School absenteeism after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in children

Abstract

Background and Aims: To examine the functional impact of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as a day procedure, particularly in relation to subsequent school attendance. Methods: Symptoms and morbidities were prospectively recorded from school-aged children during observation in hospital and for 3 days at home after endoscopy by using a structured questionnaire. Reasons for school absence were identified. Results: Sixty children (31 boys, 29 girls) were enrolled in the study (mean age 10.6±2.8 years, range 6.1-16.2 years). Following the procedure, symptoms were reported at home in 68.3% (same day), 56.7% (day 1) and 20% (day 2). The commonest symptoms were sore throat, tiredness and dizziness...