Pathophysiology of the sphincter of Oddi

Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction: A Perplexing Presentation

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is caused by stenosis or dyskinesia of the sphincter of Oddi, leading to blockage of bile drainage from the common bile duct. We present the case of a 16-year-old female with chronic abdominal pain who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis but continued to experience abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting along with persistently elevated ALT and AST levels. Postoperative abdominal ultrasound was nondiagnostic. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed mild reflux esophagitis and mild chronic Helicobacter pylori-negative gastritis. Omeprazole was started, but it did not decrease the frequency and severity of the abdominal symptoms. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography did not reveal any pathology. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with manometry confirmed an elevated biliary sphincter pressure. Biliary sphincterotomy was performed, and the symptoms improved.

The role of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy for the treatment of type 1 biliary dysfunction (papillary stenosis) with or without biliary stones

BACKGROUND

This study assesses the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (ES) in the treatment of papillary stenosis (PS) with and without biliary stones.

METHODS

The records of all patients who had endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (2,689 patients) from January 1, 1991, to August 1, 2010, were reviewed. There were 117 patients with PS who had ES.

RESULTS

All patients had biliary pain, a dilated common bile duct (CBD) with a maximum diameter of 10 to 25 mm, and elevated liver function tests. There were 46 patients who had prior cholecystectomy of whom 20 patients had CBD stones. The remaining 71 patients had no prior biliary surgery; there were no biliary stones in 14 patients. All patients were symptom free after ES with or without CBD stone retrieval.

CONCLUSIONS

ES is the optimal treatment for PS in patients with or without biliary stones. ES eliminates pain, corrects CBD dilation, and restores LFTs to normal.

Medical treatment for sphincter of oddi dysfunction: Can it replace endoscopic sphincterotomy?

AIM: To report the results of a medical management of sphincter of oddi dysfunction (SOD) after an intermediate follow-up period.

METHODS: A total of 59 patients with SOD (2 men and 57 women, mean age 51 years old) were included in this prospective study. After medical treatment for one year, the patients were clinically re-evaluated after an average period of 30 mo.

RESULTS: The distribution of the patients according to the Milwaukee’s classification was the following: 11 patients were type 1, 34 were type 2 and 14 were type 3. Fourteen patients underwent an endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) after one year of medical treatment. The median intermediate follow-up period was 29.8 ± 3 mo (3-72 mo). The initial effectiveness of the medical treatment was complete, partial and poor among 50.8%, 13.5% and 35%, respectively, of the patients. At the end of the follow-up period, 37 patients (62.7%) showed more than 50% improvement. The rate of improvement in patients who required ES was not significantly different compared with the patients treated conservatively (64.2% vs 62.2%, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that conservative medical treatment could be an alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy because, after an intermediate follow-up period, the two treatments show the same success rates.

How to interpret a functional or motility test - sphincter of oddi manometry

To date, endoscopic manometry is the best method for evaluating the function of the sphincter. Sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) remains the gold standard to correctly diagnose the sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) and stratify therapy. Several dynamic abnormalities relating to the intensity, frequency, and propagation of sphincter contractions have been described. However, their clinical use generally has been abandoned in favor of basal sphincter pressure alone, because this measurement is stable over time, and has stronger interobserver reliablility, reproducibility on repeating testing, and is associated with the responsiveness to therapy. A significant elevated risk of pancreatitis was attributed to the technique. The risk of pancreatitits associated with manometric evaluation of the pancreatic sphincter is markedly reduced when manometry is performed with continous aspiration from the pancreatic duct via one of the 3 catheter lumens. This section reviews indications, conscious sedative drugs, techniques, and the appropriate interpretations of SOM.

Sphincter of Oddi disorder: what is the clinical issue?

Sphincter of Oddi disorder (SOD) is a functional disorder of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) and is pathophysiologically equivalent to functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) of the digestive tract. SOD is important as a cause of biliary pain of unknown origin and idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis; however, the concept of SOD has not generally spread in the same way as FGID. SOD is diagnosed using ROME III criteria which were revised in 2006 to reduce the number of unnecessary and potentially risky procedures. Many cases of SOD still need SO manometry (SOM) which is performed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). It is problematic that SOD patients, who already have a high risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis, require SOM for a definitive diagnosis. SOM is an invasive examination that is accompanied by a high risk of post-procedure pancreatitis and can be performed only at a limited number of institutions because of technical difficulties. In the treatment of SOD, the effectiveness of the drugs is uncertain, and the role of drug therapy in the management of SOD has not yet been established. In recent years, endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has been recognized as standard treatment for SOD; however, the effect of EST is not yet clear. The development of less invasive diagnostic techniques is desirable in the future. Furthermore, patient eligibility criteria for EST and the long-term prognosis after EST should be clarified.

