Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in infants and children

A therapeutic ERCP in an only 5.9 kg infant with obstruction jaundice using JF-260V duodenoscope

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has found extensive use in pediatric patients; however, challenges persist in the application of therapeutic ERCP in infants.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report details the presentation of a 5.9-kilogram infant with obstructive jaundice and suspected hemolytic anemia who underwent ERCP to alleviate biliary obstruction. The infant was admitted due to clay-colored stools, jaundice, and liver injury. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed dilation of the common bile duct (CBD) accompanied by the presence of stones. ERCP was conducted using a JF-260V duodenoscope under general anesthesia. Successful stone extraction and biliary drainage were achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

In centers with considerable expertise in ERCP and pediatric anesthesia, the use of a conventional adult duodenoscope for therapeutic ERCP in infants can be considered safe and feasible, provided careful and stringent patient selection criteria are applied. In the future, clear guidelines and standardized protocols for the indications and procedures of pediatric ERCP should be established.

Indications, success, and adverse event rates of pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To improve knowledge on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children, we aimed to study the proportion of indications, success rate and complication of ERCP.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of all articles published up to December 2022 in the following databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was determined by the I2 statistics and the Cochrane Q test. The included data were analyzed to identify the proportion of indications, success rate and complications of ERCP in children.

RESULTS

Based on data from 52 studies with a total of 5624 participants, the most common indications for ERCP in children were biliary [48% (95% CI: 0.40 - 0.57; I2 = 98.17%, P < 0.001)] and both biliary and pancreatic [41% (95% CI: 0.33 - 0.49; I2 = 98.27%, P < 0.001)]. The success rate of ERCP was 95% (95% CI: 0.94 - 0.96; I2 = 82.53%, P < 0.001) with the overall complication rate of 7% (95% CI: 0.05 - 0.09; I2 = 82.06%, P < 0.001). The pooled estimate for the incidence of post ERCP pancreatitis was 4% (95% CI: 0.03 - 0.06; I2 = 85.46%, P < 0.001) and the bleeding was 0% (95% CI: 0.0 - 0.0; I2 = 28.21%, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP appears to be performed safely in children with a similar success rate as in the adult population.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Bangladeshi Children: Experiences and Challenges in a Developing Country

PURPOSE

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been used for more than five decades, its applicability in Bangladeshi children has recently become more common. Therefore, this manuscript aims to describe our experience in performing ERCPs in Bangladeshi children with hepatopancreaticobiliary diseases, focusing on presenting diseases, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy.

METHODS

Between 2018 and 2021, 20 children underwent 30 ERCP procedures at the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, Dhaka. A single trained adult gastroenterologist performed all procedures using a therapeutic video duodenoscope. The indications for ERCP, diagnostic findings, therapeutic procedures, and complications were documented.

RESULTS

The median age of the study patients was 10 years (range, 1.7-15 years). Successful cannulation of the papilla was achieved in 28 procedures and failed in 2 cases. Repeated ERCP was required in seven patients. Nine patients had biliary indications and 11 had pancreatic indications. Choledocholithiasis was the most common indication for ERCP in patients with biliary disease, while chronic pancreatitis was common among patients with pancreatic indications. Pancreatic divisum was observed in only one patient. Pancreatic and biliary sphincterotomy was performed in 14 and 9 cases, respectively. A single pigtail or straight therapeutic stent was inserted in seven cases and removed in five cases. Stone extraction was performed in six procedures, and balloon dilatation was performed in five procedures. The post-procedural period for these patients was uneventful.

CONCLUSION

We found that ERCP is a practical and successful therapeutic intervention for treating hepatopancreaticobiliary disorders in children when performed by experienced endoscopists.

Utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in infant patients with conservational endoscopy

BACKGROUND

The indications for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in infant patients (age <1 year) differ from those in adults. A paucity of data and concerns about the potential lower effectiveness and more adverse effects limit its utility, even in tertiary care centres. In this study, we retrospectively analysed the indications, success rates, and adverse effects of ERCP in these groups.

METHODS

From June 2014 to March 2018, 17 ERCPs were performed in 15 children [median age: 10.4 months (6-12 months); median weight: 6.6 kg (3.3-10.7 kg)]. A conventional duodenoscope was utilized in all procedures. All patients were followed up as inpatients.

