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Physicians of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Riley Hospital possess years of experience in performing endoscopies and related procedures in infants, toddlers, children and adolescents. The procedures are performed with care, expertise and compassion towards the child and the family, with a focus on comfort and safety for the child. Some of the services we offer are:
- Upper GI endoscopy: This procedure is done under anesthesia in the endoscopy suite. A flexible tube equipped with a camera will be inserted through the mouth to examine the upper GI tract. The physician may take small pieces of tissue (called biopsies) to examine under a microscope. This procedure is also used for removal of foreign objects, dilations of strictures (abnormal narrowing), and for management of bleeding in the GI tract.
- Lower GI endoscopy ("Colonoscopy"): This procedure is similar to the upper GI endoscopy and is also done under anesthesia. The flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the anus to examine the large intestine (colon). Biopsies may be collected to examine under a microscope. This procedure may also be used to remove polyps and to manage GI bleeding.
- G-Tube: Placement of feeding tube through skin directly into the stomach ("G-button")
- pH probe studies including BravoŽ: These procedures help examine for reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
- Capsule endoscopy ("camera endoscopy"): This allows examination of the small intestine using a small video capsule that is about the size of a large vitamin. The camera captures pictures as it travels naturally through the small intestine and transmits images to a small device outside the body. After the procedure is completed, the images can be downloaded and reviewed by the physician. The capsule passes out in stool.
- Percutaneous liver biopsy: A liver biopsy will allow the physician to examine a small piece of liver tissue for injury or damage to the organ. A few days before the procedure, the patient will need to have blood tests. The test is done under anesthesia using a thin biopsy needle. The child is observed for several hours or overnight after the procedure.
- Rectal biopsies and manometry: The physician may use different tests to evaluate for constipation. These include:
- Rectal suction biopsy - this procedure can be done in clinic and does not require sedation. A small instrument inserted into the rectum takes a small painless biopsy.
- Rectal punch biopsy - this procedure is done under anesthesia.
- Anorectal manometry - this procedure is done by placing a device with three small balloons in the rectum and taking pressure measurements.
- Motility studies to examine the motility of the GI tract: These include esophageal motility study, antroduodenal manometry, and colonic motility study. These studies are done by placing catheters with special pressure sensors in the esophagus, stomach, upper small intestine and large intestine, respectively, to examine contractions in these areas of the body. These tests may be performed in children with longstanding swallowing problems, abdominal distention or feeding intolerance and chronic constipation, respectively, to see if their symptoms are due to a motility problem.
Your physician will discuss in detail the procedures with you, explain risks and benefits of the procedures, and provide ample opportunity to ask questions. For further information, please call our office at 317-274-3774.
[Keywords: Gastroenterology, GI, endoscopies, Upper GI endoscopy, upper GI tract, biopsies, biopsy, dilations of strictures, Lower GI endoscopy, Colonoscopy, large intestine, colon, polyps, G-Tube, pH probe studies, BravoŽ, reflux of stomach acid, esophagus, Capsule endoscopy, camera endoscopy, small intestine, percutaneous liver biopsy, biopsy needle, Rectal biopsies and manometry, constipation, Rectal suction biopsy, Rectal punch biopsy, Anorectal manometry, esophageal motility study, antroduodenal manometry, colonic motility study, stomach, upper small intestine, large intestine, swallowing problems, abdominal distention, feeding intolerance, chronic constipation.]
Disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. If you have medical concerns, seek the guidance of a medical professional. Consult your physician about any medications, supplements or treatments you are considering, and when seeking treatment, disclose all medications you are taking or treatments you are receiving. Riley Hospital for Children, University Pediatric Associates and IU School of Medicine disclaim any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. |
