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.

Comparison between needle-knife fistulotomy and standard cannulation in ERCP

AIM: To compare the rates of success and complications of two different methods of access into the common bile duct (CBD). METHODS: Between October 2007 and November 2008, 173 consecutive patients (71 men, 102 women, mean age 68.6 years) requiring endoscopic retrograde cannulation of the papilla and endoscopic treatment were studied. In the first 88 patients CBD cannulation was performed through supra-papillary fistulotomy (group F); in the following 85 patients standard cannulation was performed through the Oddi sphincter (group S). Indications for the procedure were: choledocholithiasis, biliary obstruction, postoperative leak, sclerosing cholangitis, and Mirizzi’s syndrome. RESULTS: Deep CBD cannulation was successful in 85/88 patients (96.5%) in group F vs 60/85 patients (70.6%) in group S (P < 0.0001). The remaining 25 group S patients in whom cannulation failed were shifted to fistulotomy. Fistulotomy was successful in 21/25 patients (84%). As for complications, hyperamilasemia occurred in 7 (7.9%) group F patients vs 7 (8.2%) group S patients (P = NS); mild pancreatitis in 1 (1.1%) group F patient vs 5 (5.8%) group S patients (P = NS); bleeding in 3 (3.4%) group F patients vs 3 (3.5%) group S patients (P = NS). CONCLUSION: Needle-knife fistulotomy should represent either the first approach to therapeutic cannulation or rescue therapy after unsuccessful standard cannulation.

Rectal tone and compliance affected in patients with fecal incontinence after fistulotomy

AIM: To investigate the anal sphincter and rectal factors that may be involved in fecal incontinence that develops following fistulotomy(FIAF).METHODS: Eleven patients with FIAF were compared with 11 patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence and with 11 asymptomatic healthy subjects(HS). All of the study participants underwent anorectal manometry and a barostat study(rectal sensitivity, tone, compliance and capacity). The mean time since surgery was 28 ± 26 mo. The postoperative continence score was 14 ± 2.5(95%CI: 12.4-15.5, St Mark's fecal incontinence grading system).RESULTS: Compared with the HS, the FIAF patients showed increased rectal tone(42.63 ± 27.69 vs 103.5 ± 51.13, P = 0.002) and less rectal compliance(4.95 ± 3.43 vs 11.77 ± 6.9, P = 0.009). No significant differences were found between the FIAF patients and the HS with respect to the rectal capacity; thresholds for the non-noxious stimuli of first sensation, gas sensation and urge-to-defecate sensation or the noxious stimulus of pain; anal resting pressure or squeeze pressure; or the frequency or percentage of relaxation of the rectoanal inhibitory reflex. No significant differences were found between the FIAF patients and the patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence.CONCLUSION: In patients with FIAF, normal motor anal sphincter function and rectal sensitivity are preserved, but rectal tone and compliance are impaired. The results suggest that FIAF is not due to alterations in rectal sensitivity and that the rectum is more involved than the anal sphincters in the genesis of FIAF.

Primary needle-knife fistulotomy for preventing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis:Importance of the endoscopist’s expertise level

BACKGROUND Needle-knife fistulotomy(NKF)is used as a rescue technique for difficult cannulation.However,the data are limited regarding the use of NKF for primary biliary cannulation,especially when performed by beginners.AIM To assess the effectiveness and safety of primary NKF for biliary cannulation,and the role of the endoscopist’s expertise level(beginner vs expert).METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the records of 542 patients with naïve prominent bulging papilla and no history of pancreatitis,who underwent bile duct cannulation at a tertiary referral center.The patients were categorized according to the endoscopist’s expertise level and the technique used for bile duct cannulation.We assessed the rates of successful cannulation and adverse events.RESULTS The baseline characteristics did not differ between the experienced and lessexperienced endoscopists.The incidence rate of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)pancreatitis(PEP)was significantly affected by the endoscopist’s expertise level in patients who received conventional cannulation with sphincterotomy(8.9%vs 3.4%for beginner vs expert,P=0.039),but not in those who received NKF.In the multivariable analysis,a lower expertise level of the biliary endoscopist(P=0.037)and longer total procedure time(P=0.026)were significant risk factor of PEP in patients who received conventional cannulation with sphincterotomy but only total procedure time(P=0.004)was significant risk factor of PEP in those who received NKF.CONCLUSION Primary NKF was effective and safe in patients with prominent and bulging ampulla,even when performed by less-experienced endoscopist.We need to confirm which level of endoscopist’s experience is needed for primary NKF through prospective randomized study.

