OBJECTIVETo study the feasibility and risk of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for children in clinic, and to evaluate the effects of ERCP in diagnosis and treatment of the pancreatic diseases in children.

METHODTotally 98 patients under 14 years of age who underwent ERCP from 1994 to 2011 were enrolled in the study. The data of diagnosis, anesthesia type, treatments, and postoperative complications were collected.

RESULTThe 98 patients were 4 to 14 years old, of whom 32 cases suffered from acute pancreatitis (30 cases with biliary disease and 2 with hyperlipidemia); 42 cases had chronic pancreatitis, of whom 36 had calculus of pancreatic duct, pancreatic pseudocyst was seen in 6 cases. Pancreas divisum was found in 20 cases, choledochopancreatic junction anomaly in 6 cases,and annular pancreas in 1 case. The operations of dissection of pancreatic duct and biliary duct, calculus removal, insertion of endoprosthesis and draining tube in pancreatic duct or biliary duct were performed. No patients died from ERCP complications. In observation of postoperative complications, acute pancreatitis after ERCP occurred in 1 case, with the incidence rate of 1%, 1 case had bleeding (1%), and 5 cases had hyperamylasemia (5%). All the complications were cured within 1 week. The average hospital stay was 5.51 d.

CONCLUSIONERCP is useful and safe in children under suitable condition of doctors and equipments, and no high rates of complications were observed.

Adolescent ; Calculi ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; methods ; Drainage ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperamylasemia ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Pancreatic Diseases ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Pancreatic Ducts ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Pancreatitis ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: Acute pancreatitis is one of the potentially lethal complications that occurs after cardiac surgery. We tried to identify risk factors for and the prognosis of acute pancreatitis after cardiac valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a database of consecutive patients who underwent cardiac valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass between January 2005 and April 2010 at our institution. Patients were classified as having acute pancreatitis based on serum lipase concentration and clinical symptoms (lipase > or =180 U/L or > or =60 U/L with relevant symptoms). RESULTS: Of the 986 patients who underwent cardiac valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, 58 (5.9%) patients developed post-operative pancreatitis. Post-operative hospital stay was significantly longer (29.7+/-45.6 days vs. 12.4+/-10.7 days, p=0.005) and in-hospital mortality rate was higher (15.5% vs. 2.0%, p<0.001) in patients with post-operative pancreatitis than those without. Hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and peri-operative use of norepinephrine were identified as independent risk factors for developing pancreatitis after cardiac valve surgery. CONCLUSION: We found that acute pancreatitis after cardiac valve surgery requires longer hospitalization and increases the in-hospital mortality rate. Clinicians should be aware that patients could develop pancreatitis after cardiac valve surgery, especially in patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease treated with norepinephrine.
Acute Disease ; Adult ; Aged ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures/adverse effects ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Female ; Heart Valve Diseases/*complications/*surgery ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation/*adverse effects ; Humans ; Lipase/blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Norepinephrine/therapeutic use ; Pancreatitis/*diagnosis/*etiology ; Postoperative Period ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Pancreatic duct stones are a common complication during the natural course of chronic pancreatitis and often contribute to additional pain and pancreatitis. Abdominal pain, one of the major symptoms of chronic pancreatitis, is believed to be caused in part by obstruction of the pancreatic duct system (by stones or strictures) resulting in increasing intraductal pressure and parenchymal ischemia. Pancreatic stones can be managed by surgery, endoscopy, or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. In this review, updated management of pancreatic duct stones is discussed.
Abdominal Pain/etiology ; Balloon Dilation ; Calcinosis/complications/diagnosis/physiopathology/surgery/*therapy ; Calculi/diagnosis/etiology/physiopathology/surgery/*therapy ; *Endoscopy/instrumentation ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Humans ; Lithotripsy ; Pancreatic Ducts/physiopathology/*surgery ; Pancreatitis, Chronic/complications/diagnosis/physiopathology/surgery/*therapy ; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic ; Stents ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDThe acute abdomen remains a challenge for all obstetricians and physicians who take part in the care of women in pregnancy. To add substantially to our understanding of acute pancreatitis (AP) in pregnancy, in particular affirming the increased risks for mother and fetus associated with AP, we explored features of clinical manifestation and the strategy of management of this disease during pregnancy, and its effects on maternal and fetal outcomes.

