DOUBLE BALLOON ENDOSCOPE FACILITATES ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY IN ROUX‐EN‐Y ANASTOMOSIS PATIENTS

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard for the treatment of patients with pancreaticobiliary disorders, but endoscopic therapy is very difficult to carry out in patients with a Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis. We herein present the results of ERCP for patients with a Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis using a double‐balloon endoscope. Six patients (six men with a mean age of 69 years) who had undergone prior gastric resection with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction were enrolled in the present study and underwent ERCP and associated procedures. ERCP was carried out with a double balloon endoscope, which has one balloon attached to the tip of the endoscope and another attached to the distal end of the soft overtube. In all patients, entering the Y loop was successfully accomplished, and the papilla of Vater was also reached in all cases (100%). Cannulation was successful in four patients (66.7%). The final diagnosis was choledocholithiasis in two patients, biliary fistula in one patient and pancreatic cancer in one patient. A needle‐knife precut papillotomy was carried out after placement of a bile duct stent in two patients, and injection of N‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate into a biliary fistula was carried out in one patient. None of the patients suffered from any complications. A double balloon endoscope is therefore considered to be useful for carrying out ERCP and associated procedures in patients with a Roux‐en‐Y anastomosis.     

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.     

SUPINE POSITION ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY IN A PATIENT WITH SITUS AMBIGUOUS WITH POLYSPLENIA

A 58‐year‐old woman complained of painless jaundice. The serology showed total bilirubin 10.6 mg/dL with direct bilirubin of 7.0 mg/dL. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan disclosed an abnormal arrangement of the abdominal viscera and dilation of the biliary tree. A nearly 1.4 cm‐sized periampullary mass was seen. These findings are compatible with situs ambiguous with polysplenia and were suggestive of a periampullary tumor. Due to her unusual anatomical features, the patient underwent an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the supine position instead of in the conventional prone position. ERCP showed that the common bile duct (CBD) diameter was increased to 20 mm. Microscopic findings of the biopsy specimen of papillary mass were compatible with an adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. The clinical stage was stage IA (T1N0M0). Eight days later, a papillectomy was carried out by endoscopic snare resection. Six months later, follow‐up studies, including ERCP, abdominal CT and 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (¹⁸‐FDG PET)‐CT scan, showed no evidence of recurrence. Although the success rate of supine position ERCP may be influenced by the extent of the intestinal malrotation and the position of the duodenum, we conclude that supine position ERCP can be carried out effectively in a patient with situs anomaly.     

EXPANDABLE METALLIC STENT‐ASSISTED BILIARY LITHOTRIPSY IN PATIENTS WITH BILLROTH II GASTRECTOMY

The difficulty in orienting a duodenoscope or sphincterotome in Billroth II gastrectomy patients with an afferent loop is well known to experienced biliary endoscopists. Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPD) can be particularly useful in this group of patients. However, while EPD is relatively simple, lithotripsy afterward is difficult. To address this point, a new technique was developed to gain and preserve access to the common bile duct (CBD). This new technique, expandable metallic stent‐assisted biliary lithotripsy (EMS‐L), utilizes a self‐expandable metallic stent to dilate the major duodenal papilla and preserve access to the CBD. In three patients who had previously undergone a Billroth II gastrectomy, EMS‐L was attempted and was successful. No previous reports of EMS‐L in Billroth II gastrectomy patients are available.     

ERCP AFTER ROUX‐EN‐Y RECONSTRUCTION CAN BE CARRIED OUT USING AN OBLIQUE‐VIEWING ENDOSCOPE WITH AN OVERTUBE

Background: We report that an oblique‐viewing endoscope facilitates endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Billroth II reconstruction. With this endoscope, we carried out ERCP in Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction. Methods: Fifteen patients with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction were enrolled. Eleven of these patients had undergone gastrectomy, while Whipple's operation or choledochectomy had each been carried out in two patients. Among the 11 post‐gastrectomy patients, eight had bile duct stones, and there was one case each of pancreatic abscess with chronic pancreatitis, bile duct obstruction due to gallbladder, or pancreatic cancer. The remaining four patients suffered from stenotic anastomosis of choledochojejunostomy. All procedures were carried out with an oblique‐viewing endoscope. Results: The papilla of Vater or anastomosis was reached in 10 patients. In these 10 patients, all planned procedures were completed. Endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) was carried out in three patients with bile duct stones. The remaining three patients with bile duct stones underwent sphincterotomy with tube stent placement, EPBD after sphincterotomy with biliary tube stent placement, and biliary tube stent placement, respectively. Pancreatic stent placement via the minor papilla was carried out in one patient with pancreatic abscess, and a biliary tube stent was introduced in the patient with gallbladder cancer. Two patients underwent cutting of a stenotic anastomosis with a needle knife, followed by balloon dilatation. None of the patients experienced any complications. Conclusion: The results appear to support the feasibility of using an oblique‐viewing endoscope for ERCP in Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction. Further studies including a large population of patients should be planned to confirm these results.     

