Cost-effectiveness analysis of endoscopic ultrasound versus magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients with suspected common bile duct stones

Modern Management of Common Bile Duct Stones: Breakthroughs, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Common bile duct (CBD) stone management has evolved significantly with technological advances and an improved understanding of pathophysiology. This comprehensive review examines current evidence and emerging trends in CBD stone management, emphasizing modern diagnostic approaches and treatment paradigms. Recent developments in imaging techniques, including AI-assisted analysis, have enhanced diagnostic accuracy. Treatment strategies now emphasize minimally invasive approaches, with endoscopic techniques showing success rates exceeding 90% in experienced centers. Special considerations for specific populations, including elderly patients and those with altered anatomy, have led to refined management algorithms. Future directions include novel stone fragmentation technologies, biodegradable materials, and personalized medicine approaches. The integration of these advances, combined with a multidisciplinary approach, has improved patient outcomes while presenting new opportunities for enhanced care delivery. Continued technological innovation and refined techniques suggest a promising future for CBD stone management, although challenges remain in optimizing treatment selection and preventing recurrence.

Clinical predictors of significant findings on EUS for the evaluation of incidental common bile duct dilation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although EUS is highly accurate for the evaluation of common bile duct (CBD) dilation, the yield of EUS in patients with incidental CBD dilation is unclear.

METHODS

Serial patients undergoing EUS for incidental, dilated CBD (per radiologist, minimum of >6 mm objectively) from 2 academic medical centers without active pancreaticobiliary disease or significantly elevated liver function test results were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of EUS with significant findings and a novel prediction model was derived from one center, internally validated with bootstrapping, and externally validated at the second center.

RESULTS

Of 375 patients evaluated, 31 (8.3%) had significant findings, including 26 choledocholithiasis, 1 ampullary adenoma, and 1 pancreatic mass. Predictors of significant findings with EUS included age of ≥70 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-10.0), non-biliary-type abdominal pain without chronic pain (OR, 6.1; 95% CI, 2.3-17.3), CBD diameter of ≥15 mm or ≥17 mm with cholecystectomy (OR, 6.9; 95% CI, 2.7-18.7), and prior ERCP (OR, 6.8; 95% CI, 2.1-22.5). A point-based novel clinical prediction model was created: age of ≥70 years = 1, non-biliary-type abdominal pain without chronic pain = 2, prior ERCP = 2, and CBD dilation = 2. A score of <1 had 93% (development) and 100% (validation) sensitivity and predicted a <2% chance of having a significant finding in both cohorts while excluding the need for EUS in ∼30% of both cohorts. Conversely, a score of ≥4 was >90% specific for the presence of significant pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than 10% of patients undergoing EUS for incidental CBD dilation had pathologic findings. This novel, externally validated, clinical prediction model may reduce low-yield, invasive evaluation in nearly one-third of patients.

Meta-Analysis Reveals That Explore-Exploit Decisions are Dissociable by Activation in the Dorsal Lateral Prefrontal Cortex, Anterior Insula, and the Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Explore-exploit research faces challenges in generalizability due to a limited theoretical basis for exploration and exploitation. Neuroimaging can help identify whether explore-exploit decisions involve an opponent processing system to address this issue. Thus, we conducted a coordinate-based meta-analysis (N=23 studies) finding activation in the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex, anterior insula, and anterior cingulate cortex during exploration versus exploitation, which provides some evidence for opponent processing. However, the conjunction of explore-exploit decisions was associated with activation in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex, suggesting that these brain regions do not engage in opponent processing. Furthermore, exploratory analyses revealed heterogeneity in brain responses between task types during exploration and exploitation respectively. Coupled with results suggesting that activation during exploration and exploitation decisions is generally more similar than it is different suggests, there remain significant challenges in characterizing explore-exploit decision making. Nonetheless, dlPFC, AI, and ACC activation differentiate explore and exploit decisions and identifying these responses can aid in targeted interventions aimed at manipulating these decisions.

Assessing the impact of center volume on the cost-effectiveness of centralizing ERCP

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

ERCP is a complex endoscopic procedure in which the center's procedure volume influences outcomes. With the increasing healthcare expenses and limited resources, promoting cost-effective care becomes essential for healthcare provision. This study was a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate the hypothesis that high-volume (HV) centers perform ERCP with higher quality at lower costs than low-volume (LV) centers.

