Effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies on the sphincter of Oddi

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),with its clinical ad-vantages of less trauma and faster recovery,has become the primary treatment for choledocholithiasis.AIM To investigate the effects of different ERCP procedures on the sphincter of Oddi.METHODS The clinical data of 91 patients who underwent ERCP at Yixing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2018 and February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into endoscopic sphinc-terotomy(EST,n=24)and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD,n=67)groups.The duration of operation,pancreatic development,pancreatic sphinc-terotomy,intubation difficulties,stone recurrence,and incidence of reflux cho-langitis and cholecystitis were statistically analyzed in patients with a history of choledocholithiasis,pancreatitis,and Oddi sphincter dysfunction in the EST and EPBD groups.RESULTS Differences in hypertension,diabetes,increased bilirubin,small diameter of the common bile duct,or ampullary diverticulum between the two groups were not significant.Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups concerning sex and age(<60 years).Patients with a history of choledocholithiasis,pancreatitis,and Oddi sphincter dysfunction were higher in the EST group than in the EPBD group.The number of cases of pancreatic development,pancreatic duct sphincterotomy,and difficult intubation were higher in the EST group than in the EPBD group.The number of Oddi’s sphincter manometries,ERCP surgical outcomes,and guidewires entering the pancreatic duct several times in EST group were lower than those in the EPBD group.The numbers of stone recurrences,reflux cholangitis,and cholecystitis were higher in the EST group than in the EPBD group.CONCLUSION In summary,common bile duct stones,pancreatitis history,and multiple guided wire introductions into the pancreatic duct are independent risk factors for EST and EPBD.Based on this evidence,this study can provide actionable insights for clinicians and researchers.

Limited endoscopic sphincterotomy plus large balloon dilation for choledocholithiasis with periampullary diverticula

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) plus large balloon dilation (LBD) for removing choledocholithiasis in patients with periampullary diverticula (PAD). METHODS: A total of 139 patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones were treated with LBD (10-20 mm balloon diameter) after limited EST. Of this total, 73 patients had PAD and 66 patients did not have PAD (controls). The results of stone removal and complications were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the PAD and the control groups in overall successful stone removal (94.5% vs 93.9%), stone removal in first session (69.9% vs 81.8%), mechanical lithotripsy (12.3% vs 13.6%), and complications (11.0% vs 7.6%). Clinical outcomes were also similar between the types of PAD, but the rate of stone removal in first session and the number of sessions were significantly lower and more frequent, respectively, in type B PAD (papilla located near the diverticulum) than controls [23/38 (60.5%) vs 54/66 (81.8%), P = 0.021; and 1 (1-2) vs 1 (1-3), P = 0.037, respectively] and the frequency of pancreatitis was significantly higher in type A PAD (papilla located inside or in the margin of the diverticulum) than in controls (16.1% vs 3.0%, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Limited EST plus LBD was an effective and safe procedure for removing choledocholithiasis in patients with PAD. However, some types of PAD should be managed with caution.

Minor endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by large balloon dilation for large choledocholith treatment

AIM To evaluate early and late outcomes of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD) with minor endoscopic sphincterotomy(m EST) for stone removal.METHODS A total of 149 consecutive patients with difficult common bile duct(CBD) stones(diameter ≥ 10 mm or ≥ 3 stones) underwent conventional endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) or m EST plus EPLBD from May 2012 to April 2016. Their demographic, laboratory and procedural data were collected, and pancreaticobiliary complications were recorded.RESULTS Sixty-nine(94.5%) of the patients in the EPLBD + m EST group and 64(84.2%) in the conventional EST group achieved stone clearance following the first session(P = 0.0421). The procedure time for EPLBD + m EST was shorter than for EST alone(42.1 ± 13.6 min vs 47.3 ± 11.8 min, P = 0.0128). The overall rate of early complications in the EPLBD + m EST group(11%) was lower than in the EST group(21.1%); however, the difference was not significant(P = 0.0938). The cumulative recurrence rate of cholangitis and CBD stones between the two groups was also similar. The procedure time was independently associated with post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis(OR = 6.374, 95%CI: 1.193-22.624, P = 0.023), CBD stone diameter ≥ 16 mm(OR = 7.463, 95%CI: 2.705-21.246, P = 0.0452) and use of mechanical lithotripsy(OR = 9.913, 95%CI: 3.446-23.154, P = 0.0133) were independent risk factors for stone recurrence. CONCLUSION EPLBD with m EST is more effective than EST alone for difficult CBD stone removal, with shorter procedure time and fewer early complications.

