The learning curve for safety and success of precut sphincterotomy for therapeutic ERCP: a single endoscopist's experience

Rotatable sphincterotome as a rescue device for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cannulation: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Selective bile duct or pancreatic duct cannulation remains a significant initial hurdle in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) despite advances in endoscopy and accessories. This study evaluated our experience with a rotatable sphincterotome in cases of difficult cannulation.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed ERCP cases using TRUEtome, a rotatable sphincterotome, as a rescue device for cannulation at a cancer institute in Japan from October 2014 to December 2021.

RESULTS

TRUEtome was used in 88 patients. Duodenoscopes were used for 51 patients, while single-balloon enteroscopes (SBE) were used for 37 patients. TRUEtome was used for biliary and pancreatic duct cannulation (84.1%), intrahepatic bile duct selection (12.5%), and strictures of the afferent limb (3.4%). Cannulation success rates were similar in the duodenoscope and SBE groups (86.3% vs. 75.7%, p=0.213). TRUEtome was more commonly used in cases with steep cannulation angles in the duodenoscope group and in cases requiring cannulation in different directions in the SBE group. There were no significant differences in adverse events between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The cannulation sphincterotome was useful for difficult cannulations in both unaltered and surgically altered anatomies. It may be an option to consider before high-risk procedures such as precut and endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous techniques.

The volume of ERCP per endoscopist is associated with a higher technical success and a lower post-ERCP pancreatitis rate. A prospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

conflicting results have been reported regarding the influence of the annual volume of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on outcome.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the influence of case volume on ERCP outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

an analysis of a prospective database was performed, comparing the outcomes of ERCP in three consecutive periods defined by the number of endoscopists performing ERCP: five endoscopists in period I (P1), four in period II (P2) and three in period III (P3). Only patients with biliary ERCP in accessible and naïve papilla were included. Primary variables were cannulation rates and adverse effects (AE). The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) complexity grades III and IV were considered as highly complex procedures.

RESULTS

a total of 2,561 patients were included: 727 (P1), 972 (P2) and 862 (P3). There were no differences in age and sex between groups (p > 0.05). The cannulation rate was significantly higher in P2 and P3: 92.4 % vs 93.3 % vs 93 % (p = 0.037). The AE rate was 13.8 %, 12.6 % and 10.3 % (p > 0.05), respectively. The rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis was significantly lower in P3: 8.5 %, 7.3 % and 5 % (p = 0.01). The rate of complex procedures was 12 %, 14.8 % and 27 % (p < 0.0001), respectively. Two endoscopists participated in all periods and only one had significantly improved outcomes. Cannulation and post-ERCP pancreatitis rates remained significantly better in P3 after adjusting for sex, complexity and endoscopist.

CONCLUSION

a higher annual volume of ERCP per endoscopist was associated with a higher rate of cannulation and a lower rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis, despite the greater complexity of the procedures. These beneficial effects seem to differ between endoscopists.

Clinical benefit of early precut sphincintroterotomy for difficult biliary cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

OBJECTIVES

A precut procedure is sometimes required for difficult biliary cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, it is unclear whether the biliary access rate has improved for early precut procedures compared to conventional techniques. This study aimed to identify the benefit of early precut sphincterotomy in cases showing difficult biliary access.

METHODS

Between April 2017 and August 2021, consecutive patients who underwent precutting for difficult biliary cannulation were retrospectively enrolled. The outcomes of early (≤ 10 min from start of cannulation) and delayed (> 10 min) precut groups were evaluated. All adverse events were defined according to Cotton criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients were enrolled in this study. The biliary cannulation rate for a first ERCP was significantly higher in the early compared to delayed precut group (95% vs. 73.3%; P = 0.015). A difference in overall cannulation rate between the two groups was not observed (97.5% vs. 83.3%; P > 0.05). Significantly higher rates of prophylactic pancreatic stents were described in the delayed compared to early precut group (36.7% vs. 12.5%; P = 0.009). Significant differences in the frequency of pancreatitis, bleeding, penetration, and perforation were not noted between the two groups. Overall, the success rate was statistically significant between the experienced and less experienced endoscopists (87.2% vs. 63.9%; P = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

Early precutting within 10 min from the start of cannulation in ERCP is safe and effective in cases with a difficult biliary cannulation, and can improve the biliary cannulation rate.

