Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with a short double-balloon enteroscope

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using a double-balloon enteroscope (DBE) in patients with bowel reconstruction due to a previous abdominal surgery is now widely accepted. In particular, a short DBE, which has a 2.8-mm working channel and 152-cm working length, is useful for ERCP because of its good rotational and straightening ability and the availability of various conventional ERCP accessories through the working channel. Herein we report a case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma via ERCP with a short DBE. This is the first report in which the pre-cutting and the brush cytological examination were performed successfully under a DBE to diagnose intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma pathologically. The short DBE allowed us to perform all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures accepted in conventional ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomies.     

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.     

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.     

ERCP结合EPT对胆囊切除术后患者诊治价值的探讨

目的 回顾性研究逆行性胰胆管造影（ERCP）结合乳头肌切开术（EPT）对胆囊切除术后患者的诊治价值。方法 170例胆囊切除术后症状再发或反复发作患者,接受ERCP检查和EPT等治疗,诊断结果与B超作对照。同时动态观察内镜下介入诊治术后临床表现的改变。不良反应及血清淀粉酶的变化及高淀粉酶血症的分布情况。结果 经ERCP结合EPT等术后患者临床症状显著改善;与B超对照ERCP对胆囊切除术后胆总管残余结石的诊断率显著提高（P＜0．001）,对胆总管扩张程度的诊断价值显著优于B超（P＜0．05）,并能发现许多B超检查不能发现的胆胰病变;术后主要不良反应表现为出血、高淀粉酶血症,ERCP结合EPT等治疗组高淀粉酶的发生率显著高于单纯ERCP操作组（P＜0．01）。经积极地处理后短期内出血控制,血清淀粉酶多在3日内转为正常。结论 对胆囊切除术后患者,ECRP结合EPT不失为一项非常有价值、安全的诊治措施。     

Advances in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cannulation

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatobiliary diseases. A critical step in this procedure is deep cannulation of the bile duct as failure of cannulation generally results in an aborted procedure and failed intervention. Expert endoscopists usually achieve a high rate of successful cannulation while those less experienced typically have a much lower rate and a greater incidence of complications. Prolonged attempts at cannulation can result in significant morbidity to patients, anxiety for endoscopists, unnecessary radiation exposure and inefficient patient care. Here we review the most common endoscopic techniques used to achieve selective biliary cannulation. Pharmacologic aids to cannulation are also discussed briefly in this review.     

Current status of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)in patients with surgically altered anatomy must be performed by a highly experienced endoscopist.The challenges are accessing the afferent limb in different types of reconstruction,cannulating a papilla with a reverse orientation,and performing therapeutic interventions with uncommon endoscopic accessories.The development of endoscopic techniques has led to higher success rates in this group of patients.Device-assisted ERCP is the endoscopic procedure of choice for high success rates in short-limb reconstruction;however,these success rate is lower in long-limb reconstruction.ERCP assisted by endoscopic ultrasonography is now popular because it can be performed independent of the limb length;however,it must be performed by a highly experienced and skilled endoscopist.Stent deployment and small stone removal can be performed immediately after ERCP assisted by endoscopic ultrasonography,but the second session is needed for other difficult procedures such as cholangioscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy.Laparoscopic-assisted ERCP has an almost 100%success rate in longlimb reconstruction because of the use of a conventional side-view duodenoscope,which is compatible with standard accessories.This requires cooperation between the surgeon and endoscopist and is suitable in urgent situations requiring concomitant cholecystectomy.This review focuses on the advantages,disadvantages,and outcomes of various procedures that are suitable in different situations and reconstruction types.Emerging new techniques and their outcomes are also discussed.     

'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.     

治疗性ERCP在85岁以上高龄患者中的应用价值评价

目的 评价治疗性ERCP在85岁以上高龄老年人的安全性和有效性.方法 回顾性分析2004年至2009年间85岁以上ERCP患者（A组,52例）的临床资料,并与同期70～84岁ERCP患者（B组,329例）做比较.结果 A组患者伴发症（52/52）明显高于B组（255/329）,P〈0.05;对于胆总管结石者,需要多次取清结石者A组（19/52）明显多于B组（65/329）,P〈0.05;并发症发生率分别为（4/52）和（16/329）,P〉0.05;术后死亡率分别为（1/52）和（2/329）,P〉0.05.结论 治疗性ERCP对于85岁以上高龄老年人是安全有效的,但需严格掌握手术适应证.     

