Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using an anterior oblique-viewing endoscope for bile duct stones in patients with prior Billroth II gastrectomy

Background  Prior Billroth II gastrectomy is an important factor presenting difficulties in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) administration. We retrospectively evaluated the usefulness and safety of therapeutic ERCP using an anterior oblique-viewing endoscope for bile duct stones in patients with prior Billroth II gastrectomy. Methods  Forty-three patients with bile duct stones after Billroth II gastrectomy who underwent ERCP from January 1998 to February 2008 were enrolled in this study. We used anterior oblique-viewing endoscopes for all procedures. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed using a needle knife guided by a biliary stent. A total of 808 patients without gastrectomy who had undergone ERCP for bile duct stones in the same period were reviewed as controls. Results  The success rate of access to the papilla of Vater was 88.4%, and the average time required for such access was 13 min. In cases of successful access, selective cannulation of the bile duct and complete stone removal were achieved in 94.7% and 94.6% of patients, respectively. The incidence of complications was 4.7%. As for the success rate of selective cannulation, complete stone removal ratio, and the incidence of complications, there were no significant differences compared with the control group. Conclusions  Use of an anterior oblique-viewing endoscope enables good success rates in selective cannulation and complete stone removal to be achieved in patients with prior Billroth II gastrectomy. The safety of therapeutic ERCP for removal of bile duct stones in those patients is comparable to that in patients with normal anatomy.     

PANCREATIC PSEUDOCYSTS IN POST‐GASTRECTOMY PATIENTS TREATED VIA THE DUODENAL MINOR PAPILLA WITH AN OBLIQUE‐VIEWING ENDOSCOPE

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients after Billroth II or Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction is challenging because of difficulties in insertion of the endoscope into the afferent loop, which is a great distance away from the papilla of Vater, and cannulation into the desired duct from a reverse position. To facilitate ERCP, various endoscopes have been selected according to operator preference. Previously, we reported that an oblique‐viewing endoscope (XK‐200; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) can contribute to successful performance of ERCP and associated procedures in Billroth II gastrectomy patients. We report here our experience with two post‐gastrectomy patients with chronic pancreatitis who were treated with an oblique‐viewing endoscope from the minor papilla.     

Tips and tricks of double‐balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (with video)

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically difficult in patients with altered gastrointestinal tract, double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) allows endoscopic access to pancreato‐biliary system in such patients. Balloon dilation of biliary stricture and extraction of bile duct stones, placement of biliary stent in patients with Roux‐en‐Y or Billroth‐II reconstruction, using DBE have been reported. However, two major technical parts are required for double‐balloon ERCP (DB‐ERCP). One is insertion of DBE and the other is an ERCP‐related procedure. The important point of DBE insertion is a sure approach to the afferent limb with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction or Braun anastomosis. Short type DBE with working length 152 cm is beneficial for DB‐ERCP because it is short enough for most biliary accessory devices. In this paper, we introduce our tips and tricks for successful DB‐ERCP.     

OBLIQUE‐VIEWING ENDOSCOPE FACILITATES ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY AND ASSOCIATED PROCEDURES IN POST‐BILLROTH II GASTRECTOMY PATIENTS

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and associated procedures have been reported to be difficult to perform in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy. We evaluated the feasibility of using an oblique‐viewing endoscope equipped with a cannula deflector for these procedures in such patients. Patients and Methods: Twenty‐four patients with Billroth II gastrectomy were enrolled in the present study and underwent ERCP, endoscopic sphincterotomy, endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, expandable metal stent placement or tube stent placement. All procedures were performed with an oblique‐viewing endoscope equipped with a cannula deflector. Results: In all patients, afferent loops were entered. Reaching the papilla of Vater was achieved in 22 (91.7%) patients, in whom all planned procedures were accomplished. One patient experienced acute pancreatitis, hemorrhage from the papilla of Vater after sphincterotomy, and intestinal perforation. Conclusions: We believe an oblique‐viewing endoscope equipped with a cannula deflector to be useful in performing ERCP and associated procedures in many patients with Billroth II gastrectomy. However, one should be aware of major complications, such as perforation, that may occur.     

