Endoscopic papillotomy for common bile duct stones: factors influencing the complication rate

Postendoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis Pathophysiology and Prevention

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an essential procedure for the management of pancreato-biliary disorders. Pancreatitis remains the most frequent complication of the ERCP procedure, and it is, therefore, necessary to recognize the pathophysiology and risk factors contributing to the development of pancreatitis and understand the methods to prevent this complication.

Prevention and Management of Complications of Biliary Endoscopy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an essential procedure for the management of pancreaticobiliary disorders. ERCP is, however, associated with the risk of complications including pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, infection, and instrument failure, which can often be fatal. It is, therefore, necessary to recognize the risk of ERCP-associated complications and understand the methods to prevent and treat such complications.

US Nationwide Insight Into All-cause 30-day Readmissions following Inpatient Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is associated with a high risk for morbidity, mortality, and hospital readmission. Data regarding those risks in the United States is scarce. We assessed post-ERCP 30-day readmission rates, their etiologies, and impact on the health care system using national data.

METHODS

Using the National Readmission Database 2016, we identified patients who underwent inpatient ERCP from January 2016 to December 2016 using ICD-10-CM procedure codes. The primary endpoint was all-cause 30-day readmission rate. Etiologies of readmission were identified by tallying primary diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression with complex survey design was used to identify independent risk factors associated with readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 130,145 patients underwent ERCP, 16,278 (12.5%) were readmitted within 30 days, with an associated cost of 268 million dollars. Nearly 40% of readmissions occurred within 7 days, and 47.9% were related to gastrointestinal etiologies. Male gender, increased comorbidities, cirrhosis, Medicare insurance, and pancreatitis or pancreatitis-related indications for ERCP were readmission risk factors. Performance of cholecystectomy on index hospitalization decreased odds of readmission by 50% (adjusted odds ratio: 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.52,P<0.0001). While academic and nonacademic centers had similar readmission rates, high ERCP volume centers had higher rates compared with low-volume centers (adjusted odds ratio:1.10,P=0.008).

CONCLUSION

All-cause 30-day readmission rates after inpatient ERCPs are high, mostly occur shortly postdischarge, and impose a heavy health care system burden. Large, multicenter prospective studies assessing the impact of center procedure volume on complications and readmission rates are needed.

Choledocholithiasis characteristics with periampullary diverticulum and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures: Comparison between two centers from Lanzhou and Kyoto

BACKGROUND

Most of study regarding periampullary diverticulum (PAD) impact on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) therapy for choledocholithiasis based on data from one endoscopy center and lacked to compare the clinical characteristic of choledocholithiasis with PAD from different geographical patients.

AIM

To compare the choledocholithiasis clinical characteristics between two regional endoscopy centers and analyze impacts of clinical characteristics on ERCP methods for choledocholithiasis patients with PAD.

METHODS

Patients seen in two endoscopy centers (The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China, and Kyoto Second Red Cross Hospital, Kyoto, Japan) underwent ERCP treatment for the first time between January 2012 and December 2017. The characteristics of choledocholithiasis with PAD were compared between the two centers, and their ERCP procedures and therapeutic outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 829 out of 3608 patients in the Lanzhou center and 241 out of 1198 in the Kyoto center had choledocholithiasis with PAD. Lots of clinical characteristics were significantly different between the two centers. The common bile duct (CBD) diameter was wider, choledocholithiasis size was lager and multiple CBD stones were more in the Lanzhou center patients than those in the Kyoto center patients (14.8 ± 5.2 mm vs 11.6 ± 4.2 mm, 12.2 ± 6.5 mm vs 8.2 ± 5.3 mm, 45.3% vs 20.3%, P < 0.001 for all). In addition, concomitant diseases, such as acute cholangitis, gallbladder stones, obstructive jaundice, cholecystectomy, and acute pancreatitis, were significantly different between the two centers (P = 0.03 to < 0.001). In the Lanzhou center, CBD diameter and choledocholithiasis size were lower, and multiple CBD stones and acute cholangitis were less in non-PAD patients than those in PAD patients (13.4 ± 5.1 mm vs 14.8 ± 5.2 mm, 10.3 ± 5.4 mm vs 12.2 ± 6.5, 39% vs 45.3%, 13.9% vs 18.5%, P = 0.002 to < 0.001). But all these characteristics were not significantly different in the Kyoto center. The proportions of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), endoscopic balloon dilatation (EPBD), and EST+EPBD were 50.5%, 1.7%, and 42.5% in the Lanzhou center and 90.0%, 0.0%, and 0.4% in the Kyoto center, respectively. However, the overall post-ERCP complication rate was not significantly different between the two centers (8.9% in the Lanzhou and 5.8% in the Kyoto. P = 0.12). In the Lanzhou center, the difficulty rate in removing CBD stones in PAD was higher than in non-PAD group (35.3% vs 26.0%, P < 0.001). But the rate was no significant difference between the two groups in Kyoto center. The residual rates of choledocholithiasis were not significantly different between the two groups in both centers. Post-ERCP complications occurred in 8.9% of the PAD patients and 8.1% of the non-PAD patients in the Lanzhou Center, and it occurred in 5.8% in PAD patients and 10.0% in non-PAD patients in the Kyoto center, all P > 0.05.

CONCLUSION

Many clinical characteristics of choledocholithiasis patients with PAD were significantly different between the Lanzhou and Kyoto centers. The patients had larger and multiple stones, wider CBD diameter, and more possibility of acute cholangitis and obstructive jaundice in the Lanzhou center than those in the Kyoto center. The ERCP procedures to manage native duodenal papilla were different depending on the different clinical characteristics while the overall post-ERCP complications were not significantly different between the two centers. The stone residual rate and post-ERCP complications were not significantly different between choledocholithiasis patients with PAD and without PAD in each center.

Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of minimal endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by papillary balloon dilation for the removal of common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND/AIM

A sufficiently open papilla is needed to remove common bile duct stones (CBDS) but endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) requires a high level of skill and is difficult with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD). The main adverse event of EST is bleeding and perforation and that of EPBD is post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. To reduce these adverse events we employed minimal EST followed by papillary dilation (ESBD), and retrospectively evaluated its efficacy and safety compared with EST.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

CBDS patients who underwent EST (n = 114) or ESBD (n = 321) at Juntendo University Hospital from January 2009 to December 2018 were consecutively enrolled, retrospectively. The exclusion criteria were large-balloon dilation (≥ 12 mm), large CBDS (>12 mm), and previous EST/EPBD. We compared the overall stone removal rate, incidence of adverse event, procedure time, number of ERCP procedures, and rate of mechanical lithotripsy (ML) between the two groups.

