Function of the sphincter of Oddi in patients with juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula: evaluation by intraoperative biliary manometry under a duodenal pressure load

Normal morphometry of the biliary tree in pediatric and adult populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to characterise the normal morphometry of the biliary tree in pediatric and adult populations, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

This study, conducted using the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO, searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases up to October 2022, and updated to August 2023. Studies that reported extractable data on diameter and length of the right, left and common hepatic ducts (LHD, RHD and CHD), and common bile duct (CBD) were included. Quality of the included studies were assessed using the Anatomical Quality Assessment (AQUA) tool. Statistical analysis included subgroup analyses according to sex, age, geographical location, and imaging modality.

RESULTS

In total, 60 studies were included, of which 44 studies reported adequate data for meta-analysis on 23,796 subjects. Overall, the pooled mean diameter of the CBD was 4.69 mm (95 % CI: 4.28-5.11). Significant differences were found between pediatric (1.32 mm, 95 % CI: 1.03-1.61) and adult (4.97 mm, 95 % CI: 4.67-5.27) subjects, as well as US (3.82 mm, 95 % CI: 3.15-4.49) and other imaging modalities, including MRI (6.21 mm, 95 % CI: 4.85-7.57) and ERCP (7.24 mm, 95 % CI: 6.08-8.40). The CBD diameter measured significantly larger distally (5.20 mm, 95 % CI: 4.60-5.80) than proximally (4.01 mm, 95 % CI: 3.51-4.51).

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained from this evidence-based study may guide the establishment of standardised reference values and ranges of the normal biliary tree in pediatric and adult populations and aid clinical understanding.

Juxta-papillary duodenal diverticula are associated with pyogenic liver abscesses: a case control study

BACKGROUND

Juxta-papillary duodenal diverticulum (JPDD) has been associated with obstructive jaundice and ascending cholangitis. Potential mechanisms include periampullary colonization of pathogenic bacteria and mechanical obstruction. However, the relation of JPDD with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) has not been reported. Moreover, approximately one third of patients with PLA have no identifiable risk factors and are labelled as "cryptogenic". We hypothesized that JPDD is an unidentified risk factor for cryptogenic PLA and the aim of this study was to examine this association.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review to identify cases of PLA (n = 66) and compare those to matched controls (n = 66). 66 patients met the study inclusion criteria of a diagnosis of PLA using computerized tomography (CT) imaging and either positive culture or confirmed resolution after antibiotic therapy. Patients with diagnoses of amebic liver abscess, traumatic liver abscess, post cholecystectomy liver abscess, concurrent acute cholecystitis, and hepatobiliary malignancy were excluded. Controls were identified from a radiology database and matched one-to-one with the cases by age and sex. Demographic and clinical data was extracted from electronic medical records. CT scan images of all cases and controls were reviewed by a single expert radiologist to identify the presence of JPDD. Statistical tests including Chi-square and t-test with multiple logistic regression were used to examine the group differences in JPDD and other factors.

RESULTS

Among 132 study samples, 13.6% (9/66) of the cases were found to have JPDD, compared to 3.0% (2/66) among controls (p = 0.03). This corresponded to an odds ratio (OR) of 5.05 [OR 5.05; CI 1.05-24.4] on multiple logistic regression analysis. In addition, 1/3rd of PLA cases with JPDD had no other traditional risk factors (cryptogenic PLA). However, a statistically significant association of JPDD with cryptogenic PLA could not be established possibly because of a small number of cases. We found significantly high rate of diabetes mellitus (DM) (42.4%; n = 28/66) among cases compared to controls (21.2%; n = 14/66; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

We found a significant association between JPDD and PLA. We need studies with larger sample sizes to confirm this relationship and to explore if JPDD could be related to cryptogenic liver abscesses.

Difficult Biliary Cannulation for Intradiverticular Papilla: Forceps Technique Revisited

Periampullary diverticula (PAD) have been encountered in 5.9 to 18.5% of patients during all the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Cannulation in the presence of PAD can sometimes be difficult, time consuming, and often requires a higher level of endoscopic skills. Several techniques have been reported to facilitate and increase the chances of successful bile duct cannulation in the presence of PAD. The two-devices in one-channel method has been sparingly used. It involves the simultaneous use of a biopsy forceps and another instrument, either a cannula or sphincterotome through the same working channel. We successfully performed ERCP in three cases, where bile duct cannulation was performed in the setting of intradiverticular papilla using two-devices in one-channel method. We feel that the two-devices in one-channel method can be very useful and positioned higher up in the algorithm for successful cannulation in patients with PAD.

Influence of periampullary diverticula on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

The present study aimed to explore the influence of the presence of periampullary diverticula (PAD) on the implementation of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A total of 388 patients with pancreaticobiliary disease who underwent ERCP for the first time between January 2017 and December 2018 were included and they were divided into a PAD group (n=179) and non-PAD (N-PAD) group (n=209) according to the presence or absence of PAD. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for PAD. The prevalence of PAD in males was higher than that in females [odds ratio (OR)=2.250, 95% CI: 1.670-3.801]. The prevalence of PAD in patients with bile duct stone was 57.92% and higher than that in patients without stone (OR=4.475, 95% CI: 2.932-7.679). The morbidity of PAD in elderly patients with bile duct stone was higher than in those without stone (OR=6.728, 95% CI: 3.790-11.943). Among the elderly patients, the constituent ratio of males in the PAD group was higher than that in the N-PAD group (χ²=13.543, P<0.001). The constituent ratio of patients who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was lower than that in the N-PAD group (χ²=10.800, P<0.001). In conclusion, the occurrence of PAD was high in elderly males and closely related to the occurrence of bile duct stones.

Diagnostic performance of 64-MDCT in detecting ERCP-proven periampullary duodenal diverticula

AIM

To determine the diagnostic performance of 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (64-MDCT) in detecting periampullary duodenal diverticula.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical profiles of 120 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-proven patients with (n = 100) and without (n = 20) periampullary duodenal diverticula who had undergone 64-MDCT were retrospectively reviewed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 64-MDCT in detecting periampullary duodenal diverticula were calculated. Potential factors that might influence the diagnostic performance of 64-MDCT in such patients were also examined.

RESULTS

Patients were 60 males and 60 females with the mean age of 68.8 ± 12.7 (27-93) years. Indications of ERCP were common bile duct stricture (n = 62) or stone (n = 41), biliary cholestasis (n = 16) and acute cholangitis (n = 1). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 64-MDCT in detecting periampullary duodenal diverticula were 76%, 100%, 100%, and 45.5%, respectively. The size of diverticula was the only predictor of 64-MDCT performance, with better results observed in larger (> 20 mm) diverticula.

CONCLUSION

64-MDCT is a highly specific imaging modality in detecting periampullary duodenal diverticula. The diagnostic performance of 64-MDCT increases for larger diverticula.

Association Between Juxtapapillary Duodenal Diverticula and Risk of Choledocholithiasis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Studies have suggested that the presence of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula (JDD) could be a predisposing factor for choledocholithiasis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted with the aims to summarize all available evidence to better characterize the risk.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE database from inception to January 2018. Cross-sectional studies that reported odd ratios (OR) comparing the risk of choledocholithiasis among individuals with JDD versus individuals without JDD were included. Pooled OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance method.

RESULTS

Of 527 retrieved articles, 11 studies met our eligibility criteria and were included in analysis. We found a significant association between the presence of JDD and choledocholithiasis with the pooled OR of 2.30 (95% CI, 1.84-2.86). The statistical heterogeneity was moderate with an I² of 60%.

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly increased risk of choledocholithiasis among individuals with JDD was observed in this study.

Impact of periampullary diverticula on technical success and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

AIM

To investigate the association of periampullary diverticula (PAD) with pancreaticobiliary diseases as well as the impact of PAD on the technical success and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

METHODS

A total of 1455 consecutive patients who underwent ERCP from January 2016 to December 2016 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into a PAD group (n = 293) and a non-PAD group (n = 1162) according to the presence or absence of PAD. The rate of pancreaticobiliary diseases was analyzed and compared between the PAD group and non-PAD group, and the technical success rate of ERCP and the incidence of postoperative complications were also compared.

RESULTS

The rate of PAD increased with age (P < 0.05). The incidence rates of suppurative cholangitis and acute pancreatitis (AP) and carcinoma of the pancreatic head in patients with PAD were significantly higher than those in patients without (P < 0.05). The rates of postoperative complications, such as hemorrhage, perforation, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and hyperamylasemia, were significantly higher in patients with PAD (P < 0.05). No significant differences was observed in the success rate of ERCP (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PAD is associated with an increased rate of pancreaticobiliary diseases as well as the occurrence of postoperative complications of ERCP. However, the presence of PAD dose not affect the technical success rate of ERCP.

Influence of periampullary diverticulum on the occurrence of pancreaticobiliary diseases and outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) is frequently encountered in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of PAD with pancreaticobiliary diseases as well as the impact of PAD on the technical success of ERCP and different methods of bile duct stone extraction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 1489 cases of patients with PAD were identified from 6390 patients who underwent ERCP. These patients were compared with 1500 controls without PAD in terms of biliary stone formation, technical success, and complications of ERCP.

RESULTS

Patients with PAD had increased prevalence of bile duct stones, gallstones, and cholangitis (P<0.01). Successful cannulation rates were similar in the PAD and the control group (98.59 vs. 99.07%, P=0.225). The incidence of complications did not differ between the PAD and the control group. Successful stone removal rate of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was lower in the PAD group than in the control group (83.53 vs. 94.31%, P=0.005). In patients with PAD, the rate of successful stone removal was lower in the EST group than in the endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) and EPBD combined with limited EST (ESBD) group. The rates of complications were similar among different treatments (EST, EPBD, or ESBD) in patients with PAD.

CONCLUSION

PAD is associated with bile duct stones, gallstones, and cholangitis. In addition, PAD should not be considered a barrier to a successful cannulation. Moreover, EST is less effective than EPBD and ESBD in patients with PAD, whereas EST, EPBD, and ESBD are equally safe in patients with PAD.

Impact of Periampullary Diverticula on Bile Duct Stones and Ampullary Carcinoma

Introduction

Periampullary diverticula (PD) is caused by extraluminal pouching of duodenal mucosa. Using a very common endoscopic procedure to diagnose or treat gastrointestinal disorders, we encountered duodenal diverticulum.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective, single-center study. Three thousand and sixteen patients on whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed at Ankara University Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, from June 2009 to June 2014 were included to the study.

Results

Hundred and thirty patients (males 65, females 65) among the 3,016 had PD. Two hundred and sixty patients without diverticulum were randomly chosen from the 3,016 patients, as a control group [121 (47%) females, 139 (53%) males]. There was no statistical difference between the two groups. The mean age of the patients with PD was 69.9 years, while the mean age was 62.3 years for patients without PD (p < 0.001). Incidence for PD was 4.6%. The papilla of Vater was located in the inter-diverticular area (Type 1) in 9 patients (8.3%), at the edge of the diverticulum (Type 2) in 31 patients (28.4%), and at a distance of 2 to 3 cm from the papilla (Type 3) in 69 patients (63.3%).

Discussion

Although numerically more common bile duct stones occurred in patients with PD compared to those without PD, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. The rate of pancreato-biliary carcinomas was higher in patients without diverticulum. Cannulation was successful in both groups at the rate of 97.6 and 92% respectively, but cannulation failed more often in patients without PD. Duodenal perforation occurred in one patient with PD. Bleeding after sphincterotomy occurred in two patients without PD.

How to cite this article

Örmeci N, Deda X, Kalkan Ç, Tüzün AE, Karakaya F, Dökmeci A, Bahar DK, Özkan H, İdilman R, Çınar K. Impact of Periampullary Diverticula on Bile Duct Stones and Ampullary Carcinoma. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(1):31-34.

[Duodenal motility in norm and in some diseases. Hypothesis]

AIM

to investigate the duodenal motility on the basis of radiological studies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We tested our hypothesis that sphincters of Kapandji and Ochsner are contracted in response to stimulation of duodenum by hydrochloric acid. These sphincters are not found in standard X-ray studies because barium does not contain hydrochloric acid when it coming from the stomach into the duodenum. The retrospective analysis of radiological studies of the upper digestive tract of 116 patients aged 55 to 92 years was done. The first group consisted of 83 patients in whom the study was conducted using conventional barium suspension. The second group consisted of 8 patients who received 200 ml of barium with the addition of 3 grams of vitamin C. The third group was comprised of 25 patients with primary duodenal diverticula. The fourth group included radiographs from 35 articles devoted to the superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS). We measured the width of the duodenum and the length of the sphincters on these radiographs.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We found an important role of the sphincters (bulbo-duodenal, Kapandji, Ochsner) in the duodenal physiology. On this basis, we proposed the hypothesis defining basic patterns of the duodenal motor function. Proposed hypothesis allows us to understand how the duodenum performs important functions and provides new avenues for understanding the pathogenesis of acquired diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The different forms dyskinesia of these sphincters play an important role in the pathogenesis of the SMAS, primary duodenal diverticula and sphincter Oddi dyskinesia.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in periampullary diverticulum: The challenge of cannulation

Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) is duodenal outpunching defined as herniation of the mucosa or submucosa that occurs via a defect in the muscle layer within an area of 2 to 3 cm around the papilla. Although PAD is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), it is associated with different pathological conditions such as common bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis, perforation, bleeding, and rarely carcinoma. ERCP has a low rate of success in patients with PAD, suggesting that this condition may complicate the technical application of the ERCP procedure. Moreover, cannulation of PAD can be challenging, time consuming, and require the higher level of skill of more experienced endoscopists. A large portion of the failures of cannulation in patients with PAD can be attributed to inability of the endoscopist to detect the papilla. In cases where the papilla is identified but does not point in a suitable direction for cannulation, different techniques have been described. Endoscopists must be aware of papilla identification in the presence of PAD and of different cannulation techniques, including their technical feasibility and safety, to allow for an informed decision and ensure the best outcome. Herein, we review the literature on this practical topic and propose an algorithm to increase the success rate of biliary cannulation.

Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater diagnosed after surgical treatment for Lemmel's syndrome

Lemmel's syndrome encompasses a range of conditions in which a juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum exerts mechanical and functional effects on the common bile and pancreatic ducts, leading to jaundice and pancreatitis. In this report, we describe a very rare case of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater that was detected during postoperative follow-up in a patient who had undergone choledochojejunostomy following a diagnosis of Lemmel's syndrome. We present our clinical and pathological experiences with the diagnosis and treatment of this case as well as a review of the present literature concerning Lemmel's syndrome.

The clinical importance of different localizations of the papilla associated with juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have evaluated the presence of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula (JPDD) and the association with pancreatobiliary disease, but not the association of the papilla with an existing JPDD. We investigated the association of different localizations of the papilla with JPDD.

METHODS

We studied patients in whom JPDD was detected during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Patients were classified into 3 groups: 1) papilla located inside the diverticulum, 2) papilla located at the edge of the diverticulum and 3) papilla located closer than 3 cm to the diverticulum. The patients were examined with respect to localization of papilla-diverticula and to the association of the localization with pancreaticobiliary disease.