Second endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography after failure of initial biliary cannulation: A single institution retrospective experience

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is not always successful when difficult biliary cannulation occurs. A second ERCP seems to be a worthwhile option following initial failure cannulation; however, relevant data are limited. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the outcomes of repeating ERCP in patients in whom the first biliary cannulation with or without precut sphincterotomy failed. It retrospectively analyzed 4,136 patients who underwent an initial biliary access between June 2016 and September 2020. Data from our databases were analyzed. Efficacy was based on the cannulation rate of the second ERCP and safety was assessed in terms of adverse events. Of 94 patients, 56 (59.6%) underwent a second ERCP and the success rate in biliary cannulation was 83.9% (47 of 56). The median operative time in the second ERCP was shorter than that in the initial procedure (47 vs. 65 min, P<0.001). A total of 5 patients (8.9%) suffered from mild ERCP-associated complications following the second ERCP. Compared with patients that did not undergo a second ERCP, patients that underwent a second ERCP had a lower 30-day mortality rate (13.2 vs. 1.8%, P=0.038). In addition, by univariate and multivariate analysis, it was observed that normal preoperative serum bilirubin levels and an interval time of <3 days were correlated with the cannulation failure of a second ERCP (OR=9.211, P=0.019, OR=6.765, P=0.041, respectively). A second ERCP following failure of an initial biliary cannulation appears to be safe and effective. For most clinically stable patients with an unsuccessful initial ERCP, a second ERCP after 2-4 days may be an optimal strategy. Preoperative normal serum bilirubin levels may be a risk factor that can be used for predicting cannulation failure of a second ERCP procedure.

Troubleshooting Difficult Bile Duct Access: Advanced ERCP Cannulation Techniques, Percutaneous Biliary Drainage, or EUS-Guided Rendezvous Technique?

Despite experienced hands and availability of various well-designed catheters and wires, selective bile duct cannulation may still fail in 10–20% of cases during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In case standard ERCP cannulation technique fails, salvage options include advanced ERCP cannulation techniques such as double-guidewire technique (DGW) with or without pancreatic stenting and precut papillotomy, percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD), and endoscopic ultrasound-guided Rendezvous (EUS-RV) ERCP. If the pancreatic duct is inadvertently entered during cannulation attempts, DGW technique is a reasonable next step, which can be followed by pancreatic stenting to reduce risks of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Studies suggest that early precut papillotomy is not associated with a higher risk of PEP, while needle-knife fistulotomy is the preferred method. For patients with critical clinical condition who may not be fit for endoscopy, surgically altered anatomy in which endoscopic biliary drainage is not feasible, and non-communicating multisegmental biliary obstruction, PBD has a unique role to provide successful biliary drainage efficiently in this particular population. As endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary drainage techniques advance, EUS-RV ERCP has been increasingly employed to guide bile duct access and cannulation with satisfactory clinical outcomes and is especially valuable for benign pathology at centres where expertise is available. Endoscopists should become familiar with each technique’s advantages and limitations before deciding the most appropriate treatment that is tailored to patient’s anatomy and clinical needs.

Trainee involvement increases precut rates and delays access to the common bile duct without an increase in procedure-related adverse events: a brave new world of ERCP training?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Selective cannulation of the desired duct is a key element in ERCP procedures and an important step in the training of fellows. However, there is limited data about technical success and patient safety for ERCPs conducted in a training setting.We aimed to evaluate the impact of trainee involvement on the cannulation technique and procedure related outcomes at ERCP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted an observational study of all ERCP conducted in an endoscopy unit with an on-going training program. Patient related data and procedure-related data (method of cannulation, time to cannulation, degree of trainee involvement, technical success and procedure-related adverse events) were collected using a standard form. The method of cannulation, time to cannulation and procedure-related adverse events were compared between ERCPs with trainee involvement and those without.

RESULTS

641 consecutive ERCPs were evaluated and 474 native papilla cases performed by 4 trainers and 3 trainees were included in the final analysis. Trainees were involved in 171 procedures (36.1%), achieving cannulation of the desired duct in 50.8% of the cases. Cannulation rates were similar in the trainee group compared to the control group (91.7% vs. 88.7%) and there was no increase in the rate of adverse events. However, cannulation time was significantly longer in the trainee group with a significant increase in the rate of precut use (32.1% vs. 23.4%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Trainee involvement resulted in longer cannulation times and increased use of precut sphincterotomy, but, was not associated with an increased risk of procedure related adverse events.

