TREATMENT OF DISLOCATION OF THE FRESH ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT USING INTERNAL FIXATION OF CLOSED REDUCTION AND CANNULATED LAG SCREW

Objective Introduce a new method to treat fresh acromioclavicular joint dtslocations-close reduction and percutaneous internal lixatlon using guide cannulated lag screw. Methods 12 cases of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations were treated and followed. Results 11 cases succeeded and one failed with technical mistakes. Conclusion Because no important nerve or vessel passing between coracoid process and clavicle, close reduction and percutaneous coracoclavicular cannulated lag screw fixation treatment is safe, effective and affords early rehabilitation.

Minimally invasive removal of a deep-positioned cannulated screw from the femoral neck:A case report

BACKGROUND Clinical femoral neck fracture is common.Based on patient age and fracture type,different surgical methods can be selected,including cannulated screw fixation of the femoral neck and artificial total hip joint or semi-hip joint replacement.When patients with femoral neck fracture are treated with cannulated screw fixation,a cannulated screw may be positioned too deep.The excessively deep-placed screw is difficult to remove and causes major trauma to the patient.CASE SUMMARY A patient with poliomyelitis and femoral neck fracture was treated with a cannulated screw that was placed too deep.A self-made auxiliary tool(made of a steel sternal wire)was used to remove the cannulated screw near the pelvic cavity.CONCLUSION The depth of the cannulated screw can be estimated before screw placement using an improved hollow screwdriver with a scale mark,thus improving the safety of screw placement and facilitating clinical use.

Study on clinical effects of pedicle screw combined with immobilized implantation bone by wirerope and hallow compression screw immobilization in treating spondylolysis of lumbar vertebra of multiple segments of adults

Objective:To observe clinical effects of pedicle screw fixation combined with cable wires and bone graft and cannulated compression screws on adult multi-segment lumbar spondylolysis.Methods:70 cases of patients with multi-segment lumbar spondylolysis were selected in our hospital.According to different surgical schemes,these patients were divided into the observation group(35 cases)and the control group(35 cases).The observation group received pedicle screw fixation combined with cable wires and bone graft and the control group received cannulated compression screw fixation.Macnab criteria were adopted to implement a therapeutic evaluation of two groups of patients to make an observation and comparison of the excellent and good rate of surgery and a series of indicators including perioperative clinical effects,intraoperative blood loss,duration of surgery,hospital length of stay(HLOS),visual analogue scale(VAS),Oswestry disability index and Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score.Results:The excellent and good rate of the observation group was 97.14%,and that of the control group was 82.86%,the difference between two groups was statistically significant(χ^(2)=6.248,p=0.012).The differences in intraoperative blood loss,duration of surgery and HLOS between two groups were statistically significant(t=-4.55,t=-4.55,t=-4.55;p<0.05).Oswestry index,VAS score and JOA score of the observation group were(2.4±0.9),(28.5±6.4)and(27.1±3.1)respectively,and these of the control group were(3.5±1.2),(37.1±7.8)and(21.3±2.7)respectively,the differences between two groups were statistically significant(t=4.338,t=5.043,t=8.347,p<0.05).Conclusions:Pedicle screw combined with immobilized implantation bone by wirerope has an excellent clinical effect on the treatment of adult multi-segment lumbar spondylolysis,and it has a series of advantages such as fast postoperative recovery,small surgical trauma and so on.In addition,this technique can also restore the stability of spinal segments and relieve pains to a greater degree.