RESULTS

Complete stone removal was successful in both ESBD and EST group. However, the rate of multiple ERCP sessions was significantly lower (35.1% vs. 12.8%, P < 0.001), procedure time was shorter (31.6 vs. 25.8 min, P = 0.01), and rate of ML was lower (16.7% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.01) in ESBD group. Bleeding was significantly more frequent in the EST group (9.6% vs. 1.2%, P < 0.001), particularly acute bleeding (7.9% vs. 0.9%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ESBD is more efficient and safer in the management of CBD stones than EST. A prospective randomized study comparing ESBD with EST is needed to establish this combination technique.

The risk of acute cholangitis after endoscopic stenting for malignant hilar strictures: A large comprehensive study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic stenting for unresectable malignant hilar biliary strictures (MHBS) remains challenging. Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cholangitis (PEC) can be the most common and fatal adverse event. In the present study, we aimed to systematically evaluate the incidence, severity, risk factors, and consequences of PEC after endoscopic procedures for advanced MHBS.

METHODS

Of 924 patients, we identified 502 patients with MHBS (Bismuth types II to IV) who underwent endoscopic stenting as the primary therapy at two centers over 16 years. PEC and its severity were verified according to the current Tokyo guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients (21.5%) experienced acute PEC. Mild, moderate, and severe cholangitis were encountered in 51 (10.1%), 42 (8.4%), and 15 (3.0%) patients, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that metal stenting (verse plastic stenting) (OR 0.328, 95% CI 0.200-0.535, P < 0.001) and Bismuth classification (IV vs III/II) (OR 2.499, 95% CI 1.150-5.430) were independent predictors for PEC and the moderate/severe type. Patients with PEC had significantly lower clinical success rates (86.3% vs 41.7%, P < 0.001), a higher rate of early death (6.5% vs 0.5%, P < 0.001), a shorter median stent patency (4.9 vs 6.4 months, P < 0.001), and shorter overall survival (2.6 vs 5.2 months, P < 0.001) compared with the noncholangitis group.

CONCLUSIONS

After endoscopic stenting for advanced MHBS, cholangitis may occur in as many as 21.5% of patients, which may be associated with a poor prognosis. The risk is high in patients with Bismuth type IV and may be reduced by using metal stents.

Telepresence-teleguidance to facilitate training and quality assurance in ERCP: a health economic modeling approach

Background and study aims  The aims of this study was to document the clinical and training relevance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) teleguidance (as a clinical model for applied telemedicine) with health economic modeling methodologies. Methods  Probabilities and consequences of complications after ERCP performed by either a novice-trainee or supported through teleguidance (TM) by an expert formed the basis of the health economic model. Results  The main clinical and economic outcomes originated from the base case scenario representing a low-volume center. In the cohort the patient age was 62 years, 58 % were females, the expert was doing ≥ 250 ERCPs per year and 50 for the novice-trainee. The expert knowledge transferred was set to 50 % and the average complexity grade to 1.98. Given a willingness to pay threshold of 56,180 USD/ quality-adjusted life years (QALY), the probability of cost-effectiveness of TM assistance was 98.9 %. The probability of a QALY gain for patients having an ERCP, to which was added TM, was 91.6 %. Adding TM saved on an average 111.2 USD (95 % CI 959 to 1021 SEK) per patient, and remained cost-effective basically insensitive to the level of willingness to pay. Conclusion  Teleguidance during an ERCP procedure has the potential to be the prefered option in many low- to medium-volume hospitals. The main mechanisms behind these effects are positive impact on several adverse patient outcomes, QALY increase, and decreased costs. TM should be considered for integration into future teaching curriculums in advanced upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Comparison of the Long-Term Outcomes of Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation Alone versus Endoscopic Sphincterotomy for Removal of Bile Duct Stones

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) alone is an alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, limited data exists regarding comparison of the long-term outcomes for these techniques. In this study, we compared the long-term outcomes after EST with those after EPLBD alone for removal of CBD stones.

METHODS

The records of patients with EST or EPLBD alone referred for CBD stones retrieval between June 2008 and July 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Complete stone clearance, ERCP-related adverse events, and late biliary complications during long-term follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

Basic patient characteristics were similar between the groups that underwent EST (n = 60) and EPLBD alone (n = 161). EPLBD compared with EST resulted in similar outcomes in terms of complete stone clearance (99.4% versus 100%, P = 0.54) and ERCP-related adverse events (6.8% versus 6.7%, P = 1.00). The mean duration of the follow-up was 74.5 months and 71.6 months who underwent EST and EPLBD alone, respectively (P = 0.42). Late biliary complications were occurred frequently in the EST group than in the EPLBD alone group (11 [18.6%] versus 16 [10.2%]), although the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.11). Multivariate analysis showed that mechanical lithotripsy ([OR], 2.815; 95% CI, 1.148-6.902; P = 0.024) was significantly associated with late biliary complications.

CONCLUSION

As an alternative to EST, EPLBD has similar efficacy and safety for managing CBD stones. During long-term follow-up, patients who underwent EPLBD alone may have fewer late biliary complications compared with those after EST. In addition, mechanical lithotripsy may be an independent risk factor for late biliary complications.

The efficacy of temporary placement of nasobiliary drainage following endoscopic metal stenting to prevent post-ERCP cholangitis in patients with cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Although endoscopic metal biliary endoprosthesis (EMBE) is widely accepted as the most suitable drainage method for patients with unresectable malignant obstruction, uncontrolled post-procedural cholangitis is still a problem. We aimed to validate a new treatment modality to prevent post-ERCP cholangitis in patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 378 patients who were diagnosed with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction and underwent EMBE or temporary endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) following EMBE placement, from January 2010 to July 2016, were enrolled in this retrospective study. Incidence of cholangitis, related infectious indicators, success rate of biliary drainage, and occurrence of complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

The risk of overall cholangitis and related infectious indicators was significantly lower in EMBE plus ENBD group than that in EMBE group. The occurrence of cholangitis was 2.4% versus 11.9% (P = 0.004). On further analysis of subgroups, although no difference was detected in nonhilar cholangiocarcinoma subgroup, the incidence of cholangitis and related infectious indicators in hilar cholangiocarcinoma subgroup with EMBE modality were distinctly higher than that with EMBE plus ENBD modality (type I + II was 18.5% vs 0%, P < 0.05; type III + IV was 19.8% vs 3.8%, P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in successful biliary drainage rate and procedure-related complications when all subgroups were compared.

