Help, my child needs an Endoscopy
"Help, the doctor said my child needs an endoscopy." I often get calls and emails from parents when their infant or child with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) needs a medical procedure such as an endoscopy. Parents often worry about sedation and the risks associated with the procedure while children worry about pain and being separated from their parents.
Parents often ask me questions about having an endoscopy so I have answered the most common questions:
What is an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a common medical procedure used to diagnose Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and other diseases of the digestive tract. During the endoscopy, a child is sedated and a flexible tube is placed in the mouth and down to the stomach. The tube has a camera so the doctor can visualize the lining of the esophagus and stomach, take samples (called biopsies) and photos. After the test, your child may feel sleepy from the sedation and experience a sore throat. Most children feel fine after a nap and a drink and resume their normal activities the next day.
What are the risks?
As with any medical procedure, there is a slight risk of complications. The good news is an endoscopy is very safe and most infants and children tolerate the procedure without any problems. In rare cases, there may be a reaction to the anesthesia (medicine used for sedation) or an injury to the esophagus or stomach from the tubing. The procedure may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center.
How do I prepare for my child's endoscopy?
It is very important to ask the doctor or hospital staff for detailed information about the procedure, the sedation and their policies. I always ask what items I can bring such as special blankies and stuffed toys. Most of the time, my kids have been able to have their special comfort items with them the entire time. My kids appreciate the bedside DVD players so they can watch a movie before and after the procedure. Sometimes the kids need to wear a gown and other times they just wear loose comfortable clothing (especially for older children).
How do I prepare my child?
It is important to use age appropriate language to describe what will happen. For a preschool aged child, it is best to describe things from his/her point of view. The biggest concern is experiencing pain and being separated from his/her parents. You don't need to describe what will happen during the procedure. Just tell him/her that the doctor needs you to go to sleep for a few minutes to do the test and you will wake up right away and see mommy.
Be sure to use the information you have gained about the "amenities" of the endoscopy center or hospital when you talk with your child. You might say, "I talked with the nurse and she said you could bring Teddy and two DVD's."
An older child may need to know why the test is done and want a more in-depth description of the process such as the need for an IV. Keep in mind that an older child may have some memories of previous experiences with medical procedures. Having some discussion about the procedure and perhaps participating in the decision making with the doctor may be appropriate.
