Shifting the pediatric choledocholithiasis paradigm: Development of a surgery-first clinical practice guideline at a tertiary children's hospital.

BACKGROUND

Pediatric choledocholithiasis has traditionally been managed with a two-stage endoscopy-first (EF) approach involving ERCP followed by cholecystectomy. This strategy increases hospital length of stay (LOS), procedural complexity, and exposure to anesthesia. A growing body of evidence supports a surgery-first (SF) paradigm.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team at a tertiary pediatric center developed a clinical practice guideline (CPG) in 2023 using the Pediatric DUCT score to risk-stratify patients and prioritize early surgical consultation. The guideline was informally piloted in April 2024 and formally implemented in January 2025.

RESULTS

The CPG emphasizes early referral to pediatric surgery and upfront laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) and common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) when indicated. Preliminary experience has demonstrated reduced reliance on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatogphy (MRCP) and increased adoption of single-stage definitive management.

CONCLUSIONS

A surgery-first approach for choledocholithiasis is safe, feasible, and effective in pediatric patients. Institutional implementation of structured clinical practice guidelines based on validated criteria, enables high-value, streamlined care of children with biliary disease.