Different roles of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy in obscure small intestinal diseases

AIM: To compare the roles of capsule endoscopy(CE)and double-balloon enteroscopy(DBE) in the diagnosis of obscure small bowel diseases.METHODS: From June 2009 to December 2014, 88 patients were included in this study; the patients had undergone gastroscopy, colonoscopy, radiological small intestinal barium meal, abdominal computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan and mesenteric angiography, but their diagnoses were still unclear. The patients with gastrointestinal obstructions,fistulas, strictures, or cardiac pacemakers, as well as pregnant women, and individuals who could not accept the capsule-retention or capsule-removal surgery were excluded. Patients with heart, lung and other vital organ failure diseases were also excluded. Everyone involved in this study had undergone CE and DBE. The results were divided into:(1) the definite diagnosis(the diagnosis was confirmed at least by one of the biopsy,surgery, pathology or the drug treatment effects with follow-up for at least 3 mo);(2) the possible diagnosis(a possible diagnosis was suggested by CE or DBE,but not confirmed by the biopsy, surgery or follow-up drug treatment effects); and(3) the unclear diagnosis(no exact causes were provided by CE and DBE for the disease). The detection rate and the diagnostic yield of the two methods were compared. The differencein the etiologies between CE and DBE was estimated,and the different possible etiologies caused by the age groups were also investigated.RESULTS: CE exhibited a better trend than DBE for diagnosing scattered small ulcers(P = 0.242, Fisher's test), and small vascular malformations(χ 2 = 1.810,P = 0.179, Pearson χ 2 test), but with no significant differences, possible due to few cases. However,DBE was better than CE for larger tumors(P =0.018, Fisher's test) and for diverticular lesions with bleeding ulcers(P = 0.005, Fisher's test). All three hemangioma cases diagnosed by DBE in this study(including sponge hemangioma, venous hemangioma,and hemangioma with hamartoma lesions) were all confirmed by biopsy. Two parasite cases were found by CE, but were negative by DBE. This study revealed no obvious differences in the detection rates(DR) of CE(60.0%, 53/88) and DBE(59.1%, 52/88). However,the etiological diagnostic yield(DY) difference was apparent. The CE diagnostic yield was 42.0%(37/88),and the DBE diagnostic yield was 51.1%(45/88).Furthermore, there were differences among the age groups(χ 2 = 22.146, P = 0.008, Kruskal Wallis Test). Small intestinal cancer(5/6 cases), vascular malformations(22/29 cases), and active bleeding(3/4cases) appeared more commonly in the patients over50 years old, but diverticula with bleeding ulcers were usually found in the 15-25-year group(4/7cases). The over-25-year group accounted for the stromal tumors(10/12 cases).CONCLUSION: CE and DBE each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The appropriate choice depends on the patient's age, tolerance, and clinical manifestations. Sometimes CE followed by DBE is necessary.

Non-small-bowel lesions encountered during double-balloon enteroscopy performed for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM:To report the incidence of non-small-bowel bleeding pathologies encountered during double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) procedures and to analyse their significance.METHODS: A retrospective study of a prospective DBE database conducted in a tertiary-referral center was conducted. A total of 179 patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) referred for DBE from June 2004 to November 2008 were analysed looking for the incidence of non-small-bowel lesions (NSBLs; all and newly diagnosed) encountered during DBE.RESULTS: There were 228 (150 antegrade and 78 retrograde) DBE procedures performed in 179 patients. The mean number of DBE procedures was 1.27 per patient. The mean age (SD) of the patients was 62 ± 16 years old. There were 94 females (52.5%). The positive yield for a bleeding lesion was 65.9%. Of the 179 patients, 44 (24.6%) had NSBLs (19 of them had dual pathology with small-bowel lesions and NSBLs); 27 (15.1%) had lesions not detected by previous endoscopies. The most common type of missed lesions were vascular lesions.CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients (24.6%) had lesions within reach of conventional endoscopy. Careful repeat examination with gastroscopy and colonoscopy might be required.

