Results of ileoscopy in pediatric patients

Ileoscopy is widely used in pediatric patients. Following the development of traditional endoscopic techniques, such as colonoscopy with retrograde ileoscopy and multiple biopsies, and their application in children, wireless capsule endoscopy and double-mono balloon enteroscopy have recently joined the diagnostic approach to pediatric small-bowel disease. The results of these procedures in infants, children, and adolescents have been satisfactory, especially in cases of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease, and obscure intestinal bleeding. The investigation and survey of suspected small intestinal tumors and the surveillance of patients with polyposis syndrome (Peutz-Jeghers, juvenile polyposis) with suspected or refractory malabsorption syndrome represent other applications. Surgeons and gastroenterologists must cooperate in treating pediatric digestive disease, in order to choose the best therapy (combined endoscopic or surgical treatment) for each patient.