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.


METHODS
Descriptive. Retrospective analysis by medical records.


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.
Vegting
I L
IL
Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam: Emma Children's Hospital/AMC, The Netherlands.
Tabbers
M M
MM
Taminiau
J A J M
JA
Aronson
D C
DC
Benninga
M A
MA
Rauws
E A J
EA
D000293:Adolescent; D001656:Biliary Atresia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000009:adverse effects; D015209:Cholangitis, Sclerosing / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D015529:Choledochal Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D042883:Choledocholithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D041781:Jaundice, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008099:Liver / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D010179:Pancreas / Q000293:injuries; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome