Outcome of ERCP related to case-volume

Initial experience with ultrafine choledochoscopy combined with low-dose atropine for the treatment of Oddi intersphincter stones

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the use of ultrafine choledochoscopy has gradually increased in the treatment of cholelithiasis. However, stone incarceration and residual spasm of the sphincter of Oddi may be inevitable when an ultrafine choledochoscope is used alone.

AIM

To investigate the safety and feasibility of ultrafine choledochoscopy combined with low-dose atropine in the treatment of Oddi intersphincter stones.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with Oddi intersphincter stones were retrospectively analyzed. The perioperative clinical data and follow-up information were collected.

RESULTS

Among the 17 patients, 3 were male and 14 were female. The mean age was 40.6 ± 13.9 years, and the mean diameter of the common bile duct was 7.8 ± 1.3 mm. All patients successfully underwent Oddi intersphincter stone removal using a combination of ultrafine choledochoscopy and low-dose atropine. No serious complications, such as postoperative hemorrhage, pancreatitis or bile leakage occurred in the 17 patients. During the one-year follow-up, none of the patients experienced stone recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Ultrafine choledochoscopy combined with low-dose atropine is safe and feasible for the treatment of Oddi intersphincter stones.

Risks and use of ERCP during the diagnostic workup in a national cohort of biliary cancer

BACKGROUND

In biliary cancer, the indication of endoscopic intervention might be diagnostic as well as therapeutic, in the latter situation with the aim to relieve biliary obstruction e.g. by stenting. Our aim was to investigate the use of endoscopic biliary interventions during the diagnostic workup of biliary cancers in a national cohort, and to evaluate their complications, especially cholangitis and pancreatitis.

METHODS

This is a registry-based study of national cohort of patients with biliary cancers in Sweden 2010-2020. The use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during the diagnostic work up period before treatment onset, and risk of complications were evaluated in patients with gallbladder cancer, intrahepatic-, perihilar- and distal cholangiocarcinoma. The risk of complications was compared depending on age, sex, comorbidity, in relation to stage and curative intent, endoscopy unit size, and with relation to survival.

RESULTS

Forty percent of the patients with biliary cancer underwent ERCP during the diagnostic workup, with variations depending on diagnosis. There was a 20% overall risk of periprocedural complications, a 9% risk of post-ERCP-pancreatitis (PEP), and a 6% risk of cholangitis. Increasing tumor stage did not increase risk, nor did comorbidity. The complication rates were slightly higher for younger patients and those undergoing curative treatment. For perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) treated with curative intention, the risk of periprocedural complications was as high as 30.7%. No association between post-ERCP complications and survival was found.

CONCLUSION

Irrespective of type of biliary cancer, ERCP is frequently used during diagnostic workup. The complication risk indicates that primary biliary cancers are complication prone, regardless of stage. Notably the risk of complications was the highest for younger patients with low comorbidity scores, as well as for patients undergoing curatively aiming treatment.

Risk prediction of cholangitis after stent implantation based on machine learning

The risk of cholangitis after ERCP implantation in malignant obstructive jaundice patients remains unknown. To develop models based on artificial intelligence methods to predict cholangitis risk more accurately, according to patients after stent implantation in patients' MOJ clinical data. This retrospective study included 218 patients with MOJ undergoing ERCP surgery. A total of 27 clinical variables were collected as input variables. Seven models (including univariate analysis and six machine learning models) were trained and tested for classified prediction. The model' performance was measured by AUROC. The RFT model demonstrated excellent performances with accuracies up to 0.86 and AUROC up to 0.87. Feature selection in RF and SHAP was similar, and the choice of the best variable subset produced a high performance with an AUROC up to 0.89. We have developed a hybrid machine learning model with better predictive performance than traditional LR prediction models, as well as other machine learning models for cholangitis based on simple clinical data. The model can assist doctors in clinical diagnosis, adopt reasonable treatment plans, and improve the survival rate of patients.

