Needle-knife precut papillotomy with a small incision over a pancreatic stent improves the success rate and reduces the complication rate in difficult biliary cannulations

Background

Successful precut sphincterotomy (PS) in difficult biliary cannulation (DBC) requires a large incision for deroofing the papilla. However, the high complication rate poses a substantial problem, in addition to the need for expert skills. Pancreatic stent placement could facilitate this procedure. Needle-knife precut papillotomy with a small incision using a layer-by-layer method over a pancreatic stent (NKPP-SIPS) could potentially improve the success rate and reduce the complication rate of PS.

Aims

To validate the efficacy, feasibility and safety of NKPP-SIPS in DBC.

Methods

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with a naïve papilla was performed in 1619 cases between May 2004 and July 2011. We prospectively divided the patients chronologically, in terms of the period during which the procedure was performed, into two groups: group A; needle-knife precut papillotomy (NKPP) performed between April 2004 and October 2006; group B; NKPP-SIPS performed between November 2006 and July 2011. The success rates and complication rates were evaluated. NKPP was performed without pancreatic stent placement and the cut was made starting at the papillary orifice, extended upward over a length of more than 5–10 mm for deroofing the papilla. On the other hand, in NKPP-SIPS, a pancreatic stent was placed initially as a guide, and to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis, the incision was begun at the papillary orifice in a layer-by-layer fashion and extended upward in 1–2 mm increments, not going beyond the oral protrusion, finally measuring less than 5 mm in length.

Results

PS was performed in 8.3 % of the patients (134/1619). The cannulation success rate of PS in the entire group was 94.0 % (126/134). NKPP and NKPP-SIPS were performed in 36 and 98 of the patients, respectively. There was one case of major bleeding in group A, and no severe complications in group B. The success rates of bile duct cannulation increased from 86.1 % (31/36) in group A to 96.9 % (95/98) in group B (p = 0.0189). The overall complication rate of PS was YC 33 % (12/36) in group A (major bleeding 8.3 %; mild to moderate pancreatitis 19.4 %; perforation requiring surgery 2.8 %), and 7.1 % (7/98) in group B (mild to moderate pancreatitis 6.1 %; minor perforation 1 %) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

NKPP-SIPS has significantly improved the success rate and reduced the complication rate of DBC, proving that a small incision starting at the orifice of the PS is sufficient, feasible and safe in DBC, when a pancreatic stent is inserted at the outset.     

Needle-knife fistulotomy versus needle-knife precut papillotomy for the treatment of common bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of two different precutting techniques in the treatment of 103 consecutive patients with choledocholithiasis. METHODS: The patients were randomized into two groups. The first group included 74 patients who underwent needle-knife fistulotomy avoiding the papillary orifice followed by standard papillotomy. Fifty-two of these patients had a final diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. The second group included 79 patients who underwent needle-knife precut papillotomy starting from the papillary orifice followed by standard papillotomy. Fifty-one of these patients had a final diagnosis of choledocholithiasis. RESULTS: Precutting was successful in 90.54% of patients in the needle-knife fistulotomy group and 88.6% of patients in the needle-knife precut papillotomy group. Stone extraction without mechanical lithotripsy was achieved in 40 of 48 (83.33%) patients in the needle-knife fistulotomy group and 45 of 46 (97.82%) patients in the needle-knife precut papillotomy group (p < 0.05). For the other patients, stone extraction was achieved with the aid of a mechanical lithotriptor. Complications were as follows for the needle-knife fistulotomy and needle-knife precut papillotomy groups, respectively: bleeding, 6.75% and 5.06%; perforation, 2.7% and 2. 53%; cholangitis, 1.35% and 0; pancreatitis, 0 and 7.59% (p < 0.05); hyperamylasemia, 2.7% and 17.72% (p < 0.01); and death, 0 and 1.26%. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods are effective in the management of choledocholithiasis. When needle-knife fistulotomy is performed, however, lithotripsy is needed more often. Needle-knife fistulotomy is safer than needle-knife precut papillotomy with respect to pancreatic complications.     

