Biliary dyskinesia in the pediatric population

Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a functional gallbladder disorder increasingly diagnosed in pediatric patients and a leading indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The pathophysiology remains unclear despite its prevalence, with gallbladder dysmotility and inflammation implicated. Diagnostic challenges arise from a lack of validated pediatric criteria and inconsistent hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan technique and interpretation. LC is effective for symptom resolution with low complication rates, but medical management, including proton pump inhibitors, demonstrates variable success. This review highlights the need for prospective studies to refine diagnostic criteria, identify predictors of treatment success, and compare treatment strategies to improve outcomes for children with BD.