[Pediatric colonoscopy]

Abstract

The procedure and results of 50 colonoscopies performed over a three-year period on a group of 43 children (range: 0.3-16 yr; median: 9 yr) are described. The main indications were evaluation for, or control of already known, chronic inflammatory bowel disease (n = 38) and rectal bleeding (n = 8). Following verbal and written information the children were admitted one to two days before the procedure for bowel preparation. Children < 10 years old received general anaesthesia during the colonoscopy (n = 25) and most children > or = 10 years old received an intravenous sedation with pethidine and midazolam (n = 25). In only one case was intravenous sedation not successful. The coecum was visualised in 96% and the terminal ileum intubated in 77% (when intended) of the endoscopies. The most important results obtained were establishment of the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease in 21 of 30 suspected cases and the removal of a polyp in two cases. At the time of colonoscopy a "best guess" diagnosis of either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease often predicted the histological diagnosis, but endoscopy tended to underestimate the severity and extent of the inflammation as compared to microscopy. There were no complications. We conclude that colonoscopy performed according to our recommendations is a safe and informative procedure for evaluation of the large bowel and terminal ileum in children with intestinal disease.