METHODS

A baseline case compared the current distribution of ERCPs among HV and LV centers with a hypothetical scenario in which all ERCPs are performed at HV centers. A cost-effectiveness analysis was constructed, followed by 1- and 2-way sensitivity analyses, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulations.

RESULTS

In the baseline case, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was -$151,270 per year, due to the hypothetical scenario's lower costs and slightly higher quality-adjusted life years. The model was most sensitive to changes in transportation costs (109.34%), probability of significant adverse events (AEs) after successful ERCP at LV centers (42.12%), utility after ERCP with significant AEs (30.10%), and probability of significant AEs after successful ERCP at HV centers (23.53%); only transportation costs above $3655 changed the study outcome, however. The current ERCP distribution would only be cost-effective if LV centers achieved higher success (≥92.4% vs 89.3%), with much lower significant AEs (≤.5% vs 6.7%). The study's main findings remained unchanged while combining all model parameters in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that HV centers have high-performance rates at lower costs, raising the need to consider the principle of centralization of ERCPs into HV centers to improve the quality of care.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Single-Use Duodenoscope Applied to Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

OBJECTIVES

Secondary infections due to transmission via the duodenoscope have been reported in up to 3% of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies. The use of single-use duodenoscopes has been suggested. We investigate the cost-effectiveness of these duodenoscopes use in cholangiopancreatography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cost-effectiveness analysis was implemented to compare the performance of cholangiopancreatographies with reusable duodenoscopes versus single-use duodenoscopes. Effectiveness was analyzed by calculating quality-adjusted life years (QALY) from the perspective of the National Health System. Possibility of crossover from single-use to reusable duodenoscopes was considered. A willingness-to-pay of €25,000/QALY was set, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated, and deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Considering cholangiopancreatographies with single-use and reusable duodenoscopes at a cost of €2900 and €1333, respectively, and a 10% rate of single-use duodenoscopes, ICER was greater than €3,000,000/QALY. A lower single-use duodenoscope cost of €1211 resulted in an ICER of €23,583/QALY. When the unit cost of the single-use duodenoscope was €1211, a crossover rate of more than 9.5% made the use of the single-use duodenoscope inefficient.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-use duodenoscopes are cost-effective in a proportion of cholangiopancreatographies if its cost is reduced. Increased crossover rate makes single-use duodenoscope use not cost-effective.

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography versus endoscopic ultrasound for diagnosis of choledocholithiasis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Both endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) are used for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis (CDL). Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding the optimal diagnostic strategy for suspected CDL; hence, this meta-analysis was conducted.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of literature from 1990 till April 2022 was done of three databases for studies comparing EUS and MRCP to diagnose CDL.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies were identified. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for EUS were 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92-0.98], and 0.92 (95% CI 0.85-0.96), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for MRCP were 0.85 (95% CI 0.78-0.90) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.79-0.96), respectively. EUS had a higher relative sensitivity [Relative risk (RR) 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.19], a higher diagnostic accuracy (Odds ratio 1.98, 95% CI 1.35-2.90) but comparable specificity (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.96-1.08) with MRCP.

CONCLUSION

There is little difference concerning specificity, although EUS likely provides a higher sensitivity and accuracy for diagnosing CDL, compared to MRCP.

Cost-Effectiveness of a Risk-Tailored Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Strategy Among Patients With New-Onset Diabetes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Screening for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in asymptomatic adults is not recommended, however, patients with new-onset diabetes (NoD) have an 8 times higher risk of PDAC than expected. A novel risk-tailored early detection strategy targeting high-risk NoD patients might improve PDAC prognosis. We sought to evaluate the cost effectiveness of this strategy.

METHODS

We compared PDAC early detection strategies targeting NoD individuals age 50 years and older at various minimal predicted PDAC risk thresholds vs standard of care in a Markov state-transition decision model under the health care sector perspective using a lifetime horizon.

RESULTS

At a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $150,000 per quality-adjusted life-year, the early detection strategy targeting patients with a minimum predicted 3-year PDAC risk of 1% was cost effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, $116,911). At a WTP threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year, the early detection strategy at the 2% risk threshold was cost effective (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, $63,045). The proportion of PDACs detected at local stage, costs of treatment for metastatic PDAC, utilities of local and regional cancers, and sensitivity of screening were the most influential parameters. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis confirmed that at a WTP threshold of $150,000, early detection at the 1.0% risk threshold was favored (30.6%), followed by the 0.5% risk threshold (20.4%) vs standard of care (1.7%). At a WTP threshold of $100,000, early detection at the 1.0% risk threshold was favored (27.3%) followed by the 2.0% risk threshold (22.8%) vs standard of care (2.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

A risk-tailored PDAC early detection strategy targeting NoD patients with a minimum predicted 3-year PDAC risk of 1.0% to 2.0% may be cost effective.

