Successful management of benign biliary strictures with fully covered self-expanding metal stents

Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has evolved from mainly a diagnostic tool to a treatment method, thanks to newer noninvasive techniques like magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This paper looks at how ERCP is used to treat conditions such as acute gallstone pancreatitis, pancreas divisum (PD), sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), and chronic pancreatitis (CP). For acute gallstone pancreatitis, early ERCP to reduce severity or mortality is now questioned, except when there is cholangitis or ongoing bile duct blockage. For patients with recurring acute pancreatitis due to PD, endoscopic treatment aims to lower duct pressure, but there is not enough strong evidence to support its long-term success. In SOD cases, recent research suggests being more careful with endoscopic sphincterotomy. ERCP plays a clearer role in CP by helping to manage duct stones and strictures in suitable patients. The rising use of pancreatoscopy-assisted lithotripsy as an alternative to ESWL is also discussed.

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents versus multiple plastic stents for the treatment of post-orthotopic liver transplant anastomotic biliary strictures: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The most common adverse event (AE) of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS). Management varies widely between centers, and it is not clear whether a combination of endoscopic dilation of the stenosis followed by multiple plastic stents (MPS) or placement of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (fcSEMS) is better for the management of post-OLT ABS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and cost of fcSEMS versus MPS in the treatment of post-OLT ABS.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing fcSEMS with MPS for the treatment of patients with post-OLT ABS and reporting at least one of the outcomes of interest. The pooled estimates were calculated using the random-effects model, and I2 statistics were used to evaluate heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The study included 5 RCTs (245 patients). There was no statistically significant difference between fcSEMS and MPS in stricture resolution (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.11; p = 0.86), stricture recurrence (RR 2.22; 95% CI 0.73 to 6.75; p = 0.16), treatment cost (MD - 5.31 thousand dollars 95% CI -12.76 to 2.13; p = 0.16), and AEs (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.27 to 2.83; p = 0.82). However, fcSEMS reduced the number of ERCP sessions (MD - 1.7 sessions; CI 95% - 2.9 to - 0.5; p = 0.005) and treatment duration (MD-95.7 days; 95% CI -184.5 to -6.9; p = 0.03) compared with MPS.

CONCLUSION

fcSEMS and MPS had similar efficacy and safety in patients with ABS post-OLT. However, fcSEMS was associated with fewer ERCP sessions and shorter treatment duration.

Safety and Efficacy of a 6-Month Placement of a Fully Covered Self-Expanding Metallic Stent for Refractory Benign Biliary Stricture: A Multicenter Prospective Study

Background and Aim

Managing benign biliary stricture endoscopically is complicated and challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 6-month placement of a fully covered self-expanding metallic stent for refractory benign biliary stricture.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with refractory benign biliary stricture (13 with chronic pancreatitis and 9 without) were recruited from five higher tertiary care centers. All patients received a planned 6-month fully covered self-expanding metallic stent placement. Primary outcomes included clinical success, technical success of stent removal, adverse events, and stricture recurrence.

Results

Of the 21 cases (one case was excluded owing to malignant findings), fully covered self-expanding metallic stent placement was successful in all cases, with contralateral bile duct plastic stents used in three patients and stents remaining in place for 6 months in 16 of 21 patients. Distal stent migration occurred in three cases, two of which had resolved strictures. Adverse events were observed in 19.0% of patients: one case of severe cholangitis, two cases of mild cholangitis, and one case of hyperplasia formation. No stent-induced pancreatitis or cholecystitis occurred. All stents were removed successfully, and the treatment success rate was 85%. One patient experienced recurrent stricture 6.5 months post-stent removal.

Conclusions

A six-month placement of a modified fully covered self-expanding metallic stent effectively improved strictures and minimized stent-induced Adverse events in patients with refractory benign biliary stricture.

Trial Registration

UMIN ID: UMIN000025027.

Safety and efficacy of Kaffes intraductal self-expanding metal stents in the management of post-liver transplant anastomotic strictures

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic management is the first-line therapy for post-liver-transplant anastomotic strictures. Although the optimal duration of treatment with plastic stents has been reported to be 8-12 months, data on safety and duration for metal stents in this setting is scarce. Due to limited access to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in our centre, there was a change in practice towards increased usage and length-of-stay of the Kaffes biliary intraductal self-expanding stent in patients with suitable anatomy. This was mainly due to the theoretical benefit of Kaffes stents allowing for longer indwelling periods compared to the traditional plastic stents.

AIM

To compare the safety and efficacy profile of different stenting durations using Kaffes stents.

METHODS

Adult liver transplant recipients aged 18 years and above who underwent ERCP were retrospectively identified during a 10-year period through a database query. Unplanned admissions post-Kaffes stent insertion were identified manually through electronic and scanned medical records. The main outcome was the incidence of complications when stents were left indwelling for 3 months vs 6 months. Stent efficacy was calculated via rates of stricture recurrence between patients that had stenting courses for ≤ 120 d or > 120 d.

RESULTS

During the study period, a total of 66 ERCPs with Kaffes insertion were performed in 54 patients throughout their stenting course. In 33 ERCPs, the stent was removed or exchanged on a 3-month interval. No pancreatitis, perforations or deaths occurred. Minor post-ERCP complications were similar between the 3-month (abdominal pain and intraductal migration) and 6-month (abdominal pain, septic shower and embedded stent) groups - 6.1% vs 9.1% respectively, P = 0.40. All strictures resolved at the end of the stenting course, but the stenting course was variable from 3 to 22 months. The recurrence rate for stenting courses lasting for up to 120 d was 71.4% and 21.4% for stenting courses of 121 d or over (P = 0.03). There were 28 patients that were treated with a single ERCP with Kaffes, 21 with removal after 120 d and 7 within 120 d. There was a significant improvement in stricture recurrence when the Kaffes was removed after 120 d when a single ERCP was used for the entire stenting course (71.0% vs 10.0%, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Utilising a single Kaffes intraductal fully-covered metal stent for at least 4 months is safe and efficacious for the management of post-transplant anastomotic strictures.

Management of biliary complications in liver transplant recipients using a fully covered self-expandable metal stent with antimigration features

BACKGROUND

Following liver transplant (LT) with duct-to-duct anastomosis, biliary strictures and leaks are typically managed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stenting. While multiple side-by-side plastic stents are typically used for management of anastomotic strictures, fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) can be used to decrease the number of ERCPs with longer periods of stent patency. The risk of migration can limit their use. FCSEMS with antimigration fins to manage benign biliary complications following LT may provide stricture resolution with limited adverse events (AEs).

METHODS

Single center retrospective study of LT patients who required FCSEMS from 1/2014 to 4/2022. Primary outcomes included stricture resolution and recurrence. Secondary outcomes were stent migration, occlusion, removability, and number of ERCPs.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients (mean age 55.5 years) with anastomotic strictures (N.=37), bile leaks (N.=4) or both (N.=2) were included. The median time from LT to FCSEMS placement was 125 days. Within one year of LT, 31 patients required intervention; early intervention at less than 30 and 90 days was needed in 7 and 19 patients, respectively. The median length of follow-up was 816.5 days. Stricture resolution was seen in 35 patients (81%) after a median stent dwell time of 130.5 days; recurrence occurred in 8 patients. There were three instances of partial stent migration that did not require reintervention or interfere with removability. The mean number of ERCPs required was 2.5.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a FCSEMS with antimigration features yields effective stricture resolution with longer stent dwell times and fewer ERCPs.

Is there a place for endoscopic management in post-cholecystectomy iatrogenic bile duct injuries?

