Analysis of the factors involved in procedural failure: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope for patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using a pediatric colonoscope in patients with Roux‑en‑Y gastrectomy and an intact major duodenal papilla

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and an intact major duodenal papilla is challenging and difficult, with unsatisfactory outcomes using various endoscopes. Limited data are available regarding the outcomes of ERCP using a pediatric colonoscope in such patients. To evaluate the efficacy of a pediatric colonoscope in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and an major duodenal intact papilla, 93 consecutive patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and an intact major duodenal papilla who underwent ERCP using a pediatric colonoscope at the Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, (Nanjing, China) between January 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Following the failure of bile duct cannulation, a double-guidewire or precut technique was utilized for advanced cannulation. Interventions were performed using standard ERCP therapeutic accessories. The results indicated that distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed in 38 out of 93 patients, while 55 patients underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The success rates associated with endoscope insertion, endoscopic cannulation and therapeutic ERCP were 88.17% (82/93), 85.37% (70/82) and 95.71% (67/70), respectively, while the clinical intervention success and complication rates were 72.04% (67/93) and 7.53% (7/93), respectively. The endoscope insertion time was 40.78±10.04 min, and the ERCP procedure time was 88.55±16.38 min. Student's t-test showed that the endoscope insertion time and the ERCP procedure time in patients undergoing distal gastrectomy were longer than those in patients undergoing total gastrectomy (P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age and number of previous abdominal surgeries were independent risk factors associated with endoscope insertion failure. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the use of a pediatric colonoscope is efficacious and safe for patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and an intact major duodenal papilla undergoing ERCP.

Complications in Patients with Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: 15-Year Experience at a Tertiary Care Center in Latin America

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a common procedure, but it poses challenges in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy (SAGA). Alternative techniques like single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE), double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), or push enteroscopy (PE) have been used, albeit with potential complications. Limited Latin American data exists on ERCP complications in SAGA patients. Our goal is to describe complications of ERCP in SAGA at a national referral institution.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-center cohort study. All SAGA ERCP procedures performed at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Department of the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán from January 2008 to May 2023 were included. Extracted data from records included procedure specifics, endoscope type, success, and complications. Complications were evaluated during procedure and 28-day post-procedure and classified using the AGREE system.

RESULTS

A total of 266 procedures in 174 patients were included, 74% were women, and the median age was 44 years. Predominant modified anatomy was Roux-en-Y biliary reconstruction (79%), followed by Whipple procedure (13%) and subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (6.0%). The main indications were cholangitis with stricture (31%), stricture (19%), and cholangitis (19%). DBE was used in 89%, PE in 7.5%, and SBE in 3.4%. Success rates were 77% endoscopic, 72% technical, and 69% therapeutic; in 30%, the procedure was unsuccessful. Complications happened in 18% of cases, most commonly cholangitis (7.5%), followed by perforation (2.6%) and hemorrhage (1.9%). According to the AGREE classification, 10.9% were grades 1 and 2, 6.4% were grade 3, and 0.4% were grade 4 complications. No significant differences emerged between groups with and without complications. Procedures increased over time, but complications and unsuccessful procedures remained stable.

CONCLUSION

ERCP complications align with international data, often not requiring invasive treatment. Enhanced exposure to such cases correlates with fewer complications and failures. Prospective studies are essential to identify complication and failure predictors.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the surgically altered patient

As management of upper gastrointestinal malignancies improves, and with popularization of bariatric surgery, endoscopists are likely to meet patients with altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy. Short-term, the surgery can cause complications like bleeding, leaks, and fistulas, and longer-term problems such as intestinal or biliary anastomotic strictures or biliary stones can arise, all necessitating endoscopy. In addition, the usual upper gastrointestinal pathologies can also still occur. These patients pose unique challenges. To proceed, understanding the new layout of the upper gastrointestinal tract is essential. The endoscopist, armed with a clear plan for navigation, can readily diagnose and manage most commonly occurring conditions, such as marginal ulcers and proximal anastomotic strictures with standard endoscopic instruments. With complex reconstructions involving long segments of small bowel, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, utilization of balloon-assisted enteroscopy may be necessary, mandating modification of procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Successful endoscopic management of patients with altered anatomy will require prior planning and preparation to ensure the appropriate equipment, setting, and skill set is provided.

