title: The role of the paediatric endoscopist.
abstract: The role of the paediatric endoscopist has been a changing one. When I first commenced at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Sydney 25 years ago, paediatric endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract and oesophagus was a limited and poorly defined field. Most endoscopic examinations were requested, often reluctantly, by a paediatrician in the investigation of stridor. In fact my first consultation involved instructions to perform a laryngoscopy, but not a bronchoscopy and general anaesthesia was not to be used! How different the situation is now--the paediatric endoscopist is regarded as a true consultant and his opinion is sought in the investigation and management of congenital or acquired airway and intra-thoracic problems.
mesh_terms: D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods; D053685:Laser Therapy; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D014135:Tracheal Stenosis / Q000151:congenital