Indications and Diagnostic Yield of Pediatric Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in an Adult Endoscopy Suite: Retrospective Study from a Suburban Private Clinic from Chennai

Abstract Introduction: An inequitable distribution of pediatric gastroenterology units has led to pediatric endoscopies being done by endoscopists from other fields in adult endoscopy units rather than by pediatric gastroenterologists. Studies on pediatric endoscopy in adult endoscopy units from nontertiary hospitals are scarce. This study aims to evaluate the clinical indications and endoscopy yield of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy performed in children (<18 years) in an adult endoscopy suite of a suburban private healthcare clinic. Materials and Methods: Retrospective, observational study of children who underwent UGI endoscopy between 2010 and 2024. Data from electronic medical records on demographics, clinical details, endoscopic findings, and immediate complications were collected and analyzed.