In this editorial we comment on the article by Emara et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. Previously, surgery was the primary treatment for bile duct injuries (BDI). The treatment of BDI has advanced due to technological breakthroughs and minimally invasive procedures. Endoscopic and percutaneous treatments have largely supplanted surgery as the primary treatment for most instances in recent years. Patient management, including the specific technique, is typically impacted by local knowledge and the kind and severity of the injury. Endoscopic therapy is a highly successful treatment for postoperative benign bile duct stenosis and offers superior long-term outcomes compared to surgical correction. Based on the damage features of BDI, therapeutic options include endoscopic duodenal papillary sphincterotomy, endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, and endoscopic biliary stent implantation.

Percutaneous placement of a retrievable fully covered metal stent with anchoring flaps for the treatment of biliary anastomotic stricture following LDLT

To investigate the outcomes following percutaneous placement of a retrievable fully covered self-expanding metal stent (fcSEMS) with anchoring flaps at proximal and distal ends for the treatment of biliary anastomotic strictures following living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of nine patients who underwent this procedure at our centre between April 2020 and March 2021. Percutaneous stent placement was technically successful in 100% patients, and all stents were successfully retrieved. No proximal or distal stent migration or occlusion was observed during the mean (±SD) stent indwelling period of 191(± 77) days. Clinical success was 89%. There was one major bleeding complication related to the biliary approach and one minor stent-related complication of calculus/sludge. During the mean (±SD) follow-up period of 595 ± 207 days after stent retrieval, only one patient developed recurrent clinical biliary stricture and symptoms. Percutaneous placement of a retrievable fcSEMS with anchoring flaps is safe and feasible for the treatment of biliary anastomotic strictures following LDLT.

A Short Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stent for Management of Benign Biliary Stricture Not Caused by Living-Donor Liver Transplantation

Background: This study evaluated the effectiveness of short fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) with an anti-migration design in treating benign biliary strictures (BBS) not related to living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 75 patients who underwent FCSEMS insertion for BBS management. Stents were initially kept for 3 months and exchanged every 3 months until stricture resolution. Adverse events and stricture recurrence after FCSEMS removal were assessed during follow-up. Results: The study outcomes were technical success, stenosis resolution, and treatment failure. Technical success was 100%, with stricture resolution in 99% of patients. The mean onset time of BBS post-surgery was 4.4 years, with an average stent indwelling period of 5.5 months. Stricture recurrence occurred in 20% of patients, mostly approximately 18.8 months after stent removal. Early cholangitis and stent migration were noted in 3% and 4% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: This study concludes that short FCSEMS demonstrate high efficacy in the treatment of non-LDLT-related BBS, with a low incidence of interventions and complications. Although this is a single-center, retrospective study with a limited sample size, the findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the use of short FCSEMS as a primary treatment modality for BBS. To substantiate these findings, further research involving multicenter studies is recommended to provide additional validation and a broader perspective.

Study protocol for a prospective, multicentre, phase II trial on endoscopic treatment using two fully covered self-expandable metallic stents for benign strictures after hepaticojejunostomy

INTRODUCTION

The current endoscopic treatment for postoperative benign hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture (HJAS) has a high technical success rate and is highly effective in the short term. However, long-term results have shown a high rate of stenosis recurrence, which indicates an insufficient response to treatment. Three prospective studies on fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (FC-SEMS) treatment for benign HJAS used the stenosis resolution rate as the primary endpoint, and no study has yet used the long-term non-stenosis rate (at 12 months) as the primary endpoint.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We launched the 'saddle-cross study', which will be conducted as a multicentre, prospective intervention of endoscopic treatment using two modified FC-SEMSs (BONASTENT️ M-Intraductal) that have been improved for benign stenosis in patients with benign HJAS, with the long-term non-restenosis rate (at 12 months) as the primary endpoint. This study aims to evaluate the long-term non-restenosis rate (at 12 months) and safety of the saddle-cross technique for benign HJAS. We plan to enrol 50 participants.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by the Certified Review Board of the National Cancer Center, Japan (CRB3180009). The results will be reported at various conferences and published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Advances in the Management of Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The data on recent advances in managing chronic pancreatitis (CP) pain is limited. This review highlights the role of endotherapy and the advances in the overall management of pain in CP.

RECENT FINDINGS

Of late, pancreatic biodegradable stents have been used in endotherapy with appreciable success. These include slow, medium, and fast degrading stents, which optimize the overall management of CP and could prevent the need for multiple procedures. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus block is reserved in selected patients to treat debilitating pain. Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation in small duct disease has shown promising results. The indications for treating pain in CP with endoscopy and surgery need to be better defined. The complexity of pain control due to the incomplete understanding of pathomorphology makes the management of CP challenging. The current treatment methods are still evolving. Therapy aims to reduce pain, optimize recovery, maintain quality of life, and meet postoperative needs. Initial management includes lifestyle modification, nutrition optimization, risk factor reduction with abstinence from alcohol, cessation of tobacco and smoking. Supportive medical management involves the judicial use of analgesics, neuromodulators, antioxidants, pancreatic enzyme replacement for insufficiency, and diabetes management. Patients with intractable pain are ideal for therapeutic intervention. Being less invasive with an acceptable complication rate makes endotherapy the preferred first-line treatment. If found to be cost-effective, biodegradable stents can reduce the overall cost. Unfortunately, if patients remain symptomatic, surgery is preferred in case of failure or recurrence. For optimal results, appropriate patient selection is vital to maximizing outcomes.

Management of Benign Biliary Stricture in Chronic Pancreatitis

Endoscopic therapy is the first line of management for chronic pancreatitis (CP)-related benign biliary strictures. Multiple plastic stents (MPS) exchanged at regular intervals and temporary placement of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) are preferred modalities of endotherapy. FCSEMS placement is non-inferior to MPS and requires fewer sessions of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography than MPS placement. The presence of head calcifications, severe CP, and length of stricture are predictors of failure or recurrence after endotherapy. Failure of endotherapy should be considered after 1 year when surgery should be considered.

Antimigration versus conventional fully covered metal stents in the endoscopic treatment of anastomotic biliary strictures after deceased-donor liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Migration of fully covered metal stents (FCMS) remains a limitation of the endoscopic treatment of anastomotic biliary strictures (ABS) following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The use of antimigration FCMS (A-FCMS) might enhance endoscopic treatment outcomes for ABS.

METHODS

Single center retrospective study. Consecutive patients with ABS following OLT who underwent ERCP with FCMS placement between January 2005 and December 2020 were eligible. Subjects were grouped into conventional-FCMS (C-FCMS) and A-FCMS. The primary outcome was stent migration rates. Secondary outcomes were stricture resolution, adverse event, and recurrence rates.

RESULTS

A total of 102 (40 C-FCMS; 62 A-FCMS) patients were included. Stent migration was identified at the first revision in 24 C-FCMS patients (63.2%) and in 21 A-FCMS patients (36.2%) (p = 0.01). The overall migration rate, including the first and subsequent endoscopic revisions, was 65.8% in C-FCMS and 37.3% in A-FCMS (p = 0.006). The stricture resolution rate at the first endoscopic revision was similar in both groups (60.0 vs 61.3%, p = 0.87). Final stricture resolution was achieved in 95 patients (93.1%), with no difference across groups (92.5 vs 93.5%; p = 0.84). Adverse events were identified in 13 patients (12.1%) with no difference across groups. At a median follow-up of 52 (IQR: 19-85.5) months after stricture resolution, 25 patients (24.5%) developed recurrences, with no difference across groups (C-FCMS 30% vs A-FCMS 21%; p = 0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of A-FCMS during ERCP for ABS following OLT results in significantly lower stent migration rates compared to C-FCMS. However, the clinical benefit of reduced stent migration is unclear. Larger studies focusing on stricture resolution and recurrence rates are needed.