Key issues in sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

SOD is a challenging condition that is difficult to diagnose and treat. The high failure rate of endoscopic and surgical treatment reflects the difficulties in establishing accurate diagnosis and the lack of specific objective criteria by which appropriate therapy could be determined. In general, sphincter ablation should be offered for type I patients. An initial trial of medical therapy is appropriate for type II patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms and for all type III patients. SOM is highly recommended for type II patients and is mandatory for all type III patients if sphincter ablation is contemplated. Other causes of abdominal pain such as chronic pancreatitis or functional disorders should be considered in patients not benefiting from sphincter ablation. All procedures on the sphincter should be undertaken with caution after meticulous investigation, and patient selection should be based on strict objective criteria.

Idiopathic acute pancreatitis

After routine investigations, including a thorough history, routine laboratory study, and noninvasive imaging with transcutaneous ultrasonogram, 10% to 25% of cases of acute pancreatitis have no readily identifiable cause and are termed idiopathic. But modern medicine has made notable advances in uncovering various causes of acute pancreatitis, and several new diagnostic tools that allow clinicians to less invasively approach the patient without sacrificing the diagnostic yield have been introduced. By being knowledgeable of these new changes and by their proper use in a proper circumstances, clinicians will be able to find the cause more accurately and earlier. This better management will not only improve the well-being of the patients but also reduce the number of "true" idiopathic acute pancreatitis to a minimum.

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and other functional biliary disorders: evaluation and treatment

Functional biliary disorders encompass the conditions of SOD and gallbladder dysmotility, both of which result in clinical pain syndromes. Obtaining objective diagnostic and outcomes data for both disorders has been an ongoing challenge over the last two decades. SOD, although initially believed to be strictly a biliary disorder, has now been implicated in recurrent pancreatitis. The biliary-type classification allows a clinician to stratify patients who would benefit from SOM and endoscopic sphincterotomy. Further study into the impact of endoscopic therapy for recurrent pancreatitis is needed. By the same token, the dilemma of postcholecystectomy abdominal pain, whether classified as biliary or pancreatic type III, remains challenging. The current limitations of knowledge highlight the need for prospective randomized studies to evaluate the clinical significance of SOM abnormalities to facilitate treatment of these patients.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy for stenosis of the sphincter of Oddi

BACKGROUND

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is one of the causes of postcholecytectomy syndrome and biliary pain. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is recommended in some cases for patients refractory to conservative treatment. By the Milwaukee classification, patients with biliary pain can be divided into three groups. Group I patients show all the objective signs suggestive of a disturbed bile outflow-i.e., elevated liver function tests, dilated common bile duct (CBD), and delayed contrast drainage during endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP). Group II patients have biliary-type pain along with one or two of the criteria from group I. Group III patients have only biliary pain, with no other abnormalities. This study confirms the effectiveness of EST for the relief of symptoms in group I patients (papillary stenosis).

METHODS

Between 1989 and 1999, we treated eight patients clinically diagnosed as having group I papillary stenosis by EST. Their ages ranged from 52 to 73 years. In addition to biliary pain, all patients were found to have dilated CBD, elevated enzyme levels, and delayed contrast drainage at ERCP. None of the patients had CBD stones or other causes of obstruction. Sphincter of Oddi manometry was not performed.

RESULTS

EST was successfully performed in eight patients. Each patient had a very large papilla. A false orifice was found in one patient. In five patients, endoscopic cannulation of the bile duct was very difficult. The use of a long, tapered catheter and guidewire papillotomy was necessary in four patients. A precut papillotomy was performed in one patient. All patients achieved resolution of their symptoms after EST. There were no complications. The average length of the follow-up period was 26 months.

CONCLUSIONS

SOD is a real entity that continues to pose a diagnostic dilemma. EST is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of papillary stenosis (group I patients). SOD manometry is not necessary before EST in group I patients.

Relief by naloxone of morphine-induced spasm of the sphincter of Oddi in a post-cholecystectomy patient

Spasm of the sphincter of Oddi is a well-recognized effect of the narcotic class of drugs. Although it is usually clinically silent, such spasm occasionally causes debilitating pain that may be mistaken for more serious disorders. We present the case of a patient who had undergone cholecystectomy previously, but in whom morphine given in the Emergency Department precipitated pain consistent with biliary colic; the pain resolved promptly after administration of naloxone. This entity may considered in the differential diagnosis of acute onset of colicky abdominal pain in the patient given narcotics.

Recurrent acute pancreatitis: an algorithmic approach to identification and elimination of inciting factors

Recurrent acute pancreatitis represents a challenging clinical problem associated with significant morbidity, impairment in quality of life, and expense. If unchecked, recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis may lead to chronic pancreatitis. In this work we have combined the opinion of experts in pancreatology and an extensive review of the literature to develop a logical algorithm that facilitates the stepwise identification and elimination of inciting factors using current technology. The approach taken in recurrent acute pancreatitis is clearly dependent on adequate and appropriate evaluation and treatment of the patient with an initial episode of acute pancreatitis. Future advances in the treatment of these patients will almost certainly depend on improved imaging modalities, prospective clinical trials assessing the efficacy of endoscopic and surgical intervention, a better understanding of mutations and pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for recurrent acute pancreatitis, and the development of novel, effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: two case reports and a review of the literature

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is an underdiagnosed but important clinical condition. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of biliary pain when the gallbladder sonogram shows no evidence of gallbladder disease. Hepatobiliary scanning (Tc-99m dimethyl iminodiacetic acid) may provide valuable information in the evaluation of these patients and may be helpful in monitoring response to treatment.