Recent advances in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in Billroth II gastrectomy patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)in patients with Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy has been considered a challenging procedure due to the surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.However,there has been a paucity of comparative studies regarding ERCP in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy cases because of procedure-related morbidity and mortality and practical and ethical limitations.This systematic and comprehensive review was performed to obtain a recent perspective on ERCP in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients.AIM To systematically review the literature regarding ERCP in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients.METHODS A systematic review was performed on the literature published between May 1975 and January 2019.The following electronic databases were searched:PubMed,EMBASE,and Cochrane Library.The outcomes of successful afferent loop intubation and successful selective cannulation and occurrence of adverse events were assessed.RESULTS A total of 43 studies involving 2669 patients were included.The study designs were 36(83.7%)retrospective cohort studies,4(9.3%)retrospective comparative studies,2(4.7%)prospective comparative studies,and 1(2.3%)prospective cohort study.Of a total of 2669 patients,there were 1432 cases(55.6%)of sideviewing endoscopy,664(25.8%)cases of forward-viewing endoscopy,171(6.6%)cases of balloon-assisted enteroscopy,169(6.6%)cases of anterior obliqueviewing endoscopy,64(2.5%)cases of dual-lumen endoscopy,31(1.2%)cases of colonoscopy,and 14(0.5%)cases of multiple bending endoscopy.The overall success rate of afferent loop intubation was 91.3%(2437/2669),and the overall success rate of selective cannulation was 87.9%(2346/2437).A total of 195 cases(7.3%)of adverse events occurred.The success rates of afferent loop intubation and the selective cannulation rate for each type of endoscopy were as follows:side-viewing endoscopy 98.2%and 95.3%;forward-viewing endoscopy 97.4%and 95.2%;balloon-assisted enteroscopy 95.4%and 97.5%;oblique-viewing endoscopy 94.1%and 97.5%;and dual-lumen endoscopy 82.8%and 100%,respectively.The rate of bowel perforation was slightly higher in side-viewing endoscopy(3.6%)and balloon-assisted enteroscopy(4.1%)compared with forward-viewing endoscopy(1.7%)and anterior oblique-viewing endoscopy(1.2%).Mortality only occurred in side-viewing endoscopy(n=9,0.6%).CONCLUSION The performance of ERCP in the Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy population has been improving with choice of various type of endoscope and sphincter management.More comparative studies are needed to determine the optimal strategy to perform safe and effective ERCP in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients.     

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with Billroth II anastomosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure is quite difficult to perform in patients with Billroth II anastomosis because of anatomical alterations. The aim of this study is to evaluate retrospectively the results of ERCP applications done in patients with Billroth II operation. METHODOLOGY: Out of the 1632 patients who underwent ERCP between 1992 and 2002, 27 (1.65%) had Billroth II operation. The records of these 27 patients were reviewed. Details noted included indications for ERCP, therapeutic interventions, causes of failure and complications. RESULTS: Out of the patients, 3 were female and 24 male (mean age 62+/-11). 26 patients had extrahepatic biliary obstruction. 1 patient had an external bile drain. The procedure was carried out 1-5 times (mean 1.5+/-1.1). Cannulation was achieved in 17 patients (62.96%). Out of the patients cannulated, 10 had choledocholithiasis, 4 malign choledochal stricture, 1 chronic pancreatitis, 1 bile leak and 1 periampullary tumor. Success rate of endoscopic treatment was 82.35% (14/17). Proximal migration of the stent and hemorrhage in gastric cardia were the complications observed in the distinct patients. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP procedure is quite an effective and safe method for diagnosis and treatment in patients with Billroth II anastomosis and extrahepatic cholestasis in spite of all difficulties.     

