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 can- nulation was 100%. The precut needle knife sphincterotomy (NKS) rate was 27.4%. Complications occurred in 3.9% (post-ERCP pancreatitis). An identif iable reason for initial unsuccessful biliary cannulation was present in 55% of cases. Compared to a cohort of 940 nave pa-pilla 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 postERCP 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.

Establishment of predictive models and determinants of preoperative gastric retention in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND Study on influencing factors of gastric retention before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)background:With the wide application of ERCP,the risk of preoperative gastric retention affects the smooth progress of the operation.The study found that female,biliary and pancreatic malignant tumor,digestive tract obstruction and other factors are closely related to gastric retention,so the establishment of predictive model is very important to reduce the risk of operation.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 190 patients admitted to our hospital for ERCP preparation between January 2020 and February 2024.Patient baseline clinical data were collected using an electronic medical record system.Patients were randomly matched in a 1:4 ratio with data from 190 patients during the same period to establish a validation group(n=38)and a modeling group(n=152).Patients in the modeling group were divided into the gastric retention group(n=52)and non-gastric retention group(n=100)based on whether gastric retention occurred preoperatively.General data of patients in the validation group and identify factors influencing preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients.A predictive model for preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients was constructed,and calibration curves were used for validation.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was analyzed to evaluate the predictive value of the model.RESULTS We found no statistically significant difference in general data between the validation group and modeling group(P>0.05).The comparison of age,body mass index,hypertension,and diabetes between the two groups showed no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).However,we noted statistically significant differences in gender,primary disease,jaundice,opioid use,and gastrointestinal obstruction between the two groups(P<0.05).Mul-tivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender,primary disease,jaundice,opioid use,and gastrointestinal obstruction were independent factors influencing preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients(P<0.05).The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that gender,primary disease,jaundice,opioid use,and gastroin-testinal obstruction were included in the predictive model for preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients.The calibration curves in the training set and validation set showed a slope close to 1,indicating good consistency between the predicted risk and actual risk.The ROC analysis results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the predictive model for preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients in the training set was 0.901 with a standard error of 0.023(95%CI:0.8264-0.9567),and the optimal cutoff value was 0.71,with a sensitivity of 87.5 and specificity of 84.2.In the validation set,the AUC of the predictive model was 0.842 with a standard error of 0.013(95%CI:0.8061-0.9216),and the optimal cutoff value was 0.56,with a sensitivity of 56.2 and specificity of 100.0.CONCLUSION Gender,primary disease,jaundice,opioid use,and gastrointestinal obstruction are factors influencing preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients.A predictive model established based on these factors has high predictive value.

The outcomes and safety of patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography combining a single-use cholangioscope and a single-use duodenoscope:A multicenter retrospective international study

Background: Duodenoscope-related multidrug-resistant organism(MDRO) infections raise concerns. Disposable duodenoscopes have been recently introduced in the market and approved by regulatory agencies with the aim to reduce the risk of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) associated infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of procedures performed with single-use duodenoscopes in patients with clinical indications to single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy. Methods: This is a multicenter international, retrospective study combining all patients who underwent complex biliopancreatic interventions using the combination of a single-use duodenoscope and a single-use cholangioscope. The primary outcome was technical success defined as ERCP completion for the intended clinical indication. Secondary outcomes were procedural duration, rate of cross-over to reusable duodenoscope, operator-reported satisfaction score(1 to 10) on performance rating of the single-use duodenoscope, and adverse event(AE) rate. Results: A total of 66 patients(26, 39.4% female) were included in the study. ERCP was categorized according to ASGE ERCP grading system as 47(71.2%) grade 3 and 19(28.8%) grade 4. The technical success rate was 98.5%(65/66). Procedural duration was 64(interquartile range 15-189) min, cross-over rate to reusable duodenoscope was 1/66(1.5%). The satisfaction score of the single-use duodenoscope classified by the operators was 8.6 ± 1.3 points. Four patients(6.1%) experienced AEs not directly related to the single-use duodenoscope, namely 2 post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP), 1 cholangitis and 1 bleeding.Conclusions: Single-use duodenoscope is effective, reliable and safe even in technically challenging procedures with a non-inferiority to reusable duodenoscope, making these devices a viable alternative to standard reusable equipment.

Splenic subcapsular hematoma following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Splenic injury following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is a rare complication.The literature contains around 30 articles reporting various degrees of splenic injuries resulting from ERCP since the first report of splenic rupture after ERCP in 1989.CASE SUMMARY This report describes a case of splenic hematoma and stent displacement in a 69-year-old male patient who developed these conditions 7 days after undergoing ERCP and stenting.The patient had bile duct stenosis caused by a malignant tumor that was obstructing the bile duct.The diagnosis was confirmed by epigastric computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage,endoscopic pyloric stent placement,and conservative management.The causes of splenic injury following ERCP are discussed.CONCLUSION ERCP has the potential to cause splenic injury.If a patient experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain,decreased blood pressure,and altered hematology after the procedure,it's important to be thoroughly investigated for postoperative bleeding and splenic injury.

Acute cholangitis with Achromobacter xylosoxidans bacteremia after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in hilar cholangiocarcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Achromobacter xylosoxidans is a Gram-negative opportunistic aerobe,usually causing nosocomial infections in immunocompromised patients with manifestations including bacteremia,pneumonia,and catheter-related infections.However,A.xylosoxidans have not yet been reported to cause biliary system infections.CASE SUMMARY A 72-year-old woman presented to the outpatient department of our hospital with a chief complaint of jaundice.Computed tomography of her abdomen revealed the presence of a mass of approximately 2.4 cm in the hilar portion of the common hepatic duct,consistent with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.We performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)to decompress the obstructed left and right intrahepatic ducts(IHDs)and placed 10 cm and 11 cm biliary stents in the left and right IHDs,respectively.However,the day after the procedure,the patient developed post-ERCP cholangitis as the length of the right IHD stent was insufficient for proper bile drainage.The blood culture of the patient tested positive for A.xylosoxidans.Management measures included the replacement of the right IHD stent(11 cm)with a longer one(12 cm)and administering culturedirected antibiotic therapy,solving the cholangitis-related complications.After the cholangitis had resolved,the patient underwent surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma and survived for 912 d without recurrence.CONCLUSION A.xylosoxidans-induced biliary system infections are extremely rare.Clinical awareness of physicians and endoscopists is required as this rare pathogen might cause infection after endoscopic procedures.

Analysis of the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the treatment of pediatric pancreatobiliary diseases

BACKGROUND Traditional surgical procedures are highly invasive and risky for children with pancreatic and biliary diseases.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)has been used mostly in adults because it is a safe and effective surgical procedure.Its application in children will contribute to the treatment and prog-nosis of children with pancreatic and biliary diseases.AIM To analyze the efficacy and safety of ERCP for the treatment of pediatric pancre-atobiliary diseases.METHODS A retrospective study was performed using the medical records of 101 pediatric patients who received treatment for pancreatobiliary diseases at Children’s Hospital Capital Institute of Pediatrics from April 2022 to April 2024.The patients were divided into an observation group(n=52,treated with ERCP)and a control group(n=49,treated with traditional surgical methods).Diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes of ERCP were statistically analyzed.Treatment efficacy,time to resume eating,and hospital stay duration were compared between the two groups.Indicators of liver function were monitored preoperatively and one week postoperatively.Dynamic changes in C-reactive protein(CRP)and serum amylase levels were assessed preoperatively and at 6 and 24 hours postoper-atively.Postoperative complications were also compared.Logistic multivariate regression was used to analyze the independent effect of ERCP on outcomes.RESULTS For the observation group,36 and 16 patients were diagnosed with biliary and pancreatic diseases,respectively.Compared with the control group,the observa-tion group exhibited a higher overall effective rate(P<0.05),shorter times to resume eating,shorter hospital stays(P<0.05),and significantly improved postoperative liver function(P<0.05).CRP and serum amylase levels were significantly increased in both groups at 6 and 24 hours postoperatively(P<0.05),but were significantly lower in the observation group(P<0.05).The observation group also had a lower incidence of complications(P<0.05).ERCP was an independent factor affecting treatment efficacy,length of hospital stay,total bilirubin,aspartate aminotransferase,and alanine aminotransferase,CRP,serum amylase,and the occurrence of complications in children with pancreaticobiliary diseases(P<0.05).CONCLUSION ERCP effectively enhances the treatment efficacy of pediatric pancreatobiliary diseases,with a reduced inflam-matory response,faster postoperative recovery,and fewer complications.ERCP is a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic method for pediatric pancreatobiliary diseases.

