Original research: Attitudes to radiation safety and cholangiogram interpretation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a UK survey

BackgroundFluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) exposes staff and patients to potentially harmful ionizing radiation. We performed a UK survey to explore trainee and trainer attitudes to radiation protection and cholangiogram interpretation in ERCP.MethodsAn electronic 10-point survey was prospectively distributed to endoscopy unit leads, training programme directors between October and November 2019. Only UK-based ERCP trainees and trainers with hands-on procedural exposure were eligible for the survey.ResultsThe survey was completed by 107 respondents (58 trainees and 49 trainers), with an estimated overall response rate of 46%. Overall, 49% of respondents were up to date with their radiation protection course, 38% were aware of European Basic safety standards directive (BSSD), 38% wore radiation protection goggles, and 40% were aware of the average radiation screening dose per ERCP procedure. Compared with trainers, trainees were less likely to routinely wear thyroid protection shields (76% vs 92%; p=0.028), have awareness of the BSSD (20% vs 49%; p=0.037) or know their average procedural radiation dosages (21% vs 63%; p<0.001). With regard to cholangiogram interpretation, only 26% had received formal training, with 97% of trainees expressing a desire for further training.ConclusionThis survey highlights a relative complacency in safety attitudes to radiation protection during ERCP. These data provide impetus to improve training and quality assurance in radiation protection, which should be regarded as a mandatory safety aspect prior to commencing hands-on ERCP training.     

Single session versus separate session endoscopic ultrasonography plus endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in patients with low to moderate risk for choledocholithiasis

Background and Aim:  Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for common bile duct stones (CBDS) and may be used to select patients for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). The aim of this trial is to compare, in patients with non-high-risk for CDBS, the clinical and economic impact of EUS plus ERC performed in a single endoscopic session versus EUS plus ERC in two separate sessions.
Methods:  During an 11-month period, all adult patients admitted to the emergency department with suspicion of CBDS were categorized into either high-risk or non-high-risk groups, on the basis of clinical, biochemical, or transabdominal ultrasound findings. Patients in the non-high-risk group were randomized to receive EUS plus ERC in one single or in two separate sessions.
Results:  Eighty patients were recruited and randomized. Forty patients underwent EUS plus ERC in a single session and 40 patients underwent EUS plus ERC in two separate sessions. Negative EUS examination for CBDS avoided unnecessary ERC to 33 patients. Out of 47 patients with positive EUS (25 from the single session group and 22 from the double session), ERC confirmed the presence of CBDS in 46 cases (EUS sensitivity 100% and specificity 98%). Average time of procedure and hospitalization were significantly shorter in the single session group compared to the two session group. The single session strategy was also less expensive.
Conclusion:  Endoscopic ultrasonography plus ERC with sphincterotomy and stone extraction performed during the same endoscopic session was safe and efficacious with a reduction of procedure time, hospitalization and costs.     

Retroperitoneal perforation of a pancreatic cyst during endoscopic retrograde pancreatography

A 70‐year‐old man was admitted to Ueno Municipal Hospital, Ueno, Japan, for evaluation of abdominal distension. Computed tomography showed a 1 × 1 cm cyst at the pancreas tail. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) showed a normal pancreatic duct after the first gentle injection and an enhanced cyst at the pancreas tail. Extravasation of the contrast medium occurred from the pancreatic duct to the superior‐dorsal extrapancreas at the same time of the next low‐pressure manual injection. Computed tomography showed extravasation of the contrast medium from the pancreas cyst to the retroperitoneal space after ERP. It was considered that the cyst wall weakness, in addition to slight elevated pancreatic duct pressure, caused the disruption of the cyst wall.     

