External use of mirabilite to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in children:A multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).Currently,there is no suitable treatment for post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP)prophylaxis.Few studies have prospectively evaluated interventions to prevent PEP in children.AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of the external use of mirabilite to prevent PEP in children.METHODS This multicenter,randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled patients with chronic pancreatitis scheduled for ERCP according to eligibility criteria.Patients were randomly divided into the external use of mirabilite group(external use of mirabilite in a bag on the projected abdominal area within 30 min before ERCP)and blank group.The primary outcome was the incidence of PEP.The secondary outcomes included the severity of PEP,abdominal pain scores,levels of serum inflammatory markers[tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and serum interleukin-10(IL-10)],and intestinal barrier function markers[diamine oxidase(DAO),D-lactic acid,and endotoxin].Additionally,the side effects of topical mirabilite were investigated.RESULTSA total of 234 patients were enrolled,including 117 in the external use of mirabilite group and theother 117 in the blank group.The pre-procedure and procedure-related factors were notsignificantly different between the two groups.The incidence of PEP in the external use ofmirabilite group was significantly lower than that in the blank group(7.7%vs 26.5%,P<0.001).The severity of PEP decreased in the mirabilite group(P=0.023).At 24 h after the procedure,thevisual analog scale score in the external use of mirabilite group was lower than that in the blankgroup(P=0.001).Compared with those in the blank group,the TNF-αexpressions weresignificantly lower and the IL-10 expressions were significantly higher at 24 h after the procedurein the external use of mirabilite group(P=0.032 and P=0.011,respectively).There were nosignificant differences in serum DAO,D-lactic acid,and endotoxin levels before and after ERCPbetween the two groups.No adverse effects of mirabilite were observed.CONCLUSIONExternal use of mirabilite reduced the PEP occurrence.It significantly alleviated post-proceduralpain and reduced inflammatory response.Our results favor the external use of mirabilite toprevent PEP in children.

Application Value of Nursing Intervention for Patients with Pancreatitis After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)

Objective:To explore and analyze the application value of nursing intervention for patients with pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).Methods:From May 2022 to May 2023,100 patients with pancreatitis after ERCP who were admitted to the General Surgery Department of our hospital were selected as the research objects,they were divided into a research group and a general group by flipping coins,with 50 cases in each group.The research group received nursing intervention,and the general group received general nursing.The postoperative index recovery time,quality of life,and emotional performance were compared between the two groups.Results:The blood amylase recovery time,abdominal pain recovery time,white blood cell recovery time,and hospitalization time in the research group were significantly lower than those in the general group(P<0.05).Before intervention,the physical function,social factors,physiological performance,emotional state,and other quality of life indicators were compared between the groups,and there was no statistically significant difference(P>0.05);after intervention,the mentioned quality of life indicators were significantly better than that of the general group(P<0.05).Before intervention,the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)scores between the groups were compared,and there was no statistically significant difference(P>0.05);after intervention,the SAS and SDS scores of the research group were significantly better than those of the general group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of nursing intervention in patients with pancreatitis after ERCP has high clinical value and specific practical significance.

Pancreatic stents for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis should be inserted up to the pancreatic body or tail

AIM To investigate the location to which a pancreatic stent should be inserted to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis(PEP).METHODS Over a ten-year period at our hospital, 296 patients underwent their first ERCP procedure and had a pancreatic stent inserted; this study included 147 patients who had ERCP performed primarily for biliary investigation and had a pancreatic stent inserted to prevent PEP. We dividedthese patients into two groups: 131 patients with a stent inserted into the pancreatic head(head group) and 16 patients with a stent inserted up to the pancreatic body or tail(body/tail group). Patient characteristics and ERCP factors were compared between the groups.RESULTS Pancreatic amylase isoenzyme(p-AMY) levels in the head group were significantly higher than those in the body/tail group [138.5(7.0-2086) vs 78.5(5.0-1266.5), P = 0.03] [median(range)]. No cases of PEP were detected in the body/tail group [head group, 12(9.2%)]. Of the risk factors for post-ERCP hyperamylasemia(≥ p-AMY median, 131 IU/L), procedure time ≥ 60 min [odds ratio(OR) 2.65, 95%CI: 1.17-6.02, P = 0.02) and stent insertion into the pancreatic head(OR 3.80, 95%CI: 1.12-12.9, P = 0.03) were identified as independent risk factors by multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION Stent insertion up to the pancreatic body or tail reduces the risk of post-ERCP hyperamylasemia and may reduce the risk of PEP.