Cannulation of pancreaticojejunostomy anastomosis with a novel controllable catheter

Anastomotic stenosis of hepaticojejunostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy are common adverse events after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Kuraoka and colleagues describe their method of cannulating the bile and pancreatic ducts using a novel catheter with a controllable tip, which is useful when it is difficult to align the axis of the forceps port and the anastomosis.

Single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a technical review

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is technically challenging. For example, scope insertion, selective cannulation, and intended procedures, such as stone extraction or stent placement, can be difficult. Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted ERCP has been used to effectively and safely address these technical issues in clinical practice. However, the small working channel limits its therapeutic potential. To address this shortcoming, a short-type SBE (short SBE) with a working length of 152 cm and a channel of 3.2 mm diameter has recently been introduced. Short SBE facilitates the use of larger accessories to complete certain procedures, such as stone extraction or self-expandable metallic stent placement. Despite the development in the SBE endoscope, various steps have to be overcome to successfully perform such procedure. To improve success, the challenging factors of each procedure must be identified. At the same time, endoscopists need to be mindful of adverse events, such as perforation, which can arise due to adhesions specific to the surgically altered anatomy. This review discussed technical tips regarding SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy to increase success and reduce the risk of adverse events associated with ERCP.

Efficacy and complications of inoperable malignant distal biliary obstruction treatment by metallic stents: fully covered or uncovered?

Obstructive jaundice caused by malignant distal biliary obstruction is a common clinical symptom in patients with inoperable biliary-pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided stent implantation is an effective treatment for obstructive jaundice. Internal stent drainage is more physiologic and associated with a better quality of life than external stent drainage methods such as percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage. Self-expanding metallic stents, which may be covered and uncovered, are commonly used. However, some uncertainties remain regarding the selection of metallic stents, including drainage patency time, clinical effect, stent migration, and post-operative complications such as pancreatitis, bleeding, and cholecystitis. This review aims to summarize the current progress and controversies surrounding the use of covered or uncovered metallic stents in inoperable common biliary obstruction via ERCP.

Can endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related procedures for resolving acute cholangitis be effectively and safely performed in patients with surgically altered anatomy? Comparison study to evaluate the timing of short-type single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

OBJECTIVES

Balloon enteroscopy (BE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related procedures to resolve acute cholangitis (AC) in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) are limited. There is a lack of evidence on whether the timing of BE-assisted ERCP affects clinical outcomes in patients with AC. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of short-type single-balloon enteroscopy (short SBE)-assisted ERCP in patients with SAA and AC.

METHODS

Patients with AC who underwent short SBE-assisted ERCP procedures between September 2011 and April 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The outcomes of procedures undergone at ≤24 h and >24 h were compared. The primary outcome was the length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Overall, 56 patients underwent procedures at ≤24 h, and 58 patients at >24 h. The procedural success and adverse event rates of short SBE-assisted ERCP were 87.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80.3-93.1%) and 4.4% (95% CI 1.4-9.9%), respectively. Patients with severe (Grade III) AC and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were more in early (at ≤24 h) ERCP groups. LOS and median time from ERCP procedures to discharge were shorter in the early group. Procedural success and adverse event rates between both groups had no significant differences. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that ERCP performed at ≤24 h was associated with shorter LOS, while severe cholangitis and malignant biliary obstruction were associated with longer LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Short SBE-assisted ERCP is effective and safe in patients with SAA and AC. Early procedures seemed to attribute early improvement of general condition, thus shortening the LOS.

Endoscopic ultrasound‑guided biliary drainage in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a systematic review and Meta‑analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is technically challenging to perform in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA). For these patients, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is one of the good indications. The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify and evaluate evidence of the efficacy and safety of EUS-BD in patients with SAA.

