Therapeutic endoscopy for nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding.

The evaluation and management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding in infants, children, and adolescents is a reason for emergency consultation frequently cited by pediatric gastroenterologists. After stabilization of the patient's condition, endoscopic evaluation remains the most rapid and accurate method to identify the origin of acute bleeding in the majority of lesions in the pediatric age group. Several endoscopic techniques may be applied to bleeding lesions to achieve hemostasis. Familiarity with the various techniques and with the specifics of their use is essential for the pediatric endoscopist. This review focuses on the endoscopic management of acute nonvariceal bleeding in infants and children.