Preoperative gastric retention in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography patients:Assessing risks and optimizing outcomes

This article is a comment on the article by Jia et al,aiming at establishing a predictive model to predict the occurrence of preoperative gastric retention in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography preparation.We share our perspectives on this predictive model.First,further differentiation in predicting the severity of gastric retention could enhance clinical outcomes.Second,we ponder whether this predictive model can be generalized to predictions of gastric retention before various endoscopic procedures.Third,large datasets and pro-spective clinical validation are needed to improve the prediction model.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage vs percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for malignant biliary obstruction after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography failure

In a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery,a meta-analysis investigated the safety and efficacy of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent(ECE-LAMS)implantation for managing malignant biliary obstruction following failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.This manusc-ript endeavors to offer a comprehensive look at the progression of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage(EUS-BD)technologies,weighing their merits and drawbacks against traditional percutaneous methods.Several meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials have compared the performance of EUS-BD and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage(PTCD).These studies revealed that the technical success rate,clinical success rate,and adverse events were similar between EUS-BD and PTCD.Nevertheless,given that most of these studies preda-te 2015,the safety and effectiveness of novel EUS-BD techniques,including ECE-LAMS,compared with those of percutaneous biliary drainage remain elusive.Further investigation is imperative to ascertain whether these novel EUS-BD techniques can safely and efficaciously replace conventional percutaneous thera-peutic approaches.

Preoperative gastric retention in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

We comment on the article by Jia et al,in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.We focus mainly on the factors that impair gastric motility and cause gastric retention in the pre-operative setting of endoscopic retrograde cholan-giopancreatography(ERCP).ERCP is a complex endoscopic therapeutic proce-dure,which demands great skill from the endoscopist but also has recognized complications.Gastric retention impairs the endoscopist’s visibility but also increases the risk of complications,such as aspiration pneumonia.Therefore,identifying the factors that predispose to gastric retention alerts the endoscopists of the possible risks and enables them to take evasive action.The authors in the current study by Jia et al developed and validated a predictive model,which in-corporates five different factors,i.e.,gender,primary disease,jaundice,opioid use,and gastrointestinal obstruction,which were found to influence gastric retention.This model was shown to have a high predictive value to accurately identify pa-tients at risk for gastric retention before a therapeutic ERCP.

Impact of frailty on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography outcomes in nonagenarians:A United States national experience

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an essential therapeutic tool for biliary and pancreatic diseases.Frail and elderly patients,especially those aged≥90 years are generally considered a higher-risk population for ERCP-related complications.AIM To investigate outcomes of ERCP in the Non-agenarian population(≥90 years)concerning Frailty.METHODS This is a cohort study using the 2018-2020 National Readmission Database.Patients aged≥90 were identified who underwent ERCP,using the international classification of diseases-10 code with clinical modification.Johns Hopkins’s adjusted clinical groups frailty indicator was used to classify patients as frail and non-frail.The primary outcome was mortality,and the secondary outcomes were morbidity and the 30 d readmission rate related to ERCP.We used univariate and multivariate regression models for analysis.RESULTS A total of 9448 patients were admitted for any indications of ERCP.Frail and non-frail patients were 3445(36.46%)and 6003(63.53%)respectively.Indications for ERCP were Choledocholithiasis(74.84%),Biliary pancreatitis(9.19%),Pancreatico-biliary cancer(7.6%),Biliary stricture(4.84%),and Cholangitis(1.51%).Mortality rates were higher in frail group[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)=1.68,P=0.02].The Intra-procedural complications were insigni-ficant between the two groups which included bleeding(aOR=0.72,P=0.67),accidental punctures/lacerations(aOR=0.77,P=0.5),and mechanical ventilation rates(aOR=1.19,P=0.6).Post-ERCP complication rate was similar for bleeding(aOR=0.72,P=0.41)and post-ERCP pancreatitis(aOR=1.4,P=0.44).Frail patients had a longer length of stay(6.7 d vs 5.5 d)and higher mean total charges of hospitalization($78807 vs$71392)compared to controls(P<0.001).The 30 d all-cause readmission rates between frail and non-frail patients were similar(P=0.96).CONCLUSION There was a significantly higher mortality risk and healthcare burden amongst nonagenarian frail patients undergoing ERCP compared to non-frail.Larger studies are warranted to investigate and mitigate modifiable risk factors.