RESULTS

Fifteen therapeutic and two diagnostic procedures were managed by licensed paediatric endoscopist. Successful cannulation was obtained in all patients (100%). A high proportion (47.1%) of pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) and therapeutic procedures (88.2%) were identified. Two cases of mild pancreatitis were recorded, accounting for 12.5% of the post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) rate. By multivariable analysis, recurrent acute pancreatitis and pancreatic duct (PD) cannulation/injection were identified as PEP-related risk factors. All complications were managed conservatively.

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP in infant patients (0.5< age <1 year) could be safely completed by conservational endoscopy. A high proportion of PBM and therapeutic procedures were identified in our study cohort. The overall adverse-event rate was acceptable, and no serious complication occurred. The PEP-related independent risk factors included recurrent acute pancreatitis and PD cannulation/injection.

"Rendezvous" Procedure in Children with Cholecysto-Choledocholithiasis

Introduction: Cholecysto-choledocolithiasis is a rare entity in children and its management is still challenging and controversial. The laparoendoscopic rendezvous (LERV) procedure, consisting of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and simultaneous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the management of symptomatic choledocholithiasis is well described in adult patients. However, in the literature, few reports about its application in the pediatric population have been recorded. Aim of the Study: The aim of the present study is to report our first successful cases of symptomatic cholecysto-choledocholithiasis LERV treatment. Methods: Two girls suffering of hemolytic disease presented to our third referral center with acute abdominal pain due to cholecysto-choledocholithiasis. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Surgery was performed without complications. The girls were dismissed once re-alimentation and re-canalization were achieved and had no other episodes of biliary cholic. Reported advantages of LERV include: a shorter in-hospital stay, a reduction in the number of procedures and anesthesia, and a reduced overall risk of complications. Conclusions: The promising result with our 2 cases suggest that, when performed in highly specialized centers, LERV is a safe procedure, which leads to considerable benefits, despite logistic and organizational difficulties.

Paediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Guidelines

This guideline refers to infants, children, and adolescents ages 0 to 18 years. The areas covered include indications for diagnostic and therapeutic esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy; endoscopy for foreign body ingestion; corrosive ingestion and stricture/stenosis endoscopic management; upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; and endoscopic ultrasonography. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and endoscopy specific to inflammatory bowel disease has been dealt with in other guidelines and are therefore not mentioned in this guideline. Training and ongoing skill maintenance are to be dealt with in an imminent sister publication to this.

Complications of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Pediatric Patients; A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review risks and summarize reported complication rates associated with the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children during the past 2 decades.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1995 to January 2016 was conducted for observational studies published in English. Studies reporting ERCP complications in patients <21 years without history of liver transplant or cholecystectomy were included. A summary estimate of the proportion of children who experienced complications following ERCP was derived via a random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies involving 2612 children and 3566 procedures were included. Subjects' ages ranged from 3 days to 21 years. Procedures were performed for biliary (54%), pancreatic (38%), and other (8%) indications; 56% of ERCPs were interventional. The pooled complication rate was 6% (95% CI 4%- 8%). Procedural complications included post-ERCP pancreatitis (166, 4.7%), bleeding (22, 0.6%), and infections (27, 0.8%). The pooled estimate of post-ERCP pancreatitis was 3% (95% CI 0.02-0.05), and other complications were 1% (95% CI 0.02-0.05). In the subgroup with neonatal cholestasis, the pooled complication rate was 3% (95% CI 0.01-0.07). Adult and pediatric gastroenterologists and surgeons performed the ERCPs. Available data limited the ability to report differences between pediatric-trained and other endoscopists.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications associated with pediatric ERCP range widely in severity and are reported inconsistently. Our review suggests 6% of pediatric ERCPs have complications. Further studies that use systematic and standardized methodologies are needed to determine the frequency and risk factors for ERCP-related complications.

Complications in pediatric endoscopy

The experience of the "endoscopic community" in pediatric patients is limited, but during recent years increased skills of the endoscopists and technological improvements lead to a standardization of pediatric endoscopy and the development of specialized pediatric endoscopy unit. Adverse events related to diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy in children are usually rare. Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of complications in pediatric endoscopy is crucial when dealing with benign diseases in children. The complication rate of diagnostic EGD and colonoscopy in children are extremely low. Therapeutic procedures have obviously an increased rate of adverse events. Esophageal dilations are the most common indication for endoscopic therapy in children and can lead to perforations which requires prompt diagnosis and management. Complications of ERCP in pediatric age are similar to those reported in adults. The experience in pediatric emergency endoscopy (mainly foreign body removal) is consolidated and related adverse events extremely rare. Sedation of children during endoscopy maybe needs further evaluation and standardization, to reduce the rate of specific complications.