Risk factors for delayed hemorrhage after endoscopic sphincterotomy

Background:Hemorrhage is one of the most serious complications of endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST).The risk factors for delayed hemorrhage are not clear.This study aimed to explore the risk factors for post-EST delayed hemorrhage and suggest some precautionary measures.Methods:This study analyzed 8477 patients who successfully underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)and EST between January 2007 and June 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to find the risk factors for delayed hemorrhage after EST.Results:Of the 8477 patients screened,137(1.62%)experienced delayed hemorrhage.Univariate analysis showed that male,the severity of jaundice,duodenal papillary adenoma and carcinoma,diabetes,intraoperative bleeding,moderate and large incisions,and directional deviation of incision were risk factors for post-EST delayed hemorrhage(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that intraoperative bleeding[odds ratio(OR)=3.326;95%CI:1.785–6.196;P<0.001]and directional deviation of incision(OR=2.184;95%CI:1.266–3.767;P=0.005)were independent risk factors for post-EST delayed hemorrhage.Conclusions:Delayed hemorrhage is the most common and dangerous complication of EST.Intraoperative bleeding and directional deviation of incision are independent risk factors for post-EST delayed hemorrhage.

Microbiologic risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis postendoscopic sphincterotomy

BACKGROUND Choledocholithiasis is a severe disorder that affects a significant portion of the world’s population.Treatment using endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)has become widespread;however,recurrence post-EST is relatively common.The bile microbiome has a profound influence on the recurrence of choledocholithiasis in patients after EST;however,the key pathogens and their functions in the biliary tract remain unclear.AIM To investigate the biliary microbial characteristics of patients with recurrent choledocholithiasis post-EST,using next-generation sequencing.METHODS This cohort study included 43 patients,who presented with choledocholithiasis at the Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital between May and June 2020.The patients had undergone EST or endoscopic papillary balloon dilation and were followed up for over a year.They were divided into either the stable or recurrent groups.We collected bile samples and extracted microbial DNA for analysis through next-generation sequencing.Resulting sequences were analyzed for core microbiome and statistical differences between the diagnosis groups;they were examined using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway hierarchy level using analysis of variance.Correlation between the key genera and metabolic pathways in bile,were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test.RESULTS The results revealed distinct clustering of biliary microbiota in recurrent choledocholithiasis.Higher relative abundances(RAs)of Fusobacterium and Neisseria(56.61%±14.81%vs 3.47%±1.10%,8.95%±3.42%vs 0.69%±0.32%,respectively)and the absence of Lactobacillus were observed in the bile of patients with recurrent disease,compared to that in stable patients.Construction of a microbiological co-occurrence network revealed a mutual relationship among Fusobacterium,Neisseria,and Leptotrichia,and an antagonistic relationship among Lactobacillales,Fusobacteriales,and Clostridiales.Functional prediction of biliary microbiome revealed that the loss of transcription and metabolic abilities may lead to recurrent choledocholithiasis.Furthermore,the prediction model based on the RA of Lactobacillales in the bile was effective in identifying the risk of recurrent choledocholithiasis(P=0.03).CONCLUSION We demonstrated differences in the bile microbiome of patients with recurrent choledocholithiasis compared to that in patients with stable disease,thereby adding to the current knowledge on its microbiologic etiology.

Partially covered vs uncovered sphincterotome and postendoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding

AIM: To prospectively compare partially covered vs uncovered sphincterotome use on post-endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (ES) hemorrhage and other complications. METHODS: All patients referred for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were randomly assigned to undergo ES either with a partially covered or an uncovered sphincterotome. Both patient and technical risk factors contributing to the development of post-ES bleeding were recorded and analyzed. The characteristics of bleeding was recorded during and after ES. Other complications were also compared. RESULTS: Three-hundred and eighty-seven patients were recruited in this study; 194 patients underwent ES with a partially covered sphincterotome and 193 with conventional uncovered sphincterotome. No statistical difference was noted in the baseline characteristics and risk factors for post-ES induced hemorrhage between the 2 groups. No significant difference in the incidence and pattern of visible bleeding rates was found between the 2 groups (immediate bleeding in 24 patients with the partially covered sphincterotome vs 19 patients with the uncovered sphincterotome, P = 0.418). Delayed bleeding was observed in 2 patients with a partially covered sphincterotome and in 1 patient with an uncovered sphincterotome (P = 0.62). No statistical difference was noted in the rate of other complications. CONCLUSION: The partially covered sphincterotome was not associated with a lower frequency of bleeding. Also, there was no difference in the incidence of other significant complications between the 2 types of sphincterotome.

Evaluating the efficacy of endoscopic sphincterotomy on biliary-type sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: A retrospective clinical trial

BACKGROUND Although endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)has a positive therapeutic effect on biliary-type sphincter of Oddi dysfunction(SOD),some patients still have little relief after EST,which implies that other functional abdominal pain may also be present with biliary-type SOD and interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of it.AIM To retrospectively assess EST as a treatment for biliary-type SOD and analyze the importance of functional gastrointestinal disorder(FGID)in guiding endoscopic treatment of SOD.METHODS Clinical data of 79 patients with biliary-type SOD(type I and type II)treated with EST at Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January 2014 to January 2019 were retrospectively collected to evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect of EST.The significance of relationship between FGID and biliary-type SOD was analyzed.RESULTS Seventy-nine patients with biliary-type SOD received EST,including 29 type 1 patients and 50 type 2 patients.The verbal rating scale-5(VRS-5)scores before EST were all 3 or 4 points,and the scores decreased after EST;the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After EST,the serum indexes of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin in biliary-type SOD were significantly lower than before(P<0.05).After EST,67(84.8%)and 8(10.1%)of the 79 patients with biliary-type SOD had obviously effective(VRS-5=0 points)and effective treatment(VRS-5=1-2 points),with an overall effectiveness rate of 94.9%(75/79).There was no difference in VRS-5 scores between biliary-type SOD patients with or without FGID before EST(P>0.05).Of 12 biliary-type SOD(with FGID)patients,11 had abdominal pain after EST;of 67 biliary-type SOD(without FGID)patients,0 had abdominal pain after EST.The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The 11 biliary-type SOD(with FGID)patients with recurrence of symptoms,the recurrence time was about half a year after the EST,and the symptoms were significantly relieved after regular medical treatment.There were 4 cases of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis(5.1%),and no cholangitis,bleeding or perforation occurred.Patients were followed up for 1 year to 5 years after EST,with an average follow-up time of 2.34 years,and there were no long-term adverse events such as sphincter of Oddi restenosis or cholangitis caused by intestinal bile reflux during the follow-up.CONCLUSION EST is a safe and effective treatment for SOD.For patients with type I and II SOD combined with FGID,single EST or medical treatment has limited efficacy.It is recommended that EST and medicine be combined to improve the cure rate of such patients.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy with needleshaped knife: report of 476 cases

Objectives: To evaluate endoscopic duodenal sphinc- terotomy and improve its success rate. Methods: Needle-shaped knife was used for endoscop- ic sphincterotomy (EST) in 476 patients with biliary or pancreatic diseases from March 1995 to October 2000. Results: Direct incision was made in 243 patients, papillary fenestration in 89, and opposite incision in 144. The papilla located beside and in the diverticu- lum in 56 and 12 patients, respectively. EST emer- gency was made in 147 patients. ERCP after EST be- cause of the difficulty in intubation was made suc- cessfully in 62 patients. Mild complications occurred in 14 patients (2.94%), all of whom were cured af- ter symptomatic treatment. Conclusions: EST with needle-shaped knife has such advantages as safety in operation and convenience in incision. It is suitable for the papilla with different shape, with a higher success rate.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic papillary large-balloon dilation(12-15 mm)with or without limited sphincterotomy for removal of bile duct stones