RESULTS

We enrolled 274 patients in our study. Biliary stone disease more frequently existed in group 3. The number of patients presenting with obstructive jaundice was higher in groups 2 (83.6%) and 3 (83.3%) than group 1 (66%). Cholangitis was more common in group 1 (21.3%) than in groups 2 (6.7%) and 3 (2.3%). The presence of biliary stone disease among patients presenting with pancreatitis was significantly different between groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.013) and between groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.017). The common bile duct more frequently contained stones or sludge in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2.

CONCLUSION

When the papilla is located close to the JPDD, the incidence of biliary stone disease decreases, and pancreatobiliary diseases are caused mostly in the absence of biliary stone disease.

Complicated bile duct stones

Common bile duct stones (CBDSs) are solid deposits that can either form within the gallbladder or migrate to the common bile duct (CBD), or form de novo in the biliary tree. In the USA around 15% of the population have gallstones and of these, 3% present with symptoms annually. Because of this, there have been major advancements in the management of gallstones and related conditions. Management is based on the patient's risk profile; young and healthy patients are likely to be recommended for surgery and elderly patients with comorbidities are usually recommended for endoscopic procedures. Imaging of gallstones has advanced in the last 30 years with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography evolving from a diagnostic to a therapeutic procedure in removing CBDSs. We present a complicated case of a patient with a CBDS and periampullary diverticulum and discuss the techniques used to diagnose and remove the stone from the biliary system.

ERCP features and outcome in patients with periampullary duodenal diverticulum

Background. Although periampullary diverticulum is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally in patients during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), it may lead to post-ERCP morbidity. We compared baseline characteristics and clinical data as well as ERCP results in patients with and without periampullary diverticulum. Methods. Clinical, laboratory, and ERCP data of 780 patients referred to the Taleghani Hospital, as a great referral endoscopy center, in Iran were prospectively analyzed. Results. The periampullary diverticulum was identified in 44 patients (5.6%). Cannulation of common bile duct was more failed in patients with diverticulum compared to others (35.5% versus 11.5, P < 0.001). Patients with diverticulum had eight times more often common bile duct stone compared to patients without diverticulum (54.5% versus 12.2%, P < 0.001). Post-ERCP complications were observed in 2.3% and 4.2% of patients with and without diverticulum, respectively, which did not significantly differ in both groups. Conclusion. Because of more failure cannulation in the presence of periampullary diverticulum, ERCP requires more skills in these patients. Prevalence of common bile duct stone was notably higher in patients with diverticulum; therefore, more assessment of bile stone and its complications in these patients is persistently recommended.

Periampullary diverticulum may be an important factor for the occurrence and recurrence of bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the relation between periampullary diverticula (PAD) and biliary tract stones.

METHODS

A total of 732 cases of patients with PAD identified from among 6,221 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were compared to 750 controls (without PAD) in terms of biliary stone formation, incidence of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), and choledocholithiasis. The biliary tract diseases were diagnosed based on medical history, clinical symptoms and signs, and imaging findings using ultrasonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.

RESULTS

The PAD group contained a significantly larger number of patients with biliary stones including stones in the primary common bile duct, SOD with bile duct stones (p < 0.05), and choledocholithiasis after cholecystectomy (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a close correlation between PAD and the formation of biliary tract stones. A particularly close correlation was found between PAD and choledocholithiasis after cholecystectomy. PAD may be an important risk factor for the occurrence or recurrence of biliary tract stones.

Juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula risk development and recurrence of biliary stone

We assessed whether the presence of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula (JPDD) risks biliary stone disease and recurrence. In total, 695 patients who underwent ERCP were divided into two groups: biliary stone disease (group I, n = 523) and non-stone biliary diseases (group II, n = 172). Additionally, for a control group (group III), 80 age-matched healthy subjects underwent side-view duodenoscopy. In group I, rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis, cannulation failure, and disease recurrence in two-year follow up were compared according to the presence of JPDD. In results, the incidence of JPDD in group I (42.4%) was significantly higher than in group II (16.3%) and III (18.8%). The frequencies of JPDD were increased with age in all groups, and reached statistical significance in group I. In group I, rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis were significantly higher in patients with JPDD (18.5%) compared to JPDD negative (12.6%). The cannulation failure rate was also higher in patients with JPDD (9.9%) compared to JPDD negative (5.3%). Recurrence rate was higher in patients with JPDD (25.3%) compared to JPDD negative (9.2%). In conclusion, JPDD develops with aging and risks biliary stone formation. JPDD also seems to be associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis, cannulation failure and biliary stone recurrence.

Surgical management of pancreaticobiliary disease associated with juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula: case series and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula (DD), although usually asymptomatic, are occasionally associated with pancreaticobiliary conditions such as recurrent bile duct stones, cholangitis, and pancreatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An unusual case of DD associated with a dorsal duct stricture in a patient with recurrent pancreatitis and pancreas divisum is presented along with three additional instances of surgically treated DD and a review of the literature.

RESULTS

The role of surgical intervention depends upon the specific nature of the presentation and the anatomical relationship of the diverticulum to the ampullary and pancreaticobiliary ductal system.

CONCLUSION

Operations that divert bile and the food stream from DD are preferred over diverticulectomy.

[The effect of periampullary diverticulum on the outcome of bile duct stone treatment with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation]

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) causes difficulty in the extraction of common bile duct (CBD) stones with conventional endoscopic therapy. Our study was designed to evaluate the effect of PAD on endoscopic large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with/without limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for CBD stone treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed cases of 141 patients treated CBD stones by EPLBD with/without limited EST at Gachon Gil Medical Center from September 2008 to February 2010. PAD were classified into three groups according to the location of the papilla and diverticulum. Clinical parameters, endoscopic parameters, and procedure outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

PAD were identified in 46.1% (65/141), with 23 male (35.4%) and 42 female (64.6%) and a mean age of 72.9±11.1 years. Mean diameter of the stones was 14.8±6.0 mm and mean diameter of CBD was 21.6±7.7 mm. PAD group was significantly older than control group (72.9 vs. 68.6, p=0.043) and the incidence of large stone (≥15 mm) was higher in PAD group (60.0% vs. 42.1%, p=0.034). Success rate of complete removal of stones in the first session was 32/65 patients (49.2%) and overall successful complete stone removal rates was 63/65 (96.9%). There was no significant difference between the PAD and control groups in success rate. Major complications were similar between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

PAD is associated with an increased incidence of large bile duct stones and older age. PAD seems to not increase technical failure rate or complication risk on EPLBD with/without limited EST.

A new mechanism for diverticular diseases: aging-related vagal withdrawal

It is widely believed that diverticulosis, a common condition among the elderly, results from repeated colonic barotrauma related to low dietary fiber and low stool bulk. Recent evidence has challenged the dietary-barotrauma hypothesis. We propose an alternative hypothesis that diverticulosis may be attributable to colonic smooth muscle dysfunction that results from vagal attrition associated with aging. We previously proposed that broad aging-related attrition of autonomic nerves may unmask intrinsic sympathetic bias of end-organs, leading to the compendium of familiar conditions associated with senility. Unexplained cholinergic hypersensitivity and receptor over-expression in bowel affected by diverticulosis have recently been observed. These findings are highly suggestive of a compensatory response to loss of vagal innervation. The resulting autonomic dysregulation may induce bowel smooth muscle dysfunction, setting the stage for diverticula formation. Thus, diverticular bowel disease may be a manifestation of the aging-related systemic vagal withdrawal. The framework may extend to diverticula formation in other parts of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. For instance, aging-related vagal attrition may represent the common upstream mechanism that induces both sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and peri-ampullary duodenal diverticula, conditions that frequently occur together. Novel approaches to preventing and treating diverticular diseases by promoting vagal activity are proposed including the electrical or pharmacologic modulation of the autonomic system.

