Article information
Introduction. The therapeutic approach to childhood pancreatic pseudocysts (PPC) continues to be a matter of controversy. We present our experience in five cases of posttraumatic PPC in children between 4 and 8 years of age.
Patients and methods. Four of the cases were diagnosed early (within the first three weeks) and the fifth was detected late (two years later). The diagnosis was based mainly on ultrasonography.
Results. The four children with early diagnosis were treated with parenteral and/or enteral nutrition, while the child with the late diagnosis underwent resection and external drainage of the PPC, followed by parenteral nutrition and other life-support measures.
Despite suspected discontinuity of the main pancreatic duct, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was not considered necessary in three of the children, whose diagnosis was confirmed by means of fistulography performed via the shunt catheter in order to minimize invasion and avoid possible complications.
Conclusions.. The outcome with this treatment was favorable in this series of patients; after a follow-up period ranging between 4 and 48 months, they were all progressing toward a complete cure.
Patients and methods. Four of the cases were diagnosed early (within the first three weeks) and the fifth was detected late (two years later). The diagnosis was based mainly on ultrasonography.
Results. The four children with early diagnosis were treated with parenteral and/or enteral nutrition, while the child with the late diagnosis underwent resection and external drainage of the PPC, followed by parenteral nutrition and other life-support measures.
Despite suspected discontinuity of the main pancreatic duct, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was not considered necessary in three of the children, whose diagnosis was confirmed by means of fistulography performed via the shunt catheter in order to minimize invasion and avoid possible complications.
Conclusions.. The outcome with this treatment was favorable in this series of patients; after a follow-up period ranging between 4 and 48 months, they were all progressing toward a complete cure.
Keywords:
Pancreatic pseudocyst
Pancreatic trauma
Posttraumatic pancreatitis
External drainage