Improved techniques for double-balloon-enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

AIM: To investigate the clinical outcome of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (DB-ERCP) in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy.METHODS: Between September 2006 and April 2011, 47 procedures of DB-ERCP were performed in 28 patients with a Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (n = 11), Billroth II gastrectomy (n = 15), or Roux-en-Y anastomosis with hepaticojejunostomy (n = 2). DB-ERCP was performed using a short-type DBE combined with several technical innovations such as using an endoscope attachment, marking by submucosal tattooing, selectively applying contrast medium, and CO₂ insufflations.RESULTS: The papilla of Vater or hepaticojejunostomy site was reached in its entirety with a 96% success rate (45/47 procedures). There were no significant differences in the success rate of reaching the blind end with a DBE among Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (96%), Billroth II reconstruction (94%), or pancreatoduodenectomy (100%), respectively (P = 0.91). The total successful rate of cannulation and contrast enhancement of the target bile duct in patients whom the blind end was reached with a DBE was 40/45 procedures (89%). Again, there were no significant differences in the success rate of cannulation and contrast enhancement of the target bile duct with a DBE among Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (88 %), Billroth II reconstruction (89%), or pancreatoduodenectomy (100%), respectively (P = 0.67). Treatment was achieved in all 40 procedures (100%) in patients whom the contrast enhancement of the bile duct was successful. Common endoscopic treatments were endoscopic biliary drainage (24 procedures) and extraction of stones (14 procedures). Biliary drainage was done by placement of plastic stents. Stones extraction was done by lithotomy with the mechanical lithotripter followed by extraction with a basket or by the balloon pull-through method. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in 14 procedures with a needle precutting knife using a guidewire. The mean total duration of the procedure was 93.6 ± 6.8 min and the mean time required to reach the papilla was 30.5 ± 3.7 min. The mean time required to reach the papilla tended to be shorter in Billroth II reconstruction (20.9 ± 5.8 min) than that in Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (37.1 ± 4.9 min) but there was no significant difference (P = 0.09). A major complication occurred in one patient (3.5%); perforation of the long limb in a patient with Billroth II anastomosis.CONCLUSION: Short-type DBE combined with several technical innovations enabled us to perform ERCP in most patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy.     

Cap-assisted ERCP in patients with a Billroth II gastrectomy

BACKGROUND: ERCP is difficult in patients with a Billroth II gastrectomy because of anatomical changes. OBJECTIVE: Cap-assisted ERCP can improve the cannulation rate and the success rate of stone removal. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: A tertiary referral center. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Ten consecutive patients with bile-duct stones (9) or a distal common bile duct stricture (1), who had previously undergone Billroth II gastrectomy and were referred for ERCP, were analyzed for the outcome of their ERCP. All procedures were carried out with a cap-fitted regular forward-viewing endoscope. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Ability to perform afferent loop intubation and bile-duct cannulation. RESULTS: Of 10 patients in whom ERCP was attempted, afferent loop intubation and selective bile-duct cannulation were achieved in all patients (100%). Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was successful in all 10 patients (100%). All stones were removed by EST alone in 7 patients and by both EST and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in 2 patients. There were no serious complications in the patients. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, single-center experience. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP with a cap-fitted regular forward-viewing endoscope was successful in all patients with a prior Billroth II gastrectomy. The high rate of successful ERCP was achieved by improving afferent loop intubation and bile-duct cannulation with a cap-fitted endoscope.     

Large dilating balloon to allow endoscope insertion for successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy (with video)

Background and purpose

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy can be present unique challenges. One of the major obstacles preventing successful ERCP is acute angulation and long afferent loops in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y anastomosis. Here, we described a novel technique for successful endoscope insertion using a large dilating balloon.

Methods

The large dilating balloon (maximum diameter 20 mm) is used as an anchor for endoscope insertion (hooking method) in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy in whom no other endoscopes could be advanced into the end of the duodenum or the Roux-en-Y anastomosis.

Results

The hooking method allows the endoscope to be advanced into the proximal afferent loop, even in patients with sharp angulation of the Y limb.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of a large dilating balloon for endoscope insertion in patients with surgically altered anatomy, in particular Roux-en-Y anastomosis. We believe this technique may be effective for difficult cases like the present case.     

