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

AIM: Prospective evaluation of repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for failed Schutz grade 1 biliary cannulation in a high-volume center. METHODS: Prospective intention-to-treat analysis of patients referred for biliary cannulation following recent unsuccessful ERCP. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (35 female; mean age: 62.5 years; age range: 40-87 years) with previous failed biliary cannulation were referred for repeat ERCP. The indication for ERCP was primarily choledocholithiasis (45%) or pancreatic malignancy (18%). Successful biliary can- nulation was 100%. The precut needle knife sphincterotomy (NKS) rate was 27.4%. Complications occurred in 3.9% (post-ERCP pancreatitis). An identif iable reason for initial unsuccessful biliary cannulation was present in 55% of cases. Compared to a cohort of 940 nave pa-pilla patients (female 61%; mean age: 59.9 years; age range: 18-94 years) who required sphincterotomy over the same time period, there was no statistical difference in the cannulation success rate (100% vs 98%) or postERCP pancreatitis (3.1% vs 3.9%). Precut NKS use was more frequent (27.4% vs 12.7%) (P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Referral to a high-volume center following unsuccessful ERCP is associated with high technical success, with a favorable complication rate, compared to routine ERCP procedures.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New precut sphincterotomy for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in difficult biliary duct cannulation

AIM： To retrospectively investigate the effect and safety of various new type precut sphincterotomy techniques （VNTPST） in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） due to difficult biliary duct cannulation （DBC）. METHODS： A plough-like pull-type sphincterotome （PLPTS） or improved short nose sphincterotome or improved needle knife was applied. VNTPST was carried out in 30 of 280 patients, whose biliary tract could not be exposed well or deep cannulation was difficult to perform during ERCP with traditional methods. Patients were followed up for short-term complications and the therapeutic effect of VNTPS was observed and compared with that of traditional endoscopic sphincterotomy （EST）. RESULTS： A total 280 patients underwent ERCP, of which 3 failed in operation because of pathological features in stomch or duodenum, 247 successfully underwent traditional ERCP （89.1%, 247/277）, 30 failed （10.8%, 30/277）. VNTPS technique succeeded in 24 （80%, 24/30） of 30 cases. The successful rate of deep biliary duct cannulation increased 8.6% （24/277）, the total cannulation successful rate following precut was 97.7%. There was a significant difference between the two groups （97.7% vs 89.1%, x^2= 17.1, P 〈 0.01）. The incidence of complications was 9.3% （26/277） for traditional ERCP group and 13.3% （4/30） for VNTPS technique group. Guideline tip was broken in pancreatic duct （KPDGP） of one patient, and there was no pancreatitis, slight or moderate bleeding postoperatively occurred in 2 patients, 1 patient had bleeding during operation （PDWN）. There were no differences between VNTPS technique group and traditional ERCP（TRERCP）group （13.3% vs 9.3%, %2 = 0.478, P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： VNTPS procedure and Deng＇s precut are highly effective methods to get biliary access during ERCP with DBC. With skillful techniques, it can increase the successful rate for deep cannulation of biliary duct and decrease complications. VNTPS technique, especially Deng＇s precut is as effective and safe as EST. This technique can be well performed in hospitals without particular equipments.

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

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

Early successes and late failures in the prevention of post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Acute pancreatitis is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The only way to prevent this complication is to avoid an ERCP all together. Because of the risks involved, a careful consideration should be given to the indication for ERCP and the potential risk/benefit ratio of the test. Once a decision to perform an ERCP is made, the procedure should be carried out with meticulous care by an experienced endoscopist, and with a minimum of pancreatic duct opacification. Several pharmacologic agents have been tested, but to date the most important method of reducing post ERCP pancreatitis is the placement of pancreatic stent. Pancreatic stents should be placed in all patients at high risk of this complication such as those undergoing pancreatic sphincterotomy, pancreatic duct manipulation and intervention, and patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Pancreatic stents should be also considered in patients requiring precut sphincterotomy to gain biliary access.

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

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

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and related modalities have many roles in hepatobiliary hydatid disease

The authors report their experience about 8 cases of intrabiliary rupture of hepatobiliary hydatid disease, and add an algorithm for treatment. To our opinion, the use of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） in the management of hepatobiliary hydatid disease was not stated properly in their proposed algorithm. According to the algorithm, the use of ERCP and related modalities was only stated in the case of postoperative biliary fistulae. We think that postoperative persistant fistula is not a sole indication, there are many indications for ERCP and related techniques namely sphincterotomy, extraction, nasobiliary drainage and stenting, in the treatment algorithm before or after surgery.

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

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

Current status of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)in patients with surgically altered anatomy must be performed by a highly experienced endoscopist.The challenges are accessing the afferent limb in different types of reconstruction,cannulating a papilla with a reverse orientation,and performing therapeutic interventions with uncommon endoscopic accessories.The development of endoscopic techniques has led to higher success rates in this group of patients.Device-assisted ERCP is the endoscopic procedure of choice for high success rates in short-limb reconstruction;however,these success rate is lower in long-limb reconstruction.ERCP assisted by endoscopic ultrasonography is now popular because it can be performed independent of the limb length;however,it must be performed by a highly experienced and skilled endoscopist.Stent deployment and small stone removal can be performed immediately after ERCP assisted by endoscopic ultrasonography,but the second session is needed for other difficult procedures such as cholangioscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy.Laparoscopic-assisted ERCP has an almost 100%success rate in longlimb reconstruction because of the use of a conventional side-view duodenoscope,which is compatible with standard accessories.This requires cooperation between the surgeon and endoscopist and is suitable in urgent situations requiring concomitant cholecystectomy.This review focuses on the advantages,disadvantages,and outcomes of various procedures that are suitable in different situations and reconstruction types.Emerging new techniques and their outcomes are also discussed.

Efficacy and safety of emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for acute cholangitis in the elderly

AIM To investigate the efficacy and safety of emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in elderly patients with acute cholangitis. METHODS From June 2008 to May 2016, emergency ERCPs were performed in 207 cases of acute cholangitis at our institution. Patients were classified as elderly if they were aged 80 years and older(n = 102); controls were under the age of 80 years(n = 105). The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed for comorbidities, laboratory data, etiology of cholangitis(presence of biliary stones, biliary stricture and malignancy), details of the ERCP(therapeutic approaches, technical success rates, procedure duration), ERCP-related complications and mortality. RESULTS The frequency of comorbidities was higher in the elderly group than the control group(91.2% vs 67.6%). Periampullary diverticulum was observed in the elderly group at a higher frequency than the control group(24.5% vs 13.3%). Between the groups, there was no significant difference in the technical success rates(95.1% vs 95.2%) or endoscopicprocedure durations. With regard to the frequency of ERCP-related complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups(6.9% vs 6.7%), except for a lower rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis in the elderly group than in the control group(1.0% vs 3.8%). Neither angiographic nor surgical intervention was required in any of the cases with ERCP-related complications. There was no mortality during the observational periods. CONCLUSION Emergency ERCP for acute cholangitis can be performed safely even in elderly patients aged 80 years and older.

Causes associated with recurrent choledocholithiasis following therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A large sample sized retrospective study

BACKGROUND Recurrence of primary choledocholithiasis commonly occurs after complete removal of stones by therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP). The potential causes of the recurrence of choledocholithiasis after ERCP are unclear.AIM To analyze the potential causes of the recurrence of choledocholithiasis after ERCP.METHODS The ERCP database of our medical center for the period between January 2007 and January 2016 was retrospectively reviewed, and information regarding eligible patients who had choledocholithiasis recurrence was collected. A 1:1 case-control study was performed for this investigation. Data including general characteristics of the patients, past medical history, ERCP-related factors,common bile duct(CBD)-related factors, laboratory indicators, and treatment was analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and KaplanMeier analysisly.RESULTS First recurrence of choledocholithiasis occurred in 477 patients; among these patients, the second and several instance(≥ 3 times) recurrence rates were 19.5%and 44.07%, respectively. The average time to first choledocholithiasis recurrence was 21.65 mo. A total of 477 patients who did not have recurrence were selected as a control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age > 65 years(odds ratio [OR] = 1.556; P = 0.018), combined history of choledocholithotomy(OR = 2.458; P < 0.01), endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(OR = 5.679; P = 0.000), endoscopic sphincterotomy(OR = 3.463; P = 0.000), CBD stent implantation(OR = 5.780; P = 0.000), multiple ERCP procedures(≥2; OR =2.75; P = 0.000), stones in the intrahepatic bile duct(OR = 2.308; P = 0.000),periampullary diverticula(OR = 1.627; P < 0.01), choledocholithiasis diameter ≥10 mm(OR = 1.599; P < 0.01), bile duct-duodenal fistula(OR = 2.69; P < 0.05),combined biliary tract infections(OR = 1.057; P < 0.01), and no preoperative antibiotic use(OR = 0.528; P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for the recurrence of choledocholithiasis after ERCP.CONCLUSION Patient age greater than 65 years is an independent risk factor for the development of recurrent choledocholithiasis following ERCP, as is history of biliary surgeries, measures during ERCP, and prevention of postoperative complications.

Big-data analysis: A clinical pathway on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND A clinical pathway(CP)is a standardized approach for disease management.However,big data-based evidence is rarely involved in CP for related common bile duct(CBD)stones,let alone outcome comparisons before and after CP implementation.AIM To investigate the value of CP implementation in patients with CBD stones undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital in patients with CBD stones undergoing ERCP from January 2007 to December 2017.The data and outcomes were compared by using univariate and multivariable regression/linear models between the patients who received conventional care(non-pathway group,n=467)and CP care(pathway group,n=2196).RESULTS At baseline,the main differences observed between the two groups were the percentage of patients with multiple stones(P<0.001)and incidence of cholangitis complication(P<0.05).The percentage of antibiotic use and complications in the CP group were significantly less than those in the nonpathway group[adjusted odds ratio(OR)=0.72,95%confidence interval(CI):0.55-0.93,P=0.012,adjusted OR=0.44,95%CI:0.33-0.59,P<0.001,respectively].Patients spent lower costs on hospitalization,operation,nursing,medication,and medical consumable materials(P<0.001 for all),and even experienced shorter length of hospital stay(LOHS)(P<0.001)after the CP implementation.No significant differences in clinical outcomes,readmission rate,or secondary surgery rate were presented between the patients in the non-pathway and CP groups.CONCLUSION Implementing a CP for patients with CBD stones is a safe mode to reduce the LOHS,hospital costs,antibiotic use,and complication rate.