The Laura Rothenberg Bronchoscopy and Endoscopy Center

An endoscopy is a minimally invasive test that provides a detailed view of the gastrointestinal tract. The two basic types of endoscopy are upper endoscopy and lower endoscopy (also called a colonoscopy.) To perform the test the pediatric gastroenterologist inserts a long thin tube with a tiny camera into the mouth (upper endoscopy) or anus (colonoscopy). As the camera moves through the intestine the doctor is able to examine the intestinal lining and may remove very small tissue samples for further examination (a procedure called biopsy). Endoscopy is performed with anesthesia, so your child will be completely comfortable throughout the procedure.

To ensure that the endoscopy is both safe and provides the most conclusive information, it’s important to carefully follow the instructions your child’s doctor will provide you.

Preparing for the Procedure

You and your child should plan to miss work and school on the day of the procedure, since your child will need a few hours after you arrive home to fully recover.

To prevent overcrowding in our waiting area we ask that only two adults accompany each child. Other family members, friends, and children should remain at home.

If your child has a cough, cold, fever, or running nose, please call the office; we may ask you to reschedule the procedure.

The Night Before the Procedure

To prevent complications, eight hours before your scheduled arrival time, your child:

• should not eat any solid foods
• should not consume milk or milk products (including ice cream, sherbet, or yogurt)
• should not consume any juices with pulp, or apple sauce

Essential medications can be given up to two hours prior to the procedure but please discuss with your physician.

If your child is undergoing a colonoscopy, our staff will provide you with specific instruction about what medicines to take the day before the procedure for the bowel prep. It is necessary to take medicines for a bowel prep to ensure that the colon can be safely and clearly visualized. Please review these instructions several days before the scheduled procedure. If you have any questions please call our office at 212-305-5903.

In addition:

• Your child should not eat any solid food after 10 am the day before the procedure. Avoiding solid food improves visibility of the colon, decreases procedure time, and enhances safety.
• Your child can drink clear liquids (apple juice, soda/tonic, powdered drink mixes such as Kool-aid® or Crystal Light®, sports drinks such as Gatorade®) until two hours before your arrival time, then should take nothing by mouth.
• Your child should not drink anything red in color, and should not have any hard candy, gum, or mints after midnight.

On the Morning of the Procedure

As you get ready to head to the hospital:

• Your child can bathe and brush teeth as usual, but should not swallow any water.
• Remove all jewelry (including piercings).
• Remove contact lenses.

Please bring:

• Identification: If you have custody of the child, please bring proof of custody/guardianship.
• A few small toys, a favorite blanket or book. If your child prefers a certain bottle or special cup, please bring it with you.

The Laura Rothenberg Bronchoscopy and Endoscopy Center is located on the third floor of Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital (3959 Broadway, on the corner of 165th Street and Broadway). After entering the hospital you will register your child in Room 100 on the first floor. Please bring identification, custody/guardianship papers, and insurance information with you. Once registration is complete, take the central elevators to the 3rd floor. If you have any difficulty finding the suite call 212-305-6210 and our staff will gladly help.

At the Endoscopy Center

When you arrive at the Laura Rothenberg Bronchoscopy and Endoscopy Center members of the nursing and anesthesia teams will greet you, then will examine your child briefly before the procedure. Your child will change into hospital pajamas; you will be given a locker for your child’s belongings.

The nurse will review the day’s plan, then the physician will explain the procedure, answer your questions, and ask you to sign a consent form. Please remember that you must be the natural parent or have custody of the child to sign the consent.

One parent or caregiver is often allowed to accompany a small child into the endoscopy/bronchoscopy suite while anesthesia is started. The care team will let you know if this is an option the morning of the procedure. After your child is asleep, you will directed to the waiting area until the procedure is completed.

After the Procedure

When the endoscopy is finished your child will be moved to the recovery area, where a nurse will monitor his/her blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. As soon as your child is settled you will be brought to the recovery area to be with him or her. The doctor will also meet with you to discuss the procedure. Pathology results from biopsies are usually available within a week after a case.

Once you receive discharge instructions and all of your questions answered, you will be able take your child home. Most children are sleepy for up to a few hours after the procedure, and your child’s judgment and reflexes may be impaired for the rest of the day.

It is normal for your child to have bloating or a sore throat for a few hours to a day after the procedure.

Call Your Doctor or Go to the Emergency Room if Your Child Develops:

• Severe pain or problems swallowing
• Fever higher than 101° F or chills
• Severe abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, or vomiting
• Bowel movements that contain a large amount of blood or that are tarry black