Pediatric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Research Articles

Availability and utilization of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at children's hospitals.

No study has explored whether availability of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is adequate and equitable across US children's hospitals. We hypothesized that ERCP availability and utilization differs by geography and patient factors. Healthcare encounter data from 2009 to 2019 on children with pancreatic and biliary diseases from the Pediatric Health Information System were analyzed. ERCP availability was defined as treatment at a hospital that performed pediatric ERCP during the year of service. From 2009 to 2019, 37,946 children (88,420 encounters) had a potential pancreatic or biliary indication for ERCP; 7066 ERCPs were performed. The commonest pancreatic diagnoses leading to ERCP were chronic (47.2%) and acute pancreatitis (43.2%); biliary diagnoses were calculus (68.3%) and obstruction (14.8%). No ERCP was available for 25.0% of pancreatic encounters and 8.1% of biliary encounters. In multivariable analysis, children with public insurance, rural residence, or of Black race were less likely to have pancreatic ERCP availability; those with rural residence or Asian race were less likely to have biliary ERCP availability. Black children or those with public insurance were less likely to undergo pancreatic ERCP where available. Among encounters for calculus or obstruction, those of Black race or admitted to hospitals in the West were less likely to undergo ERCP when available. One-in-four children with pancreatic disorders and one-in-12 with biliary disorders may have limited access to ERCP. We identified racial and geographic disparities in availability and utilization of ERCP. Further studies are needed to understand these differences to ensure equitable care.

Initial Experience with Duodenoscopes with Single-Use End Caps in Pediatric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: Infection Prevention Comes at a Cost.

Background and AimsDuodenoscopes with single-use end caps were introduced to minimize infection risk, but are unstudied in pediatrics. MethodsWe collected clinical data and endoscopists’ evaluations of duodenoscopes with single-use end caps versus reusable duodenoscopes over 18 months. ResultsA total of 106 ERCPs were performed for patients aged 1-18 (mean 14.2) years. Forty-six involved single-use end caps, with 9 requiring crossover to reusable duodenoscopes. ERCPs involving single-use end caps resulted in more instances of mucosal trauma (10 vs 0, p<0.05) and post-ERCP pancreatitis (4 vs 1, p<0.05), and accounted for 8 of 9 ERCPs requiring advanced cannulation techniques. No post-ERCP infections occurred. Reported challenges included single-use end cap stiffness and difficulty with their alignment for cannulation. ConclusionsWe report difficulty with advancement, greater reliance on advanced cannulation techniques, and higher rates of PEP when using duodenoscopes with single-use end caps in pediatric ERCP. This area warrants further study.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in pediatric pancreatic and biliary disorders.

There is sparse data from India on indications, technical success, safety and outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using standard adult duodenoscope in the pediatric population. Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained electronic endoscopy and clinical database was performed to identify pediatric patients (age ≤ 18years) who underwent ERCP between January 2017 and December 2022. Demographics and procedural details including indications, cholangio-pancreatogram findings, endotherapy type performed, technical and clinical success and complications were noted. As many as 150 pediatric patients were included of whom 88 had pancreatic (mean age-13.7years) and 62 had biliary disease (mean age- 14.9years). Common pancreatic ERCP indications were chronic pancreatitis (n = 45 [51.1%]), pancreatic duct disruption fistula (n = 21 [23.9%]) and recurrent acute pancreatitis (n = 16 [18.2%]). Among biliary indications were choledocholithiasis (n = 29 [46.8%]), benign bile duct strictures (n = 13 [21%]), bile duct injury/leak and biliary stent removal (n = 7 [11.3%]) , choledochal cyst (n = 5 [8.1%]) and pancreatic mass causing biliary compression (n = 1 [1.6%]). Technical success in pancreatic and biliary ERCP was 94.3% and 95.2%, respectively, and clinical success was 84.1% and 93.5%, respectively. Most common complications following pancreatic ERCPs were acute pancreatitis (n = 9 [10.2%]) (mild = 5, moderate = 4) patients and post sphincterotomy bleed in one (1.1%). Among biliary ERCPs, post ERCP pancreatitis was seen in (n = 3 [4.8%]) (mild = 2, moderate = 1). ERCP can be safely and effectively performed in children using standard duodenoscope. Chronic pancreatitis, choledocholithiasis and pancreatic divisum are common pediatric ERCP indications.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography with an Ultra-Slim Forward-Viewing Gastroscope in a 3.8 kg Infant: A Case-Report