Background:Limited endoscopic sphincterotomy with large balloon dilation(ES-LBD)and endoscopic papillary large-balloon dilation(EPLBD)have been proven safe and effective for removal of bile duct stones.However,the long-term outcomes are not clear.The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of EPLBD(12-15 mm)with or without limited sphincterotomy for removal of common bile duct(CBD)stones.Methods:Patients with EPLBD or ES-LBD referred for the removal of bile-duct stones between June 2008 and August 2020 were retrospectively reviewed.Complete stone clearance,endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)-related adverse events,and late biliary complications during long-term follow-up were analyzed.Results:Basic patient characteristics were not significantly different between the groups that underwent EPLBD(n=168)and ES-LBD(n=57).EPLBD compared with ES-LBD resulted in similar outcomes in terms of overall successful stone removal(99.4%vs.100%,P=1.00)and ERCP-related adverse events(7.7%vs.5.3%,P=0.77).The mean duration of the follow-up were 113.6 months and 106.7 months for patients with EPLBD and ES-LBD,respectively(P=0.13).There was no significant difference between EPLBD and ES-LBD in the incidence of stone recurrence[20(11.9%)vs.9(15.8%);P=0.49].Multivariate analysis showed that a diameter of CBD≥15 mm(OR=3.001;95%CI:1.357-6.640;P=0.007)was an independent risk factor for stone recurrence.Conclusions:The application of a large balloon(12-15 mm)via EPLBD is an effective and safe alternative to ES-LBD for extraction of large CBD stones.Endoscopic sphincterotomy prior to EPLBD may be unnec-essary.A diameter of CBD≥15 mm is a risk factor of stone recurrence.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in treatment of gallbladder stones with common bile duct stones: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND The incidence of cholelithiasis has been on the rise in recent years,but the choice of procedure is controversial.AIM To investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD)in patients with gallbladder stones(GS)with common bile duct stones(CBDS).METHODS The clinical data of 102 patients with GS combined with CBDS were selected for retrospective analysis and divided into either an LC+EPBD group(n=50)or an LC+endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)group(n=52)according to surgical methods.Surgery-related indexes,postoperative recovery,postoperative complications,and expression levels of inflammatory response indexes were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Total surgical time,stone free rate,rate of conversion to laparotomy,and successful stone extraction rate did not differ significantly between the LC+EPBD group and LC+EST group.Intraoperative hemorrhage,time to ambulation,and length of hospitalization in the LC+EPBD group were lower than those of the LC+EST group(P<0.05).The rate of total complications of the two groups was 9.80%and 17.65%,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant.No serious complications occurred in either group.At 48 h postoperatively,the expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,high-sensitivity Creactive protein,and procalcitonin were lower in the LC+EPBD group than in the LC+EST group(P<0.05).At 3 d postoperatively,the expression levels of aspartate transaminase,alanine transaminase,and total bilirubin were lower in the LC+EPBD group than in the LC+EST group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION LC combined with EPBD and LC combined with EST are both effective procedures for the treatment of GS with CBDS,in which LC combined with EPBD is beneficial to shorten the patient’s hospitalization time,reduce the magnitude of elevated inflammatory response indexes,and promote postoperative recovery.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation alone or combined with small or complete sphincterotomy for the removal of large common bile duct stones

Background:Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD)has been proposed as an alternative to manage large bile duct stones.However,EPLBD alone or combined with sphincterotomy remains controversial.Methods:Between Jan.2014 and Dec.2017,195 consecutive patients with proven large common bile duct stones(size≥10 mm)were retrospectively analyzed.We compared the baseline characteristics,procedure time,success rate of stone removal and morbidity outcomes in different groups.Results:There were no significant difference between baseline characteristics of the groups compared.A total of 89.2%,95.4%,and 93.8% of the patients in the EPLBD,EPLBD+small sphincterotomy(SES),and EPLBD+complete sphincterotomy(CES)groups had stones cleared(P=0.473),respectively.There was no difference in terms of procedure time(33.5±10.2,34.8±9.0,34.9±8.2,in the EPLBD,EPLBD+SES,and EPLBD+CES groups,respectively).However,when assigned to tvvo groups according to bile duct stones diameter(bile duct stones<13 mm,bile duct stones≥13 mm).in the bile duct stones<13 mm group,the procedure time was significantly less in the EPLBD group than the EPLBD+SES group and the EPLBD+CES group(P=0.028).In the bile duct stones≥13 mm group,the mechanical lithotripsy rate of EPLBD was significantly higher compared to EPLBD+SES or EPLBD+CES(P=0.032).The complication rates were similar among all groups.Conclusions:The diameter of bile duct stones should be taken into consideration when choosing EPLBD alone or combined with small sphincterotomy for the removal of common bile duct stones.

