Based on the explanation from Dr. dr. Ariani Dewi Widodo, SpA(K), a consultant pediatrician for gastro hepatology, says endoscopy procedures are safe for babies and children. Endoscopic procedures can help diagnose certain medical conditions or complaints. Starting from children swallowing foreign objects, and vomiting continuously, to experiencing bleeding in the digestive tract.

The endoscopy procedure is considered safe because it has been recommended by ASGE (The American Society for Digestive Endoscopy), but even though it is considered safe some conditions prevent children from having an endoscopy, such as the general condition of unstable children. In addition, some things must be done before a child undergoes an endoscopy procedure, including:

– Children are asked to fast for a few hours before medical action is carried out.

– Parents must provide information to the doctor about the child’s medical history, such as allergies and other co-morbidities.

When should a child have an endoscopy?

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be done if the child has swallowing disorders, reflux, GERD, repeated vomiting which cannot be treated, weight loss, persistent diarrhea, and swallowing dangerous small objects—narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Meanwhile, an endoscopy of the lower digestive tract is done if the child has allergies, has continuous diarrhea for no apparent reason, has bloody bowel movements even though it is not hard, or picks up objects that have been swallowed from above and then gets stuck.

Is it safe for children to do endoscopies?

Endoscopy is relatively safe because it is less invasive compared to surgery. Usually, the diagnostic action without intervention takes 5-10 minutes. The move is very light and does not hurt, except when doing a biopsy.

Source:

Viva.co.id. (2021). Endoskopi Tak Bisa Dilakukan Jika Kondisi Anak Seperti Ini. Retrieved 27 January 2023. From: https://www.viva.co.id/gaya-hidup/parenting/1367462-endoskopi-tak-bisa-dilakukan-jika-kondisi-anak-seperti-ini.

The Asian Parent. (2021). Amankah Pemeriksaan Endoskopi untuk Anak? Begini Penjelasan Dokter. Retrieved 30 January 2023. From: https://id.theasianparent.com/endoskopi-pada-anak#:~:text=Menurut%20dr.%20Arianni%2C%20prosedur%20pemeriksaan,juga%20bayi%20dan%20anak%2Danak.

Dream.co.id. (2021). Pemeriksaan Endoskopi pada Anak Amankah? Retrieved 30 Janauri 2023. From: https://www.dream.co.id/lifestyle/pemeriksaan-dengan-teknik-endoskopi-pada-anak-amankah-210423k.html

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