Background: Experience with pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), particularly in infants, is limited. The lower incidence of biliopancreatic disorders in infants and the discontinuation of pediatric duodenoscopes raise concerns regarding ERCP’s technical efficacy and safety in this vulnerable population, for whom conventional duodenoscopes are not recommended.&#x0D; Short case description: We report the case of a low-weight infant with short bowel syndrome under parenteral nutrition, who was referred for ERCP due to choledocholithiasis with progressive jaundice. We opted for an ultra-slim forward viewing gastroscope (5.4mm distal end outer diameter and 2.2mm working channel) with a needle knife sphincterotome (1.8mm outer sheath diameter). This allowed sphincterotomy with adequate gallstone removal and complete normalization of cholestasis parameters without associated complications.&#x0D; Discussion and conclusion: With this case we aimed to describe a previously unreported approach to a low-weight infant with gallstone disease requiring ERCP, which proved to be safe and effective.

Indications, success, and adverse event rates of pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTo improve knowledge on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children, we aimed to study the proportion of indications, success rate and complication of ERCP.MethodsWe performed a systematic search of all articles published up to December 2022 in the following databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was determined by the I2 statistics and the Cochrane Q test. The included data were analyzed to identify the proportion of indications, success rate and complications of ERCP in children.ResultsBased on data from 52 studies with a total of 5624 participants, the most common indications for ERCP in children were biliary [48% (95% CI: 0.40 - 0.57; I2 = 98.17%, P < 0.001)] and both biliary and pancreatic [41% (95% CI: 0.33 - 0.49; I2 = 98.27%, P < 0.001)]. The success rate of ERCP was 95% (95% CI: 0.94 - 0.96; I2 = 82.53%, P < 0.001) with the overall complication rate of 7% (95% CI: 0.05 - 0.09; I2 = 82.06%, P < 0.001). The pooled estimate for the incidence of post ERCP pancreatitis was 4% (95% CI: 0.03 - 0.06; I2 = 85.46%, P < 0.001) and the bleeding was 0% (95% CI: 0.0 - 0.0; I2 = 28.21%, P = 0.03).ConclusionsERCP appears to be performed safely in children with a similar success rate as in the adult population.

Pediatric ERCP: Factors for Success and Complication A 17-Year, Multisite Experience.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an increasingly utilized procedure in pediatric populations. A lack of dedicated pediatric research has led endoscopists to extrapolate adult risk factors and preventative strategies to children. The aim of this multisite, retrospective study was to identify risks for adverse events, procedure failure, and prolonged courses in pediatric patients undergoing ERCP. Pediatric patients who had an ERCP at one of our academic centers were identified by query of their electronic medical records. Pre-procedure and post-procedure data were collected with ERCP-related adverse events defined according to the consensus criteria developed by Cotton et al, 2010. Between 1/2004 and 1/2021, 287 children had a total of 716 ERCPs. The procedure success rate was 95.5% with no mortality and an adverse event rate of 12.7%. Younger age was associated with increased case complexity, increased adverse events, and an increased rate of repeat ERCP. Case complexity score correlated with increased procedure time (p < 0.001) and increased adverse events (tau 0.24, p < 0.01), Stent removal and pancreatic stenting were more likely to precede an adverse event. Pancreatitis, pancreatic divisum, and pancreatic stricture/stenosis were associated with increased adverse events and rates of repeat ERCP. Pediatric ERCP adverse event rates are higher than adults. The complexity grading system proposed by the Cotton et al appears to have applicability to pediatric patients. Young age and interventions affecting the pancreatic duct are associated with adverse ERCP outcomes in pediatrics.

A National Survey of the Training and Practice Patterns of Practicing Pediatric Advanced Endoscopists in the United States.

