Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis in children.

Abstract

Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis are being recognized with increasing frequency in infancy and childhood. Hematologic disorders continue to account for a large proportion of cases; however, many children are noted with cholelithiasis in association with total parenteral nutrition, ileal disorders, and prolonged fasting. Spontaneous stone resolution has been noted in many cases in infancy and a period of observation is indicated in the absence of obstructive symptoms. Cholecystectomy remains the procedure of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis and cholecystitis and a laparoscopic procedure is possible in most cases after infancy.