Incremental net benefit of cholecystectomy compared with alternative treatments in people with gallstones or cholecystitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cost–utility studies

Introduction

Cholecystectomy is a standard treatment in the management of symptomatic gallstone disease. Current literature has contradicting views on the cost-effectiveness of different cholecystectomy treatments. We have conducted a systematic reappraisal of literature concerning the cost-effectiveness of cholecystectomy in management of gallstone disease.

Methods

We systematically searched for economic evaluation studies from PubMed, Embase and Scopus for eligible studies from inception up to July 2020. We pooled the incremental net benefit (INB) with a 95% CI using a random-effects model. We assessed the heterogeneity using the Cochrane-Q test, I2 statistic. We have used the modified economic evaluation bias (ECOBIAS) checklist for quality assessment of the selected studies. We assessed the possibility of publication bias using a funnel plot and Egger’s test.

Results

We have selected 28 studies for systematic review from a search that retrieved 8710 studies. Among them, seven studies were eligible for meta-analysis, all from high-income countries (HIC). Studies mainly reported comparisons between surgical treatments, but non-surgical gallstone disease management studies were limited. The early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) was significantly more cost-effective compared with the delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) with an INB of US$1221 (US$187 to US$2255) but with high heterogeneity (I2=73.32%). The subgroup and sensitivity analysis also supported that ELC is the most cost-effective option for managing gallstone disease or cholecystitis.

Conclusion

ELC is more cost-effective than DLC in the treatment of gallstone disease or cholecystitis in HICs. There was insufficient literature on comparison with other treatment options, such as conservative management and limited evidence from other economies.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020194052.

The Diagnostic Value of Endoscopic Ultrasonography for Common Bile Duct Dilatation without Identifiable Etiology Detected from Cross-Sectional Imaging

Background/Aims

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is warranted when cross-sectional imaging demonstrates common bile duct (CBD) dilatation without identifiable causes. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of EUS in CBD dilatation of unknown etiology.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with dilated CBD without definite causes undergoing EUS between 2012 and 2017.

Results

A total of 131 patients were recruited. The mean age was 63.2±14.1 years. The most common manifestation was abnormal liver chemistry (85.5%). The mean CBD diameter was 12.2±4.1 mm. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of EUS-identified pathologies, including malignancy, choledocholithiasis, and benign biliary stricture (BBS), was 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-1.00). The AUROC of EUS for detecting malignancy, choledocholithiasis, and BBS was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.85-0.97), 1.00 (95% CI, 1.00-1.00), and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.87-0.99), respectively. Male sex, alanine aminotransferase ≥3× the upper limit of normal (ULN), alkaline phosphatase ≥3× the ULN, and intrahepatic duct dilatation were predictors for pathological obstruction, with odds ratios of 5.46 (95%CI, 1.74-17.1), 5.02 (95% CI, 1.48-17.0), 4.63 (95% CI, 1.1-19.6), and 4.03 (95% CI, 1.37-11.8), respectively.

Conclusions

EUS provides excellent diagnostic value in identifying the etiology of CBD dilatation detected by cross-sectional imaging.

The role of endoscopic ultrasound for portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis

Chronic liver disease is still a major problem because disease progression will ultimately lead to liver cirrhosis. Portal hypertension is the hallmark in advanced liver disease management. By establishing portal vein access, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been utilized in various clinical applications. In comparison to standard upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, EUS-Doppler has been shown to be a better modality for detecting esophageal and gastric varices along with peri-esophageal collateral veins, para-esophageal collateral veins, and perforating veins, and may be used to objectively predict the recurrence of bleeding. EUS-guided portal vein catheterization has also been proposed to overcome the limitations of trans-jugular approaches. The combination of EUS-elastography and azygos vein evaluation can also enhance the diagnostic accuracy of each modality. Another well-known implementation of EUS-guided procedures is in the management of ascites; particularly in paracentesis and ascitic fluid analysis. In addition, the most common clinical application of EUS in the treatment of portal hypertension is through vascular therapy or creation of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Major drawbacks of EUS mainly revolve around technical difficulties, the high cost of the procedure, as well as the requirement of more studies in humans to evaluate EUS-guided advanced therapeutic modalities in portal hypertension.

