Effect of submucosal injection in endoscopic papillectomy of ampullary tumor: Propensity-score matching analysis

Factors associated with delayed bleeding following ampullectomy: A retrospective cohort study

Introduction and objectives

Endoscopic ampullectomy is the preferred treatment for selected periampullary lesions, yet up to 10.6% of patients may experience delayed bleeding post-procedure. This study aims to identify predictors for bleeding, which remain poorly understood.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent endoscopic ampullectomy (EA) between January 2011 and September 2023. The primary outcome was the risk factors for delayed bleeding, defined as post-procedural bleeding that necessitated either an emergency department visit, hospital admission, blood transfusion, or re-intervention. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, such as perforation and pancreatitis.

Results

A total of 113 patients underwent EA, and 25 (22.1%) experienced delayed bleeding. Of these, 20 (80%) required repeat endoscopy, six (24%) needed blood transfusions, and three (12%) were managed conservatively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified international normalized ratio ≥1.2 (odds ratio [OR] 3.32, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.03-10.74, p = 0.05), presence of high-grade dysplasia or intramucosal cancer (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.20-11.81, p = 0.03), female sex (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.11-8.93, p = 0.03), size of lesion (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08, p = 0.03) and procedure duration (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, p = 0.04) as independent predictors of delayed bleeding.

Conclusion

Several factors, including features of high-grade dysplasia-intramucosal cancer, international normalized ratio ≥1.2, female sex, lesion size, and procedure duration are associated with delayed post-ampullectomy bleeding. These factors should be taken into consideration when strategizing the reduction of post-ampullectomy bleeding.

Endoscopic papillectomy versus surgical ampullectomy for adenomas and early cancers of the papilla: a retrospective Pancreas2000/European Pancreatic Club analysis

OBJECTIVE

Ampullary neoplastic lesions can be resected by endoscopic papillectomy (EP) or transduodenal surgical ampullectomy (TSA) while pancreaticoduodenectomy is reserved for more advanced lesions. We present the largest retrospective comparative study analysing EP and TSA.

DESIGN

Of all patients in the database, lesions with prior interventions, benign histology advanced malignancy (T2 and more), patients with hereditary syndromes and those undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy were excluded. All remaining cases as well as a subgroup of them, after propensity-score matching (nearest-neighbour-method) based on age, gender, anthropometrics, comorbidities, size and histological subtype, were analysed. The median follow-up was 21 months (IQR 10-47) after the primary intervention. Primary outcomes were rates of complete resection (R0) and complications. Groups were compared by Fisher's exact or χ2 test, Mann-Whitney-U-test and log-rank test for survival.

RESULTS

Of 1673 patients in the database, 1422 underwent EP and 251 TSA. Of them, 23.2% were excluded for missing or inconclusive data and 19.8% of patients for prior interventions or hereditary syndromes. Final histology showed in 24.2% of EP and 14.8% of TSA patients a histology other than adenoma or adenocarcinoma while advanced cancers were recorded in 10.9% of EP and 36.6% of TSA patients. Finally, 569 EP and 63 TSA were included in the overall analysis, with a higher rate of more advanced cases and higher R0 resection rates in the TSA groups (90.5% vs 73.1%; p<0.01), with additional ablation in the EP group in 14.4%. Severe adverse event rates were 3.2% (TSA) vs 1.9% (EP). Recurrence after histological R0 resection was 16% (EP) vs 3.2% (TSA; p=0.01), and additional therapy for R1 resection was applied in 67% of the 159 cases. Propensity-score-based matching identified 62 pairs of EP/TSA patients with comparable baseline patient and lesion characteristics. The initial R0-rate was 72.6% (EP) compared with 90.3% (TSA, p=0.02) with recurrences found in 8% (EP) vs 3.2% (TSA; p=0.07); reinterventions were more frequent in the EP group. Overall survival was comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of patients with poor indications due to non-neoplastic disease or advanced cancer is still high for both EP and TSA; multiple retreatments were necessary for EP. Although EP can be considered an appropriate primary therapy for certain ampullary adenomas, case selection for both therapies (especially with regard to the best step-up approach) should be studied further.