Passive-bending,short-type single-balloon enteroscope for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in Roux-en-Y anastomosis patients

AIM:To evaluate short-type-single-balloon enteroscope(SBE) with passive-bending,high-force transmission functions for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis.METHODS:Short-type SBE with this technology(SIF-Y0004-V01; working length,1520 mm; channel diameter,3.2 mm) was used to perform 50 ERCP procedures in 37 patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis.The rate of reaching the blind end,time required to reach the blind end,diagnostic and therapeutic success rates,and procedure time and complications were studied retrospectively and compared with the results of 34 sessions of ERCP performed using a short-type SBE without this technology(SIF-Y0004; working length,1520 mm; channel diameter,3.2 mm) in 25 patients.RESULTS:The rate of reaching the blind end was 90% with SIF-Y0004-V01 and 91% with SIF-Y0004(P = 0.59).The median time required to reach the papilla was significantly shorter with SIF-Y0004-V01 than with SIF-Y0004(16 min vs 24 min,P = 0.04).The diagnostic success rate was 93% with SIFY0004-V01 and 84% with SIF-Y0004(P = 0.17).The therapeutic success rate was 95% with SIF-Y0004-V01 and 96% with SIF-Y0004(P = 0.68).The median procedure time was 40 min with SIF-Y0004-V01 and 36 min with SIF-Y0004(P = 0.50).The incidence of hyperamylasemia was 6.0% in the SIF-Y0004-V01 group and 14.7% in the SIF-Y0004 group(P = 0.723).The incidence of pancreatitis was 0% in the SIFY0004-V01 group and 5.9% in the SIF-Y0004 group(P > 0.999).The incidence of gastrointestinal perforation was 2.0%(1/50) in the SIF-Y0004-V01 group and 2.9%(1/34) in the SIF-Y0004 group(P > 0.999).CONCLUSION:SIF-Y0004-V01 is useful for ERCP inpatients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis and may reduce the time required to reach the blind end.     

内镜逆行胰胆管造影对Mirizzi综合征的诊断价值

目的 探讨内镜逆行胰胆管造影（ＥＲＣＰ）对Ｍｉｒｉｚｚｉ综合征的诊断价值,提高对该病的术前诊断率。方法 对３０例Ｍｉｒｉｚｚｉ综合征的临床特征,实验室检查、十二指肠镜下特点及ＥＲＣＰ的Ｘ线表现进行分析,并与Ｂ超、ＣＴ检查棹比较。结果 Ｍｉｒｉｚｚｉ综合征病史较长,ＥＲＣＰ的典型表现为肝总管可风级完整的充盈缺损,缺损以上的肝总管及肝内胆管轻至重度扩张。并胆囊萎缩及胆囊结石。ＥＲＣＰ确诊率为８６．６７     

经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术的若干进展

作为一项成熟应用于胆胰疾病的高级内镜诊疗技术,经内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)近几年来在治疗理念和技术方面有了一些新的发展。对ERCP的若干进展进行了阐述,主要包括:运用胰管支架、非甾体抗炎类药物及大量水化预防术后胰腺炎,覆膜金属支架用于治疗良性胆管狭窄,恶性胆管狭窄的腔内射频消融治疗,体外冲击波碎石术和覆膜金属支架治疗慢性胰腺炎,经口胆道镜应用于胆管狭窄定性诊断和巨大难治性结石,困难插管的定义和预切开技术的时机以及胃肠道重建术后ERCP。     

磁共振胰胆管造影术与内镜逆行胰胆管造影术的对照研究

目的 通过磁共振胰胆管造影术（ＭＲＣＰ）与内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（ＥＲＣＰ）的对照研究,评价ＭＲＣＰ对胰胆系疾病的诊断价值。方法 ４０例疑有胰胆系疾病的患者进行了ＭＲＣＰ及ＥＲＣＰ检查,两者结果作对照研究。结果 本组资料中ＭＲＣＰ对胰胆系疾病总的诊断价值为敏感度８９．１％、特异度１００％、准确度９０％,ＥＲＣＰ总的诊断价值为敏感度８４．２％、特异度１００％、准确度８５％,两者统计学上无显著性差异。结     