Incidental Discovery of a Phrygian Cap During Whipple's Procedure: A Case Report

Obstructive jaundice, characterised by yellow discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes due to reduced bile flow, often necessitates surgical intervention for resolution. This article provides a comprehensive literature review to contextualise the management of obstructive jaundice, focusing on common treatment modalities such as common bile duct (CBD) stenting and Whipple's procedure for pancreatic head cancer. Additionally, the incidental finding of a Phrygian cap of the gallbladder during surgical intervention for pancreatic head cancer is described in detail. A case presentation of a 48-year-old female with obstructive jaundice and pancreatic head cancer is outlined, detailing the diagnostic process, treatment decisions, and surgical interventions. The patient underwent CBD stenting followed by Whipple's procedure to address the pancreatic head cancer, during which the incidental discovery of a Phrygian cap of the gallbladder was noted. The discussion of the incidental finding highlights the complexity it adds to surgical interventions and emphasises the importance of adaptability and precision in managing anatomical variations. A comparison with similar cases underscores varying approaches to managing incidental findings, ranging from conservative observation to surgical excision based on clinical indications. This case underscores the significance of thorough diagnostic evaluation and surgical intervention in managing incidental findings such as the Phrygian cap, ensuring appropriate patient management and favourable clinical outcomes in complex surgical scenarios.

Validity of a virtual reality endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography simulator: can it distinguish experts from novices?

Background

There is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of virtual simulators as a means to acquire hands-on exposure to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The present study aimed to assess the outcome and construct validity of virtual ERCP when training on the GI II Mentor simulator.

Methods

A group of seven experienced endoscopists were compared with 31 novices. After a short introduction, they were requested to carry out three virtual ERCP procedures: diagnosing and removing a common bile duct (CBD) stone; diagnosing and taking brush cytology from a hilar stenosis; and, finally, diagnosing and treating a cystic leakage with a BD stent. For each task, the total time required to complete the task, time required to correctly view the papilla, total time of irradiation, time to deep cannulation, time to define diagnosis, time to complete sphincterotomy, and time to complete the respective intervention were measured. Cannulation of the BD, correct diagnosis, sphincterotomy, and time to complete intervention were assessed by an assessor blinded to the status of the endoscopist who performed the virtual ERCP.

Results

The time required to visualize the papilla and to cannulate deeply when removing the BD stone was significantly shorter for the experts (both p < 0.05). The time to visualize the papilla, cannulate deeply, reach a diagnosis, complete sphincterotomy, and complete the intervention was significantly shorter for the experts when managing cystic leakage (all p < 0.05). In diagnosing and taking brush cytology from a hilar stenosis, there was only a trend toward the experts needing less time for the deep cannulation of the BD (p = 0.077).

Conclusion

The performance differed between experts and novices, especially in the management of cystic leakage. This corroborates the construct validity of the GI II Mentor simulator.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related early perforations: A study of effects of procedure duration, complexity, and endoscopist experience

BACKGROUND

Perforations (Perf) during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are rare (< 1%) but potentially fatal events (up to 20% mortality). Given its rarity, most data is through case series studies from centers or analysis of large databases. Although a meta-analysis has shown fewer adverse events as a composite (bleeding, pancreatitis, Perf) during ERCP performed at high-volume centers, there is very little real-world data on endoscopist and center procedural volumes, ERCP duration and complexity on the occurrence of Perf.

AIM

To study the profile of Perf related to ERCP by center and endoscopist procedure volume, ERCP time, and complexity from a national endoscopic repository.

METHODS

Patients from clinical outcomes research initiative-national endoscopic database (2000-2012) who underwent ERCP were stratified based on the endoscopist and center volume (quartiles), and total procedure duration and complexity grade of the ERCP based on procedure details. The effects of these variables on the Perf that occurred were studied. Continuous variables were compared between Perf and no perforations (NoPerf) using the Mann-Whitney U test as the data demonstrated significant skewness and kurtosis.

