Nonoperative management of blunt pancreatic injury in childhood

From surveillance to surgery: The delayed implications of non-operative and operative management of pancreatic injuries

BACKGROUND

Our study compares the delayed outcomes of operative versus nonoperative management of pancreatic injuries.

METHODS

We analyzed the 2017 Nationwide Readmissions Database on adult (≥18 years) trauma patients with pancreatic injuries. Patients who died on index admission were excluded. Patients were stratified into operative (OP) and non-operative (NOP) groups and compared for outcomes within 90 days of discharge. Multivariable regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

We identified 1553 patients (NOP ​= ​1092; OP ​= ​461). The Mean (SD) age was 39 (17.0) years, 31% of patients were female, and 77% had blunt injuries. Median ISS was 17 [9-25] and 74% had concomitant non-pancreatic intraabdominal injuries. On multivariable analysis, operative management was independently associated with increased odds of 90-day readmissions (aOR ​= ​1.47; p ​= ​0.03), intraabdominal abscesses (aOR ​= ​2.7; p ​< ​0.01), pancreatic pseudocyst (aOR ​= ​2.4; p ​= ​0.04), and need for percutaneous or endoscopic management (aOR ​= ​5.8; p ​< ​0.001).

CONCLUSION

Operative management of pancreatic injuries is associated with higher rates of delayed complications compared to non-operative management. Surgically treated pancreatic trauma patients may need close surveillance even after discharge.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of blunt abdominal trauma in children

Trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, and rapid identification of organ injury is essential for successful treatment. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an appealing alternative to contrast-enhanced CT in the evaluation of children with blunt abdominal trauma, mainly with respect to the potential reduction of population-level exposure to ionizing radiation. This is particularly important in children, who are more vulnerable to the hazards of ionizing radiation than adults. CEUS is useful in hemodynamically stable children with isolated blunt low- to moderate-energy abdominal trauma to rule out solid organ injuries. It can also be used to further evaluate uncertain contrast-enhanced CT findings, as well as in the follow-up of conservatively managed traumatic injuries. CEUS can be used to detect abnormalities that are not apparent by conventional US, including infarcts, pseudoaneurysms and active bleeding. In this article we present the current experience from the use of CEUS for the evaluation of pediatric blunt abdominal trauma, emphasizing the examination technique and interpretation of major abnormalities associated with injuries in the liver, spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas and testes. We also discuss the limitations of the technique and offer a review of the major literature on this topic in children, including an extrapolation of experience from adults.

Operative versus non-operative management of blunt pancreatic trauma in children: Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Blunt abdominal trauma is the major cause of abdominal injury in children. No clear guidelines exist for the initial management of blunt pancreatic trauma in children. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of initially non-operative versus initially operative treatment in children with blunt pancreatic injury.

METHODS

Studies including children (<18 years) with blunt pancreatic injuries published in any language after year 1990 were included. Total of 849 studies were identified by searching PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Cochrane Database. After review, 42 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. There were 1754 patients, of whom 1095 were initially managed non-operatively (NOM), and 659 operatively (OM). Primary outcome was non-operative management success rate, and secondary outcomes were mortality, complications (including specifically pseudocysts and pancreatic fistulas), percent of patients and days on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), length of hospital stay and readmissions.

RESULTS

There was no difference in mortality between NOM and OM groups. The incidence of pseudocysts was significantly higher in NOM group compared to OM (P<0.001), especially for AAST grade III or higher (P<0.00001). Overall incidence of pancreatic fistulas was significantly lower for NOM group (p = 0.02) but no difference was observed for AAST grades III or higher (p = 0.49). There was no difference in the length of hospital stay (P = 0.31). Duration of total parenteral nutrition was not different for all AAST grades (P = 0.35), but was significantly shorter for OM group for AAST grades III and higher (p = 0.0001). There was no overall difference in readmissions (P = 0.94). Overall success rate of initial non-operative treatment was 87%.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with pancreatic trauma can initially be treated non-operatively, while early surgical treatment may benefit patients with lesions of the main pancreatic duct. ERCP offers both highly accurate diagnosis and potential treatment of ductal injuries.

Isolated blunt pancreatic trauma: A benign injury?

BACKGROUND

Blunt pancreatic trauma is rare, and the reported mortality is high. The true outcomes in isolated pancreas trauma are not known, and the optimal management according to injury severity is controversial. The present study evaluated the incidence, outcomes, and optimal management of isolated blunt pancreatic injuries.