Double-balloon enteroscopy in small bowel tumors: A Chinese single-center study

AIM: To analyze the clinical characteristics of small bowel tumors detected by double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and to evaluate the diagnostic value of DBE in tumors. METHODS: Four hundred and forty consecutive DBE examinations were performed in 400 patients (250 males and 150 females, mean age 46.9 ± 16.3 years, range 14-86 years) between January 2007 and April 2012. Of these, 252 patients underwent the antegrade approach, and 188 patients underwent the retrograde approach. All the patients enrolled in our study were suspected of having small bowel diseases with a negative etiological diagnosis following other routine examinations, such as upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and radiography tests. Data on tumors, such as clinical information, endoscopic findings and opera-tion results, were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Small bowel tumors were diagnosed in 78 patients, of whom 67 were diagnosed using DBE, resulting in a diagnostic yield of 16.8% (67/400); the other 11 patients had negative DBE findings and were diagnosed through surgery or capsule endoscopy. Adenocarcinoma (29.5%, 23/78), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (24.4%, 19/78) and lymphoma (15.4%, 12/78) were the most common tumors. Among the 78 tumors, 60.3% (47/78) were located in the jejunum, and the overall number of malignant tumors was 74.4% (58/78). DBE examinations were frequently performed in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (47.4%) and abdominal pain (24.4%). The positive detection rate for DBE in the 78 patients with small bowel tumors was 85.9% (67/78), which was higher than that of a computed tomography scan (72.9%, 51/70). Based on the operation results, the accuracy rates of DBE for locating small bowel neoplasms, such as adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor and lymphoma, were 94.4%, 100% and 100%, respectively. The positive biopsy rates for adenocarcinoma and lymphoma were 71.4% and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSION: DBE is a useful diagnostic tool with high clinical practice value and should be considered the gold standard for the investigation of small bowel tumors.

Double-balloon enteroscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: A single center experience in China

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). METHODS: The data about 75 OGIB patients who underwent DBE in January 2007-June 2009 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: DBE was successfully performed in all 75 patients without complication. Of the 75 patients, 44 (58.7%) had positive DBE findings, 22 had negative DBE findings but had potential bleeding at surgery and capsule endoscopy, etc . These 66 patients were finally diagnosed as OGIB which was most commonly caused by small bowel tumor (28.0%), angiodysplasia (18.7%) and Crohn’s disease (10.7%). Lesions occurred more frequently in proximal small bowel than in distal small bowel (49.3% vs 33.3%, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: DBE is a safe, effective and accurate procedure for the diagnosis of OGIB.

Double-balloon enteroscopy for mesenchymal tumors of small bowel:Nine years' experience

AIM:To assess the value of double-balloon enteroscopy(DBE) for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors(GIMTs) in the small bowel and clarify their clinical and endoscopic characteristics.METHODS:A retrospective review in a total of 783 patients who underwent a DBE procedure from January 2003 to December 2011 was conducted.Data from patients with pathologically confirmed GIMTs were analyzed at a single tertiary center with nine years' experience.The primary outcomes assessed included characteristics of patients with GIMTs,indications for DBE,overall diagnostic yield of GIMTs,endoscopic morphology,positive biopsy,comparison of diagnosis with capsule endoscopy,and subsequent interventional management.RESULTS:GIMTs were identified and analyzed in 77 patients.The mean age was 47.74 ± 14.14 years(range:20-77 years),with 63.6% being males.The majority of individuals presented with gastrointestinal bleeding,accounting for 81.8%,followed by abdominal pain,accounting for 10.4%.Small bowel pathologies were found in 71 patients,the detection rate was 92.2%.The diagnostic yield of DBE for GIMTs was 88.3%.DBE was superior to capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of GIMTs(P = 0.006;McNemar's χ2 test).Gastrointestinal stromal tumor was the most frequent and leiomyoma was the second frequent GIMT.Single and focal lesions were typical of GIMTs,and masses with smooth or unsmooth surface were the most common in the small bowel.GIMTs were removed from all the patients surgically except one patient treated with endoscopic resection.CONCLUSION:DBE is a safe and valuable procedure for patients with suspected GIMTs,and it provides an accurate position for subsequent surgical intervention.