RESULTS

A total of 14153 ERCPs were performed by 258 endoscopists, with 20 reported Perf (0.14%) among 16 endoscopists. Mean patient age in years 61.6 ± 14.8 vs 58.1 ± 18.8 (Perf vs. NoPerf, P = NS). The cannulation rate was 100% and 91.5% for Perf and NoPerf groups, respectively. 13/20 (65%) of endoscopists were high-volume performers in the 4^th quartile, and 11/20 (55%) of Perf occurred in centers with the highest volumes (4^th quartile). Total procedure duration in minutes was 60.1 ± 29.9 vs 40.33 ± 23.5 (Perf vs NoPerf, P < 0.001). Fluoroscopy duration in minutes was 3.3 ± 2.3 vs 3.3 ± 2.6 (Perf vs NoPerf P = NS). 50% of the procedures were complex and greater than grade 1 difficulty. 3/20 (15%) patients had prior biliary surgery. 13/20 (65%) had sphincterotomies performed with stent insertion. Peritonitis occurred in only 1/20 (0.5%).

CONCLUSION

Overall adverse events as a composite during ERCP are known to occur at a lower rate with higher volume endoscopists and centers. However, Perf studied from the national database show prolonged and more complex procedures performed by high-volume endoscopists at high-volume centers contribute to Perf.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related complications: risk stratification, prevention, and management

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plays a crucial role in the management of pancreaticobiliary disorders. Although the ERCP technique has been refined over the past five decades, it remains one of the endoscopic procedures with the highest rate of complications. Risk factors for ERCP-related complications are broadly classified into patient-, procedure-, and operator-related risk factors. Although non-modifiable, patient-related risk factors allow for the closer monitoring and instatement of preventive measures. Post-ERCP pancreatitis is the most common complication of ERCP. Risk reduction strategies include intravenous hydration, rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and pancreatic stent placement in selected patients. Perforation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and prompt recognition and treatment of ERCP-related perforations are key to ensuring good clinical outcomes. Endoscopy plays an expanding role in the treatment of perforations. Specific management strategies depend on the location of the perforation and the patient's clinical status. The risk of post-ERCP bleeding can be attenuated by preprocedural optimization and adoption of intra-procedural techniques. Endoscopic measures are the mainstay of management for post-ERCP bleeding. Escalation to angioembolization or surgery may be required for refractory bleeding. Post-ERCP cholangitis can be reduced with antibiotic prophylaxis in high risk patients. Bile culture-directed therapy plays an important role in antimicrobial treatment.

Rare Sequelae of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: Polymicrobial Bloodstream Infection and Hepatic Abscess in an Elderly Individual

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an advanced technique using a side-viewing upper endoscope to diagnose and treat pancreaticobiliary diseases. ERCP is generally considered a safe procedure; however, it is associated with risks of certain complications such as pancreatitis, bowel perforation, bleeding, and infections. Very rarely, ERCP can result in abscess formation in different organs, such as the pancreas, liver, and intestines. Physicians should be vigilant for rare post-ERCP complications such as clinically significant bacteremia and hepatic abscess, especially in high-risk populations, as if left untreated, they can result in significant morbidity and mortality. We present an interesting and rare case of an 80-year-old patient who presented with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain post-ERCP and was found to have a polymicrobial bloodstream infection and a hepatic abscess. The patient was treated with medical therapy alone, with an appropriate clinical response.

The use of simulators to acquire ERCP skills: a systematic review

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technically demanding diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedure with a high risk for adverse events such as post-ERCP pancreatitis and bleeding. Since endoscopists with less experience have higher adverse event rates, the training of new residents on ERCP simulators has been suggested to improve the resident's technical skills necessary for ERCP. However, there is a lack of consensus on whether the training program should focus on a threshold number of procedures or be more tailored to the individual's performance. Furthermore, there is also disagreement on which form of simulator(s) should be used. Therefore, the primary outcome of this systematic review was to study the extent to which simulators used for ERCP training are correctly validated.

METHODS

In 2022, a systematic search of the literature was conducted on MEDLINE and SCOPUS under the guidance of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 protocol seeking articles with the MeSH terms 'Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography' OR 'ERCP' in combination with 'simulation' OR 'simulator'.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 41 references. A total of 19 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis. Only one of the articles fulfilled the criteria of a robust validation study.

CONCLUSIONS

Since only one of the 19 articles met the requirements for a thorough and correct validation, further studies with sufficient numbers of subjects, that evaluate complete preclinical training programs based on validated ERCP simulators are warranted.