METHODS

National Trauma Data Bank study, including patients with blunt pancreatic trauma. Patients with major associated injuries or other severe intra-abdominal injuries were excluded. Patients' demographics, vital signs on admission, Abbreviated Injury Scale for each body area, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and therapeutic modality were extracted. Mortality and hospital length of stay were stratified according to the severity of pancreatic injury and therapeutic modality.

RESULTS

There were 388,137 patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Overall, 12,112 patients (3.1%) sustained pancreatic injury. Isolated pancreatic injury occurred in 2,528 (0.7%) of all abdominal injuries or 20.9% of pancreatic injuries. Most injuries were low-grade Organ Injury Scale ((OIS) score of 2, 82.7%) with only a small percentage of higher-grade injuries (OIS score of 3, 7.9%; OIS score of 4, 3.9%; and OIS score of 5, 5.5%). Overall, most patients (74.1%) were managed nonoperatively. Nonoperative management was selected in 80.5% of pancreas OIS score of 2, 48.5% of OIS score of 3, and 40.9% of OIS scores of 4 to 5. The overall mortality rate was 2.4%, while in severe pancreatic trauma it was 3.0%. In minor pancreatic trauma, nonoperative management was associated with lower mortality and shorter hospital length of stay than operative management. However, in the group of patients with severe pancreatic trauma (OIS scores, 4-5) nonoperative management was associated with higher mortality and longer hospital stay than definitive operative management of the pancreas.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality in isolated pancreatic trauma is low, even in severe injuries. Nonoperative management of minor pancreatic injuries is associated with lower mortality and shorter hospital stay than operative management. However, in severe trauma, nonoperative management is associated with higher mortality and longer hospital stay than operative management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic study, level III; therapeutic study, level IV.

Management of blunt pancreatic trauma in children: Review of the National Trauma Data Bank

PURPOSE

This study aims to examine the current management strategies and outcomes after blunt pancreatic trauma in children using a national patient registry.

METHODS

Using the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2007-2011, we identified all patients ≤18years old who suffered blunt pancreatic trauma. Patients were categorized as undergoing nonoperative pancreatic management (no abdominal operation, abdominal operation without pancreatic-specific procedure, or pancreatic drainage alone) or operative pancreatic management (pancreatic resection/repair). Patient characteristics, operative details, clinical outcomes, and factors associated with operative management were examined.

RESULTS

Of 610,402 pediatric cases in the NTDB, 1653 children (0.3%) had blunt pancreatic injury and 674 had information on specific location of pancreatic injury. Of these 674 cases, 514 (76.3%) underwent nonoperative pancreatic management. The groups were similar in age, gender, and race; however, pancreatic injury grade>3, moderate to severe injury severity, and bicycle accidents were associated with operative management in multivariable analysis. Children with pancreatic head injuries or GCS motor score<6 were less likely to undergo pancreatic operation. Overall morbidity and mortality rates were 26.5% and 5.3%, respectively. Most outcomes were similar between treatment groups, including mortality (2.5% vs. 6.7% in operative vs. nonoperative cohorts respectively; p=0.07).

CONCLUSION

Although rare, blunt pancreatic trauma in children continues to be a morbid injury. In the largest analysis of blunt pancreatic trauma in children, we provide data on which to base future prospective studies. Operative management of pancreatic trauma occurs most often in children with distal ductal injuries, suggesting that prospective studies may want to focus on this group.

Pediatric Trauma: Current Concepts and Treatments

Injured children represent a complex management problem for the trauma surgeon. Physiologic and psychological factors have been shown to influence outcome; however, more importantly, injury patterns and treatment algorithms differ from those recommended for adults. Children often do well after major injuries, but surgeons must use appropriate treatment to maximize the physiologic responses and the innate healing abilities of the growing child. Historically, surgeons have defined childhood as prepubertal, but a child's physiologic response to injury extends well into the third decade of life, making treatment of a 20-year-old similar to that of a 10-year-old, rather than that of a 40-year-old. The distribution of pediatric trauma facilities across the country has limited the access of the injured child to these centers. Adult centers more often serve as the first and definitive treatment provider for children. This article reviews the current concepts of trauma treatments for children. It is hoped that the adult trauma surgeons caring for injured children might gain information that will be of assistance in their daily practice.

