👶 Pediatric ERCP | Small Patient, Big Decisions
This week was a little different in our endoscopy unit!
Performing ERCP in children reminded me of something we sometimes forget when working with adults:
The smaller the patient, the bigger the responsibility.
And for our fellows, it was a great opportunity to see how small decisions can make a big difference. ❤️
💡 A few lessons from the week:
🔹 Scope selection: ≥10 kg, an adult duodenoscope may be feasible. But weight alone doesn't decide. Anatomy matters.
🔹 Positioning: Work with pediatric anesthesia. A good position can save you a lot of trouble.
🔹 Shortening: Less looping, more control. Never fight the scope.
🔹 Cannulation: Be gentle with the papilla. Know when to stop, rethink, and change your approach.
🔹 Pancreatitis prevention: It starts before the first attempt, not after the procedure.
🎯 One thing I wanted our fellows to remember:
In pediatric ERCP, knowing what to do is important.
But knowing when not to push further is just as important.
Sometimes, the best endoscopic skill is knowing when to stop. ❤️
#PediatricERCP #ERCP #TherapeuticEndoscopy #EndoscopyTraining #MedicalEducation