Endoscopy Procedure

Updated on May 25, 2010
J.R. asks from Tucson, AZ
11 answers

My son is having an endoscopy procedure in the next couple of weeks. Has any other moms had this done with an infant- if so can you tell me what to expect?
He is having the procedure to look for either an allergy or some sort of malabsorption disorder. He has elevated platelets, iron deficiency and vitamin D deficiency, and very slow weight gain-- despite eating more than some adults. He is now on vit D and iron supplements- but with as much as he eats he should be getting the nutrients from his food- so we are trying to find out what is happening in that tummy of his.

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So What Happened?

Thanks to everyone that commented. The actual procedure took three minutes- and that was with them taking five biopsies. The hardest part was the prepping and the IV. Dr. Ghishan at UMC and the staff was great.

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R.A.

answers from Phoenix on

Both of my sons have had an endoscopy and they put them under gen. anesthesia and everything went perfect, one is 6yo and the other is 15mo. they didn't even remember what happened. good luck.

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D.T.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi,
My son had an endoscopy last July. He was 22 months old at the time. He was under general anethesia and the procedure was fairly quick. We were with him in the pre-op room and then I stayed with him in the room where they did the procedure until he fell asleep. I think the procedure only took about 15 minutes or so, if I remember right. They called us back when he started waking up. Once we got home, he was pretty much back to normal. They had some results right away, and thankfully, other than reflux, which we knew about, he had no other problems. They also took some biopsies to check for things, so those results took longer, but again, thankfully, everything checked out okay.

Make sure he doesn't have any food or drink at all the day of, regardless of what they tell you. They told us clear liquids were okay, but the anethesiologist said he shouldn't have had anything. I knew someone else who was told the same thing and they refused to do it and had to reschedule. (There's a danger of aspirating into the lungs.) The Dr. office should know better, but sometimes they tell you the wrong thing.

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K.D.

answers from Denver on

My son was referred to have this and we were able to avoid it because the meds worked before the procedure date came. We have an excellent doctor who's very experienced in it who we just love! I hope it all goes well and you get some answers. Our son just finally grew onto the growth chart at 17 months after dropping off it at 6 months, so I can relate to your concern. Our son also ate more than the feeding specialist had ever seen a child his age eat. It's a long, tough at times, road. I'd love to chat if you ever need encouragement or a listening ear! GL

G.M.

answers from Phoenix on

My son never went through this, but I have worked in a hospital for over 13 years. How often has your doctor done this procedure? This is a very sensitive procedure. They will be sticking a tube down his throat. Make sure they are cautious when nearing his lungs because they can easily be punctured and that is not good. Even though your doctor may have done this several times, you have a right to remind them to be careful! And don't let them tell you otherwise. Doctors are not perfect and they can make mistakes. Make sure they can get to a "Crash Cart" easily if something should go wrong. A "Crash Cart" is an Emergency Cart that is prepared and handy for Doctors/Nurses in case they need it for their patients.
I hope they're able to find out what's wrong with your little one. This is not a fun procedure for anyone to go through.

DEBBIE T is right! Please heed her warning about not giving your child anything to eat or drink the night before.

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K.V.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi Jennifer,

Is it an upper or lower endoscopy? My daughter has had several lower endoscopies, she is 9 years old now. But her first one was at 10 months. They will be quite sedated and actually it is a painless procedure. The usually put the children out with a flavored mask before they even start an IV. After the procedure they sleep pretty much the remainder of the day. I hope this helps a little. Good luck....

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

My 2 YO had this done the other day. Basically it is the same for a child as for an adult. He inserted the scope into her nose and started looking around. She didn't cry, however she held still for most of it, then all of hte sudden yelled no and moved her head. He decided to wait until she is asleep while he puts the tubes in her ears. Here is a pic of the scope. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endoscopy

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M.G.

answers from Tucson on

Well, my son wasn't an infant when this was done. He actually had two upper endoscopies. When he was a freshman and when he was a sophmore in high school (if my mind serves me right). They are put to sleep and really- we are asked out and not see procedure. They put a tube (a thin hose) down their throat that has a camera to look inside. After the procedure they are kept in recovery for a couple of hours-depending on how long it takes the patient to wake up and then sent home. My son's only complaint was of pain in his throat(for obvious reasons). Hope this helps- not sure about an infant as they are so tiny but boy are they troopers. You can actually go on line-if you haven't already and I do believe they show how it's done.
M.

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D.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

My child has never had an endoscopic procedure, but I use to work in an outpatient clinic that did them. It depends on what area they are scoping. Try looking up the procedure on WebMD.com.

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K.E.

answers from Tucson on

Hi,
Could you tell me more about the procedure with Dr. Ghishan. I know you posted this a long time ago but just in case you still check Mamapedia. My daughter is going to see Dr. Ghishan on Thursday and I think he might suggest endoscopy and I am very nervous about that possibility.

Updated

Hi,
Could you tell me more about the procedure with Dr. Ghishan. I know you posted this a long time ago but just in case you still check Mamapedia. My daughter is going to see Dr. Ghishan on Thursday and I think he might suggest endoscopy and I am very nervous about that possibility.

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J.J.

answers from Phoenix on

havent seen it done on an infant nor had one done on my children but i have seen and asisted with adult endoscopies and i cant imagine they are much different. adults are given a pain medication usually demerol and anothr medication that sedates but doesnt really put them under, so they are basically awake but dont remember the procedure. i imagine that the scope will be much smaler or a child than it is for an adult. after the procedure he will probably go to recovery for a bit and then home. talk to tyour doctor and ask as amny questions as you can. why, when , where, what, how etc. write them down as you remember them and take them with you before the procedure. doc should answer al the questions for you

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G.V.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi J.,

Why is he having this procedure?

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