
Enteroscopy in children
Author(s) -
Di Nardo Giovanni,
Calabrese Carlo,
Conti Nibali Roberto,
De Matteis Arianna,
Casciani Emanuele,
Martemucci Luigi,
Pagliaro Giuseppe,
Pagano Nico
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
ueg journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.667
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 2050-6414
pISSN - 2050-6406
DOI - 10.1177/2050640618789853
Subject(s) - medicine , enteroscopy , capsule endoscopy , endoscopy , population , radiology , general surgery , environmental health
Device‐assisted enteroscopy is a new endoscopic technique for the evaluation of small bowel in adults and children. Data in pediatric population are limited. This review aims to identify diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of enteroscopy in children. Methods We have analysed paediatric literature on device‐assisted enteroscopy focusing on indications, technical aspects and complications, with attention given to adult publications that may be applicable to the paediatric population. Results Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn's disease and small bowel polyps are the main indications of enteroscopy in children. Device‐assisted enteroscopy has high diagnostic yield for the main paediatric indications, but MR‐enterography and capsule endoscopy should be used beforehand in diagnostic work‐up to better identify candidates for enteroscopy and to improve its diagnostic and therapeutic yield. Major complications are rare and mostly related to therapeutic procedures. Conclusion Despite limited data in the paediatric population, device‐assisted enteroscopy represents a useful and safe endoscopic technique in children. Its use, combined with MR‐enterography and capsule endoscopy, allows identification and treatment of many of the small bowel paediatric diseases with a low risk of complications.