Is the Isolated-Tip Needle-Knife Precut as Effective as Conventional Precut Fistulotomy in Difficult Biliary Cannulation?

Background/Aims

Needle-knife precut fistulotomy (NK-F) is a well-known freehand technique for difficult biliary cannulation (DBC). Another approach involves the use of Iso-Tome^®, a modified precutting device with an insulated needle tip to prevent direct thermal injury. This comparative study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Iso-Tome^® precut (IT-P) compared to that of NK-F for DBC.

Methods

Patients with a naive papilla who underwent early IT-P or NK-F for DBC were enrolled. DBC was defined as failure to achieve selective biliary access by wire-guided cannulation despite 5 minutes of attempted cannulation, ≥5 papillary contacts, or a hook-nose-shaped papilla. The primary endpoint was the primary technical success rate, which was based on a noninferiority model.

Results

A total of 239 DBC cases were enrolled. The primary technical success rates were 74.7% (89/119) in the IT-P group and 91.6% (110/120) in the NK-F group (lower limit of 90% confidence interval, −0.23; p=0.927 for a noninferiority margin of 10%). The total technical success rates were 87.4% and 95.0%, respectively (p=0.038). The mean precutting times for successful biliary access were 11.2 minutes for IT-P and 7.3 minutes for NK-F (p<0.01). The procedure-related adverse event rates were 9.2% for IT-P and 5.8% for NK-F (p=0.318). The rates of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis were 4.2% and 2.5%, respectively (p=0.499).

Conclusions

IT-P failed to exhibit noninferiority compared with NK-F regarding the primary technical success rate of DBC, but there was no difference in the frequency of adverse events.

Difficult biliary cannulation: Historical perspective, practical updates, and guide for the endoscopist

Despite improvements in endoscopic technologies and accessories, development of advanced endoscopy fellowship programs, and advances in ancillary imaging techniques, biliary cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can still be unsuccessful in up to 20% of patients, even in referral centers. Once cannulation has been deemed to be difficult, the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis and technical failure inherently increases. A number of factors, including endoscopist experience and patient anatomy, have been associated with difficult biliary cannulation, but predicting a case of difficult cannulation a priori is often not possible. Numerous techniques such as pancreatic guidewire and stenting, early pre-cut, and rendezvous may be employed when standard approaches fail. Data regarding the rate of success and adverse events of these techniques have been variable, though most studies suggest that pancreatic duct stenting generally reduces the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis in instances of difficult biliary cannulation. Here we provide a review on difficult biliary cannulation and discuss how the choice of which techniques to employ and how to best employ them should be individualized and take into account the skill of the endoscopist, the disorder being treated, the anatomy of the patient, and the available biomedical literature.

The learning curve for needle knife precut sphincterotomy revisited

Background

There is no consensus on what constitutes adequate training for needle knife precut sphincterotomy.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the number of procedures required before effective and safe precut sphincterotomy can be achieved.

Methods

This retrospective study examined the cumulative experience of a single endoscopist from January 2006-December 2015. Precut sphincterotomy success and complication rates were analyzed as a function of number of procedures performed. Acceptable success and complication rates were defined as 85% and 10% respectively. A one-sided binomial test was used to test success and complication rates of every 25 precut sphincterotomies performed.

Results

The index endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was successful in 141/158 (89.2%) patients who underwent precut sphincterotomy. This increased to 148/158 (93.7%) when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was repeated on another day. Six precut sphincterotomies were required to achieve an 85% success probability. This was maintained consistently above 85% after 13 precuts, and was significantly higher (91.2%; p = 0.029) than 85% at the 125th precut. Bleeding and pancreatitis developed in 2/158 (1.3%) and 5/158 (3.2%). Probability of either complications remained below 5% after 50 precuts. No perforation occurred.

Conclusion

At least 13 precut sphincterotomies were required to achieve a sustained success rate greater than 85%. The probability of bleeding or pancreatitis was less than 5% after 50 precut sphincterotomies.

Optimal Use of Wire-Assisted Techniques and Precut Sphincterotomy

Various endoscopic techniques have been developed to overcome the difficulties in biliary or pancreatic access during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, according to the preference of the endoscopist or the aim of the procedures. In terms of endoscopic methods, guidewire-assisted cannulation is a commonly used and well-known initial cannulation technique, or an alternative in cases of difficult cannulation. In addition, precut sphincterotomy encompasses a range of available rescue techniques, including conventional precut, precut fistulotomy, transpancreatic septotomy, and precut after insertion of pancreatic stent or pancreatic duct guidewire-guided septal precut. We present a literature review of guidewire-assisted cannulation as a primary endoscopic method and the precut technique for the facilitation of selective biliary access.

Measures of trainee performance in advanced endoscopy: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The diversity, technical skills required, and risk inherent to advanced endoscopy techniques all contribute to complex training curricula and steep learning curves. Since trainees develop endoscopy skills at different rates, there has been a shift towards competency-based training and certification. Validated endoscopy performance measures for trainees are, therefore, necessary. The aim of this systematic review was to describe and critically assess the existing evidence regarding measures of performance for trainees in advanced endoscopy.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature from January 1980 to January 2016 was carried out using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ISI Web of knowledge databases. MeSH terms related to 'advanced endoscopy' and 'performance' were applied to a highly sensitive search strategy. The main outcomes were face, content, and construct validity, as well as reliability.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 1,662 studies and 77 met the inclusion criteria after abstract and full-text review (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)=23, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)=30, colonoscopic polypectomy (CP)=11, balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE)=7, luminal stenting=3, radiofrequency ablation (RFA)=2, and endoscopic muscosal resection (EMR)=1). Good validity and reliability were found for measurement tools of overall performance in ERCP, EUS and CP, with applications for both patient-based and simulator training models. A number of specific technical skills were also shown to be valid measures of performance. These include: selective biliary cannulation, sphincterotomy, biliary stent placement, stone extraction and procedure time for ERCP; pancreatic solid mass T-staging, EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) procedure time, number of EUS-FNA passes and puncture precision for EUS; procedure time and en bloc resection rate for CP; retrograde fluoroscopy time for BAE; and mean number of endoscopy sessions required to achieve complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CIEM) for RFA. The evidence for EMR and luminal stenting is of insufficient quality to make recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified multiple valid and readily available performance measures for advanced endoscopy trainees for ERCP, EUS, CP, BAE and RFA procedures. These tools should be considered in advanced endoscopy training programs wishing to move away from apprenticeship-based training and towards competency-based learning with the help of patient-based and simulator tools.

Transpapillary selective bile duct cannulation technique: Review of Japanese randomized controlled trials since 2010 and an overview of clinical results in precut sphincterotomy since 2004

In 1970, a Japanese group reported the first use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which is now carried out worldwide. Selective bile duct cannulation is a mandatory technique for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP. Development of the endoscope and other devices has contributed to the extended use of ERCP, which has become a basic procedure to diagnose and treat pancreaticobiliary diseases. Various techniques related to selective bile duct cannulation have been widely applied. Although the classical contrast medium injection cannulation technique remains valuable, use of wire-guided cannulation has expanded since the early 2000s, and the technique is now widely carried out in the USA and Europe. Endoscopists must pay particular attention to a patient's condition and make an attendant choice about the most effective technique for selective bile duct cannulation. Some techniques have the potential to shorten procedure time and reduce the incidence of adverse events, particularly post-ERCP pancreatitis. However, a great deal of experience is required and endoscopists must be skilled in a variety of techniques. Although the development of the transpapillary biliary cannulation approach is remarkable, it is important to note that, to date, there have been no reports of transpapillary cannulation preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis. In the present article, selective bile duct cannulation techniques in the context of recent Japanese randomized controlled trials and cases of precut sphincterotomy are reviewed and discussed.

Gaining competence in needle-knife fistulotomy - can I begin on my own?

BACKGROUND

While there are guidelines for appropriate training in ERCP, these are non-existent for needle-knife precut. The aim of this study was: (1) evaluate the experience curve of three endoscopists in needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF); (2) propose a minimum number of NKF procedures to attest proficiency.

METHODS

Between November 1997 and March 2011, the first 120 consecutive NKF performed by three endoscopists (A, B, and C) were selected (360 patients) from three centers. Each group of 120 patients was chronologically ordered into three subgroups of 40. The main outcomes were: NKF use, NKF success, and post-ERCP adverse events.