Recognition and management of stent malposition in the portal vein during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography:A case report

BACKGROUND Portal vein injury is an uncommon complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),for which stent malpositioning in the portal vein is very rare and can lead to fatal events.We report a case of biliary stent migration to the portal vein and a novel method for its safe removal under the guidance of portal angiography.Moreover,we reviewed the literature and summarized reports on the identification and management of this condition.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old woman with pancreatic cancer presented with abdominal pain and a high fever 20 days after the placement of two plastic biliary stents under the guidance of ERCP.Blood cultures and laboratory tests revealed sepsis,which was treated with antibiotics.A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed that one of the biliary stents in the main portal vein was malpositioned.To safely remove the stent,portal angiography was performed to visualize the portal vein and to allow the management of any bleeding.The two stents were removed without obvious bleeding,and an uncovered self-expanding metal stent was placed in the common bile duct for drainage.The patient had an uneventful 6-month follow-up period,except for self-resolving portal vein thrombosis.CONCLUSION The combination of endoscopic and angiographic techniques allowed uneventful management of stent malposition in the portal vein.

Systemic air embolism associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A case report

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is a key procedure for diagnosing and treating biliary and pancreatic disorders.Although effective,it carries risks,including rare but severe complications such as air embolism.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 58-year-old man who developed extensive air embolism during ERCP.He previously underwent a Whipple procedure and experienced a sudden drop in vital signs and loss of consciousness.Immediate intervention with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and supportive care led to gradual recovery.Imaging confirmed widespread air embolism,which resolved with continued treatment.CONCLUSION Air embolism is a rare,critical complication of ERCP,especially in patients with prior surgery such as pancreaticoduodenectomy.Early detection and prompt treatment,including hyperbaric oxygen therapy,are crucial for favorable out-comes.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: The road is open for almighty biliopancreatic endoscopists!

Commentary on the article written and published by Peng et al,investigating the role of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)-guided biliary drainage for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopan-creatography(ERCP).For 40 years endoscopic biliary drainage was synonymous with ERCP,and EUS was used mainly for diagnostic purposes.The advent of therapeutic EUS has revolutionized the field,especially with the development of a novel device such as electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stents.Complete biliopancreatic endoscopists with both skills in ERCP and in interven-tional EUS,would be ideally suited to ensure patients the best drainage technique according to each individual situation.

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a patient with asplenia-type heterotaxy syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Asplenia-type heterotaxy syndrome(HS)is rare and refers to visceral malposition and dysmorphism.It is associated with a high infant mortality rate due to cardiac anomalies,and related digestive endoscopic interventions are poorly understood.With the improved long-term prognosis of these individuals after modern cardiac surgery,intra-abdominal anomalies have become increasingly significant.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)in a 14-year-old male with asplenia-type HS that involved unique imaging findings and technical difficulties.His anatomic anomalies included complex congenital heart disease,midline liver placement,an absent spleen,a left-sided inferior vena cava,and dextroposition of the stomach and pancreas.He suffered from choledocholithiasis with obstructive jaundice,and the stone was successfully extracted with a basket following endoscopic papillary balloon dilation.CONCLUSION Although anatomic anomalies in HS increase the degree of technical difficulty when performing ERCP,they can be safely managed by experienced endosco-pists,as illustrated by the present case.Identifying these variations with imaging modalities and being aware of them before initiating an invasive intervention are crucial to preventing potential complications.

