Pancreatic Diversions in Pediatric Patients: a case series

Introduction: chronic pancreatitis in children is a rare condition with multiple etiological factors organized into four groups: obstructive, toxic, related to systemic diseases and hereditary. Despite a gap in the literature, pancreatic diversion has been shown to be effective in managing symptoms and preserving exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function. Objective: this article seeks to demonstrate the improvement in quality of life in patients with chronic pancreatitis with significant anatomical alterations through monitoring and evaluation after undergoing early surgical approach with pancreatic diversion. Methods: retrospective analysis of 5 cases of pancreatitis treated at the Pediatric Surgery Unit of São Paulo University Medical School Children’s Institute using the Puestow technique together with a brief review of the etiologies presented. Results: all children survived the pancreatic diversion procedure, with 1 case presenting a pancreatic fistula, with good postoperative evolution and no sequelae observed during follow-up. Conclusion: surgical intervention with pancreatic diversion has proven to be an effective treatment, capable of alleviating pain and preventing complications associated with pancreatic insufficiency.