Colonoscopy as a Diagnostic method in Paediatric Lower Gastrointestinal Diseases

Aim: To observe the indications, findings and effectiveness of colonoscopy in paediatric patients having gastrointestinal symptoms.

Study Design: Retrospective study

Place and duration of study: Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Bangabandhu sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between January, 2022 and December, 2022.

Methodology: We included 105 patients, aged ≤ 16 years, who had their first colonoscopy and their demographic data, indications and extent of colonoscopy, abnormal colonoscopy findings, definite diagnosis and complications following the procedure were recorded.

Results: Out of 105 patients, 57.1% were in 5-10 year age group with 61% male and 39% female. The most common indication for colonoscopy was lower GI bleeding (64.76%) followed by chronic diarrhea (15.23%) and chronic abdominal pain (10.48%). Colo-rectal polyp was most frequently diagnosed (34.28%) followed by IBD (17.14%) and intestinal tuberculosis (12.38%). The diagnostic yield of colonoscopy for chronic diarrhoea was 87.5 %, hematochezia 82.36 %, and chronic abdominal pain 72.72 %. Ileal intubation was done in 26.67% cases. Only one patient developed procedure related complication.

Conclusion: Paediatric colonoscopy is useful diagnostic tool for evaluating hematochezia, chronic diarrhoea or chronic abdominal pain in children.