Retrieval-balloon-assisted enterography in post-pancreaticoduodenectomy endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

This case reports an application of conventional duodenoscope in a post pancreaticoduodenectomy patient with the help of retrieval balloon assisted enterography. The 56-year-old woman had pancreaticoduodenectomy with Child reconstruction 9 mo ago because of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and now there are recurrent enlarged lymph nodes in the anastomotic stoma of hepaticojejunostomy. Considering the patient’s late-stage cancer, a plastic stent was then successfully placed there to drainage. The main challenge in this case was the extremely long afferent loop and blind cannulation through the anastomotic stoma of hepaticojejunostomy. Retrieval balloon assisted enterography is very helpful for duodenoscope going through the reconstructed intestinal tract and for the cannulation. After two weeks, the patient remained free of painful symptoms and free of fever. Liver function improved well. Four months after the placement of stent, the patient died of cachexia without jaundice, fever and abdominal pain according to her daughter’s statement.     

儿童胰腺炎ERCP术后并发症研究

目的 分析儿童胰腺炎患者经内镜逆行胰胆管造影(endoscopic retrograde cholangiop-ancreatography,ERCP)术后高淀粉酶血症、胰腺炎及出血等并发症的发生率,探讨其安全性。方法 回顾分析1997年2月～2002年2月间入住我科确诊为儿童胰腺炎并行ERCP术的27例患者的临床资料,其中急性胰腺炎(acute pancreatitis,AP)14例,慢性胰腺炎(chronic pancreatitis,CP)13例;诊断性ERCP 9例,治疗性ERCP18例。结果 27例患者ERCP术后总体并发症发生率为51.85％(l4/27),其中,高淀粉酶血症发生率22.22％(6/27),术后4、24h血清淀粉酶水平分别为(410.75±230.31)U/L、(367.25±233.90)U/L,48～72h后均恢复正常;胰腺炎发生率22.22％(6/27),均为轻型胰腺炎;乳头切开处出血、黑便发生率7.41％(2/27),均发生于胆总管结石行十二指肠乳头括约肌切开(endoscopicsphincterotomy,EST)+取石术后;诊断性ERCP组并发症的发生率低于治疗性ERCP组,但无统计学意义。结论 儿童胰腺炎患者ERCP术后具有较高的并发症发生率,内镜医师于ERCP术中应高度重视,采取必要的预防措施以减少并发症的发生。     

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 therape...     

Pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A narrative review

Acute post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) is a feared and potentially fatal complication that can be as high as up to 30% in high-risk patients. Pre-examination measures, during the examination and after the examination are the key to technical and clinical success with a decrease in adverse events. Several studies have debated on the subject, however, numerous topics remain controversial, such as the effectiveness of prophylactic medications and the amylase dosage time. This review was designed to provide an update on the current scientific evidence regarding PEP available in the literature.     

Propofol use in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound

Compared to standard endoscopy,endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)and endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)are often lengthier and more complex,thus requiring higher doses of sedatives for patient comfort and compliance.The aim of this review is to provide the reader with information regarding the use,safety profile,and merits of propofol for sedation in advanced endoscopic procedures like ERCP and EUS,based on the current literature.     

A phantom gallbladder on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Various complications have been related to laparoscopic cholecystectomy but most occur shortly after the procedure. In this report, we present a case with very late complications in which an abscess developed within the gallbladder fossa 6 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The abscess resolved after treatment with CT-guided extrahepatic aspiration. However, 4 years later, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） performed for choledocholithiasis demonstrated a “gallbladder” which communicated with the common bile duct via a patent cystic duct. This unique case indicates that a cystic duct stump may communicate with the gallbladder fossa many years following cholecystectomy.     

Innovations and techniques for balloon-enteroscope-assisted 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 balloon-enteroscope-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 ultrasound-guided 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 expertise-level 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 first-line treatment. In this article, we discuss the current status of BEA-ERCP in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.