Comprehensive review on small common bile duct stones

Common bile duct stones are among the most common conditions encountered by endoscopists. Therefore, it is well researched; however, some items, such as indications for endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD), safety of EPBD and endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy or direct oral anticoagulant, selection strategy for retrieval balloons and baskets, lack adequate evidence. Therefore, the guidelines have been updated with new research, while others remain unchanged due to weak evidence. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the standard methods in guidelines and new findings from recent studies on papillary dilation, stone retrieval devices, difficult-to-treat cases, troubleshooting during the procedure, and complicated cases of cholangitis, cholecystolithiasis, or distal biliary stricture.

Fully Covered Metal Stents Safely Facilitate Extraction of Difficult Bile Duct Stones

BACKGROUND

Ten to 15% of the common bile duct (CBD) stones require advanced endoscopic extraction techniques during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FC-SEMS) for facilitating the extraction of difficult bile duct stones.

METHODS

Patients who received FC-SEMS for the extraction of difficult CBD stones were retrospectively reviewed. Group 1 included patients with extrahepatic stones above a distal CBD stricture, Group 2 included patients with intrahepatic stones above a hilar stricture, and Group 3 included patients with complex stone(s) and no biliary stricture. Complete stone clearance rate and complications of FC-SEMS treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study group included 33 procedures on 32 patients (mean age: 55±17, 56.3% male). FC-SEMS was placed as a primary treatment in 15 (45.5%) procedures. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 84.6% of the procedures in Group 1, 100% in Group 2, and 87.5% in Group 3 ( P =0.23). Overall, complete stone clearance was achieved in 30 of the 33 procedures (90.9%). None of the patients developed pancreatitis, cholecystitis, or cholangitis. Stent migration occurred in 4 procedures (12.1%), and all were clinically insignificant.

CONCLUSION

FC-SEMS is effective and safe for facilitating treatment of difficult bile duct stones.

Fully covered metallic stents for anastomotic biliary strictures after living donor liver transplantation

Objectives

Anastomotic biliary strictures (ABSs) are common complications following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We evaluated the feasibility of a novel removable, intraductal, fully covered, self‐expandable metallic stent (FCSEMS) for the treatment of ABSs following LDLT.

Methods

Nine patients with duct‐to‐duct ABSs that developed following LDLT were prospectively enrolled in this study. We placed a short FCSEMS with a long lasso and middle waist formation in each patient's ABS above the papilla and removed it 16 weeks later.

Results

The FCSEMS placements were successful in all nine cases. Four patients experienced mild cholangitis, which was resolved with conservative treatment. Additionally, there was one case of distal migration. The FCSEMSs were successfully removed from all the patients, and the clinical success rate was 100%. Stricture recurrence occurred in one (11.1%) patient during the follow‐up period.

Limitations

The small number and lack of comparison with other types of FCSEMSs and plastic stents.

Conclusions

Intraductal placement of FCSEMSs is useful for treating refractory ABSs after LDLT, although further studies are required with larger sample sizes.

ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Biliary Strictures

A biliary stricture is an abnormal narrowing in the ductal drainage system of the liver that can result in clinically and physiologically relevant obstruction to the flow of bile. The most common and ominous etiology is malignancy, underscoring the importance of a high index of suspicion in the evaluation of this condition. The goals of care in patients with a biliary stricture are confirming or excluding malignancy (diagnosis) and reestablishing flow of bile to the duodenum (drainage); the approach to diagnosis and drainage varies according to anatomic location (extrahepatic vs perihilar). For extrahepatic strictures, endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition is highly accurate and has become the diagnostic mainstay. In contrast, the diagnosis of perihilar strictures remains a challenge. Similarly, the drainage of extrahepatic strictures tends to be more straightforward and safer and less controversial than that of perihilar strictures. Recent evidence has provided some clarity in multiple important areas pertaining to biliary strictures, whereas several remaining controversies require additional research. The goal of this guideline is to provide practicing clinicians with the most evidence-based guidance on the approach to patients with extrahepatic and perihilar strictures, focusing on diagnosis and drainage.

Fully Covered Self-expanding Stents are Cost-effective at Remediating Biliary Strictures in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis

Benign biliary strictures (BBS) develop in up to 10% to 30% of patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP).¹ Endoscopic endoprosthetics via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become the standard of care for remediating these strictures. Seventy percent to eighty percent of these strictures resolve with sequential or concurrent placement of multiple plastic stents (MPS).^1,2 More recently, placement of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) have been shown to have similar outcomes as MPS.^3-6 FCSEMS provide a larger radial diameter and require fewer procedures, but may have drawbacks, including a higher risk of migration, cholecystitis, delamination, and tissue ingrowth. A recent study demonstrated that FCSEMS with a 12-month indwell had similar outcomes to MPS with fewer ERCP needed.⁷ However, the cost-effectiveness of either strategy for managing BBS has not been assessed previously nor has the impact of additional reimbursement to cover the cost of FCSEMS on the cost-effectiveness of FCSEMS utilization.

Do We Need to Use a Stent in Biliary Reconstruction to Decrease the Incidence of Biliary Complications in Liver Transplantation? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Biliary complications are a significant cause of morbidity post-transplantation, and the routine use of biliary stents in liver transplantation to reduce these complications remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the incidence of biliary complications with and without the use of trans anastomotic biliary stent in liver transplantation.

METHOD

PubMed, Scopes, Web of Science, and Cochrane library were searched for eligible studies from inception to February 2022, and a systematic review and meta-analysis were done to compare the incidence of biliary complications in the two groups.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies with a total of 2623 patients were included. The pooled results from the included studies showed an equal rate of biliary complications (i.e., strictures, leaks and cholangitis) in stented and non-stented patients after liver transplantation. However, the cost and biliary intervention rates are higher in stented patients. In addition to that, our sub-group analysis showed no significant decrease in the incidence of biliary complications after using trans anastomotic biliary stent in living donor liver transplant (LDLT), deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT), Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ), and duct-to-duct anastomosis, pediatric, and adult liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

No added benefit on the routine use of endobiliary stent in liver transplantation. However, stented patients are at higher risk of needing multiple ERCPs.

A novel endoscopic technique using fully covered self-expandable metallic stents for benign strictures after hepaticojejunostomy: the saddle-cross technique (with video)

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the number of patients with hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic strictures has increased. Balloon dilation and placement of multiple plastic stents have proven effective for hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic strictures. However, for refractory strictures, there is often a need for repeated endoscopic procedures within a short period. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the new saddle-cross technique, which uses two fully covered self-expandable metallic stents.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with benign hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic strictures who underwent placement of two fully covered self-expandable metallic stents at the National Cancer Center, Japan, from November 2017 to June 2021.

RESULTS

The technical and clinical success rates were 100% (20/20). The median time of the procedure was 61 (range 25-122) min. The scheduled stent removal rate was 70% (14/20). Spontaneous dislodgement of the stent was observed on computed tomography in five patients (25.0%). The non-restenosis rate 12 months after the saddle-cross technique was 88.2% (15/17). Procedure-related early adverse events included mild ascending cholangitis in three patients (15.0%) and sepsis in one patient (5.0%). Procedure-related late adverse events included mild ascending cholangitis in three patients (15.0%) and bile duct hyperplasia in one patient (5.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The saddle-cross technique performed using two fully covered self-expandable metallic stents resulted in promising long-term stricture resolution with a high technical success rate. Based on these findings, the saddle-cross method can be considered an option for the standard procedure for benign hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic strictures.

