear inconsistent with the diagnosis of functional bowel disease.