CONCLUSIONS

The temporary placement of ENBD following EMBE is a simple and effective treatment modality to prevent post-ERCP cholangitis, especially in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Advances of recurrent risk factors and management of choledocholithiasis

Gallstone disease is a common and frequently occurring disease in human, and it is the main disease among the digestive system diseases. The incidence of gallstone disease in western countries is about 5%-22%, and common bile duct stones (CBDS) accounts for 8%-20%. CBDS easily lead to biliary obstruction, secondary cholangitis, pancreatitis, and obstructive jaundice, even endanger life. Therefore, it needs timely treatment once diagnosed. The recurrence of choledocholithiasis after bile duct stones clearance involves complicated factors and cannot be completely elaborated by a single factor. The risk factors for recurrence of choledocholithiasis include bacteria, biliary structure, endoscopic and surgical treatment, and inflammation. The modalities for management of choledocholithiasis are endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), laparoscopic or open common bile duct exploration, dissolving solutions, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous radiological interventions, electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) and laser lithotripsy. We compare the different benefits between surgery and ERCP. And finally, we make a summary of the current strategy for reducing the recurrence of CBDS and future perspectives for CBDS management.

Association between juxtapapillary diverticulum and acute cholangitis determined using laboratory data

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between juxtapapillary diverticulum (JD) and acute cholangitis (AC), and to analyze laboratory data to reveal the underlying mechanism. We conducted a retrospective review of 139 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) between April 2008 and March 2013 for diagnosis or treatment of biliary tract conditions. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparison of variables between patients with or without JD. The χ² test was used to analyze the association between JD and AC duct dilatation. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables with strong correlation with AC. ERCP was attempted in 139 patients, but in one patient the endoscope did not reach the papilla of Vater because of a partial gastrectomy, and in two patients evaluation for JD was not possible because of duodenal or papilla of Vater cancer. Therefore, 136 patients were included in this study. JD was significantly associated with AC (P<0.0001) and bile-duct dilatation (P=0.0107), and AC was strongly associated with bile duct dilatation (P=0.0013). Alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly elevated in patients with JD (P=0.0237). In AC patients without JD, χ² for C-reactive protein was 4.48 (P=0.0342), whereas in AC patients with JD, χ² values for the white blood cell count, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase were 2.62, 3.1, and 3.61, respectively (P=0.025, 0.015, and 0.0336, respectively). JD was strongly associated with AC. Logistic regression analysis suggested that bile flow was disturbed with JD.

Value of temporary stents for the management of perivaterian perforation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become the mainstay of treatment in hepato-pancreato-biliary disease. However, ERCP requires a high level of technical skills and experience in therapeutic endoscopy, there is always a risk of complications. Especially, the perforation per se affects the patient adversely, and the clinical course may lead to a poor prognosis, even with appropriate management. The treatments for ERCP-related perforation are diverse, depending on the location and mechanism of the bowel perforation and the time of diagnosis. Thus, we reviewed the appropriate surgical and non-surgical management options for therapeutic ERCP-related perforations, especially, evaluating metallic stenting as a treatment modality in perivaterian perforation.

The effect of biliary stenting on difficult common bile duct stones

Introduction

If common bile duct (CBD) stones (choledocholithiasis) are left untreated, they may cause increases in morbidity and mortality due to several conditions.

Aim

In this study, using transient biliary stenting following the failure of an initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) session, we aimed to show the effects of making the CBD stones smaller and easier to remove in the following session.

Material and methods

In 156 of 1300 (12%) patients with CBD stones, who underwent balloon screening and/or basket lithotripsy following ERCP and CBD cannulation, it was not possible to remove the stones in the first session. Of these 156 patients, 64 (4.9%) were further followed and tested following transient biliary stenting.

Results

In the last ERCP following biliary stenting, the maximum stone sizes and stone indices were decreased in 54 (83%) patients and stone fragmentation was observed in 46 (72%) patients. Complete and incomplete removal was obtained in 40 (62.5%) and 24 (37.5%) patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Biliary stenting, fragmentation and the reduction in the size of difficult common bile duct stones caused by the first session of ERCP may increase the chance of success in the next session of ERCP.

Which is the better treatment for the removal of large biliary stones? Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation versus endoscopic sphincterotomy

Background/Aims

We evaluated the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) for large common bile duct (CBD) stone removal compared with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST).

Methods

A total of 1,580 patients who underwent endoscopic CBD stone extraction between January 2001 and July 2010 were reviewed. The following inclusion criteria were applied: choledocholithiasis treated by EPLBD with minor EST or EST with mechanical lithotripsy; and follow-up >9 months after treatment.

Results

Forty-nine patients with EPLBD and 41 with EST were compared. There was no significant difference in the complication rates and stone recurrence rates between the two groups. However, significantly more endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) sessions were required in the EST group to achieve the complete removal of stones (1.7 times vs 1.3 times; p=0.03). The mean cost required for complete stone removal per patient was significantly higher in the EST group compared to the EPLBD group (USD $1,644 vs $1,225, respectively; p=0.04). Dilated CBD was the only significant factor associated with recurrent biliary stones (relative risk, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.17; p=0.02).

Conclusions

EPLBD is the better treatment (compared to EST) for removing large CBD stones because EPLBD requires fewer ERCP sessions and is less expensive.

Complications of ERCP

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is performed commonly for therapy. Its role in pancreaticobiliary diagnostic imaging has significantly decreased over time. Despite advances in our knowledge of the risk factors, complications, (especially post-ERCP pancreatitis), remain a significant problem. This review highlights the risk factors as related to the patient, procedure and the endoscopist, and the possible means to prevent complications. The best way to avoid any complication is "to avoid any procedure where the indication is not strong" and especially to refrain from doing diagnostic ERCP when alternate noninvasive imaging such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is available.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for the removal of bile duct stones

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has been widely used as the alternative to EST along with endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy (EML) for the removal of large or difficult bile duct stones. Furthermore, EPLBD without EST was recently introduced as its simplified alternative technique. Thus, we systematically searched PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE, and analyzed all gathered data of EPLBD with and without EST, respectively, by using a single standardized definition, reviewing relevant literatures, published between 2003 and June 2013, where it was performed with large-diameter balloons (12-20 mm). The outcomes, including the initial success rate, the rate of needs for EML, and the overall success rate, and adverse events were assessed in each and compared between both of two procedures: “EPLBD with EST” and “EPLBD without EST”. A total of 2511 procedures from 30 published articles were included in EPLBD with EST, while a total of 413 procedures from 3 published articles were included in EPLBD without EST. In the results of outcomes, the overall success rate was 96.5% in EPLBD with EST and 97.2% in EPLBD without EST, showing no significant difference between both of them. The initial success rate (84.0% vs 76.2%, P < 0.001) and the success rate of EPLBD without EML (83.2% vs 76.7%, P = 0.001) was significantly higher, while the rate of use of EML was significantly lower (14.1% vs 21.6%, P < 0.001), in EPLBD with EST. The rate of overall adverse events, pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, other adverse events, surgery for adverse events, and fatal adverse events were 8.3%, 2.4%, 3.6%, 0.6%, 1.7%, 0.2% and 0.2% in EPLBD with EST and 7.0%, 3.9%, 1.9%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 0% and 0% in EPLBD without EST, respectively, showing no significant difference between both of them. In conclusion, recent accumulated results of EPLBD with or even without EST suggest that it is a safe and effective procedure for the removal of large or difficult bile duct stones without any additional risk of severe adverse events, when performed under appropriate guidelines.