METHODS

A systematic review of the PubMed was conducted through to December 2021 to identify studies performing EUS-BD in patients with SAA. The primary outcome was the pooled technical success proportion in patients with SAA. The pooled clinical success and adverse event proportions in patients with SAA were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The search identified 1195 possible records, with 18 studies meeting our criteria for analysis, reporting data for 409 patients with SAA who underwent EUS-BD. The pooled technical success, clinical success and adverse event proportions in patients with SAA were 97.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.8-99.7%), 94.9% (95% CI, 91.8-98.1%), and 12.8% (95% CI, 7.4-18.1%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-BD is effective for patients with SAA. However, adverse events should be considered when performing EUS-BD in these patients.

Competence development of trainees performing short-type single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the trainees' practice and learning curve in short-type single-balloon enteroscopy (short SBE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) and determine how to train these trainees.

METHODS

The data of short SBE-assisted ERCP procedures between September 2011 and June 2021 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Three trainees and 180 cases were included in the analysis. Each trainee performed 60 cases between April 2016 and June 2021. The trainees' completion rate was 73.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 66.8-80.1%). Adverse events occurred in 5.0% of cases (95% CI, 2.3-9.3%). The trainee who experienced colonoscopy and ERCP the most achieved better outcomes of enteroscopy success (reaching the target site) and trainee's completion rates than those of the others (P = .03 and .02, respectively). The learning curve for trainee's completion showed a significant improvement after 60 cases (P = .001). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that Roux-en-Y reconstruction was the factor affecting trainees' completion failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Short SBE-assisted ERCP trainees has a substantial learning curve. If trainees do not have much experience with colonoscopy and ERCP procedures, it may be beneficial for them to start performing short SBE-assisted ERCP procedures on non-Roux-en-Y reconstruction cases.

Scissor-type knife precut in balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP for patients with difficult biliary cannulation and surgically altered anatomy (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP (BE-ERCP) is useful for treating pancreatobiliary disease in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA); however, biliary cannulation, including the precut technique, is often challenging. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of scissor-type knife precutting (SKP) during BE-ERCP in patients with SAA.

METHODS

This retrospective study investigated consecutive patients who underwent BE-ERCP and SKP for difficult biliary cannulation between 2016 and 2021. The study outcomes included the technical success and adverse event rates associated with SKP during BE-ERCP.

RESULTS

During the study period, 125 patients with native duodenal papillae underwent BE-ERCP, and the papilla was reached in 116 patients. The success rate of biliary cannulation with the standard cannulation approach alone was 67.2% (78/116), which increased to 77.6% (90/116) with the inclusion of advanced cannulation techniques besides precutting and further improved to 87.9% (102/116) with the addition of needlife precutting. SKP was attempted in 12 patients in whom all other cannulation approaches were difficult or resulted in failure. The technical success rate of SKP was 66.7% (8/12); thus, SKP increased the final success rate of biliary cannulation to 94.8% (110/116). The rate of adverse events associated with SKP was 8.3% (1/12).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report the use of the SKP technique for difficult biliary cannulation in patients with SAA, which may serve as a useful option for salvage cannulation during BE-ERCP.

Efficacy and factors affecting procedure results of short-type single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP for altered anatomy: a multicenter cohort in Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted or short-type SBE (short SBE)-assisted ERCP has been reported as useful in patients with surgically altered anatomy, most studies had small sample sizes or single-center designs. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and factors affecting the procedure results of short SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted at 8 tertiary referral care centers in Japan. The data of patients who underwent ERCP-related procedures using short SBE between September 2011 and August 2019 at each facility were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 1318 patients were included in this analysis. The enteroscopy (reaching the target site), cannulation, and total procedural success rates were 87.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 86.1%-89.6%), 87.0% (95% CI, 84.9%-88.8%), and 74.9% (95% CI, 72.5%-77.2%), respectively. Adverse events occurred in 7.7% of patients (95% CI, 6.4%-9.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that age (≥75 years), Roux-en-Y reconstruction, pancreatic indication, and malignancy were factors affecting the total procedural failure.

CONCLUSIONS

This large-scale study proved that short SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy was effective. Moreover, it clarified factors affecting procedure results. Proficiency with alternative treatment techniques is required in difficult cases. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN00004045.).

