Role of unusually long common pancreatico-biliary channel as a cause of relapsing pancreatitis in children.

The article reports on two children with relapsing pancreatitis. In both cases operative cholangiogram demonstrated unusually long common pancreatico-biliary channel not associated with cystic dilatation of the common bile duct. The possibility and hypothetical mechanism that the long common pancreatico-biliary channel caused relapsing pancreatitis, are described. Exploratory laparotomy should be considered for children having recurrent abdominal pain with hyperamylasemia. For surgical treatment of this type of relapsing pancreatitis excision of the common bile duct and the gallbladder with hepatoenterostomy will be the best method.