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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Establishment of predictive models and determinants of preoperative gastric retention in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND Study on influencing factors of gastric retention before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)background:With the wide application of ERCP,the risk of preoperative gastric retention affects the smooth progress of the operation.The study found that female,biliary and pancreatic malignant tumor,digestive tract obstruction and other factors are closely related to gastric retention,so the establishment of predictive model is very important to reduce the risk of operation.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 190 patients admitted to our hospital for ERCP preparation between January 2020 and February 2024.Patient baseline clinical data were collected using an electronic medical record system.Patients were randomly matched in a 1:4 ratio with data from 190 patients during the same period to establish a validation group(n=38)and a modeling group(n=152).Patients in the modeling group were divided into the gastric retention group(n=52)and non-gastric retention group(n=100)based on whether gastric retention occurred preoperatively.General data of patients in the validation group and identify factors influencing preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients.A predictive model for preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients was constructed,and calibration curves were used for validation.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was analyzed to evaluate the predictive value of the model.RESULTS We found no statistically significant difference in general data between the validation group and modeling group(P>0.05).The comparison of age,body mass index,hypertension,and diabetes between the two groups showed no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).However,we noted statistically significant differences in gender,primary disease,jaundice,opioid use,and gastrointestinal obstruction between the two groups(P<0.05).Mul-tivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender,primary disease,jaundice,opioid use,and gastrointestinal obstruction were independent factors influencing preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients(P<0.05).The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that gender,primary disease,jaundice,opioid use,and gastroin-testinal obstruction were included in the predictive model for preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients.The calibration curves in the training set and validation set showed a slope close to 1,indicating good consistency between the predicted risk and actual risk.The ROC analysis results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the predictive model for preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients in the training set was 0.901 with a standard error of 0.023(95%CI:0.8264-0.9567),and the optimal cutoff value was 0.71,with a sensitivity of 87.5 and specificity of 84.2.In the validation set,the AUC of the predictive model was 0.842 with a standard error of 0.013(95%CI:0.8061-0.9216),and the optimal cutoff value was 0.56,with a sensitivity of 56.2 and specificity of 100.0.CONCLUSION Gender,primary disease,jaundice,opioid use,and gastrointestinal obstruction are factors influencing preoperative gastric retention in ERCP patients.A predictive model established based on these factors has high predictive value.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Innovations and techniques for balloon-enteroscopeassisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) remains challenging in patients who have undergone surgical reconstruction of the intestine.Recently,many studies have reported that balloonenteroscope-assisted ERCP(BEA-ERCP) is a safe and effective procedure.However,further improvements in outcomes and the development of simplified procedures are required.Percutaneous treatment,Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP,endoscopic ultrasoundguided anterograde intervention,and open surgery are effective treatments.However,treatment should be noninvasive,effective,and safe.We believe that these procedures should be performed only in difficult-to-treat patients because of many potential complications.BEA-ERCP still requires high expertiselevel techniques and is far from a routinely performed procedure.Various techniques have been proposed to facilitate scope insertion(insertion with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD) rendezvous technique,Short type single-balloon enteroscopes with passive bending section,Intraluminal injection of indigo carmine,CO2 inflation guidance),cannulation(PTBD or percutaneous transgallbladder drainage rendezvous technique,Dilation using screw drill,Rendezvous technique combining DBE with a cholangioscope,endoscopic ultrasound-guided rendezvous technique),and treatment(overtube-assisted technique,Short type balloon enteroscopes) during BEA-ERCP.The use of these techniques may allow treatment to be performed by BEA-ERCP in many patients.A standard procedure for ERCP yet to be established for patients with a reconstructed intestine.At present,BEA-ERCP is considered the safest and most effective procedure and is therefore likely to be recommended as firstline treatment.In this article,we discuss the current status of BEA-ERCP in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.