Efficacy of intraductal placement of nonflared fully-covered metal stent for refractory perihilar benign biliary strictures: A multicenter prospective study with long-term observation

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic fully-covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) are used to treat benign biliary strictures (BBSs); however, treatment for perihilar BBSs is technically challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of an unflared FCSEMS designed for intraductal placement in patients with refractory perihilar BBS.

METHODS

Twenty-two consecutive patients with perihilar BBS unresolved by endoscopic plastic stent placement at 13 tertiary medical centers were prospectively enrolled. The FCSEMS was placed above the papilla and removed after 4 months. The primary outcome was stricture resolution at 4 months, and the secondary outcomes were technical success, stent removal, adverse events, and recurrence.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of intraductal FCSEMS placement was 100%, and plastic stent placement at contralateral or side branch was performed in 86% of patients. The rate of successful stent removal at 4 months was 100%, and stricture resolution was observed in 91% of patients. Stent migration or stent-induced de novo stricture did not occur in any patient. The stricture recurrence rate was 16%, and the median (interquartile range) follow-up duration was 2.8 (1.6-3.3) years.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraductal placement of unflared FCSEMS is effective treatment for refractory perihilar BBS.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Endoscopic Approach to Recurrent Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis: Expert Review

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Update Expert Review is to provide practical, evidence-based guidance to clinicians regarding the role of endoscopy for recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

This expert review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide guidance on a topic of clinical importance to the AGA membership, underwent internal peer review by the Clinical Practice Updates Committee (CPUC), and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. This review is framed around the 8 best practice advice points agreed upon by the authors, based on the results of randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as well expert consensus in this field. Best Practice Advice Statements BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: After an unrevealing initial evaluation, endoscopic ultrasound is the preferred diagnostic test for unexplained acute and recurrent pancreatitis. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast and cholangiopancreatography is a reasonable complementary or alternative test to endoscopic ultrasound, based on local expertise and availability. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for reducing the frequency of acute pancreatitis episodes in patients with pancreas divisum is controversial, but minor papilla endotherapy may be considered, particularly for those with objective signs of outflow obstruction, such as a dilated dorsal pancreatic duct and/or santorinicele. There is no role for ERCP to treat pain alone in patients with pancreas divisum. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: The role of ERCP for reducing the frequency of pancreatitis episodes in patients with unexplained recurrent acute pancreatitis and standard pancreatic ductal anatomy is controversial and should only be considered after a comprehensive discussion of the uncertain benefits and potentially severe procedure-related adverse events. When pursued, ERCP with biliary sphincterotomy alone may be preferable to dual sphincterotomy. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: Surgical intervention should be considered over endoscopic therapy for long-term treatment of patients with painful obstructive chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic intervention is a reasonable alternative to surgery for suboptimal operative candidates or those who favor a less invasive approach, assuming they are clearly informed that the best practice advice primarily favors surgery. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: When ERCP is pursued, small (≤5mm) main pancreatic duct stones can be treated with pancreatography and conventional stone extraction maneuvers. For larger stones, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and/or pancreatoscopy with intraductal lithotripsy may be required. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: When ERCP is pursued, prolonged stent therapy (6-12 months) is effective for treating symptoms and remodeling main pancreatic duct strictures. The preferred approach is to place and sequentially add multiple plastic stents in parallel (upsizing); emerging evidence suggests that fully covered self-expanding metal stents may have a role for this indication, but additional research is necessary. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: ERCP with stent insertion is the preferred treatment for benign biliary stricture due to chronic pancreatitis. FCSEMS placement is favored over multiple plastic stents whenever feasible, given similar efficacy but significantly reduced need for stent exchange procedures during the treatment course. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: Celiac plexus block should not be routinely performed for the management of pain due to chronic pancreatitis. The decision to proceed with celiac plexus block in selected patients with debilitating pain in whom other therapeutic measures have failed can be considered on a case-by-case basis, but only after discussion of the unclear outcomes of this intervention and its procedural risks.

Intraductal fully covered self-expanding metal stents in the management of post-liver transplant anastomotic strictures: a UK wide experience

Background

Fully covered intraductal self-expanding metal stents (IDSEMS) have been well described in the management of post-liver transplant (LT) anastomotic strictures (ASs). Their antimigration waists and intraductal nature make them suited for deployment across the biliary anastomosis.

Objectives

We conducted a multicentre study to analyse their use and efficacy in the management of AS.

Design

This was a retrospective, multicentre observational study across nine tertiary centres in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with IDSEMS insertion were analysed retrospectively. Recorded variables included patient demographics, procedural characteristics, response to therapy and follow-up data.

Results

In all, 162 patients (100 males, 62%) underwent 176 episodes of IDSEMS insertion for AS. Aetiology of liver disease in this cohort included hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 35, 22%), followed by alcohol-related liver disease (n = 29, 18%), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (n = 20, 12%), primary biliary cholangitis (n = 15, 9%), acute liver failure (n = 13, 8%), viral hepatitis (n = 13, 8%) and autoimmune hepatitis (n = 12, 7%). Early AS occurred in 25 (15%) cases, delayed in 32 (20%) cases and late in 95 (59%) cases. Age at transplant was 54 years (range, 12-74), and stent duration was 15 weeks (range, 3 days-78 weeks). In total, 131 (81%) had complete resolution of stricture at endoscopic re-evaluation. Stricture recurrence was observed in 13 (10%) cases, with a median of 19 weeks (range, 4-88 weeks) after stent removal. At removal, there were 21 (12%) adverse events, 5 (3%) episodes of cholangitis and 2 (1%) of pancreatitis. In 11 (6%) cases, the removal wires unravelled, and 3 (2%) stents migrated. All were removed endoscopically.

Conclusion

IDSEMS appears to be safe and highly efficacious in the management of post-LT AS, with low rates of AS recurrence.

Endoscopic therapy using a self-expandable metallic stent with an anti-migration system for postorthotopic liver transplantation anastomotic biliary stricture

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic therapy using multiple plastic stents (MPSs) is the standard therapy for postorthotopic liver transplantation (p-OLT) anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS). However, this approach demands repeated procedures. Recent studies using fully covered self-expandable metallic stents (FCSEMS) have shown encouraging results, but migration occurs in 10% to 40% of cases. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatment using FCSEMS with an anti-migration system (Am-FCSEMS) in patients with p-OLT ABS.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatment using an Am-FCSEMS in patients with p-OLT ABS.

METHODS

This study was conducted in a private tertiary care centre in São Paulo, Brazil and was approved by our institution's Human Research Committee. From April 2018 to October 2020, regardless of previous endoscopic treatment (MPS or FCSEMS), 17 patients with p-OLT ABS and indications for endoscopic therapy were included in this study. The exclusion criteria were pregnancy, nonanastomotic biliary or hilar stricture, hepatic artery stenosis/thrombosis, isolated biliary fistulae, a distance shorter than 2 cm from the stricture to the hepatic hilum, and patient refusal. The primary endpoint was the efficacy of p-OLT ABS endoscopic treatment using an Am-FCSEMS that remained in place for a 12-mo period. Biliary sphincterotomy was performed in patients with native papilla, and an Am-FCSEMS (10 mm in final diameter and 60 or 80 mm in length) was placed (Hanarostent^TM MI Tech, Co). Balloon stricture dilation was performed only if necessary to introduce the stent.