The safety and efficacy of ERCP in the pediatric population with standard scopes: Does size really matter?

Experience with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the pediatric population is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of ERCP in the pediatric population performed by adult gastroenterologists with standard duodenoscopes. This study is a structured retrospective review of endoscopic reports, computerized and paper medical records, and radiographic images of patients under the age of 18 who underwent ERCP for any indication at a tertiary referral centre. Data regarding demographic characteristics and medical history of patients, indications, technical success rate, final clinical diagnosis, and complications were analyzed. Forty-eight children with a mean age of 13 years (range 2–17) underwent a total of 65 ERCPs. The indications of ERCP were as follows; suspected choledocholithiasis (55 %), post-liver transplantation anastomotic biliary strictures (21 %), post-surgical bile duct injury (10 %), choledochal cyst (2 %), recurrent or chronic pancreatitis (10 %), and trauma (2 %). The cannulation success rate in the overall procedure was 93.8 %. Therapeutic interventions were performed in 70.7 % of patients. Post ERCP pancreatitis was the most common complication occurring in 9.2 % of patients, and no procedure related mortality occurred. When performed by well-trained adult gastroenterologists, the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with standard duodenoscopes is safe in pediatric population.

Changing pattern of indications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children and adolescents: a twelve-year experience

BACKGROUND

There are few data regarding endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) usefulness in children and adolescents. We reviewed the long-term experience with diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in a tertiary single center in Southern Brazil.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients aged 0-18 years who had undergone ERCPs from January 2000 to June 2012 was done. Data on demographics, indications, diagnosis, treatments, and complications were collected.

RESULTS

Seventy-five ERCPs were performed in 60 patients. The median age of the patients at the procedure was 13.9 years (range: 1.2-17.9). Of the 60 patients, 47 (78.3%) were girls. Of all ERCPs, 48 (64.0%) were performed in patients above 10 years and 35 (72.9%) of them were in girls. ERCP was indicated for patients with bile duct obstruction (49.3%), sclerosing cholangitis (18.7%), post-surgery complication (12%), biliary stent (10.7%), choledochal cyst (5.3%), and pancreatitis (4%). The complication rate of ERCP was 9.7% involving mild bleeding, pancreatitis and cholangitis. Patients who had therapeutic procedures were older (13.7±3.9 vs. 9.9±4.9 years; P=0.001) and had more extrahepatic biliary abnormalities (82% vs. 50%; P=0.015) than those who had diagnostic ERCPs. A marked change in the indications of ERCPs was found, i.e., from 2001 to 2004, indications were more diagnostic and from 2005 therapeutic procedures were predominant.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic ERCPs are being replaced by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and also by endoscopic ultrasound. All these procedures are complementary and ERCP still has a role for therapeutic purposes.

Wire-guided cannulation versus contrast-guided cannulation in pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND/AIM

Wire-guided cannulation (WGC) of the common bile duct may be associated with fewer complications and higher success rate compared with contrast-guided cannulation (CGC) in adults. Data in children are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the successful cannulation and complication rate of WGC and CGC in pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report a retrospective cohort study comparing WGC to CGC in a pediatric cohort. We reviewed the medical records of 167 children who underwent ERCP over a 10-year time period (CGC, 1999-2003, WGC, 2003-2009). Indications, findings, and success were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 93 patients (56%) underwent WGC and 74 (44%) CGC. Children in the WGC group were younger (9.5 ± 4.7 vs. 11.5 ± 4.6 years in CGC; P = 0.006) and underwent more therapeutic ERCP interventions (70% vs. 40% in CGC), whereas diagnostic ERCP was more common in the CGC group (60%; P < 0.005). The overall success (96%) and complication rate (8%) were identical in both groups but a trend toward a reduction in the complication rate over time was noted in the WGC group. Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) was documented in one patient in the WGC group (1.1%) and three patients (4.2%) in the CGC group (P-NS).

CONCLUSION

The success and complication rate in both CGC and WGC are comparable in children but considering the patient and procedure complexity and the trend toward lower PEP in the WGC group, WGC may be the preferable cannulation technique for ERCP in children.

Complex spontaneous bile duct perforation: an alternative approach to standard porta hepatis drainage therapy

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous perforation of the bile duct (SPBD) is a rare abnormality of the extrahepatic biliary tree in infants. Limited porta hepatis exploration and drainage of the bile-soiled peritoneum are often sufficient treatment. Here, we describe three cases of SPBD, one of which required complex multi-disciplinary interventions for restoration of biliary continuity.