Retrieval-balloon-assisted enterography for ERCP after Billroth II gastroenterostomy and Braun anastomosis

AIM: To describe an optimal route to the Braun anastomosis including the use of retrieval-balloon-assisted enterography.METHODS: Patients who received a Billroth II gastroenterostomy (n = 109) and a Billroth II gastroenterostomy with Braun anastomosis (n = 20) between January 2009 and May 2013 were analyzed in this study. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed under fluoroscopic control using a total length of 120 cm oblique-viewing duodenoscope with a 3.7-mm diameter working channel. For this procedure, we used a triple-lumen retrieval balloon catheter in which a 0.035-inch guidewire could be inserted into the “open-channel” guidewire lumen while the balloon could be simultaneously injected and inflated through the other 2 lumens.RESULTS: For the patients with Billroth II gastroenterostomy and Braun anastomosis, successful access to the papilla was gained in 17 patients (85%) and there was therapeutic success in 16 patients (80%). One patient had afferent loop perforation, but postoperative bleeding did not occur. For Billroth II gastroenterostomy, there was failure in accessing the papilla in 15 patients (13.8%). ERCP was unsuccessful because of tumor infiltration (6 patients), a long afferent loop (9 patients), and cannulation failure (4 patients). The papilla was successfully accessed in 94 patients (86.2%), and there was therapeutic success in 90 patients (82.6%). Afferent loop perforation did not occur in any of these patients. One patient had hemorrhage 2 h after ERCP, which was successfully managed with conservative treatment.CONCLUSION: Retrieval-balloon-assisted enterography along an optimal route may improve the ERCP success rate after Billroth II gastroenterostomy and Braun anastomosis.     

Colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica en pacientes con alteraciones de la anatomía gástrica por cambios posquirúrgicos

Introduction

In patients who have undergone partial gastric resections, the difficulty of performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increased due to the resulting anatomic abnormality.

Aim

To review our experience of ERCP in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy and other types of gastrectomy (Billroth I and indeterminate) in our center.

Material and methods

We included all patients with Billroth II gastrectomy or other types of gastrectomy undergoing ERCP in a 19-year period.

Results

We included 233 patients (91% men and 9% women) from 1993 to 2012. A total of 88.4% of the patients had undergone Billroth II and 11.6% had undergone other types of gastrectomy, with an ERCP success rate of 51.9% and 55.6%, respectively. The most common causes of failure were inability to cannulate (44%) and failure to identify the papilla (39.6%). The final diagnosis was choledocholithiasis in 31.8%. The mean number of sessions was 1.09. The complications rate was 2.6%.

Conclusions

The success of ERCP is influenced by the technical difficulty. For this reason, the success rate in our center was slightly over 50%, but with few complications.     

ERCP for patients who have undergone Billroth Ⅱ gastroenterostomy and Braun anastomosis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is efficacious in patients who have undergone Billroth Ⅱ gastroenterostomies,but the success rate decreases in patients who also have experienced Braun anastomoses.There are currently no reports describing the preferred enterography route for cannulation in these patients.We first review the patient’s previous surgery records,which most often indicate that the efferent loop is at the greater curvature of the stomach.We recommend extending the duodenoscope along the greater curvature of the stomach and then advancing it through the"lower entrance"at the site of the gastrojejunal anastomosis,along the efferent loop,and through the"middle entrance"at the site of the Braun anastomosis to reach the papilla of Vater.Ten patients who had each undergone BillrothⅡgastroenterostomy and Braun anastomosis between January 2009 and December 2011 were included in our study.The overall success rate of enterography was 90% for the patients who had undergone BillrothⅡgastroenterostomy and Braun anastomosis,and the therapeutic success rate was 80%.We believe that this enterography route for ERCP is optimal for a patient who has had BillrothⅡgastroenterostomy and Braun anastomosis and helps to increase the success rate of the procedure.     