The role of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula in biliary stone disease

BACKGROUND

Duodenal diverticula are acquired lesions found more often in older patients; when located near the major duodenal papilla they are called juxtapapillary. The prevalence of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula (JDD) in the general population is around 20%; they are often associated with biliary lithiasis. This study assessed the association between JDD and biliary stone disease, particularly choledocholithiasis.

METHODS

Four hundred fifty ERCPs were performed in 420 patients from 1995 through 1999. The results for 300 ERCPs that were performed in 285 patients for suspected biliary lithiasis were analyzed.

RESULTS

JDD were present in 21.42% of the 420 patients; most were found in patients in the eighth and ninth decades of life. Patients with JDD had bile duct stones alone more often than patients without JDD (44% vs. 24%). According to their features, these bile duct stones were characterized as mainly primary. The existence of JDD influences bile duct diameter irrespectively of the presence of bile duct stones.

CONCLUSIONS

JDD are important causative factors in the formation of bile duct stones.

Risk factors for recurrence of primary bile duct stones after endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EST) is a well-established procedure for bile duct stone extraction. Bile duct stones can be classified as primary or secondary. However, few data are available on the recurrence of primary and secondary bile duct stones after EST. Therefore risk factors for the recurrence of primary bile duct stones after EST were prospectively studied.

METHODS

Between 1991 and 1997, 61 patients underwent EST for primary bile duct stones. All met the following criteria: (1) previous cholecystectomy without bile duct exploration, (2) detection of bile duct stones at least 2 years after initial cholecystectomy. Mean follow-up was 2.2 years. Fourteen patients were lost to follow-up. The recurrence of primary bile duct stones was defined as the detection of bile duct stones no sooner than 6 months after complete clearance of primary bile duct stones.

RESULTS

The overall recurrence rate of primary bile duct stones was 21% (10 of 47). Two significant risk factors for recurrence were identified by multivariate analysis: (1) patients with a bile duct diameter of 13 mm or greater after stone removal had recurrences more frequently than those with a duct diameter of 13 mm or less, and (2) patients whose papilla was located on the inner rim or deep within a diverticulum, so that the papillary orifice was not visible endoscopically, had more frequent recurrences than patients with a papilla outside the diverticulum, or no peripapillary diverticulum.

CONCLUSION

The independent risk factors for recurrence of primary bile duct stones were sustained dilation of the bile duct even after complete removal of stones and location of the papilla on the inner rim or deep within a diverticulum.

The relationship between juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula and disorders of the biliopancreatic system: analysis of 350 patients

BACKGROUND

Data concerning the association of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula (JPDD) with biliopancreatic disorders are inconsistent, but an association between bile duct stones and JPDD is widely accepted. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of JPDD and its association with biliopancreatic disorders in patients undergoing ERCP.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 5497 consecutive ERCP procedures performed in 2925 patients. Matched-pair analysis yielded 350 pairs of patients with and without JPDD, matched for definite risk criteria such as age, gender, and indication for ERCP.

RESULT

The incidence of JPDD was 12%. Patients with JPDD were significantly older than patients without JPDD (71 vs. 62 years; p < 0.0019) and had a significantly higher bleeding rate after endoscopic sphincterotomy (8.8% vs. 4.8%; p = 0.039). The presence of JPDD correlated with gallbladder stones (29.4% vs. 20.8%; p = 0.039), bile duct stones (46% vs. 33.1%; p < 0.001), and recurrence of bile duct stones (6.6% vs. 1.4%; p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in frequency of acute and chronic pancreatitis as well as pancreas divisum. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, technically difficult ERCP, bleeding after endoscopic sphincterotomy, and bile duct stones remained as independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

JPDD appears to be a risk factor for complications of endoscopic sphincterotomy and for gallbladder stones, bile duct stones, and their recurrence.

