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Diseases of the Liver in Children pp 389–401Cite as

Gallstone Disease in Children

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

    Matthew J. Giefer MD

  2. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Digestive Disease Institute, Buck Pavilion Level 3, 1100 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA, 98101, USA

    Richard A. Kozarek MD

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  1. Matthew J. Giefer MD
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Correspondence to Matthew J. Giefer MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA

    Karen F. Murray

  2. University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA

    Simon Horslen

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Giefer, M.J., Kozarek, R.A. (2014). Gallstone Disease in Children. In: Murray, K., Horslen, S. (eds) Diseases of the Liver in Children. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9005-0_20

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