Is rectal indomethacin effective in preventing of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis?

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of rectally administered indomethacin in the prophylaxis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis and hyperamylasaemia in a multicentre study.

Prophecy about post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis:From divination to science

One unresolved issue of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP),which occurs in up to 40%of patients.Identification of risk factors for PEP is especially important in the field of ERCP practice because it may assist physicians in taking protective measures in situations with high risk.A decade ago,Freeman et al meticulously evaluated a large number of potentially relevant risk factors for PEP,which can be divided into patient-relat-ed and procedure-related issues.In this commentary, we summarize this classic article and reevaluate the risk factors for PEP from the current point of view.This is followed by assessment of strategies for prevention of PEP that can be divided into mechanical and pharmacologic methods.

Effect of precut sphincterotomy on post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis:A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM: To conduct a systemic review and meta-analysis to investigate the role of early precut technique. Multiple randomized controlled trails (RCTs) have reported conflicting results of the early precut sphincterotomy.

Updated meta-analysis of pancreatic stent placement in preventing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety profile ofpancreatic duct(PD) stent placement for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis(PEP). METHODS: We performed a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled clinical trials of prophylactic PD stent placement after ERCP. Rev Man 5 software provided by Cochrane was used for the heterogeneity and efficacy analyses, and a meta-analysis was performed for the data that showed homogeneity. Categorical data are presented as relative risks and 95% confidence intervals(CIs), and measurement data are presented as weighted mean differences and 95%CIs. RESULTS: The incidence rates of severe pancreatitis, operation failure, complications and patient pain severity were analyzed. Data on pancreatitis incidence were reported in 14 of 15 trials. There was no significant heterogeneity between the trials(I2 = 0%, P = 0.93). In the stent group, 49 of the 1233 patients suffered from PEP, compared to 133 of the 1277 patients in the no-stent group. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that it may be possible to prevent PEP by placing a PD stent. CONCLUSION: PD stent placement can reduce postoperative hyperamylasemia and might be an effective and safe option to prevent PEP if the operation indications are well controlled.

Risk factors for the development of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in patients with asymptomatic common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND Previous studies have revealed that patients with asymptomatic common bile duct(CBD)stones are at a high risk of developing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)pancreatitis(PEP).However,no studies to date have addressed the risk factors for PEP in patients with asymptomatic CBD stones.AIM To examine the risk factors for PEP in patients with asymptomatic CBD stones.METHODS Using medical records of three institutions in Japan for 6 years,we identified a total of 1135 patients with choledocholithiasis including 967 symptomatic patients and 168 asymptomatic patients with native papilla who underwent therapeutic ERCP.We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to examine the risk factors for PEP in the 168 patients with asymptomatic CBD stones.RESULTS The overall incidence rate of PEP in all the patients with during study period was 4.7%(53/1135).Of the 168 patients with asymptomatic CBD stones,24(14.3%)developed PEP.In univariate analysis,precut sphincterotomy(P=0.009)and biliary balloon sphincter dilation(P=0.043)were significant risk factors for PEP.In multivariate analysis,precut sphincterotomy(P=0.002,95%CI:2.2-27.8,odds ratio=7.7),biliary balloon sphincter dilation(P=0.015,95%CI:1.4-17.3,odds ratio=4.9),and trainee endoscopists(P=0.048,95%CI:1.01-8.1,odds ratio=2.9)were significant risk factors for PEP.CONCLUSION ERCP for asymptomatic CBD stones should be performed by experienced endoscopists.When performing precut sphincterotomy or biliary balloon sphincter dilation in patients with asymptomatic CBD stones,the placement of a prophylactic pancreatic stent is strongly recommended to prevent PEP.

Suppository naproxen reduces incidence and severity of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: Randomized controlled trial

AIM: To determine the efficacy of rectally administered naproxen for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP).METHODS: This double-blind randomized control trial conducted from January 2013 to April 2014 at the Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center in Rasht, Iran. A total of 324 patients were selected from candidates for diagnostic or therapeutic ERCP by using the simple sampling method. Patients received a single dose of Naproxen (500 mg; n = 162) or a placebo (n = 162) per rectum immediately before ERCP. The overall incidence of PEP, incidence of mild to severe PEP, serum amylase levels and adverse effects were measured. The primary outcome measure was the development of pancreatitis onset of pain in the upper abdomen and elevation of the serum amylase level to &#x0003e; 3 &#x000d7; the upper normal limit (60-100 IU/L) within 24 h after ERCP. The severity of PEP was classified according to the duration of therapeutic intervention for PEP: mild, 2-3 d; moderate 4-10 d; and severe, &#x0003e; 10 d and/or necessitated surgical or intensive treatment, or contributed to death.RESULTS: PEP occurred in 12% (40/324) of participants, and was significantly more frequent in the placebo group compared to the naproxen group (P &#x0003c; 0.01). Of the participants, 25.9% (84/324) developed hyperamylasemia within 2 h of procedure completion, among whom only 35 cases belonged to the naproxen group (P &#x0003c; 0.01). The incidence of PEP was significantly higher in female sex, in patients receiving pancreatic duct injection, more than 3 times pancreatic duct cannulations, and ERCP duration more than 40 min (Ps &#x0003c; 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the procedures or factors that might increase the risk of PEP, sphincterotomy, precut requirement, biliary duct injection and number of pancreatic duct cannulations. In the subgroup of patients with pancreatic duct injection, the rate of pancreatitis in the naproxen group was significantly lower than that in the placebo (6 patients vs 23 patients, P &#x0003c; 0.01, RRR = 12%, AR = 0.3, 95%CI: 0.2-0.6). Naproxen reduced the PEP in patients with &#x02265; 3 pancreatic cannulations (P &#x0003c; 0.01, RRR = 25%, AR = 0.1, 95%CI: 0.1-0.4) and an ERCP duration &#x0003e; 40 min (P &#x0003c; 0.01, RRR = 20%, AR = 0.9, 95%CI: 0.4-1.2).CONCLUSION: Single dose of suppository naproxen administered immediately before ERCP reduces the incidence of PEP.

Impact of changing our cannulation method on the incidenceof post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis after pancreatic guidewire placement