Long-term Outcomes of Ampullary Adenoma According to Resected Margin Status after Endoscopic Papillectomy

Background/Aims

: Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is increasingly used as an alternative to surgery for managing benign ampullary neoplasms. However, post-EP resection margins are often positive or indeterminate, and there is no consensus on the management of ampullary adenomas with positive or indeterminate margins after EP. This study was designed to compare the long-term outcomes between resected margin-negative (RMN) and resected margin-positive/indeterminate (RMPI) groups and to identify factors associated with clinical outcomes.

Methods

: This retrospective analysis included patients with ampullary adenoma without evidence of adenocarcinoma who underwent EP between 2004 and 2016. The RMN and RMPI groups were compared for recurrence rates and recurrence-free duration during a mean follow-up duration of 71.7±39.8 months. Factors related to clinical outcomes were identified using multivariate analysis.

Results

: Of the 129 patients who underwent EP, 82 were in the RMN group and 47 were in the RMPI group. The RMPI group exhibited a higher recurrence rate compared to the RMN group (14.6% vs 34.0%, p=0.019). However, the recurrence-free duration was not significantly different between the groups (34.7±32.6 months vs 36.2±27.4 months, p=0.900). Endoscopic treatment successfully managed recurrence in both groups (75% vs 75%). Submucosal injection was a significant risk factor for residual lesions (hazard ratio, 4.11; p=0.009) and recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.57; p=0.021).

Conclusions

: Although ampullary adenomas with positive or indeterminate margins after EP showed a higher rate of recurrence at long-term follow-up, endoscopic treatment was effective with favorable long-term outcomes. Submucosal injection prior to resection was associated with increased risk of recurrence and residual lesions.

Endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary lesions in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis compared with sporadic lesions: a propensity score-matched cohort

BACKGROUND

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare inherited syndrome that predisposes the patient to cancer. Treatment of FAP-related ampullary lesions is challenging and the role of endoscopic papillectomy has not been elucidated. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of endoscopic papillectomy in matched cohorts of FAP-related and sporadic ampullary lesions (SALs).

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study included 1422 endoscopic papillectomy procedures. Propensity score matching including age, sex, comorbidity, histologic subtype, and size was performed. Main outcomes were complete resection (R0), technical success, complications, and recurrence.

RESULTS

Propensity score matching identified 202 patients (101 FAP, 101 SAL) with comparable baseline characteristics. FAP patients were mainly asymptomatic (79.2 % [95 %CI 71.2-87.3] vs. 46.5 % [95 %CI 36.6-56.4]); P < 0.001). The initial R0 rate was significantly lower in FAP patients (63.4 % [95 %CI 53.8-72.9] vs. 83.2 % [95 %CI 75.8-90.6]; P = 0.001). After repeated interventions (mean 1.30 per patient), R0 was comparable (FAP 93.1 % [95 %CI 88.0-98.1] vs. SAL 97.0 % [95 %CI 93.7-100]; P = 0.19). Adverse events occurred in 28.7 %. Pancreatitis and bleeding were the most common adverse events in both groups. Severe adverse events were rare (3.5 %). Overall, 21 FAP patients (20.8 % [95 %CI 12.7-28.8]) and 16 SAL patients (15.8 % [95 %CI 8.6-23.1]; P = 0.36) had recurrence. Recurrences occurred later in FAP patients (25 [95 %CI 18.3-31.7] vs. 2 [95 %CI CI 0.06-3.9] months).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic papillectomy was safe and effective in FAP-related ampullary lesions. Criteria for endoscopic resection of ampullary lesions can be extended to FAP patients. FAP patients have a lifetime risk of relapse even after complete resection, and require long-time surveillance.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillectomy: a multicenter, retrospective, cohort study on 227 patients

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic papillectomy is a minimally invasive treatment for benign tumors of the ampulla of Vater or early ampullary carcinoma. However, reported recurrence rates are significant and risk factors for recurrence are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillectomy and to identify risk factors for recurrence and adverse events.

