Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound in children

Dig Endosc. 2021 Nov;33(7):1045-1058. doi: 10.1111/den.13928. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is fundamental to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in pediatric gastroenterology. In the decades since endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease were introduced into clinical practice, there has been increasing interest in these procedures, and practice guidelines and position papers that clearly define the role of ERCP and EUS in children have been published. Based on the distinction of endoscopy between children and adults, this review focuses on the current state of ERCP and EUS procedures in children, including the types of endoscopes used in children, general anesthesia and radiation exposure, biliary and pancreatic indications, considerations of education and training for ERCP and EUS procedures in children, and expectations for development of endoscopes for children.

Keywords: biliary atresia; children; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; endoscopic ultrasound; radiation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Endosonography
  • Gastroenterology*
  • Humans
  • Pancreas
  • Pancreatic Diseases* / diagnostic imaging