胰管支架近端移位的原因分析及内镜下治疗

目的探讨胰管支架近端移位的原因及内镜下治疗方式方法。方法2007年4月至2015年1月共967例胆胰疾病患者于南昌大学第一附属医院消化内镜中心置入胰管支架,10例出现胰管支架移位。比较胰管线状支架及胰管单猪尾支架移位发生率,并总结不同类型支架的取出方法。结果胰管线状支架移位率较单猪尾支架更高[3.23%(7/217)比0.40%(3/750)]。对于3例移位的单猪尾支架,2例用活检钳直接取出,另外1例未取出,改再置入一单猪尾支架,术后无不适。对于7例移位的胰管线状支架,2例在导丝引导下通过网篮和球囊将支架拖出乳头口,另外5例导丝引导下用球囊将支架拖出乳头口,后用圈套器一次性成功取出。结论胰管线状支架比单猪尾支架更容易移位,移位后的胰管线状支架可在导丝引导下通过球囊和(或)网篮直接取出,移位后的胰管单猪尾支架可通过活检钳直接取出。     

经胰管预切开联合胰管支架置入法在困难胆管插管中的应用

目的 探讨经胰管预切开联合胰管支架置入法在经内镜逆行性胰胆管造影术(endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,ERCP)乳头困难插管中的应用价值。方法 纳入2017年1月—2019年12月在海军医科大学第三附属医院行ERCP治疗的169例乳头插管困难病例,其中137例采用双导丝法,32例患者采用经胰管预切开联合胰管支架置入法,观察两组的插管成功率、插管时间以及术后并发症等。结果 双导丝组和经胰管预切开联合胰管支架置入组的插管成功率分别为98.54％(135／137)和100.00％(32／32)(P>0.05);两组的插管时间分别为(15.69±9.07)min 和(17.06±5.79)min(P>0.05);术后并发症发生率分别是25.55％(35／137)和 9.38％(3／32)(P<0.05),其中胰腺炎发生率分别是5.8％(8／137)和0。结论 ERCP乳头插管困难时采用经胰预切开联合胰管支架置入法,具有与双导丝技术相似的成功率,同时更加安全,值得临床推广应用。     

Precut papillotomy using needle knife fashioned from discarded standard papillotomes.

AIM: To evaluate the results of precut papillotomy using needle-knife papillotomes fashioned from discarded standard sphincterotomes. METHODS: Case records of 50 patients undergoing precut papillotomy for access to either common bile duct or pancreatic duct during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were reviewed. Precut was performed using needle-knife papillotomes fashioned from standard pull-type sphicterotomes that were discarded because of broken cutting wires. A diagnostic procedure was planned in all 50 patients (bile duct = 39, pancreatic duct = 9, both ducts = 2) and therapeutic procedure in 36 patients (bile duct = 31, pancreatic duct = 5). RESULTS: Of the 47 patients who needed precut prior to diagnostic ERCP, 44 (93.6%) underwent successful cannulation of the duct of choice. Therapeutic procedures were planned in 36 patients; these were successful in 24 (67%; bile duct = 22, pancreatic duct = 2). The complications included cholangitis in 8 patients (16%) and pancreatitis in 2 (4%). None had bleeding or perforation. CONCLUSIONS: Precut needle-knife papillotomes fashioned from discarded standard sphincterotomes can be used effectively and can help in cost containment in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreaticogastrostomy for symptomatic pancreatic duct obstruction caused by migrated pancreatic stent

Endoscopic pancreatic stenting has been widely used in various pancreatic conditions. With the increasing use of pancreatic stents, many complications have been recognized. Especially, proximal stent migration presents a serious condition because of subsequent pancreatic duct obstruction, impaired drainage, ductal dilation, and pancreatic pain. Although endoscopic retrieval is the preferred treatment for proximally migrated pancreatic stents, it is not always successful, resulting in conversion to surgery. To date, endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage(EUS-PD) has never been reported for treatment of pancreatic duct obstruction caused by proximally migrated pancreatic stent. We herein describe a case of pancreatic duct rupture and obstruction caused by proximally migrated pancreatic stent that was successfully treated by EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy while keeping the former stent in situ after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. We believe that this report adds to the increasing evidence of symptomatic pancreatic duct obstruction being successfully treated by EUS-PD.     

New role of the dual knife for precut papillotomy in difficult bile duct cannulation

The dual knife is usually used for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). To date, however, there have been no clinical trials of the safety and effectiveness of precut papillotomy using the dual knife for biliary access in patients failing conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cannulation. We herein report 18 patients who underwent precut papillotomy with the dual knife. All had intact papilla, and had failed deep cannulation of the bile ducts. After successful biliary cannulation and standard endoscopic sphincterotomy, if necessary, stone removal or plastic or metal stent insertion was attempted. Selective bile‐duct cannulation was achieved in all 18 patients (100%), at an average time of 4.2 min (range, 3–6 min). Of these 18 patients, six had malignant bile duct obstruction and 12 had common bile duct stones. One patient developed post‐ERCP pancreatitis, which resolved after conservative management. There were no deaths related to the procedure.     

Intramural incision technique: a useful and safe procedure for obtaining ductal access during ERCP

BACKGROUND: Intramucosal incision technique is a useful procedure to achieve ductal access in patients undergoing ERCP. However, the procedure has been underused. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the intramucosal incision technique and to compare it with standard precut needle-knife papillotomy. SETTING: A large teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing endoscopic sphincterotomy. INTERVENTIONS: If a complete or an incomplete false tract formed during probing for the biliary ductal system, the intramucosal incision technique was attempted. Needle-knife precut papillotomy was performed in those in whom bile duct access could not be obtained even after 4 attempts at cannulating the bile duct. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The success rate and complications of the intramucosal incision technique were compared with those for kneedle-knife papillotomy. RESULTS: The intramucosal incision technique was attempted in 23 patients and was successful in 22. A definitive procedure could be performed in all 22 patients, and mild pancreatitis developed in only one of them (4.5%). During the same period, needle-knife papillotomy was attempted in 169 patients. Biliary access was gained in 159 (94%) patients. Complications occurred in 14 (8.2%) patients (mild pancreatitis in 6, moderate pancreatitis in 2, bleeding requiring endoscopic therapy in 5, and perforation in 1 patient). LIMITATIONS: Single center study. CONCLUSIONS: Intramucosal incision technique is a very useful and safe procedure and should be performed if a false tract has formed during probing for ductal access during ERCP.     

Need for pancreatic stenting after sphincterotomy in patients with difficult cannulation

AIM: To investigate the need for pancreatic stenting after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in patients with difficult biliary cannulation.METHODS: Between April 2008 and August 2013, 2136 patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related procedures. Among them, 55 patients with difficult biliary cannulation who underwent EST after bile duct cannulation using the pancreatic duct guidewire placement method (P-GW) were divided into two groups: a stent group (n = 24; pancreatic stent placed) and a no-stent group (n = 31; no pancreatic stenting). We retrospectively compared the two groups to examine the need for pancreatic stenting to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) in patients undergoing EST after biliary cannulation by P-GW.RESULTS: No differences in patient characteristics or endoscopic procedures were observed between the two groups. The incidence of PEP was 4.2% (1/24) and 29.0% (9/31) in the Stent and no-stent groups, respectively, with the no-stent group having a significantly higher incidence (P = 0.031). The PEP severity was mild for all the patients in the stent group. In contrast, 8 had mild PEP and 1 had moderate PEP in the no-stent group. The mean serum amylase levels (means ± SD) 3 h after ERCP (183.1 ± 136.7 vs 463.6 ± 510.4 IU/L, P = 0.006) and on the day after ERCP (209.5 ± 208.7 vs 684.4 ± 759.3 IU/L, P = 0.002) were significantly higher in the no-stent group. A multivariate analysis identified the absence of pancreatic stenting (P = 0.045; odds ratio, 9.7; 95%CI: 1.1-90) as a significant risk factor for PEP.CONCLUSION: In patients with difficult cannulation in whom the bile duct is cannulated using P-GW, a pancreatic stent should be placed even if EST has been performed.     

