Minimally Invasive Approaches for Traumatic Rupture of the Pancreas in Children—A Case Series

Pancreatic trauma in children is rare; therefore, both scientific knowledge and clinical experience regarding its management are limited. Abdominal sonography and subsequent computed tomography (CT) imaging are the diagnostic mainstay after severe abdominal trauma in many pediatric trauma centers. H...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hannah Noemi Stundner-Ladenhauf, Leopold Bauer, Christian Heil, Josef Holzinger, Ottokar Stundner, Roman Metzger
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-07-01
Series:Children
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/9/8/1102
Description
Summary:Pancreatic trauma in children is rare; therefore, both scientific knowledge and clinical experience regarding its management are limited. Abdominal sonography and subsequent computed tomography (CT) imaging are the diagnostic mainstay after severe abdominal trauma in many pediatric trauma centers. However, the diagnosis of pancreatic injury is missed on the initial imaging in approximately one third of cases, with even higher numbers in young children. While conservative treatment is preferred in low-grade injuries, surgical interventions may be indicated in more severe injuries. We present a case series including four patients with high-grade pancreatic injury. Two patients were treated surgically with open laparotomy and primary suture of the head of the pancreas and pancreatico-enterostomy, one patient underwent endoscopic stenting of the pancreatic duct and one received conservative management including observation and secondary endoscopic treatment. We want to emphasize the fact that using a minimally invasive approach can be a feasible option in high-grade pancreatic injury in selected cases. Therefore, we advocate the necessity of fully staffed and equipped high-level pediatric trauma centers.
ISSN:2227-9067