RESULTS

Three patients were excluded due to loss to follow-up before stent removal. Among the 14 patients included and followed, 7 were women, and the average age was 56 years (range: 28-76). The average period of Am-FCSEMS placement was 362 ± 109 d. Technical success occurred in all 14 patients (100%). There were no cases of distal stent migration. Complete resolution of the stricture occurred in 13/14 patients (92.85%). Adverse events occurred in 3/14 patients (21.42%): 2 patients with mild acute pancreatitis (14.28%) and 1 patient (7.14%) with stent dysfunction (occlusion by biliary sludge and stones, which was treated endoscopically without the need for stent removal). No deaths occurred related to therapy. All stents were removed using foreign body forceps or snares without difficulty. After Am-FCSEMS removal, all 13 patients who had ABS resolution were followed-up for an average of 411 ± 172 d, and there was no stricture recurrence or need for further endoscopic therapy.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective study, endoscopy therapy using an Am-FCSEMS for p-OLT ABS was safe and effective, with a high stricture resolution rate that was probably due to the absence of stent migration.

Current endoscopic approaches to biliary strictures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the current status and future perspectives of the endoscopic management of biliary strictures.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to conventional diagnostic modalities, such as cross-sectional imaging and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), per-oral cholangioscopy is helpful for indeterminate biliary strictures. It allows direct visualization of the biliary tract and targeted biopsy. For distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a standard of care. EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is an emerging alternative to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in cases with failed ERCP. EUS-BD is also an effective salvage option for perihilar MBO, which can not be managed via ERCP or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. Preoperative drainage is necessary for most jaundiced patients as neoadjuvant chemotherapy is widely administered for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, and a SEMS is preferred in this setting, too. For benign biliary strictures, a covered SEMS can improve stricture resolution and reduce the number of endoscopic sessions as compared to plastic stents.

SUMMARY

ERCP and EUS play a central role in the diagnosis and drainage for both malignant and benign biliary strictures.

Migration rate using fully covered metal stent in anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation: Results from the BASALT study group

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

The traditional endoscopic therapy of anastomotic strictures (AS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is multiple ERCPs with the insertion of an increasing number of plastic stents side-by-side. Fully covered self-expanding metal stents (cSEMS) could be a valuable option to decrease the number of procedures needed or non-responders to plastic stents. This study aims to retrospectively analyse the results of AS endoscopic treatment by cSEMS and to identify any factors associated with its success.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-one patients (mean age 55.9 ± 7.6 SD; 73 males) from nine Italian transplantation centres, had a cSEMS positioned for post-OLT-AS between 2007 and 2017. Forty-nine (54%) patients were treated with cSEMS as a second-line treatment.

RESULTS

All the procedures were successfully performed without immediate complications. After ERCP, adverse events occurred in 11% of cases (2 moderate pancreatitis and 8 cholangitis). In 49 patients (54%), cSEMSs migrated. After cSEMS removal, 46 patients (51%) needed further endoscopic (45 patients) or radiological (1 patient) treatments to solve the AS. Lastly, seven patients underwent surgery. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression showed that cSEMS migration was the only factor associated with further treatments (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.6; p value 0.03); cSEMS implantation before 12 months from OLT was associated with stent migration (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.7-16.0; p value 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

cSEMS appears to be a safe tool to treat AS. cSEMS migration is the main limitation to its routinary implantation and needs to be prevented, probably with the use of new generation anti-migration stents.

Lerch M, Mayerle J. Clinical Practice Guideline—Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is among the commonest non-malignant admission diagnoses in gastroenterology. Its incidence in Germany lies between 13 and 43 per 100 000 inhabitants and is increasing. In 2017, 24 per 100 000 inhabitants were hospitalized for chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

From October 2018 to January 2019, we systematically searched the literature for original articles, meta-analyses, and evidence-based guidelines that were published in German or English between 1960 and 2018.

RESULTS

30-50% of cases of acute pancreatitis are caused by gallstone disease, and another 30-50% are due to alcohol abuse. The diagnosis is made when at least two of the following three criteria are met: typical abdominal pain, elevation of serum lipase, and characteristic imaging findings. If those criteria are ambiguous, transabdominal sonography is indicated. The early initiation of food intake lowers the rate of infected pancreatic necrosis, organ failure, or death (odds ratio 0.44; 95% confidence interval [0.2; 0.96]). In AP, Ringer's lactate solution should be preferred for fluid resuscitation, at 200-250 mL/hr for 24 hours. Severe pain should be treated with opiates.

CONCLUSION

The current German clinical practice guideline reflects the developments in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatitis that have taken place over the past few years. The long-term care and monitoring of patients with complication-free pancreatitis is the responsibility of primary care physicians and gastroenterologists.

Preclinical evaluation of endoscopic placement of a steroid-eluting metal stent in an in vivo porcine benign biliary stricture model

Treatment of benign biliary strictures (BBS) using fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) has a high success rate, but recurrence can occur. Corticosteroids may be useful based on their anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the safety and efficacy of corticosteroid-eluting FCSEMS in an animal model. BBSs were created by radiofrequency ablation in 12 mini-pigs. Four weeks later, FCSEMS coated with 0 mg (control), 15 mg (steroid 1 × group), or 30 mg (steroid 2 × group) triamcinolone were inserted endoscopically. The in vitro drug release assay revealed that the optimal stent had 15 mg of triamcinolone and a hydrophilic membrane. No transmural necrosis or perforation occurred in any animal. Fibrous wall thickness tended to decrease macroscopically and microscopically in a triamcinolone dose-dependent manner (control vs. steroid 2 × group: 773.1 vs. 468.5 µm, P = 0.037). Thickness also decreased over time in the steroid 2 × group (3 days vs. 4 weeks: 907.9 vs. 468.5 µm, P = 0.025). Blood parameters tended to improve after stent insertion. In a porcine BBS model, steroid-eluting FCSEMS showed potential as a safe and effective treatment modality to reduce fibrotic tissue. Studies are required to confirm their safety and efficacy in humans with refractory BBS.

The role of interventional radiology in the management of refractory bile leaks

Refractory bile leaks represent a damaging sequela of hepatobiliary surgery and direct trauma. Management of bile leaks represents a challenging clinical problem. Despite advances in endoscopic techniques, interventional radiology continues to play a vital role in the diagnosis and management of refractory bile leaks. This article reviews strategies for optimizing the diagnosis and management of bile leaks and provides an overview of management strategies, including the management of complicated biliary leaks.

Migration of fully covered self-expandable metallic stents used to treat anastomotic strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation: A single-center, retrospective analysis

Insertion of a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (FCEM) through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is an effective solution for biliary anastomotic stricture following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, FCEM migration continues to plague patients. This study aimed to evaluate the FCEM migration rate in our center, and to investigate the factors increasing the migration risk for FCEM.The study enrolled 43 post-OLT patients with confirmed duct-to-duct AS. The effects of age, gender, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, ABO (blood group system consists of four antigens) incompatibility, stricture length, FCEM brand, FCEM length, donor liver and recipient bile duct diameters, size mismatches between the donor and recipient bile ducts >2 mm, diabetes and/or hypertension status, endoscopic sphincterotomy status, the use of plastic stents or nasobiliary drainage prior to FCEM implantation, duration from OLT to FCEM placement, and OLT etiology on FCEM migration were retrospectively analyzed.The FCEM migration rate was 48.8% (21/43) at 6 months. The serum AST level was significantly higher in the migration group than that in the nonmigration group (52.48 vs 29.50 U/L, P < .05). A lower serum AST level was associated with a decreased risk of FCEM migration in post-OLT patients with duct-to-duct anastomotic stricture (hazard ratio = 0.968, 95% confidence interval: 0.940-0.996, P = .028).In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, we showed that an elevated serum AST level was a potential risk factor for FCEM migration.

Is the use of fully covered metal stents effective in the treatment of difficult lithiasis of the common bile duct?