Spontaneous perforation of the bile duct

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous perforation of the bile ducts is a rare condition in adults. It is commonly secondary to gallstones, and the site of the perforation is nearly always extrahepatic. Intrahepatic perforation has only once been described in the literature to date.

CASE OUTLINE

We report an unusual presentation of this condition with perforation occurring at an intrahepatic site. The management of perforation and the possible predisposing factors are described.

DISCUSSION

Adequate management of this problem requires an awareness of its existence and prompt, appropriate investigation to discover the cause and site of perforation.

Periampullary diverticula and pancreaticobiliary disease

BACKGROUND

Periampullary diverticula (PAD) are extraluminal outpouchings of the duodenum arising within a radius of 2-3 cm from the ampulla of Vater. They are frequently encountered in elderly patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and contribute to failure of ERCP. This review details the relationship of PAD to pancreaticobiliary disease and the influence of PAD on the management of patients.

METHODS

The United States National Library of Medicine Medline database was searched for articles on and related to PAD published in English within the past 15 years. Major earlier works were also reviewed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PAD increases with age and could be as high as 27 per cent. PAD are associated with an incompetent sphincter of Oddi and colonization of bile duct with beta-glucuronidase-producing organisms. PAD are implicated in the pathogenesis of pigment common bile duct stones, but there is no conclusive evidence to associate them with cholecystolithiasis or pancreatitis. PAD are a major cause of failure of ERCP, but success rates of more than 90 per cent have been achieved in specialist centres.

CONCLUSION

With an ageing population, there will be an increase in elderly patients with PAD and symptomatic pancreaticobiliary disease. Continuing improvements in radiological and endoscopic techniques should enable this vulnerable group to be treated effectively and safely.

Endoscopic manometry of the sphincter of Oddi in patients with Lemmel's syndrome

Endoscopic manometry was performed to evaluate the motor activity of the sphincter of Oddi (OS) in six patients with Lemmel's syndrome, four of whom had acute cholangitis and two of whom had acute pancreatitis. As controls, 24 patients undergoing cholecystectomy without juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula (JPD) for cholelithiasis or cholesterol polyps in the gallbladder were also studied. The OS basal pressure and contraction pressure values were 12.4 +/- 5.1 mmHg and 103.4 +/- 24.3 mmHg, respectively, in the patients with Lemmel's syndrome, and 19.5 +/- 5.1 mmHg and 136.8 +/- 28.2 mmHg, respectively, in the control patients. These differences between the groups were statistically significant; however, the wave frequency was not significantly different between the groups. The mean percentages of antegrade, simultaneous, and retrograde sequences were 37.5% +/- 11.3%, 19.9% +/- 8.7%, and 43.4% +/- 11.7%, respectively, in the patients with Lemmel's syndrome, and 66.5% +/- 11.0%, 20.2% +/- 4.7%, and 14.3% +/- 9.2%, respectively, in the controls. The differences between the groups were significant (P < 0.01) for the antegrade and retrograde sequences. These findings indicate that dysfunction of the OS in patients with Lemmel's syndrome could be important in the development of hepatocholangiopancreatic disease caused by duodenobiliary and duodenopancreatic reflux.

Sphincter of Oddi motility

BACKGROUND

Technical improvement in endoscopic and manometric technique has allowed direct manometry of the human sphincter of Oddi (SO). The aim of the present review is to describe the present status of physiologic and clinical knowledge of the SO, with emphasis on contributions from Danish Gastroenterology.

RESULTS

The SO is a zone with an elevated basal pressure with superimposed phasic contractions. It acts mainly as a resistor in the regulation of bile flow. Neurohormonal regulation influences the motility pattern. The contractions are under the control of slow waves. Clinical subgroups show abnormalcy in SO manometric pattern especially in patients with biliary or pancreatic pain without demonstrable organic substrate. Evidence suggests that endoscopic sphincterotomy may be of benefit in these patients.