Non-operative versus operative treatment for blunt pancreatic trauma in children

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic trauma in children is a serious condition with high morbidity. Blunt traumatic pancreatic lesions in children can be treated non-operatively or operatively. For less severe, grade I and II, blunt pancreatic trauma a non-operative or conservative approach is usually employed. Currently, the optimal treatment, of whether to perform operative or non-operative treatment of severe, grade III to V, blunt pancreatic injury in children is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of operative versus non-operative treatment of blunt pancreatic trauma in children.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Injuries Group's Specialised Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 5, 2013), MEDLINE (OvidSP), EMBASE (OvidSP), ISI Web of Science (SCI-EXPANDED and CPCI-S) and ZETOC. In addition, we searched bibliographies of relevant articles, conference proceeding abstracts and clinical trials registries. We conducted the search on the 21 June 2013.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We planned to select all randomised clinical trials investigating non-operative versus operative treatment of blunt pancreatic trauma in children, irrespective of blinding, publication status or language of publication.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used relevant search strategies to obtain the titles and abstracts of studies that were relevant for the review. Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility.

MAIN RESULTS

The search found 83 relevant references. We excluded all of the references and found no randomised clinical trials investigating treatment of blunt pancreatic trauma in children.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review shows that strategies regarding non-operative versus operative treatment of severe blunt pancreatic trauma in children are not based on randomised clinical trials. We recommend that multi-centre trials evaluating non-operative versus operative treatment of paediatric pancreatic trauma are conducted to establish firm evidence in this field of medicine.

Non-operative treatment versus percutaneous drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts in children

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical course and outcomes of children with pancreatic pseudocysts that were initially treated non-operatively or with percutaneous drainage.

METHODS

A retrospective review of children with pancreatic pseudocysts over a 12-year period was completed. Categorical variables were compared using Fischer's exact method and the Student's t test was used to compare continuous variables. Analysis was done using logistic and linear regression models.

RESULTS

Thirty-six children met the criteria for pancreatic pseudocyst and 33 children were treated either non-operatively or with percutaneous drainage. Of the 22 children managed non-operatively, 17 required no additional intervention (77 %) and five required surgery. Operative procedures were: Frey procedure (3), distal pancreatectomy (1), and cystgastrostomy (1). Eight of the 11 children treated with initial percutaneous drainage required no additional treatment (72 %). The other three children underwent distal pancreatectomy. Success of non-operative management or percutaneous drainage was not dependent on size or complexity of the pseudocyst Logistic regression did not identify any patient demographic (gender, age, and weight), etiologic (trauma, non-traumatic pancreatitis) or pseudocyst characteristic (size, septations) that predicted failure of non-operative therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In children, pancreatic pseudocysts can frequently be managed without surgery regardless of size or complexity of the pseudocyst. When an intervention is needed, percutaneous drainage can be performed successfully, avoiding the need for major surgical intervention in the majority of patients.

Pediatric Pancreatic Trauma: Trending toward Nonoperative Management?

Pancreatic trauma is rare in children and optimal care has not been defined. We undertook this study to review the cumulative experience from three centers. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval at each site, the trauma registries of three institutions were searched for pancreatic injuries. The charts were reviewed and data pertaining to demographics, hospital course, and outcome were obtained and analyzed. During the study period, a total of 79 pancreatic injuries were noted. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash (44%) followed by child abuse (11%) and bicycle crashes (11%). Computed tomographic (CT) scans were obtained in 95 per cent with peripancreatic fluid the most common finding. Median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 9, whereas median organ injury score was 2, and a higher grade correlated with need for operation ( P = 0.001). Pancreatic operations were performed in 32 patients, whereas non-operative management was noted in 47 cases. We noted no differences in length of stay, age, ISS, or initial blood pressure in operative versus nonoperatively managed cases. Pancreatic injuries were rare in children with trauma. CT scans were the most common method of diagnosis. Nonoperative management appeared to be safe and was more common, especially for the lower grade injuries.

