Pediatric cholecystectomy practices and training: an International Multicenter Survey by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) Section of Paediatric Surgery
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: PURPOSE: Pediatric cholecystitis and cholelithiasis management is heterogeneous. We surveyed European centers to map current practices, training exposure, and outcomes of pediatric biliary cholecystectomy. METHODS: A 24-item cross-sectional international survey was developed by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) Section of Paediatric Surgery and distributed to centers in 31 UEMS member states. Items covered institutional resources, indications and timing, surgical approach and adjuncts (ERCP, ICG), training exposure, and center-level outcomes; results are reported as n (%), median (IQR). Outcomes were reported at the center level and were self-reported by participating institutions. RESULTS: Thirty-two centers from 23/31 states responded (74.2%). Pediatric surgeons were primary operators in 84% (shared with adult surgeons in 16%); ERCP access was 66%. Trainee operator share was 22.5% (IQR 5-50) and simulator access 56%. ICG cholangiography was routine in 12.5% and selective in 31%. Acute calculous cholecystitis: 6% always index-admission and 59.4% interval (29-41 days) cholecystectomy; post-ERCP choledocholithiasis: 16% always index-admission cholecystectomy. In 2023, 185 cases were reported: 98.9% laparoscopic with 1.6% conversion; median age 14 years (IQR 12.25-15), operative time 90 min (IQR 60-110), length of stay 2 days (IQR 1-2); 10 complications (5.4%). CONCLUSION: Substantial heterogeneity persists in both care pathways and training exposure; most centers lack formal pediatric-specific guidelines, and trainee-led operating remains limited, supporting the need for evidence-based protocols and structured training pathways.
Source: Pediatric Surgery International
Authors: Vojtech Dotlacil, Udo Rolle, Lucas Matthyssens, Zane Abola, Kristin Bjørnland, Blanca Capdevila Vilaró, Piotr Czauderna, Mark Davenport, Ede Biro, Niels Bjørn, Julie Galea, Javier Jimenez-Gomez, Stefan Holland-Cunz, Tamas Kovacs, Andriy Kuzyk, Orest Leshnevskyy, Topi Luoto, Dalius Malcius, Carmen Mesas Burgos, Alan Mortell, Oliver J. Muensterer, Matis Märtson, Ivana Sabolić, Tutku Soyer, Konstantinos Velaoras, Milena Senica Verbič, Michal Rygl, Barbora Kucerova
Institutions: Charles University, Fakultní nemocnice Motol a Homolka, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital Frankfurt, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga Stradiņš University, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, Gdańsk Medical University, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, King's College Hospital, University of Pecs, Odense University Hospital, Mater Dei Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Institute of Research and Innovation Parc Tauli, University Children’s Hospital Basel, University of Szeged, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Tampere University, University of Tampere, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Karolinska University Hospital, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Hacettepe University, Penteli General Children's Hospital, University of Maribor, University Clinical Centre Maribor
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,190
Funder: Univerzita Karlova v Praze
OpenAlex ID: W7133562291