Complications during esophageal endoscopy with or without baloon dilation under general anesthesia in pediatric patients: a prospective and observational study.

Background: Complications can occur during esophagoscopy as a result of applied procedure in children, especially during dilation techic. Our aim was to identify cardio-respiratory alterations during esophagoscopy with or without baloon dilation under anesthesia in children, and to investigate the postoperative complications.

Methods: Prospective, observational study of endoscopic procedures in patients 0-16 years. The patients were divided into two groups: the endoscopy-dilation group (Group ED: endoscopy and balloon dilation due to esophageal stricture) and endoscopy without dilation (Group E: endoscopy for diagnostic reasons, control esophagoscopy or sclerotherapy). Hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters alterations and complications during endoscopy, dilation and two-hours follow-up time in the postoperative recovery room were recorded.

Results: 102 procedures in 60 patients were included. Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) values significantly increased after endoscopy in both groups (p<0.001). There was a significant increase in mean PIP values in the dilation group during the procedure (p<0,001). The difference in PIP values before and after the endoscopy was negatively correlated with age in both groups. When the groups were subdivided taking two years of age as a cut-off point in comparing PIP difference before-after endoscopy, PIP increase was statistically significant in both groups under two-years old. In the dilation group, statistically significant increase of HR was detected during the procedure (p<0,001).

Conclusion: During endoscopy PIP increased in patients with or without baloon dilation especially in the dilation group. PIP increase was higher in younger children. Severe respiratory and cardiovascular complications during balloon dilation under general anesthesia should be carefully observed and managed.