Operative Intervention for Complete Pancreatic Transection in Children Sustaining Blunt Abdominal Trauma: Revisiting an Organ Salvage Technique

Complete pancreatic transection (CPT) in children is managed commonly with distal pancreatectomy (DP). Alternatively, Roux-en-Y distal pancreaticojejunostomy (RYPJ) may be performed to preserve pancreatic tissue. The purpose of this study was to review our experience using either procedure in the management of children sustaining CPT after blunt abdominal trauma. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all children admitted to our institution during the last 15 years who were confirmed at operation to have CPT after blunt mechanisms. Summary statistics of demographic data were performed to describe children receiving either RYPJ or DP. CPT occurred in 28 children: 15 had DP, 10 had RYPJ, and three had cystogastrostomy. RYPJ children, compared with DP, were younger (7.5 vs 12.3 years, P = 0.039) and sustained more grade IV pancreatic injuries (70% vs 14%, P = 0.01). DP patients were 5.63 times more likely to tolerate full enteral feeds ( P = 0.009). Nevertheless, when controlling for age, injury severity score, and pancreatic injury grade, procedure type did not statistically affect total and postoperative lengths of stay and postoperative complications. In the operative management algorithm of children sustaining CPT, DP may afford an earlier return to full enteral feeds. RYPJ seems otherwise equivalent to DP and preserves significant pancreatic glandular tissue and the spleen.

Experience with totally laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation for pediatric trauma--2 techniques

PURPOSE

Blunt pancreatic traumatic injury in children, although rare, can be managed with a variety of methods from nonoperative, early operative, or delayed operative strategies. In the appropriate setting, early operative intervention has been associated with shorter hospitalization and decreased morbidity for these patients. Case reports describe laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for isolated pancreatic laceration in children. This article presents the experience and results of the first series of totally laparoscopic, spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomies for trauma in children.

METHODS

Three children aged 8 to 13 years underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation for traumatic pancreatic transection within 72 hours of initial injury. Computed tomography imaging in all patients demonstrated complete pancreatic transection. The details of 2 operative techniques used for totally laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy are described. The data for associated injuries, amylase/lipase levels, operative management, postoperative course, length of stay, complications, and follow-up were collected for all patients.

RESULTS

All 3 children aged 8, 10, and 13 years underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy without splenectomy within 72 hours of injury (23, 48, and 72 hours). The mechanism of injury was from a bicycle handle, knee to abdomen, and dirt bike handle, respectively. The length of hospital stay was 6, 15, and 7 days with follow-up of 12, 35, and 34 months. The 2 older children underwent pancreatic transection with an endostapler, and the 8-year-old had the pancreatic remnant oversewn by hand. Use of postoperative total parenteral nutrition continued for 0, 13, and 7 days. Complications included an abdominal wall hematoma and prolonged ileus with mild pancreatitis. There were no pancreatic fistulae or insufficiency. All patients are doing well and are asymptomatic from prior injury and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

In the appropriate pediatric patient with traumatic pancreatic transection, a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation can be performed safely, with low morbidity and good outcomes. Further studies with larger series of patients with these injuries would be useful.

Short hospitalization after early intervention in managing grade III pancreatic injuries in children: a possible new trend

The presence of ductal disruption in pancreatic trauma is a major indicator of severity leading to higher morbidities and prolonged hospital stay. However, the adoption of early interventional approach in selected cases of documented grade III pancreatic trauma could result in shorter hospitalization and early recovery. We are describing our approach of early presentation-tailored interventions in managing two consecutive children diagnosed with grade III pancreatic injuries, which constitute the two main ends of the presentations' spectrum. For the early presenter a spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed, while for the late presenter with large symptomatic pseudocyst endoscopic drainage was attempted. Both early and late presenting children had quick and uneventful recoveries leading to 5 and 6 days of hospitalization, respectively. Both cases continued to be asymptomatic at 4 and 12 months post procedure. In the pseudocyst case, the gastro-cystostomy stents were removed after 10 weeks, and 2.5 months later a completely healed pancreas was demonstrated by magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography. Unlike other abdominal solid organ injuries in children, adopting early presentation-tailored intervention can be associated with quicker recovery and short hospitalization for grade III pancreatic injuries. While the series is still small, achieving such remarkable outcomes in two consecutive cases is possible and could set a new trend in managing these injuries in children.

Initial resection of potentially viable tissue is not optimal treatment for grades II-IV pancreatic injuries

PURPOSE

This study was designed to ascertain the optimal therapy and diagnostics for children with pancreatic injury.

METHODS

From January 1, 2001 to January 1, 2007, all children (newborn to 17 years) who presented to this Level I trauma center with demonstrated pancreatic injury were prospectively entered into the TRACS IV system and reviewed for injury type, diagnostics, therapy, demographics, and outcome.