METHODSA retrospective review of medical records of all pregnant patients diagnosed with AP admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University between 2005 and 2010 was performed. Information was collected from presentation, management, and outcome from medical records.

RESULTSThere were 11 cases in 2010, accounting for 44% of 25 cases. Among these cases, mild AP (MAP) occurred in 15 cases (60%), while the rest cases were severe AP (SAP) (40%). The major etiology of AP in pregnancy was due to gallstone and cholecystitis. Clinical features together with elevation of the plasma concentrations of pancreatic enzymes were the cornerstones of diagnosis. Positive conservative treatment was taken in most of the cases (21 cases, 84%) with a favorable outcome. Seven cases of critically ill patients were monitored in intensive care unit, and 4 patients underwent surgical interventions. As a result, all of 25 patients had better prognosis, no maternal death was observed. There were 8 preterm labors and 2 fetal losses, accounting for the perinatal mortality of 8%. Fetal malformation was not observed.

CONCLUSIONSWhile a pregnant woman suffers acute abdominal pain, early diagnosis and severity assessment of AP are very important. Conservative comprehensive treatment with intensive care is recommended. Surgical intervention should be performed as late as possible.

Adult ; Critical Care ; Female ; Humans ; Pancreatitis ; diagnosis ; etiology ; surgery ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

Acute pancreatitis and afferent loop syndrome (ALS) have similar symptoms and physical findings. Accurate early diagnosis is essential, as the management of acute pancreatitis is predominantly conservative whereas ALS usually requires surgery. We experienced one case of pancreatitis due to ALS with internal hernia. Laboratory findings of patient showed elevated serum amylase, lipase and WBC count. One day after admission, diagnosis was modified as acute pancreatitis caused by ALS on computed tomography. Patient was managed with surgical treatment and operation finding revealed ALS due to internal hernia. He was recovered well after surgical treatment and discharged without significant sequelae.
Acute Disease ; Afferent Loop Syndrome/complications/*diagnosis/surgery ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Gallstones ; Hernia, Abdominal/*complications ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis/*diagnosis/etiology ; Radiography, Abdominal ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Metal stent insertion through percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) track is an important palliative treatment modality for malignant biliary obstruction. Acute pancreatitis is one of serious complications of biliary metal stenting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of pancreatitis for patients who underwent metal stent insertion via PTBD track. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 90 consecutive patients who received metal stent insertion via PTBD track from Jan. 2002 to Dec. 2007 was carried out. Patients were devided into the transpapillary and non-transpapillary group, and the risks of pancreatitis were compared. The effects of preliminary endoscopic sphincterectomy (EST) was also investigated in transpapillary group. RESULTS: The rate of pancreatitis was higher in transpapillary group compared to nontranspapillary group (odd ratio 1.87, 95% CI 0.516-6.761), but it showed no stastically significance (p=0.502). In transpapillary group, patients who received preliminary EST showed lower rate of pancreatitis (odd ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.656-1.273), but it showed no stastically significance (p=0.614). CONCLUSIONS: Metallic stent insertion through the intact sphincter of Oddi might have a risk of developing pancreatitis. Further study is needed to elucidate the mechanism of pancreatitis and the way of prevention.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Amylases/metabolism ; Cholestasis/diagnosis/*surgery ; Drainage ; Female ; Humans ; Jaundice, Obstructive/diagnosis/*surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis/*etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic ; Stents/*adverse effects