The feasibility of cap-assisted routine adult colonoscope for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy is difficult to be performed using routine tools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of cap-assisted routine adult colonoscope (CARAC) for ERCP in these patients.

METHODS

Sixteen consecutive patients with indications of ERCP who had previously undergone total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction at two tertiary care endoscopy centers were identified. All ERCP procedures were carried out by using CARAC. The success rate of reaching the papilla, biliary cannulation and procedure-related adverse events were analyzed.

RESULTS

The papilla was successful reached in 11 (68.8%) of the 16 cases, and biliary cannulation was subsequently reached in eight (72.7%) of the 11 cases. The procedures succeeded in three patients by using a percutaneous-endoscopic rendezvous procedure after failed cannulation. Overall clinical success was achieved in 11 (68.8%) of 16 patients. Procedure-related mild acute pancreatitis was observed in 25.0% (4/16) of the cases and mild cholangitis in 18.8% (3/16). No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

CARAC for therapeutic ERCP is safe and effective in treating patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy.

Status of single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis on biliary interventions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is still challenging. Usefulness of single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted ERCP has been increasingly reported. Short SBE is considered beneficial with a 152-cm working length and a 3.2-mm working channel. This has increased the variety of devices that can be used during ERCP procedures. The aim of this pooled analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy and elucidate the current status.

METHODS

This systematic review only involved biliary interventions which excluded pancreatic cases. Studies involving SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy, hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y, pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple or Child procedure), or Billroth II gastrectomy were analyzed. Enteroscopy, biliary cannulation, and procedural success were assessed by pooling data in a random-effect model, according to the degree of heterogeneity, to obtain a proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI). The outcomes observed for conventional and short SBE cases were also reported.

RESULTS

Overall, 1227 SBE-assisted ERCP procedures from 21 studies were included. The pooled enteroscopy, biliary cannulation, and procedural success rates were 86.6% (95% CI, 82.4-90.3%), 90% (95% CI, 87.1-92.5%), and 75.8% (95% CI, 71.0-80.3%), respectively. Adverse events occurred in 6.6% (95% CI, 5.3-8.2%) of the procedures. Although good outcomes were reported for short SBE-assisted ERCP, these should not be directly compared to the outcomes observed for conventional SBE, as they assume different backgrounds and include confounding variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy on biliary interventions is effective.

Current Status of Endoscopic Biliary Drainage in Patients with Distal Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Distal malignant biliary obstruction is caused by various malignant diseases that require biliary drainage. In patients with operable situations, preoperative biliary drainage is required to control jaundice and cholangitis until surgery. In view of tract seeding, endoscopic biliary drainage is the first choice. Since neoadjuvant therapies are being developed, the time to surgery is increasing, especially in pancreatic cancer cases. Therefore, it requires long stent patency. Recently, preoperative biliary drainage using self-expandable metal stents has been reported as a useful modality to secure long stent patency. In patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction, self-expandable metal stent is the first choice for maintaining long stent patency. Although there are many comparison studies between a covered and an uncovered self-expandable metal stent, their use is still controversial. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage has been performed as an alternative treatment. The clinical success and stent patency are favorable. We should take into consideration that both endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided biliary drainage and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage have advantages and disadvantages and chose the drainage method depending on the patient’s situation or the expertise of the endoscopist. Here, we discuss the current status of endoscopic biliary drainage in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction.