Innovation of endoscopic management in difficult common bile duct stone in the era of laparoscopic surgery

Common bile duct(CBD)stone is a common biliary problem,which often requires endoscopic approach as the initial treatment option.Roughly,7%-12%of the subjects who experience cholecystectomy were subsequently referred to biliary endoscopist for further management.In general,there are three classifications of difficult CBD stone,which are based on the characteristics of the stone(larger than 15 mm,barrel or square-shaped stones,and hard consistency),accessibility to papilla related to anatomical variations,and other clinical conditions or comorbidities of the patients.Currently,endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD)of a previous sphincterotomy and EPLBD combined with limited sphincterotomy performed on the same session is still recommended by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy as the main approach in difficult CBD stones with history of failed sphincterotomy and balloon and/or basket attempts.If failed extraction is still encountered,mechanical lithotripsy or cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy can be considered.Surgical approach can be considered when stone extraction is still failed or the facilities to perform lithotripsy are not available.To our knowledge,conflicting evidence are still found from previous studies related to the comparison between endoscopic and surgical approaches.The availability of experienced operator and resources needs to be considered in creating individualized treatment strategies for managing difficult biliary stones.

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in perioperative period of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Objective: To explore the indications and the value ofendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)in perioperative phase of laparoscopic cholecystecto-my.Methods: From January 1998 to April 1999, a total of1500 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies wereanalyzed. The indications for preoperative group (n=33) included elevated bilirubin level and alkalinephosphatase level, jaundice, pancreatitis, abnormalliver function, dilated bile duct and/or stones on ul-trasound or CT. The indications for postoperativegroup (n=20) included clinical signs or symptoms aswell as common bile duct stones demonstrated by in-traoperative cholangiography.Results: Preoperative ERCP for 32 patients (2.1%)showed abnormalities in 12 (37%). Postoperative ER-CP for 20 patients(1.3%) demonstrated abnormalitiesin 14 (70%). Super-selected criteria for preoperativeERCP would predict more than 66% ductal stones.Endoscopic sphincterectomy and duct stones clearancewere performed in all 16 patients with documentedcommon bile duct stones. The morbidity was confinedin 2 patients with self-limited pancreatitis (3%).Conclusions: Using super-selected creteria to selectpatients for preoperative ERCP can avoid unnecessaryERCP. As soon as postoperative patients have clinicalsigns or symptoms, endoscopic treatment should beperformed.

Successful endoscopic procedures for intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct:A case report

Attention has recently been focused on biliary papillary tumors as the novel disease entity intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB),which consists of papillary proliferation of dysplastic biliary epithelium.As even benign papillary tumors are considered as premalignant,some investigators recommend aggressive surgical therapy for IPNB,although no guidelines are available to manage this disease.Few reports have described long-term follow-up of patients with benign IPNB without radical resection.If patients with IPNB who are treated only with endoscopic procedures are noted,clinical profiles and alternative therapies other than resection may be recommended.We report the case of a patient who experienced repetitive cholangitis for 10 years and was finally diagnosed with IPNB.Radical resection could not be recommended because of the age of the patient,therefore,endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed.Although an endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage catheter was placed several times for repetitive cholangitis,the patient has done well during follow-up.Our case may offer insights into the natural course and management decisions for the novel disease entity of IPNB.

Cholecystectomy reduces subsequent cholangiocarcinoma risk in choledocholithiasis patients undergoing endoscopic intervention

BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma is a disease with a high mortality rate.Our previous study revealed that cholelithiasis patients who undergo endoscopic sphincterotomy(ES)/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation are at a higher risk for subsequent cholangiocarcinoma than cholelithiasis patients who undergo cholecystectomy.AIM To clarify the relationship between recurrent biliary events and subsequent cholangiocarcinoma risk in choledocholithiasis patients.METHODS From one million random cases in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database 2004–2011,we selected symptomatic choledocholithiasis patients older than 18 years who were admitted from January 2005 to December 2009(study group).Cases for a control group were defined as individuals who had never been diagnosed with cholelithiasis,matched by sex and age in a 1:3 ratio.The study group was further divided into ES/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation,both ES/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation and cholecystectomy,and no intervention groups.RESULTS We included 2096 choledocholithiasis patients without previous intervention or cholangiocarcinoma.A total of 12(2.35%),11(0.74%),and 1(1.00%)subsequent cholangiocarcinoma cases were diagnosed among 511 ES/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation patients,1485 patients with no intervention,and 100 ES/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation and cholecystectomy patients,respectively.The incidence rates of recurrent biliary event were 527.79/1000 person-years and 286.69/1000 person-years in the subsequent cholangiocarcinoma and no cholangiocarcinoma group,showing a high correlation between subsequent cholangiocarcinoma risk and recurrent biliary events.CONCLUSION Choledocholithiasis patients who undergo further cholecystectomy after ES/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation have decreased subsequent cholangiocarcinoma risk due to reduced recurrent biliary events.

Clinical utility of 0.025-inch guidewire VisiGlide2TM in the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related procedures

AIM To examine the result of the use of 0.025-inch guidewire(GW) Visi Glide2 TM as the first choice in the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)-related procedures without selecting the patient in a multicenter prospective study. METHODS ERCP using 0.025-inch GW VisiGlide2^(TM) as the first choice was conducted in patients who have needed ERCP, and its accomplishment rate of procedure, procedural time, incidence of accidental symptoms were compared with those of ERCP using 0.025-inch GW VisiG lideTM.RESULTS The accomplishment rate of procedure was 97.5%(197/202), and procedural time was 23.930 ± 16.207 min. The accomplishment rate of procedure using 0.025-inch GW Visi GlideTM was 92.3%(183/195), and procedural time was 31.285 ± 19.122 min, thus the accomplishment rate of procedure was significantly improved and procedural time was significantly shortened(P < 0.05). Accidental symptoms by ERCPrelated procedures were observed in 3.0%(6/202), and all were conservatively alleviated. CONCLUSION When 0.025-inch GW VisiG lide2 TM was used for ERCPrelated procedure as the first choice, it showed high accomplishment rate of procedure and low incidence of accidental symptoms, suggesting it can be used as the universal GW. Clinical Trial Registry(UMIN0000016042).

Endoscopic Sphinterotomy in Patients with Mild Acute Biliary Pancreatitis, in <i>Situ</i>Gallbladder and Alithiasic Bile Duct: Is It Justified?

Objective: To compare the long-term results of the treatment of mild acute biliary pancreatitis in patients with gallbladder in situ, without stones in the bile duct, treated by cholecystectomy, and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) versus simple cholecystectomy in the prevention of recurrence of this pathology. Material and Methods: Between May 2008 and December 2012, 110 consecutive patients with a mild acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) were prospectively studied. None had undergone cholecystectomy, and choledocholithiasis was ruled out by ERCP. Two groups of patients were created and randomized: Group I (n = 55) who underwent ERCP plus ES and Group II (n = 55) only had diagnostic ERCP. Patients were then referred for cholecystectomy. Follow up was completed in 101 patients. Group I was made up of 53 patients and Group II had 48 similar characteristics. Patients were followed for an average of 105 months. At the end of the follow-up, 12 (22.6%) from Group I and 6 (12.5%) from Group II (p = 0.143) remained with the gallbladder in situ. Results: There were 53 patients in Group I (100%). Only 42 (87.5%) of those in Group II evolved without biliopancreatic complications (p = 0.0096). In the latter, 6 (12.5%) were complicated, and 5 had not had cholecystectomy. In Group I patients, there was no recurrence of acute biliary pancreatitis, but this was seen in 4 cases (8.4%) in Group II (p = 0.0476). Group I also had 2 cases of biliary colic (4.2%) and 2 cases of obstructive jaundice (4.2%). Conclusions : The risk of recurrence is significant in patients with mild acute biliary pancreatitis, without bile duct stones, and in whom cholecystectomy is not performed;thus, an ES is recommended.

