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Pancreatic injuries in children
M Alanen1, O Pajulo, M Reunanen
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Turku University Central Hospital, Finland. markku.alanen@tyks.fi
Annales Chirurgiae Et Gynaecologiae
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) operations in children have decreased significantly. Pancreatic injuries (PI) are rare in these operations but often require varied surgical interventions when present.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Trauma Management
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) diagnosis lacks a universally superior method, with enhanced computed tomography (CT) and diagnostic ultrasonography (US) being prevalent.
- The optimal management strategy for pediatric pancreatic injury (PI) remains a subject of debate, particularly regarding the extent of operative intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and management of pancreatic injuries (PI) in children undergoing laparotomy for blunt abdominal trauma (BAT).
- To evaluate trends in surgical interventions for pediatric BAT and associated pancreatic injuries over a defined period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 111 pediatric patients (aged 2-14 years) who underwent laparotomy for BAT between 1968 and 1995.
- Identification of 17 cases with pancreatic injuries (PI) among the BAT cohort.
Main Results:
- The overall number of BAT operations decreased by over two-thirds in the past two decades, while PI incidence remained stable.
- Pancreatic injury was identified in 15% of pediatric BAT laparotomies.
- Surgical management for PI varied, including resections, drainages, explorations, and delayed procedures for pseudocysts.
Conclusions:
- Pancreatic injury is an uncommon finding in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma requiring laparotomy.
- Despite a decline in BAT operations, the need for diverse surgical approaches for pediatric pancreatic injuries persists.