Pediatric advanced endoscopy consists primarily of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and is becoming more common in pediatrics. This study aims to characterize the current landscape of pediatric advanced endoscopy training and practice by directly surveying independently practicing pediatric advanced endoscopists (PAEs). We also aim to ascertain expert opinion on competency in pediatric ERCP and EUS. A 66-question REDCap survey and a 73-question Qualtrics survey were distributed to members of the ERCP Special Interest Group of North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Respondents currently performing ERCP or EUS independently in children were included. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test. Of 41 PAEs surveyed, 38 (92.7%) responded and 27 independent practitioners were included. Thirteen respondents performed EUS. PAEs who completed an advanced endoscopy fellowship (AEF) were more comfortable performing American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy grade 3 or grade 4 ERCPs ( P < 0.0008) and felt more prepared to practice EUS independently than other trainees. Expert opinion of PAEs felt a threshold of 200 procedures was needed to attain competency in either ERCP or EUS. Pediatric duodenoscope exposure improved comfort in performing ERCP in children <10 kg ( P = 0.009). Training of pediatric gastroenterologists in ERCP and EUS are highly variable, though the skills attained are similar. AEF-trained specialists reported greater training volumes and felt more prepared to practice independently than those who did not. Competency thresholds determined by expert PAEs for ERCP and EUS agree with American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines for adult advanced endoscopy trainees.

Impact of Trainee Involvement on Pediatric ERCP Procedures: Results From the Pediatric ERCP Initiative.

This study examines the role of trainee involvement with pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and whether it affects the procedure's success, post-procedural adverse outcomes, and duration. A secondary analysis of the Pediatric ERCP Database Initiative, an international database, was performed. Consecutive ERCPs on children <19 years of age from 18 centers were entered prospectively into the database. In total 1124 ERCPs were entered into the database, of which 320 (28%) were performed by trainees. The results showed that the presence of trainees did not impact technical success ( P = 0.65) or adverse events rates ( P = 0.43). Rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis, pain, and bleeding were similar between groups ( P > 0.05). Fewer cases involving trainees were in the top quartile (>58 minutes) of procedural time (19% vs 26%; P = 0.02). Overall, our findings indicate trainee involvement in pediatric ERCP is safe.

Pediatric ERCP in the Setting of Acute Pancreatitis: A Secondary Analysis of an International Multicenter Cohort Study.

Previous studies have demonstrated the safety of performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the pediatric population; however, few have addressed the outcomes of children undergoing ERCP during acute pancreatitis (AP). We hypothesize that ERCP performed in the setting of AP can be executed with similar technical success and adverse event profiles to those in pediatric patients without pancreatitis. Using the Pediatric ERCP Database Initiative, a multi-national and multi-institutional prospectively collected dataset, we analyzed 1124 ERCPs. One hundred and ninety-four (17%) of these procedures were performed in the setting of AP. There were no difference in the procedure success rate, procedure time, cannulation time, fluoroscopy time, or American Society of Anesthesiology class despite patients with AP having higher American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy grading difficulty scores. This study suggests that ERCP can be safely and efficiently performed in pediatric patients with AP when appropriately indicated.

Expanding the Use of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Pediatrics: A National Database Analysis of Demographics and Complication Rates.

This study aimed to aid in risk assessment of pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) candidates by utilizing a national pediatric database with a large sample to assess how patient characteristics may affect ERCP complication rates. The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) is a sample of pediatric discharges in states participating in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). This database provides demographic information, hospitalization duration, and outcome information for hospitalizations during which an ERCP occurred. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes were used to determine the hospitalization indication. ERCP complication rate was ascertained via ICD codes. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4. Complications were seen in 5.4% of hospitalizations with mortality observed in less than 0.2%. This analysis captured a large Hispanic population, specifically in the South and West regions. Gallbladder calculus and cholecystitis were more likely to occur in females. A higher percentage of patients in the age 10 - 17 group were female (72.2% vs. 52.7%, P < 0.01) and Hispanic (33.4% vs. 22.7%, P < 0.01) compared to the age 0 - 9 group. Age 0 - 5 and male gender were associated with lower routine home discharge rates and longer lengths of stay. Complications occurred at a higher rate in ages 0 - 5, though the difference was not statistically significant. ERCP is a safe procedure for pediatric patients with low complication rates and rare mortality. We found statistically significant differences in the procedure indications between pediatric age groups, races, and genders. Age ≤ 5 years and male gender were associated with more complicated healthcare courses.

Predictors of Prolonged Fluoroscopy Exposure in Pediatric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: Results From the Large Pediatric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Database Initiative Multicenter Cohort.