Comparison between double-balloon and single-balloon enteroscopy in therapeutic ERC after Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis

AIM:To compare the efficacy of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in patients with Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis.METHODS:Retrospective analysis of our patient cohort revealed 4 patients with enterobiliary anastomosis and Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis who underwent repeated ERC with DBE and SBE because of recurrent cholangitis.RESULTS:A total of 38 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures were performed in 25 patients with Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis.DBE was used in 29 procedures and SBE in 9.The 4 patients who underwent repeated ERC with DBE and SBE suffered from recurrent cholangitis due to stenosis of the enterobiliary anastomosis.ERC was performed repeatedly to achieve balloon dilation with/without biliary stone extraction and multiple stent placement at the level of the enterobiliary anastomosis.In all 4 patients DBE and SBE were equally successful.Compared to DBE,SBE was equally effective in passing the Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis,reaching the enterobiliary anastomosis and performing therapeutic ERC.CONCLUSION:This retrospective comparison shows that DBE and SBE are equally successful in the performance of therapeutic ERC at the level of the enterobiliary anastomosis after Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis.

Effectiveness and Safety of Double-balloon Catheter versus Intra-amniotic Injection of Ethacridine Lactate for Termination of Second Trimester Pregnancy in Patients with Liver Dysfunction

Severe liver dysfunction in pregnancy（SLDP） is rare but serious complications with high mortality rate. This study compared the effectiveness and safety of double-balloon catheter versus intra-amniotic injection of ethacridine lactate for the termination of second trimester pregnancy in patients with SLD. A total of 55 patients with indications of labor induction were enrolled and analyzed by retrospective control analysis method. Twenty-three cases adopted Cook double balloon dilation as Cook group, and 32 cases received intra-amniotic injection of ethacridine lactate as EL group. The primary outcome was evaluated by successful abortion rate and the difference in the induction-to-abortion interval. Secondary outcomes included liver function recovery and the frequency of adverse events. Both Cook and EL regimens were effective, with successful abortion rate of 87.0% and 93.8%, respectively（P=0.639）. The induction-to-delivery interval was similar between Cook group and EL group（38.1±21.5 vs. 41.3±17.4, P=0.543）. The liver disease status was more severe in Cook group than in EL group, but it did not show any significant difference after pregnancy termination between the two groups and the improvement rate also did not show any significant difference. Both treatments were safe and there was no significant difference in bleeding and cervical laceration adverse events between the two groups. Our study firstly compared double-balloon catheter and ethacridine lactate for the induction of labor in women with SLD during second trimester pregnancy.

Hyperamylasemia is associated with increased intestinal permeability in patients undergoing diagnostic oral double-balloon enteroscopy

AIM: To investigate the correlations between serum amylase levels, intestinal permeability (IP), and pancreatic injury and to explore the mechanisms responsible for hyperamylasemia in double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE).

Double-balloon endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of GI tract diseases:Methodology,indications,safety,and clinical impact

AIM： To prospectively evaluate the indications, methodology, safety, and clinical impact of double-balloon endoscopy. METHODS： A total of 60 patients with suspected or documented small- or large-bowel diseases were investigated by double balloon endoscopy. A total of 103 procedures were performed （42 from the oral route, 60 from the anal route, and 1 from the stoma route）. The main outcome measurements were the time of insertion and the entire examination, complications, diagnostic yields, and the ability to successfully perform treatment. RESULTS： Observation of the entire small intestine was possible in 10 （40%） of 25 patients with total enteroscopy. The median insertion time was 122 min （range, 74-199 min）. Observation of the entire colon was possible in 13 （93%） of 14 patients at＂cer failure of total colonoscopy using a conventional colonoscope. Small-intestine abnormalities were found in 20 （43%） of 46 patients with indications of suspected or documented small bowel diseases, obscure GI tract bleeding, or a history of ileus. Endoscopic procedures including tattooing （n = 33）, bite biopsy （n = 17）, radiographic examination （n = 7）, EUS （n = 5）, hemostasis （n = 1）, polypectomy （n = 5）, balloon dilatation （n = 1）, endoscopic mucosal resection （n = 1） and lithotripsy （n = 1） were all successfully performed. No relevant technical problems or severe complications were encountered. CONCLUSION： Double balloon endoscopy is a feasible technique that allows adequate small and large bowel examination and potentially various endoscopic procedures of small-intestinal lesions. It is safe, useful, and also provides a high clinical impact.