Selection criteria for preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography before laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic treatment of bile duct stones:Results of a retrospective,single center study between 1996-2002

AIM: The optimal treatment for bile duct stones (in terms of cost, complications and accuracy) is unclear. The aim of our study was to determine the predictive factors for preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).METHODS: Patients undergoing preoperative ERCP (≤90 d before laparoscopic cholecystectomy) were evaluated in this retrospective study from the 1^st of January 1996 to the 31^st of December 2002. The indications for ERCP were elevated serum bilirubin, elevated liver function tests (LFT), dilated bile duct (≥8 mm) and/or stone at US examination, coexisting acute pancreatitis and/or acute pancreatitis or jaundice in patient's history. Suspected prognostic factors and the combination of factors were compared to the result of ERCRRESULTS: Two hundred and six preoperative ERCPs were performed during the observed period. The rate of successful cannulation for ERC was (97.1%). Bile duct stones were detected in 81 patients (39.3%), and successfully removed in 79 (97.5%). The number of prognostic factors correlated with the presence of bile duct stones. The positive predictive value for one prognostic factor was 1.2%, for two 43%,for three 72.5%, for four or more 91.4%.CONCLUSION: Based on our data preoperative ERCP is highly recommended in patients with three or more positive factors (high risk patients). In contrast, ERCP is not indicated in patients with zero or one factor (low risk patients).Preoperative ERCP should be offered to patients with two positive factors (moderate risk patients), however the practice should also be based on the local conditions (e.g.skill of the endoscopist, other diagnostic tools).

Innovations and techniques for balloon-enteroscopeassisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) remains challenging in patients who have undergone surgical reconstruction of the intestine.Recently,many studies have reported that balloonenteroscope-assisted ERCP(BEA-ERCP) is a safe and effective procedure.However,further improvements in outcomes and the development of simplified procedures are required.Percutaneous treatment,Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP,endoscopic ultrasoundguided anterograde intervention,and open surgery are effective treatments.However,treatment should be noninvasive,effective,and safe.We believe that these procedures should be performed only in difficult-to-treat patients because of many potential complications.BEA-ERCP still requires high expertiselevel techniques and is far from a routinely performed procedure.Various techniques have been proposed to facilitate scope insertion(insertion with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD) rendezvous technique,Short type single-balloon enteroscopes with passive bending section,Intraluminal injection of indigo carmine,CO2 inflation guidance),cannulation(PTBD or percutaneous transgallbladder drainage rendezvous technique,Dilation using screw drill,Rendezvous technique combining DBE with a cholangioscope,endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous technique),and treatment(overtube-assisted technique,Short type balloon enteroscopes) during BEA-ERCP.The use of these techniques may allow treatment to be performed by BEA-ERCP in many patients.A standard procedure for ERCP yet to be established for patients with a reconstructed intestine.At present,BEA-ERCP is considered the safest and most effective procedure and is therefore likely to be recommended as firstline treatment.In this article,we discuss the current status of BEA-ERCP in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.

Pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography:A narrative review

Acute post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis(PEP)is a feared and potentially fatal complication that can be as high as up to 30%in high-risk patients.Pre-examination measures,during the examination and after the examination are the key to technical and clinical success with a decrease in adverse events.Several studies have debated on the subject,however,numerous topics remain controversial,such as the effectiveness of prophylactic medications and the amylase dosage time.This review was designed to provide an update on the current scientific evidence regarding PEP available in the literature.

Analysis of the risk factors for severity in post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: The indication of prophylactic treatments

To determine the risk factors of severe post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (sPEP) and clarify the indication of prophylactic treatments. METHODSAt our hospital, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed on 1507 patients from May 2012 to December 2015. Of these patients, we enrolled all 121 patients that were diagnosed with post endoscopic retrograde PEP. Fourteen of 121 patients diagnosed as sPEP were analyzed. RESULTSForty-one patients had contrast media remaining in the pancreatic duct after completion of ERCP. Seventy-one patients had abdominal pain within three hours after ERCP. These were significant differences for sPEP (P < 0.05). The median of Body mass index, the median time for ERCP, the median serum amylase level of the next day, past histories including drinking and smoking, past history of pancreatitis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, whether emergency or not, expertise of ERCP procedure, diverticulum nearby Vater papilla, whether there was sphincterotomy or papillary balloon dilation, pancreatic duct cannulation, use of intra-ductal ultrasonography enforcement, and transpapillary biopsies had no significant differences with sPEP. CONCLUSIONContrast media remaining in the pancreatic duct and the appearance of abdominal pain within three hours after ERCP were risk factors of sPEP.

