Patient-reported symptoms after pediatric outpatient colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy under general anesthesia.
OBJECTIVE
Endoscopic examination of the colon is indicated in children with diarrhea, hematochezia and suspected inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of patient-reported symptoms after colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy under general anesthesia in children.


METHODS
This prospective study included patients 18 years of age and younger who underwent colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy during a 1-year period. At least 30 days after the endoscopy, an interview was conducted regarding symptoms after colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy.


RESULTS
Eighty-eight children were eligible, and 68 (77%) were available for follow-up. Ten (15%) reported symptoms after their endoscopy. The most common symptoms reported were diarrhea, excessive gas and sore throat. The frequency of reported symptoms was similar between colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy. The frequency of symptoms was not affected by intubation of terminal ileum, polypectomy or the number of prior colonoscopies or flexible sigmoidoscopies.


CONCLUSIONS
Outpatient colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy under general anesthesia are well tolerated by children. A minority of children reports mild symptoms that spontaneously resolve.
Steiner
Steven J
SJ
Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225, USA. ssteiner@iupui.edu
Pfefferkorn
Marian D
MD
Fitzgerald
Joseph F
JF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005740:Gases; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D007422:Intestines; D008297:Male; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010045:Outpatients; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D005740:Gases