Clinical outcomes of enteroscopy using the double-balloon method for strictures of the small intestine

AIM:To evaluate the clinical outcome of enteroscopy, using the double-balloon method, focusing on the involvement of neoplasms in strictures of the small intestine. METHODS: Enteroscopy, using the double-balloon method, was performed between December 1999 and December 2002 at Jichi Medical School Hospital, 3apan and strictures of the small intestine were found in 17 out of 62 patients. These 17 consecutive patients were subjected to analysis. RESULTS: The double-balloon enteroscopy contributed to the diagnosis of small intestinal neoplasms found in 3 out of 17 patients by direct observation of the strictures as well as biopsy sampling. Surgical procedures were chosen for these three patients, while balloon dilation was chosen for the strictures in four patients diagnosed with inflammation without involvement of neoplasm. CONCLUSION: Double-balloon enteroscopy is a useful method for the diagnosis and treatment of strictures in the small bowel.

Learning curve for double-balloon enteroscopy: Findings from an analysis of 282 procedures

AIM: To determine the learning curves for antegrade double-balloon enteroscopy (aDBE) and retrograde DBE (rDBE) by analyzing the technical success rates. METHODS: A retrospective analysis in a tertiary referral center. This study reviewed all cases from June 2006 to April 2011 with a target lesion in the small-bowel identified by either capsule endoscopy or computed tomography scan posted for DBE examinations. Main outcome measurements were: (1) Technical success of aDBE def ined by f inding or excluding a target lesion after achieving suff icient length of small bowel intubation; and (2) Technical success for rDBE was def ined by either f inding the target lesion or achieving stable overtube placement in the ileum. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty two procedures fulf illed the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. These procedures were analyzed by blocks of 30 cases. Therewas no distinct learning curve for aDBE. Technical success rates for rDBE continued to rise over time, although on logistic regression analysis testing for trend, there was no signif icance (P = 0.09). The odds of success increased by a factor of 1.73 (95% CI: 0.93-3.22) for rDBE. For these data, it was estimated that at least 30-35 cases of rDBE under supervision were needed to achieve a good technical success of more than 75%. CONCLUSION: There was no learning curve for aDBE. Technical success continued to increase over time for rDBE, although a learning curve could not be proven statistically. Approximately 30-35 cases of rDBE will be required for stable overtube intubation in ileum.

Clinical impact of multidetector computed tomography before double-balloon enteroscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM： To evaluate the clinical impact of multidetector computed tomography （MDCT） before double-balloon endoscopy （DBE） for patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding （OGIB）.

Application of double-balloon enteroscopy in jejunal diverticular bleeding

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic diagnosis and therapy for jejunal diverticular bleeding.METHODS:From January 2004 to September 2009,154 patients underwent double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.Ten consecutive patients with jejunal diverticula (5 males and 5 females) at the age of 68.7 ± 2.1 years (range 1995 years) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital,Academic Tertiary Referral Center,were enrolled in this study.RESULTS:Of the 10 patients,5 had melena,2 had hematochezia,2 had both melena and hematochezia,1 had anemia and dizziness.DBE revealed ulcers with stigmata of recent hemorrhage in 6 patients treated by injection of epinephrine diluted at 1:10 000,Dieulafoylike lesions in 4 patients treated by deploying hemoclips on the vessels,colonic diverticula in 2 patients,and duodenal diverticula in 3 patients,respectively.Of the 2patients who underwent surgical intervention,1 had a large diverticulum and was referred by the surgeon for DBE,1 received endoscopic therapy but failed due to massive bleeding.One patient had a second DBE for recurrent hemorrhage 7 mo later,which was successfully treated with a repeat endoscopy.The mean follow-up time of patients was 14.7 ± 7.8 mo.CONCLUSION:DBE is a safe and effective treatment modality for jejunal diverticular bleeding.

