Aims:
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) in children is an inreasingly recognised disease.
Purpose of study was to analyse safety and long-term efficacy of endoscopic treatment in children with CP.
Methods:
Records of 38 patients < 18 years, referred to Digestive Endoscopy Unit at Catholic University, Policlinico “A. Gemelli“ between 1991 and 2017, were reviewed. Abdominal pain, analgesia and number of episodes of acute pancreatitis in pre- and post-ERCP period were evaluated. Need for surgery was assessed. Therapeutic intervention data and complications were interrogated.
Results:
158 ERCPs were performed. Median post-ERCP follow-up was 7 years. Majority of patients had CP type IV (47%) and type Ib (37%) (Cremer's classification). Major papilla pancreatic sphincterotomy was performed in 47%, major and minor in 24% and minor in 29%. Stones/plugs were removed in at least one of ERCPs in 66% individuals. Eleven out of 38 patients had stricture of pancreatic duct; these were dilated and stented in 5/11 and stented in 6/11. Five complications were recorded (3%). Severity and frequency of abdominal pain improved significantly; p < 0.001. Use of analgesia and number of episodes of AP decreased significantly; p < 0.001. One child required subsequent surgery.
Conclusions:
Endoscopic management of symptomatic CP in children is safe and effective.
