Embolization of post-biliary sphincterotomy bleeding refractory to medical and endoscopic therapy: technical results, clinical efficacy and predictors of outcome

Prophylactic use of a self-assembling peptide hydrogel for preventing delayed bleeding after endoscopic sphincterotomy: A propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Delayed endoscopic sphincterotomy-related bleeding (ES bleeding) is an unavoidable adverse event (AE) that can have serious ramifications. Intraoperative ES bleeding, which stops spontaneously in most cases, is a known risk factor for delayed bleeding. This study aimed to examine the preventive effect of a novel self-assembling peptide (SAP) for delayed ES bleeding in patients who attained spontaneous hemostasis after intraoperative ES bleeding.

METHODS

A total of 1507 patients met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this study. The rates of delayed ES bleeding and AE besides bleeding were compared between patients administered the SAP (SAP group) and those who were simply observed after spontaneous hemostasis of intraoperative ES bleeding (control group). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences between the groups.

RESULTS

The rate of delayed ES bleeding was significantly lower in the SAP group than that in the control group (0.9% vs 3.8%, P = 0.044). The rates of AEs other than bleeding were 2.4% and 3.8% in the SAP and control groups, respectively, and the difference lacked statistical significance (P = 0.481). Multivariate analysis revealed that the use of SAP was significantly associated with a lower frequency of delayed ES bleeding (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.98; P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-assembling peptide may be a simple, safe, and useful way to reduce the risk of delayed ES bleeding in patients who experienced intraoperative ES bleeding and obtained subsequent spontaneous hemostasis.

Fibrin glue injection: Rescue treatment for refractory post-sphincterotomy and post-papillectomy bleedings

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) and papillectomy (EP) are associated with a non-negligible risk of post-procedural bleeding. Despite first-line endoscopic hemostasis being achieved by several methods, patients may experience bleeding persistence or recurrence. In such cases, fibrin glue (FG) injection may be used as a rescue therapy before more invasive approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic FG injection to treat refractory post-ES and post-EP bleeding.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively from patients with refractory immediate or delayed bleeding following ES or EP, between October 2007 and November 2019, at a single institution. Clinical success was defined as bleeding control after FG injection.

RESULTS

Overall, 70 patients were included. Clinical success was reached in 64 (91.4%) patients after one session of FG injection. Of six (8.6%) patients in whom the treatment failed, one required subsequent insertion of a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FC-SEMS) due to immediate massive bleeding, while five experienced bleeding recurrence. Such events were managed with an additional session of FG injection that failed in two cases. Therefore, one patient underwent FC-SEMS plus selective embolization, whereas the other underwent diagnostic arteriography. No severe periprocedural complications occurred. Two cases of intrabiliary glue migration were treated by endoscopic removal with a retrieval basket.

CONCLUSIONS

Rescue therapy with endoscopic FG injection appears to be effective and safe to treat refractory post-ES and post-EP bleeding. Further studies are required to confirm these preliminary data.

Biliary Self-Expandable Metal Stent Could Be Recommended as a First Treatment Modality for Immediate Refractory Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Bleeding

Background/Aims

Recent reports suggest that the biliary self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) is highly effective for maintaining hemostasis when endoscopic hemostasis fails in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related bleeding. We compared whether temporary SEMS offers better efficacy than angioembolization for refractory immediate ERCP-related bleeding.

Methods

Patients who underwent SEMS placement or underwent angioembolization for bleeding control in refractory immediate ERCP-related bleeding were included in the retrospective analysis. We evaluated the hemostasis success rate, severity of bleeding, change in hemoglobin levels, amount of transfusion, and delay to the start of hemostasis.

Results

A total of 27 patients with SEMS and 13 patients who underwent angioembolization were enrolled. More transfusions were needed in the angioembolization group (1.0±1.4 units vs. 2.5±2.0 units; p=0.034). SEMS failure was successfully rescued by angioembolization. The partially covered SEMS (n=23, 85.1%) was generally used, and the median stent-indwelling time was 4 days. The mean delay to the start of angioembolization was 95.2±142.9 (range, 9–491) min.

Conclusions

Temporary SEMS had similar results to those of angioembolization (96.3% vs. 92.3%; p=0.588). Immediate SEMS insertion is considered a bridge treatment modality for immediate refractory ERCP-related bleeding. Angioembolization still has a role as rescue therapy when SEMS does not work effectively.