Ionizing radiation exposure during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important quality issue especially in children. We aim to identify factors associated with extended fluoroscopy time (FT) in children undergoing ERCP. ERCP on children <18 years from 15 centers were entered prospectively into a REDCap database from May 2014 until May 2018. Data were retrospectively evaluated for outcome and quality measures. A univariate and step-wise linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with increased FT. 1073 ERCPs performed in 816 unique patients met inclusion criteria. Median age was 12.2 years (interquartile range [IQR] 9.3-15.8). 767 (71%) patients had native papillae. The median FT was 120 seconds (IQR 60-240). Factors associated with increased FT included procedures performed on patients with chronic pancreatitis, ERCPs with American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) difficulty grade >3, ERCPs performed by pediatric gastroenterologist (GI) with adult GI supervision, and ERCPs performed at non-free standing children's hospitals. Hispanic ethnicity was the only factor associated with lower FT. Several factors were associated with prolonged FTs in pediatric ERCP that differed from adult studies. This underscores that adult quality indicators cannot always be translated to pediatric patients. This data can better identify children with higher risk for radiation exposure and improve quality outcomes during pediatric ERCP.

Fluoroscopy Time During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Performed for Children and Adolescents is Significantly Higher With Low-volume Endoscopists.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a fluoroscopy and endoscopy-based procedure important for diagnosis and management of pediatric pancreaticobiliary disorders. Patient, procedure, endoscopist, and facility characteristics have been shown to influence ERCP complexity and procedure outcomes as well as fluoroscopy utilization in adults; however, the extent to which this is true in pediatric patients remains under-studied and there are minimal data regarding fluoroscopy utilization in pediatric ERCP. We retrospectively analyzed ERCPs performed on patients <18 years of age at our tertiary care children's hospital from 2002 to 2017 using our institution's paper and electronic medical record system along with a prospectively maintained radiation exposure database. Procedure complexity was graded using the Stanford Fluoroscopy Complexity Score and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Complexity scale. High-volume endoscopists (HVE) were defined as having a cumulative annual ERCP volume >100 and low-volume endoscopists (LVE) as <100 (pediatric + adult) ERCPs/year. Three hundred eighty-five ERCPs performed on 321 patients were included in this analysis. The mean patient age was 13.4 years (+/- 4.2 years), 77% were index ERCPs (native ampullas), and 81% were performed with therapeutic intent (87% for biliary indication and 13% for pancreatic indication). Fluoroscopy times (FTs) varied between procedures and providers. Median FT was 4.85 (+/- 2.68) minutes. Endoscopist annual ERCP volume was the strongest predictor of FT (P < 0.001). In addition to endoscopist volume, procedure-specific predictors of increased FT included pancreatic indication for the procedure, biliary or pancreatic duct stricture, patient age <4 years or >16 years at the time of ERCP (P < 0.01 for each), and native ampulla. ERCP complexity rating based on the Stanford Fluoroscopy Complexity Score correlated with FT. Radiation exposure is higher than desirable for pediatric ERCP and varies with endoscopist as well as patient and procedure-specific factors. HVE perform ERCP with lower FT relative to LVE even though HVE procedure complexity was higher. The Stanford Fluoroscopy Score predicted FT for pediatric ERCP, but the ASGE ERCP complexity scale did not. Adaptation and refinement of pediatric-specific ERCP complexity scales including factors, such as patient size and age and indications/interventions more consistent with those encountered in pediatrics could be beneficial.

Nationwide Evolution of Pediatric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Indications, Utilization, and Readmissions over Time

To analyze outcome and utilization trends over time of pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in an all-capture US population-level study. Using the National Inpatient Sample (2005-2014) and National Readmission Database (2010-2014), we identified pediatric (age <20years) hospitalizations during which ERCP was performed and assessed ERCP-associated readmissions. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to identify hospitalization diagnoses, comorbidities, and patient/hospital characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine significant predictors (P<.05) of 30-day readmission. A total of 11 060 hospitalized pediatric patients underwent ERCP between 2005 and 2014. Most were female (n=8859; 81%), aged 14-20years (n=9342; 84%), and white (n=4230; 45%). Most (85%) of ERCPs were therapeutic, and leading indications were biliary (n=5350; 48%) and pancreatitis (n=3218; 29%). Thirteen pecent of patients were readmitted post-ERCP. Odds for 30-day readmission were highest for patients with a history of liver transplantation, age 0-4years, male sex, and obesity (P<.001 for each). Patients in both urban teaching and urban hospitals had much lower odds than those in rural hospitals for prolonged length of stay associated with ERCP. These data represent a comprehensive study of nationwide trends in age-specific volumes and outcomes following ERCP in the pediatric population and provide important insights into trends in pediatric pancreaticobiliary disease management, as well as practice setting, patient characteristics, and patient comorbidities associated with pediatric post-ERCP outcomes, including readmission and length of stay.