Outcomes and Loop Pattern Analysis of a Road-Map Technique for ERCP with Side-Viewing Duodenoscope in Patients with Billroth II Gastrectomy (with Video)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients who have undergone a Billroth II gastrectomy is a major challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the road-map technique for duodenal intubation using a side-viewing duodenoscope for ERCP in Billroth II gastrectomy patients with naïve papilla, and to analyze the formation and release patterns of common bowel loops that occur when the duodenoscope navigates the afferent limb. The duodenoscopy approach success rate was 85.8% (97/113). In successful duodenoscopy approach patients, there were five bowel looping patterns that occurred when the preceding catheter-connected duodenoscope was advanced into the duodenum: (1) reverse ɣ-loop (29.9%), (2) fixed reverse ɣ-loop (5.2%), (3) simple U-loop (22.7%), (4) N-loop (28.9%), and (5) reverse alpha loop (13.4%). The duodenoscopy cannulation and duodenoscopy therapeutic success rates were 81.4% (92/113) and 80.5% (91/113), respectively, while the overall cannulation and therapeutic success rates were 92.0% (104/113) and 87.6% (99/113), respectively. Bowel perforation occurred in three patients (2.7%). The road-map technique may benefit duodenoscope-based ERCP in Billroth II gastrectomy patients by minimizing the tangential axis alignment between the duodenoscopic tip and driving of the afferent limb, and by predicting and counteracting bowel loops that occur when the duodenoscope navigates the afferent limb.

Recent Advances of Interventional Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Ultrasound for Patients with Surgically Altered Anatomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered to be the gold standard for diagnosis and interventions in biliopancreatic diseases. However, ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) appears to be more difficult compared to cases with normal anatomy. Since the production of a balloon enteroscope (BE) for small intestine disorders, BE had also been used for biliopancreatic diseases in patients with SAA. Since the development of BE-assisted ERCP, the outcomes of procedures, such as stone extraction or drainage, have been reported as favorable. Recently, an interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), such as EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD), has been developed and is available mainly for patients with difficult cases of ERCP. It is a good option for patients with SAA. The effectiveness of interventional EUS for patients with SAA has been reported. Both BE-assisted ERCP and interventional EUS have advantages and disadvantages. The choice of procedure should be individualized to the patient’s condition or the expertise of the endoscopists. The aim of this review article is to discuss recent advances in interventional ERCP and EUS for patients with SAA.

Factors Affecting Technical Difficulty in Balloon Enteroscopy-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients with Surgically Altered Anatomy

Success rates of balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (BE-ERCP) for patients with a reconstructed intestinal tract after surgical procedures are unsatisfactory. We retrospectively investigated the factors associated with unsuccessful BE-ERCP. Ninety-one patients who had a reconstructed intestinal tract after gastrectomy or choledochojejunostomy were enrolled. Age, sex, operative method, malignancy, endoscope type, endoscopist’s skill, emergency procedure, and time required to reach the papilla/anastomosis were examined. The primary endpoints were the factors associated with unsuccessful BE-ERCP selective cannulation, while the secondary endpoints were the rate of reaching the papilla/anastomosis, causes of failure to reach the papilla/anastomosis, cannulation success rate, procedure success rate, and rate of adverse events. Younger age (odds ratio, 0.832; 95% CI, 0.706–0.982; p = 0.001) and Roux-en-Y partial gastrectomy (odds ratio, 54.9; 95% CI, 1.09–2763; p = 0.045) were associated with unsuccessful BE- ERCP. The rate of reaching the papilla/anastomosis was 92.3%, the success rate of biliary duct cannulation was 90.5%, procedure success rate was 78.0%, and the rate of adverse events was 5.6%. In conclusion, Roux-en-Y partial gastrectomy and younger age were associated with unsuccessful BE-ERCP. If BE-ERCP is extremely difficult to perform in such patients after Roux-en-Y partial gastrectomy, alternative procedures should be considered early.

Safety and efficacy of small-bowel capsule endoscopy examination in patients with Billroth II gastrojejunostomy

BACKGROUND

Small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) has become an increasingly utilized imaging modality for patients suspected of having small intestinal diseases. However, data regarding the role of SBCE in patients with Billroth II gastrojejunostomy are limited. The objective is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SBCE in Billroth II gastrojejunostomy patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied patients with Billroth II gastrojejunostomy who underwent MiroCam capsule endoscopy between August 2013 and October 2019. Baseline patient characteristics; gastroscopic and SBCE findings; capsule transit time; and the occurrence of adverse events were collected and compared between groups with and without anastomotic lesions.