RESULTS

The need for NKF did not decrease over time. The NKF success rate in the first attempt for endoscopist A and C in each of the three subgroups was 85 %/85 %, 87.5 %/87.5 %, and 87.5 %/90 %, respectively. Furthermore, both demonstrated a high NKF success in their initial 20 NKFs (85 % and 80 %, respectively). Endoscopist B however presented a different pattern as the success rate initiated at 60 %, then rose to 82.5 % and 85 % for the last group (P = 0.03). Adverse events were mild (28 of the 32 occurrences) with no clear reduction with increased experience.

CONCLUSIONS

A skillful endoscopist may expect to master NKF easily with few adverse events. While some endoscopists could begin on their own because of their innate skills, a minimal training is needed for all, as we cannot predict skills in advance. We propose a minimum of 20 NKF precuts to attest a trainee's competence in this procedure.

Guidewire-assisted transpancreatic sphincterotomy for difficult biliary cannulation: a prospective randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Precut techniques have been used to facilitate biliary cannulation during difficult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Presently, needle-knife sphincterotomy (NKS) is a commonly used precut technique. Since its first description, transpancreatic sphincterotomy, as an alternative method for bile duct entry when conventional biliary cannulation failed, has been debated on its success rate of cannulation and its complications, such as increased incidence of pancreatitis. Guidewire techniques are another effective method to improve the success rate of selective bile duct cannulation. This is a single-center prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare success rate, cannulation time, and complications of guidewire-assisted transpancreatic sphincterotomy (GATS) and NKS for difficult biliary cannulation.

METHODS

Between July 2010 and October 2013, consecutive patients who failed in the standard biliary cannulation were randomly assigned to the GATS and NKS groups. The outcome measures included success rate, cannulation time, and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 149 patients were enrolled and analyzed: 73 in the GATS group and 79 in the NKS group. The characteristics of the 2 groups were similar. Bile duct cannulation was successful in 70 patients (95.9%) in the GATS group and 64 (84.2%) in the NKS group (P=0.018). The median cannulation time spent in precut was 193 seconds in the GATS group and 485 seconds in the NKS group (P<0.001). There was no difference between the groups for the incidence of complications, pancreatitis, and hemorrhage (9.6% vs. 10.5%, 6.8% vs. 6.6%, 1.4% vs. 3.9%, respectively). No perforation occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

GATS compared with NKS increases biliary cannulation rate and requires less cannulation time during difficult biliary access. This technique is not associated with an increased risk for complications. It seems to be an effective and safe alternative for biliary access during difficult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Endoscopic prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is not an uncommon adverse event but may be an avoidable complication. Although pancreatitis of severe grade is reported in 0.1%-0.5% of ERCP patients, a serious clinical course may be lethal. For prevention of severe PEP, patient risk stratification, appropriate selection of patients using noninvasive diagnostic imaging methods such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and avoidance of unnecessary invasive procedures, are important measures to be taken before any procedure. Pharmacological prevention is also commonly attempted but is usually ineffective. No ideal agent has not yet been found and the available data conflict. Currently, rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to prevent PEP in high-risk patients, but additional studies using larger numbers of subjects are necessary to confirm any prophylactic effect. In this review, we focus on endoscopic procedures seeking to prevent or decrease the severity of PEP. Among various cannulation methods, wire-guided cannulation, precut fistulotomy, and transpancreatic septostomy are reviewed. Prophylactic pancreatic stent placement, which is the best-known prophylactic method, is reviewed with reference to the ideal stent type, adequate duration of stent placement, and stent-related complications. Finally, we comment on other treatment alternatives, and make the point that further advances in EUS-guided techniques may afford useful PEP prophylaxis.

Repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography after failed initial precut sphincterotomy for biliary cannulation

AIM: To investigate the outcome of repeating endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) after initially failed precut sphincterotomy to achieve biliary cannulation.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, consecutive ERCPs performed between January 2009 and September 2012 were included. Data from our endoscopy and radiology reporting databases were analysed for use of precut sphincterotomy, biliary access rate, repeat ERCP rate and complications. Patients with initially failed precut sphincterotomy were identified.

