Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in infants: availability under threat: A survey on availability, need and clinical practice in Europe and Israel
Abstract
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in infants (<1 year of age) is a highly specialized procedure. Since 2014 opportunities to maintain or purchase duodenoscopes for ERCP in infants have disappeared.
In a survey among European hepatology centers (including Israel) we evaluated the availability, need, indications and practice of ERCP procedures in infants. It shows that infant ERCP is a low volume procedure (median 5 procedures/year) in the 14 centers that perform this procedure.
Since 2014 several centers no longer have an infant ERCP duodenoscope due to breakdown. In addition, substantial differences exist between centers in indications, types of interventions performed and practical execution of ERCP procedures in infants.
We conclude that a concerted effort by the pediatric hepatology community is needed to secure the future availability of infant ERCP. In addition, consensus on the indications and optimal use of infant ERCP could improve the quality of ERCP care for infants.