Same Anesthesia Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: The Pediatric ERCP Database Intiative Experience.

Successful combined Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the Same Session (LESS) has been reported in several studies in adult patients with choledocholithiasis. This was a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively in the Pediatric ERCP Database Initiative using REDCAP. Adverse events were recorded separately and were reviewed for this study. The primary outcome was the hospitalization days. Secondary outcomes included total duration of anesthesia, morbidity, time from diagnosis to procedure. Twenty-five patients underwent LESS, and 42 underwent the traditional ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The groups were similar in age, weight, ASA. The median length of stay in the LESS group was 3 days, compared with 4 days (P = .32). Total procedure time was similar between the 2 groups, but anesthesia time was shorter in the LESS group (P = .0401). Morbidity was similarly low between the 2 groups. Relative to 2 interventions, a single session combining ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in pediatric patients is effective with a similar adverse event rate and length of stay. The use of a single sedation and reduced total anesthesia time are potential benefits of this approach. This modality may be considered for pediatric patients with choledocholithiasis with or without hemolytic disease.

Mo1434 – Characterization of Pediatric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography At a Tertiary Care Children’s Hospital

Mo1434 – Characterization of Pediatric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography At a Tertiary Care Children’s Hospital

ERCP in infants, children, and adolescents-Different roles of the methods in different age groups.

BackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is seldom used in children, and published series have limited numbers of pediatric patients. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to assess the efficacy and safety of pediatric ERCP in a large group of children.MethodsData were evaluated from 626 children with biliopancreatic disorders admitted to University Hospital Motol, Prague, between January 1999 and January 2018. Clinical data were obtained by retrospective evaluation of our database of pediatric ERCP procedures and from clinical records.ResultsWe performed 856 ERCPs on 626 pediatric patients; of these procedures, 59% were therapeutic and 41% were diagnostic. We achieved 96% technical success. Indications for ERCP and pathological findings differed in different age groups. The main role of ERCP was in excluding biliary atresia in those aged less than one year. In children aged 1 to 6 years, the most frequent diagnoses were choledochal cyst followed by choledocholithiasis. In children aged 7 to 12 years and 13 to 19 years, the most frequent diagnoses were choledocholithiasis followed by pancreatic pathology. The overall complication rate found in this study was similar to rates observed in adult populations.ConclusionsOur study shows the efficacy and safety of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in a large series of infants and children with technical success and complication rates comparable to those in adults. Our data show that ERCP had different roles in different age groups of children.

Pediatric Endoscopic Procedure Complications.

This review summarizes the current body of research, define high-risk patients and endoscopic processes, and outline evidence-based countermeasures aimed at minimizing the incidence of complications during endoscopy in children. Significant complications of endoscopy requiring emergency department or inpatient admission in otherwise healthy children are unusual, but more common with therapeutic procedures; risk from procedures increases incrementally with preoperative coexisting conditions. Duodenal hematoma is predominantly a pediatric endoscopic complication and is more likely in hematology-oncology patients. Air embolism is a well-defined endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complication in adults and is likely to increase in children with increased performance of pediatric ERCP. Increased physician expertise is the most often proposed countermeasure, especially in the context of endoscopy complications in the higher-risk patient and procedure. Endoscopy in children remains a very safe group of procedures, although a more detailed understanding of risk factors and ideal training and practice organization is lacking.

Complications of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Pediatric Patients; A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

To systematically review risks and summarize reported complication rates associated with the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children during the past 2 decades. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1995 to January 2016 was conducted for observational studies published in English. Studies reporting ERCP complications in patients <21 years without history of liver transplant or cholecystectomy were included. A summary estimate of the proportion of children who experienced complications following ERCP was derived via a random effects meta-analysis. Thirty-two studies involving 2612 children and 3566 procedures were included. Subjects' ages ranged from 3 days to 21 years. Procedures were performed for biliary (54%), pancreatic (38%), and other (8%) indications; 56% of ERCPs were interventional. The pooled complication rate was 6% (95% CI 4%- 8%). Procedural complications included post-ERCP pancreatitis (166, 4.7%), bleeding (22, 0.6%), and infections (27, 0.8%). The pooled estimate of post-ERCP pancreatitis was 3% (95% CI 0.02-0.05), and other complications were 1% (95% CI 0.02-0.05). In the subgroup with neonatal cholestasis, the pooled complication rate was 3% (95% CI 0.01-0.07). Adult and pediatric gastroenterologists and surgeons performed the ERCPs. Available data limited the ability to report differences between pediatric-trained and other endoscopists. Complications associated with pediatric ERCP range widely in severity and are reported inconsistently. Our review suggests 6% of pediatric ERCPs have complications. Further studies that use systematic and standardized methodologies are needed to determine the frequency and risk factors for ERCP-related complications.

Technical outcomes and complications of pediatric ERCP

Previous reports have suggested that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in pediatric patients is safe, but because the total number of cases reported in the literature remains small, questions remain regarding safety and outcomes of this procedure in children. Pediatric patients who underwent ERCP were identified from diagnostic to billing codes. Medical records were examined for age, gender, diagnosis codes, indication, type of sedation, findings, interventions, and complications. Descriptive statistics were prepared for data including frequencies, percentages for categorical variables, and means and standard deviations for quantitative variables. Extensions of logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between demographic and clinical characteristics and post-ERCP pancreatitis. Four hundred and twenty-five ERCPs were performed on 276 pediatric patients. Patient's age ranged from 72 days to 18 years, and there was equal gender distribution. Targeted duct cannulation was achieved in over 95% of cases, and therapeutic interventions were common (81.3%). The most common indications were biliary obstruction (43.3%) and chronic pancreatitis (26.8%). The most common complication was post-ERCP pancreatitis which occurred in 26 cases (7.7%), and the majority was mild by consensus definition. Procedural characteristics significantly associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis included: pancreatogram, pancreatic sphincterotomy, pancreatic duct stenting, and pancreatic duct stricture dilation. Immediate post-sphincterotomy bleeding occurred twice (1.1%), and both cases were successfully treated during the procedure. There was one instance of a possible delayed sphincterotomy bleed. No mortality was observed. This retrospective review is one of the larger ERCP series reported in the pediatric population and adds to the growing body of literature supporting that ERCP can be safely applied in younger patients by skilled endoscopists. The complication rate found in this series closely parallels that observed in adults. Prospective studies of pediatric ERCP are still required to more definitively define the safe and appropriate use of this procedure in children.

Wire-guided cannulation versus contrast-guided cannulation in pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Background/Aim:Wire-guided cannulation (WGC) of the common bile duct may be associated with fewer complications and higher success rate compared with contrast-guided cannulation (CGC) in adults. Data in children are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the successful cannulation and complication rate of WGC and CGC in pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Patients and Methods:We report a retrospective cohort study comparing WGC to CGC in a pediatric cohort. We reviewed the medical records of 167 children who underwent ERCP over a 10-year time period (CGC, 1999-2003, WGC, 2003-2009). Indications, findings, and success were analyzed.Results:A total of 93 patients (56%) underwent WGC and 74 (44%) CGC. Children in the WGC group were younger (9.5 ± 4.7 vs. 11.5 ± 4.6 years in CGC; P = 0.006) and underwent more therapeutic ERCP interventions (70% vs. 40% in CGC), whereas diagnostic ERCP was more common in the CGC group (60%; P < 0.005). The overall success (96%) and complication rate (8%) were identical in both groups but a trend toward a reduction in the complication rate over time was noted in the WGC group. Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) was documented in one patient in the WGC group (1.1%) and three patients (4.2%) in the CGC group (P-NS).Conclusion:The success and complication rate in both CGC and WGC are comparable in children but considering the patient and procedure complexity and the trend toward lower PEP in the WGC group, WGC may be the preferable cannulation technique for ERCP in children.