RESULTS: From 1839 consecutive ERCPs, 187 (10%) patients underwent a precut sphincterotomy during the initial ERCP in attempts to cannulate a native papilla. The initial precut was successful in 79/187 (42%). ERCP was repeated in 89/108 (82%) of patients with failed initial precut sphincterotomy after a median interval of 4 d, leading to successful biliary cannulation in 69/89 (78%). In 5 patients a third ERCP was attempted (successful in 4 cases). Overall, repeat ERCP after failed precut at the index ERCP was successful in 73/89 patients (82%). Complications after precut-sphincterotomy were observed in 32/187 (17%) patients including pancreatitis (13%), retroperitoneal perforations (1%), biliary sepsis (0.5%) and haemorrhage (3%).

CONCLUSION: The high success rate of biliary cannulation in a second attempt ERCP justifies repeating ERCP within 2-7 d after unsuccessful precut sphincterotomy before more invasive approaches should be considered.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation vs endoscopic sphincterotomy for retrieval of common bile duct stones: A meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in retrieval of common bile duct stones (≥ 10 mm).

METHODS: PubMed, Web of Knowledge, EBSCO, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched for eligible studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared EPLBD with EST were identified. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers using the same criteria. Any disagreement was discussed with a third reviewer until a final consensus was reached. Pooled outcomes of complete bile duct stone clearance, stone clearance in one session, requirement for mechanical lithotripsy, and overall complication rate were determined using relative risk and 95%CI. The separate post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography complications were pooled and determined with the Peto odds ratio and 95%CI because of the small number of events. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the chi-squared test with P≤ 0.1 and I² with a cutoff of ≥ 50%. A fixed effects model was used primarily. A random effects model was applied when significant heterogeneity was detected. Sensitivity analysis was applied to explore the potential bias.

RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials with 621 participants were included. EPLBD compared with EST had similar outcomes with regard to complete stone removal rate (93.7% vs 92.5%, P = 0.54) and complete duct clearance in one session (82.2% vs 77.7%, P = 0.17). Mechanical lithotripsy was performed less in EPLBD in the retrieval of whole stones (15.5% vs 25.2%, P = 0.003), as well as in the stratified subgroup of stones larger than 15 mm (24.2% vs 40%, P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of overall adverse events (7.9% vs 10.7%, P = 0.25), post-ERCP pancreatitis (4.0% vs 5.0%, P = 0.54), hemorrhage (1.7% vs 2.8%, P = 0.32), perforation (0.3% vs 0.9%, P = 0.35) or acute cholangitis (1.3% vs 1.3%, P = 0.92).

CONCLUSION: EPLBD could be advocated as an alternative to EST in the retrieval of large common bile duct stones.

New role of the dual knife for precut papillotomy in difficult bile duct cannulation

The dual knife is usually used for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). To date, however, there have been no clinical trials of the safety and effectiveness of precut papillotomy using the dual knife for biliary access in patients failing conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cannulation. We herein report 18 patients who underwent precut papillotomy with the dual knife. All had intact papilla, and had failed deep cannulation of the bile ducts. After successful biliary cannulation and standard endoscopic sphincterotomy, if necessary, stone removal or plastic or metal stent insertion was attempted. Selective bile-duct cannulation was achieved in all 18 patients (100%), at an average time of 4.2 min (range, 3-6 min). Of these 18 patients, six had malignant bile duct obstruction and 12 had common bile duct stones. One patient developed post-ERCP pancreatitis, which resolved after conservative management. There were no deaths related to the procedure.

Safety and efficacy of a newly developed baby-sphincterotome for cannulation and precut in cases of failed selective wire-guided bile duct access: a prospective 8-year clinical evaluation

BACKGROUND

Precut sphincterotomy (PCS) is a well-established alternative after repeated unsuccessful attempts of common bile duct (CBD) cannulation using standard catheters and/or guide-wire. Commonly used instruments for precutting are the needle-knife and a modified traction-type sphincterotome. In 1996, a so-called 'baby-sphincterotome' with a preshaped, small-caliber 3 Fr tip was developed, which enables cannulation and precutting in one step.

OBJECTIVE

A clinical evaluation was carried out and the complication rates were determined at a tertiary referral hospital.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical evaluation.

