THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC ROLE OF ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY IN CHILDREN

We performed 121 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERC Ps) in 92 patients (60 girls and 32 boys), aged 4 months to 19 years, as part of diagnostic evaluation for suspected pancreatic or biliary t ract disease or as therapeutic intervention. ERCP was successful in 11 6 attempts. The most common indications were recurrent pancreatitis (3 5 children), nonresolving acute pancreatitis (20), unexplained elevate d amylase or lipase (19), postcholecystectomy syndrome (14), and eleva ted biliary tract enzymes (12). One hundred and one ERCPs were perform ed for more than one indication. The most common findings included chr onic pancreatitis (26 cases), pancreas divisum (14), dilated pancreati c duct (10), gallstones or sludge (8), and abnormal common bile duct ( 8). Complications were uncommon and usually minor. ERCP is a safe and helpful procedure in the evaluation of suspected pancreatic and biliar y tract disease in children and frequently allows for nonoperative tre atment of these disorders.