Intraoperative cholangiography with filling defects: comparative complication analysis of postoperative transcystic duct (TCD) catheter maintenance

BACKGROUND

This is a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) with positive findings for filling defects. We comparatively assessed differences in complication risks for patients that had their cholangiography catheter maintained in its transcystic duct (TCD) position postoperatively. This is a practice proposed to overcome the limited availability of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as well as to avoid surgical exploration of the common bile duct.

METHODS

Retrospective medical record review of all positive IOC from January 2015 to December 2018 were assessed. Patients' demographic and perioperative data from the hospital stay period in which the cholecystectomy occurred until the last surgical ambulatory visit for perioperative characteristics were compared between groups (with vs. without TCD catheter). Complications were operationalized using the Clavien-Dindo scale.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis of complications showed a 2.4-fold risk increase in complications (95% CI 1.13-5.1) between comparison groups. Number of ERCPs (18 vs. 30), and MRCPs (5 vs. 17) were not significantly different between maintaining or not the TCD catheter postop, respectively. Stratified analysis followed by exact logistic regression supported the findings that maintaining the TCD catheter postoperatively increased complication rates (OR = 5.34, 95% CI 1.22, 29.83, p = 0.022), adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

The maintenance of the TCD catheter postoperatively did not prove to be effective in significantly reducing the number of ERCP nor associated complications. Also, outcomes inherited from the practice caused adverse events that surpassed its potential benefits. Moreover, expectant follow-up is reasonable for patients with evidence of common bile duct stones, even in setting with limited resource availability. We do not recommend this practice, even in settings where there are limited resources of more modern management of choledocholithiasis.

Pre-Operative Predictors of Concurrent Choledocholithiasis in Patients With Acute Calculus Cholecystitis: An External Validity Analysis

Introduction

Patients that are presented with acute calculus cholecystitis (AC) and elevated liver enzymes markers (LEM), often require evaluation for concurrent choledocholithiasis (CDL). Currently, evaluation guidelines follow the American Society of Gastroenterology Endoscopy (ASGE) recommendations.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to externally validate both ASGE and the Chisholm predictors in a community hospital patient cohort.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients who presented to Ascension Saint John hospital with AC and elevated LEM over a period of two years. Sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were used to test the external validity of ASGE and Chisholm algorithms.

Results

A total of 132 patients’ charts were reviewed, and 87 patients included. Chisholm predictors SEN, SP, PPV and NPV were 50%, 82%, 18%, and 95% respectively versus 100%, 19%, 8%, 100% for the ASGE predictors model. In the ASGE module, SP and PPV can be significantly improved to 60% and 13%, respectively, by changing a few risk categories including age and LEM range.

Conclusions

External validation of the Chisholm module in our patient cohort showed that it would lead to a low referral rate for unnecessary imaging and thus might be more cost-effective, especially when compared to current ASGE recommendations which would have a higher referral rate. On the other hand, current ASGE recommendations successively labeled all the patients with CDL, while the Chisholm module missed around 50 percent. We also observed that with the current ASGE module, the referral rate for further imaging and diagnostic tests can be possibly improved by adjusting a few of the predictors including the age and the abnormal liver transaminases range, but this observation is arbitrary and will need to be validated in a larger cohort study.

Combining endoscopic ultrasound and tumor markers improves the diagnostic yield on the etiology of common bile duct dilation secondary to periampullary pathologies

Background

Unexplained common bile duct (CBD) dilatation may be caused by many etiologies, such as periampullary tumors, a pancreatic neoplasm, choledocholithiasis or an inflammatory stenosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in patients with unexplained CBD dilatation, in combination with tumor markers, liver chemistry, symptoms, surgical history and whether there is dilatation of the pancreatic duct (PD).