INTERVENTIONS

During an 8-year period, a total of 5389 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies were performed at our hospital. In total, 1886 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this prospective study. The baby-sphincterotome was used in 345 of 1886 patients (mean age 63.4 ± 16.4 years, 203 women) after five unsuccessful attempts of CBD cannulation using a hydrophilic guide-wire. After two more failed CBD cannulations with the baby-sphincterotome, PCS was performed using the same device.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The success rates of biliary access, postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis, and bleeding were assessed.

RESULTS

Initially, the success rate of CBD cannulation on using the baby-sphincterotome was 28% (96/345 patients). Postinterventional pancreatitis occurred in two of 96 patients (2%) and minor bleeding occurred during traction-type sphincterotomy in four of 93 patients (4%). In the remaining 249 patients precut with a baby-sphincterotome, CBD cannulation was achieved in 219 cases (88%), although with pancreatitis and severe bleeding in 4% each. In 30 of 249 patients (12%), a second or a third (n=5) intervention was necessary, with a success rate of 73% (22/30 cases) after PCS.

LIMITATIONS

This was a single-centre, uncontrolled study.

CONCLUSION

The newly developed baby-sphincterotome enables bile duct access in a single session in 91% of the patients when guide-wire cannulation has failed. Direct cannulation was possible in about one-quarter of the patients, whereas PCS with the new device showed a high efficacy and a low complication rate.

Comparison of three types of precut technique to achieve common bile duct cannulation: a retrospective analysis of 274 cases

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the success rate and complications of three precut techniques of sphincterotomy after failure of conventional techniques of cannulation of common bile duct (CBD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2003 and October 2011, 2,903 consecutive ERCPs were performed in patients with naïve major papilla. In 283 patients in whom biliary cannulation was not achieved, precut technique was performed and these patients were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients were included in the final analysis. Needle-knife papillotomy (NKP) was performed in 129 cases (47.1 %), suprapapillary fistulotomy (SPF) in 78 patients (28.5 %), and transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) in 67 cases (24.5 %). No significant difference was observed in the initial and eventual success rate of biliary cannulation between the three groups. Overall, complications occurred in 54 patients (19.7 %), of which 33 (25.6 %) were with NKP, 6 (7.7 %) with SPF and 15 (22.4 %) with TPS, respectively, a difference statistically significant favoring the SPF group (p = 0.006). Post-procedure acute pancreatitis was developed in 27 cases (20.9 %) with NKP, compared to two cases (2.6 %) with SPF and 15 cases (22.4 %) with TPS, a difference statistically significant favoring the SPF group. No difference was observed between the groups with regard to the occurrence of post-procedure hemorrhage and perforation.

CONCLUSIONS

The three types of precut sphincterotomy have no different overall CBD cannulation rates; SPF reduces post-ERCP pancreatitis risk.

Success rate and cannulation time between precut sphincterotomy and double-guidewire technique in truly difficult biliary cannulation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Precut sphincterotomy (PS) is usually indicated in failed standard biliary cannulation (BC). PS requires experienced endoscopists, and contains significant risk. Double-guidewire (DG) cannulation seems to be easier, and might be useful after failed standard BC. We aimed to compare cannulation time, success rate, and complication rates between the two techniques.

METHODS

Patients who failed standard BC within 10 min by the expert were defined as truly difficult BC and randomized into both groups. In the DG group, the first guidewire was left in the pancreatic duct, and then a catheter, pre-inserted with another guidewire, was used for the BC. In the PS group, a fistulotomy technique was used.

RESULTS

From June 2008 to October 2009, 534 patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Forty-four patients (8.2%) who failed standard BC were randomized into the DG group (n = 23) and the PS group (n = 21). Median cannulation times and success rates in the DG and PS groups were 172 versus 394 s (P < 0.001), and 73.9% versus 80.9% (P = 0.724), respectively. The pancreatitis rate and serum amylase at 24 h in the DG and PS groups were 21.7% versus 14.3% (P = 0.701) and 937 versus 195 mg/dL (P = 0.020), respectively. Two from each group developed mild bleeding. No perforation occurred.

CONCLUSION

In truly difficult BC, the DG technique requires a significant shorter duration for BC, with a comparable success rate to the PS technique. The post-procedure serum amylase level in the DG group was significantly higher, and there was a trend of more pancreatitis.

