[Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography in children (author's transl)]

Fifteen endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatographies (ERCP) were performed between 1977 and 1979 in 13 children aged 2 months to 13.9 years (mean 8.9 years). All studies were done without intubation anaesthesia. Main indications were 1. acute (recurrent) biliary stasis, 2. persistent biliary stasis, 3. chronic pancreatitis, and 4. congenital malformation of the biliary system or the pancreas. Thirteen of the 15 investigations were successfully concluded. In nine cases both ductal systems were demonstrated, in two cases each either only the pancreatic or only the biliary ducts. The most frequent abnormal findings were seen in acute biliary stasis (four of five children), persistent biliary stasis (all four children) and congenital malformations (two of three children). There were no serious side effects. Except in young infants, for whom there are no properly sized instruments, ERCP in children provides no greater technical difficulties than in adults.