Endoscopic biliary drainage management for children with serious cholangitis caused by congenital biliary dilatation

Congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) is usually associated with complications such as recurrent cholangitis, manifested as abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice. If cholangitis cannot be controlled by conservative treatment, a good therapeutic effect can be obtained through percutaneous biliary drainage or open T-tube drainage. We aimed to evaluate our experiences in biliary drainage through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children with cholangitis caused by CBD. From January 2014 to December 2017, 167 children with CBD were treated in our hospital. 17 patients (10.18%) with serious cholangitis caused by CBD underwent ERCP. There were 4 males and 13 females with an age range of 10–120 months (average 56.4 months). Placement of a biliary stent was attempted for biliary drainage through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Of the 17 patients studied, 13 children had jaundice and 15 had elevated aminotransferases. ERCP showed CBD in all patients and a common biliopancreatic duct in 12 of 17 patients (70.6%). Five patients underwent nasobiliary drainage and 12 patients underwent biliary drainage through double pigtail tubes. All patients achieved successful biliary drainage. Postoperative pancreatitis occurred in one patient. Biochemical indicators decreased significantly in 12 patients (70.6%) on the second postoperative day. The average length of hospital stay after surgery was 4.5 (range 3–7) days. No major complications related to ERCP were observed and all children had a good prognosis so far. Endoscopic biliary drainage is a safe, simple, and reliable technique. It can be used to resolve CBD-associated cholangitis, evaluate the biliary tract and pancreatobiliary duct junction, and guide pediatric surgeons to choose the right time and the correct procedure for CBD.