الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Background: Endoscopies proved to be an indispensable tool in pediatric gastrointestinal practice. With the surge of the number of endoscopies and healthcare expenses, it is imperative to ascertain the diagnostic yield of endoscopies to improve patient selection and reduce unnecessary costs. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic yield of pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopies. Methods: Patients undergoing diagnostic endoscopy at one tertiary center in Egypt over the past 5 years were included in a retrospective study. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and histologic data were collected and studied. Results: 2125 patients aged one month to 16 years, presenting with different symptoms, were evaluated. School age children represented the most common age group (34.6%). The most common indications for upper Gastrointestinal(GI) endoscopies were upper gastrointestinal bleed (27.7%) followed by persistent vomiting (24.0%) and Failure to thrive and/or chronic diarrhea (17.2%), whereas 77.5% of colonoscopies were performed due to bleeding per rectum. GI polyps were found in 40.1% of patients presenting with lower GI bleeds. Failure to thrive and/or chronic diarrhea represented 44.1% of patients undergoing both procedures. Conclusion: The diagnostic yield for GI endoscopies is 66.9%, and vary based on age, procedure, and indication. Histologic correlation further increases the diagnostic yield. |