Surgical pancreatic duct (PD) drainage for
chronic pancreatitis in children is relatively rare. It is indicated in cases of recurrent
pancreatitis and PD dilatation that have not responded to medical
therapy and therapeutic endoscopy. We performed laparoscopic side-to-side
pancreaticojejunostomy for two paediatric patients with
chronic pancreatitis. The main PD was opened easily by
electrocautery after locating the dilated PD by intraoperative ultrasonography. The dilated PD was split longitudinally from the pancreatic tail to the pancreatic head by laparoscopic coagulation shears or
electrocautery after pancreatography. A laparoscopic side-to-side
pancreaticojejunostomy was performed by a one-layered technique using continuous 4-0
polydioxanone (PDS)
sutures from the pancreatic tail to the pancreatic head. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications or recurrences. This procedure has cosmetic advantages compared with open surgery for
chronic pancreatitis. Laparoscopic side-to-side
pancreaticojejunostomy in children is feasible and effective for the treatment of
chronic pancreatitis.