Methods

From January 2016 to July 2017, 115 patients were referred for EUS in our center for CBD dilatation of an unknown etiology. A treatment plan is made based on the EUS result combined with the other clinical information. The final diagnosis is determined by surgical histology or follow-up of at least 3 months.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS for patients with choledocholithiasis were 100.0% (10/10), 100.0% (105/105) and 100.0% (115/115), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS for patients with periampullary tumor were 86.5% (32/37), 89.7% (70/78) and 88.7% (102/115), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS for patients with inflammatory stenosis were 88.2% (60/68), 89.4% (42/47) and 88.7% (102/115), respectively. The overall accuracy of EUS for diagnosing an undetermined etiology for CBD dilatation was 88.7% (102/115) and was higher than the accuracy of ultrasound (US) (64.1%), computed tomography (CT) (66.2%), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (67.0%) or PET-CT (66.0%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of EUS combined with tumor markers for patients with malignant dilatation of CBD were 91.9% (34/37), 97.4% (76/78), 94.4% (34/36), 96.2% (76/79) and 95.7% (110/115), respectively. PD dilation (P=0.026) and weight loss (P=0.035) had significant predictive values of malignancy.

Conclusions

EUS is an effective diagnostic tool for determining the etiology of a CBD dilatation, and offers meaningful information for guiding a treatment plan. EUS used in conjunction with tumor markers has high yield in differentiating benign and malignant CBD dilatation. More attention should be paid to patients with PD dilation or weight loss to prevent misdiagnosis of malignant CBD dilation.

Preoperative predictors of choledocholithiasis in patients presenting with acute calculous cholecystitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Markedly increased liver chemistries in patients presenting with acute calculous cholecystitis (AC) often prompt an evaluation for concomitant choledocholithiasis (CDL). However, current guidelines directing the workup for CDL fail to address this unique population. The aims of this study are to define the range of presenting laboratory values and imaging findings in AC, develop a model to predict the presence of concurrent CDL, and develop a management algorithm that can be easily applied on presentation.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients presenting with AC to a large tertiary hospital over a 3.5-year period. CDL was defined as common bile duct (CBD) stone(s), sludge, or debris seen on any of the following studies: US, CT, magnetic resonance imaging/MRCP, EUS, ERCP, or intraoperative cholangiogram. A multivariable model to predict CDL was developed on 70% of the patients and validated on the remaining 30%.

RESULTS

A total of 366 patients were identified and 65 (17.8%) had concurrent CDL. Univariable analysis was used to predict CDL and demonstrated statistically significant odds ratios for transaminases >3 times the upper limit of normal, alkaline phosphatase (AlkPhos) above normal, lipase >3 times the upper limit of normal, total bilirubin ≥1.8 mg/dL, and CBD diameter >6 mm. In the validation cohort, an optimal model containing alanine transaminase (ALT) >3 times the upper limit of normal, abnormal AlkPhos, and CBD diameter >6 mm was found to have an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.91. When 0 or 1 risk factors were present, 98.6% of patients did not have CDL. When all 3 risk factors were present, 77.8% were found to have CDL.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CDL is high among patients with AC. When a validated model is used, application of cutoffs for ALT, AlkPhos, and CBD diameter can effectively triage patients with low and high likelihood for CDL to surgery or ERCP, respectively.

Big-data analysis: A clinical pathway on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

A clinical pathway (CP) is a standardized approach for disease management. However, big data-based evidence is rarely involved in CP for related common bile duct (CBD) stones, let alone outcome comparisons before and after CP implementation.

AIM

To investigate the value of CP implementation in patients with CBD stones undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital in patients with CBD stones undergoing ERCP from January 2007 to December 2017. The data and outcomes were compared by using univariate and multivariable regression/linear models between the patients who received conventional care (non-pathway group, n = 467) and CP care (pathway group, n = 2196).

RESULTS

At baseline, the main differences observed between the two groups were the percentage of patients with multiple stones (P < 0.001) and incidence of cholangitis complication (P < 0.05). The percentage of antibiotic use and complications in the CP group were significantly less than those in the non-pathway group [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55-0.93, P = 0.012, adjusted OR = 0.44, 95%CI: 0.33-0.59, P < 0.001, respectively]. Patients spent lower costs on hospitalization, operation, nursing, medication, and medical consumable materials (P < 0.001 for all), and even experienced shorter length of hospital stay (LOHS) (P < 0.001) after the CP implementation. No significant differences in clinical outcomes, readmission rate, or secondary surgery rate were presented between the patients in the non-pathway and CP groups.

CONCLUSION

Implementing a CP for patients with CBD stones is a safe mode to reduce the LOHS, hospital costs, antibiotic use, and complication rate.

