Interfaces in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Who Should Do It?

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal endoscopy is one of the most frequently performed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in children nowadays. METHODS Since the size of endoscopes has been adapted to pediatric patients, endoscopic procedures are performed almost routinely in pediatric gastrointestinal patients. However, this is an invasive procedure done under deep sedation, and procedure-related or sedation-related complications can occur more easily in pediatric patients. The endoscopist must consider various aspects (e.g., indications and contraindications for endoscopy, monitoring during and after the procedure) to ensure the procedure is performed successfully and safely. RESULTS In our opinion, pediatric endoscopy should be carried out by pediatric endoscopists at specialized pediatric clinics. In Germany, there are regulatory demands dictating that in order to become a pediatric gastroenterologist, further education is necessary. Experienced centers which offer this education including training programs for pediatric endoscopy can be found on www.gpge.de. CONCLUSION Provided these preconditions are adhered to, gastrointestinal endoscopy is a safe and efficient technique with minimal complications even in children and infants.