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for removal of bile duct stones in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients

Background: Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD) for common bile duct(CBD) stones removal in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients is feasible. However, the long-term outcomes of this technique are not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the procedural and long-term outcomes of EPBD for removal of CBD stones in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients.Methods: The records of patients with previous Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy referred for CBD stones removal with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) between July 1, 2008 and September 1,2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcomes of stone clearance, ERCP-related adverse events,and stone recurrence were analyzed.Results: A total of 83 patients with previous Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy underwent ERCP in our center were reviewed. Forty-nine consecutive patients with previous Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy referred to EPBD for removal of CBD stones underwent 59 ERCP procedures were enrolled in the end. The overall successful CBD stones clearance was achieved in 42 patients(85.7%). ERCP-related adverse events was in 3 ERCP procedures(5.1%). Severe complications, including perforation and bleeding, were not observed. Six of 49 patients(12.2%) had stone recurrence after a median period of22.5 months(range 6–71 months) from the end of stone removal treatment. Female [odds ratio(OR) = 11.352; 95% confidence interval(95% CI): 1.040–123.912; P = 0.046] and previous mechanical lithotripsy(OR = 13.423; 95% CI: 1.070–168.434; P = 0.044) were significantly associated with stone recurrence.Conclusions: At long-term follow-up, EPBD for removal of CBD stones appeared to be safe and effective in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients. Female and previous mechanical lithotripsy may be risk factors for stone recurrence.     

'Short' double-balloon enteroscope endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with a surgically altered upper gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remains a challenge for endoscopists in patients with surgically altered anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Double-balloon enteroscopes (DBEs) have revolutionized the ability to access the small bowel. The indication for its therapeutic use is expanding to include ERCP for patients who have undergone small bowel reconstruction. Most of the published experiences in DBE-assisted ERCP have used conventional double-balloon enteroscopes that are 200 cm in length, which do not permit use of the standard ERCP accessories. The authors report their experience with DBE-assisted ERCP using a ‘short’ DBE in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of patients with previous small bowel reconstruction who underwent ERCP with a ‘short’ DBE at the Centre for Therapeutic Endoscopy and Endoscopic Oncology (Toronto, Ontario) between February 2007 and November 2008 was performed.

RESULTS:

A total of 20 patients (10 men) with a mean age of 57.9 years (range 26 to 85 years) underwent 29 sessions of ERCP with a DBE. Six patients underwent Billroth II gastroenterostomy, seven patients Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, five patients Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy, one patient Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy and one patient a Whipple’s operation with choledochojejunostomy. Some patients (n=12 [60%]) underwent previous attempts at ERCP in which the papilla of Vater or bilioenteric anastomosis could not be reached with either a duodenoscope or pediatric colonoscope. All procedures were performed with a commercially available DBE (working length 152 cm, distal end diameter 9.4 mm, channel diameter 2.8 mm). The procedures were performed under conscious sedation with intravenous midazolam, fentanyl and diazepam, except in one patient in whom general anesthesia was administered. Either the papilla of Vater or bilioenteric anastomosis was reached in 25 of 29 cases (86.2%) in a mean duration of 20.8 min (range 5 min to 82 min). Bile duct cannulation was successful in 24 of 25 cases in which the papilla or bilioenteric anastomosis was reached. Therapeutic interventions were successful in 15 patients (24 procedures) including sphincterotomy (n=7), stone extraction (n=9), biliary dilation (n=8), stent placement (n=9) and stent removal (n=8). The mean total duration of the procedures was 70.7 min (range 30 min to 117 min). There were no procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSION:

DBEs enable successful diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in patients with a surgically altered anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is a safe, feasible and less invasive therapeutic option in this group of patients. Standard ‘long’ DBEs have limitations of long working length and the need for modified ERCP accessories. ‘Short’ DBEs are equally as effective in reaching the target limb as standard ‘long’ DBEs, and overcomes some limitations of long DBEs to result in high success rates for endoscopic therapy.     