Comprehensive review on small common bile duct stones

Common bile duct stones are among the most common conditions encountered by endoscopists.Therefore,it is well researched;however,some items,such as indications for endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation(EPBD),safety of EPBD and endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy or direct oral anticoagulant,selection strategy for retrieval balloons and baskets,lack adequate evidence.Therefore,the guidelines have been updated with new research,while others remain unchanged due to weak evidence.In this review,we comprehensively summarize the standard methods in guidelines and new findings from recent studies on papillary dilation,stone retrieval devices,difficult-to-treat cases,troubleshooting during the procedure,and complicated cases of cholangitis,cholecystolithiasis,or distal biliary stricture.

Duodenoscopy in treatment of acute gallstone pancreatitis

Objective: To probe the potential use of duodenosco- py in the diagnosis and treatment of acute gallstone pancreatitis (GP). Methods: Fourty-five patients with acute GP were randomly divided into endoscopic retrograde cholan- giopancreatography (ERCP) group (n=20) and non-ERCP group (n=25). Each group was subdivi- ded into mild and severe groups according to A- PACHE Ⅱ scores. They were given supportive treat- ment combined with traditional Chinese medicine. The patients in the ERCP group received ERCP within 24 hours after admission. If there were stones in the common bile duct with stenosis of the inferior extremity or ampulla, endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) was performed to extract the stones by basket. If no calculi were identified or multiple stones were large, endoscopic naso-biliary drainage (ENBD) was carried out. Results: The incidence of complication, length of hospitalization and cost were markedly lower in pa- tients with severe acute GP in the ERCP group than those in the non-ERCP group (P<0.05), in contrast to the 2 mild subgroups of the ERCP and non-ERCP groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: It is feasible, effective and safe to apply duodenoseopy in the treatment of severe acute GP.

Outcomes of laparoscopic bile duct exploration for choledocholithiasis with small common bile duct

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)combined with laparoscopic common bile duct(CBD)exploration(LCBDE)is one of the main treatments for choledocholithiasis with CBD diameter of larger than 10 mm.However,for patients with small CBD(CBD diameter≤8 mm),endoscopic sphincterotomy remains the preferred treatment at present,but it also has some drawbacks associated with a series of complications,such as pancreatitis,hemorrhage,cholangitis,and duodenal perforation.To date,few studies have been reported that support the feasibility and safety of LCBDE for choledocholithiasis with small CBD.AIM To investigate the feasibility and safety of LCBDE for choledocholithiasis with small CBD.METHODS A total of 257 patients without acute cholangitis who underwent LC+LCBDE for cholecystolithiasis from January 2013 to December 2018 in one institution were reviewed.The clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.According to whether the diameter of CBD was larger than 8 mm,257 patients were divided into large CBD group(n=146)and small CBD group(n=111).Propensity score matching(1:1)was performed to adjust for clinical differences.The demographics,intraoperative data,short-term outcomes,and long-term follow-up outcomes for the patients were recorded and compared.RESULTS In total,257 patients who underwent successful LC+LCBDE were enrolled in the study,146 had large CBD and 111 had small CBD.The median follow-up period was 39(14-86)mo.For small CBD patients,the median CBD diameter was 0.6 cm(0.2-2.0 cm),the mean operating time was 107.2±28.3 min,and the postoperative bile leak rate,rate of residual CBD stones(CBDS),CBDS recurrence rate,and CBD stenosis rate were 5.41%(6/111),3.60%(4/111),1.80%(2/111),and 0%(0/111),respectively;the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.4±3.6 d.For large CBD patients,the median common bile duct diameter was 1.0 cm(0.3-3.0 cm),the mean operating time was 115.7±32.0 min,and the postoperative bile leak rate,rate of residual CBDS,CBDS recurrence rate,and CBD stenosis rate were 5.41%(9/146),1.37%(2/146),6.85%(10/146),and 0%(0/146),respectively;the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.7±2.7 d.After propensity score matching,184 patients remained,and all preoperative covariates except diameter of CBD stones were balanced.Postoperative bile leak occurred in 11 patients overall(5.98%),and no difference was found between the small CBD group(4.35%,4/92)and the large CBD group(7.61%,7/92).The incidence of CBDS recurrence did not differ significantly between the small CBD group(2.17%,2/92)and the large CBD group(6.52%,6/92).CONCLUSION LC+LCBDE is safe and feasible for choledocholithiasis patients with small CBD and did not increase the postoperative bile leak rate compared with choledocholithiasis patients with large CBD.