Efficacy of endoscopic nasobiliary drainage for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis and cholangitis after repeated clearance of common bile duct stones: experience from a Chinese center

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether it is reasonable to insert an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tube in patients with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) and repeated clearance of common bile duct (CBD) stones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with choledocholithiasis who underwent EST and CBD stone clearance at our center from January 2010 to May 2012 were reviewed. The following parameters were evaluated: (i) serum amylase 2 and 24 h after ERCP; (ii) incidence of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related pancreatitis and cholangitis; (iii) time elapsed to normalization of total serum bilirubin levels for those with jaundice before ERCP; and (iv) length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Compared with the no-ENBD group, the ENBD group presented a significantly lower postoperative serum amylase of 2 and 24 h (81.3 ± 31.8 U/L vs 90.8 ± 31.2 U/L, 107.0 ± 51.1 U/Lvs 132.3 ± 100.8 U/L, respectively). The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis and cholangitis was also lower in the ENBD group, although the differences were not significant (1% vs 4.4%, 0 vs 4.5%, respectively). Time elapsed to normalization of total serum bilirubin levels and length of hospital stay was shorter in the ENBD group (4.3 days ± 0.6 days vs 4.5 days ± 0.7 days, P > 0.05; 4.8 days ± 2.1 days vs 6.3 days ± 2.8 days, respectively, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

ENBD significantly reduces the incidence of hyperamylasemia and decreases the length of hospital stay in patients with EST and repeated stone extraction. ENBD should be considered for patients with large or multiple CBD stones.

Pancreatitis potentially associated drugs as a risk factor for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the role of known risk factors and specifically evaluate the role of pancreatitis potentially associated drugs as potential risk factors for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP).

METHODS

This was a prospective, single-center cohort study conducted in a tertiary university hospital. All eligible ERCP procedures within a 16-month period were evaluated, and all interventions, patient characteristics, and medications used were documented. The association of potential risk factor with PEP was investigated with univariable analyses. Those statistically significant were entered in a multivariable regression model.

RESULTS

Three hundred eighteen ERCP procedures were studied. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 28 patients (8.8%). Twenty-three potential risk factors were studied in univariable analyses, and 3 of them were found to be nominally statistically significant. These 3 factors were independently associated with PEP in the multivariable model and included the use of pancreatitis potentially associated drugs, belonging to Badalov classes I or II, during the last month before ERCP (odds ratio [OR], 4.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70-5.47; P = 0.003), more than 1 guide-wire insertions in the pancreatic duct (OR, 5.00; 95% CI, 1.97-12.81; P = 0.001) and bile duct stone extraction (OR, 0.12; CI, 0.05-0.32; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatitis potentially associated drugs used before ERCP seem to increase the risk for PEP.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Needle-knife fistulotomy in patients with periampullary diverticula and difficult bile duct cannulation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Needle-knife fistulotomy has commonly been used for overcoming difficult bile duct cannulation. Periampullary diverticula (PAD) can be an impediment to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. There are little data on needle-knife fistulotomy in patients with PAD. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of needle-knife fistulotomy between patients with and without PAD.

METHODS

  Data from December 2005 to October 2010 were reviewed. Patients who underwent needle-knife fistulotomy were divided into the group with PAD and the group without PAD (control group). The technical success and complications were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 3012 ERCP cases were analyzed. Needle-knife fistulotomy was performed in 154 out of 3012 cases (5.1%) with 138 of these patients (89.6%) experiencing successful bile duct cannulation. The overall cannulation success rate was not significantly different between PAD group (n=33) and control group (n =121) (93.9% vs 88.4%; P=0.523). There was no significant difference in pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

  Needle-knife fistulotomy can be performed effectively and safely in patients with periampullary diverticula and difficult bile duct cannulation.

Wire assisted transpancreatic septotomy, needle knife precut or both for difficult biliary access

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pre-cut techniques, the most commonly described being needle knife papillotomy (NK), have been used to facilitate biliary access in failed standard biliary cannulation (BC). Transpancreatic septotomy (TS) is a pre-cut technique with limited outcome data. We aim to assess the outcomes of wire assisted transpancreatic septotomy (WTS) as the primary pre-cut technique after initial failed attempted BC and to compare these with outcomes of primary NK.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) performed by endoscopists who performed WTS over a 3-year period. We selected cases where WTS and/or NK were performed, and these cases were reviewed to assess for procedure related complications and BC success.

RESULTS

During the study period 1336 ERCPs were performed. WTS was performed in 53 cases. In seven cases WTS and NK were performed sequentially (resulting in immediate cannulation in all these cases). Immediate BC was achieved on first attempt in 36 (68%) WTS cases and in a further 14 cases on a repeat attempt (cumulative BC rate 94%). During the same period 66 (5%) patients underwent primary NK. In these cases initial cannulation was achieved in 50 (76%) cases and cannulation on repeat attempt in six cases (cumulative success rate 85%). Complications occurred in three WTS patients (5.6%) and seven NK patients (10.6%). The differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Wire assisted transpancreatic septotomy is a safe and effective alternative technique to traditional NK in patients who have failed standard BC techniques. It also allows other pre-cut techniques such as NK to be used should initial WTS be unsuccessful.

Results of repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography after initial biliary cannulation failure following needle-knife sphincterotomy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

After failed biliary cannulation with needle knife sphincterotomy (NKS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is sometimes repeatedly performed in clinically stable patients; however, there are few reports about the results. This study assessed the results of repeated ERCPs after failure with NKS.

METHODS

After failed NKS, patients who underwent repeated ERCP for the same purpose within 3 days were retrospectively identified. Success was defined as deep placement of a catheter into the common bile duct.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients underwent a second ERCP procedure and, of those, six underwent a third ERCP. Of the 69 patients, cannulation was successful in 76.8% (53/69): 46 of 58 patients without additional NKS and 7 of 11 with additional NKS. Success increased to 79.7% (55/69) after the results of the third ERCP were included. Common causes of failed NKS were biliary deep cannulation failure (78.3%) and blocking of the endoscopic view due to bleeding (13.0%). There was a significant difference in success rates between the one day (65.7%) and the combined 2-3 day (88.2%) cases (P = 0.027). Except for the interval between ERCPs, there were no other factors associated with success rates. Complications occurred in 8, 11, and one patient after initial, second, and third ERCP and there was no difference of complication rates between each ERCPs.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases with biliary cannulation failure with NKS, it is more worthwhile repeating ERCP 2 or 3 days after such failure than one day after, if the patient's condition permits delay of procedure.