The role of double-guidewire technique in preventing postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Background and study aimsPostendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications increase with repeated cannulation attempts. We evaluated several advanced biliary cannulation techniques, which have been used when the standard approach fails, to increase the success rate and decrease post-ERCP complications. We aimed to evaluate the use of double-wire technique in terms of success rates and effects on post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and to assess the value of pancreatic duct stenting following needle-knife sphincterotomy in difficult biliary cannulation.Patients and methodsA single-center, retrospective, randomized study was conducted on patients who underwent ERCP in Notre Dame De Secours University Hospital at Byblos, Lebanon, after obtaining the hospital’s ethics committee approval.Patients were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of patients who had an ERCP and was divided into two subgroups, namely, one using double-guidewire technique (DGT) only and another using an extra technique of precut with double-guidewire and pancreatic plastic stent placement. The second group of patients who had only ERCP was the control group. Finally, the third group endured the precut technique alone.ResultsWe could not prove any significant association between the intervention and the occurrence of pancreatitis when comparing double-wire technique plus ERCP to ERCP alone.When DGT with a pancreatic plastic stent was used, the incidence of PEP was significantly lower than that in other techniques.ConclusionDGT has a neutral effect on the reduction of PEP compared with the classic ERCP, but the technique can decrease the time of examination and increase success in difficult cases. ERCP using the double-guidewire with placement of a pancreatic plastic stent can contribute to decreasing PEP.     

Mechanical prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis by pancreatic stents: results,techniques, and indications

Impaired pancreatic drainage may be most important in the pathophysiology of post-ERCP pancreatitis. When there is a mechanical problem, there is often a mechanical solution. Pancreatic stenting reduces the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients. Young patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction or prior pancreatitis and those undergoing procedures with either a difficult cannulation, precut and/or pancreatic sphincterotomy should be strongly considered for pancreatic stenting. Stents should be removed within about one week or have the proximal flaps removed to allow early spontaneous distal migration. Pancreatic stent placement following biliary intervention can occasionally be difficult. In cases where the primary goal is pancreatic therapy, one should consider establishing pancreatic access before addressing the bile duct. A pancreatic stent can then serve as a guide for sphincterotomy, but most importantly, protect against post-ERCP pancreatitis.     

Selective biliary cannulation techniques for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures and prevention of post- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Numerous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) techniques have been reported to achieve selective biliary cannulation success. For standard biliary cannulation procedures, the wire-guided cannulation technique has been reported to reduce the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and increase the biliary cannulation success rate, although conflicting reports exist. The pancreatic or double-guidewire technique and several precut techniques have been reported as useful techniques in difficult biliary cannulation cases. Although ERCP is a useful endoscopic procedure, the risk of adverse events, particularly post-ERCP pancreatitis, is inevitable. Previous studies and analyses have revealed the risk factors for PEP. The efficacy of prophylactic pancreatic duct stent placement and the administration of rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for preventing PEP has also been reported. Herein, we reviewed reports in the literature regarding the current status of selective biliary cannulation techniques and PEP prevention.     

Optimal endoscopic techniques to reduce the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common and feared complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Patient selection is an important variable that is important when determining the risk of PEP. The factors that may increase the risk of PEP include papillary trauma, papillary edema, and pancreatic ductal injury (mechanical or hydrostatic). Proven methods to decrease the risk of PEP include wire-guided cannulation, prophylactic short-term pancreatic duct (PD) stenting, and avoiding frequent PD cannulation, injection, or overinjection. Additional measures that might decrease the risk of PEP by decreasing cannulation time include a double guidewire technique, and early precut sphincterotomy. Certain techniques are known to have an increased risk of pancreatitis and should be implemented only when necessary. When performing measures such as large-balloon papillary dilation or pancreatic sphincterotomy, the rates of pancreatitis may be decreased with small alterations in the technique. A short biliary sphincterotomy when performed with papillary large-balloon dilation and needle-knife pancreatic sphincterotomy over a PD stent have both been shown to decrease the risk of pancreatitis.     

