KEY POINTS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY IN PEDIATRIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Abstract

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is an essential tool for diagnosing and treating inflammatory bowel disease in children. However, to ensure a safe and effective examination, it is crucial to consider pediatric-specific issues such as the indication for the examination, sedation, and choice of scope for each case. Pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy involves overcoming several hurdles, including limitations on the scopes used due to the body weight of the child and the need for pediatricians and anesthesiologists to manage sedation and general care alongside the endoscopist. However, overcoming these hurdles and providing endoscopy with minimal pain and anxiety to children with inflammatory bowel disease will pave the way for the future development of inflammatory bowel disease care in Japan.