A pedunculated polyp-shaped small-bowel lymphangioma causing gastrointestinal bleeding and treated by double-balloon enteroscopy

We report a rare case of a small-bowel lymphangioma causing massive gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding that we successfully diagnosed and treated using double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). An 81-year-old woman suffering from repeated GI bleeding of unknown origin underwent a capsule endoscopy at a previous hospital. She was suspected of having bleeding from the jejunum, and was referred to our department for diagnosis and treatment. An oral DBE revealed a 20 mm × 10 mm, regularly surfaced, white to yellowish, elongated, pedunculated jejunal polyp with small erosions at 10 cm distal to the ligament of Treiz. Since no other source of bleeding was identified by endoscopy in the deep jejunum, anendoscopic polypectomy (EP) was performed for this lesion. A subsequent histopathological examination of the resected polyp showed clusters of lymphatic vessels with marked cystic dilatation in the submucosa and the deep layer of the lamina propria mucosae. These characteristics are consistent with the typical features of small-bowel lymphangioma with erosions. Although clip-ping hemostasis was performed during EP, re-bleeding occurred. Finally, a complete hemostasis was achieved by performing an additional argon plasma coagulation.

Diagnosis of the jejunoileal lymphoma by double-balloon endoscopy

AIM:To investigate the feasibility of double-balloon endoscopy(DBE) to detect jejunoileal lymphoma,compared with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography(FDG-PET).METHODS:Between March 2004 and January 2011,we histologically confirmed involvement of malignant lymphoma of the jejunoileum in 31 patients by DBE and biopsy.In 20 patients of them,we performed with FDGPET.We retrospectively reviewed the records of these 20 patients.Their median age was 64 years(range 50-81).In the 20 patients,the pathological diagnosis of underlying non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL) comprised follicular lymphoma(FL,n = 12),diffuse large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL,n = 4),mantle cell lymphoma(MCL,n = 2),enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma(ETL,n = 1) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma(ALCL,n = 1).RESULTS:Ten cases showed accumulation by FDGPET(50%).FDG-PET was positive in 3 of 12 FL cases(25%) while in 7 of 8 non-FL cases(88%,P < 0.05).Intestinal FL showed a significantly lower rate of positive FDG-PET,in comparison with other types of lymphoma.Cases with endoscopically elevated lesions(n = 10) showed positive FDG-PET in 2(20%),but those with other type NHL did in 8 of 10(80%,P < 0.05).When the cases having elevated type was compared with those not having elevated type lesion,the number of cases that showed accumulation of FDG was significantly smaller in the former than in the latter.CONCLUSION:In a significant proportion,small intestinal involvement cannot be pointed out by FDG-PET.Especially,FL is difficult to evaluate by FDG-PET but essentially requires DBE.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small bowel injuries identified by double-balloon endoscopy

AIM： To clarify clinical features of the NSAID-induced sma bowel lesions using a new method of endoscopy. METHODS： This is a retrospective study and we analyzed seven patients with small bowel lesions while taking NSAIDs among 61 patients who had undergone doubleballoon endoscopy because of gastro-intestinal bleeding or anemia between September 2000 and March 2004, at .lichi Medical School Hospital in Japan. Neither conventional EGD nor colonoscopy revealed any lesions of potential bleeding sources including ulcerations. Double-balloon endoscopy was carried out from oral approach in three patients, from anal approach in three patients, and from both approaches in one patient. RESULTS： Ulcers or erosions were observed in the ileum in six patients and in the jejunum in one patient, respectively. The ulcers were multiple in all the patients with different features from tiny punched out ulcers to deep ulcerations with oozing hemorrhage or scar. All the patients recovered uneventfully and had full resolution of symptoms after suspension of the drug. CONCLUSION： NSAIDs can induce injuries in the small bowel even in patients without any lesions in both the stomach and colon.

