Laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy for pancreatic ductal dilatation in children

PurposeThe application of laparoscopic surgery in pancreatic surgery in children is limited. In this article, we describe laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy for children with congenital pancreatic ductal dilatation.MethodsFour children with recurrent pancreatitis and pancreatic ductal dilatation underwent laparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy between July 2009 and November 2011. Longitudinal incision of the dilated pancreatic ducts and side-to-side Roux-Y pancreaticojejunostomy were performed.ResultsOperative time ranged from 103 to 154 min, and blood loss was minimal. The average postoperative hospital stay was 4 to 6 days. There were no pancreatic leaks. None of the patients experienced recurrence of pancreatitis.ConclusionsLaparoscopic pancreaticojejunostomy for children with congenital pancreatic ductal dilatation is safe and effective.