Early Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stent Placement Is Effective for Massive Post-endoscopic Sphincterotomy Bleeding

BACKGROUND

Placement of covered self-expandable metallic stent (CSEMS) for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) bleeding achieves excellent hemostasis results. Although CSEMS placement is typically performed after failure of conventional endoscopic combination therapy, its excellent outcomes may justify earlier placement.

AIMS

We aimed to examine the efficacy of "early" CSEMS placement for massive post-ES bleeding.

METHODS

The medical records of 2750 patients who underwent ES between 2005 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively, and 61 patients who developed massive post-ES bleeding were enrolled. These patients were divided into those who underwent early CSEMS placement (E-CSEMS group) and those who underwent conventional endoscopic combination therapy (Conventional group). The outcomes of hemostasis procedures were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The primary success rates of endoscopic hemostasis were 100% (21/21) and 98% (39/40) in the E-CSEMS group and Conventional group, respectively, without significant differences (P = 1.000). However, in the E-CSEMS group, re-bleeding was significantly less frequent (5% vs. 31%; P = 0.023), the median hemostasis procedure time was significantly shorter (14 min vs. 26 min; P < 0.001), and transfusion after initial hemostasis treatment was less commonly required (10% vs. 38%; P = 0.034). Multivariate analyses showed that hemodialysis was associated with a significantly higher re-bleeding rate (P = 0.029), while CSEMS placement was associated with a significantly lower re-bleeding rate (P = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Early CSEMS placement may be effective for improving the clinical outcomes of massive post-ES bleeding by decreasing re-bleeding and the extent of bleeding.

Is insertion of a plastic stent better and safer than epinephrine injection in post sphincterotomy bleeding?

OBJECTIVES

Epinephrine injection is the therapy of first choice in post sphincterotomy bleeding (PSB), but may not be efficient in all cases and can cause postprocedural myocardial infarction. Plastic stent insertion (PSI) may be a better treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare epinephrine injection with PSI with respect to efficacy and safety.

METHODS

Clinical success, number of reinterventions and hospital stays after therapy, postprocedural myocardial infarction, bilirubin increase, and pancreatitis as well as factors influencing PSB were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine PSBs in 5798 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticographies (ERCPs) from August 2002 through October 2018 were treated by epinephrine injection, PSI or both (n = 34, 30, 15). Clinical success of PSB therapy showed no difference: 33/34 (97%), 30/30 (100%), 14/15 (93%). Reinterventions were more frequent (n = 30 versus n = 1; P ≤ 0.0001) and hospital stay was longer [median: 3 (2-10) versus 2 (1-3) days; P = 0.0357] in patients who received PSI (versus epinephrine injection). Postprocedural adverse events were very rare: bilirubin increase (1/2/0) and pancreatitis (0/2/1). Intraprocedural episodes of hypertension (≥180 mmHg) were documented in 45-54%.

CONCLUSIONS

Epinephrine injection is better than PSI in PSB. PSI may be an adequate treatment in patients with otherwise indicated stent insertion. Intraprocedural episodes of hypertension may be a risk factor for PSB.

Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society guidelines for endoscopic sphincterotomy

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) has recently compiled guidelines for endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) using evidence-based methods. Content regarding actual clinical practice, including detailed endoscopic procedures, instruments, device types and usage, has already been published by the JGES postgraduate education committee in May 2015 and, thus, in these guidelines we avoided duplicating such content as much as possible. The guidelines do not address pancreatic sphincterotomy, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD), and endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD). The guidelines for EPLBD are planned to be developed separately. The evidence level in this field is often low and, in many instances, strong recommendation has to be determined on the basis of expert consensus. At this point in time, the guidelines are divided into six items including indications, techniques, specific cases, adverse events, outcomes, and postoperative follow up.

Factors associated with delayed hemorrhage after endoscopic sphincterotomy: Japanese large single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage is one of the serious adverse events of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). However, the risk factors for delayed hemorrhage after EST have not been clarified. The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors for delayed hemorrhage after EST.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent EST between January 2011 and December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. The incidence, treatment outcomes, and risk factors for delayed hemorrhage were evaluated. Delayed hemorrhage was defined as symptomatic hemorrhage occurring 24 h after an endoscopic procedure.