The southwestern surgical congress multi-center trial on suspected common duct stones

BACKGROUND

Choledocholithiasis is present in up to 15% of cholecystectomy patients. Treatment can be surgical, endoscopic, or via interventional radiology. We hypothesized significant heterogeneity between hospitals exists in the approach to suspected common duct stones.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients that had a preoperative MRCP, endoscopic ultrasound, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP), or intra-operative cholangiogram was performed. Comparisons were by Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests with significance of p < 0.05 for paired variables and p < 0.017 for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Twelve participating institutions identified 1263 patients (409 men and 854 women) with a median age of 49 years (IQR: 31-94). Liver function tests (LFT's) were elevated in 939 patients (75%), median bilirubin level 1.75 mg/dl (IQ: 0.8-3.7 mg/dl) and median common duct size 7 mm (IQR 5-10 mm). The most common initial procedure was cholecystectomy with IOC at seven institutions, endoscopy at four and MRCP at one.

CONCLUSION

Significant variation exists within the surgical community regarding suspected common duct stones. These results underscore the need for a protocol for common duct stones to minimize multiple, redundant interventions.

Therapeutic EUS: New tools, new devices, new applications

Linear echoendoscopes with large instrument channels enable EUS-guided interventions in organs and anatomical spaces in proximity to the gastrointestinal tract. Novel devices and tools designed for EUS-guided transluminal interventions allow various new applications and improve the efficacy and safety of these procedures. New-generation biopsy needles provide higher histology rates and require less passes. Specially designed stents and stent insertion devices enable intra- and extra-hepatic bile and pancreatic duct stenting as well as gallbladder drainage. Currently, EUS-guided biliary drainage in obstructive jaundice due to malignant distal bile duct obstruction is feasible and safe when ERCP has failed. It might replace ERCP as first choice intervention in future. EUS-guided transmural stenting is regarded as the preferred intervention in the management of symptomatic peripancreatic fluid collections. Creating a new anastomosis between different organs such as gastrojejunostomy has also become possible with lumen-apposing stents. EUS-guided creation of a gastrogastrostomy is a promising novel technique to access the excluded stomach to facilitate conventional ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy. The role of EUS in tumor ablation and targeted angiotherapy is also constantly expanding. In this review, we report on the newest developments of therapeutic EUS within the past 4 years.

Predictors of Durability of Radiological Response in Patients With Small Bowel Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

The long-term significance of radiological transmural response (TR) as a treatment goal at the first follow-up scan in small bowel Crohn's disease (CD) has been previously shown. We examined the durability of a long-term strategy of treating to a target of radiological TR and the influence of baseline predictors on the maintenance of TR.

METHODS

Small bowel CD patients between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2014, were identified with serial computed tomography enterography (CTE)/magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) before and after initiation of therapy or on maintenance therapy. Overall TR (inflammatory lesions with/without strictures) w1as characterized by abdominal radiologists in up to 5 small bowel lesions per patient at each serial scan until last follow-up or small bowel resection, as response, partial response, or nonresponse. The rate of conversion between TR states and transition to surgery, including the effect of baseline patient/disease characteristics, was examined using a multistate model (mstate R-package).

RESULTS

CD patients (n = 150, 705 CTE/MRE) with a median of 4 CTE/MRE during 4.6 years of follow-up, 49% with ileal-only distribution, had 260 examined bowel segments. Conversion from response to partial response/nonresponse was 37.4% per year of follow-up with no transitions seen directly from response to surgery. Current smoking status (hazard ratio [HR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-4.3) and internal penetrating disease at baseline scan (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.1) were associated with a 2-fold increased risk of transition from partial response/nonresponse to surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Achievement and maintenance of radiological response is associated with avoidance of small bowel surgery. Continued follow-up with CTE/MRE is recommended to identify loss of response, especially in current smokers and patients with internal penetrating disease at baseline CTE/MRE.