胰管支架预防困难胆管插管ERCP术后急性胰腺炎的前瞻性研究

目的探讨经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（ERCP）中置入胰管支架对困难胆管插管患者ERCP术后急性胰腺炎（PEP）的预防效果。方法120例行ERCP诊疗发生困难胆管插管的患者采用随机数字表法随机分成2组,一组术中置入胰管支架（观察组）,另一组未置入（对照组）,对比分析2组ERCP术后高淀粉酶血症、PEP的发生率以及术后患者腹痛评分结果。结果观察组发生ERCP术后高淀粉酶血症15例（27．3％）,PEP5例（8．3％）,无一例重症PEP,术后患者腹痛评分（3．82±1．48）分;对照组发生ERCP术后高淀粉酶血症18例（30．0％）,PEP14例（23．3％）,重症PEP2例（3．3％）,术后患者腹痛评分（4．78±1．93）分。2组ERCP术后高淀粉酶血症发生率比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;观察组PEP、重症PEP发生率以及术后患者腹痛评分均明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论置入胰管支架可以有效降低胆管插管困难所引起的PEP的风险,并能有效缓解患者术后疼痛,具有较好的临床应用价值。     

Incidence and risk factors for biliary and pancreatic stent migration.

Endoprostheses are commonly used in the treatment of biliary and pancreatic disorders. The frequency of and potential risk factors for stent migration, however, remain largely unknown. From January 1986 to June 1990, 807 biliary and pancreatic stents were placed at our institution. Our study analyzed the occurrence of stent migration among the 589 stents for which follow-up data were available. Results demonstrated incidence rates of 4.9 and 5.9% for proximal (into the duct) and distal (out of the duct) biliary stent migration, respectively. Likewise, incidence rates of 5.2 and 7.5% were observed for proximal and distal pancreatic stent migration, respectively. Malignant strictures, larger diameter stents, and shorter stents were significantly associated with proximal biliary stent migration. Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and longer stents were associated with proximal pancreatic stent migration. Migration of stents out of the common bile duct occurred more frequently in papillary stenosis. No other significant risk factors for distal migration were found. These results indicate that stent migration is an important complication. Multiple risk factors were associated with stent migration and need to be considered in the development of new stent types.     

Endoscopic therapy for stenosis of the biliary and pancreatic duct orifices

BACKGROUND: Manipulation of the duodenal papilla may lead to symptomatic stenosis of the orifices of bile duct, main pancreatic duct or accessory pancreatic duct. METHODS: Seventeen patients with stenosis of the orifice (bile duct 7, bile duct/main pancreatic duct 7, accessory pancreatic duct 3) underwent sphincterotomy and/or dilation and stent placement for a median of 140 days (range 30 to 1080 days). Patients were interviewed at a median of 720 days (range 120 to 990 days) after removal of the final stent. RESULTS: Median age was 50 years (range 17 to 68 years); 78% were women.The etiology of stenosis of the orifice was sphincterotomy in 8, sphincteroplasty in 7 and papillectomy in 2 patients. Indications for treatment were abdominal pain (100%), dilated bile duct and/or main pancreatic duct (14 patients) and pancreas divisum (3 patients). Sixty procedures (median 4 per patient) were performed with mild morbidity (hospital stay less than 3 days) in 17% of procedures and 35% of patients. Symptoms improved in 100%, 57% and 33% of patients with bile duct, bile duct/main pancreatic duct and accessory pancreatic duct, respectively. Surgery was ultimately needed in 3 (43%) patients with bile duct/main pancreatic duct and 2 (67%) with accessory pancreatic duct stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy successfully relieves pain due to biliary stenosis of the orifice but less frequently relieves pain due to pancreatic stenosis of the orifice.     