METHODS

Three infants with bilious ascites from spontaneous biliary perforation were reviewed. Metrics included age, presenting symptoms, diagnostic tests, interventions performed, and outcomes.

RESULTS

The presenting symptoms of all three infants were bilious ascites, sepsis, lethargy, anorexia, fever and persistent emesis. SPBD was confirmed pre-operatively by HIDA scan (hepatobiliary scintigraphy) in each case. Intra-operative, trans-cholecystic cholangiogram confirmed SBDP in two cases. Two of the infants were successfully treated with placement of a cholecystostomy tube and porta hepatis drains. The third infant, having failed multiple similar drainage procedures, required percutaneous transhepatic drainage of a persistent porta hepatis biloma. Ultimately percutaneous, transhepatic cannulation of the extra-hepatic biliary tree for prolonged stenting was required to successfully treat this biliary perforation.

CONCLUSION

Complex spontaneous biliary perforation may require extensive interventions if the perforation fails to resolve with standard porta hepatis drainage. Access of the biliary tree via Interventional Radiology procedures for complex biliary disease of this type is novel and presents an alternative to traditional open surgical treatment and control of spontaneous biliary perforations.

HIDA, percutaneous transhepatic cholecysto-cholangiography and liver biopsy in infants with persistent jaundice: can a combination of PTCC and liver biopsy reduce unnecessary laparotomy?

BACKGROUND

Historically, HIDA is the initial diagnostic test in the evaluation of biliary atresia (BA). Non-excreting HIDA scans can yield false-positive results leading to negative laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE

Cholestatic infants must be evaluated promptly to exclude biliary atresia (BA) and other treatable hepatic conditions. Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) is the gold standard for diagnosing BA, but requires surgical intervention. Percutaneous transhepatic cholecysto-cholangiography (PTCC) and liver biopsy are less invasive and have been described in small case series. We hypothesized that PTCC and liver biopsy effectively exclude BA, thus avoiding unnecessary IOC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of cholestatic infants who underwent PTCC, biopsy or cholescintigraphy at a tertiary children's hospital from August 1998 to January 2009. Group differences were evaluated and the receiver operator curve and safety of PTCC determined.

RESULTS

One-hundred twenty-eight cholestatic infants were reviewed. Forty-six (36%) underwent PTCC. Forty-one out of 46 (89%) had simultaneous PTCC and liver biopsy. PTCC was completed successfully in 19/23 (83%) children despite a small or absent GB on initial US. Negative laparotomy rate was 1/6 (17%) for simultaneous PTCC/liver biopsy. Complications occurred in 4/46 including bleeding (n=2), fever with elevated transaminases (n=1) and oxygen desaturations (n=1).

CONCLUSION

PTCC, particularly when performed in combination with simultaneous liver biopsy, effectively excludes BA in cholestatic infants with acceptable morbidity. PTCC can frequently be performed when a contracted gallbladder is seen on initial US exam. Negative laparotomy rate is lowest when PTCC is coupled with simultaneous liver biopsy.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is useful and safe in children

PURPOSE

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a recognized diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the adult population. Its use in children has been more common in the last years. There are little data on safety and usefulness of that procedure in children. The aim of this study was to review the experience with ERCP in a tertiary university center dedicated to children.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients seen at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) who had undergone an ERCP between September 1990 and July 2007. Data on demographics, diagnosis, anesthesia type, treatments, and complications were collected.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight ERCPs were performed on 29 patients. There were 21 girls (72%), and median age at time of procedure was 10.3 years old (range, 3-17 years). Most had only one procedure performed. Two children had 2 interventions, and 1 child with papillary stenosis had 8 interventions linked to stent treatment. The ampulla was cannulated, and the procedure was successfully completed in 97% (37/38) of cases. General anesthesia and sedation were performed in 74% and 26% of procedures, respectively. Indications for ERCP were 29 recurrent or chronic pancreatitis (76%), 8 common bile duct obstructions (21%), and 1 choledochal cyst (3%). Endoscopic treatment was done in 29% of cases. The complication rate was 13.5%, and 4 clinical acute pancreatitis resolved with conservatory treatment. No severe pancreatitis, perforation, or bleeding was noted. Of the patients, 79% had their follow-up at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine for a median length of 43 months (range, 1-53 months).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is used as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in children with a complication rate similar to that seen in adults. The need for general anesthesia is much more frequent with children. When performed by well-trained endoscopists, ERCP is useful and safe in children.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in pancreatic and biliary tract disease in Korean children

AIM: To assess the indications, findings, therapeutic procedures, safety, and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) performed in Korean children.