IRCAD recommendation on safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy

An expert recommendation conference was conducted to identify factors associated with adverse events during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with the goal of deriving expert recommendations for the reduction of biliary and vascular injury. Nineteen hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeons from high-volume surgery centers in six countries comprised the Research Institute Against Cancer of the Digestive System (IRCAD) Recommendations Group. Systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase was conducted. Using nominal group technique, structured group meetings were held to identify key items for safer LC. Consensus was achieved when 80% of respondents ranked an item as 1 or 2 (Likert scale 1-4). Seventy-one IRCAD HPB course participants assessed the expert recommendations which were compared to responses of 37 general surgery course participants. The IRCAD recommendations were structured in seven statements. The key topics included exposure of the operative field, appropriate use of energy device and establishment of the critical view of safety (CVS), systematic preoperative imaging, cholangiogram and alternative techniques, role of partial and dome-down (fundus-first) cholecystectomy. Highest consensus was achieved on the importance of the CVS as well as dome-down technique and partial cholecystectomy as alternative techniques. The put forward IRCAD recommendations may help to promote safe surgical practice of LC and initiate specific training to avoid adverse events.

Updated guideline on the management of common bile duct stones (CBDS)

Common bile duct stones (CBDS) are estimated to be present in 10-20% of individuals with symptomatic gallstones. They can result in a number of health problems, including pain, jaundice, infection and acute pancreatitis. A variety of imaging modalities can be employed to identify the condition, while management of confirmed cases of CBDS may involve endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, surgery and radiological methods of stone extraction. Clinicians are therefore confronted with a number of potentially valid options to diagnose and treat individuals with suspected CBDS. The British Society of Gastroenterology first published a guideline on the management of CBDS in 2008. Since then a number of developments in management have occurred along with further systematic reviews of the available evidence. The following recommendations reflect these changes and provide updated guidance to healthcare professionals who are involved in the care of adult patients with suspected or proven CBDS. It is not a protocol and the recommendations contained within should not replace individual clinical judgement.

Prevalence and characteristics of clinically significant retained common bile duct stones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis

PURPOSE

To investigate the prevalence and clinical features of retained symptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stone detected after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients without preoperative evidence of CBD or intrahepatic duct stones.

METHODS

Of 2,111 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between September 2007 and December 2014 at Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, 1,467 underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallbladder stones and their medical records were analyzed. We reviewed the clinical data of patients who underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for clinically significant CBD stones (i.e., symptomatic stones requiring therapeutic intervention).

RESULTS

Overall, 27 of 1,467 patients (1.84%) underwent postoperative ERCP after LC because of clinical evidence of retained CBD stones. The median time from LC to ERCP was 152 days (range, 60-1,015 days). Nine patients had ERCP-related complications. The median hospital stay for ERCP was 6 days.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of clinically significant retained CBD stone after LC for symptomatic cholelithiasis was 1.84% and the time from LC to clinical presentation ranged from 2 months to 2 years 9 months. Therefore, biliary surgeons should inform patients that retained CBD stone may be detected several years after LC for simple gallbladder stones.

Is preoperative MRCP necessary for patients with gallstones? An analysis of the factors related to missed diagnosis of choledocholithiasis by preoperative ultrasound

Background

The diagnosis of associated choledocholithiasis prior to cholecystectomy for patients with gallstones is important for the surgical decision and treatment efficacy. However, whether ultrasound is sufficient for preoperative diagnosis of choledocholithiasis remains controversial, with different opinions on whether routine magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is needed to detect the possible presence of common bile duct (CBD) stones.

Methods

In this study, a total of 413 patients with gallstones who were admitted to the Department of General Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University in China for a period of 3 years and underwent both ultrasound and MRCP examinations were retrospectively analysed. After reviewing and screening these cases according to the literature, 11 indicators including gender, age, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, γ-aminotransferase, CBD diameter, and concurrent acute cholecystitis were selected and comparatively analysed.

Results

Among the 413 patients, a total of 109 cases showed concurrent gallstones and choledocholithiasis, accounting for 26.39 % of all cases. Among them, 60 cases of choledocholithiasis were revealed by ultrasound examination, accounting for 55.05 %, while 49 cases of choledocholithiasis were not detected by ultrasound examination but were confirmed by MRCP instead (the missed diagnosis rate of ultrasound was 44.95 %). The results of statistical analysis suggested that alanine aminotransferase, acute cholecystitis, and CBD diameter were the three most relevant factors for missed diagnosis by ultrasound.

Conclusion

The accuracy of preoperative ultrasonography for the diagnosis of associated CBD stones for patients with gallstones is not high. However, elevated alanine aminotransferase, concurrent acute cholecystitis, and CBD diameter were identified as key factors that may affect the accuracy of the diagnosis. Thus, routine preoperative MRCP examination is suggested for patients with gallstones to rule out possible concomitant CBD stones.