Advances in Endoscopy and Other Diagnostic Techniques: Working Group Report of the Second World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Jean-Pierre Olives (Coordinator), Patrick Bontems, Alejandro Costaguta, Annette Fritscher-Ravens (Consultant), Mark Gilger, Michael Narkewickz, Yen-Hsuan Ni, Jose ´ Spolidoro, and Mike Thomson From the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (J-P.O., P.B., M.T.); the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (A.C., J.S.); the Royal Free Hospital, London, England (A.F-R.); the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (M.G., M.N.); the Asian Pan-Pacific Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (Y-H.N.); and the Commonwealth Association of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (M.T.). The field of pediatric gastroenterology has experi- enced dramatic growth over the past 20 years, fuelled by major technical developments in gastrointestinal endos- copy. Endoscopy of the gastrointestinal and hepatobili- ary systems has led to remarkable advances in the diag- nosis and treatment of diseases of these organ systems. Pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy has evolved from solely a diagnostic technique to a potential therapeutic modality. Pediatric digestive endoscopy has clearly reached maturity, with widespread recognition of its value and future promise and increasing demand for more specifically trained pediatric gastrointestinal en- doscopists. Concurrently, noninvasive techniques such as capsule endoscopy and helical abdominal computed tomography (CT) scanning have evolved into useful clinical tools. The Working Group emphasizes three ma- jor issues: the development of the wireless endoscopic Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Olives (e-mail: olives.jp@chu-toulouse.fr). Research 1. Endoscopic ultrasound: To evaluate the usefulness of endoscopy ultrasound in the management of gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic disease in children; and to explore possible future applications in new fields (e.g., oncology). 2. Digital imaging for endoscopy: 1. Structured archive of video sequences and/or images. 2. Illustrating endoscopy reports. 3. Virtual endoscopy in children: 1. To determine the usefulness of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) in the detection of lesions of the gastrointestinal tract in pediatrics. 2. To develop CTC protocols for pediatric patients, if the technique proves to be effective in detecting gastrointestinal lesions in these patients. Intervention 1. Endoscopic ultrasound: To expand the use and reduce the cost of endoscopy ultrasound in children. 2. Digital imaging for endoscopy: To require and to standardize illustrated reports as a means of information for parents and as a legal proof. 3. Virtual endoscopy in children: To define the place of “virtual” examinations as an option to replace invasive procedures. Education 1. Endoscopic ultrasound: 1. To improve the knowledge of our colleagues about the use of endoscopy ultrasound in pediatrics. 2. To promote the worldwide development on centers that have mastered the technique. 2. Digital imaging for endoscopy: 1. Better understanding of these technologies as regards daily practice and the selection of new medical products. 2. Provide articles to explain: video format (definition of frame rate and resolution, color definitions etc), and relational databases, web applications, etc., incorporate this information in annual courses. 3. Virtual endoscopy in children: 1. To improve the knowledge of our colleagues about the possible uses and limitations of CTC in pediatrics. 2. To promote the worldwide development of centers that have mastered the technique as reference facilities. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 39:S589–S595 © June 2004 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia S589