METHODS

All patients who underwent endoscopic papillectomy at five tertiary referral centers between January 2008 and December 2018 were included. Recurrence was defined as the detection of residue on one of the follow-up endoscopies. Treatment success was defined as the absence of tumor residue on the last follow-up endoscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 227 patients were included. The resections were en bloc in 64.8% of cases. The mean lesion size was 20 mm (range: 3-80) with lateral extension in 23.3% of cases. R0 resection was achieved in 45.3% of cases. The recurrence rate was 30.6%, and 60.7% of recurrences were successfully treated with additional endoscopic treatment. Finally, treatment success was achieved in 82.8% of patients with a median follow-up time of 22.3 months. R1 resection, intraductal invasion, and tumor size > 2 cm were associated with local recurrence. Adverse events occurred in 36.6% of patients and included pancreatitis (17.6%), post-procedural hemorrhage (11.0%), perforation (5.2%), and biliary stenosis (2.6%). The mortality rate was 0.9%.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic papillectomy is an effective and relatively well-tolerated treatment for localized ampullary tumors. In this series, R1 resection, intraductal invasion, and lesion size > 2 cm were associated with local recurrence.

Oral anticoagulants but not antiplatelet agents increase the risk of delayed bleeding after endoscopic papillectomy: a large study in a tertiary referral center

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is an effective curative treatment in patients with ampullary adenomas. However, EP is burdened by a not-negligible risk of bleeding. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for delayed bleeding after EP.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively-collected database was performed, retrieving all EP performed over a 20-year period. Anti-thrombotic treatments were managed according to guidelines. Delayed bleeding was defined as overt gastrointestinal bleeding or drop in haemoglobin level. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify variables related to delayed bleeding.

RESULTS

Three-hundred-seven patients (48.5% male, median age 68-year-old) entered the study; of them, 51 (16.6%) received anti-thrombotic treatments. Delayed bleeding occurred in 44 (14.3%) patients. No difference was observed in patients receiving antiplatelet agents. Multivariate analysis identified oral anticoagulant agents (odd Ratio 4.37 [2.86-5.95]) and procedural bleeding (OR 2.22 [1.10-4.40]) as independently related to delayed bleeding; in patients with no procedural bleeding, oral anticoagulant agents (OR 5.63 [2.25-9.83]) and ampullary tumor size (OR 1.07 [1.01-1.13]) were independently related to delayed bleeding. Patients on anticoagulant agents presented significantly higher need for blood transfusion (16.7 vs. 1.5%); no difference in intensive care unit admission, surgery or mortality was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that patients on oral antiplatelet agents do not present increased risk for post-EP delayed bleeding. EP represents a valid alternative to surgery even in patients on anticoagulant agents, despite significantly increased risk of delayed bleeding. A tailored approach to those cases should be planned.

Clinical practice guidelines for endoscopic papillectomy

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has developed the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Endoscopic Papillectomy (EP)" as a fundamental guideline using scientific approach. EP is a recently spreading therapeutic modality for ampullary tumors ranked as high risk endoscopic technique. Because of the paucity of high level of evidence, strength of recommendations had to be determined by a consensus among specialists. These guidelines, shed light on the following five issues: Indications, Preoperative/intraoperative preparations and techniques, Early adverse events, Therapeutic outcomes and remnants/recurrences, and Follow-up and late adverse events, to guide current clinical practice on EP.

Endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary adenomatous lesions: A literature review

Ampullary adenomatous lesions of the gastrointestinal tract are rare and can be asymptomatic. Therefore, ampullary adenomas with malignant potential require prompt removal, regardless of whether they are adenomatous or carcinomatous lesions. Endoscopic papillectomy is a safe and effective alternative therapy to surgery to treat duodenal papillary lesions in selected patients. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and staging of ampullary adenomatous lesions are critical for predicting prognosis and determining the most appropriate therapeutic approach. Furthermore, the management and prevention of adverse events and endoscopic treatment for remnant or recurrent lesions and surveillance are essential for successful endoscopic management of ampullary adenomatous lesions. This literature review was based on PubMed and MEDLINE and focused on recent advancements in the endoscopic papillectomy technique to provide a comprehensive view of endoscopic papillectomy to treat ampullary adenomatous lesions.

Expert consensus on endoscopic papillectomy using a Delphi process

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Consensus regarding an optimal algorithm for endoscopic treatment of papillary adenomas has not been established. We aimed to assess the existing degree of consensus among international experts and develop further concordance by means of a Delphi process.