METHODS: The demographic characteristics, indications for ERCP, findings, therapeutic procedures, and complications of 122 pediatric patients who underwent 245 ERCPs in the Asan Medical Center between June 1994 and March 2008 were investigated.

RESULTS: The mean age of the 122 patients was 8.0 ± 4.2 years. Indications were biliary pathology in 78 (64.0%), pancreatic pathology in 43 (35.2%), and chronic abdominal pain in one. Biliary indications included choledochal cysts in 40, choledocholithiasis in 24, suspected sclerosing cholangitis in 8, trauma in 2, and other conditions in 4. Pancreatic indications included acute pancreatitis in 7, acute recurrent pancreatitis in 11, chronic pancreatitis in 20, trauma in 3, and pancreatic mass in 2. Of the 245 ERCPs, success rate was 98.4% and 190 (77.6%) were for therapeutic purposes, including endoscopic nasal drainage (51.8%), biliary sphincterotomy (38.0%), pancreatic sphincterotomy (23.3%), stent insertion (15.1%), stone extraction (18.8%), and balloon dilatation (11.0%). Complications were post-ERCP pancreatitis in 16 (6.5%), ileus in 23 (9.4%), hemorrhage in 2 (0.8%), perforation in 2 (0.8%), sepsis in 1 (0.4%), and impacted basket in 1 (0.4%). There were no procedure-related deaths, and most complications improved under supportive care.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that there is a high incidence of choledochal cyst and diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP for the management of various biliary and pancreatic diseases was safe and effective in Korean children.

Selective use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis of biliary atresia in infants younger than 100 days

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the role and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in diagnosing biliary atresia (BA) in prolonged neonatal cholestasis, when standard workup was inconclusive.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed notes of 48 cholestatic infants younger than 100 days undergoing ERCP from 1997 to 2007.

RESULTS

Amongst approximately 3300 infants evaluated for liver disease during the study, 224 (6.8%) were diagnosed with BA. Forty-eight children underwent ERCP. Findings at liver biopsy (n=47) included nonspecific cholestasis (n=19, 40%), giant-cell hepatitis (n=12, 26%), "large bile duct obstruction" (n=9, 19%) in the presence of pigmented stools, and mixed cholestatic/hepatitic features (n=7, 15%). ERCP demonstrated a patent biliary tree in 20 infants (42%). BA was confirmed at exploratory laparotomy in all 3 infants (6%) in whom cannulation failed. The remaining 25 infants (52%) also proceeded to exploratory laparotomy, in which BA was confirmed in 22 (46%). Amongst the 20 children in whom ERCP ruled out BA, 8 (17%) had normal biliary anatomy, whilst 12 (25%) had an abnormal biliary tree, including 6 (12.5%) with neonatal sclerosing cholangitis. After ERCP none developed clinical pancreatitis or peritonitis.

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP is a safe procedure for diagnosing BA even in the smallest infants with high positive and negative predictive values.

Is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography valuable and safe in children of all ages?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate indications, findings, therapies, safety, and technical success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children of the Emma Children's Hospital Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

DESIGN

Descriptive. Retrospective analysis by medical records.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Information was obtained by chart review of patients between 0 and 18 years who underwent ERCP from 1995 to 2005 in our center. The following data were analyzed: indications, findings, therapies, safety, and technical success. Success was defined as obtaining accurate diagnostic information or succeeding in endoscopic therapy.

RESULTS

Sixty-one children (age 3 days to 16.9 years, mean age 7.0 years) underwent a total of 99 ERCPs. Of those patients, 51% (31/61) were younger than 1 year, 84% had biliary indications, and 16% had pancreatic indications for the performance of ERCP. The complication rate was 4% (4/99) and included substantial pancreatitis and mild irritated pancreas. No complications occurred in children younger than 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP is a safe and valuable procedure for children of all ages with suspicion of pancreaticobiliary diseases. Indications for ERCP are different for children and adults. A laparotomy could be prevented in 12% of children with suspicion of biliary atresia. Further research is required to determine the role of MRCP versus ERCP.

ERCP in the evaluation of abdominal pain in children

BACKGROUND

ERCP is feasible and safe in the pediatric population. Its utility in the evaluation of children with pain suggestive of a pancreatobiliary origin without objective findings compared with those with abnormal biochemical and/or imaging studies is not well known.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the utility of ERCP in the diagnosis and management of children seen with abdominal pain.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

One tertiary center.