Impact of introduction of wire-guided cannulation in therapeutic biliary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Wire-guided cannulation (WGC) might increase the biliary cannulation rate and decrease the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). We assessed the learning curve for WGC in therapeutic biliary ERCP (study 1) and compared WGC and conventional contrast-assisted cannulation (CC) by a matched case-control study (study 2).

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of 500 therapeutic biliary ERCP cases (250 consecutive cases of WGC and 250 matched controls of CC) were retrospectively studied. Rate and time of biliary cannulation, total procedure time, PEP, and hyperamylasemia were analyzed.

RESULTS

In study 1, biliary cannulation by WGC was successful in 96% of the first 50 cases, with a median time to cannulation of 3 min. Rates of hyperamylasemia were within 10% after 100 WGC. In study 2, there were no significant differences in the overall cannulation rate and PEP between WGC and CC, but the total procedure time was shorter in WGC (30 vs 35 min, P = 0.059). Rates of hyperamylasemia and the change in serum amylase levels was lower (9% vs 14%, P = 0.069, and + 62.8 U/L vs+ 169.5 U/L, P = 0.043) in WGC, which was more prominent in experienced endoscopists (9% vs 17%, P = 0.025, and + 68.9 U/L vs+ 229.3 U/L, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of WGC was effective in the first 50 cases and did not increase the rate of PEP in biliary therapeutic ERCP.

Precut fistulotomy for difficult biliary cannulation: is it a risky preference in relation to the experience of an endoscopist?

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported on the correlation between the experience level of an endoscopist and the outcomes of precut procedures. However, there are limited data on the early use of the precut fistulotomy in relation to the experience of an endoscopist.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of precut fistulotomy in difficult biliary cannulation after ERCP training.

METHODS

Two endoscopists, one at each tertiary referral center, performed the precut fistulotomy for difficult biliary cannulation between September 2008 and February 2010. The technical success, complications, and clinical outcomes in three groups were recorded prospectively over time.

RESULTS

A total of 159 (23.1%) patients underwent precut fistulotomy. The mean procedure time was decreased as the number of procedures increased (p < 0.01). The success rates of selective biliary cannulation in the three groups were 86.8, 86.8, and 88.7% respectively, for the first attempt (p = 0.77) and 93.7% for the second attempt. Post-ERCP pancreatitis developed in nine (5.7%) patients, which was not statistically significant between the three groups. As the frequency of papillary contacts increased, post-ERCP pancreatitis tended to increase (p = 0.017). In the multivariate analysis, more than 15 attempts at cannulating the major papilla prior to fistulotomy was a risk factor for pancreatitis (odds ratio 4.8, 95% CI 1.178-19.580, p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

After therapeutic ERCP training involving at least 100 ERCPs, including at least half that were therapeutic cases and more than ten that were precut papillotomies, a precut fistulotomy can be performed safely and effectively in low-risk patients.

An analysis of the efficacy and safety of a strategy of early precut for biliary access during difficult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a general hospital

OBJECTIVE

The use of early precut during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is controversial because of its association with a higher risk of complications. This study examined the efficacy and safety of a strategy of early precut for biliary access during difficult ERCP in a general hospital.

METHODS

Data from January 2007 to June 2009 were reviewed. Criteria for performing early precut were: (i) inadvertent guidewire cannulation of pancreatic duct on three occasions; (ii) biliary stone impacted at papilla; (iii) inability to achieve deep cannulation within 10 min. Study exclusion criteria were: (i) the inability to visualize the papilla because of anatomical distortions; (ii) complete tumour occlusion of distal bile duct; (iii) failure to adhere to inclusion criteria. The efficacy and safety of this strategy of early precut for biliary access was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 765 ERCP cases were analyzed. A precut was performed in 55 out of 765 cases (7.2%). There were no significant differences in terms of age, gender and diagnoses between the precut and no precut groups. After precut immediate biliary cannulation was achieved in 89% of patients and this increased to 98.2% with a repeat ERCP. The overall complication rate after ERCP was 2.1% (bleeding: 0.7%; pancreatitis: 1.3%; perforation: 0.3%). The only complication after the precut was pancreatitis, and this was not significantly different from the group without a precut (1.8 vs 1.3%).

CONCLUSION

The strategy of early precut for biliary access was safe and effective.