METHODS

Fifty-two international experts in the field of endoscopic papillectomy were invited to participate. Data were collected between August and December 2019 using an online survey platform. Three rounds were conducted. Consensus was defined as ≥70% agreement.

RESULTS

Sixteen experts (31%) completed the full process, and consensus was achieved on 47 of the final 79 statements (59%). Diagnostic workup should include at least an upper endoscopy using a duodenoscope (100%) and biopsy sampling (94%). There should be selected use of additional abdominal imaging (75%-81%). Patients with (suspected) papillary malignancy or over 1 cm intraductal extension should be referred for surgical resection (76%). To prevent pancreatitis, rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be administered before resection (82%) and a pancreatic stent should be placed (100%). A biliary stent is indicated in case of ongoing bleeding from the papillary region (76%) or concerns for a (micro)perforation after resection (88%). Follow-up should be started 3 to 6 months after initial papillectomy and repeated every 6 to 12 months for at least 5 years (75%).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first step in developing an international consensus-based algorithm for endoscopic management of papillary adenomas. Surprisingly, in many areas consensus could not be achieved. These aspects should be the focus of future studies.

Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline update

This is a collaboration between the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), and is a scheduled update of their 2016 guideline on endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The guideline development committee included representatives from the British Society of Haematology, the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society, and two patient representatives from the charities Anticoagulation UK and Thrombosis UK, as well as gastroenterologists. The process conformed to AGREE II principles and the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were derived using GRADE methodology. Prior to submission for publication, consultation was made with all member societies of ESGE, including BSG. Evidence-based revisions have been made to the risk categories for endoscopic procedures, and to the categories for risks of thrombosis. In particular a more detailed risk analysis for atrial fibrillation has been employed, and the recommendations for direct oral anticoagulants have been strengthened in light of trial data published since the previous version. A section has been added on the management of patients presenting with acute GI haemorrhage. Important patient considerations are highlighted. Recommendations are based on the risk balance between thrombosis and haemorrhage in given situations.

Endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy: British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline update

This is a collaboration between the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), and is a scheduled update of their 2016 guideline on endoscopy in patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The guideline development committee included representatives from the British Society of Haematology, the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society, and two patient representatives from the charities Anticoagulation UK and Thrombosis UK, as well as gastroenterologists. The process conformed to AGREE II principles, and the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were derived using GRADE methodology. Prior to submission for publication, consultation was made with all member societies of ESGE, including BSG. Evidence-based revisions have been made to the risk categories for endoscopic procedures, and to the categories for risks of thrombosis. In particular a more detailed risk analysis for atrial fibrillation has been employed, and the recommendations for direct oral anticoagulants have been strengthened in light of trial data published since the previous version. A section has been added on the management of patients presenting with acute GI haemorrhage. Important patient considerations are highlighted. Recommendations are based on the risk balance between thrombosis and haemorrhage in given situations.

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Adenocarcinoma at the Minor Duodenal Papilla: A Case Report and Suggestions for the Optimal Treatment Strategy

We herein report an extremely rare case of adenocarcinoma of the minor duodenal papilla (MiDP) which was successfully treated by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). An asymptomatic 84-year-old man underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a slightly elevated lesion at the MiDP. The biopsy findings were suggestive of adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance images and endoscopic ultrasonography did not reveal pancreatic tumor infiltration nor any apparent distant metastases. Therefore, we treated the lesion using EMR with complete resection. No recurrence or metastasis has been detected at 13 months after EMR. Total resection of the MiDP can thus serve as a relatively safe and simple treatment.