SMALL SPHINCTEROTOMY COMBINED WITH ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLARY LARGE BALLOON DILATION IN PATIENTS WITH BILLROTH II GASTRECTOMY

Background: The difficulty in orienting a duodenoscope or sphincterotome in Billroth II gastrectomy patients with an afferent loop is well known to experienced biliary endoscopists. In patients who have large biliary stones, stone retrieval is technically difficult, particularly when a mechanical lithotriptor is required. To address this issue a new technique was developed to gain greater access to the common bile duct. Methods: This new technique, small endoscopic sphincterotomy combined with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (SES + EPLD), was carried out in eight cases with Billroth II reconstruction. First, endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) with a small incision was performed with a capped forward‐viewing endoscope. Then, endoscopic papillary dilation was performed with a large balloon to slowly match the size of the bile duct. Stones were then retrieved from the biliary duct with a balloon and a basket. Results: Stone retrieval was successful in all cases. Dilating the papillary orifice with a large balloon made it possible to remove large stones smoothly without crushing them. After dilation with the large balloon, there were some instances of oozing, but no perforations near the papilla. Conclusions: SES + EPLD was effective for the retrieval of large biliary stones without the use of mechanical lithotripsy for B‐II reconstruction cases. This new method, incorporating a slow dilation of the papilla up to a large diameter, could provide a larger opening than a large ES. This method of stone retrieval is easy to perform and may be able to play a role in the treatment of large and multiple bile duct stones with B‐II gastrectomy.     

DUPLICATE GALLBLADDER DIAGNOSED WITH ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY AND TREATED WITH LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

A 44‐year‐old man was admitted to hospital because of sudden severe postprandial right epigastric pain. Abdominal echography showed multiple calculi in the gallbladder and evidence of a probable septum at the neck. Based on the results, tentative diagnoses were made of gallbladder calculosis with associated gallbladder curvature or malformation, and gallbladder adenomyomatosis. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed a duplicate gallbladder consisting of two cystic ducts with two connected gallbladders. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap‐C) was performed. Inflammation of the Calot's triangle was mild. The two cystic ducts with one common bile duct were identified, and the cystic ducts separated by individual clipping. Duplicate gallbladder, a malformation of the gallbladder, has been reported to occur at an incidence of 0.02%. To date, a total of 60 cases have been reported in Japan, and recent cases have been treated with Lap‐C. In the present case, the surgery could be safely performed because the bifurcation of the cystic ducts could be identified by preoperative ERCP.     

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF PROPHYLACTIC PANCREATIC DUCT STENT (PIT‐STENT) PLACEMENT IN PATIENTS AT HIGH RISK OF POST‐ERCP PANCREATITIS

Background: The usefulness of prophylactic pancreatic stent placement for preventing post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis has been reported. We developed a new pancreatic duct stent, which was a 5 Fr, 4 cm‐long stent with a single duodenal pigtail (Pit‐stent). Patients and Methods: Pancreatic duct stenting using a Pit‐stent was attempted in 76 patients (40 men, 36 women; mean age, 65 years; age range, 42–91 years) at high risk of post‐ERCP pancreatitis. The frequency of post‐ERCP pancreatitis and spontaneous passage of the stent were investigated. Results: Pancreatic duct stent placement was successfully performed in 93% of the patients. One patient developed mild pancreatitis after ERCP (1.4%). Spontaneous passage of the stent was observed in 92%. There were no other complications or procedure‐related deaths in this group. Conclusions: Pancreatic duct stent insertion may reduce the incidence of post‐ERCP pancreatitis in patients at high risk of post‐ERCP pancreatitis. Spontaneous migration of a pancreatic stent that contributes to a lessening of the need for additional ERCP can be expected with the use of a Pit‐stent.     