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

BACKGROUND/AIMS

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Pneumothorax following ERCP: report of four cases and review of the literature

We report four patients with pneumothorax as a complication of ERCP with sphincterotomy. With conservative treatment all patients recovered. Previously, 16 comparable cases have been reported in the literature. The main risk factor for this rare complication seems (pre-cut) sphincterotomy. Pneumothorax is usually right-sided or bilateral and accompanied by pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema. The prognosis seems favourable with a non-surgical approach including intravenous antibiotics, fasting and when indicated chest tube drainage.

Current status of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for the treatment of bile duct stones

Background/purpose

While endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is performed worldwide for the removal of common bile duct stones, many biliary endoscopists hesitate to regard endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) as a standard procedure for treatment. Therefore, the aim of this review is to re-evaluate the status of EPBD for the treatment of common bile duct stones.

Results

A major benefit of EPBD is preservation of papillary function, which is not complete but may be greater than that after EST. The disadvantages of EPBD compared with EST are that EPBD is difficult to use for the removal of larger stones because of the smaller biliary opening, it requires more frequent use of mechanical lithotripsy, and it is associated with a higher incidence of pancreatitis, although the risks of bleeding and perforation are low. Since the biliary sphincter is easily dilated with a balloon catheter, EPBD may be effective for patients with anatomic anomalies, such as after gastric bypass surgery or in the presence of a periampullary diverticulum. No standard procedure exists to reduce the risk of acute pancreatitis with EPBD.

Conclusion

EPBD is feasible, however, we must pursue less hazardous techniques of papillary balloon dilation. Furthermore, we must understand the benefits and limitations of EPBD and determine whether it could provide clinical benefits for long-term complications.

Can a small endoscopic sphincterotomy plus a large-balloon dilation reduce the use of mechanical lithotripsy in patients with large bile duct stones?

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is technically difficult in the patients with large extrahepaic bile duct stones. Small endoscopic sphincterotomy combined with large-balloon dilation (ESLBD) currently seems to be a promising alternative for patients with difficult bile duct stones that cannot be extracted by EST. This study compared the therapeutic benefits and complication rates of ESLBD with those of EST alone.

METHODS

This study investigated 149 patients treated for stones (≥10 mm) or multiple stones in the extrahepatic bile duct. The ESLBD group (n = 72) was compared with the conventional EST group (n = 77). Mechanical lithotripsy was performed when the stone could not be removed using a Dormia basket.

RESULTS

The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean bile duct diameter, common bile duct angulation, and presence of periampullary diverticulum. The ESLBD group compared with the EST-alone group had similar outcomes in terms of overall successful stone removal but showed significant differences in complete stone removal during the first session (87.5 vs. 74.0%; P = 0.036) and the use of mechanical lithotripsy for large bile duct stones (≥15 mm) (17.9 vs. 45.8%; P = 0.026). For the patients with a periampullary diverticulum, ESLBD and EST showed similar results only for efficacy and complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The ESLBD technique may be a safe, effective alternative to conventional EST for endoscopic removal of large common bile duct stones, and it can reduce the use of mechanical lithotripsy compared with EST alone.

Predictors of complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a prognostic model for early discharge

BACKGROUND

Several studies have evaluated predictors for complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), but their relative importance is unknown. In addition, currently used blood tests to detect post-ERCP pancreatitis are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of post-ERCP complications that could discriminate between patients at highest and lowest risk of post-ERCP complications and to develop a model that is able to identify patients that can safely be discharged shortly after ERCP.

METHODS

In a single-center, retrospective analysis over the period 2002-2007, predictors of post-ERCP complications were evaluated in a multivariable analysis and compared with those identified from a literature review. A prognostic model was developed based on these risk factors, which was further evaluated in a prospective patient population.

RESULTS

From our retrospective analysis and literature review, we selected the eight most important risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis and cholangitis. In the prognostic model, the risk factors (precut) sphincterotomy, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, younger age, female gender, history of pancreatitis, pancreas divisum, and difficult cannulation accounted for a score of 1 each, whereas primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) accounted for a score of 2. A sum score of 4 or more in the prognostic model was associated with a high risk of developing pancreatitis and cholangitis (27%; 6/22) in the prospective patient population, whereas a sum score of 3 or less was associated with a low to intermediate risk (8%; 20/252).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified specific patient- and procedure-related factors that are associated with post-ERCP complications. The prognostic model based on these factors is able to identify patients who can be safely discharged the same day after ERCP.

Predictors of complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a prognostic model for early discharge

BACKGROUND

Several studies have evaluated predictors for complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), but their relative importance is unknown. In addition, currently used blood tests to detect post-ERCP pancreatitis are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of post-ERCP complications that could discriminate between patients at highest and lowest risk of post-ERCP complications and to develop a model that is able to identify patients that can safely be discharged shortly after ERCP.

METHODS

In a single-center, retrospective analysis over the period 2002-2007, predictors of post-ERCP complications were evaluated in a multivariable analysis and compared with those identified from a literature review. A prognostic model was developed based on these risk factors, which was further evaluated in a prospective patient population.

RESULTS

From our retrospective analysis and literature review, we selected the eight most important risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis and cholangitis. In the prognostic model, the risk factors (precut) sphincterotomy, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, younger age, female gender, history of pancreatitis, pancreas divisum, and difficult cannulation accounted for a score of 1 each, whereas primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) accounted for a score of 2. A sum score of 4 or more in the prognostic model was associated with a high risk of developing pancreatitis and cholangitis (27%; 6/22) in the prospective patient population, whereas a sum score of 3 or less was associated with a low to intermediate risk (8%; 20/252).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified specific patient- and procedure-related factors that are associated with post-ERCP complications. The prognostic model based on these factors is able to identify patients who can be safely discharged the same day after ERCP.

Success and complication rates of two precut techniques, transpancreatic sphincterotomy and needle-knife sphincterotomy for bile duct cannulation

BACKGROUND

The majority of literature on the precut technique is concerned with needle-knife sphincterotomy, whereas the comparison of transpancreatic sphincterotomy and needle-knife sphincterotomy has been rarely reported. Aim The aim of the study was to compare the success and the complication rates of transpancreatic sphincterotomy with needle-knife sphincterotomy.

METHODS

During May 2006 and April 2007, 3,178 consecutive endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures were performed in a prospective multicenter study on ERCP-related complications. From the files of these patients, data of cases undergoing precut sphincterotomy, including transpancreatic sphincterotomy and needle-knife sphincterotomy, were retrospectively extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 216 patients with precut sphincterotomy were identified; 140 cases received transpancreatic sphincterotomy, and 76 received needle-knife sphincterotomy. There was no significant difference in the initial and eventual success rates between transpancreatic and needle-knife sphincterotomy (82.9% vs. 90.8% and 90.0% vs. 90.8%, respectively). The overall incidences of complications and acute pancreatitis were not significantly different between the two groups (14.3% vs. 18.4% and 11.4% vs. 11.8%, respectively).