Comparative study of diagnostic value of cytologic sampling by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration and that by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography for the management of pancreatic mass without biliary stricture

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can now provide a cytopathological diagnosis of underlying pancreatic malignancy with higher success rates than endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). To determine the significance of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of pancreatic mass without biliary stricture, the value of cytopathological diagnosis obtained by EUS-FNA was retrospectively compared with that by ERP, and the complications associated with these procedures evaluated. METHODS: Eighty-three patients who were suspected to have a pancreatic mass (excluding a cystic mass), without biliary stricture on conventional ultrasound and/or computed tomography were enrolled. The EUS-FNA biopsy was performed in 53 patients and cytology utilizing ERP was performed in 30 patients. RESULTS: The sampling rate of adequate specimen was 100% in both groups. In the EUS-FNA group, the overall results for the available samples were sensitivity 92.9% and accuracy 94.3%. In contrast, in the ERCP group, the overall results were sensitivity 33.3% and accuracy 46.7%. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). With regard to complications, there was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in the frequency of post-procedure pancreatitis between the EUS-FNA group and ERP group (0%, 0/53 vs 33.3%, 10/30, respectively). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration is safer and more accurate for the cytopathological diagnosis of suspected pancreatic masses without a biliary stricture as compared with cytology during ERP. Endoscopic ultrasonography with FNA should be considered a preferred test (prior to attempting endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) when a cytological diagnosis of a pancreatic mass is required, especially when there is no biliary obstruction, or when emergent decompression of an obstructed biliary tree is not considered clinically necessary due to lack of signs and symptoms of cholangitis.     

Cholangiographic appearance of multiseptate gallbladder: Case report and a review of the literature

A case of multiseptate gallbladder is described, with a review of the literature. This is the 24th such case report. The patient complained of right upper quadrant pain, colicky in nature. Abdominal ultrasonography showed multiple fine echoes within the gallbladder. On endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, multiple radiolucent lines crossing the gallbladder in various directions were noted within the gallbladder. The gallbladder was crisscrossed by numerous delicate septations and had a honeycomb appearance. These findings suggested multiseptate gallbladder.     

Use of magnetic resonance cholangiography in the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis: prospective comparison with a reference imaging method

Background—Magneticresonance cholangiography (MRC) is a new technique for non-invasiveimaging of the biliary tract.
Aim—To assess theresults of MRC in patients with suspected bile duct stones as comparedwith those obtained with reference imaging methods.
Patients/Methods—70patients (34 men and 36 women, mean (SD) age 71 (15.5) years; median75) with suspected bile duct stones were included (cholangitis, 33;pancreatitis, three; suspected post-cholecystectomycholedocholithiasis, nine; cholestasis, six; stones suspected onultrasound or computed tomography scan, 19). MR cholangiograms with twodimensional turbo spin echo sequences were acquired. Endoscopicretrograde cholangiography with or without sphincterotomy (n = 63),endosonography (n = 5), or intraoperative cho- langiography (n = 2)were the reference imaging techniques used for the study and wereperformed within 12 hours of MRC. Radiologists were blinded to theresults of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and previous investigations.
Results—49patients (70%) had bile duct stones on reference imaging (common bileduct, 44, six of which impacted in the papilla; intrahepatic, four;cystic duct stump, one). Stone size ranged from 1 to 20 mm (mean 6.1, median 5.5). Twenty seven patients (55%) had bile duct stones smallerthan 6 mm. MRC diagnostic accuracy for bile duct lithiasis was:sensitivity, 57.1%; specificity, 100%; positive predictive value,100%; negative predictive value, 50%.
Conclusions—Stonessmaller than 6 mm are still often missed by MRC when standard equipmentis used. The general introduction of new technical improvements isneeded before this method can be considered reliable for the diagnosisof bile duct stones.