AIM： To clarify whether the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） pancreatitis （PEP） after pancreatic guidewire placement （PGW） can be reduced by using a different cannulation method. METHODS： BebNeen April 2001 and October 2009, PGW was performed in 142 patients with native papilla to overcome difficult biliary cannulation. Our cannulation method for ERCP was changed from contrast injection （CI） using a single-lumen catheter （April 2001-May 2008） to wire-guided cannulation （WGC） using a double-lumen catheter （June 2008-October 2009）. The CI protocol was also changed during the study period： in the first period it was used for routine pancreatography for detecting small pancreatic cancer （April 2001-November 2002）, whereas in the second period it was not （December 2002-May 2008）. In PGW with CI using a single- lumen catheter, the contrast medium in the catheter lumen was injected into the pancreatic duct. The success rate of biliary cannulation, the incidence of PEP according to the cannulation method, and the impact of CI using a single-lumen catheter on PEP in comparison with WGC using a double-lumen catheter were investigated.RESULTS： CI with routine pancreatography, CI without routine pancreatography, and WGC were performed in 27 patients, 77 patients and 38 patients, respectively. Routine pancreatography did not contribute to the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in our study period. In CI without routine pancreatography and WGC, diagnostic pancreatography was performed in 17 patients and no patients, respectively. The success rate of biliary cannulation by PGW alone was 69%, and the final success rate was increased to 80.3% by the addition of consecutive maneuvers or a second ERCP. PEP occurred in 22 patients （15.5%）, and the severity was mild in all cases. When analyzed according to cannulation method, the incidence of PEP was 37.0% （10/27） in the patients who underwent CI with routine pancreatography, 14.3% （11/77） in those who underwent CI without routine pancreatography, and 2.6% （1/38） in those who underwent WGC. In all patients who underwent CI using a singlelumen catheter, the incidence of PEP was 20% （21/104）, which was significantly higher than that in WGC using a double-lumen catheter. In univariate and multivariate analysis, CI using a single-lumen catheter showed a high, statistically significant, odds ratio for PEP after PGW. CONCLUSION： The practice of a cannulation method involving the use of a double-lumen catheter minimizes the CI dose administered to the pancreatic duct and reduces the incidence of PEP after PGW.

Prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis by pancreatic duct stenting using a loop-tipped guidewire

AIM: To examine whether it is possible to prevent the occurrence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis in patients experiencing difficulties with selective biliary duct cannulation by pancreatic duct stenting using a looptipped guidewire.METHODS: Procedure success rate, frequency of unintended insertion of the guidewire into side branches of the pancreatic duct, and incidence of procedural accidents were examined using a loop-tipped guidewire(Group A, 20 patients), and a conventional straighttype guidewire(Group B, 20 patients).RESULTS: The success rate of the procedure was 100% in both groups. Unintended insertion of the guidewire into a side branch of the pancreatic duct occurred 0.056 ± 0.23(0-1) times in Group A and 2.3 ±1.84(0-5) times in Group B; thus, unintended insertion of the guidewire into a side branch of the pancreatic duct was seen significantly less frequently in Group A. There were no procedural accidents in Group A, whereas pancreatitis occurred in one Group B patient; however, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. The serum amylase level after ERCP was 257.15 ± 136.4(88-628) IU/L in Group A, and 552.05 ± 534.57(101-2389) IU/L in Group B, showing a significantly lower value in Group A. Hyperamylasemia was found in two patients(10%) in Group A, and nine(45%) in Group B, showing a significantly lower value in Group A.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that in patients who experience difficulties with biliary cannulation, the use of a loop-tipped guidewire for pancreatic duct stenting may assist with the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis, and thereby to a reduction of the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis or hyperamylasemia.

Combination of two-hour post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography amylase levels and cannulation times is useful for predicting post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

AIM To estimate the efficacy of 2 h post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) serum amylase levels and other factors for predicting postERCP pancreatitis.METHODS This was a retrospective,single-center cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent ERCP from January 2010 to December 2013.Serum amylase levels were measured 2 h post-procedure,and patient- and procedure-related pancreatitis(PEP) risk factors wereanalyzed using a logistic model.RESULTS A total of 1520 cases(average age 72 ± 12 years,60% male) were initially enrolled in this study,and 1403 cases(725 patients) were ultimately analyzed after the exclusion of 117 cases.Fifty-five of these cases developed PEP.We established a 2 h serum amylase cutoff level of two times the upper limit of normal for predicting PEP.Multivariate analysis revealed that a cannulation time of more than 13 min [odds ratio(OR) 2.28,95%CI:1.132-4.651,P=0.0210] and 2 h amylase levels greater than the cutoff level(OR=24.1,95%CI:11.56-57.13,P<0.0001) were significant predictive factors for PEP.Forty-seven of the 55 patients who developed PEP exhibited 2 h amylase levels greater than the cutoff level(85%),and six of the remaining eight patients who developed PEP(75%) required longer cannulation times.Only 2 of the 1403 patients(0.14%) who developed PEP did not exhibit concerning 2 h amylase levels or require longer cannulation times.CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the combination of 2 h post-ERCP serum amylase levels and cannulation times represents a valuable marker for identifying patients at high risk for PEP.

Balloon dilation itself may not be a major determinant of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the essential first modality for common bile duct (CBD) stone therapy. The conventional endoscopic treatment for CBD stones is stone removal after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). Stone removal after papillary stretching using balloon dilation instead of the conventional method has been widely adopted. There are many reports regarding endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) utilizing a small balloon (&#x0003c; 10 mm) instead of EST for the removal of small CBD stones. In contrast, two cases of mortality due to post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) were reported after an EPBD clinical trial in the Western world, and the psychological barrier caused by these incidences hinders the use of this technique in Western countries. Endoscopic papillar large balloon dilation (EPLBD), which is used to treat large CBD stones, was not widely adopted when first introduced due to concerns about perforation and severe pancreatitis from the use of a large balloon (12-20 mm). However, as experience with this procedure accumulates, the occurrence of PEP with EPLBD is confirmed to be much lower than with EPBD. This report reviews whether EPBD and EPLBD, two procedures that use balloon dilation but differ in terms of indications and concept, contribute to the occurrence of PEP.

Usefulness of serum lipase for early diagnosis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

BACKGROUND Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)pancreatitis(PEP)is new onset acute pancreatitis after ERCP.This complication is sometimes fatal.As such,PEP should be diagnosed early so that therapeutic interventions can be carried out.Serum lipase(s-Lip)is useful for diagnosing acute pancreatitis.However,its usefulness for diagnosing PEP has not been sufficiently investigated.AIM This study aimed to retrospectively examine the usefulness of s-Lip for the early diagnosis of PEP.METHODS We retrospectively examined 4192 patients who underwent ERCP at our two hospitals over the last 5 years.The primary outcomes were a comparison of the areas under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves(AUCs)of s-Lip and serum amylase(s-Amy),s-Lip and s-Amy cutoff values based on the presence or absence of PEP in the early stage after ERCP via ROC curves,and the diagnostic properties[sensitivities,specificities,positive predictive values(PPV),and negative predictive value(NPV)]of these cutoff values for PEP diagnosis.RESULTS Based on the eligibility and exclusion criteria,804 cases were registered.Over the entire course,PEP occurred in 78 patients(9.7%).It occurred in the early stage after ERCP in 40 patients(51.3%)and in the late stage after ERCP in 38 patients(48.7%).The AUCs were 0.908 for s-Lip[95%confidence interval(CI):0.880-0.940,P<0.001]and 0.880 for s-Amy(95%CI:0.846-0.915,P<0.001),indicating both are useful for early diagnosis.By comparing the AUCs,s-Lip was found to be significantly more useful for the early diagnosis of PEP than s-Amy(P=0.023).The optimal cutoff values calculated from the ROC curves were 342 U/L for s-Lip(sensitivity,0.859;specificity,0.867;PPV,0.405;NPV,0.981)and 171 U/L for s-Amy(sensitivity,0.859;specificity,0.763;PPV,0.277;NPV,0.979).CONCLUSION S-Lip was significantly more useful for the early diagnosis of PEP.Measuring s-Lip after ERCP could help diagnose PEP earlier;hence,therapeutic interventions can be provided earlier.

Best practices for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is of one the most common gastroenterology-related indications for hospital admissions worldwide.With the widespread reliance on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)for the management of pancreaticobiliary conditions,post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP)has come to represent an important etiology of acute pancreatitis.Despite many studies aiming to better understand the pathogenesis and prevention of this iatrogenic disorder,findings have been heterogeneous,and considerable variation in clinical practice exists.Herein,we review the literature regarding PEP with the goal to raise awareness of this entity,discuss recent data,and present evidence-based best practices.We believe this manuscript will be useful for gastrointestinal endoscopists as well as other specialists involved in the management of patients with PEP.

Current approaches and questions yet to be resolved for the prophylaxis of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Prophylaxis is important for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)pancreatitis(PEP),which is the most common and serious complication of ERCP.Although the current guidelines include independent patient-and procedure-related risk factors for PEP and available PEP prophylactic measures,the synergistic effect of these risk factors on PEP should also be considered,given that patients often harbor multiple risk factors.Furthermore,a combination of prophylactic measures is often selected in clinical practice.However,established methods estimating the synergistic effect of independent risk factors on PEP incidence are lacking,and evidence on the impact of combining prophylactic measures on PEP should be discussed.Selection of appropriate candidate patients for ERCP is also important to reduce the incidence of PEP associated with unnecessary ERCP.ERCP indications in patients with asymptomatic common bile duct stones(CBDSs)and in those with suspected CBDSs with no imaging-based evidence of stones are controversial.Further studies are warranted to predict the synergistic effect of independent risk factors on PEP,determine the best prophylactic PEP measures,and identify appropriate candidates for ERCP in patients with asymptomatic CBDSs and those with suspected CBDSs.

Comment on “Updated meta-analysis of pancreatic stent placement in preventing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis”

I read with interest an article "Updated meta-analysis of pancreatic stent placement in preventing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis" by Fan and colleagues in World J Gastroenterol 2015;21(24): 7577-7583. Although I appreciate their work, I have found problems with the data extracted and analyzed by the authors, and will give my comment in this letter. It would be valuable if the authors could provide an accurate estimation of their extracted data.

Prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis using pancreatic stents: A review of efficacy, diameter and length

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary diseases, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is the most frequent adverse event that can sometimes be fatal. However, prophylactic pancreatic stent (PS) insertion has been performed to prevent PEP in high-risk patients. In some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, the efficacy of prophylactic PS insertion has been shown to prevent PEP. In addition, several types of stents have been used to decrease PEP. In this review, we introduce the details of these RCTs and meta-analyses and reveal the specifications for stent placement, for example, the stent diameter and length and the pancreatic region into which the stent should be inserted.

NSAIDs for prevention of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography:Ready for prime time?

Acute pancreatitis is the most common and the most fearful complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis has therefore been of great interest to endoscopists performing ERCP procedures.So far,only pancreatic duct stenting during ERCP and rectal administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prior to or immediately after ERCP have been consistently shown to be effective for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis.This commentary focuses on a short discussion about the rates,mechanisms,and risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis,and effective means for its prevention with emphasis on the use of NSAIDs including a recent clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine by Elmunzer et al.

Can early precut reduce post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in patients with difficult bile duct cannulation?

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is associated with a variety of adverse events(AEs).One of the most important AEs is post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP),which is most common in cases of difficult biliary cannulation.Although the precut technique has been reported as a PEP risk factor,recent studies indicate that early precut could reduce PEP,and that precut itself is not a risk factor.AIM To evaluate the safety of the precut technique,especially in terms of PEP.METHODS We conducted a retrospective study,spanning the period from November 2011 through December 2021.It included 1556 patients,aged≥20 years,who underwent their initial ERCP attempt for biliary disease with a naïve papilla at the Kawasaki University General Medical Center.We compared the PEP risk between the early precut and the delayed precut group.RESULTS The PEP incidence rate did not significantly differ between the precut and nonprecut groups.However,the PEP incidence was significantly lower in the early precut group than the delayed precut group(3.5%vs 10.5%;P=0.02).The PEP incidence in the delayed precut group without pancreatic stent insertion(17.3%)was significantly higher compared to other cases(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that early precut may reduce PEP incidence.If the precut decision is delayed,a pancreatic stent should be inserted to prevent PEP.