Direct cholangioscopy combined with double-balloon enteroscope-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Double-balloon enteroscope (DBE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an effective endoscopic approach for pancreatobiliary disorders in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Endoscopic interventions via DBE in these postoperative settings remain difficult because of the lack of an elevator and the use of extra-long ERCP accessories. Here, we report the usefulness of direct cholangioscopy with an ultra-slim gastroscope during DBE-assisted ERCP. Three patients with choledocholithiasis in postoperative settings (two patients after Billroth II gastrojejunostomy and one patient after Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy) were treated. DBE was used to gain access to the papilla under carbon dioxide insufflation, and endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed with a conventional sphincterotome. For direct cholangioscopy, the enteroscope was exchanged for an ultra-slim gastroscope through an incision in the overtube, which was inserted directly into the bile duct. Direct cholangioscopy was used to extract retained bile duct stones in two cases and to confirm the complete clearance of stones in one case. Bile duct stones were eliminated with a 5-Fr basket catheter under direct visual control. No adverse events were noted in any of the three cases. Direct cholangioscopy with an ultra-slim gastroscope facilitates subsequent treatment within the bile duct. This procedure represents another potential option during DBE-assisted ERCP.     

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with Billroth II gastroenterostomy

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is more complicated in patients with Billroth II gastroenterostomy (B II GE) especially in those associated with Braun anastomosis (BA). The aim of the present study was to review experience of ERCP in patients with B II GE. METHODS: The records of patients with B II GE who had undergone an ERCP within the last 2.5 years were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with simple B II GE and seven with additional BA underwent ERCP within this period. The probability of common bile duct cannulation and success of endoscopic treatment was 43/52 (83%) and 2/7 (29%) in the respective groups. The reasons for failure were long afferent loop in patients with BA; for the nine patients with B II GE the reasons for failure were tumoral infiltration at the orifice of afferent loop in one patient, peripapillary tumoral invasion in two patients, failure of entrance to the afferent loop due to angulation in two patients, and long afferent loop in the remaining four patients. Overall, perforation developed in 10.2% (6/59 of the patients. Two of these patients died (2/59, 3.4%) and one (1/59, 1.7%) had concomitant pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Although ERCP is successful in a large proportion of patients with B II GE, it carries significant risks such as perforation. ERCP must be performed by experienced endoscopists at institutions that have suitable facilities to manage endoscopy-related complications.     

Postprandial Plasma Cholecystokinin Response in Patients after Gastrectomy and Pancreatoduodenectomy

Endogenous cholecystokinin release after a test meal was measured in the controls, patients with Billroth I and II anastomosis after subtotal gastrectomy, patients with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis after total gastrectomy, and patients with a modified Child's reconstruction after pancreatoduodenectomy 2 months after surgery. The postprandial plasma level in patients with Billroth I and II anastomosis was close to that in the controls. In a Roux-en-Y anastomosis, this level was slightly higher than in the controls and patients with a Billroth anastomosis. Differences in integrated cholecystokinin secretion at 120 min in different groups were insignificant. After a modified Child's reconstruction, the postprandial level was significantly lower than in the controls and in patients with a Billroth II anastomosis. One patient with a modified Child's reconstruction was examined 8 yr after surgery, and she had a normal response. We suggest that either the duodenum or jejunum used for gastrointestinal anastomosis can release cholecystokinin normally, and pancreatoduodenectomy may decrease cholecystokinin release 2 months after surgery.     

One-Step Transpapillary Balloon Dilation under Cap-Fitted Endoscopy without a Preceding Sphincterotomy for the Removal of Bile Duct Stones in Billroth II Gastrectomy

Background/Aims

Endoscopic sphincterotomy may be limited in Billroth II gastrectomy because of difficulty in orientating the duodenoscope and sphincterotome as a result of altered anatomy. This study was planned to investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic transpapillary large balloon dilation (EPBD) without preceding sphincterotomy for removal of large CBD stones in Billroth II gastrectomy.