PATIENTS

All children who underwent ERCP at one tertiary center from 1994 to 2004.

METHOD

An endoscopy database was used. Data sets with regard to indications, technical success, complications, and outcomes were evaluated. Before ERCP, children with abdominal pain were categorized into 2 groups: group I, those with objective findings, namely abnormal biochemistry and/or abnormal imaging studies; group II, those who had abdominal pain without objective findings.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

ERCP success and failure rates, findings, interventions, complications, and outcomes were determined. Data were compared between group I and group II.

RESULTS

A total of 185 consecutive children with abdominal pain who underwent ERCP were identified (131 in group I and 54 in group II). ERCP technical success was achieved in 98%. In group I, ERCP identified a cause for abdominal pain in 93 of 129 children (72%). Fifty-four of 93 patients (58%) in this group underwent endoscopic intervention with resolution of pain. In group II, a cause for abdominal pain was identified in 30 of 53 children (56%)(P < .025 compared with group I). Fourteen of 30 patients (47%) in this group underwent endoscopic intervention with resolution of pain. Complications noted were mild pancreatitis in two and self-limited bleeding in one.

LIMITATIONS

A retrospective study, one tertiary center where the majority of the ERCPs were performed by one experienced operator.

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP in children with abdominal pain suggestive of a pancreatobiliary origin has a favorable risk:benefit ratio.

[Endoscopic management of severe pancreatic and biliary diseases in children]

Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts and choledocal lithiasis is a first-line treatment in adults. Nevertheless, due to technical difficulties such a management is not always feasible in children. This series reports our results in the management of pancreatic and biliary diseases in children. Seven children, two months to 12 years old, underwent endoscopic management of pancreatic and biliary diseases. Two of them had choledocal lithiasis with jaundice or acute pancreatitis, two had pancreatic pseudocyst due to abdominal traumatism, two had chronic pancreatitis with a communicating pseudocyst in one case, and one had a biliary leakage after traumatism. All the endoscopic treatments were performed under general anesthesia. In six cases, the duodenoscope was a regular one with a large operating channel (Olympus TJF 160; Japan) employed for children aged 33 months to 12 years. In the case of the two months child, a "rendez-vous" technique was performed with a percutaneous approach of the common bile duct followed by an endoscopic sphincteroclasy using an axial endoscope allowing the extraction of a choledocal stone. In two cases, post-traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts (eight and 12 year-old children) were managed with the transgastric insertion of two double pig-tail stents. In two cases, children with chronic pancreatitis (38 months and 12 years old) were managed with pancreatic sphincterotomy. Biliary leakage in an 11-year-old child was managed with biliary sphincterotomy and stenting. All the children became symptom-free without any procedural complications with an 11 months median follow-up. Endoscopic treatment of pancreatic and biliary diseases is possible in children like in adults with the same procedures and results.

Endoscopic ultrasonography in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal disorders

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic ultrasound is a diagnostic tool for evaluation of gastrointestinal diseases in adults, but in children the use of endoscopic ultrasound is limited. This study retrospectively evaluates endoscopic ultrasound indications in, safety in, and impact on children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the data of all of the pediatric patients (<18 years old) that underwent endoscopic ultrasound in our institution. The main goal was to evaluate the impact of endoscopic ultrasound in this patient population. Significant impact was defined as a new diagnosis or treatment attributed to the endoscopic ultrasound examination.

RESULTS

Thirty-two children (21 boys, 11 girls) at mean age 12 +/- 5 years; (range = 1.5-18 years) underwent endoscopic ultrasound during a period of 6 years. The pancreas and biliary tract were examined in 19 children, esophagus in 8, and the stomach and rectum in 2 children each. Only 1 child had endoscopic ultrasound for duodenal indication. The indications in the pancreas and biliary tract group were recurrent pancreatitis in 9 children, cyst or mass in 6 children, and obstructive jaundice in 4 children. Indications in the esophagus group were stenosis in 4 children, and suspected duplication and esophageal mass in 2 children each. We used conscious sedation in 18 children and unconscious sedation in 12. Two children underwent endoscopic ultrasound with no anesthesia at all. In 7 cases, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed. The procedure was successful in all of the patients with no complications. Endoscopic ultrasound changed the diagnosis or therapy in 14 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic ultrasound is an effective tool in the evaluation of pediatric gastrointestinal patients, mostly with pancreatobiliary or esophageal disorders. Endoscopic ultrasound is a safe procedure with a significant impact in almost half of the children examined.

Acute biliary pancreatitis and cholecystolithiasis in a child: One time treatment with laparoendoscopic “Rendez-vous” procedure

Acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) is rare in childhood and endoscopic sphincterotomy should be avoided in the child due to the risk of both early and late complications but, when necessary, the optimal timing between endoscopic procedure and cholecystectomy is still uncertain. A nine years old child with acute biliary pancreatitis underwent successfull laparo-endoscopic “Rendez-Vous” procedure in which endoscopic drainage of the common bile duct and laparoscopic cholecystectomy were performed simultaneously. This is the first case reported of laparo-endoscopic Rendez-Vous in a child. The excellent outcome of this patient and the review of the literature concerning other available options for the treatment of such cases suggest that this procedure offers great advantages, especially in children, of reducing the required number of treatments, the risk of ineffectiveness, the number of anaesthesia, the length of hospital stay and the risk of iatrogenic morbidity.

Impact of EUS in the evaluation of pancreaticobiliary disorders in children

BACKGROUND

While the role of EUS in the evaluation of pancreaticobiliary (PB) disorders in adults is well established, its utility in children remains unproven. This prospective study evaluates the feasibility, the safety, and the impact of EUS in the evaluation of PB disorders in children.

METHODS

All children (<18 years) referred for ERCP for evaluation of suspected PB disorders who underwent EUS before scheduled ERCP. The main outcome measure was to evaluate the impact of EUS in the evaluation of PB disorders in children. EUS was considered to have a significant impact if a new diagnosis was established or if the findings altered subsequent management.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients (mean age 13 years; range 5-17 years) underwent 15 EUS procedures over a 3-year period. Main indications were the following: acute or recurrent pancreatitis (6 patients), suspected biliary obstruction (5), and abdominal pain suggestive of PB origin (3). EUS diagnosed chronic pancreatitis (3 patients), idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis (2), carcinoid tumor (1), pancreatic pseudocyst (1), pancreas divisum (1), choledocholithiasis (1), duodenal duplication cyst (1), and normal (4). Diagnosis of idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis and carcinoid tumor was established by EUS-guided FNA. The procedure was successful in all patients, and no complications were encountered. EUS had an impact on patient management in 93% of cases: established new diagnosis (10), precluded need for ERCP (9), and provided additional information that facilitated focused endotherapy (4). A limitation was the small number of enrolled patients and absence of long-term clinical follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS and EUS-guided FNA are feasible, safe, and have significant impact that alters subsequent management in the majority of children with PB disorders. Further studies and dissemination of information is required to facilitate its increased application in children.

Technical outcomes and complications of ERCP in children

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the success and complications of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in children (age <18 years) and adult patients.

METHODS

A retrospective case-controlled study was conducted in which all children undergoing ERCP at two centers (1994-2002) were identified from endoscopy databases and were matched with adult patients for all variables (e.g., indication, procedure complexity) except age. Outcomes with regard to technical success and complications were compared between the adult and the pediatric cohorts. Grade of procedure complexity and procedure-related complications were defined by using established criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 116 children (mean age 9.3 years, range 1 month to 17 years; median age 8.1 years) and 116 matched adult patients (mean age 56.3 years, range 20-83 years; median age 49.7 years) underwent 163 and 173 ERCP procedures, respectively. According to procedure complexity grade, each group included the same number of patients, grade I, 72 patients; grade II, 12 patients; and grade III, 32 patients. Procedure success rate was 97.5% in children vs. 98% in the adult cohort (p= not significant). The complication rate was not significantly different between children and adult patients (3.4% vs. 2.5%). Most complications were of mild severity and encountered only in patients who underwent grade III procedures, with the exception of a single adult in whom moderate post-sphincterotomy bleeding developed after extraction of a large bile duct stone (grade II complexity).

CONCLUSIONS

When ERCP is performed in children by expert endoscopists, the success rate is high and the complication rate is low, both being comparable with those for ERCP in adult patients.

Percutaneous cholecysto-cholangiography in the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice in infants

BACKGROUND

Once it is established that a jaundiced infant has an elevated direct bilirubin level, the principal diagnostic concern is the differentiation of hepatocellular from obstructive cholestasis, of disorders of physiology from disorders of anatomy, and of disease that is managed medically from disease that is managed surgically. Traditional tests such as ultrasonography, liver biopsy, and technotium 99m HIDA scan are often not sufficiently discriminating. General anesthesia is required for invasive imaging with endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) or operative cholangiogram. The authors describe a facile alternative using percutaneous cholecystocholangiography (PCC) with intravenous sedation.