CASE OF FASCIOLIASIS: EXTRACTION WITH ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOGRAPHY

Fascioliasis is a worldwide zoonotic infection with fasciola hepatica and fasciola gigantica. The zoonoses are particularly endemic in sheep‐raising countries and are also endemic in Turkey. Clinical features of fascioliasis relate to the stage and intensity of infection. Fasciola hepatica infection comprises two stages: hepatic and biliary, with different signs and symptoms. Cholestatic symptoms may be sudden, but, in some cases, they may be preceded by a long period of fever, eosinophilia and vague gastrointestinal symptoms. We reported a case with fever and upper‐quadrant abdominal pain since 3 months that comes from an area endemic for fasciola hepatica, with suspected imaging about fasciola hepatica in common bile duct on ultrasonography. After that, fasciola hepatica was extracted with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.     

TEACHING DEEP CANNULATION OF THE BILE DUCT DURING ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOGRAPHY

When performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the smooth introduction of the duodenoscope into the papilla of Vater, an appropriate view of the papilla of Vater, and deep cannulation of the bile duct are essential. The operator must know the difference between the side‐viewing endoscope and the forward‐viewing endoscope. The rotation of the body and the left arm of the operator, switching with the left wrist, and dialing of the endoscope are essential for appropriately viewing the papilla of Vater. When training operators to do ERCP, a model is useful for helping them understand basic handling. The approach to deep cannulation of the bile duct should be selected based on the type of papilla (slit type, onion type, tongue protrusion type, flat type, and tumor type). Cannulation is more difficult in patients with the tongue protrusion‐type of papilla than with a slit type, onion type, or tumor type. According to previous reports, therapeutic ERCP requires the ability to cannulate the common bile duct deeply 80% of the time; 180 to 200 supervised ERCP are necessary to achieve this success rate.     

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.     

RISK FACTORS FOR POST‐ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY PANCREATITIS: PROSPECTIVE SINGLE‐INSTITUTION STUDY

Pancreatitis is the most common and serious complication of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and hyperamylasemia after ERCP is common. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential patient‐ and procedure‐related risk factors for post‐ERCP pancreatitis including hyperenzymenia in a prospective study. Data were collected prospectively on patient characteristics and endoscopic techniques from 184 ERCP performed at a single referral center and entered into a database. Data were collected prior to the procedure, at the time of procedure, and 24–72 h after procedure. The primary end‐point was the incidence of post‐ERCP pancreatitis and the secondary objective was the incidence of hyperamylasemia. Of the 184 patients enrolled, diagnostic ERCP was performed in 37 (20.1%) and therapeutic ERCP in 147 (79.9%). Pancreatitis developed in two patients (1.1%) and was graded mild in one (0.5%) and severe in the other (0.5%). Hyperamylasemia occurred in 14 patients (7.6%). Six investigated variables, female gender, therapeutic ERCP, major papilla sphincterotomy, stenting, difficult cannulation, and bile duct diameter were not significant risk factors for post‐ERCP pancreatitis. Although there was no significant factors in pancreatitis, the number of cannulations and precut sphincterotomies were significantly related to hyperamylasemia. The present study emphasizes a technical factor (difficult cannulation) as the determining high‐risk predictors for post‐ERCP pancreatitis.     

ENDOSCOPIC SPHINCTEROTOMY PLUS ENDOPROSTHESES IN THE TREATMENT OF LARGE OR MULTIPLE COMMON BILE DUCT STONES

Background and Aim: Little information is available on the outcomes of endoscopic sphincterotomy plus biliary stent placement without stone extraction as primary therapy at initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of large or multiple common bile duct (CBD) stones. The aim of the present study was to study the effect of biliary stents and sphincterotomy as primary therapy for patients with choledocholithiasis. Methods: Patients with large (≥20 mm) or multiple (≥3) CBD stones were retrospectively studied. The patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy and placement of plastic stents in the bile duct without stone extraction at the initial ERCP. Three or more months later, a second ERCP was carried out and stone removal was attempted. Differences in stone size and the largest CBD diameter before and after stenting were compared. Stone clearance and complications were also evaluated. Results: 52 patients were enrolled. After a median of 124 days of biliary plastic stent placement the mean maximal stone diameter decreased from 16.6 mm to 10.0 mm (P < 0.01). The mean CBD diameter also decreased from 15.3 mm to 11.5 mm (P < 0.01). The total stone clearance at second ERCP was 94.2%, only 5.7% of which needed mechanical lithotripsy. Complications: pancreatitis in one (1.9%) at initial ERCP, cholangitis in two (3.8%) after 52 days and 84 days of placement of stent. No complications were recorded at second ERCP. Conclusions: Biliary plastic stents plus endoscopic sphincterotomy without stone extraction as primary therapy at initial ERCP is a safe and effective method in the management of large or multiple CBD stones.     