RESULTS

In total, 30 patients were analyzed in the study. The median age was 59 years, and 26 patients (86.7%) were men. The majority of SBCE positive findings including ulcers (10.0%), angioectasias (6.7%) and polyps (6.7%). In patients with (n = 10) and without (n = 20) anastomotic lesions, the anastomotic lesion was significantly associated with a delayed gastric transit time (GTT) (P = 0.026), but the two groups showed no significant difference in completion (P > 0.05). All patients underwent successful SBCE examinations without adverse events, except device transit into the afferent loop, where it remained for nearly 2 h, occurred in one case with anastomotic ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study demonstrates that SBCE is a safe and effective diagnostic tool in patients with Billroth II gastrojejunostomy with a favorable gastroscopic evaluation within 7 days prior. The frequently real-time monitoring is suggested due to the risk of retention in the afferent loop, and a delayed food intake is required when a prolonged stay in the afferent loop occurred.

Usefulness of self-expandable metal stents for malignant biliary obstruction using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope in patients with surgically altered anatomy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) using a short-type single-balloon enteroscopy (short SBE) in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA).

METHODS

The technical success rate, clinical success rate, recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), time to RBO (TRBO), procedure related adverse events, and reintervention after RBO were evaluated from September 2011 to June 2020.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (11 patients with distal MBO and 26 with hilar MBO) who underwent SEMS placement were included in the analysis. The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 94.6%. Seven patients underwent bilateral stenting (partial stent-in-stent placement) for hilar MBO. The RBO rate was 13.5% (5/37) and the median TRBO was 212 (interquartile range [IQR], 154-296) days. No food impaction occurred in this study. Procedure related adverse events occurred in 5.4% (2/37) of cases. Reintervention was attempted in five patients and all succeeded (four patients underwent SEMS replacement, and one underwent plastic stent placement).

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS placement for unresectable MBO using a short SBE in patients with SAA is effective and safe in similar ways to that in patients with normal anatomy in terms of bilateral stenting, stent patency, and reintervention.

Antegrade Therapy for Management of Choledocholithiasis through Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy in a Patient with Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HG) is a technique used to access the biliary tree in patients with surgically altered anatomy. Additionally, development of EUS-HG fistula permits intraductal therapy, thereby preventing patients from requiring surgery or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), thus decreasing morbidity. This clinical vignette describes an 83-year-old man with a history of gangrenous cholecystitis requiring cholecystectomy, partial gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy who presented to an outside hospital with abdominal pain and fever and found to have cholangitis and choledocholithiasis. He underwent two endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures at an outside hospital which were unsuccessful due to an inaccessible major papilla in the setting of the patient's surgically altered anatomy. On arrival to Wake Forest, the patient underwent EUS-HG with successful biliary drainage and resolution of cholangitis. He returned for ERCP three months later with balloon sphincteroplasty, cholangioscopy, and electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) performed through the existing metal stent (hepaticogastrostomy), resulting in stone fragmentation and antegrade removal with balloon sweeps. Repeat cholangioscopy post-EHL and balloon sweeps showed complete duct clearance with no residual stones. The hepaticogastrostomy stent was subsequently removed, and the patient recovered without any complications.

Feasibility of balloon endoscope-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the elderly

Background and study aims  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for patients with surgically altered anatomy is challenging. Recently, balloon endoscopy has been shown to facilitate ERCP for this population with a high technical success rate, but adverse events (AEs) are not uncommon. Compared to non-elderly patients, elderly patients may be at higher risk of AEs due to underlying comorbidities. The current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of balloon endoscope-assisted ERCP (BE-ERCP) for the elderly. Patients and methods  We retrospectively identified patients who underwent BE-ERCP between January 2010 and September 2019. For patients who underwent multiple procedures during the study period, the first session was analyzed. Early AEs associated with BE-ERCP were compared between elderly (≥ 75 years) and non-elderly patients. Results  A total of 1,363 BE-ERCP procedures were performed, and 568 patients (211 elderly and 357 non-elderly) were included for the analyses. Technical success rates were high in both the elderly and non-elderly groups (80 % vs. 80 %, respectively). The rates of early AEs were similar between the groups (12 % vs. 9.0 % in the elderly and non-elderly group, respectively; P  = 0.31). The mltivariable-adjusted odds ratio for early AEs comparing elderly to non-elderly patients was 1.36 (95 % confidence interval, 0.74-2.51; P  = 0.32). Specifically, we did not observe between-group differences in rates of gastrointestinal perforation (2.4 % vs. 2.8 % in elderly and non-elderly groups, respectively; P  = 0.99) and aspiration pneumonia (1.9 % vs. 0.6 %, P  = 0.20). Conclusions  BE-ERCP is a feasible procedure for elderly individuals with surgically altered anatomy.