Suprapapillary needleknife fistulotomy: a safe and effective method for accessing the biliary system

BACKGROUND

Suprapapillary needleknife fistulotomy is performed when standard biliary cannulation methods have failed. However, its role is controversial, with conflicting reports on its use. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of needleknife fistulotomy after failure of conventional cannulation techniques.

METHODS

All patients who underwent needleknife fistulotomy were identified from a single tertiary referral center database prospectively maintained from 1997 to 2007.

RESULTS

A total of 2,603 patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) over the 10-year period. Fistulotomy was performed for 352 patients (13.5%), with 317 of these patients (90.1%) experiencing successful biliary cannulation. With the use of fistulotomy, the total cannulation success rate increased from 79.0 to 91.2% (P < 0.0001). Endoscopic management of choledocholithiasis and hepatobiliary malignancy increased from 48.9 to 55.1% (P < 0.001), and from 12.0 to 16.0% (P < 0.001) for all cases. The complication rate was significantly higher for the patients who underwent fistulotomy than for those who did not (4.8% vs. 2.1%; P < 0.001), which can be explained by a higher rate of mild bleeding in the fistulotomy group. However, no significant difference in pancreatitis or perforation between the two groups was observed. In addition, no fatalities occurred after fistulotomy.

CONCLUSION

Suprapapillary needleknife fistulotomy is an effective method for accessing the biliary system after failed standard cannulation. Despite a higher rate of mild bleeding, fistulotomy was not associated with an increased risk of serious complications.

Guidewire cannulation increases the success rate of needle-knife fistulotomy for difficult bile duct access

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Selective bile duct cannulation is a prerequisite for performing therapeutic endoscopic biliary intervention. This study aimed to evaluate if using a soft-tipped guidewire to cannulate the bile duct would increase the success rate of needle-knife fistulotomy for difficult bile duct access.

METHODS

We reviewed sixty 60 patients with difficult bile duct access who underwent conventional cannulation with radiocontrast dye (29) or guidewire cannulation (31) after needle-knife fistulotomy.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the demographic data between the two groups. The initial success rate of selective bile duct cannulation was significantly higher in the guidewire cannulation group compared with the conventional cannulation group: 100% versus 79.3%, P = 0.009. The success rate of selective biliary cannulation in the patients with non-dilated common bile duct (< 8 mm) was significantly higher in the guidewire cannulation group compared with the conventional cannulation group: 100% versus 68.4%, P = 0.003. The incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis was not significantly different between the two groups. No serious complications occurred in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective and small case series, guidewire cannulation after needle-knife fistulotomy increased the success rate of selective bile duct cannulation in patients with difficult bile duct access.

Is ERCP really necessary in case of suspected spontaneous passage of bile duct stones?

AIM: To investigate the usefulness of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in cases of suspected spontaneous passage of stones into the common bile duct.

METHODS: Thirty-six patients with gallbladder stones were clinically suspected of spontaneous passage of stones into the common bile duct because they presented with clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain and fever, and showed signs of inflammatory reaction and marked rise of hepatobiliary enzymes. These symptoms resolved and they showed normalized values of blood biochemical parameters after conservative treatment without evidence of stones in the common bile duct on MRCP. All these patients were subjected to ERCP within 3 d of MRCP to check for the presence of stones.

RESULTS: No stones were detected by ERCP in any patient, confirming the results of MRCP.

CONCLUSION: When clinical symptoms improve, blood biochemical parameters have normalized, and MRCP shows there are no stones in the common bile duct, it can be considered the stone has spontaneously passed and thus ERCP is not necessary.

Evaluation of recombinant platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase for reducing the incidence and severity of post-ERCP acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is the most common major complication of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been implicated in the pathophysiologic events associated with acute pancreatitis. Animal and human studies suggested that recombinant PAF acetylhydrolase (rPAF-AH) might ameliorate the severity of acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine whether prophylactic rPAF-AH administration reduces the frequency or severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients.

DESIGN

Randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received rPAF-AH at a dose of either 1 or 5 mg/kg or placebo. Patients were administered a single intravenous infusion over 10 minutes of study drug or placebo <1 hour before ERCP.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Standardized criteria were used to diagnose and grade the severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Adverse events were prospectively recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 600 patients were enrolled. There were no statistically significant differences among the treatment groups with respect to patient demographics, ERCP indications, and patient and procedure risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis with the following exceptions: the rPAF-AH 5 mg/kg group had significantly fewer patients younger than 40 years old and scheduled to undergo a therapeutic ERCP involving the pancreatic sphincter or duct. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 17.5%, 15.9%, and 19.6% of patients receiving rPAF-AH (1 mg/kg), rPAF-AH (5 mg/kg), and placebo, respectively (P = .59 for rPAF-AH 1 mg/kg vs placebo and P = .337 for rPAF-AH 5 mg/kg vs placebo). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to the severity of pancreatitis, frequency of amylase/lipase elevation more than 3 times normal, or abdominal pain.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no apparent benefit of rPAF-AH treatment compared with placebo in reducing the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis in subjects at increased risk.

Influence of juxtapapillary diverticula on the success or difficulty of cannulation and complication rate

BACKGROUND

Periampullary diverticula (PAD) are found in 9% to 32% of patients who undergo an ERCP. Published studies confer conflicting results regarding the true impact of PAD on the technical success and complications of ERCP.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate and compare success rate, difficulty at cannulation, and complications between patients with and without PAD, as well as to identify independent factors that influence the difficulty at cannulation.

DESIGN

A prospective study.

SETTING

Tzaneio General Hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 601 consecutive patients who underwent an ERCP were divided into 2 groups according to the presence (group A, 117 patients) or absence (group B, 484 patients) of PAD. Patients with undetectable papilla were excluded from the study cohort. The incidence of undetectable papilla was 8.3% in patients with duodenal diverticula and 0.9% in patients without duodenal diverticula (P = .000).

RESULTS

Successful cannulation was achieved in up to 94.9% and 94.8% in groups A and B, respectively. The effort and difficulty at attempting this goal was different between the groups (43.5% vs 59.1%, P = .003), because patients without PAD were subjected to more vigorous attempts or even the pre-cut technique to attain a cholangiogram. There was no significant difference between the groups in the complication rate either in total or in any particular patient. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed 3 of the variables, namely choledocholithiasis, abnormal papilla, and the presence of diverticula, remained significant, and all of them presented with odds ratios indicating an easier cannulation attempt.