PROPHYLACTIC PANCREAS STENTING FOLLOWED BY NEEDLE‐KNIFE FISTULOTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH SPHINCTER OF ODDI DYSFUNCTION AND DIFFICULT CANNULATION: NEW METHOD TO PREVENT POST‐ERCP PANCREATITIS

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to reduce post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications with a combination of early needle‐knife access fistulotomy and prophylactic pancreatic stenting in selected high‐risk sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) patients with difficult cannulation. Methods: Prophylactic pancreatic stent insertion was attempted in 22 consecutive patients with definite SOD and difficult cannulation. After 10 min of failed selective common bile duct cannulation, but repeated (>5×) pancreatic duct contrast filling, a prophylactic small calibre (3–5 Fr) pancreatic stent was inserted, followed by fistulotomy with a standard needle‐knife, then a standard complete biliary sphincterotomy followed. The success and complication rates were compared retrospectively with a cohort of 35 patients, in which we persisted with the application of standard methods of cannulation without pre‐cutting methods. Results: Prophylactic pancreatic stenting followed by needle‐knife fistulotomy was successfully carried out in all 22 consecutive patients, and selective biliary cannulation and complete endoscopic sphincterotomy were achieved in all but two cases. In this group, not a single case of post‐ERCP pancreatitis was observed, in contrast with a control group of three mild, 10 moderate and two severe post‐ERCP pancreatitis cases. The frequency of post‐ERCP pancreatitis was significantly different: 0% versus 43%, as were the post‐procedure (24 h mean) amylase levels: 206 U/L versus 1959 U/L, respectively. Conclusions: In selected, high‐risk, SOD patients, early, prophylactic pancreas stent insertion followed by needle‐knife fistulotomy seems a safe and effective procedure with no or only minimal risk of post‐ERCP pancreatitis. However, prospective, randomized studies are awaited to lend to support to our approach.     

JUXTAPAPILLARY DIVERTICULA AND ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF BILE DUCT STONES

Aim: To assess the influence of juxtapapillary diverticula on endoscopic treatment of bile duct stones. Methods: Two hundred and fifty‐eight consecutive patients with bile duct stones who had undergone endoscopic treatment at our department were included in this study. Comparison was done between a group that had a juxtapapillary diverticulum (Group D) and a group that did not (Group N). Results: Deep cannulation was achieved in 98% and 100% of Group D and Group N, respectively. The time required for cannulation was 18 min in both groups. Deep cannulation of the bile duct tended to be difficult in cases with the papilla located at the edge of or in the diverticulum in Group D. Complete removal of stones was achieved in 97.7% and 96.9% of the respective groups. The number of sessions and the total time required for removal of stones in Group D and Group N were 1.6 and 47 min, and 1.5 and 47 min, respectively (n.s.). The occurrence rate of complications was not statistically different (12.4%vs 10.1%); however, it was higher (50%) in those who had a papilla inside the diverticulum. Conclusions: Although the presence of juxtapapillary diverticula has only a subtle influence on endoscopic treatment of bile duct stones, caution is necessary when treating patients with a papilla in a diverticulum because of the high incidence of complications in such patients.     

ENDOSCOPIC OCCLUSION OF CYSTIC DUCT USING N‐BUTYL CYANOACRYLATE FOR POSTOPERATIVE BILE LEAKAGE

Bile leak after cholecystectomy is well described, with the cystic duct remnant the site of the leak in the majority of cases. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary stent placement has a high success rate in such cases. When ERCP fails, options include surgery, and percutaneous and endoscopic transcatheter occlusion of the site of bile leak. Here, we describe a case of endoscopic transcatheter occlusion of a persistent cystic duct bile leak after cholecystectomy using N‐butyl cyanoacrylate glue. A 51‐year‐old man had persistent pain and bilious drainage following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The bile leak persisted after endoscopic placement of a biliary stent for a confirmed cystic duct leak. A repeat ERCP was carried out and the cystic duct was occluded with a combination of angiographic coils and N‐butyl cyanoacrylate glue. The patient's pain and bilious drainage resolved. A follow‐up cholangiogram confirmed complete resolution of the cystic duct leak and a patent common bile duct.