Endoscopy is a test that helps us look inside your child’s digestive system. It helps us learn about what’s causing symptoms like pain, vomiting or trouble swallowing. It gives us clear images of the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Using these images, we can find answers and create the right care plan.
Treatment
Endoscopy
A safe, simple way to see inside your child’s digestive system.
When your child needs an endoscopy, it’s natural to feel nervous. At Children’s Wisconsin, we are experts in caring for kids and families like yours. Our team performs hundreds of endoscopies each year. We’re always focused on safety, comfort and getting clear answers.
We have multiple endoscopy options. We’ll choose the best approach for your child. We support you and your family from start to finish and help you understand every step of the process.
What Is an Endoscopy?
Types of Endoscopy
We offer several types of endoscopy at Children’s Wisconsin. Your child’s care team will suggest a test based on their symptoms, age and medical history. Below are the main types of endoscopy we use.
Upper Endoscopy
An endoscopy uses a soft, flexible tube that goes through your child’s mouth. It helps us see the lining of the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. If needed, we can also collect small tissue samples for testing.
Your child will be fully asleep during the procedure. They will rest in recovery until they are awake and alert. If needed, we can use endoscopy to remove polyps and other interventions. Kids usually take it easy the rest of the day and can return to regular activities the following day. An upper endoscopy may be a better option for younger kids and those with special needs or severe anxiety.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to examine the entire large intestine (colon) and, in some cases, the end of the small intestine. It is often recommended to investigate symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, unexplained abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopy is also used to monitor certain conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease. During the procedure, small tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken, and polyps can be removed if needed. Your child will need to prep for the test by drinking a special drink to clean out the colon.
Watch our step-by-step endoscopy videos to help your child understand what to expect.
Transnasal Endoscopy
Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) is a newer option that doesn’t use anesthesia. This is when a thin, flexible tube is passed through your child’s nose instead of their mouth. If needed, small tissue samples can be collected.
TNE lets your care team see the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine. It’s often used to monitor eosinophilic esophagitis.
TNE is as accurate as a sedated endoscopy. Your child needs to be old enough and calm enough to stay still during the test.
Why choose TNE?
- No anesthesia
- No IVs or needle sticks
- Shorter visits — about one hour total
- Done in our GI clinic with a small care team
- Most kids can return to school or activities right after
Capsule Endoscopy
Children’s Wisconsin was the first program in the area to offer this test. Capsule endoscopy uses a small capsule that contains a tiny camera. Your child swallows it and it takes pictures of the small intestine as it moves through the digestive system. It does not take samples of the tissue.
These images help us look for issues in the bowel in an area that traditional scopes can't reach.
Capsule endoscopy can help find the cause of ongoing stomach pain or unexplained anemia.
Why choose capsule endoscopy?
- No tubes, anesthesia or sedation needed
- The capsule passes naturally through the digestive system
- Offers clear images of areas that other scopes can’t reach
- Safe and simple for most children to tolerate
- Your child does not have to stay in the hospital for the entire day
What To Know About Endoscopy
We know this might be your child’s first endoscopy — or maybe the first one while they’re awake. Here’s what many families want to know before the procedure.
Is endoscopy safe?
Endoscopy is overall a very safe procedure, especially when done by trained pediatric experts like our team at Children's Wisconsin. Your doctor will discuss risks and benefits of having the test done before you decide to proceed.
Will my child feel pain?
We use techniques to keep your child as comfortable as possible — whether they’re asleep or awake.
What if my child has anxiety?
We adjust the care plan based on your child’s needs. This might include extra time to get comfortable and use calming tools. We’re experts at helping kids who feel nervous or scared.
How accurate are the results?
All the types of endoscopy we offer provide clear, reliable information. We’ll help you choose the right test to get answers about your child’s condition.
What To Expect with Endoscopy
At Children’s Wisconsin, we make sure you and your child feel safe, supported and informed every step of the way. Our team includes experts who care for hundreds of children each year using the latest endoscopy techniques.
We’ll guide your family through the endoscopy process with care and clear communication. We use kid-friendly tools to help ease anxiety.
Before
We’ll give you detailed instructions based on the type of endoscopy your child is having. A nurse will call a few days before to review your child’s health, confirm instructions and share your arrival time.
If your child is sick with a fever or cold, let us know right away.
Your child will need to stop eating for a period of time before the test. They may only have clear liquids leading up to the procedure. Your care team will give you exact guidelines based on your child’s needs.
During
Each type of endoscopy is a little different and our team will explain exactly what to expect.
Here’s a general overview of what happens during each procedure:
- Upper endoscopy: Your child will be fully asleep under general anesthesia while we do the procedure. Afterward, your child will rest in recovery until they are fully awake and alert.
- TNE: This procedure takes place in our GI clinic while your child is awake. We numb the nose and throat. Many kids choose to wear a virtual reality headset to help them relax. The test usually takes 15 minutes or less.
- Capsule endoscopy: Your child swallows the small capsule at our GI clinic. They can leave right after and return to normal activities. We review the images later to check for signs of bleeding, inflammation or other issues.
After
Your child may need a short recovery period after a traditional endoscopy. They will stay in the recovery area until they are fully awake and ready to go home.
Kids who had TNE or capsule endoscopy can often leave right away and return to school or activities the same day.
For a capsule endoscopy:
- Your child will wear a small device during the day to record images from the capsule.
- You’ll need to watch for the capsule to pass in your child’s stool. Your care team will give you instructions on returning it.
If we took tissue samples, the results would usually be ready in about one week. We’ll call you with the results or you can contact us if you haven’t heard from us after seven days.
Upper and Lower Endoscopy (EGD/Colonoscopy) Versión Española
Upper Endoscopy (EGD) Versión Española
Lower Endoscopy (Colonoscopy) Versión Española
Why Choose Children’s Wisconsin for Endoscopy
Nationally ranked: U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks our GI Program as among the nation’s best. We provide the best possible care for GI symptoms in kids. Our team of experts can help you and your family manage health issues that affect digestion.
Dedicated endoscopy team: Our experienced team focuses only on endoscopy. We perform hundreds of procedures each year. We are specially trained to care for children of all ages in a calm, supportive environment.
Early adopters: Children’s Wisconsin was the first program in the region to offer capsule endoscopy for kids. We continue to lead the way with advanced technology.
Experts in TNE: TNE was first developed right here in Milwaukee. Children’s Wisconsin is one of the few centers in the country offering it.
Expert clinical care: Our pediatric GI team is known as one of the largest and most well-rounded in the country. Our experts diagnose and treat digestive health issues of all kinds. Our care teams bring together the skills of experts across many areas.
Focus on kids: We know that kids need different care than adults. Our team at Children’s Wisconsin has expertise in managing diverse GI issues in infants, kids and teens. We take a whole-child approach to care. We’re always thinking about your child’s growth, physical and emotional development and age-related social issues.
Education and emotional support: We support your family at every stage of care. We teach you about your child’s digestive issues and explain what to expect. Our care team works with you and your family to manage the physical and emotional impacts of GI disease.
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At Children's Wisconsin, our doctors are 100% committed to the health and well-being of kids. They care for every aspect of a child's health, including their physical, social, dental and mental well-being. We are a community of dedicated professionals who shares an unwavering passion to care for kids whenever and wherever they need us.