RESULTS

Fourteen children sustained grade II or higher pancreatic injury during this period. CT scan was performed for diagnosis in all cases. There were 11 boys and 3 girls, and mean age was 6.9 (range, 2-16) years. There were five grade II injuries, four grade III injuries, four grade IV injuries, and one grade V injury. All grade II injuries were treated successfully nonoperatively with observation. The nine grade III-IV injuries all underwent operative external drainage without pancreatectomy or stent placement. The single grade V injury died of multiple associated injuries after operative intervention. No pseudocysts developed in these children. All children have normal pancreatic function, and all except one have normal anatomy on follow-up scans. Early exploration and drainage directly reduces length of stay.

CONCLUSION

Grade II pancreatic injuries do not require routine surgical exploration in children. Grade III and IV injuries in this series were treated with expeditious drainage of the pancreatic bed and did not require routine pancreatectomy or endoscopic stent [corrected] placement as some have recommended. Early drainage shortens hospital stay, and outcomes from this therapy are excellent. Pancreatic resection of exocrine defunctionalized segments of pancreas may be performed safely electively after acute injury if necessary, but anecdotal information from this series indicates that too may not be necessary. Grade V injuries often are accompanied by multiple other organ injuries and are associated with a significant mortality rate. A multi-institutional investigation is warranted to reassess optimal therapy for pancreatic injury in children.

Non-surgical management of a ruptured posttraumatic pancreatic pseudocyst in a child

Generally speaking, isolated pancreatic injuries are rare after abdominal blunt trauma. However, the incidence of pancreatic injuries in children has risen in recent decades. Pancreatic pseudocyst represents a typical complication after acute pancreatitis due to blunt abdominal trauma. Spontaneous rupture of pseudocysts leading to acute abdominal pain has been described, however, it rarely occurs, especially in pediatric patients. We report the successful non-surgical management of a ruptured pancreatic pseudocyst in a 5-year-old girl which occurred 27 days after trauma. The traumatic acute pancreatitis was due to a handlebar injury.

Pancreatic injury in children: good outcome of nonoperative treatment

PURPOSE

Treatment of blunt injury of the pancreas in children remains controversial. Some prefer nonoperative treatment, whereas others prefer operative management in selected cases. This report reviews the treatment of patients with blunt pancreatic trauma admitted to a level I pediatric trauma center in The Netherlands.

METHODS

Medical records of all children less than 15 years with blunt pancreatic trauma admitted to the University Medical Center St Radboud in the period 1975 to 2003 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-four children were included, age 3 to 14 years. Most injuries were because of bicycle accidents (58%). On admission, amylase was raised in 90% of the patients. Five patients had pancreatic duct injuries identified by imaging (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography was used once, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography twice) or at surgery. Thirty-one children were initially managed nonoperatively. Pancreatic surgery was performed in 3 children (1 Roux-Y, 2 drainage only). Mean hospital stay was 29 days in the operative group and 24 days in the nonoperative group. Fluid collections developed in 2 operated patients. Both resolved spontaneously. In 14 of the 31 nonoperated patients, a pseudocyst developed. Only 6 of these needed secondary intervention. Of these, 3 were drained percutaneously. There was no mortality and no long-term morbidity in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonoperative management of pancreatic injury in children has good clinical outcome. Only 10% need secondary surgery. In 50%, pseudocysts develop of which half can be managed nonoperatively. The reliability of computed tomographic scan grading is of limited value to decide whether to operate primarily. There is little to gain with ERCP and stenting. The place of MRCP as a noninvasive diagnostic tool remains to be determined.

Nonoperative Management of Pancreato-Duodenal Injuries

Following injuries to the pancreas and duodenum (PDI) patients often present in extremis and undergo immediate laparotomy for hemodynamic instability and peritoneal signs. Nonoperative management (NOM) may be offered in selected patients with lowgrade injuries. Precise mapping of the injury, most commonly by computed tomography, is a prerequisite for NOM because clinical symptomatology can be variable and misleading. Additionally, delaying the treatment of PDI that should be corrected surgically may lead to significant complications. Therefore, NOM of PDI presents unique challenges, and the decision-making is not as straightforward as it is with NOM of other solid abdominal organs. Essentially, only duodenal hematomas without fullthickness wall perforation (Grade I and selected II) and pancreatic trauma without major duct involvement (Grade I and selected II) could be offered NOM. In these cases, the reported success rates vary from 74 to 95%. There are also a few severe pancreatic injuries that can be managed by stents with adequate reconstitution of the major pancreatic duct integrity and resolution of symptoms and without the need for operative management. Intensive monitoring and follow-up by clinical examination and repeat CT imaging is essential in these patients, as the risk of complications, and particularly a pseudocyst is high.

