Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in paediatric patients with biliary disorders

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has long been used in children. The usefulness of ERCP in paediatric patients with various biliary disorders, however, has not been well documented. Thirty-two sessions of ERCP performed in 29 paediatric patients ranging in age from 1 month to 15 years were evaluated. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was to confirm diagnosis or to obtain detailed information about their pancreaticobiliary system. Cannulation was successful in all patients. Opacification of the biliary tracts was also successful in all except for three patients with extrahepatic biliary atresia. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was assessed to be successful in making a differential diagnosis of neonatal hepatitis from extrahepatic biliary atresia, and in having a confirmed diagnosis of anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary ductal system associated with choledochal cyst. The procedure was also useful for obtaining detailed information on the pancreaticobiliary system in the other children. No accidents occurred during the endoscopic procedures in any of the paediatric patients. When a confirmed diagnosis or detailed information is needed in paediatric patients with biliary disorders, ERCP is a useful and safe technique.