Stent implantation by ERCP in chronic pancreatitis in children

An 11 year old girl suffered from chronic pancreatitis associated with panc reatic duct obstruction of unknown origin. After failure of conservative th erapy an ERCP with sphincterotomy and bouginage was performed. Since this i ntervention did not prevent a relapse a stent was implanted into the Wirsun gianius duct by ERCP. After spontaneous dislocation followed by recurrent a bdominal pain and lipase elevation a second stent was implanted which was e lectively removed after a symptomless interval of six months. The chronic p ancreatitis healed completely without further relapse. Discussion. In unsuccessful conservative therapy of chronic pancreatitis th e endoscopic stent implantation is an excellent therapeutic alternative in childhood, not without risk, but less than that of invasive surgical therap y. In thouroughly explored cases and performed by an experienced endoscopis t good long term results can be achieved.