Utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in management of pediatric pancreaticobiliary disease

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in pediatric patients with pancreaticobiliary diseases. Methods A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent ERCP for the treatment of biliary tract disease and detailed examination of pancreatitis at our institution from January 1999 to December 2020. Results ERCP was performed for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) ( n = 42), choledocholithiasis ( n = 9), common bile duct stenosis ( n = 1), and several types of pancreatitis ( n = 13). The only severe complication of ERCP was common bile duct injury. Three (5.8%) of 52 biliary diseases failed to be treated by ERCP. All patients with pancreatic disease were correctly diagnosed and treated. Conclusions Endoscopic biliary drainage with a temporary stent was adequate for symptomatic relief in CBD. Stenting of the pancreatic duct was useful for improving the angulation and drainage of the pancreatic duct. ERCP was useful for understanding the anatomy of the pancreatic duct and revealing potential treatments. Therefore, ERCP and transendoscopic therapy are sufficiently feasible in pediatric patients and should be actively introduced for the investigation and treatment of pancreaticobiliary diseases.