METHODS

Nine cholestatic infants underwent PCC (age, 27 to 73 days; mean, 44 days) after ultrasoundscan, liver biopsy, and (99mTc)HIDA scan failed to provide a definitive diagnosis.

RESULTS

In the 4 infants without complete biliary filling, we found biliary atresia (3) and biliary hypoplasia (1). The biliary tree was completely opacified in 5 infants with the following diagnosis: neonatal hepatitis (2), duplication of the gallbladder (1), choledochocele (1), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) cholestasis (1). There were no complications.

CONCLUSIONS

When the etiology of cholestasis remains elusive after traditional firstline tests, PCC has proven to be an accurate simple alternative in differentiating obstructive from hepatocellular causes of infantile cholestatic jaundice.

[Conservative treatment of traumatic rupture of the biliary ducts: a case report]

The diagnosis of a biliary duct transection after blunt trauma is difficult in children. Surgery is often performed late and therefore complicated. We present a case of mini-invasive approach for biliary duct transection in a 12-year-old child and review the literature. Transhepatic cholangiography is at the moment the most used technique to make the diagnosis but necessitates general anaesthesia. Stent placement is possible by the way. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram (ERCP) has been proposed even in children. Stent placement may be easier by this technique. For the diagnosis, Technetium 99m dimethylminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scanning seems interesting in terms of both sensitivity and specificity. Another promising diagnostic technique is MRI with 3D reconstruction.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is becoming a more frequently used diagnostic and therapeutic tool in children. We sought to determine the indications, feasibility, safety, and effect on patient management of ERCP in pediatric patients of varying age.

METHODS

All ERCPs performed during a 4-year period in patients aged 18 years or less at an academic hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The indications, type of anesthesia administered, type of duodenoscope used, diagnostic findings, therapeutic interventions, complication rate, and effect on management were compared between children (age 0-12 years) and adolescents (age 13-18 years).

RESULTS

A total of 53 procedures were performed in 43 patients whose median age was 13.5 years. ERCP was successful in 50 of 53 cases (94%) with a complication rate of 6%. Endoscopic therapy was provided in 24 of 53 cases (45%). Compared with adolescents (n = 28), children (n = 25) were more likely to receive general anesthesia (96% vs. 29%; P < 0.001) and undergo ERCP with a pediatric duodenoscope (0% vs. 40%). ERCP affected management in 73% of cases, equally in both groups.

CONCLUSION

ERCP is a successful and safe diagnostic and therapeutic modality in a variety of pancreatobiliary disorders that directly affects management in children of all ages.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children: A surgeon's perspective

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to review the indications, success rate, and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the pediatric age group.

METHODS

From 1990 to 1999, 21 ERCP procedures were attempted in 20 patients. They consisted of 8 boys and 12 girls whose age ranged from 4 to 17 years (mean, 11.3 years). Fourteen were performed under deep sedation (mean age, 12.8 years), and 7 were done under general anesthesia (mean age, 7.6 years). All ERCP procedures were performed by experienced adult endoscopists.

RESULTS

The indication for ERCP was biliary in 15 patients. Eleven had suspected choledocholithiasis by either ultrasound scan, intraoperative cholangiogram or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In 6 cases, the ERCP was done for pancreatic pathology. In 11 patients, the ERCP was diagnostic only, and in 10 a therapeutic procedure was done. The overall success rate was 90.5%. Post-ERCP complications consisted of 6 episodes of pancreatitis (28.5%), 4 of which followed a therapeutic procedure, and 1 episode of bleeding. Pancreatitis resolved 2 to 6 days post-ERCP. The patients underwent follow-up between 2 and 56 months after the ERCP (mean, 11 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors conclude that even in experienced hands, ERCP in the pediatric population has a much higher complication rate than in adults (33.3%). We recommend that very specific indications be met before subjecting a pediatric patient to an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Sedation for endoscopy

A review of the recent literature reveals an increasing published opinion in favour of unsedated endoscopy. However, recent studies show that the majority of US patients are unwilling or unable to tolerate this. In order for there to be a shift towards unsedated endoscopy, physicians will have to change patients' expectations. The indications for diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures continue to expand, involving increasingly complex techniques that require a high degree of patient cooperation. There is still a need to refine the sedative regimen for these cases.