Management of low transsphincteric anal fistula with serial setons and interval muscle-cutting fistulotomy

This study evaluates low transsphincteric anal fistula managed by serial setons and interval fistulotomy, with attention to healing without recurrence and preservation of continence. Following Institutional Review Board approval, consecutive anal fistula operations performed by a single surgeon from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013 were retrospectively reviewed using electronic medical records and telephone interviews for patients lost to follow up. Of the 71 patients, 26（37%） had low transsphincteric fistula（23 males and 3 females; mean age： 46 years）, treated at our institution by seton placement followed by interval surgical muscle cutting and subsequent seton replacement or final fistulotomy. Of the 26 patients, 22（85%） were initially referred due to previous failed treatment, with a 30.6 month mean duration of fistula prior to referral and a mean of 2.2（range： 0–6） prior anorectal surgeries. At a mean follow-up of 11.9 months, none of the 21 patients experienced recurrence or fecal incontinence. Serial seton with interval muscle-cutting sphincterotomy followed by complete fistulotomy is an effective treatment for the management of patients who are either initially seen for low transsphincteric fistula, or referred after failed anorectal surgery for that condition.

Navigating the complexities of perianal Crohn’s disease:Diagnostic strategies,treatment approaches,and future perspectives

This article discusses the literature review article by Pacheco et al published in July 2024;the authors provided good reviews of perianal Crohn’s disease(CD),and challenges faced by clinicians in the management.CD,characterized by its chronic and relapsing nature,is an idiopathic condition that can involve any segment of the gastrointestinal tract.Perianal disease impacts up to 40%of patients with CD,with perianal fistulas constituting up to 80%of perianal lesions.Perianal CD can be highly incapacitating and profoundly diminish the overall well-being of patients.The management focuses on controlling the perianal sepsis and treating luminal CD.Biologics are crucial to the treatment approach,and results have been encouraging.The surgery focuses on controlling the sepsis,with more definitive treatments being fistula surgery,fecal diversion,and proctectomy as the last resort.This manuscript briefly describes the burden of CD,the challenges posed by perianal CD,and the role of different treatment modalities from colorectal surgeon’s perspective.

Idiopathic fistula-in-ano

Fistula-in-ano is the most common form of perineal sepsis.Typically,a fistula includes an internal opening,a track,and an external opening.The external opening might acutely appear following infection and/or an abscess,or more insiduously in a chronic manner.Management includes control of infection,assessment of the fistulous track in relation to the anal sphincter muscle,and finally,definitive treatment of the fistula.Fistulotomy was the most commonly used mode of management,but concerns about post-fistulotomy incontinence prompted the use of sphincter preserving techniques such as advancement flaps,fibrin glue,collagen fistula plug,ligation of the intersphincteric fistula track,and stem cells.Many descriptive and comparative studies have evaluated these different techniques with variable outcomes.The lack of consistent results,level I evidence,or long-term follow-up,as well as the heterogeneity of fistula pathology has prevented a definitive treatment algorithm.This article will review the most commonly available modalities and techniques for managing idiopathic fistula-in-ano.

Lessons learned from an audit of 1250 anal fistula patients operated at a single center:A retrospective review

