Paediatric Endoscopy
Specialist paediatric endoscopy for infants, children and adolescents, delivered with expertise, safety and reassurance for families.
Expert Paediatric Endoscopy
I have more than 25 years' experience in paediatric endoscopy and have carried out thousands of procedures in infants, children and young people. I investigate and manage both common and complex gastrointestinal disorders.
Endoscopy forms an important part of my practice and is used to investigate a wide range of conditions including coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic oesophagitis and other unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.
When a child is referred for an endoscopic investigation, it is important that families understand the reasons for the procedure, the information it is expected to provide, its potential benefits and any associated risks.
My approach is to recommend investigations only when they are clinically appropriate, with the goal of reaching an accurate diagnosis and ensuring that treatment is tailored to each child's needs.
Anaesthesia and Deep Sedation
Paediatric endoscopy is performed while your child is comfortably asleep, either under a general anaesthetic or deep sedation using medications such as propofol. For families, the experience is very similar in both cases. Children remain asleep throughout the procedure, are unaware of the examination taking place and do not experience the procedure itself.
Throughout the examination, they are closely monitored by experienced anaesthetic consultant colleagues to ensure their comfort and safety.
For older children and teenagers, a common concern is whether they might wake up or feel pain during the procedure. Reassuringly, they remain asleep throughout the examination and are not aware of it taking place.
Types of Paediatric Endoscopy
There are two main types of endoscopic examination used in paediatric gastroenterology:
Gastroscopy (Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) examines the oesophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine using a thin flexible camera.
Colonoscopy (Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) examines the large bowel and lower part of the small intestine using a thin flexible camera.
When clinically indicated, these procedures can help investigate digestive symptoms and conditions and may provide information that contributes to diagnosis and treatment planning. As part of the assessment, very small tissue samples (biopsies) are routinely taken from the lining of the digestive tract.
Unlike the type of biopsy that many families may have heard about, these samples are typically only a few millimetres in size and are taken routinely during endoscopy. They are examined under the microscope by specialist consultant histopathologists and can provide important information about the presence, nature and extent of inflammation or other abnormalities that may not be visible during the procedure itself.
Following the procedure, I discuss the initial findings with families, explain their significance and outline any further investigations or treatment that may be required. Once the biopsy results are available, they are reviewed alongside the endoscopy findings to help guide diagnosis and management.
Who may be suitable for this test ?
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National Leadership in Paediatric Endoscopy
I have played a leading role in shaping paediatric endoscopy standards across the United Kingdom.
As Chair of the BSPGHAN Endoscopy Working Group, I have led national initiatives to improve quality, training and service standards in paediatric endoscopy. This work has included close collaboration with the Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG), the organisation responsible for quality assurance, accreditation and endoscopy standards throughout the UK.
I have led development of national paediatric endoscopy standards, quality improvement programmes helping to shape the future direction of paediatric endoscopy practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child definitely need an endoscopy ?
No.
An important part of the initial clinical assessment is establishing whether an endoscopy is the right investigation for your child.
My first priority is always the wellbeing of your child.
Will my child need to stay in hospital overnight ?
No.
Paediatric endoscopy is routinely performed as a day case procedure, meaning that children return home the same day once they have recovered from the anaesthetic or deep sedation.
Overnight admission is exceptionally uncommon and would usually only be considered if additional observation was required.
Before discharge, I will discuss the findings, explain any next steps and ensure that families have the information they need for their child's ongoing care.
Where is paediatric endoscopy done ?
Paediatric endoscopy procedures are performed at Spire Southampton Hospital.
The hospital provides modern endoscopy facilities, dedicated recovery areas and experienced paediatric nursing and anaesthetic teams involved in the care of children and young people.
The teams at Spire work closely together to ensure that every child receives safe, high-quality care before, during and after their procedure.
What can we expect on the day of the procedure?
The aim is to make the experience as straightforward and stress free as possible for both children and their families.
From admission through to recovery and discharge, children are looked after by experienced paediatric nursing, anaesthetic and endoscopy teams at Spire Southampton who are accustomed to caring for young patients and their families.
I will see your child before the procedure and again afterwards to discuss the findings and answer any questions you may have.