BACKGROUND

The management of difficult lithiasis of common bile duct (CBD) often requires a multimodal approach. Fully Covered Metal Stents (FCSEMS) could fragment the stones, dilate strictures of the CBD and progressively enlarge the papillary orifice. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of FCSEMS in the treatment of difficult lithiasis of CBD.

METHODS

All consecutive cases of difficult lithiasis of CBD after an attempt of clearance with complete sphincterotomy were retrospectively considered from 2009 to 2019. Intrahepatic lithiasis cases were excluded. Multivariable analysis (stepwise logistic regression if p value < 0.1 at univariable analysis) was made to understand factors associated with efficacy of FCSEMS in difficult lithiasis of CBD.

RESULTS

163 cases of difficult lithiasis over 1516 cases of lithiasis of CBD (incidence of 11%) were considered. Among eligible patients, 96 (mean age 78 ± 11.9 years, 43% males) placed a FCSEMS during the first ERCP. Mean diameter of stone was 17.5 ± 5.5 mm. An attempt of dilation during the same procedure was made in 18% cases. After removal of the stent, 52 (54%) patients had complete clearance of CBD at cholangiography. The rest of patients (44), subsequently underwent multimodal treatment (final success of 95%). After logistic regression, variables positively associated with clearance of CBD were sex male (OR 3.5) and stent permanence ≥ 30 days (OR 3.2). Diameter of the stone ≥ 2 cm was associated with failure (OR 0.2). 7 post-ERCP pancreatitis, 6 post-sphincterotomy bleeding and 3 cholangitis occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

FCSEMS are useful in the approach of difficult lithiasis of CBD with no significant adverse events associated.

Endoscopic management of chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory process characterized by irreversible morphological changes in the pancreas. Pain is the predominant symptom observed during the course of CP. The etiopathogenesis of pain in CP is multifactorial and includes ductal hypertension due to obstruction of the pancreatic duct (PD), neuropathic causes, and extrapancreatic complications of CP like pseudocyst and distal biliary obstruction. A sizeable proportion of patients with CP are amenable to endoscopic treatment. The mainstay of endotherapy includes decompression of PD with one or more plastic stents in those with stricture, and fragmentation of PD calculi using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Nearly two-thirds of the patients achieve pain relief in the long term with endotherapy. Upfront assessment for the suitability of endotherapy is paramount to achieve the best outcomes. The predictors of poor response to endotherapy include multifocal disease, like those with multifocal strictures or multiple calculi throughout the pancreas, or a combination of both PD strictures and stones. With the emerging use of covered metal stents, the outcomes are likely to improve in cases with refractory PD strictures as well as CP-related distal biliary obstruction. The optimum stent design and indwell time of metal stents in cases with refractory PD strictures need further evaluation. Endoscopic ultrasonography has emerged as a complementary endoscopic modality in the management of CP as well as associated complications like pseudocysts, refractory pain, and vascular complications.

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting to prevent acute cholecystitis in patients receiving FCEMS for benign biliary stricture

Background and study aims  Fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) are being increasingly used for benign biliary strictures (BBS); however, they are associated with risk of acute cholecystitis. Prophylactic endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (ETPGBS) can facilitate continuous gallbladder drainage and prevent acute cholecystitis from occlusion of cystic duct orifice by the FCSEMS. The aim of this study was to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of ETPGBS to prevent acute cholecystitis in patients receiving FCSEMS for BBS. Patients and methods  This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database at a single center of all patients who underwent prophylactic ETPGBS with FCSEMS for BBS between December 1, 2016 and November 30, 2020. Results  A total of 71 ETPGBS were placed during the study period. Sixteen patients (mean age: 66.4 ± 19.8 years; 81 % male) underwent ETPGBS prior to biliary FCSEMS during the same endoscopic session. FCSEMS were left in place (stent dwell time) for a median of 173 days (range: 69-473; mean 196 ± 121) with resolution of BBS and successful removal of ETPGBS and FCSEMS in 12 patients. There was significant improvement in total bilirubin level (5.25 ± 5.53 vs 0.94 ± 0.85 gm/dL; P  = 0.008). No episodes of acute cholecystitis or any other post-procedural complications were noted during the median follow-up of 337 days (range: 150-856; mean 394 ± 236). Conclusions  ETPGBS prevented stent-related acute cholecystitis with continued efficacy of FCSEMS for BBS.

Fully Covered Self-Expanding Metal Stent vs Multiple Plastic Stents to Treat Benign Biliary Strictures Secondary to Chronic Pancreatitis: A Multicenter Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Benign biliary strictures (BBS) are complications of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Endotherapy using multiple plastic stents (MPS) or a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) are acceptable treatment options for biliary obstructive symptoms in these patients.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic CP-associated BBS enrolled in a multicenter randomized noninferiority trial comparing 12-month treatment with MPS vs FCSEMS. Primary outcome was stricture resolution status at 24 months, defined as absence of restenting and 24-month serum alkaline phosphatase not exceeding twice the level at stenting completion. Secondary outcomes included crossover rate, numbers of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCPs) and stents, and stent- or procedure-related serious adverse events.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were randomized to MPS and 80 to FCSEMS. Baseline technical success was 97.6% for MPS and 98.6% for FCSEMS. Eleven patients crossed over from MPS to FCSEMS, and 10 from FCSEMS to MPS. For MPS vs FCSEMS, respectively, stricture resolution status at 24 months was 77.1% (54/70) vs 75.8% (47/62) (P = .008 for noninferiority intention-to-treat analysis), mean number of ERCPs was 3.9 ± 1.3 vs 2.6 ± 1.3 (P < .001, intention-to-treat), and mean number of stents placed was 7.0 ± 4.4 vs 1.3 ± .6 (P < .001, as-treated). Serious adverse events occurred in 16 (19.0%) MPS and 19 (23.8%) FCSEMS patients (P = .568), including cholangitis/fever/jaundice (9 vs 7 patients respectively), abdominal pain (5 vs 5), cholecystitis (1 vs 3) and post-ERCP pancreatitis (0 vs 2). No stent- or procedure-related deaths occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Endotherapy of CP-associated BBS has similar efficacy and safety for 12-month treatment using MPS compared with a single FCSEMS, with FCSEMS requiring fewer ERCPs over 2 years. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT01543256.).

Short fully covered self-expandable metal stent for treatment of proximal anastomotic benign biliary stricture after living-donor liver transplantation

OBJECTIVES

Non-surgical methods have high success rates for treating benign biliary strictures (BBSs), but treatment of proximal strictures is difficult. Recent studies have reported that fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) are useful for treating refractory BBSs. We investigated the efficacy of a short and removable FCSEMS with an anti-migration design for treatment of proximal BBSs.

METHODS

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents were inserted endoscopically in patients with BBSs after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Each FCSEMS was initially maintained for 3 months and subsequently exchanged every 3 months until the stricture resolved. Adverse events and stricture recurrence after FCSEMS removal were assessed during follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients with a median age of 57 years were enrolled in this study; 50 were male. The most common underlying disease was hepatocellular carcinoma and the previous operation was LDLT. The mean duration from surgery to diagnosis of stricture was 8.5 months, and the mean stent indwelling time was 4.2 months. The technical success and stricture resolution rate were 100%. The recurrence rate was 23.8% and the adverse event rate was 12.7%. All stents were removable, and asymptomatic stent migration was observed in four patients (6.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The newly designed FCSEMS is effective in the treatment of proximal BBSs after LDLT.

