Pediatric Advanced Endoscopy Program

What is pediatric endoscopy?

Pediatric endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope, a small thin flexible tube, to examine, diagnose or treat a condition in the digestive tract. An endoscope is passed into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through the mouth or rectum. Endoscopy procedures examine and treat disorders of the esophagus, stomach, and other internal organs.

What is advanced endoscopy?

Advanced or therapeutic endoscopy is the medical term for endoscopic procedures in which an endoscope is the primary tool. Unlike a normal endoscopy, advanced endoscopy involves other equipment that is attached to the endoscope to open blockages, remove tissue, manage bleeding, evaluate the small bowel or biliary system, remove gallstones, or drain fluid. Advanced endoscopy treats conditions such as esophageal and intestinal strictures, tumors and polyps (including hereditary polyposis syndromes), gastrointestinal bleeding, gallstones, and achalasia. Advanced endoscopy often leads to a shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, and better outcomes.

Why Riley Children’s for advanced endoscopy?

The Pediatric Advanced Endoscopy Program at Riley Children’s provides personalized care for children and uses advanced endoscopy techniques, including:

• Balloon enteroscopy
• Botox injection
• Complex polypectomy
• Endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP)
• Endoscopic incisional therapy
• Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
• Esophageal, pyloric, and intestinal stricture dilation
• Esophageal variceal banding
• Gastrointestinal bleeding control
• Gastrointestinal stent placement
• pH / impedance monitoring
• Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and third space endoscopy
• Transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE)
• Video capsule endoscopy

At Riley Children’s, ERCP, EUS, and POEM are performed by adult gastroenterologists with help from pediatric gastroenterology specialists. This is because these procedures are less commonly performed in children, while adult gastroenterologists and endoscopists have significant experience and expertise in these areas.

Additionally, our pediatric and interventional gastroenterologists are at the forefront of advanced endoscopy and lead research to improve outcomes for children with digestive diseases and conditions.