No published data are available on pediatric colonoscopy in Ivory Coast (and only one report on pediatric gastroscopy). We conducted a retrospective study of all colonoscopy reports of procedures performed from 1 September, 1991, to December 31, 2010, at the University Hospital of Cocody in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) and examined the epidemiological aspects, conditions of performance, indications, and results of colonoscopy in patients younger than 18 years. Eleven of the total of 1 159 colonoscopies were performed in in this age group (0.94%). The mean age of these 8 girls and 3 boys was 15 years (range: 10 to 17 years). All patients had been referred by a gastroenterologist. Bowel preparation was performed in all with a water enema. Premedication was performed exclusively with midazolam. A pediatric colonoscope was used. The colonoscopy was incomplete in 36% of cases (n=4). Rectal bleeding was the main indication. Results were abnormal in 72% of cases (n=8) and the lesions found were juvenile polyps, ulcerative colitis, sigmoid varices, rectocolitis due to a caustic product, and adenomatous polyps. The results of the examination were normal in 3 children. No complications were reported.

In conclusion, although the pediatric colonoscopy practice at the University Hospital of Cocody in Abidjan is extremely small, its therapeutic and diagnostic yields are high, particularly in cases of rectal bleeding. Physicians (general practitioners and pediatricians) managing children should not hesitate to ask for a colonoscopy when appropriate.