Failed biliary access following needle knife fistulotomy: is repeat interval ERCP worthwhile?

ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Biliary Strictures

A biliary stricture is an abnormal narrowing in the ductal drainage system of the liver that can result in clinically and physiologically relevant obstruction to the flow of bile. The most common and ominous etiology is malignancy, underscoring the importance of a high index of suspicion in the evaluation of this condition. The goals of care in patients with a biliary stricture are confirming or excluding malignancy (diagnosis) and reestablishing flow of bile to the duodenum (drainage); the approach to diagnosis and drainage varies according to anatomic location (extrahepatic vs perihilar). For extrahepatic strictures, endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition is highly accurate and has become the diagnostic mainstay. In contrast, the diagnosis of perihilar strictures remains a challenge. Similarly, the drainage of extrahepatic strictures tends to be more straightforward and safer and less controversial than that of perihilar strictures. Recent evidence has provided some clarity in multiple important areas pertaining to biliary strictures, whereas several remaining controversies require additional research. The goal of this guideline is to provide practicing clinicians with the most evidence-based guidance on the approach to patients with extrahepatic and perihilar strictures, focusing on diagnosis and drainage.

Endoscopic salvage therapy after failed biliary cannulation using advanced techniques: A concise review

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) begins with successful biliary cannulation. However, it is not always be successful. The failure of the initial ERCP is attributed to two main aspects: the papilla/biliary orifice is endoscopically accessible, or it is inaccessible. When the papilla/biliary orifice is accessible, bile duct cannulation failure can occur even with advanced cannulation techniques, including double guidewire techniques, transpancreatic sphincterotomy, needle-knife precut papillotomy, or fistulotomy. There is currently no consensus on the next steps of treatment in this setting. Therefore, this review aims to propose and discuss potential endoscopic options for patients who have failed ERCP due to difficult bile duct cannulation. These options include interval ERCP, percutaneous-transhepatic-endoscopic rendezvous procedures (PTE-RV), and endoscopic ultrasound-assisted rendezvous procedures (EUS-RV). The overall success rate for interval ERCP was 76.3% (68%-79% between studies), and the overall adverse event rate was 7.5% (0-15.9% between studies). The overall success rate for PTE-RV was 88.7% (80.4%-100% between studies), and the overall adverse event rate was 13.2% (4.9%-19.2% between studies). For EUS-RV, the overall success rate was 82%-86.1%, and the overall adverse event rate was 13%-15.6%. Because interval ERCP has an acceptably high success rate and lower adverse event rate and does not require additional expertise, facilities, or other specialists, it can be considered the first choice for salvage therapy. EUS-RV can also be considered if local experts are available. For patients in urgent need of biliary drainage, PTE-RV should be considered.

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

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

DIFFICULT BILIARY CANNULATION: SHOULD WE ALWAYS TRY A SECOND ERCP AFTER A FAILED NEEDLE-KNIFE FISTULOTOMY?

BACKGROUND

A successful bile duct cannulation is a prerequisite for the realization of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). When biliary cannulation is not possible, needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) can be performed. However, when biliary access is not successfully achieved even after performing NKF, it is possible to interrupt the procedure, and repeat the ERCP after a short interval.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyze if repeating an ERCP after a short interval of 48 hours is effective in achieving biliary access after an initial NKF was unsuccessfully performed.

METHODS

A total of 1024 patients with a naive papilla, that underwent ERCP between the years of 2009-2019, were retrospectively reviewed. Difficult biliary cannulation was identified in 238 of these cases and NKF was performed. Success of biliary cannulation, NKF success at the first and second ERCPs, the associations between the type of the papilla, biliary dilatation, and overall success of NKF and adverse events rates were evaluated.

RESULTS

Biliary access was initially achieved in 183 (76.8%) cases. Of the 55 (23.1%) remaining cases a second attempt was performed after 48 hours, and biliary access was successfully achieved in 46 (83.6%) of them. The overall success of NKF after the first and second ERCP, the success rate was 96.2%. Papilla located out of its normal position was related to a minor chance of success at NKF (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that when biliary access is not achieved after the performance of a NKF, a second attempt is safe and effective and should be attempted.