LIMITATION

A nonrandomized study.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of a periampullary diverticulum during an ERCP should not be considered an obstacle to a successful cannulation and, furthermore, may be an indicator of an easier cannulation attempt, provided that the papilla can be found with confidence. Concerns about increased complications are not substantiated in this study.

Diagnostic value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for clinically suspicious spontaneous passage of bile duct stones

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We investigated the usefulness of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with clinically suspicious spontaneous passage of bile duct stones.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 113 patients suspected of having common duct bile stones. Of them, 50 patients were clinically suspected of spontaneous passage of bile duct stones based on the presence of gallbladder stones on ultrasound examination or a history of common bile duct stones after cholecystectomy, clinical symptoms including abdominal pain and fever associated with inflammatory reaction and marked rise of hepatobiliary enzymes which resolved or normalized after conservative treatment without evidence of stones in the common bile duct on MRCP. These 50 patients were prospectively followed up for a median of 10.2 months.

RESULTS

All patients except for one had had no symptoms related to cholangitis. Only one patient received ERCP due to recurrence of symptoms after 6 months.

CONCLUSION

When clinical symptoms improve, hematological parameters normalize, and MRCP indicates that there are no stones in the common bile duct, it can be considered that the stones have passed naturally.

Pancreatic stents for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Placement of pancreatic stents is a relatively new and increasingly adopted approach to reduce the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. Evidence for the efficacy of pancreatic stents in reducing post-ERCP pancreatitis continues to accumulate. Routine use of pancreatic stents in high-risk cases at advanced centers has changed the complexion of ERCP, reducing the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis to a more acceptable level, and eliminating some of the fear factor surrounding previously prohibitively risky settings, such as treatment of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD). On the other hand, the adoption of prophylactic pancreatic stenting into some practices has been sporadic. Problems with pancreatic stent placement include technical difficulty with placement, need for follow-up evaluation to ensure passage or removal, and potential for inducing pancreatic ductal injury. There remain many challenges and unanswered questions which will be addressed in this review, including which patients are at risk for post-ERCP pancreatitis, how might pancreatic stents reduce risk, what is the evidence supporting efficacy of pancreatic stenting in reducing risk; and based on those data, which ERCPs are at sufficiently high risk to warrant a stent; at what point in an ERCP should a pancreatic stent be placed; how long pancreatic stents need to remain in place to be effective, the risk of inducing pancreatic duct injury by placement of a stent; the frequency and consequences of failure at attempted stent placement, and effectiveness of pancreatic stent placement in the hands of those with limited experience. Current recommendations for use of pancreatic stents and areas requiring further investigation are discussed.

Effect of precut sphincterotomy on biliary cannulation based on the characteristics of the major duodenal papilla

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography requires selective cannulation of the relevant ductal system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3 different precutting techniques for difficult bile duct access on the basis of the characteristics of the major duodenal papilla (MDP).

METHODS

The patients were classified into small MDP, large MDP, or swollen MDP groups on the basis of the characteristics of the MDP. The precutting technique was based on MDP characteristics: transpancreatic sphincterotomy for small MDPs, needle-knife precut sphincterotomy for large MDPs, and needle-knife fistulotomy for swollen MDPs. The success rate of bile duct cannulation and the complication rates were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 86 patients (58 men; mean age, 76 years) with difficult bile duct cannulation required precutting technique; 48 had transpancreatic sphincterotomy, 30 had needle-knife precut sphincterotomy, and 8 had needle-knife fistulotomy. With precutting, the procedure was successful in 46 of 48 (96%), 27 of 30 (90%), and 8 of 8 patients (100%), respectively. The overall success rate of biliary cannulation after 2 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography attempts was 100%. The overall complication rate was 4.7% (4 of 86) (2 mild bleeding and 2 mild pancreatitis).

CONCLUSIONS

Selection of the precutting technique on the basis of the characteristics of the MDP resulted in a high degree of success and a low complication rate in cases of difficult bile duct cannulation.

Incidence rates of post-ERCP complications: a systematic survey of prospective studies

OBJECTIVES

To provide health-care providers, patients, and physicians with an exhaustive assessment of prospective studies on rates of complications and fatalities associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE (1977-2006) for prospective surveys on adult patients undergoing ERCP. "Grey literature" was sought by looking at cited references to identify further relevant studies. Data on postprocedural pancreatitis, bleeding, infections, perforations, and miscellaneous events as well as their associated fatalities were extracted independently by two reviewers. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test for data consistency between multicenter versus single center studies, and old (1977-1996) versus recent (1997-2005) reports.

RESULTS

In 21 selected surveys, involving 16,855 patients, ERCP-attributable complications totaled 1,154 (6.85%, CI 6.46-7.24%), with 55 fatalities (0.33%, CI 0.24-0.42%). Mild-to-moderate events occurred in 872 patients (5.17%, CI 4.83-5.51%), and severe events in 282 (1.67%, CI 1.47-1.87%). Pancreatitis occurred in 585 subjects (3.47%, CI 3.19-3.75%), infections in 242 (1.44%, CI 1.26-1.62%), bleeding in 226 (1.34%, CI 1.16-1.52%), and perforations in 101 (0.60%, CI 0.48-0.72%). Cardiovascular and/or analgesia-related complications amounted to 173 (1.33%, CI 1.13-1.53%), with 9 fatalities (0.07%, CI 0.02-0.12%). As compared with old reports, morbidity rates increased significantly in most recent studies: 6.27%versus 7.51% (P(c)= 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP remains the endoscopic procedure that carries a high risk for morbidity and mortality. Complications continue to occur at a relatively consistent rate. The majority of events are of mild-to-moderate severity.

Safety of Erlangen precut papillotomy: an analysis of 1044 consecutive ERCP examinations in a single institution

GOALS AND BACKGROUND

There is controversy about the ideal utilization of precut papillotomy in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography examinations. Almost all reports in the literature concentrate on needle knife precut papillotomy, reporting a wide range of complications. We have used Erlangen precut papillotomy in our institution and our aim was to compare the safety of Erlangen precut papillotomy to standard free cannulation technique. The influence of precutting on the deep biliary cannulation rate was also recorded.

STUDY

Over a period of 48 months a total of 602 out of 1044 consecutive endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography examinations fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients with an intact papilla who required biliary cannulation were screened. The cohort was divided into a nonprecut group (n=481) and a precut group (n=121). The standard technique included free biliary cannulation with a tapered-tip cannula. An Erlangen type papillotome was used for precutting. Complications, success rate of cannulation, and hyperamylasemia were recorded.

RESULTS

Complication rates were similar in the 2 groups (nonprecut 7.1% vs. precut 8.3%, P=0.7). Hyperamylasemia was more common in the precut group (13.3% vs. 31.3%, P<0.001). The final deep biliary cannulation rate after precut papillotomy in cases with problematic cannulation was 98.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Erlangen precut papillotomy results in a high deep biliary cannulation rate with no increased risk of complications when compared to cannulation using standard techniques.