Traumatic pancreatic duct injury in children: minimally invasive approach to management

BACKGROUND

The management of children with main pancreatic duct injuries is controversial. We report a series of patients with pancreatic trauma who were treated using minimally invasive techniques.

METHODS

Retrospective review of children with pancreatic trauma treated at a UK tertiary referral institution between 1999 and 2004.

RESULTS

Fifteen children (11 boys) were admitted with pancreatic trauma. Twelve (80%) were less than 50th centile for body weight. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans were used to define organ injury, supplemented by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in 7. Twelve (80%) underwent diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with a median time after injury of 11 (range, 6-29) days. The degree of pancreatic injury was defined by ERCP and CT/MRCP as grade II (n = 2), grade III (n = 4), grade IV (n = 9) (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grades). Nine children had a transductal pancreatic stent inserted endoscopically. Computed tomography/ultrasound-guided drainage was performed in 4 children for acute fluid collections. Two children later underwent endoscopic cyst-gastrostomy, one of whom later required conversion to an open cyst-gastrostomy.

CONCLUSION

Body habitus may predispose to pancreatic duct trauma. Contrast-enhanced CT scan (and MRCP) should dictate the need for ERCP. Transductal pancreatic stenting allows internal drainage of peripancreatic collections and may reestablish duct continuity, although a proportion still requires percutaneous or endoscopic cyst-gastrostomy drainage. Open surgery for pancreatic trauma should now be an exception.

Central pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy in children

Children requiring surgical intervention for pancreatic disease may be at risk long term for exocrine insufficiency and glucose intolerance. Pediatric surgeons must balance the need to perform adequate surgical resection while preserving as much normal pancreatic parenchyma as possible. Neoplasms of the middle pancreatic segment with low malignant potential and isolated trauma to the pancreatic body or neck represent 2 conditions where extensive pancreatic resection is unnecessary. Central pancreatectomy for such lesions is well described in adults. Reconstruction of the distal pancreatic remnant is traditionally performed via Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy. Pancreaticogastrostomy is an alternative approach that has been used to reconstruct the distal pancreas in the adults. Pancreaticogastrostomy offers several technical advantages over pancreaticojejunostomy. Because children may be uniquely susceptible to the long-term consequences of excessive pancreatic resection, 2 cases using this technique of central pancreatectomy with pancreaticogastrostomy are described.

The role of imaging studies in pancreatic injury due to blunt abdominal trauma in children

BACKGROUND

The role imaging studies play in the choice of treatment in traumatic pancreas damage remains unclear. This study was performed to gain insight into the role of radiological studies in children 16 years of age or younger admitted to our hospital with pancreatic damage due to a blunt abdominal trauma.

METHOD

Retrospectively, the radiological as well as patient clinical records were reviewed of all children admitted to our hospital between 1975 and 2003 with a pancreatic lesion due to blunt abdominal trauma.

RESULTS

Thirty-four children with ages ranging from 3 to 14 years old were admitted with traumatic pancreas damage. Initially 33 children were treated conservatively for the pancreatic damage and only one had immediate surgery of the pancreas with a Roux-y pancreaticojejunostomy. Five other children had immediate surgery for other reasons. Overall, five children proved to have a pancreas transection on CT scans or during laparotomy. One child had a pancreas hematoma and 28 a pancreas contusion. In total 15 children developed a pseudocyst (44%), nine of which resolved spontaneously while six were treated by intervention. None of the children had residual morbidity, and there were no deaths. Considering the pancreas, the 11 available CT's were re-evaluated by two radiologists independently. Grade 3 pancreas damage (distal transection of the pancreatic duct) was diagnosed in five patients by radiologist A and four patients by radiologist B (80% match); Grade 1 was diagnosed in, respectively six and one patients (15% match). An US was performed on 19 children with 82 follow-up examinations, mostly for follow-up of the pseudocysts.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic pancreas damage is a rare and difficult diagnosis. There is no straightforward answer for diagnostic imaging in blunt abdominal trauma in children. The diagnostic relevance of CT is limited. CT in combination with MRCP may be a better option for exclusion of pancreatic duct lesions.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in non-operative management of pancreatic injury in childhood

We report a 5-year-old child with pancreatic trauma from a blunt abdominal injury that was monitored with contrast-enhanced sonography. Unenhanced US failed to demonstrate the abnormality that was recognized by CT and MRI. The injury was well demonstrated by contrast-enhanced US which was therefore used for follow-up until its healing.

