ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: ERCP is being used increasingly as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for children with pancreaticobiliary disorders. Differences between thirteen pediatric ERCPs and adult ERCPs were reviewed with respect to their indications, method of anesthesia, choice of endoscope and complications. METHODS: The medical records of 13 ERCPs for 10 children (age: 23 months to 14 years) done between 2005 and 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: ERCP was indicated for gallstone pancreatitis (6), choledocholithiasis (3), and unexplained pain (1). The method of anesthesia was intravenous sedation with a single agent or a combination of midazolam, propofol or ketamine. The quality of sedation was satisfactory in 10 cases and unsatisfactory in three cases. These 3 cases were less than 8 years old and sedated with a combination of midazolam and propofol. Selective biliary cannulation was successful in 92.3% (12/13) of attempts. Therapeutic ERCP included sphincterotomy (4), endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (3), and both (5). Complications occurred in 7.7% of attempts (1/13; 1 duodenal perforation) which was successfully managed by surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric ERCP is a feasible and useful technique. Special caution is needed, however, because of differences with adult ERCP in terms of the effectiveness of intravenous sedation, complications, and size of the gastrointestinal tract.