Biliary Cannulation in Patients with Roux-en-Y Gastrectomy: An Analysis of the Factors Associated with Successful Cannulation

Objective We investigated the results of biliary cannulation using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope in patients with a native papilla who had previously undergone Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and analyzed the factors associated with successful cannulation. Methods The study subjects consisted of patients with a native papilla who had previously undergone Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope at our institution between September 2011 and July 2019. We carried out a retrospective investigation of the outcomes, including assessing the success rate of biliary cannulation, and analyzed the factors associated with successful cannulation. Results In total, 78 patients underwent biliary cannulation of a native papilla. The success rate of biliary cannulation was 80.8% (88.5% when including success on repeated attempts). The success rate of the standard cannulation technique was 60.3%, with the use of advanced cannulation techniques to secure the pancreatic duct providing the same additional effect as a normal anatomy. Adverse events occurred in 9.0% of cases. A multivariate analysis of the Roux-en-Y gastrectomy patients found that cannulation was more likely to be successful in patients in whom the scope could be placed in the retroflex position (odds ratio: 7.88, 95% confidence interval: 2.19-37.77, p<0.001). Conclusion Selective biliary cannulation using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope in patients with a native papilla who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastrectomy was effective and safe. The retroflex position provided a good papilla field of view and improved the success rate of biliary cannulation.

Interventional endoscopic ultrasonography in patients with surgically altered anatomy: Techniques and literature review

There are various reconstruction techniques that are used after upper gastrointestinal surgery. In recent years, opportunities for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment have been increasing in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. With the advent of interventional endoscopic ultrasound (IV-EUS), various procedures have been developed mainly for patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is difficult to carry out. Indications for such procedures are expanding. IV-EUS for surgically altered anatomy (SAA) includes EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration, biliary interventions (e.g. biliary drainage, treatment of bile duct stricture, removal of bile duct stones, and the rendezvous technique), and pancreatic interventions (e.g. rendezvous technique after Whipple surgery). In addition, there have been reports of various EUS-related procedures using a forward-viewing curved linear-array echoendoscope that are carried out for postoperative intestinal tract reconstruction. Although interventional EUS is a useful therapeutic procedure for SAA, there are still no dedicated devices, and standardization of the procedure is warranted.

Novel technique using pancreatic duct stent facilitates difficult biliary cannulation in patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy (with video)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy has been reported to be useful. However, selective biliary cannulation through the papilla is difficult in cases with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Herein, we report a successful biliary cannulation using a pancreatic duct (PD) stent in patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy. A 70-year-old man who underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anatomy was admitted to our hospital with jaundice due to recurrence of gastric cancer. ERCP was performed for biliary drainage. We approached the papilla using a short-type single-balloon enteroscope (SIF-H290; Olympus Medical Systems). Because the papilla was positioned tangentially, it was difficult to adjust the catheter in the direction of the bile duct. As only a PD could be cannulated, we placed a guidewire in the PD. Although we attempted the double-guidewire technique using a guidewire placed in PD, selective biliary cannulation was difficult. Therefore, we placed a PD stent 5Fr-5cm (Geenen, Pancreatic Stent Sets, Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA) to assist biliary cannulation. We inserted a catheter crossing the PD stent. With this, selective biliary cannulation was successful. We successfully performed selective biliary cannulation using the PD stent as we were able to fix the papilla, straighten the common channel and the axis of the bile duct, and not restrict scope movement by not using the PD guidewire placement method. This novel technique using a PD stent appears to be useful in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.