Chronic pancreatitis with pancreaticolithiasis and pseudocyst in a 5-year-old boy with homozygous SPINK1 mutation

We report a 5-year-old boy with a 5-month history of symptoms owing to chronic pancreatitis. Abdominal imaging revealed a large pseudocyst in the pancreatic tail and concretions in the main pancreatic duct. Successful endoscopic papillotomy and stent implantation were performed. Genetic testing showed homozygous SPINK1-N34S mutation, which is an established risk factor for chronic pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis, complicated by a pancreatic pseudocyst associated with the use of valproic acid

A 12-year-old boy developed pancreatitis, complicated by a pancreatic pseudocyst, as an adverse reaction to valproic acid (VPA) treatment for epilepsy. Pancreatitis subsided within three weeks after discontinuation of VPA. The pancreatic pseudocyst was managed without surgery and resolved spontaneously in four weeks. Valproic acid was concluded to be the most probable cause, since no other explanation was found. According to the literature VPA is a rare but known cause of pancreatitis. A computer-assisted literature search revealed seven previously reported cases of VPA-induced pancreatitis complicated by a pancreatic pseudocyst. Six of these patients were under 20 years of age. Four patients were treated conservatively; three needed cystostomy or external drainage. All patients recovered. Patients using VPA, especially children, presenting with acute abdominal pain should be suspected of valproic acid-induced pancreatitis. If VPA induced pancreatitis is complicated by a pseudocyst, conservative treatment should be the first line of treatment.

The role of follow-up imaging in paediatric blunt abdominal trauma

AIM

To assess the role of follow-up imaging in paediatric blunt abdominal trauma.

METHOD

All children who underwent CT scanning of their abdomen at our institution following acute blunt injury between January 1997 and December 2000 were included in the study. Case notes where researched for details regarding mechanism of injury, initial clinical presentation, acute management, complications and follow-up until discharge. Reports of imaging investigations were retrieved from the RIS database.

RESULTS

In the study period 75 children underwent CT scanning of their abdomen as a primary investigation for acute blunt abdominal trauma. Of these, 12 were normal, 52 showed evidence of intra-abdominal organ injury and 11 showed findings other than abdominal organ injury. Of the 52 children that sustained intra-abdominal organ injury, 48 (92 percent) were treated conservatively. 4 (8 percent) underwent emergency surgery, 3 for bowel injury and 1 for renal trauma. Of the 48 that were treated conservatively, 9 had a complicated clinical course with 7 showing complications on follow-up imaging. The remaining 39 children had an uneventful clinical course with follow-up imaging by CT or US in 34. None showed complications that required a change in management.

CONCLUSION

In our series, follow-up imaging did not contribute to further management in children with an uncomplicated clinical course following blunt abdominal trauma.

Early operation in children with pancreas transection

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The preferred treatment for children with major pancreatic ductal injury remains controversial. This report compares our results using early operation with previously reported series using both operative and nonoperative management.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of all children with pancreatic transection identified at Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Texas, from 1995 through 1999.

RESULTS

There were 11 children with pancreatic transection. There was a delay of 2.3 days before presentation to a hospital in 6. Transection was diagnosed within 12 hours of presentation in 5 children. In the other 6 there was a mean delay of 36 hours. Nine children underwent operation within 72 hours of injury. Two late presenters initially were treated nonoperatively, and both developed a pseudocyst. The length of hospital stay in patients undergoing early operation averaged 11 days. Early postoperative morbidity occurred in 4 children and late morbidity in 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Major pancreatic injuries are uncommon in children, and the diagnosis often is delayed. A high index of suspicion and repeated computed tomography scans should lead to earlier diagnosis. When compared with nonoperative management, early pancreatic resection more expeditiously returns the child to good health and lessens the inconvenience and emotional stress associated with prolonged hospitalization.