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. 2009 Jan;48(1):66-71.
doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e31817a24cf.

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

I L Vegting  1 , M M Tabbers, J A J M Taminiau, D C Aronson, M A Benninga, E A J Rauws
Affiliations

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

I L Vegting et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2009 Jan.

Abstract

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.

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