Improved techniques for double-balloon-enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

AIM: To investigate the clinical outcome of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (DB-ERCP) in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy. METHODS: Between September 2006 and April 2011, 47 procedures of DB-ERCP were performed in 28 patients with a Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (n = 11), Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy (n = 15), or Roux-en-Y anastomosis with hepaticojejunostomy (n = 2). DB-ERCP was performed using a short-type DBE combined with several technical innovations such as using an endoscope attachment, marking by submucosal tattooing,selectively applying contrast medium, and CO2 insufflations. RESULTS: The papilla of Vater or hepaticojejunostomy site was reached in its entirety with a 96% success rate (45/47 procedures). There were no significant differences in the success rate of reaching the blind end with a DBE among Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (96%), Billroth Ⅱ reconstruction (94%), or pancreatoduodenectomy (100%), respectively (P = 0.91). The total successful rate of cannulation and contrast enhancement of the target bile duct in patients whom the blind end was reached with a DBE was 40/45 procedures (89%). Again, there were no significant differences in the success rate of cannulation and contrast enhancement of the target bile duct with a DBE among Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (88 %), Billroth Ⅱ reconstruction (89%), or pancreatoduodenectomy (100%), respectively (P = 0.67). Treatment was achieved in all 40 procedures (100%) in patients whom the contrast enhancement of the bile duct was successful. Common endoscopic treatments were endoscopic biliary drainage (24 procedures) and extraction of stones (14 procedures). Biliary drainage was done by placement of plastic stents. Stones extraction was done by lithotomy with the mechanical lithotripter followed by extraction with a basket or by the balloon pull-through method. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in 14 procedures with a needle precutting knife using a guidewire. The mean total duration of the procedure was 93.6 ± 6.8 min and the mean time required to reach the papilla was 30.5 ± 3.7 min. The mean time required to reach the papilla tended to be shorter in Billroth Ⅱ reconstruction (20.9 ± 5.8 min) than that in Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (37.1 ± 4.9 min) but there was no significant difference (P = 0.09). A major complication occurred in one patient (3.5%); perforation of the long limb in a patient with Billroth Ⅱ anastomosis.CONCLUSION: Short-type DBE combined with several technical innovations enabled us to perform ERCP in most patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy.

Comparison of the impact of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between pre-COVID-19 and current COVID-19 outbreaks in South Korea:Retrospective survey

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)outbreak has markedly influenced the endoscopic patterns.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an essential technique for pancreatobiliary disease but increases the risk of exposure to the virus-containing body fluid;however,the impact of COVID-19 on ERCP is unknown.AIM To compare the number of endoscopic activities and to analyze the clinical outcomes of ERCPs before and during the COVID-19 outbreak in Daegu,South Kore.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients aged≥18 years who underwent ERCP between February 18 and March 28,2020,at a tertiary hospital.ERCP indications and endoscopic details were compared with those from the same period in 2018 and 2019 as control groups.RESULTS Of the 269 ERCP procedures,113(42.0%)cases were performed as emergency procedures.The number of ERCP procedures in 2018 and 2019 decreased by 20.2%and 56.6%,respectively,compared with that in 2020(P<0.01);among the 113 emergency ERCPs,the observed numbers in 2018(n=42)and 2019(n=55)dramatically dropped by 61.9%and 70.9%,respectively,compared with that in 2020(n=16).Of the 16 cases in 2020,stone removal was performed in five,biliary stenting in five,sphincterotomy in five,and nasobiliary drainage in one.No case of ERCP-related infection in medical workers or other patients has been reported.CONCLUSION The COVID-19 outbreak significantly reduced the number of ERCPs;however,there is no difference in the indications and endoscopic interventions before and during the COVID-19 outbreak.