Pediatric Endoscopy in Asia Pacific: Report from the Asian Pan-Pacific Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
22348646
eISSN
22348840
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105000277773
Journal Title
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Volume
28
Issue
2
Start Page
76
End Page
85
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Vol.28 No.2 (2025) , 76-85
Suggested Citation
Darma A., Arai K., Wu J.f., Ukarapol N., Hagiwara S.i., Oh S.H., Treepongkaruna S. Pediatric Endoscopy in Asia Pacific: Report from the Asian Pan-Pacific Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition. Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Vol.28 No.2 (2025) , 76-85. 85. doi:10.5223/pghn.2025.28.2.76 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/108537
Title
Pediatric Endoscopy in Asia Pacific: Report from the Asian Pan-Pacific Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Purpose: Pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy significantly contributes to the diagnosis and management of GI diseases in children. Global data on pediatric GI endoscopy in the Asia-Pacific region are limited. We aimed to report the findings of a regional survey on pediatric endoscopy in the Asia-Pacific region. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey involving GI endoscopy centers in 13 Asia-Pacific countries (June to November 2021). The questionnaires included annual procedure volumes (from basic diagnostics to advanced therapeutic endoscopy), endoscopists, sedation procedures, and national training programs. Results: A total of 162 GI endoscopy centers completed the survey. All centers performed basic endoscopies (esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy); however, 45.1% and 59.1% of the centers performed less than 50 esophagogastroduodenoscopies and ileocolonoscopies per year, respectively. Small bowel evaluation (capsule endoscopy or balloon-assisted enteroscopy) was performed in 59.3% of the centers. Foreign body removal, polypectomy, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy were performed in 89.5%, 85.8%, and 52.5% of centers, respectively. Endoscopic hemostatic interventions, which are lifesaving procedures, included glue injection (30.9%), hemostasis of nonvariceal bleeding (65.4%), and endoscopic variceal ligation (70.4%). Pediatric GI endoscopy is performed not only by pediatric gastroenterologists but also by adult gastroenterologists in 21–50% of centers for many kinds of procedures. Sedation was provided by anesthesiologists in 65.4% of the centers. Most centers offer both adult and pediatric endoscopy training. Conclusion: The study highlights regional disparities in pediatric GI endoscopy services. It emphasizes the need for expanded pediatric GI training and improved access to therapeutic endoscopy, particularly for life-saving procedures.