Methods

Between March 2010 and February 2011, one-step EPBD under cap-fitted forward-viewing endoscopy was performed in patients who had undergone Billroth II gastrectomy at two tertiary referral centers. Main outcome measurements were successful duct clearance and EPBD-related complications.

Results

Successful access to major duodenal papilla was performed in 13 patients, but successful selective CBD cannulation was achieved in 12 patients (92.3%). Median maximum transverse stone size was 11.5 mm (10 to 14 mm). The mean number of stones was 2 (1-5). The median CBD diameter was 15 mm (12 to 19 mm). Mean procedure time from successful biliary access to complete stone removal was 17.8 min. Complete duct clearance was achieved in all patients. Four patients (33.3%) needed one more session of ERCP for removal of remnant stones. Asymptomatic hyperamylasemia in two patients and minor bleeding in another occurred.

Conclusions

Without preceding sphincterotomy, one-step EPBD (≥10 mm) under cap-fitted forward-viewing endoscopy may be safe and effective for the removal of large stones (≥10 mm) with CBD dilatation in Billroth II gastrectomy.     

Rotational assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with reconstructive gastrointestinal surgical anatomy

AIM: To evaluate the success rates of performing therapy utilizing a rotational assisted enteroscopy device in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in surgically altered anatomy patients. METHODS: Between June 1, 2009 and November 8, 2012, we performed 42 ERCPs with the use of rotational enteroscopy for patients with altered anatomy(39 with gastric bypass Roux-en-Y, 2 with Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy, and 1 with hepaticojejunostomy associated with liver transplant). The indications for ERCP were: choledocholithiasis: 13 of 42(30.9%), biliary obstruction suggested on imaging: 20 of 42(47.6%), suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: 4 of 42(9.5%), abnormal liver enzymes: 1 of 42(2.4%), ascending cholangitis: 2 of 42(4.8%), and bile leak: 2 of 42(4.8%). All procedures were completed with the Olympus SIF-Q180 enteroscope and the Endo-Ease Discovery SB overtube produced by Spirus Medical. RESULTS: Successful visualization of the major ampulla was accomplished in 32 of 42 procedures(76.2%). Cannulation of the bile duct was successful in 26 of 32 procedures reaching the major ampulla(81.3%). Successful therapeutic intervention was completed in 24 of 26 procedures in which the bileduct was cannulated(92.3%). The overall intention to treat success rate was 64.3%. In terms of cannulation success, the intention to treat success rate was 61.5%. Ten out of forty two patients(23.8%) required admission to the hospital after procedure for abdominal pain and nausea, and 3 of those 10 patients(7.1%) had a diagnosis of post-ERCP pancreatitis. The average hospital stay was 3 d.CONCLUSION: It is reasonable to consider an attempt at rotational assisted ERCP prior to a surgical intervention to alleviate biliary complications in patients with altered surgical anatomy.     

Reconstructive procedure after distal gastrectomy to prevent remnant gastritis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I) or gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II) after distal gastrectomy is associated with duodenogastric reflux and remnant gastritis. This study sought to determine which reconstructive procedure is least likely to cause remnant gastritis and to determine the correlation between duodenogastric reflux and remnant gastritis. METHODOLOGY: Sixty patients who underwent curative distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer were classified into three groups by reconstructive procedure: group A, Roux-Y (n=18); group B, Billroth I (n=25); group C, Billroth II (n=17). Intragastric bile reflux was monitored using the Bilitec 2000 14 days after surgery, and endoscopy was performed and a patient questionnaire was completed 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Bile reflux occurred in 23.9%, 40.4%, and 73.4% of the time (p<0.001), and remnant gastritis developed in 33%, 76%, and 100% of patients (p<0.001), in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Helicobacter pylori infection did not correlate with remnant gastritis (p=0.57). Symptoms following Roux-Y reconstruction were comparable to those following Billroth I and II reconstructions. CONCLUSIONS: Roux-Y reconstruction following distal gastrectomy is superior to Billroth I and II reconstruction in preventing remnant gastritis because it reduces duodenogastric reflux.