Evaluation of post-ERCP pancreatitis after biliary stenting with self-expandable metal stents vs. plastic stents in benign and malignant obstructions

Background and study aims  There are conflicting data regarding the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) with self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) compared to polyethylene stents (PS) in malignant biliary obstructions and limited data related to benign obstructions. Patients and methods  A retrospective cohort study was performed of 1136 patients who underwent ERCP for biliary obstruction and received SEMS or PS at a tertiary-care medical center between January 2011 and October 2016. We evaluated the association between stent type (SEMS vs PS) and PEP in malignant and benign biliary obstructions. Results  Among the 1136 patients included in our study, 399 had SEMS placed and 737 had PS placed. Patients with PS were more likely to have pancreatic duct cannulation, pancreatic duct stent placement, double guidewire technique, sphincterotomy and sphincteroplasty as compared to the SEMS group. On multivariate analysis, PEP rates were higher in the SEMS group (8.0 %) versus the PS group (4.8 %) (OR 2.27 [CI, 1.22, 4.24]) for all obstructions. For malignant obstructions, PEP rates were 7.8 % and 6.6 % for SEMS and plastic stents, respectively (OR 1.54 [CI, 0.72, 3.30]). For benign obstructions the PEP rate was higher in the SEMS group (8.8 %) compared to the PS group (4.2 %) (OR 3.67 [CI, 1.50, 8.97]). No significant differences between PEP severity were identified based on stent type when stratified based on benign and malignant. Conclusions  PEP rates were higher when SEMS were used for benign obstruction as compared to PS. For malignant obstruction, no difference was identified in PEP rates with use of SEMS vs PS.

Biliary cast syndrome after liver transplantation: A cholangiographic evolution study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The aim of this study is to describe the cholangiographic features and endoscopic management of biliary cast syndrome (BCS), a rare specific ischemic cholangiopathy following liver transplantation.

METHODS

Patients with biliary complications were identified from prospectively collected database records of patients who underwent liver transplantation at the Erasme Hospital from January 2005 to December 2014. After excluding patients with hepatico-jejunostomy or no suspicion of stricture, cholangiograms obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and magnetic resonance imaging were systematically reviewed. Biliary complications were categorized as anastomotic (AS) and non-AS strictures, and patients with BCS were identified. Clinical, radiological, and endoscopic data were reviewed.

RESULTS

Out of 311 liver transplantations, 14 cases were identified with BCS (4.5%) and treated with ERCP. Intraductal hyperintense signal on T1-weighted magnetic resonance and a "duct-in-a-duct" image were the most frequent features of BCS on magnetic resonance imaging. On initial ERCP, 57% of patients had no stricture. Complete cast extraction was achieved in 12/14, and one of these had cast recurrence. On follow-up, 85% of the patients developed biliary strictures that were treated with multiple plastic stents reaching 60% complete stricture resolution, but 40% of them had recurrence. After a median follow-up of 58 months, BCS patients had lower overall and graft survival (42.9% and 42.9%) compared with non-AS (68.8% and 56.3%) and AS (83.3% and 80.6%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Particular magnetic resonance-cholangiographic and ERCP-cholangiographic features of BCS have been identified. Outcomes for BCS are characterized by high complete cast extraction rates, high incidence of secondary strictures, and poorer prognosis.

Cost analysis of a long-term randomized controlled study in biliary duct-to-duct anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation

Multiple plastic stent (MPS) for biliary anastomotic stricture (AS) after liver transplantation requires multiple procedures with consequent costs. To compare the success, adverse events and treatment-related costs of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) versus MPS. Thirty liver transplant (LT) patients with clinically relevant naïve AS were prospectively randomized to FCSEMS or MPS, with stent numbers increased at 3-month intervals. Treatment costs per patient were calculated for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (including all devices and stents) and overall hospital stay. Radiological success was achieved in 73% of FCSEMS (median indwelling period of 6 mos) and 93% of MPS patients (P = NS) (median period of 11 mos). AS recurrence occurred in 36% of FCSEMS and 7% of MPS patients (P = NS), and AS re-treatment was needed in 53% and 13% (P < 0.01), respectively, during follow-up of 60 (34-80) months. Stents migrated after 29% and 2.6% of FCSEMS and MPS procedures, respectively (P < 0.01). Including re-treatments, long-term clinical success was achieved in 28/30 (93%) patients. Overall treatment-related costs were similar between groups. In the subgroup of LT patients in clinical remission after first-line treatment, treatment costs were 41% lower per FCSEMS patient compared with MPS patients. FCSEMS did not perform better than MPS. FCSEMS migration increased the rate of re-treatment and costs.

Efficacy of a modified short fully covered self-expandable metal stent for perihilar benign biliary strictures

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic management of a benign biliary stricture (BBS) on the hilum is complicated and challenging. Although the placement of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) is possible to increase effectiveness, stent migration and stent-induced adverse events are problematic. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a modified short FCSEMS with a long lasso in patients with a difficult perihilar BBS.

METHODS

Patients with perihilar BBS within 2 cm from the hilar confluence that failed initially with plastic stents were enrolled. A modified short FCSEMS was deployed and then removed 5-6 months later. The primary outcome was clinical success. Other technical success, adverse events, endoscopic success of stent removal, and recurrence of stricture during the follow-up period were measured.

RESULTS

Endoscopic intraductal placement was technically successful in all patients (n = 19). Combined contralateral plastic stent placement was performed in 13 patients (68.4%). The median duration of stent placement was 163 days (range, 138-196 days). Endoscopic stent removal was successful in all patients except one spontaneous distal migration. Stricture resolution without de novo focal stricture occurrence was 100%. Endoscopic stone removal after stricture improvement was successful in all 13 patients with bile duct stones above the stricture. During a follow-up period (median 635 days) after stent removal, only one recurrence developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Temporary placement of a modified intraductal short FCSEMS with or without a contralateral plastic stent improved perihilar BBS in patients that primarily failed by plastic stents. Combined biliary stones were also successfully removed after stricture resolution.

Optimal drainage of anastomosis stricture after living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS) with a fully covered, self-expandable metallic stent (FC-SEMS) and plastic stent (PS) is safe and efficient for biliary anastomotic strictures (ASs) after a deceased donor liver transplantation. Limited studies have investigated the use of FC-SEMSs for biliary strictures post-living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We compared the resolution rate of biliary ASs post-LDLT and the 12-month recurrence rates post-stent removal between EBS with an FC-SEMS, PS, and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).

METHODS

Patients with biliary ASs after an LDLT (mean age: 57.3 years, 76.1% men) hospitalized between 2014 and 2017 were enrolled. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was repeated every 3-4 months. Patients were followed-up for at least 1-year post-stent removal.

RESULTS

Of the 75 patients enrolled, 16, 20, and 39 underwent EBS with an FC-SEMS, PS, and PTBD, respectively. Median follow-up period was 39.2 months. Fewer ERCP procedures were needed in the FC-SEMS group than in the PS group (median, 2 vs. 3; P = 0.20). Median stent indwelling periods were 4.7, 9.3, and 5.4 months in the FC-SEMS, PS, and PTBD groups, respectively (P = 0.006). The functional resolution rate was lower in the PS group (16/20) than in the FC-SEMS (16/16) or PTBD (39/39) group (P = 0.005). The radiologic resolution rate was higher in the FC-SEMS group (16/16) than in the PS group (14/20) (P = 0.07). The 12-month recurrence rates showed no significant differences (FC-SEMS, 4/16; PS, 3/16; PTBD, 6/39; P = 0.66). The rates of complications during treatment differed significantly between the groups (P = 0.04). Stent migration occurred in 1 (6.3%) and 5 (25.0%) patients in the FC-SEMS and PS groups, respectively (P = 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

EBS with an FC-SEMS is comparable with EBS with a PS or PTBD in terms of biliary stricture resolution and 12-month recurrence rates. The use of FC-SEMSs is potentially effective and safe for biliary AS resolution after LDLT.