Several forms of colonic complications are rarely observed during the clinical course of acute pancreatitis, and potentially fatal in some cases. Colonic lesions associated with acute pancreatitis can be divided into several groups from a pathogenic point of view. Possible pathogenesis includes 1) spread of pancreatic enzymes through the retroperitoneum to mesocolon, causing pericolitis, 2) external inflammatory compression by mesocolic mass secondary to necrosis of fatty tissue, and 3) hypotension due to shock, and thrombosis of mesenteric arteries. These might lead to colonic infarction, fistula formation, perforation, and obstruction during follow-up. We report two cases of colonic obstruction following acute pancreatitis with possible different mechanisms and review Korean cases. One patient developed colonic obstruction due to severe necrotizing pancreatitis, possibly as a result of pericolitis, and the other developed stenosis as a result of ischemic colitis induced by acute pancreatitis.
Acute Disease ; Colonic Diseases/*diagnosis/etiology ; Constriction, Pathologic/diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction/*diagnosis/etiology/surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis/complications/*diagnosis ; Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing/complications/*diagnosis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

The most common causes of acute pancreatitis are microlithiasis and alcohol. In pediatrics, anomalies in pancreaticobiliary system should be considered as possible causes. Among many anomalies, pancreas divisum associated with anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union (APBDU) is very rare. APBDU is associated with acute pancreatitis, choledochal cyst, and gallbladder cancer. Pancreas divisum is also a well known cause of acute recurrent pancreatitis. In adult cases with such conditions, the role of endoscopic management including sphincterotomy or stenting through the Santorini duct is well documented. However, it is still controversial to perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in pediatrics. Herein, we experienced a case of 4 year 7 month old female patient suffered from recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis, which were caused by APBDU and incomplete pancreas divisum. She was treated by endoscopic sphincteretomy of both openings to the Santorini's and Wirsung's ducts. Thus, we report this interesting case with literature review.
Abnormalities, Multiple ; Acute Disease ; Child, Preschool ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Common Bile Duct/*abnormalities/surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Pancreas/*abnormalities ; Pancreatic Ducts/*abnormalities/surgery ; Pancreatitis/*diagnosis/etiology/surgery ; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

In acute pancreatitis, colonic complications such as mechanical obstruction, ischemic necrosis, hemorrhage, and fistula are rare but their outcomes are fatal. It is known that colonic obstruction in acute pancreatits is more likely found in splenic flexure and transverse colon caused by severe inflammation of body and tail of pancreas leading to pressure necrosis. A 43-year-old man presented with abdominal distension lasting for 2 weeks. The patient had been admitted to our institution 6 weeks prior to the current admission, and the abdominal CT scan performed during the first admission revealed the pancreatic enlargement with peri-pancreatic fatty infiltration and fluid collection. At that time he was diagnosed as acute pancreatitis. The conservative management resulted in clinical improvent so that the patient was discharged. Upon the second admission, abdominal CT scan revealed multiple pseudocysts in the tail portion of pancreas with concominant wall thickening and narrowing of the proximal descending colon, and a dilatation of the bowel proximal to the splenic flexure. An obstruction of the descending colon as a complication of acute pancreatitis was suspected and the patient underwent left hemicolectomy. Abdominal distension was relieved after the operation and he was discharged on the 15th hospital days.
Acute Disease ; Adult ; Colectomy ; Colonic Diseases/*diagnosis/etiology/surgery ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Intestinal Obstruction/*diagnosis/etiology/surgery ; Male ; Pancreatitis, Alcoholic/*complications/diagnosis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Groove pancreatitis is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis in which scarring is found mainly in the groove between the head of the pancreas, duodenum, and common bile duct. The pathogenesis of groove pancreatitis is still unclear but seems to be caused by the disturbance of pancreatic outflow through Santorini duct. It is often difficult to differentiate preoperatively between groove pancreatitis and pancreatic head carcinoma. Whereas conservative management is effective, some patients with duodenal obstruction may undergo Whipple's operation. A few case of groove pancreatitis have been reported in Korea, and they were diagnosed only by clinical and radiological features. We experienced a case of groove pancreatitis who needed a surgical management because of severe duodenal obstruction. We report the case with a review of its characteristic pathologic findings.
Adult ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Duodenal Obstruction/etiology/*surgery ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; Pancreatitis, Chronic/*diagnosis/pathology/surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed