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.

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.

Risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis following therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Background:The risk factors for the recurrent choledocholithiasis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)have not been well studied.The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis.Methods:We carried out a retrospective analysis of data collected between January 1,2010 and January 1,2020.Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to explore the independent risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis following therapeutic ERCP.Results:In total,598 patients were eventually selected for analysis,299 patients in the recurrent choledocholithiasis group and 299 patients in the control group.The overall rate of recurrent choledocholithiasis was 6.91%.Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes[odds ratio(OR)=3.677,95%confidence interval(CI):1.875-7.209;P<0.001],fatty liver(OR=4.741,95%CI:1.205-18.653;P=0.026),liver cirrhosis(OR=3.900,95%CI:1.358-11.201;P=0.011),history of smoking(OR=3.773,95%CI:2.060-6.908;P<0.001),intrahepatic bile duct stone(OR=4.208,95%CI:2.220-7.976;P<0.001),biliary stent(OR=2.996,95%CI:1.870-4.800;P<0.001),and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD)(OR=3.009,95%CI:1.921-4.715;P<0.001)were independent risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis.However,history of drinking(OR=0.183,95%CI:0.099-0.337;P<0.001),eating light food frequently(OR=0.511,95%CI:0.343-0.760;P=0.001),and antibiotic use before ERCP(OR=0.315,95%CI:0.200-0.497;P<0.001)were independent protective factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis.Conclusions:Patients with the abovementioned risk factors are more likely to have recurrent CBD stones.Patients who eat light food frequently and have a history of drinking are less likely to present with recurrent CBD calculi.

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.

Real-time continuous image guidance for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography based on 3D/2D registration and respiratory compensation

BACKGROUND It has been confirmed that three-dimensional(3D)imaging allows easier identification of bile duct anatomy and intraoperative guidance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),which reduces the radiation dose and procedure time with improved safety.However,current 3D biliary imaging does not have good real-time fusion with intraoperative imaging,a process meant to overcome the influence of intraoperative respiratory motion and guide navigation.The present study explored the feasibility of real-time continuous image-guided ERCP.AIM To explore the feasibility of real-time continuous image-guided ERCP.METHODS We selected 23D-printed abdominal biliary tract models with different structures to simulate different patients.The ERCP environment was simulated for the biliary phantom experiment to create a navigation system,which was further tested in patients.In addition,based on the estimation of the patient’s respiratory motion,preoperative 3D biliary imaging from computed tomography of 18 patients with cholelithiasis was registered and fused in real-time with 2D fluoroscopic sequence generated by the C-arm unit during ERCP.RESULTS Continuous image-guided ERCP was applied in the biliary phantom with a registration error of 0.46 mm±0.13 mm and a tracking error of 0.64 mm±0.24mm.After estimating the respiratory motion,3D/2D registration accurately transformed preoperative 3D biliary images to each image in the X-ray image sequence in real-time in 18 patients,with an average fusion rate of 88%.CONCLUSION Continuous image-guided ERCP may be an effective approach to assist the operator and reduce the use of X-ray and contrast agents.

Application of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for treatment of obstructive jaundice after hepatoblastoma surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopan-creatography(ERCP)for treating obstructive jaundice(OJ)post hepatoblastoma(HB)surgery(post-HB OJ)by analyzing the data of a case and performing a literature review.CASE SUMMARY Clinical data of one patient with post-HB OJ treated by ERCP were retrospectively analyzed.Furthermore,clinical characteristics and insights into the diagnosis and treatment of post-HB OJ in children were summarized via searching various databases and platforms,such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang database,CQVIP database,PubMed,Ringer Link,and Google Scholar.The patient reported herein underwent five chemotherapy sessions after the diagnosis of HB and right hemihepatectomy after tumor size reduction;these were followed by two postoperative chemotherapy sessions.Three months postoperatively,the patient developed icteric sclera,strong tea-colored urine,and clay-like stools,and showed signs of skin itchiness;blood analysis showed significantly an increased conjugated bilirubin(CB)level(200.3μmol/L).Following the poor efficacy of anti-jaundice and hepatoprotective treatments,the patient underwent ERCP.Intraoperative imaging showed a dilated bile duct in the porta hepatis with significant distal stenosis.A 5 Fr nasopancreatic tube was placed in the dilated area through the stricture for external drainage,and the patient was extubated on postoperative day 6.Postoperatively,the patient’s stool turned yellow,and the CB level decreased to 78.2μmol/L.Fifteen days later,ERCP was repeated due to unrelieved jaundice symptoms,wherein a 7 Fr naso-biliary drainage tube was successfully placed.Three months post-ERCP,the jaundice symptoms resolved,and the CB level was reduced to 33.2μmol/L.A follow-up examination one year postoperatively revealed no jaundice symptoms and normal CB level.CONCLUSION Post-HB OJ is rare.Compared to biliary tract reconstruction,ERCP is less invasive and has a better therapeutic effect.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for diagnosing and treating pediatric biliary and pancreatic diseases

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)in pediatric patients with biliary and pancreatic diseases.A retrospective analysis was conducted on 57 ERCP procedures performed in 41 children,primarily for treating pancreatic diseases.The overall success rate was 91.2%,with no major complications observed.Post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP)occurred in 8.8%of cases.Follow-up examinations over one year showed no recurrence of biliary or pancreatic diseases.Notably,endoscopic treatment led to a significant increase in body mass index(BMI).These findings demonstrate the valuable role of ERCP in managing such conditions.AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ERCP for the management of biliary and pancreatic diseases in pediatric patients.METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from children aged 1-18 years who underwent ERCP for biliary and pancreatic diseases at Beijing Children’s Hospital between January 2021 and December 2022.The collected data included procedure time,endoscopic treatment,success rate,and postoperative complications.RESULTS Forty-one children underwent 57 ERCP procedures,including 14 with biliary duct disease and 27 with pancreatic disease.The mean age of the patients was 7.48±3.48 years.Biliary duct-related treatments were performed 18 times,and pancreatic disease treatments were performed 39 times.ERCP was primarily used to treat pediatric pancreatic diseases[68.4%(39/57)of the procedures].The overall success rate was 91.2%(52/57 patients).PEP was noted in five patients(8.8%,5/57),and no instances of bleeding,perforation,or cholangitis were observed.The patients were followed up for over one year,and no recurrence of biliary or pancreatic diseases was detected.Importantly,BMI significantly increased after endoscopic treatment compared to that before treatment(P=0.001).CONCLUSION The high success rate and lack of major complications support the valuable role of ERCP in the management of pediatric biliary and pancreatic diseases in the pediatric population.

Left hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm complicating endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography:A case report

BACKGROUND Pseudoaneurysms of the hepatic artery or its branches have been reported following abdominal trauma,iatrogenic injury at the time of many operations such as percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and cholecystectomy.Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)are uncommon and potentially life threatening and should be identified and treated rapidly.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of intra-abdominal hemorrhage secondary to a left hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm resulting from guide wire injury at ERCP.The patient primary diagnosis was acute biliary pancreatitis with cholangitis,he underwent ERCP on the third day of admission.During ERCP,the left intrahepatic bile duct was cannulated three times.Over the sixth day,Contrast enhanced computed tomography scan demonstrated left hepatic lobe contusion and a pseudoaneurysm formation.The patient was successfully treated with the embolization of a small branch of left hepatic artery angiographically.CONCLUSION The common complications of ERCP are pancreatitis,bleeding and perforation.False aneurysms occur as a result of damage to the wall of an artery.As far as we know,it is rare complication has been reported following ERCP.We advise urgent referral for angiographic embolization in this situation to avoid aneurysm rupture.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in recurrent pancreatitis of pediatric asparaginase-associated pancreatitis

BACKGROUND Asparaginase(ASP)is an important drug in combined chemotherapy regimens for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL);ASP-associated pancreatitis(AAP)is the main adverse reaction of ASP.Recurrent pancreatitis is a complication of AAP,for which medication is ineffective.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)in treating recurrent pancreatitis due to AAP.METHODS From May 2018 to August 2021,ten children(five males and five females;age range:4–13 years)with AAP were treated using ERCP due to recurrent pancreatitis.Clinical data of the ten children were collected,including their sex,age,weight,ALL risk grading,clinical symptoms at the onset of pancreatitis,time from the first pancreatitis onset to ERCP,ERCP operation status,and postoperative complications.The symptomatic relief,weight change,and number of pancreatitis onsets before and after ERCP were compared.RESULTS The preoperative symptoms were abdominal pain,vomiting,inability to eat,weight loss of 2-7 kg,and 2-9 pancreatitis onsets.After the operation,nine of ten patients did not develop pancreatitis,had no abdominal pain,could eat normally;the remaining patient developed three pancreatitis onsets due to the continuous administration of ASP,but eating was not affected.The postoperative weight gain was 1.5-8 kg.There was one case of post ERCP pancreatitis and two cases of postoperative infections;all recovered after medication.CONCLUSION ERCP improved clinical symptoms and reduced the incidence of pancreatitis,and was shown to be a safe and effective method for improving the management of recurrent pancreatitis due to AAP.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related early perforations:A study of effects of procedure duration,complexity,and endoscopist experience

BACKGROUND Perforations(Perf)during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)are rare(<1%)but potentially fatal events(up to 20%mortality).Given its rarity,most data is through case series studies from centers or analysis of large databases.Although a meta-analysis has shown fewer adverse events as a composite(bleeding,pancreatitis,Perf)during ERCP performed at high-volume centers,there is very little real-world data on endoscopist and center procedural volumes,ERCP duration and complexity on the occurrence of Perf.AIM To study the profile of Perf related to ERCP by center and endoscopist procedure volume,ERCP time,and complexity from a national endoscopic repository.Patients from clinical outcomes research initiative-national endoscopic database(2000-2012)who underwent ERCP were stratified based on the endoscopist and center volume(quartiles),and total procedure duration and complexity grade of the ERCP based on procedure details.The effects of these variables on the Perf that occurred were studied.Continuous variables were compared between Perf and no perforations(NoPerf)using the Mann-Whitney U test as the data demonstrated significant skewness and kurtosis.RESULTS A total of 14153 ERCPs were performed by 258 endoscopists,with 20 reported Perf(0.14%)among 16 endoscopists.Mean patient age in years 61.6±14.8 vs 58.1±18.8(Perf vs.NoPerf,P=NS).The cannulation rate was 100%and 91.5%for Perf and NoPerf groups,respectively.13/20(65%)of endoscopists were high-volume performers in the 4th quartile,and 11/20(55%)of Perf occurred in centers with the highest volumes(4th quartile).Total procedure duration in minutes was 60.1±29.9 vs 40.33±23.5(Perf vs NoPerf,P<0.001).Fluoroscopy duration in minutes was 3.3±2.3 vs 3.3±2.6(Perf vs NoPerf P=NS).50%of the procedures were complex and greater than grade 1 difficulty.3/20(15%)patients had prior biliary surgery.13/20(65%)had sphincterotomies performed with stent insertion.Peritonitis occurred in only 1/20(0.5%).CONCLUSION Overall adverse events as a composite during ERCP are known to occur at a lower rate with higher volume endoscopists and centers.However,Perf studied from the national database show prolonged and more complex procedures performed by high-volume endoscopists at high-volume centers contribute to Perf.

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.

Propensity score matching analysis for clinical impact of braided-type versus laser-cut-type covered self-expandable metal stents for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy

Background:To prevent stent migration during endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy(EUS-HGS),intra-scope channel release technique is important,but is unfamiliar to non-expert hands.The self-expandable metal stent(SEMS)is an additional factor to prevent stent migration.However,no compara-tive studies of laser-cut-type and braided-type during EUS-HGS have been reported.The aim of this study was to compare the distance between the intrahepatic bile duct and stomach wall after EUS-HGS among laser-cut-type and braided-type SEMS.Methods:To evaluate stent anchoring function,we measured the distance between the hepatic parenchyma and stomach wall before EUS-HGS,one day after EUS-HGS,and 7 days after EUS-HGS.Also,propensity score matching was performed to create a propensity score for using laser-cut-type group and braided-type group.Results:A total of 142 patients were enrolled in this study.Among them,24 patients underwent EUS-HGS using a laser-cut-type SEMS,and 118 patients underwent EUS-HGS using a braided-type SEMS.EUS-HGS using the laser-cut-type SEMS was mainly performed by non-expert endoscopists(n=21);EUS-HGS using braided-type SEMS was mainly performed by expert endoscopists(n=98).The distance after 1 day was significantly shorter in the laser-cut-type group than that in the braided-type group[2.00(1.70-3.75)vs.6.90(3.72-11.70)mm,P<0.001].In addition,this distance remained significantly shorter in the laser-cut-type group after 7 days.Although these results were similar after propensity score matching analysis,the distance between hepatic parenchyma and stomach after 7 days was increased by 4 mm compared with the distance after 1 day in the braided-type group.On the other hand,in the laser-cut-type group,the distance after 1 day and 7 days was almost the same.Conclusions:EUS-HGS using a laser-cut-type SEMS may be safe to prevent stent migration,even in non-expert hands.

Endoscopic treatment of biliopancreatic pathology in patients with Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy surgical variants: Lessons learned from single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP

Background: Endoscopic treatment of biliopancreatic pathology is challenging due to surgically altered anatomy after Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(SBE-ERCP) to treat biliopancreatic pathology in patients with Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy surgical variants. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 106 SBE-ERCP procedures in 46 patients with Whipple's variants. Technical and clinical success rates and adverse events were evaluated. Results: Biliary SBE-ERCP was performed in 34 patients and pancreatic SBE-ERCP in 17, including 5 with both indications. From a total of 106 SBE-ERCP procedures, 76 were biliary indication with technical success rate of 68/76(90%) procedures and clinical success rate of 30/34(88%) patients. Mild adverse event rate was 8/76(11%), without serious adverse events. From a total of 106 SBE-ERCP procedures, 30 were pancreatic indication with technical success rate of 24/30(80%) procedures( P = 0.194 vs. biliary SBEERCP) and clinical success rate of 11/17(65%) patients( P = 0.016 vs. biliary SBE-ERCP). Mild adverse event rate was 6/30(20%)( P = 0.194 vs. biliary SBE-ERCP), without serious adverse events. After SBE-ERCP failure, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage, percutaneous drainage and redo surgery were alternative therapeutic options. Conclusions: Biliopancreatic pathology after Whipple's pancreaticoduodenectomy variants can be treated using SBE-ERCP without serious adverse events. Technical and clinical success rates are high for biliary indications, whereas clinical success rate of pancreatic indications is significantly lower. SBE-ERCP can be considered as first-line treatment option in this patient group with surgically altered anatomy.

Urgent one-stage endoscopic treatment for choledocholithiasis related moderate to severe acute cholangitis: A propensity scorematched analysis

BACKGROUND During emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),the safety and feasibility of performing one-stage endoscopic treatment for patients with acute cholangitis(AC)due to choledocholithiasis are unclear.AIM To investigate the safety and feasibility of one-stage endoscopic treatment for moderate to severe AC.METHODS We enrolled all patients diagnosed with moderate to severe cholangitis due to common bile duct stones from January 2019 to July 2023.The outcomes were compared in this study between patients who underwent ERCP within 24 h and those who underwent ERCP 24 h later,employing a propensity score(PS)frame-work.Our primary outcomes were intensive care unit(ICU)admission rates,ICU length of stay,and duration of antibiotic use.RESULTS In total,we included 254 patients and categorized them into two groups based on the time elapsed between admission and intervention:The urgent group(≤24 h,n=102)and the elective group(>24 h,n=152).Ninety-three pairs of patients with similar characteristics were selected by PS matching.The urgent ERCP group had more ICU admissions(34.4%vs 21.5%,P=0.05),shorter ICU stays(3 d vs 9 d,P<0.001),fewer antibiotic use(6 d vs 9 d,P<0.001),and shorter hospital stays(9 d vs 18.5 d,P<0.001).There were no significant differences observed in adverse events,in-hospital mortality,recurrent cholangitis occurrence,30-d readmission rate or 30-d mortality.CONCLUSION Urgent one-stage ERCP provides the advantages of a shorter ICU stay,a shorter duration of antibiotic use,and a shorter hospital stay.

Early endoscopic management of an infected acute necrotic collection misdiagnosed as a pancreatic pseudocyst: A case report

BACKGROUND Infected acute necrotic collection(ANC)is a fatal complication of acute pancre-atitis with substantial morbidity and mortality.Drainage plays an exceedingly important role as the first step in invasive intervention for infected necrosis;however,there is great controversy about the optimal drainage time,and better treatment should be explored.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 43-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with severe intake reduction due to early satiety 2 wk after treatment for acute pancre-atitis;conservative treatment was ineffective,and a pancreatic pseudocyst was suspected on contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT).Endoscopic ultra-sonography(EUS)suggested hyperechoic necrotic tissue within the cyst cavity.The wall was not completely mature,and the culture of the puncture fluid was positive for A-haemolytic Streptococcus.Thus,the final diagnosis of ANC in-fection was made.The necrotic collection was not walled off and contained many solid components;therefore,the patient underwent EUS-guided aspiration and lavage.Two weeks after the collection was completely encapsulated,pancreatic duct stent drainage via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)was performed,and the patient was subsequently successfully discharged.On repeat CT,the pancreatic cysts had almost disappeared during the 6-month fo-llow-up period after surgery.CONCLUSION Early EUS-guided aspiration and lavage combined with late ERCP catheter drainage may be effective methods for intervention in infected ANCs.

Endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage with placement of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction:Updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage using electrocautery-enhanced(ECE)delivery of lumen-apposing metal stent(LAMS)is gradually being re-cognized as a viable palliative technique for malignant biliary obstruction after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)failure.However,most of the studies that have assessed its efficacy and safety were small and hetero-geneous.Prior meta-analyses of six or fewer studies that were published 2 years ago were therefore underpowered to yield convincing evidence.AIM To update the efficacy and safety of ECE-LAMS for treatment of biliary ob-struction after ERCP failure.METHODS We searched PubMed,EMBASE,and Scopus databases from the inception of the ECE technique to May 13,2022.Primary outcome measure was pooled technical success rate,and secondary outcomes were pooled rates of clinical success,re-intervention,and adverse events.Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model following Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation in R soft-ware(version 4.1.3).RESULTS Fourteen eligible studies involving 620 participants were ultimately included.The pooled rate of technical success was 96.7%,and clinical success was 91.0%.Adverse events were reported in 17.5%of patients.Overall reinter-vention rate was 7.3%.Subgroup analyses showed results were generally consistent.CONCLUSION ECE-LAMS has favorable success with acceptable adverse events in relieving biliary obstruction when ERCP is impossible.The consistency of results across most subgroups suggested that this is a generalizable approach.

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.

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis:A systematic review for prevention and treatment

BACKGROUND Post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is comparatively complex application. Researchers has been investigated prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), since it has been considered to be the most common complication of ERCP. Although ERCP can lead various complications, it can also be avoided. AIM To study the published evidence and systematically review the literature on the prevention and treatment for PEP. METHODS A systematic literature review on the prevention of PEP was conducted using the electronic databases of ISI Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane Library for relevant articles. The electronic search for the review was performed by using the search terms “Post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis” AND “prevention” through different criteria. The search was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed between January 2009 and February 2019. Duplicate studies were detected by using EndNote and deleted by the author. PRISMA checklist and flow diagram were adopted for evaluation and reporting. The reference lists of the selected papers were also scanned to find other relevant studies. RESULTS 726 studies meeting the search criteria and 4 relevant articles found in the edited books about ERCP were identified. Duplicates and irrelevant studies were excluded by screening titles and abstracts and assessing full texts. 54 studies were evaluated for full text review. Prevention methods were categorized into three groups as (1) assessment of patient related factors;(2) pharmacoprevention;and (3) procedural techniques for prevention. Most of studies in the literature showed that young age, female gender, absence of chronic pancreatitis, suspected Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, recurrent pancreatitis and history of previous PEP played a crucial role in posing high risks for PEP. 37 studies designed to assess the impact of 24 different pharmacologic agents to reduce the development of PEP delivered through various administration methods were reviewed. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to reduce risks for PEP. Rectal administration of indomethacin immediately prior to or after ERCP in all patients is recommended by European Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines to prevent the development of PEP. The majority of the studies reviewed revealed that rectally administered indomethacin had efficacy to prevent PEP. Results of the other studies on the other pharmacological interventions had both controversial and promising results. Thirteen studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 4 distinct procedural techniques to prevent the development of PEP were reviewed. Pancreatic Stent Placement has been frequently used in this sense and has potent and promising benefits in the prevention of PEP. Studies on the other procedural techniques have had inconsistent results. CONCLUSION Prevention of PEP involves multifactorial aspects, including assessment of patients with high risk factors for alternative therapeutic and diagnostic techniques, administration of pharmacological agents and procedural techniques with highly precise results in the literature.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children with symptomatic pancreaticobiliary maljunction: A retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)has been widely used in pediatric patients with cholangiopancreatic diseases.AIM To evaluate the efficacy,safety,and long-term follow-up results of ERCP in symptomatic pancreaticobiliary maljunction(PBM).METHODS A multicenter,retrospective study was conducted on 75 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with PBM and underwent therapeutic ERCP at three endoscopy centers between January 2008 and March 2019.They were divided into four PBM groups based on the fluoroscopy in ERCP.Their clinical characteristics,specific ERCP procedures,adverse events,and long-term follow-up results were retrospectively reviewed.RESULTS Totally,112 ERCPs were performed on the 75 children with symptomatic PBM.Clinical manifestations included abdominal pain(62/75,82.7%),vomiting(35/75,46.7%),acholic stool(4/75,5.3%),fever(3/75,4.0%),acute pancreatitis(47/75,62.7%),hyperbilirubinemia(13/75,17.3%),and elevated liver enzymes(22/75,29.3%).ERCP interventions included endoscopic sphincterotomy,endoscopic retrograde biliary or pancreatic drainage,stone extraction,etc.Procedure-related complications were observed in 12 patients and included post-ERCP pancreatitis(9/75,12.0%),gastrointestinal bleeding(1/75,1.3%),and infection(2/75,2.7%).During a mean follow-up period of 46 mo(range:2 to 134 mo),ERCP therapy alleviated the biliary obstruction and reduced the incidence of pancreatitis.The overall effective rate of ERCP therapy was 82.4%;seven patients(9.3%)were lost to follow-up,eight(11.8%)re-experienced pancreatitis,and eleven(16.2%)underwent radical surgery,known as prophylactic excision of the extrahepatic bile duct and hepaticojejunostomy.CONCLUSION ERCP is a safe and effective treatment option to relieve biliary or pancreatic obstruction in symptomatic PBM,with the characteristics of minor trauma,fewer complications,and repeatability.