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

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

Management of biliary diseases after the failure of initial needle knife precut sphincterotomy for biliary cannulation

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is not always successful even with needle knife precut sphincterotomy (NKPS). How to manage these patients with initial NKPS failure has not been well studied. We report the outcomes of patients who received endoscopic and non-endoscopic rescue treatment after the initial NKPS failure. During the 15 years from 2004 to 2018, 87 patients with initial NKPS failure received interval endoscopic treatment (IET group, n = 43), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD group, n = 25), or bile duct surgery (BDS group, n = 19) were retrospectively studied. Compared with the PTBD group, the prevalence of choledocholithiasis was higher (69.8% vs. 16.0%, p < 0.001), and malignant bile duct stricture were lower (20.9% vs. 76.0%, p < 0.001) in the IET group. Furthermore, the IET group had a significantly longer time interval between the first and second treatment procedures (4 days vs. 2 days, p = 0.001), a lower technique success rate (79.1% vs. 100%, p = 0.021), and a shorter length of hospital stay (7 days vs. 18 days, p < 0.001). Compared to the BDS group, the only significant finding was that the patients in the IET group were older. Although not statistically significant, the complication rate was lowest in the IET group (7.0%) while highest in the BDS group (15.8%). Complications in the IET group were also mild, as compared with the other two groups. In conclusion, IET should be considered after initial failed NKPS for deep biliary cannulation before contemplating more invasive treatment such as BDS. PTBD may be the alternative therapy for patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography results three days after a failed pre-cut

INTRODUCTION

deep cannulation of the common bile duct is essential in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, cannulation is not possible in approximately 20 % of the cases with the usual techniques. Pre-cutting is an alternative that allows cannulation in difficult cases although its success is not guaranteed. Repeating the ERCP within three days of a failed pre-cut is an acceptable option.

OBJECTIVE

to determine if an ERCP performed three days after a failed pre-cut papillotomy allows the bile duct to be cannulated without increasing complication rates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

patients who underwent an ERCP plus pre-cut were included, in whom the common bile duct could not be cannulated and who also underwent a new ERCP three days after the initial pre-cut. The primary objective was a successful biliary cannulation in the second ERCP and the secondary objective were the complications of the initial pre-cut.

RESULTS

forty patients with an average age of 65 years were identified and 57 % were male. The indications for ERCP were choledocholithiasis in 95 %, biliary fistula in 2.5 % and pancreatic neoplasia in 2.5 %. The ERCP was repeated three days later in 92.5 % of the cases and the biliary cannulation was successful in 78.3 %.

CONCLUSIONS

a new ERCP performed within three days of a failed pre-cut is justifiable since it has a significant success rate. Bile duct cannulation is achieved in three out of four patients, with an acceptable percentage of complications.

Predicting cannulation difficulty in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using CT image findings: a decision-tree analysis

BACKGROUND

Difficult cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is associated with increased complications; therefore, its prediction is important.

PURPOSE

To identify radiologic risk factors of difficult cannulation during ERCP based on computed tomography (CT) findings and to develop a predictive model for a difficult cannulation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 171 patients with native papilla who underwent both enhanced CT and ERCP were recruited. Two radiologists independently measured the distal common bile duct (CBD) diameter and choledochoduodenal (CD) angle and analyzed CT images for presence of CBD stone and papilla bulging, size and type of periampullary diverticulum (PAD), and duodenal segment in which major papilla was located. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and decision-tree analysis were performed to identify risk factors for difficult cannulation.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients underwent a difficult cannulation. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a smaller CBD diameter, presence of papilla bulging, location of the major papilla other than the descending duodenum, a smaller CD angle, and a higher worrisome PAD score were statistically relevant factors for difficult cannulation (P < 0.049). In the decision-tree analysis, a higher worrisome PAD score was the strongest predictor of difficult cannulation, followed by the presence of papilla bulging, smaller CD angle, and a smaller CBD diameter. The predictive model had an 82.5% overall predictive accuracy.

CONCLUSION

The CT findings-based decision-tree analysis model showed a high accuracy in predicting cannulation difficulty and may be helpful for making pre-ERCP strategy.

Usefulness and Complications of Needle Knife Fistulotomy as a Rescue Procedure in Patients with Pancreaticobiliary Disease

Background/Aims

Needle knife fistulotomy (NKF) is a technique to facilitate pancreatic and biliary duct access during ERCP. The double-guidewire technique (DGT) is also used in cases of difficult cannulation, but it can increase the incidence of post-ERCP-pancreatitis (PEP). This study examined the success and complication rates of NKF after unsuccessful standard cannulation or DGT in patients with pancreaticobiliary disease.

Methods

The data of 209 patients who received NKF as a rescue procedure between January 2009 and December 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. The cannulation success and complication rates were assessed.