Precut sphincterotomy:A reliable salvage for difficult biliary cannulation

Even experienced endoscopists have 90% success in achieving deep biliary cannulation with standard methods. Biliary cannulation may become difficult in 10%-15% of patients with biliary obstruction and pre- cut (access) sphincterotomy is frequently chosen as a rescue treatment in these cases. Generally, precut sphincterotomy ensures a rate of 90%-100% success- ful deep biliary cannulation. The precut technique has been performed as either a fistulotomy with a needle knife sphincterotome or as a transpapillary septotomy with a standard sphincterotome. Both methods have similar efficacy and complication rates when adminis- tered to the proper patient. Although precut sphincter- otomy ensures over 90% success of biliary cannula- tion, it has been characterized as an independent risk factor for pancreatitis. The complications of the precut technique are not limited to pancreatitis. Two more important ones, bleeding and perforation, are also re- ported in some publications as being observed more commonly than during standard sphincterotomy. It is also reported that precut sphincterotomy increases morbidity when performed in patients without dilata- tion of their biliary tract. Nevertheless, precut sphinc- terotomy is a good alternative as a rescue method in the setting of a failed standard cannulation method. This paper discusses the technical details, timing, ef- ficacy and potential complications of precut sphincter- otomy.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of transpancreatic septotomy, needle-knife fistulotomy or both based on biliary cannulation unintentional pancreatic access and papillary morphology

Background: Precut sphincterotomy has been widely performed to facilitate selective biliary access when standard cannulation attempts failed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP). However, scarce data are available on different precut techniques for difficult biliary cannulation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transpancreatic septotomy(TPS), needle-knife fistulotomy(NKF) or both based on the presence of unintentional pancreatic access and papillary morphology. Methods: Between March 2008 and December 2016, 157 consecutive patients undergoing precutting for an inaccessible bile duct during ERCP were identified. Precut techniques were chosen depending on repetitive inadvertent pancreatic cannulation and the papillary morphology. We retrospectively assessed the rates of cannulation success and procedure-related complications among three groups, namely TPS, NKF, and TPS followed by NKF. Results: The baseline characteristics of the three groups were comparable. The overall success rate of biliary cannulation reached 98.1%, including 111 of 113(98.2%) with TPS, 35 of 36(97.2%) with NKF and 8 of 8(100%) with NKF following TPS, without significant difference among groups. The incidences of total complications and post-ERCP pancreatitis were 9.6% and 7.6%, respectively. There was a trend towards less frequent post-ERCP pancreatitis after NKF(0%) compared with 11 cases(9.7%) after TPS and one case(12.5%) after NKF following TPS, but not significantly different( P = 0.07). No severe adverse event occurred during this study period. Conclusions: The choice of precut techniques by the presence of unintended pancreatic access and the papillary morphology brought about a high success rate without increasing risk in difficult biliary cannulation.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in periampullary diverticulum: The challenge of cannulation

Periampullary diverticulum(PAD) is duodenal outpunching defined as herniation of the mucosa or submucosa that occurs via a defect in the muscle layer within an area of 2 to 3 cm around the papilla. Although PAD isusually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP), it is associated with different pathological conditions such as common bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis, perforation, bleeding, and rarely carcinoma. ERCP has a low rate of success in patients with PAD,suggesting that this condition may complicate the technical application of the ERCP procedure. Moreover, cannulation of PAD can be challenging, time consuming, and require the higher level of skill of more experienced endoscopists. A large portion of the failures of cannulation in patients with PAD can be attributed to inability of the endoscopist to detect the papilla. In cases where the papilla is identified but does not point in a suitable direction for cannulation, different techniques have been described. Endoscopists must be aware of papilla identification in the presence of PAD and of different cannulation techniques, including their technical feasibility and safety, to allow for an informed decision and ensure the best outcome. Herein, we review the literature on this practical topic and propose an algorithm to increase the success rate of biliary cannulation.

Application of needle-knife in difficult biliary cannulation for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND: Getting directly into the common bile duct (CBD) is the most important step for successful therapeutic biliary endoscopy. In 5%-10% of cases, the CBD remains inaccessible, necessitating pre-cut papillotomy or fistulotomy with a needle-knife. The aim of this study was to assess the value of early application of the needle-knife in difficult biliary cannulation for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Patients with failed biliary cannulation after 10 minutes or guide wire entering the pancreatic tube 3 times were randomly divided into group of needle-knife cut and group of persistent cannulation by standard techniques. The cannulation times, success rates and complication rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 948 therapeutic biliary ERCP procedures were performed between October 2004 and February 2006. Of 91 patients with difficult biliary cannulation, 43 patients underwent needle-knife cut: the cannulation success rate was 90.7%, the mean cannulation time was 5.6 minutes, and the complication rate was 9.3%. The other 48 patients underwent persistent cannulation by standard techniques: the cannulation success rate was 75%, the mean cannulation time was 10.2 minutes, and the complication rate was 14.6%. Significant differences were observed in cannulation success rate and cannulation time but in complication rate between the two groups.CONCLUSION: The early application of the needle-knife in difficult biliary cannulation is time-saving, safe and effective, with no increase in complication rate.

Clinical significance of different periampullary diverticulum classifications for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cannulation

BACKGROUND Different types of periampullary diverticulum(PAD) may differentially affect the success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) cannulation,but the clinical significance of the two current PAD classifications for cannulation is limited.AIM To verify the clinical value of our newly proposed PAD classification.METHODS A new PAD classification(Li-Tanaka classification) was proposed at our center.All PAD patients with native papillae who underwent ERCP from January 2012 to December 2017 were classified according to three classification systems, and the effects of various types of PAD on ERCP cannulation were compared.RESULTS A total of 3564 patients with native papillae were enrolled, including 967(27.13%)PAD patients and 2597(72.87%) non-PAD patients. In the Li-Tanaka classification, type Ⅰ PAD patients exhibited the highest difficult cannulation rate(23.1%, P = 0.01), and type Ⅱ and Ⅳ patients had the highest cannulation success rates(99.4% in type Ⅱ and 99.3% in type Ⅳ, P < 0.001). In a multivariableadjusted logistic model, the overall successful cannulation rate in PAD patients was higher than that in non-PAD patients [odds ratio(OR) = 1.87, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.04-3037, P = 0.037]. In addition, compared to the non-PAD group,the difficulty of cannulation in the type Ⅰ PAD group according to the Li-Tanaka classification was greater(OR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.13-3.68, P = 0.004), and the successful cannulation rate was lower(OR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.11-0.66, P < 0.001),while it was higher in the type Ⅱ PAD group(OR = 4.44, 95%CI: 1.61-12.29, P <0.01).CONCLUSION Among the three PAD classifications, the Li-Tanaka classification has an obvious clinical advantage for ERCP cannulation, and it is helpful for evaluating potentially difficult and successful cannulation cases among different types of PAD patients.

Difficult biliary cannulation: Historical perspective, practical updates, and guide for the endoscopist

Despite improvements in endoscopic technologies and accessories, development of advanced endoscopy fellowship programs, and advances in ancillary imaging techniques, biliary cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) can still be unsuccessful in up to 20% of patients, even in referral centers. Once cannulation has been deemed to be difficult, the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis and technical failure inherently increases. A number of factors, including endoscopist experience and patient anatomy, have been associated with difficult biliary cannulation, but predicting a case of difficult cannulation a priori is often not possible. Numerous techniques such as pancreatic guidewire and stenting, early pre-cut, and rendezvous may be employed when standard approaches fail. Data regarding the rate of success and adverse events of these techniques have been variable, though most studies suggest that pancreatic duct stenting generally reduces the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis in instances of difficult biliary cannulation. Here we provide a review on difficult biliary cannulation and discuss how the choice of which techniques to employ and how to best employ them should be individualized and take into account the skill of the endoscopist, the disorder being treated, the anatomy of the patient, and the available biomedical literature.

Needle-knife fistulotomy vs double-guidewire technique in patients with repetitive unintentional pancreatic cannulations

AIM: To compare the success rates and adverse events of early needle-knife fistulotomy(NKF) and double-guidewire technique(DGT) in patients with repetitive unintentional pancreatic cannulations.METHODS: From a total of 1650 patients admitted for diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) at a single tertiary care hospital(Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, South Korea) between January2009 and December 2012, 134(8.1%) patients with unsuccessful biliary cannulation after 5 min trial of conventional methods, together with 5 or more repetitive unintentional pancreatic cannulations, were enrolled in the study. Early NKF and DGT groups were assigned 67 patients each. In the DGT group, NKF was performed for an additional 7 min if successful cannulation was not achieved.RESULTS: The success rates with early NKF andthe DGT were 79.1%(53/67) and 44.8%(30/67)(P< 0.001), respectively. The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP) was lower in the early NKF group than in the DGT group [4.5%(3/67) vs 14.9%(10/67),P = 0.041]. The mean cannulation times in the early NKF and DGT groups after assignment were 257 s and312 s(P = 0.013), respectively.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that early NKF should be considered as the first approach to selective biliary cannulation in patients with repetitive unintentional pancreatic cannulations.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in elderly patients: Difficult cannulation and adverse events

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is a valuable therapeutic technique for pancreatobiliary diseases,and its application in the elderly is no longer limited.However,a higher incidence of procedure difficulty and periprocedural adverse events might be expected in elderly patients due to the presence of other medical disorders and the poor general condition of this population.AIM To evaluate the incidence,causes,and management of difficult biliary cannulation during ERCP in elderly patients and the role of difficult cannulation as a risk factor for adverse events.METHODS A total of 614 patients who underwent ERCP during the study period were prospectively studied and divided into two groups based on their age.One hundred and forty-six patients were aged 80 years or older and 468 patients were aged less than 80 years.The primary outcome measurements were cannulation difficulty,cannulation success rate,ERCP procedure time,and related adverse events.RESULTS There was no difference in the incidence of difficult cannulation among the two groups(32.9%vs 34.4%,P=0.765),as well as in the cannulation success rate(96.6%vs 96.8%,P=0.54).The cannulation techniques were shown to be safe and efficient in achieving successful cannulation.Logistic regression analysis showed that patients aged 80 years or older were not associated with increased adverse events;however,difficult cannulation cases[adjusted odds ratio(AOR)=3.478;95%confidence interval(CI):1.877-6.442;P<0.001]and patients with Charlson Comorbidity Index≥2(AOR=1.824;95%CI:0.993-3.349;P=0.045)were more likely to develop adverse events.In contrast,other factors including age≤65(AOR=3.460;95%CI:1.511-7.922;P=0.003),female gender(AOR=2.362;95%CI=1.089-5.124;P=0.030),difficult cannulation(AOR=4.527;95%CI:2.078-9.860;P<0.001),and patients with cholangitis(AOR=3.261;95%CI:1.204-8.832;P=0.020)were strongly associated with a higher rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis.CONCLUSION Advanced age has not been proved to be a risk factor for difficult cannulation,and secondary cannulation techniques can be safely and efficaciously utilized in this group.Patients with a Charlson Comorbidity Index≥2 and difficult cannulation are associated with an increased overall adverse events rate,while age≥80 years is not.

Manipulation of spermatogonial stem cells in livestock species

We are entering an exciting epoch in livestock biotechnology during which the fundamental approaches(such as transgenesis, spermatozoa cryopreservation and artificial insemination) will be enhanced based on the modern understanding of the biology of spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs) combined with the outstanding recent advances in genomic editing technologies and in vitro cell culture systems. The general aim of this review is to outline comprehensively the promising applications of SSC manipulation that could in the nearest future find practical application in livestock breeding. Here, we will focus on 1) the basics of mammalian SSC biology;2) the approaches for SSC isolation and purification;3) the available in vitro systems for the stable expansion of isolated SSCs;4) a discussion of how the manipulation of SSCs can accelerate livestock transgenesis;5) a thorough overview of the techniques of SSC transplantation in livestock species(including the preparation of recipients for SSC transplantation,the ultrasonographic-guided SSC transplantation technique in large farm animals, and the perspectives to improve further the SSC transplantation efficiency), and finally, 6) why SSC transplantation is valuable to extend the techniques of spermatozoa cryopreservation and/or artificial insemination. For situations where no reliable data have yet been obtained for a particular livestock species, we will rely on the data obtained from studies conducted in rodents because the knowledge gained from rodent research is translatable to livestock species to a great extent. On the other hand, we will draw special attention to situations where such translation is not possible.

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.

Radial artery access site complications during cardiac procedures,clinical implications and potential solutions: The role of nitric oxide

Percutaneous coronary intervention for the treatment of coronary artery disease is most commonly performed in the UK through the radial artery,as this is considered to be safer than the femoral approach.However,despite improvements in technology and techniques,complications can occur.The most common complication,arterial spasm,can cause intense pain and,in some cases,procedural failure.The incidence of spasm is dependent on several variables,including operator experience,artery size,and equipment used.An antispasmolytic cocktail can be applied to reduce spasm,which usually includes an exogenous nitric oxide(NO)donor(glyceryl trinitrate).NO is an endogenous local vasodilator and therefore is a potential target for anti-spasm intervention.However,systemic administration can result in unwanted side-effects,such as hypotension.A method that adopts local delivery of NO might be advantageous.This review article describes the mechanisms involved in radial artery spasm,discusses the advantages and disadvantages of current strategies to reduce spasm,and highlight the potential of NO-loaded nanoporous materials for use in this setting.

Management of difficult bile duct cannulation in ERCP

In Encoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),the main concern is to gain access into the bile duct while avoiding the pancreatic duct because of the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.Diffi cult cannulation is defined as a situation where the endoscopist,using his/her regularly used cannulation technique,fails within a certain time limit or after a certain number of unsuccessful attempts.Different methods have been developed to manage diffi cult cannulation.The most common solution is to perform a precut papillotomy either with a needle knife or with a sphincterotome with or without a guide wire.This review describes different methods to overcome cases of difficult cannulation.We will discuss the success rate and complication rates associated with different methods of reaching the biliary tract.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography:Current practice and future research

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)has evolved from a primarily diagnostic to therapeutic procedure in hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease.Most commonly,ERCPs are performed for choledocholithiasis with or without cholangitis,but improvements in technology and technique have allowed for management of pancreatic duct stones,benign and malignant strictures,and bile and pancreatic leaks.As an example of necessity driving innovation,the new disposable duodenoscopes have been introduced into practice.With the advantage of eliminating transmissible infections,they represent a paradigm shift in quality improvement within ERCP.With procedures becoming more complicated,the necessity for anesthesia involvement and safety of propofol use and general anesthesia has become better defined.The improvements in endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)have allowed for direct bile duct access and EUS facilitated bile duct access for ERCP.In patients with surgically altered anatomy,selective cannulation can be performed with overtube-assisted enteroscopy,laparoscopic surgery assistance,or the EUS-directed transgastric ERCP.Cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy use has become ubiquitous with defined indications for large bile duct stones,indeterminate strictures,and hepatobiliary and pancreatic neoplasia.This review summarizes the recent advances in infection prevention,quality improvement,pancreaticobiliary access,and management of hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases.Where appropriate,future research directions are included in each section.

Endoscopic treatment for pancreatic diseases:Needle-knife-guided cannulation via the minor papilla

AIM: To determine the efficacy and safety of meticulous cannulation by needle-knife.METHODS: Three needle-knife procedures were used to facilitate cannulation in cases when standard cannulation techniques failed. A total of 104 cannulationsvia the minor papilla attempted in 74 patients at our center between January 2008 and June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed.RESULTS: Standard methods were successful in79 cannulations. Of the 25 cannulations that could not be performed by standard methods, 19 were performed by needle-knife, while 17(89.5%) were successful. Needle-knife use improved the success rate of cannulation [76.0%, 79/104 vs 92.3%,(79 +17)/104; P = 0.001]. When the 6 cases not appropriate for needle-knife cannulation were excluded, the success rate was improved further(80.6%, 79/98 vs98.0%, 96/98; P = 0.000). There were no significant differences in the rates of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography adverse events between the group using standard methods alone and the group using needle-knife after failure of standard methods(4.7% vs 10.5%, P = 0.301).CONCLUSION: The needle-knife procedure may be an alternative method for improving the success rate of cannulation via the minor papilla, particularly when standard cannulation has failed.

Escalating complexity of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography over the last decade with increasing reliance on advanced cannulation techniques

BACKGROUND At our academic tertiary care medical center, we have noted patients referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) who increasingly require advanced cannulation techniques. This trend is noted despite increased endoscopist experience and annual ERCP volume over the same period.AIM To evaluate this phenomenon of perceived escalation in complexity of cannulation at ERCP and assessed potential underlying factors.METHODS Demographic/clinical variables and records of ERCP patients at the beginning(2008), middle(2013) and end(2018) of the last decade were reviewed retrospectively. Cannulation approaches were classified as "standard" or "advanced" and duodenoscope position was labeled as "standard"(short position) or "non-standard"(e.g., long, semi-long).RESULTS Patients undergoing ERCP were older in 2018 compared to 2008(69.7 ± 15.2 years vs 55.1 ± 14.7, P < 0.05). Increased ampullary distortion and peri-ampullary diverticula were noted in 2018(P < 0.001). ERCPs were increasingly performed with a non-standard duodenoscope position, from 2.2%(2008) to 5.6%(2013) and 16.1%(2018)(P < 0.001). Utilization of more than one advanced cannulation technique for a given ERCP increased from 0.7%(2008) to 0.9%(2013) to 6.6%(2018)(P < 0.001). Primary mass size > 4 cm, pancreatic uncinate mass, and bilirubin > 10 mg/d L predicted use of advanced cannulation techniques(P < 0.03 for each).CONCLUSION Complexity of cannulation at ERCP has sharply increased over the past 5 years, with an increased proportion of elderly patients and those with malignancy requiring advanced cannulation approaches. These data suggest that complexity of cannulation at ERCP may be predicted based on patient/ampulla characteristics. This may inform selection of experienced, high-volume endoscopists to perform these complex procedures.

Unexpected anomaly of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct

Variations in the bile duct and pancreatic duct opening are related to the process of rotation and recanalization during embryologic development. Complete nonunion of distal common bile duct and pancreatic duct gives rise to double papillae of Vater. The separation of the drainage of the main pancreatic duct and bile duct can be appreciated by careful assessment at the time of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograpy. The cranial orifice is a bile duct opening, whereas the caudal orifice is a pancreatic duct opening. The separate orifice finding can be confirmed by cholangiogram and pancreatogram with no communication between the two orifices. Endoscopists should be aware of this rare variant because late recognition can result in unnecessary manipulation and contrast injections of the main pancreatic duct and biliary cannulation failure.

Newly designed J-shaped tip guidewire: A preliminary feasibility study in wire-guided cannulation

AIM: To perform wire-guided cannulation using a newly designed J-shaped tip guidewire, and to verify feasibility and safety for use. METHODS: The study was conducted on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) patients with na ve papilla undergoing diagnosis and treatment of biliary diseases between September 2011 and July 2012. We performed ERCP in a succession of 50 cases with a J-shaped tip guidewire. The first insertion attempt began with a trainee who had 5 min to complete cannulation, followed if necessary by the trainer for another 5 min. We assessed the primary success rate of selective biliary cannulation within 10 min and adverse events such as post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), bleeding or perforation.RESULTS: The primary success rate was 90% (45/50) within 10 min, the initial success rate within 5 min by trainee staff was 76% (38/50). The rate of PEP was 6% (3/50), but all 3 cases were mild pancreatitis. All patients were managed successfully with conservative treatment. There was no bleeding or perforation. CONCLUSION: A newly designed J-shaped tip guidewire has the possibility to facilitate selective biliary cannulation for ERCP and appears to be safe.