Ectopic papilla of Vater in duodenum bulb: A hospital-based study

The major papilla of Vater can be ectopically present in the stomach, pyloric canal, duodenal bulb, and third or fourth portion of the duodenum. In this study, we determined the clinical significance of ectopic papilla of Vater by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP).A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 6133 patients receiving ERCP from 1988 to 2011. The diagnosis was confirmed if both the common bile duct (CBD) and the main pancreatic duct (PD) drained into the same opening, either by ERCP or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.Eight patients with major papilla of Vater in the duodenal bulb were identified among 6133 patients receiving ERCP from 1988 to 2011, with an incidence rate of 0.13%. The mean age was 67 years and patients were predominantly male. Duodenal bulb deformity was noted in all patients and three of them had shallow gastric and/or duodenal ulcers. Hook-shaped CBD configuration was seen only in half of our cases. Three patients with CBD stones were treated successfully after endoscopic sphincterotomy or papillary balloon dilation.Ectopic orifice of papilla is a rare finding of ERCP. Opacification of both the CBD and main PD from the same opening is an essential criterion for diagnosing an ectopic papilla of Vater in the duodenal bulb.

Is idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis attributed to small stones?

Idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis remains a clinical challenge. Intraductal ultrasonography in the management of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis may be a new strategy for undetermined causes after initial diagnostic approaches, including endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP). However, no definite cause after ERCP should be defined under optimal settings and with experienced technique.

Application of a wire-guided side-viewing duodenoscope in total esophagectomy with colonic interposition

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the mainstay treatment for bile duct disease. The procedure is difficult per se, especially when a side-viewing duodenoscope is used, and when the patient has altered anatomical features, such as colonic interposition. Currently, there is no consensus on the standard approach for therapeutic ERCP in patients with total esophagectomy and colonic interposition. We describe a novel treatment design that involves the use of a side-viewing duodenoscope to perform therapeutic ERCP in patients with total esophagectomy and colonic interposition. A gastroscope was initially introduced into the interposed colon and a radio-opaque standard guidewire was advanced to a distance beyond the papilla of Vater, before the gastroscope was withdrawn. A side-viewing duodenoscope was then introduced along the guidewire under fluoroscopic guidance. After cannulation into the papilla of Vater, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) revealed a filling defect (maximum diameter: 15 cm) at the distal portion of the common bile duct (CBD). This defect was determined to be a stone, which was successfully retrieved by a Dormia basket after complete sphincterotomy. With this treatment design, it is possible to perform therapeutic ERCP in patients with colonic interposition, thereby precluding the need for percutaneous drainage or surgery.