Endoscopic treatment of hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic strictures using fully-covered metal stents

OBJECTIVES

With the emergence of the double-balloon endoscope (DBE), hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic strictures (HJASs) are increasingly managed endoscopically. However, balloon dilation and/or plastic stent placement may be associated with low stricture resolution rates and long treatment duration. We utilized a fully-covered metal stent (FCSEMS), which was designed for temporary placement for benign biliary strictures, and assessed its feasibility for patients with HJASs.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 20 patients who underwent DBE-assisted FCSEMS placement for HJASs between June 2017 and March 2019. The FCSEMS was removed endoscopically at three months of stent placement. The outcomes investigated were the stricture resolution at the time of FCSEMS removal, the stricture recurrence, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Among 20 patients treated, stricture resolution was achieved in 17 patients (85.0%) at three months of stent placement. The FCSEMS was removed endoscopically without any technical difficulties in all cases except for two with asymptomatic stent migration due to stricture resolution. During a median follow-up period of 11.9 months (interquartile range, 7.5-18.0 months), an HJAS recurred in one patient (5.9%). For two patients without stricture resolution and one patient with recurrent stricture, another FCSEMS placement for 77, 84, and 186 days resolved the stricture. The overall stricture resolution rate was 95.0%. In one patient with FCSEMS-induced de novo stricture, long-term plastic stent placement was required. Procedure-related adverse events included mild cholangitis in two patients and mild pancreatitis in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic treatment using a FCSEMS via DB-ERCP was a feasible and effective treatment option for a HJAS.

Biliary complications after liver transplantation: current perspectives and future strategies

Importance

Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease and with acute liver failure, and it is associated with excellent outcomes and survival rates at 1 and 5 years. The incidence of biliary complications (BCs) after LT is reported to range from 5% to 20%, most of them occurring in the first three months, although they can occur also several years after transplantation.

Objective

The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidences on pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and therapeutic management of BCs after LT.

Evidence Review

a literature review was performed of papers on this topic focusing on risk factors, classifications, diagnosis and treatment.

Findings

Principal risk factors include surgical techniques and donor's characteristics for biliary leakage and anastomotic biliary strictures and vascular alterations for non- anastomotic biliary strictures. MRCP is the gold standard both for intra- and extrahepatic BCs, while invasive cholangiography should be restricted for therapeutic uses or when MRCP is equivocal. About treatment, endoscopic techniques are the first line of treatment with success rates of 70-100%. The combined success rate of ERCP and PTBD overcome 90% of cases. Biliary leaks often resolve spontaneously, or with the positioning of a stent in ERCP for major bile leaks.

Conclusions and Relevance

BCs influence morbidity and mortality after LT, therefore further evidences are needed to identify novel possible risk factors, to understand if an immunological status that could lead to their development exists and to compare the effectiveness of innovative surgical and machine perfusion techniques.

Incidence and Significance of Biliary Stricture in Chronic Pancreatitis Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Obstructing Pancreatic Duct Stones

Background/Aims

This study assessed the significance of biliary stricture in symptomatic chronic pancreatitis patients requiring extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove obstructing pancreatic calculi.

Methods

A total of 97 patients underwent ESWL followed by ERCP to remove pancreatic calculi between October 2014 and October 2017 at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Significant biliary stricture (SBS) was defined as a stricture with upstream dilation on computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography scans accompanied by cholestasis and/or cholangitis. SBS was initially managed by either a plastic stent or fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (fcSEMS). If the stricture did not resolve, the stent was replaced with either multiple plastic stents or another fcSEMS. Data were collected by retrospectively reviewing the medical records.

Results

Biliary strictures were noted in approximately one-third of patients (34/97, 35%) undergoing ESWL for pancreatic calculi. Approximately one-third of the biliary strictures (11/34, 32%) were SBS. Pseudocysts were more frequently found in those with SBS (36% vs 8%, p=0.02), and all pseudocysts in the SBS group were located in the pancreatic head. The initial stricture resolution rates with fcSEMSs and plastic prostheses were 75% and 29%, respectively. The overall success rate for stricture resolution was 73% (8/11), and the recurrence rate after initial stricture resolution was 25% (2/8).

Conclusions

Although periductal fibrosis is the main mechanism underlying biliary stricture development in chronic pancreatitis, inflammation induced by obstructing pancreatic calculi, including pseudocysts, is an important contributing factor to SBS formation during the acute phase.

Diagnosis and management of benign biliary strictures post liver transplantation in adults

Benign biliary strictures after liver transplantation are common and can lead to graft dysfunction and decreased patient survival. Post-transplant strictures are classified as anastomotic or non-anastomotic which differ in response to therapy. Risk factors for biliary strictures following transplantation include impaired blood supply, surgical factors, and biliary anomalies. Patients can present with biliary obstruction but most will be asymptomatic, with only abnormal graft function. MRCP is the most sensitive noninvasive tool for diagnosing biliary complications. In most centres worldwide endoscopy is used first-line in the management of anastomotic strictures, although there is significant variation in endoscopic technique employed; including dilation, placing a single or multiple plastic stents, a fully covered metal stent and most recently using intra-ductal fully covered metal stents. With the introduction of fully covered metal stents the number of interventions patients require has reduced and overall the clinical success of the endoscopic approach has steadily improved. Percutaneous and surgical treatments are now reserved for patients in whom endoscopic management fails or who have had Roux-en-Y anastomoses. However even in these cases, combined procedures with interventional radiology, or implementation of enteroscopy and EUS-guided approaches now means very few patients ultimately require surgical revision.

Post-operative biliary strictures

Post-operative biliary stricture is a cumbersome condition, secondary to biliary or vascular damage. Its risk factors include biliary or vascular anatomical variants, local inflammation, and poor surgical expertise. Intra-operative diagnosis is difficult, and in most cases, patients present with obstructive symptoms within a few weeks. Magnetic resonance cholangiography is a pivotal test to confirm the clinical picture, to study the level of the damage, and to guide treatment. Nowadays, endoscopic stenting is the first-line treatment in most centers. Multi-stenting treatment achieves long-term clinical success for more than 90% of patients, however multiple procedures are needed. In order to optimize healthcare provider costs, shorter duration endotherapies with covered metal stents are under evaluation. Radiological and surgical approaches are considered in the event of endoscopy failure.

A Network Meta-analysis of Surgery for Chronic Pancreatitis: Impact on Pain and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

The surgical operation associated with improved pain and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is unknown.

METHOD

The Scopus, EMBASE, Medline and Cochrane databases were systematically searched until May 2019, and all randomised trials (RCTs) comparing surgical operations for CP pain were included in a network meta-analysis (NMA).

RESULTS

Four surgical operations for treating CP were directly compared in eight RCTs including 597 patients. Patients were mainly male (79%, 474/597) with alcoholic CP (85%, 382/452). Surgical operations included were pancreatoduodenectomy (224, 38%), Berne procedure (168, 28%), Beger procedure (133, 22%) and Frey procedure (72, 12%). The NMA revealed that the Beger procedure ranked best for pain relief, whilst the Frey procedure ranked best for postoperative QoL, postoperative pancreatic fistula rate and postoperative exocrine insufficiency rate during a median follow-up of 26 months (reported range 6-58 months). Overall the Frey procedure ranked best for the combination of primary outcome measures based on surface under cumulative ranking curve scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall the Frey procedure may perform the best for both pain relief and postoperative QoL in patients with CP. Further trials are warranted in defining the role of surgery in relation to endotherapy.