Sequential Double-Guidewire Technique and Transpancreatic Precut Sphincterotomy for Difficult Biliary Cannulation

Background/Aims:

The double-guidewire technique (DGT) and transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy (TPS) are introduced as alternative biliary cannulation techniques for difficult biliary cannulation. This study aimed to evaluate the sequential use of DGT and TPS compared with a needle-knife precut papillotomy (NK).

Patients and Methods:

Six hundred and thirty-five consecutive patients with naοve papilla and who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary cannulation from March 2010 to April 2014 in a single institute were analyzed. When standard techniques were unsuccessful, DGT or NK was performed. TPS was sequentially performed if DGT failed.

Results:

DGT and NK were attempted in 65 and 58 patients, respectively. A sequential DGT-TPS was performed in 38 patients after a failed DGT. Biliary cannulations were successful in 42%, 74%, and 66% of the DGT, sequential DGT-TPS, and NK patients, respectively (P = 0.002). The cannulation rate was higher in the DGT ± TPS patients (85%) than in the NK patients (P = 0.014). Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) developed in 26% of the successful DGT patients, 37% of the sequential DGT-TPS patients, and 10% of the NK patients (P = 0.008). Of the sequential DGT-TPS patients, the incidence of PEP was significantly reduced in patients with a pancreatic duct (PD) stent compared with patients without a PD stent (24% vs. 62%, P = 0.023).

Conclusions:

Sequential DGT-TPS is a useful alternative method compared with NK for patients in whom biliary cannulation is difficult. In the sequential DGT-TPS patients, the incidence of PEP was significantly reduced with the use of a PD stent.     

How to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis?

The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) has remained constant since 30 years. During the last 10 years, large progresses have been made in the knowledge of (i) factors that predispose to PEP and (ii) measures that are effective to prevent PEP. Many of these measures have not yet been widely implemented. Complete recommendations for PEP prophylaxis are summarized in the review. For high-risk ERCPs, including ampullectomy, pancreatic sphincterotomy, precut biliary sphincterotomy, known or suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, pancreatic guidewire-assisted biliary cannulation and endoscopic balloon sphincteroplasty, prophylactic pancreatic stent placement should be considered. For low-risk ERCPs, periprocedure rectal administration of NSAID is recommended. Prophylactic pancreatic stenting should be investigated in terms of education of endoscopists for insertion techniques, ease of stent insertion, reliability of spontaneous stent elimination and safety (demonstration of the absence of induced pancreatic changes).     

Endoscopic transpancreatic septotomy as a precutting technique for difficult bile duct cannulation

AIM: To evaluate the technique of transpancreatic septotomy(TS) for cannulating inaccessible common bile ducts in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).METHODS: Between May 2012 and April 2013, 1074 patients were referred to our department for ERCP. We excluded 15 patients with previous Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y anastomosis, duodenal stenosis, or duodenal papilla tumor. Among 1059 patients who underwent ERCP, there were 163 patients with difficult bile duct cannulation. Pancreatic guidewire or pancreatic duct plastic stent assistance allowed for successful ERCP completion in 94 patients. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 69 failed patients(36 transpancreatic septotomies and 33 needle-knife sphincterotomies). RESULTS: Of the 69 patients who underwent precut papillotomy, common bile duct cannulation was successfully achieved in 67. The success rates in the TS and needle knife sphincterotomy(NKS) groups were 97.2%(35/36) and 96.9%(32/33), respectively, which were not significantly different(P 0.05). Complications occurred in 11 cases, including acute pancreatitis(n = 6), bleeding(n = 2), and cholangitis(n = 3). The total frequency of complications in the TS group was lower than that in the NKS group(8.3% vs 24.2%, P 0.05).CONCLUSION: Pancreatic guidewire or pancreatic duct plastic stent assistance improves the success rate of selective bile duct cannulation in ERCP. TS and NKS markedly improve the success rate of selective bile duct cannulation in ERCP. TS precut is safer as compared with NKS.