RESULTS

After analyzing 1113 patients who underwent EST, delayed hemorrhage was seen to occur in 30 (2.7%) patients. The median period before presentation of delayed hemorrhage was 2 days (range 1-6) after EST, and its severity was mild in four, moderate in 20, and severe in six patients. All patients with delayed hemorrhage received successful endoscopic hemostasis. Univariate analysis showed that delayed hemorrhage occurred more frequently in patients with hemodialysis (p = 0.013), heparin replacement of antithrombotic agents (p = 0.012), or early hemorrhage occurring just after EST (p < 0.001). Among these, hemodialysis (OR 6.44, 95% CI 1.67-24.8; p = 0.007), heparin replacement (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.42-9.98; p = 0.008), and early hemorrhage (OR 4.35, 95% CI 1.90-9.96; p < 0.001) proved to be independent risk factors for delayed hemorrhage on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of delayed hemorrhage after EST was 2.7%. Hemodialysis, heparin replacement, and early hemorrhage were the risk factors for delayed hemorrhage.

Ruptured Dissecting Intramural Duodenal Hematoma Following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

A 34-year-old woman with schizophrenia developed abdominal pain. Ultrasound demonstrated cholelithiasis and a dilated biliary tree. The patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), sphincterotomy, and extraction of gallstones from the common bile duct. She developed post-procedure fever, tachycardia, and abdominal pain and was taken to the operating room for urgent cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram. At laparotomy, an intramural dissecting duodenal hematoma was discovered, which extended the length of the duodenum and ruptured. She underwent gastric pyloric exclusion, gastrojejunostomy, and healed uneventfully. ERCP is not without risks, and a degree of vigilance should be maintained in patients who develop new symptomatology following the procedure.

Endovascular management of delayed post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

To assess the patient outcome after endovascular treatment of delayed post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) as first-line treatment.

METHODS

Between January 2005 and November 2013, all consecutive patients referred for endovascular treatment of PPH were included. Active bleeding, pseudoaneurysms, collections and the involved artery were recorded on pretreatment CT. Endovascular procedures were classified as technical success (source of bleeding identified on angiogram and treated), technical failure (source of bleeding identified but incompletely treated) and abstention (no abnormality identified, no treatment performed). Factors associated with rebleeding were analysed.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients (53 men) were included (mean 59 years old (32-75)). Pretreatment CT showed 27 (39 %) active bleeding. In 22 (32 %) cases, no involved artery was identified. Technical success, failure and abstention were observed in 48 (70 %), 9 (13 %) and 12 patients (17 %), respectively. Thirty patients (43 %) experienced rebleeding. Rebleeding rates were 29 %, 58 % and 100 % in case of success, abstention and failure (p < 0.001). Treatment failure/abstention was the only factor associated with rebleeding. Overall, 74 % of the patients were successfully treated by endovascular procedure(s) alone.

CONCLUSION

After a first endovascular procedure for PPH, the rebleeding rate is high and depends upon the success of the procedure. Most patients are successfully treated by endovascular approach(es) alone.

KEY POINTS

• After a first endovascular procedure for PPH the rebleeding rate is high • The rebleeding rate is significantly associated with initial technical success • Three-quarters of the patients are successfully treated by endovascular procedure(s) alone.

Cross-sectional imaging of common and unusual complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is currently a primarily therapeutic procedure that is extensively employed to treat several biliopancreatic disorders. Although widely considered a safe procedure, ERCP is associated with a non-negligible morbidity and occasional mortality. Due to the number and complexity of operative ERCPs performed, radiologists are increasingly faced with urgent requests for investigation of suspected post-procedural complications, which often have similar clinical and laboratory manifestations. This pictorial essay reviews the usual post-procedural CT findings, the clinical features and imaging appearances of common and unusual post-ERCP occurrences including interstitial oedematous and necrotising acute pancreatitis, haemorrhages, retroperitoneal and intraperitoneal duodenal perforations, infections and stent-related complications. Emphasis is placed on the pivotal role of multidetector CT, which is warranted after complex or prolonged ERCP procedures as it represents the most effective modality to detect and grade ERCP-related complications and to monitor nonsurgically treated patients. Timely diagnosis and optimal management require a combination of clinical and laboratory data with imaging appearances; therefore, this article aims to provide an increased familiarity with interpretation of early post-ERCP studies, particularly to triage those occurrences that require interventional or surgical treatment. In selected patients MRI allows imaging pancreatitis and abnormal collections without the use of ionising radiation.

Teaching Points

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) allows treating many biliopancreatic disorders.

• Due to the number and complexity of procedures, post-ERCP complications are increasingly encountered.

• Main complications include acute pancreatitis, haemorrhages, duodenal perforation and infections.

• Diagnosis and management of complications rely on combined clinical, laboratory and imaging data.

• Multidetector CT is most effective to diagnose, categorise and monitor post-ERCP complications.