Results

The overall cannulation success rate was 90.4%. The success rates of patients who received NKF after standard cannulation or DGT were similar (82.6% [142/172] and 73.0% [27/37], respectively, p=0.179). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the incidence of procedure-related adverse events between the two groups (10.5% [18/172] and 16.2% [6/37], respectively, p=0.391). Endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage (ERPD) insertion decreased the incidence of PEP (0% [0/16] in ERPD and 14.6% [19/130] in non-ERPD, p=0.132) among patients who received PD cannulation.

Conclusions

NKF is an effective and safe method that can be considered for rescue management after the initial failure of standard cannulation or DGT. NKF following standard cannulation can be preferred over NKF following DGT because of the higher success rate and the lower rate of pancreatitis, but the difference was not significant. PD stenting in patients at high risk of PEP can be considered to decrease pancreatitis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biliary drainage: rendezvous technique

The success rate of deep biliary cannulation is high but still not perfect in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), even with aggressive techniques. With the development of linear-array echoendoscopes, the endoscopic ultrasonography-guided rendezvous technique (EUS-RV) has recently emerged as a salvage method for failed biliary cannulation. This review of current literature establishes that EUS-RV is a feasible and safe technique and should be considered as an alternative to percutaneous or surgical approaches. The availability of a percutaneous salvage (if EUS-RV fails) and well-trained endoscopists for both ERCP and EUS are mandatory in minimizing the potential complications of this procedure.

Outcome of repeat ERCP after initial failed use of a needle knife for biliary access

INTRODUCTION

A needle knife is often used to gain bile duct access when standard techniques have failed. If unsuccessful, the next step may involve either radiological- or endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary access. However, repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be an option if the patient's clinical condition permits.

AIM

To determine the success of repeat ERCP after failed use of a needle knife to gain biliary access.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent initial unsuccessful biliary cannulation after use of a needle knife between 2007 and 2010.

RESULTS

Seventy five patients were identified. Of these, 51 (68%) underwent repeat ERCP, and biliary cannulation was successful in 38 (75%). The median time to repeat ERCP was 7.7 days (range 1-28 days). Complications developed in two (4%) patients. These included one case each of wire-guided perforation and mild pancreatitis, both of which were resolved by conservative management.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat ERCP within a few days after failed use of a needle knife for biliary access is associated with acceptable success and acceptable incidence of complications, and therefore obviates the need for alternative approaches for biliary access for most patients.

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

BACKGROUND AND AIM

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Failed biliary cannulation: Clinical and technical outcomes after tertiary referral endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

AIM: Prospective evaluation of repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for failed Schutz grade 1 biliary cannulation in a high-volume center.

METHODS: Prospective intention-to-treat analysis of patients referred for biliary cannulation following recent unsuccessful ERCP.

RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (35 female; mean age: 62.5 years; age range: 40-87 years) with previous failed biliary cannulation were referred for repeat ERCP. The indication for ERCP was primarily choledocholithiasis (45%) or pancreatic malignancy (18%). Successful biliary cannulation was 100%. The precut needle knife sphincterotomy (NKS) rate was 27.4%. Complications occurred in 3.9% (post-ERCP pancreatitis). An identifiable reason for initial unsuccessful biliary cannulation was present in 55% of cases. Compared to a cohort of 940 naïve papilla patients (female 61%; mean age: 59.9 years; age range: 18-94 years) who required sphincterotomy over the same time period, there was no statistical difference in the cannulation success rate (100% vs 98%) or post-ERCP pancreatitis (3.1% vs 3.9%). Precut NKS use was more frequent (27.4% vs 12.7%) (P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION: Referral to a high-volume center following unsuccessful ERCP is associated with high technical success, with a favorable complication rate, compared to routine ERCP procedures.

Difficult biliary cannulation during ERCP: how to facilitate biliary access and minimize the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is one of the most technically challenging procedures in therapeutic endoscopy; difficulties in biliary cannulation and post-ERCP pancreatitis are still significant problems. Deep cannulation of Vater's papilla may fail in up to 5% of cases; selective biliary cannulation reportedly fails in 15-35% of cases, even in experienced hands; repeated and prolonged attempts at cannulation increase the risk of post-procedure pancreatitis. Therefore, cannulation technique plays a pivotal role in successful cannulation and occurrence of post-procedure pancreatitis. This review presents and discusses the techniques that can be used for achieving biliary cannulation after an initial failure and for minimizing the risk of pancreatitis, including guide wire assisted technique, needle knife precutting, trans-pancreatic sphincterotomy, and pancreatic stenting.