Therapeutic Outcomes and Risk Factors for Complications of Endoscopic Papillectomy: A Retrospective Analysis of a Single-Center Study

Purpose

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) has been accepted as a viable alternative therapy to surgery in benign duodenal papillary lesions. However, postoperative complications limit its widespread clinical application. This study aimed to evaluate the overall safety of the EP procedure and identify significant risk factors of post-EP complications.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively collected 76 patients who had undergone EP in Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2016 to 2019 and graded their postoperative complications. We assessed twelve patient-, disease- or procedure-related variables to identify risk factors related to the occurrence of post-EP complications using both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Among the 76 patients included in this study, the incidence of entire post-EP complications was 36.8%, most of which were in a mild form. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, the pathologic tumor types, especially high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HIN), and the placement of stents were significantly associated with the occurrence of post-EP complications. Patients with HIN tumors were more likely to have post-EP pancreatitis, bleeding, and overall complications (odds ratio (OR) 11.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.91–62.5, P = 0.001; OR 6.52, 95% CI 1.45–46.77, P = 0.027; OR 9.81, 95% CI 2.75–44.04, P = 0.001, respectively). Pancreatic stent placement may contribute to the occurrence of post-EP pancreatitis (OR 7.61, 95% CI 1.37–64.53, P = 0.033). While biliary stent placement was found negatively related to the occurrence of post-EP bleeding and overall complications (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0–0.37, P = 0.016; OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.99, P = 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

EP is a safe procedure for papillary lesion treatment with a low rate and generally mild postoperative complications. Two factors are significantly associated with the occurrence of complications. The selection of eligible patients and suitable procedures is important to reduce the complication rate and severity.

Endoscopic management of ampullary tumors: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline

1: ESGE recommends against diagnostic/therapeutic papillectomy when adenoma is not proven.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 2: ESGE recommends endoscopic ultrasound and abdominal magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for staging of ampullary tumors.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 3: ESGE recommends endoscopic papillectomy in patients with ampullary adenoma without intraductal extension, because of good results regarding outcome (technical and clinical success, morbidity, and recurrence).Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 4: ESGE recommends en bloc resection of ampullary adenomas up to 20-30 mm in diameter to achieve R0 resection, for optimizing the complete resection rate, providing optimal histopathology, and reduction of the recurrence rate after endoscopic papillectomy.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 5: ESGE suggests considering surgical treatment of ampullary adenomas when endoscopic resection is not feasible for technical reasons (e. g. diverticulum, size > 4 cm), and in the case of intraductal involvement (of > 20 mm). Surveillance thereafter is still mandatory.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 6: ESGE recommends direct snare resection without submucosal injection for endoscopic papillectomy.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 7: ESGE recommends prophylactic pancreatic duct stenting to reduce the risk of pancreatitis after endoscopic papillectomy.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 8: ESGE recommends long-term monitoring of patients after endoscopic papillectomy or surgical ampullectomy, based on duodenoscopy with biopsies of the scar and of any abnormal area, within the first 3 months, at 6 and 12 months, and thereafter yearly for at least 5 years.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis: Endoscopic and Surgical Resection for Ampullary Lesions

Ampullary lesions (ALs) can be treated by endoscopic (EA) or surgical ampullectomy (SA) or pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, EA carries significant risk of incomplete resection while surgical interventions can lead to substantial morbidity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for R0, adverse-events (AEs) and recurrence between EA, SA and PD. Electronic databases were searched from 1990 to 2018. Outcomes were calculated as pooled means using fixed and random-effects models and the Freeman-Tukey-Double-Arcsine-Proportion-model. We identified 59 independent studies. The pooled R0 rate was 76.6% (71.8-81.4%, I2 = 91.38%) for EA, 96.4% (93.6-99.2%, I2 = 37.8%) for SA and 98.9% (98.0-99.7%, I2 = 0%) for PD. AEs were 24.7% (19.8-29.6%, I2 = 86.4%), 28.3% (19.0-37.7%, I2 = 76.8%) and 44.7% (37.9-51.4%, I2 = 0%), respectively. Recurrences were registered in 13.0% (10.2-15.6%, I2 = 91.3%), 9.4% (4.8-14%, I2 = 57.3%) and 14.2% (9.5-18.9%, I2 = 0%). Differences between proportions were significant in R0 for EA compared to SA (p = 0.007) and PD (p = 0.022). AEs were statistically different only between EA and PD (p = 0.049) and recurrence showed no significance for EA/SA or EA/PD. Our data indicate an increased rate of complete resection in surgical interventions accompanied with a higher risk of complications. However, studies showed various sources of bias, limited quality of data and a significant heterogeneity, particularly in EA studies.

ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLECTOMY FOR EARLY AMPULLARY NEOPLASTIC LESIONS - A CASE SERIES ANALYSIS

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic papillectomy has been conceived as a less invasive therapeutic option for treatment of early neoplastic lesions located at the major duodenal papilla.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating patients with early ampullary lesions who underwent curative intent endoscopic papillectomy related to technical success (histopathological tumor margin assessment) and safety (adverse event rate).

METHODS

A retrospective study including consecutive patients who underwent curative intent endoscopic papillectomy for demographic, histopathological and pre-/post-procedural clinical assessment. Endpoints were technical success (histopathological residual tumor assessment) and adverse events rates.

RESULTS

A total of 21 medical records patients with a female predominance (13 cases, 61.9%) were included. The tumor was incidental in 8 (38%) cases. Negative residual tumor resection margin rate was 72% (15 cases); three of these cases confirmed high-grade dysplasia in the resected specimen, and six cases were invasive neoplasia. Tumoral recurrence was seen in two cases, and median follow-up time was 12 months, with a 23% loss rate (five patients). Six (28.5%) patients had adverse events, all of them early (bleeding and pancreatitis); none of them required surgical intervention and there was no mortality.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic papillectomy allowed for technical successful procedure with complete removal of ampullary neoplastic lesions in the majority of cases with acceptable adverse event rates. Recurrence rate should be carefully assessed in further studies. There was a recent increase in the number of procedures. There was also a low correlation between pre- and post-histopathological assessment regarding the presence of invasive carcinoma and adenoma with high grade dysplasia, with a predominance of superficial neoplastic adenomatous lesions.

Insights and updates on endoscopic papillectomy

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) has been established as a useful endoscopic therapy by the efforts of many pancreatobiliary endoscopists and is presently accepted as a reliable alternative therapy to surgery in patients with ampullary adenoma. Moreover, there have been numerous advancements in EP techniques in recent years. Various approaches and attempts toward expanding the indications of endoscopic resection have been reported. Furthermore, the management and prevention of adverse events (AEs) and endoscopic treatment for remnant or recurrent lesions have also been reported. In the present review, we focus on recent advancements in the EP technique, as well as speculate on the future issues of EP.

AREA COVERED

This review of EP encompasses the indications, preoperative assessments, endoscopic techniques, outcomes, and AEs of EP, post-EP surveillance techniques, and treatments for remnant or recurrence lesions.

EXPERT OPINION

The ultimate goal of EP is the complete resection of ampullary tumors, regardless of whether they are adenomatous or carcinomatous lesions, without causing any AEs. Therefore, the most important issue is preoperative evaluation, that is, the accurate diagnosis of lesions contraindicated for EP. In addition, further research on the prevention of AEs is also necessary towards establishing EP as a safe endoscopic procedure.

Methods and outcome of the endoscopic treatment of ampullary tumors

Ampullary tumors are rare neoplasms but increasingly encountered due to an increase in diagnostic procedures, mainly upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Diagnosis, staging, and treatment of these tumors are described and recommendations given based on the most recent literature.

Endoscopic papillectomy for tumors of the major duodenal papilla

Aim.To evaluate an effectiveness of endoscopic papillectomy (EA) for benign ampullary tumors.

Material and methods.There were 45 patients with ampullary tumors who underwent endoscopic papillectomy in 2014–2018. Mean dimension of tumor was 2.25 ± 1.75 cm.

Results.Papillectomy was successfully performed in all cases. En-bloc resection was completed in 24 cases (53%), while 21 (47%) patients had a piecemeal resection. Pancreatic duct stenting was carried out in 30 (67%) cases. Postoperative complication rate was 31%. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 8 (18%) cases, perforation in 4 (8.9%) cases, acute pancreatitis in 2 (4.4%) cases. Mortality was 4.4 % (n= 2). Local recurrence rate within 4-year period was 2.2% (n= 1). Mean length of hospital-stay was 13 days (13 ± 11) considering prolonged treatment of patients with complicated postoperative period.

Conclusion.Endoscopic papillectomy is effective minimally invasive treatment of benign ampullary tumors. Regardless considerable morbidity rate, all of them may be effectively managed by medication or endoscopic procedure. EP can be considered as a first-line treatment of benign ampullary tumors.