Echo-Endoscopy Combined with Virtual Reality: A Whole Perspective of Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration in Children

Introduction: Endoscopic procedures are performed more frequently in children due to technological advances that can be safely performed in an adequate setting with a support of a multidisciplinary team. Pediatric indications for ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) and EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) occur mainly due to congenital malformations. In a pediatric case series, we report the application of EUS combined with duodenoscopy, eventually associated with ERCP and minimally invasive surgery, highlighting the importance of defining a tailored dedicated management pathway for each patient. Patients and methods: A series of 12 patients, managed at our Center in the last three years, were evaluated, and their management was discussed. Results: EUS was performed in eight patients and permitted the differential diagnosis of duplication cysts and the visualization of the biliary tree and pancreatic anatomy. ERCP was attempted in five patients: in one case, it permitted the preservation of pancreatic tissue, postponing surgery and in three patients, it was technically unfeasible. MIS (minimally invasive surgery) was performed in seven patients, two with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Precise anatomical definition and the possibility of surgical simulation and team sharing were evaluated under VR HMD (Virtual Reality Head Mounted Display) in four cases. Conclusions: Exploration of the common bile duct in children differs from that of the adult population and combines echo-endoscopy and ERCP. The integrated use of minimally invasive surgery in the pediatric area is necessary for the whole management perspective in complex malformations and small patients. The introduction in the clinical practice of a preoperative study with Virtual Reality allows a better survey of the malformation and a tailored treatment.