Gallstone disease in children

Abstract

Recent reports indicate that the incidence of gallstone disease in children is on the rise. While historically, most pediatric gallstones were of the pigmented variety, the mounting prevalence of childhood obesity is correlating with an increasing burden of cholesterol stones. Biliary pain is the most common manifestation of gallstone disease, but serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as cholecystitis, cholangitis, and gallstone pancreatitis may occur. After reviewing the pathophysiology and epidemiology of pediatric gallstone disease, this chapter discusses the diagnosis and medical management of gallstone-related issues including cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, gallstone pancreatitis, cholangitis, Mirizzi's syndrome, and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.