Risk for post-ERCP pancreatitis after needle knife precut sphincterotomy following repeated cannulation attempts

GOALS

The aim of this study was to determine the risk and identify the factors associated with post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis in patients who undergo needle knife precut sphincterotomy (NKS). In addition, we evaluated the effect of gabexate for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND

NKS, after repeated cannulation attempts during ERCP, is known to increase the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. However, the specific risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis have not been identified, and the preventive role of protease inhibitors, such as gabexate, has not yet been established.

STUDY

The medical records of 200 patients who underwent NKS, after repeated cannulation attempts during ERCP, were reviewed retrospectively. The potential risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis were investigated. The effect of gabexate infused after the ERCP procedure was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirteen (6.5%) patients out of 200 developed post-ERCP pancreatitis. Sex, age, the presence of pancreatitis at procedure, underlying disease, direction of the sphincterotomy, success or failure of cannulation after NKS, diameter of common bile duct, pancreatic duct status, and the presence of acinar filling were not associated with the risk of pancreatitis. Gabexate infusion after ERCP increased the incidence of ERCP-associated pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not identify any risk factors associated with the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients who underwent NKS after repeated cannulation attempts during ERCP. However, gabexate administered after the ERCP procedure was found to increase the incidence of pancreatitis.

A novel method for estimating the safe margin and the adequate direction of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy in choledocholithiasis with complications (with videos)

BACKGROUND

It is difficult to estimate the safe upper margin and the proper direction of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EBS) in cases of choledocholithiasis complicated by periampullary diverticulum (PAD) or previous EBS.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the clinical usefulness of an inflated-balloon-pulling (IBP) technique for assessing the safe margin and the proper direction of EBS in affected patients.

DESIGN

Prospective feasibility study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary center.

PATIENTS

From March 2003 to November 2003, the IBP technique was applied to patients with choledocholithiasis in whom EBS was difficult because of concomitant PAD or previous EBS.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

After the endoscopically visible papillary roof of the ampulla of Vater was fully dissected, an inflated 11.5- or 15-mm retrieval balloon was inserted in the bile duct and was pulled toward the duodenal lumen, creating an artificial bulge. This bulge was considered an endoscopic landmark to indicate the residual intramural portion and the direction of the bile duct.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients (12 men, 7 women), with a mean age of 61.5 years, were consecutively enrolled. Of these patients, 7 had PAD, 7 had recurrent choledocholithiasis, and 5 had both conditions. The mean length of the IBP-induced residual intramural bile duct was 6.6 mm (range, 3-15 mm). The previous EBS was not oriented toward the bile duct in 4 of 12 patients with recurrent choledocholithiasis (33.3%). After EBS extended completely, choledocholithiases were successfully removed in all patients (1 by mechanical lithotripsy). Of the 19 patients, 2 had complications (11%; 1 mild hemorrhage, 1 mild pancreatitis), which were managed medically. There was no case of perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

The IBP technique is a feasible and a reliable method for safe and effective EBS in patients with choledocholithiasis in whom EBS is difficult because of PAD or/and previous EBS. The clinical significance of the direction of previous EBS needs to be defined.

A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in ERCP: effects on technical success and post-ERCP pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Despite the recent improvement in techniques and patient selection, post-ERCP pancreatitis remains the most frequent and dreaded complication of ERCP. Recent studies suggest that pretreatment with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) may prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis and improve cannulation success.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of transdermal GTN on ERCP cannulation success and post-ERCP pancreatitis.

DESIGN

Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary referral university hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 318 patients (mean age 62 years, 61% women) were randomized to either active (n = 155) or placebo (n = 163) arms.

INTERVENTIONS

Active patch (GTN) versus placebo patch.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Cannulation time and success. Post-ERCP pancreatitis rates.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the active or placebo arms for the following: successful initial cannulation (96.8% vs 98.8%), deep cannulation (96.1% vs 98.8%), time to successful cannulation, use of guidewire (27% vs 25%) or needle knife (13% vs 13%), and post-ERCP pancreatitis (7.4% of placebo patients and 7.7% active patients). Multivariate analysis identified women, younger patients, pancreatogram, number of attempts on papilla, and poor pancreatic-duct emptying after opacification as risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis. Transdermal GTN did not reduce post-ERCP pancreatitis in any of the identified high-risk groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Transdermal GTN did not improve the rate of success in ERCP cannulation or prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis in either average or high-risk patient groups.

[Access to the biliary tract through trans-pancreatic sphincterotomy]

OBJECTIVE

Several pre-cut procedures have been used in patients with inaccessible bile ducts. Trans-pancreatic sphincterotomy (TS) has been demonstrated to be a valid, but little used technique. We describe our experience with TS with a prospective analysis of its results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients who underwent TS due to the impossibility of cannulating the biliary tract using routine methods between November 2004 and October 2005 were included. CT-25 sphincteromes (Cook) were used, introducing the tip into the common bile duct or pancreatic duct, performing the cut toward the bile duct, and sectioning the roof of the common bile duct.

RESULTS

We performed 298 ERCP, 176 sphincterotomies and 20 TS (11.3% of sphincterotomies). Cannulation was achieved in 90% of the patients overall and immediate cannulation was achieved in 85%. The percentage of complications was 15% and none were severe. There were no cases of post-ERCP pancreatitis or mortality due to complications.

CONCLUSIONS

TS is an effective technique in gaining immediate access to the biliary tract in a high percentage of patients when access cannot be obtained using routine methods. The risk of complications in not higher than that of other pre-cut techniques.

Pancreatic-duct stent placement facilitates difficult common bile duct cannulation

BACKGROUND

Cannulation of the common bile duct can be difficult in certain instances. Difficult cannulation has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis. We report a technique to facilitate difficult cannulation that uses a pancreatic-duct stent to guide biliary cannulation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all ERCPs performed at our institution from October 1, 2000 to June 30, 2004 (1638) was performed to identify all cases in which a pancreatic-duct stent was placed to guide common bile duct cannulation. Charts on these patients then were reviewed to assess cannulation success and complications. In addition, indications for the ERCP and previously failed cannulation attempts by outside physicians were documented.

OBSERVATIONS

Thirty-nine patients had pancreatic-duct stents placed as an aid to guide common bile duct cannulation. Successful cannulation of the bile duct was achieved in 38 of the 39 patients (97.4%) Procedure-related pancreatitis occurred in two patients and was mild in both. There were no procedure-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases of difficult common bile duct cannulation, placement of a pancreatic-duct stent as a guide to aid common bile duct cannulation appears to be an effective and safe technique.