Complications after outpatient upper GI endoscopy in children: 30-day follow-up

Objectives: Upper GI endoscopy (UGE) is a common procedure performed for evaluation and treatment of various upper GI tract disorders in children. Limited comprehensive data are available on the complications of UGE in adults and particularly in children. The goals of this study were to identify complications and adverse events reported by patients and their parents after outpatient UGE under general anesthesia (GA). Methods: Pediatric patients who underwent outpatient UGE under GA between April, 2000 and April, 2001 at the James Whitcomb Hospital for Children were identified. The interviewer obtained verbal consent and performed standardized telephone interviews 30 days after the outpatient UGE. Results: A total of 393 patients participated in this survey. Of the patients, 165 (42%) had one or more complications or adverse events. The most common ones reported by patients or parents 30 days after the UGE under GA were sore throat or hoarseness (34.6%), fatigue (6.6%), cough (4.1%), headache (3.3%), excessive gas or burping (2.8%), nausea (2.5%), emesis (2.3%), abdominal pain (2%), fever (2%), behavior problems (1.8%), upper respiratory symptoms (1.3%), excessive drowsiness (0.5%), nosebleed (0.3%), perioral rash (0.3%), and chest pain (0.3%). Ten of 165 patients with complications or adverse events after UGE sought medical assistance. Conclusions: Approximately one third of pediatric patients complained of sore throat or hoarseness after UGE under GA. All other reported complications or adverse events were infrequent. We conclude that UGE under GA is safe and well tolerated in pediatric patients. (C) 2003 by Am. Coll. of Gastroenterology.