Safety and Efficacy of Carbon Dioxide Gas for Endoscopy

In this study, children (6 months -18 years) undergoing all endoscopic procedures that includes an upper endoscopy including but not limited to Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD/ upper endoscopy), EGD/ Colonoscopy, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) e.t.c after appropriate consent, will be randomized 1:1 to either Air or CO2 gas for endoscopic insufflation. We will record demographics (name, age, sex, MRN, race/ethnicity), anthropometrics including weight, height/length, weight for length (WFL), WFL z score, BMI, BMI z score, indication/ reason for scope, other co-morbidities (other medical problems), personnel involved (faculty only, vs faculty + trainee), minute by minute end tidal CO2 levels, minute by minute minute ventilation levels, baseline blood pCO2, and blood pCO2 after each procedure. Pre and post procedure patient reported abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence. Pre and post procedure nurse assessed pain. Pre and post procedure vital signs. Patients will be randomized using a sealed envelope method by the endoscopy technician. Both patients and providers will be blinded to arm of enrollment.

Inclusion criteria

• Infants and children 6 months to 18 years undergoing any upper endoscopy related procedure including but not limited to EGD/Colonoscopy, ERCP, EGD only, EUS, EGD with foreign body removal, Enteroscopy.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Physical Status Classification System of 4 and above
• Children with chronic lung disease,
• Children who are wards of the state will be excluded.
• Children needing language interpreting services that is not Spanish.