Inverted Meckel's diverticulum preoperatively diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy

An inverted Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum is a rare gastrointestinal congenital anomaly that is difficult to diagnose prior to surgery and presents with anemia, abdominal pain, or intussusception. Here, we report the case of 57-year-old men with an inverted Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum, who was preoperatively diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy. He had repeatedly experienced epigastric pain for 2 mo. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed intestinal wall thickening in the pelvis. Double-balloon enteroscopy via the anal route was performed for further examination, which demonstrated an approximately 8-cm, sausage-shaped, submucosal tumor located approximately 80 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. A small depressed erosion was observed at the tip of this lesion. Forceps biopsy revealed heterotopic gastric mucosa. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with an inverted Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum, and single-incision laparoscopic surgery was performed. This case suggests that an inverted Meckel&#x02019;s diverticulum should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a submucosal tumor in the ileum. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy with forceps biopsy facilitate a precise diagnosis of this condition.

A case of small bowel adenocarcinoma in a patient with Crohn’s disease detected by PET/CT and double-balloon enteroscopy

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) is quite rare, difficult to diagnose without surgery, and has a poor prognosis. Here, we report a 48-year-old man with SBA and a 21-year history of CD who was diagnosed by a combination of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). Since the age of 27 years, the patient had been treated for ileal CD and was referred to our hospital with persistent melena. Multiple hepatic tumors were found by CT. PET/CT detected an accumulation spot in the small bowel. DBE revealed an ulcerative tumor in the ileum about 100 cm from the ileocecal valve. An endoscopic forceps biopsy specimen showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. There were some longitudinal ulcer scars near the tumor, and the chronic inflammation inthe small bowel appeared to be associated with the cancer development. Previous reports suggest the risk of SBA in patients with CD is higher than in the overall population. Since early diagnosis is extremely difficult in these cases, novel techniques, such as PET/CT and DBE, may be expected to help in making a preoperative diagnosis of the development of SBA in CD.

Partial stent-in-stent placement of biliary metallic stents using a short double-balloon enteroscopy

Endoscopic intervention is less invasive than percutaneous or surgical approaches and should be considered the primary drainage procedure in most cases with obstructive jaundice.Recently,therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) using double-balloon enteroscopy(DBE) has been shown to be feasible and effective,even in patients with surgically altered anatomies.On the other hand,endoscopic partial stent-in-stent(PSIS) placement of selfexpandable metallic stents(SEMSs) for malignant hilar biliary obstruction in conventional ERCP has also been shown to be feasible,safe and effective.We performed PSIS placement of SEMSs for malignant hilar biliary obstruction due to liver metastasis using a short DBE in a patient with Roux-en-Y anastomosis and achieved technical and clinical success.This procedure can result in quick relief from obstructive jaundice in a single session and with short-term hospitalization,even in patients with surgically altered anatomies.

Double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for patients who underwent liver operation: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DB-ERC) is widely performed for biliary diseases after reconstruction in gastrointestinal surgery,but there are few reports on DB-ERC after hepatectomy or living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).AIM To examine the success rates and safety of DB-ERC after hepatectomy or LDLT METHODS The study was performed retrospectively in 26 patients (45 procedures) who underwent hepatectomy or LDLT (liver operation:LO group) and 40 control patients (59 procedures) who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (control group).The technical success (endoscope reaching the choledochojejunostomy site),diagnostic success (performance of cholangiography),therapeutic success(completed interventions) and overall success rates,insertion and procedure(completion of DB-ERC) time,and adverse events were compared between these groups.RESULTS There were no significant differences between LO and control groups in the technical [93.3%(42/45) vs 96.6%(57/59),P=0.439],diagnostic [83.3%(35/42) vs83.6%(46/55),P=0.968],therapeutic [97.0%(32/33) vs 97.7%(43/44),P=0.836],and overall [75.6%(34/45) vs 79.7%(47/59),P=0.617] success rates.The median insertion time (22 vs 14 min,P <0.001) and procedure time (43.5 vs 30 min,P=0.033) were significantly longer in the LO group.The incidence of adverse events showed no significant difference [11.1%(5/45) vs 6.8%(4/59),P=0.670].CONCLUSION DB-ERC after liver operation is safe and useful but longer time is required,so should be performed with particular care.