Keywords:bile duct calculi; endoscopic retrogradecholangiography; magnetic resonance cholangiography

     

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and related modalities have many roles in hepatobiliary hydatid disease

The authors report their experience about 8 cases of intrabiliary rupture of hepatobiliary hydatid disease, and add an algorithm for treatment. To our opinion, the use of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of hepatobiliary hydatid disease was not stated properly in their proposed algorithm. According to the algorithm, the use of ERCP and related modalities was only stated in the case of postoperative biliary fistulae. We think that postoperative persistant fistula is not a sole indication, there are many indications for ERCP and related techniques namely sphincterotomy, extraction, nasobiliary drainage and stenting, in the treatment algorithm before or after surgery.     

Clinical evaluation of 3D-CT cholangiography for preoperative examination in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Three-dimensional-computed tomography (3D-CT) cholangiography is a 3D shaded surface display image of the biliary tract obtained by using helical CT after intravenous cholangiography or cholangiography per percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage tube. We investigated whether 3D-CT cholangiography could provide a useful image, for preoperative examination in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Sixty-five patients with biliary diseases were examined by 3D-CT cholangiography. Helical scanning was performed on a Proceed Accell (GE Medical Systems, Waukesha, WI, USA). Three-dimensional images were created using an independent workstation. A clear image of the common bile duct was obtained for all patients (100%) by 3D-CT cholangiography. The gallbladder was well visualized in 54 (93%) and the cystic duct was shown to be opacified in 55 (95%) of the 58 patients with a gallbladder. Thirty-one patients were diagnosed as having gallstones by 3D-CT cholangiography (sensitivity, 72.1%; specificity, 100%; accuracy, 79.3%), while 43 were diagnosed as having cholecystolithiasis by ultrasonography. The advantages of 3D-CT cholangiography were a low level of invasiveness, easily obtained images compared to those obtained with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), good opacification, and provision of a three-dimensional understanding of the biliary system, especially of the cystic duct. When combined with ultrasonography and routine liver function tests, 3D-CT cholangiography was considered very useful for obtaining information before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It allowed the omission of ERC in many patients who were considered to have no common bile duct stone, by employment of 3D-CT cholangiography. (Received Apr. 22, 1998; accepted Aug. 28, 1998)     

Does the pancreas move with respiration?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ and has been classically considered to be immobile on respiration. Recent radiological studies assessing the mobility of the pancreas have challenged this traditional concept. The present study was conducted to assess the movement of pancreas with respiration using fluoroscopy, a simple and inexpensive method. METHODS: Patients with chronic pancreatitis who had either pancreatic calcification evident on fluoroscopy or an indwelling pancreatic duct stent were studied. The movement of the pancreas was assessed under fluoroscopy by measuring the displacement of the stent or calcification in relationship to the spine in maximum inspiration followed by maximum expiration. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (mean age 35.45 + or - 11.29 years, 17 men) with chronic pancreatitis were included in the study. Ten patients had pancreatic calcification and 12 had an indwelling pancreatic duct stent (two in the dorsal duct, 10 in the ventral duct). In all patients, the pancreas moved downward in the craniocaudal direction on deep inspiration. Pancreatic excursion from maximum inspiration to maximum expiration ranged from 0.1 to 3.4 cm. In addition, a medial movement of the head of pancreas was also noted in most of the patients. On univariate analysis, no association was found between the range of movement and the age or sex of the patient, duration or etiology of disease, presence or absence of calcification, severity of ductal changes of chronic pancreatitis and the length or diameter of the pancreatic stent placed. CONCLUSION: The pancreas moves craniocaudally with respiration and the head moves medially on inspiration.     

New multipurpose endoknot device for laparoscopic surgery

Extracorporeal knot tying for the ligation and suture ligation of various structures is becoming more important with the increasing popularity of laparoscopic surgery, especially in complicated cholecystectomies with the need to do intraoperative cholangiography, and in other advanced procedures. We have designed a new multipurpose endoknot device that can be used to: (1) push the knot of a pre-tied loop, (2) facilitate the extracorporeal tying of square knots, and (3) facilitate the suturing of tissues, using either a slip knot or a square knot. The device consists of a simple stainless steel rod with a 3-mm lateral hole at its working end which connects to a 1-mm hole at the tip. The blunt tip lessens the chance of inadvertent injury to the liver and other organs during knot tying. We have used this instrument in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography, and in laparoscopic hernia repair, colon resection, and thoracoscopic esophagectomy, with great success and with no morbidity attributable to its use.     