Previous cholecystectomy and choledochal sphincter spasm after morphine sedation

PURPOSE

To describe a patient with probable choledochal sphincter spasm after preoperative morphine, and to suggest a history of cholecystectomy as a predisposing factor.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 60 yr old man for femoral-popliteal artery bypass grafting developed right upper quadrant abdominal pain after preoperative morphine and scopolamine. He had a previous cholecystectomy. His pain was relieved with naloxone.

CONCLUSION

Choledochal sphincter spasm should be part of a differential diagnosis in right upper quadrant pain after sedative doses of morphine, especially if there is a previous cholecystectomy.

Choledochosphincter inhibitory reflex: identification of the reflex in dogs and its significance

BACKGROUND

The sphincter of Oddi (SO) may undergo functional disorders. The mechanism of action of this sphincter is as yet not fully explored; the current study aims at studying some aspects of this mechanism.

METHODS

Twelve mongrel dogs (mean weight 15.3 +/- 2. 9 SD kg, 8 male, 4 female) were studied. Under general anesthesia, the abdomen was opened and the gall bladder, common bile duct (CBD), and duodenum were exposed. Through separate punctures in the CBD, a balloon-tipped 2F catheter was introduced into the CBD and a 2F manometric catheter was placed within the SO. The positioning of the catheters was controlled fluoroscopically. The pressure response of the CBD and SO to CBD balloon distension with CO2, without and with separate anesthetization of either the CBD or SO, was recorded.

RESULTS

Upon CBD distension by 0.5 ml of CO2, the pressure in the CBD rose (P < 0.001) and in the SO dropped (P < 0.01). The SO pressure drop was momentary and did not change significantly (P > 0. 05) with increase in the volume of CBD distension. The pressure response was blocked on separate anesthetization of the CBD and SO.

CONCLUSIONS

The SO opening on CBD distension is suggested to be reflex and not hydromechanical. It seems to be mediated through a reflex which we call "choledochosphincter inhibitory reflex." Derangement of this reflex might result in functional disorders of the SO.

Pancreas divisum and stenosis of the major and minor papillae in an 8-year-old girl: treatment by dual sphincteroplasty

Pancreas divisum is the most common congenital anomaly of the pancreas. Its relationship to the development of pancreatitis is controversial. The authors report on an 8-year-old girl who presented with recurrent bouts of acute pancreatitis and multiple failed attempts at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) who was referred for surgical exploration. She was found to have marked stenoses of both major and minor papillae and an intraoperative pancreaticogram consistent with pancreas divisum. She underwent sphincteroplasty of both major and minor papillae and remains symptom-free after 22 months. It is believed that in a patient with pancreatitis and pancreas divisum, or in a patient with pancreatitis and multiple failed attempts at ERCP, transduodenal exploration and intraoperative pancreaticogram are appropriate next steps in management. If pancreas divisum in association with minor papilla stenosis is found, sphincteroplasty is appropriate therapy. If major papilla stenosis is also present, we recommend sphincteroplasty of both the major and minor papillae.

Diagnosis and treatment of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

BACKGROUND Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is a challenge from both the diagnostic and therapeutic point of view. There is much ongoing debate about the accuracy and usefulness of various diagnostic tests, as there is about the effectiveness of proposed therapeutic alternatives.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the past 15 years' literature was undertaken, using the Medline database and cross-referencing of major articles on the subject.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Endoscopic and surgical treatments result in similar outcomes, with considerable failure rates. The latter reflect the difficulties in accurate diagnosis and a lack of sound objective criteria for selecting patients for intervention. In addition, in some patients sphincter of Oddi dysfunction may be only part of a generalized motility disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.

Somatization disorder in sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a biliary disorder with a recognized pathophysiology and demonstrated surgical treatment. We sought to examine whether women with SOD were overrepresented on measures of somatization, sexual and physical abuse, socially compliant attitudes, and familial psychiatric illness.

METHOD

We matched 33 women with SOD to 33 normal controls by age, sex, and race, and, with a case-controlled cross-sectional questionnaire, compared the groups on the study variables. Statistics included a chi 2 for categorical variables, t tests for scores of somatization and attitudes of social desirability, and Pearson correlation coefficients for post hoc associations of variables. Bonferroni corrections were used with chi 2 values to reduce capitalization by chance.

RESULTS

SOD patients exhibited excessive nongastroenterological somatic complaints compared with controls (p < .0001). There was a statistical increase in reports of childhood sexual, but not physical, abuse in the SOD women (p < .02) compared with controls. The severity of the abuse correlated strongly with the severity of somatic complaints. There were no differences in social desirability attitudes or family psychiatric histories of the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that SOD is associated with a high degree of somatization in adulthood, and a mean rate more than four times that of controls in self-reports of sexual abuse in childhood. The severity of childhood sexual abuse is correlated with the severity of somatization in later life. A psychological model for this disorder is suggested by the data. Increased psychiatric attention is indicated in the treatment of women with this disorder.