Identification of iatrogenic perforation in paediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy

Objectives: Iatrogenic viscus perforation in paediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) is a very rare, yet potentially life-threatening event. There are no evidence-based recommendations relating to immediate post-procedure follow-up to identify perforations and allow for timely management. This study aims to characterize the presentation of children with post-GIE perforation to better rationalize post-procedure recommendations. Methods: Retrospective study based on unrestricted pooled data from centers throughout Europe North America and the Middle East affiliated with the Endoscopy Special Interest Groups of European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition. Procedural and patient data relating to clinical presentation of the perforation were recorded on standardized REDcap case-report forms. Results: Fifty-nine cases of viscus perforation were recorded (median age 6 years (IQR 3-13)). 29/59 (49%) occurred following esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), 26/59 (44%) following ileocolonoscopy, with 2/59 (3%) cases each following balloon enteroscopy and ERCP.28/59 (48%) of perforations were identified during the procedure (26/28 (93%) endoscopically, 2/28 (7%) by fluoroscopy), a further 5/59 (9%) identified within 4 hours. Overall 80% of perforations were identified within 12 hours.Amongst perforations identified subsequent to the procedure 19/31 (61%) presented with pain, 16/31 (52%) presented with fever and 10/31 (32%) presented with abdominal rigidity or dyspnea.30/59 (51%) were managed surgically, 17/59 (29%) managed conservatively and 9/59 (15%) endoscopically. 4/59 (7%) patients died, all following esophageal perforation. Conclusions: Iatrogenic perforation was identified immediately in over half of cases and in 80% of cases within 12 hours. This novel data can be utilized to generate guiding principles of post-procedural follow-up and monitoring