Review: Endoscopic biliary therapy in the era of bariatric surgery

There is an increasing demand and availability of bariatric surgery, with a range of procedures performed, some leading to altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy. The patient population undergoing bariatric surgery is also at increased risk of gallstones and biliary stone disease. Endoscopy (ie, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is the cornerstone of management of biliary stone disease, but may be challenging after bariatric surgery. In this review the endoscopic, surgery assisted, or percutaneous options that may be considered are discussed, based on the details of surgical anatomy and available expertise.     

Role of endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in pancreatic ascites

Summary We present a case of pancreatic ascites. The diagnosis was strongly suspected on the basis of ascitic fluid analysis and was confirmed by observation of pancreatic duct contrast leakage at endoscopic retrograde panreatography (ERP). Computed tomography was not helpful in this case. For localization and final confirmation of the lesion, ERP is the most valuable investigative method.     

Concurrent pancreatic ductal changes in alcoholic liver disease

BACKGROUND: Alcohol is a common etiological factor in both liver disease and chronic pancreatitis, but in a single individual it does not usually produce clinically significant disease in both organs. We assessed the prevalence of pancreatic ductal changes in patients presenting with alcoholic liver disease of different stages. METHODS: Forty-six patients with alcoholic liver disease were included in the present study. Liver biopsy was performed in patients with normal coagulogram. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatogram was performed in all patients and changes in chronic pancreatitis were noted. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients with alcoholic liver disease, 31 had cirrhosis of the liver, nine had fatty liver and two patients had alcoholic hepatitis. Twenty (43.47%) patients had features of chronic pancreatitis on endoscopic retrograde pancreatogram and these consisted of minimal pancreatitis changes in 10 patients, moderate changes in nine patients and advanced changes in one patient. There was no difference in the prevalence of pancreatitis changes in cirrhotics in comparison to non-cirrhotics. There was no correlation between the amount and length of alcohol intake and changes in pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic ductal changes on endoscopic retrograde pancreatogram are common in patients with alcoholic liver disease.     

Multidetector computed tomography cholangiography with multiplanar reformation for the assessment of patients with biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the diagnostic use of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) cholangiography with multiplanar reformation (MPR) for the assessment of patients with biliary obstruction. METHODS: MDCT cholangiography with the MPR technique was performed in 58 patients who were thought to have biliary obstruction. No cholangiographic contrast agent was administered. MRCP in 24 patients, Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 46 patients and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) in 24 patients were performed. Eighteen patients underwent biopsy or surgery. The findings on MDCT cholangiography were compared with those of MRCP, ERCP, PTC, biopsy or surgery. RESULTS: The findings of MDCT cholangiography were as follows: choledocholithiasis (n = 34, 56.7%), malignant stricture (n = 14, 23.3%), benign stricture (n = 1, 1.7%), and cholelithiasis (n = 11, 18.3%). A small common bile duct (CBD) stone in one patient could not be detected on MDCT cholangiography. One patient with a small stone in distal CBD detected on MDCT cholangiography had no stone on ERCP. Two patients with initial diagnoses of CBD stones by MDCT cholangiography were disclosed to have malignant bile duct stricture by reference examination. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnosis of bile duct stones were 96.9% and 96.2%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnosis of bile duct stricture were 85.7% and 100%, respectively. The overall accuracy of MDCT cholangiography for the diagnoses of the causes of biliary obstruction was 89.8%. CONCLUSION: MDCT cholangiography with the MPR technique is a fast and non-invasive technique with relatively high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnoses of the causes of biliary obstruction.