BACKGROUND A complex anal fistula is a challenging disease to manage.AIM To review the experience and insights gained in treating a large cohort of patients at an exclusive fistula center.METHODS Anal fistulas operated on by a single surgeon over 14 years were analyzed.Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was done in all patients.Four procedures were performed:fistulotomy;two novel sphincter-saving procedures,proximal superficial cauterization of the internal opening and regular emptying and curettage of fistula tracts(PERFACT)and transanal opening of intersphincteric space(TROPIS),and anal fistula plug.PERFACT was initiated before TROPIS.As per the institutional GFRI algorithm,fistulotomy was done in simple fistulas,and TROPIS was done in complex fistulas.Fistulas with associated abscesses were treated by definitive surgery.Incontinence was evaluated objectively by Vaizey incontinence scores.RESULTS A total of 1351 anal fistula operations were performed in 1250 patients.The overall fistula healing rate was 19.4%in anal fistula plug(n=56),50.3%in PERFACT(n=175),86%in TROPIS(n=408),and 98.6%in fistulotomy(n=611)patients.Continence did not change significantly after surgery in any group.As per the new algorithm,1019 patients were operated with either the fistulotomy or TROPIS procedure.The overall success rate was 93.5%in those patients.In a subgroup analysis,the overall healing rate in supralevator,horseshoe,and fistulas with an associated abscess was 82%,85.8%,and 90.6%,respectively.The 90.6%healing rate in fistulas with an associated abscess was comparable to that of fistulas with no abscess(94.5%,P=0.057,not significant).CONCLUSION Fistulotomy had a high 98.6%healing rate in simple fistulas without deterioration of continence if the patient selection was done judiciously.The sphincter-sparing procedure,TROPIS,was safe,with a satisfactory 86%healing rate for complex fistulas.This is the largest anal fistula series to date.

Endoscopic prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis(PEP) is not an uncommon adverse event but may be an avoidable complication. Although pancreatitis of severe grade is reported in 0.1%-0.5% of ERCP patients, a serious clinical course may be lethal. For prevention of severe PEP, patient risk stratification, appropriate selection of patients using noninvasive diagnostic imaging methods such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS), and avoidance of unnecessary invasive procedures, are important measures to be taken before any procedure. Pharmacological prevention is also commonly attempted but is usually ineffective. No ideal agent has not yet been found and the available data conflict. Currently, rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to prevent PEP in high-risk patients, but additional studies using larger numbers of subjects are necessary to confirm any prophylactic effect. In this review, we focus on endoscopic procedures seeking to prevent or decrease the severity of PEP. Among various cannulation methods, wire-guided cannulation,precut fistulotomy,and transpancreatic septostomy are reviewed.Prophylactic pancreatic stent placement,which is the best-known prophylactic method,is reviewed with reference to the ideal stent type,adequate duration of stent placement,and stentrelated complications.Finally,we comment on other treatment alternatives,and make the point that further advances in EUS-guided techniques may afford useful PEP prophylaxis.

Comparison between recent sphincter-sparing procedures for complex anal fistulas-ligation of intersphincteric tract vs transanal opening of intersphincteric space

Complex anal fistulas are difficult to treat.The main reasons for this are a higher recurrence rate and the risk of disrupting the continence mechanism because of sphincter involvement.Due to this,several sphincter-sparing procedures have been developed in the last two decades.Though moderately successful in simple fistulas(50%-75%healing rate),the healing rates in complex fistulas for most of these procedures has been dismal.Only two procedures,ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract and transanal opening of intersphincteric space have been shown to have good success rates in complex fistulas(60%-95%).Both of these procedures preserve continence while achieving high success rates.In this opinion review,I shall outline the history,compare the pros and cons,indications and contraindications and future application of both these procedures for the management of complex anal fistulas.

Interventional inflammatory bowel disease:endoscopic therapy of complications of Crohn’s disease

Endoscopic therapy for inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)or IBD surgery-associated complications or namely interventional IBD has become the main treatment modality for Crohn’s disease,bridging medical and surgical treatments.Currently,the main applications of interventional IBD are(i)strictures;(ii)fistulas and abscesses;(iii)bleeding lesions,bezoars,foreign bodies,and polyps;(iv)post-operative complications such as acute and chronic anastomotic leaks;and(v)colitis-associated neoplasia.The endoscopic treatment modalities include balloon dilation,stricturotomy,strictureplasty,fistulotomy,incision and drainage(of fistula and abscess),sinusotomy,septectomy,banding ligation,clipping,polypectomy,endoscopic mucosal resection,and endoscopic submucosal dissection.The field of interventional IBD is evolving with a better understanding of the underlying disease process,advances in endoscopic technology,and interest and proper training of next-generation IBD interventionalists.