Evolution in the Practice of Pediatric Endoscopy and Sedation

Abstract

The fields of pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy and sedation are critically important to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disease in children. Since its inception in the 1970s, pediatric endoscopy has benefitted from tremendous technological innovation related to the design of the endoscope and its associated equipment. Not only that, but expertise among pediatric gastroenterologists has moved the field forward to include a full complement of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures in children. In this review, we discuss the remarkable history of pediatric endoscopy and highlight current limitations and future advances in the practice and technology of pediatric endoscopy and sedation.