Many pancreatic disorders in children benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. This is especially true for acute and chronic pancreatitis which has numerous and diverse etiologies. The current management of pancreatitis is reviewed, focusing on recent advances. Children with pancreatitis must be fully investigated, not least to select out those who benefit from specific surgical interventions. The treatment of pancreas divisum, pseudocysts, and fibrosing pancreatitis deserve particular consideration. Management of pancreatic injuries involving the main pancreatic duct is both variable and controversial. Treatment should be individualized depending on the site of injury, timing of referral, presence of associated injuries, and institutional expertise.
Children’s Liver and GI Unit, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds, UK
Address correspondence and reprint requests: Mark D. Stringer, MS, FRCS, FRCP, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, Children’s Liver and GI Unit, Level 8, Gledhow Wing, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK