Early precut sphincterotomy and the risk of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography related complications: An updated meta-analysis

AIM: To study the cannulation and complication rates of early pre-cut sphincterotomy vs persistent attempts at cannulation by standard approach.METHODS: Systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies published up to February 2013. The main outcome measurements were cannulation rates and postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) complications. A comprehensive systematic search of the Cochrane library, PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus, National Institutes of Health, meta-register of controlled trials and published proceedings from major Gastroenterology journals and meetings until February 2013 was conducted using keywords. All Prospective randomized controlled trials(RCT) studies whichmet our inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Prospective non-randomized studies and retrospective studies were excluded from our meta-analysis. The main outcomes of interest were post-ERCP pancreatitis, overall complication rates including cholangitis, ERCPrelated bleeding, perforation and cannulation success rates. RESULTS: Seven RCTs with a total of 1039 patients were included in the meta-analysis based on selection criteria. The overall cannulation rate was 90% in the pre-cut sphincterotomy vs 86.3% in the persistent attempts group(OR = 1.98; 95%CI: 0.70-5.65). The risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP) was not different between the two groups(3.9% in the pre-cut sphincterotomy vs 6.1% in the persistent attempts group, OR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.32-1.05). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups for overall complication rate including PEP, cholangitis, bleeding, and perforation(6.2% vs 6.9%, OR = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.51-1.41). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that precut sphincterotomy and persistent attempts at cannulation are comparable in terms of overall complication rates. Early pre-cut implementation does not increase PEP complications.     

Double guidewire technique vs transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy in difficult biliary cannulation

AIM:To compare the outcomes between doubleguidewire technique(DGT) and transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy(TPS) in patients with difficult biliary cannulation.METHODS:This was a prospective,randomized study conducted in single tertiary referral hospital in Korea.Between January 2005 and September 2010.A total of 71 patients,who bile duct cannulation was not possible and selective pancreatic duct cannulation was achieved,were randomized into DGT(n = 34) and TPS(n = 37) groups.DGT or TPS was done for selective biliary cannulation.We measured the technical success rates of biliary cannulation,median cannulation time,and procedure related complications.RESULTS:The distribution of patients after randomization was balanced,and both groups were comparable in baseline characteristics,except the higher percentage of endoscopic nasobiliary drainage in the DGT group(55.9% vs 13.5%,P < 0.001).Successful cannulation rate and mean cannulation times in DGT and TPS groups were 91.2% vs 91.9% and 14.1 ± 13.2 min vs 15.4 ± 17.9 min,P = 0.732,respectively.There was no significant difference between the two groups.The overall incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis was 38.2% vs 10.8%,P < 0.011 in the DGT group and the TPS group;post-procedure pancreatitis was significantly higher in the DGT group.But the overall incidence of post-ERCP hyperamylasemia was no significant difference between the two groups;DGT group vs TPS group:14.7% vs 16.2%,P < 1.0.CONCLUSION:When free bile duct cannulation was difficult and selective pancreatic duct cannulation was achieved,DGT and TPS facilitated biliary cannulation and showed similar success rates.However,post-procedure pancreatitis was significantly higher in the DGT group.     

Biliary stenting with or without sphincterotomy for malignant biliary obstruction: A meta-analysis

AIM: To investigate the benefits of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) before stent placement by meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Science Citation Index databases up to March 2014 were searched. The primary outcome was incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) and successful stent insertion rate. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of post-ERCP bleeding, stent migration and occlusion. The free software Review Manager was used to perform the meta-analysis.RESULTS: Three studies (n = 338 patients, 170 in the EST group and 168 in the non-EST group) were included. All three studies described a comparison of baseline patient characteristics and showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Three RCTs, including 338 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. Most of the analyzed outcomes were similar between the groups. Although EST reduced the incidence of PEP, it also led to a higher incidence of post-ERCP bleeding (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.12-0.93, P = 0.04; OR = 9.70, 95%CI: 1.21-77.75, P = 0.03, respectively).CONCLUSION: EST before stent placement may be useful in reducing the incidence of PEP. However, EST-related complications, such as bleeding and perforation, may offset this effect.     

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

Background/Aims:

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

Patients and Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusions:

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

Updated meta-analysis of pancreatic stent placement in preventing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety profile of pancreatic duct (PD) stent placement for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP).METHODS: We performed a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled clinical trials of prophylactic PD stent placement after ERCP. RevMan 5 software provided by Cochrane was used for the heterogeneity and efficacy analyses, and a meta-analysis was performed for the data that showed homogeneity. Categorical data are presented as relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and measurement data are presented as weighted mean differences and 95%CIs.RESULTS: The incidence rates of severe pancreatitis, operation failure, complications and patient pain severity were analyzed. Data on pancreatitis incidence were reported in 14 of 15 trials. There was no significant heterogeneity between the trials (I² = 0%, P = 0.93). In the stent group, 49 of the 1233 patients suffered from PEP, compared to 133 of the 1277 patients in the no-stent group. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that it may be possible to prevent PEP by placing a PD stent.CONCLUSION: PD stent placement can reduce postoperative hyperamylasemia and might be an effective and safe option to prevent PEP if the operation indications are well controlled.     

Risk factors for the development of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in patients with asymptomatic common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND Previous studies have revealed that patients with asymptomatic common bile duct(CBD) stones are at a high risk of developing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis(PEP). However, no studies to date have addressed the risk factors for PEP in patients with asymptomatic CBD stones.AIM To examine the risk factors for PEP in patients with asymptomatic CBD stones.METHODS Using medical records of three institutions in Japan for 6 years, we identified a total of 1135 patients with choledocholithiasis including 967 symptomatic patients and 168 asymptomatic patients with native papilla who underwent therapeutic ERCP. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to examine the risk factors for PEP in the 168 patients with asymptomatic CBD stones.RESULTS The overall incidence rate of PEP in all the patients with during study period was4.7%(53/1135). Of the 168 patients with asymptomatic CBD stones, 24(14.3%)developed PEP. In univariate analysis, precut sphincterotomy(P = 0.009) and biliary balloon sphincter dilation(P = 0.043) were significant risk factors for PEP.In multivariate analysis, precut sphincterotomy(P = 0.002, 95%CI: 2.2-27.8, odds ratio = 7.7), biliary balloon sphincter dilation(P = 0.015, 95%CI: 1.4-17.3, odds ratio = 4.9), and trainee endoscopists(P = 0.048, 95%CI: 1.01-8.1, odds ratio = 2.9)were significant risk factors for PEP.CONCLUSION ERCP for asymptomatic CBD stones should be performed by experienced endoscopists. When performing precut sphincterotomy or biliary balloon sphincter dilation in patients with asymptomatic CBD stones, the placement of a prophylactic pancreatic stent is strongly recommended to prevent PEP.     

Need for pancreatic stenting after sphincterotomy in patients with difficult cannulation

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

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

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

Guidewire cannulation reduces risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis and facilitates bile duct cannulation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if using a soft-tipped guidewire to cannulate the common bile duct may ameliorate development of post-ERCP pancreatitis and facilitate cannulation of the CBD. DESIGN AND SETTING: A single-center, blinded, randomized trial of conventional cannulation technique using sphinctertome and contrast injection versus guidewire cannulation technique. METHODS: We prospectively randomized 300 patients to conventional cannulation (group I) or guidewire cannulation (group II) technique. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was incidence of acute pancreatitis and secondary outcome measures were ease of cannulation of common bile duct (assessed by attempts required for common bile duct cannulation & rates of precut sphincterotomy) and overall complication rates. RESULTS: Guidewire cannulation was associated with significantly lower likelihood of post-ERCP pancreatitis (adjusted OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.89, P= 0.02). Twenty-five patients (16.6%) in group I and thirteen patients (8.6%) in group II developed acute pancreatitis, P= 0.037. All instances of pancreatitis were mild. There were more women in group II; 41 in group I and 59 in group II, P= 0.028. Otherwise the two groups were comparable for age, age under 35 yr, indication for ERCP, diagnosis, and number of patients with SOD. The number of patients requiring 0-3, 4-6, and 7-10 attempts for successful cannulation of the common bile duct were 87, 48, and 15 in group I and 117, 24, and 9 in group II, respectively, P= 0.001. A total of 33 patients in group I and 13 patients in group II required precut sphincterotomy, P= 0.007. Rates of accidental pancreatic duct cannulation were 21 in group I and 27 in group II, P= 0.34. Rates of overall complication were not significantly different in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Guidewire technique for bile duct cannulation lowers likelihood of post-ERCP pancreatitis by facilitating cannulation and reducing need for precut sphincterotomy.     

An analysis of the efficacy and safety of a strategy of early precut for biliary access during difficult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a general hospital

OBJECTIVE: The use of early precut during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is controversial because of its association with a higher risk of complications. This study examined the efficacy and safety of a strategy of early precut for biliary access during difficult ERCP in a general hospital. METHODS: Data from January 2007 to June 2009 were reviewed. Criteria for performing early precut were: (i) inadvertent guidewire cannulation of pancreatic duct on three occasions; (ii) biliary stone impacted at papilla; (iii) inability to achieve deep cannulation within 10 min. Study exclusion criteria were: (i) the inability to visualize the papilla because of anatomical distortions; (ii) complete tumour occlusion of distal bile duct; (iii) failure to adhere to inclusion criteria. The efficacy and safety of this strategy of early precut for biliary access was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 765 ERCP cases were analyzed. A precut was performed in 55 out of 765 cases (7.2%). There were no significant differences in terms of age, gender and diagnoses between the precut and no precut groups. After precut immediate biliary cannulation was achieved in 89% of patients and this increased to 98.2% with a repeat ERCP. The overall complication rate after ERCP was 2.1% (bleeding: 0.7%; pancreatitis: 1.3%; perforation: 0.3%). The only complication after the precut was pancreatitis, and this was not significantly different from the group without a precut (1.8 vs 1.3%). CONCLUSION: The strategy of early precut for biliary access was safe and effective.     

Can wire‐guided cannulation reduce the risk of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis? A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and Aim:  The use of wire-guided cannulation (WGC) for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the overall effect of WGC for PEP compared with conventional contrast-assisted cannulation by carrying out a meta-analysis of all available randomized controlled trials (RCT).
Methods:  Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library and the Science Citation Index, were searched to retrieve relevant trials. In addition, meeting abstracts and the reference lists of retrieved articles were reviewed for further relevant studies. Outcome measures were the incidence of PEP.
Results:  Four RCT, enrolling a total of 1413 patients, were included. The meta-analysis failed to indicate a significant association between the use of WGC and the reduction of PEP (RR 0.34; 95% CI: 0.10–1.17; P  = 0.09). Subgroup analysis including trials without cross-over design showed a significant benefit with the use of WGC in reducing PEP (RR 0.20; 95% CI: 0.09–0.40; P  < 0.00001) and trials without precut used failed to indicate a significant differences between the two group (RR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.01–11.73; P  = 0.58).
Conclusions:  This meta-analysis showed only a non-significant reduction in the rate of PEP with the use of WGC. Further well-designed RCT are required to confirm the effect of WGC, especially in patients who were easier to cannulate.     

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

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

Placement of prophylactic pancreatic stents to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in high-risk patients: A meta-analysis

AIM:To assess the effectiveness of pancreatic stents for preventing pancreatitis in high-risk patients after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).METHODS:PubMed,Embase,Science Citation Index,and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched to identify relevant trials published in English.Inclu-sion and exclusion criteria were used to screen for suitable studies.Two reviewers independently judged the study eligibility while screening the citations.The methodological quality of the included trials was assessed using the Jadad scoring system.All results were expressed as OR and 95%CI.Data were analyzed using Stata12.0 software.RESULTS:Ten eligible randomized controlled trials were selected,including 1176 patients.A fixed-effects model in meta-analysis supported that pancreatic duct stents significantly decreased the incidence of postERCP pancreatitis(PEP)in high-risk patients(OR=0.25;95%CI:0.17-0.38;P<0.001).Pancreatic stents also alleviated the severity of PEP(mild pancreatitis after ERCP:OR=0.33;95%CI:0.21-0.54;P<0.001;moderate pancreatitis after ERCP:OR=0.30;95%CI:0.13-0.67;P=0.004).The result of severe pancreatitis after ERCP was handled more rigorously(OR=0.24;95%CI:0.05-1.16;P=0.077).Serum amylase levels were not different between patients with pancreatic stents and control patients(OR=1.08;95%CI:0.82-1.41;P=0.586).CONCLUSION:Placement of prophylactic pancreatic stents may lower the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients and alleviate the severity of this condition.     

Antioxidant drugs to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: What does evidence suggest?

AIM: To determine whether or not the use of antioxidant supplementation aids in the prevention of post- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was made to evaluate the preventive effect of prophylactic antioxidant supplementation in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP). The inclusion criteria included: acute post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in adults; randomized clinical trials with the use of any antioxidant as an intervention compared with placebo, to reduce PEP. The outcome measure was the incidence and severity of PEP. Twelve RCTs involving 3110 patients since 1999 were included. The antioxidants used were selenite, β-carotene, and pentoxifylline (each one in one trial), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in three trials, and allopurinol in six trials. The group of patients treated with NAC received different doses; either oral or intravenous, and allopurinol-treated patients received five different oral doses in two different administration periods. The results are expressed with raw numbers, proportions, as well as mean and standard deviations. The incidence of pancreatitis between groups was analyzed with Pearson’s χ² test or Fisher’s exact test (F). The main outcome is expressed as relative risks and 95%CI.RESULTS: The incidence of pancreatitis in all antioxidant treatment groups was 8.6%, whereas it was 9.7% in the control group. The antioxidants used were selenite, β-carotene, and pentoxifylline (each one in one trial), NAC in three trials, and allopurinol in six trials. In allopurinol trials, three different dosifications were used; two trials reported a low dosage (of less than 400 mg), two trials reported a moderate dose (600 mg) and the remaining two employed higher doses (more than 900 mg). Supplementation was not associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of PEP [relative risk (RR) = 0.93; 95%CI: 0.82-1.06; P = 0.28]. In addition, the incidences of PEP in patients treated with allopurinol and those treated with other antioxidants were similar to that observed in patients who received the placebo (RR for trials with allopurinol, 0.92; 95%CI: 0.78-1.08; P = 0.31) and, with the use of other antioxidants, the incidence of PEP was 8.9%, whereas it was 9.7% in the control group (RR = 0.95; 95%CI: 0.77-1.18; P = 0.19).CONCLUSION: Antioxidant supplementation shows no beneficial effect on the incidence of PEP. There is a lack of robust trials to support the use of antioxidants for prevention.     

0.025-inch vs 0.035-inch guide wires for wire-guided cannulation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A randomized study

AIM:To compare the clinical outcomes between 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch guide wires(GWs) when used in wire-guided cannulation(WGC).METHODS:A single center,randomized study was conducted between April 2011 and March 2013. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee at our hospital. Informed,written consent was obtained from each patient prior to study enrollment. Three hundred and twenty-two patients with a na?ve papilla of Vater who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) for the purpose of selective bile duct cannulation with WGC were enrolled in this study. Fifty-three patients were excluded based on the exclusion criteria,and 269 patients were randomly allocated to two groups by a computer and analyzed:the 0.025-inch GW group(n = 109) and the 0.035-inch GW group(n = 160). The primary endpoint was the success rate of selective bile duct cannulation with WGC. Secondary endpoints were the success rates of the pancreatic GW technique and precutting,selective bile duct cannulation time,ERCP procedure time,the rate of pancreatic duct stent placement,the final success rate of selective bile duct cannulation,andthe incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP).RESULTS:The primary success rates of selective bile duct cannulation with WGC were 80.7%(88/109) and 86.3%(138/160) for the 0.025-inch and the 0.035-inch groups,respectively(P = 0.226). There were no statistically significant differences in the success rates of selective bile duct cannulation using the pancreatic duct GW technique(46.7% vs 52.4% for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups,respectively; P = 0.884) or in the success rates of selective bile duct cannulation using precutting(66.7% vs 63.6% for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups,respectively; P = 0.893). The final success rates for selective bile duct cannulation using these procedures were 92.7%(101/109) and 97.5%(156/160) for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups,respectively(P = 0.113). There were no significant differences in selective bile duct cannulation time(median ± interquartile range:3.7 ± 13.9 min vs 4.0 ± 11.2 min for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups,respectively; P = 0.851),ERCP procedure time(median ± interquartile range:32 ± 29 min vs 30 ± 25 min for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups,respectively; P = 0.184) or in the rate of pancreatic duct stent placement(14.7% vs 15.6% for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups,respectively; P = 0.832). The incidence of PEP was 2.8%(3/109) and 2.5%(4/160) for the 0.025-inch and 0.035-inch groups,respectively(P = 0.793).CONCLUSION:The thickness of the GW for WGC does not appear to affect either the success rate of selective bile duct cannulation or the incidence of PEP.     

Comparison of efficacy and safety of transpancreatic septotomy,needle-knife fistulotomy or both based on biliary cannulation unintentional pancreatic access and papillary morphology

Background

Precut sphincterotomy has been widely performed to facilitate selective biliary access when standard cannulation attempts failed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, scarce data are available on different precut techniques for difficult biliary cannulation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transpancreatic septotomy (TPS), needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) or both based on the presence of unintentional pancreatic access and papillary morphology.

乳头扩约肌预切开术在困难插管内镜逆行胰胆管造影术中的疗效分析

目的 探讨十二指肠乳头预切开术在内镜逆行胰胆管造影术( ERCP)中的应用,并评价其在ERCP中的作用和安全性.方法 自2008年1月至2011年6月我院肝胆胰外科共完成内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术930例,其中选择性插管困难者采用常规方法不能完成而采用乳头预切开术108例,占11.6％.纳入标准为常规插管失败或反复进入胰管4次判定为选择性插管困难,术中改行乳头预切开术,根据病情完成ERCP检查和内镜下治疗.观察终点为治疗成功率和并发症发生率,并与同期常规ERCP插管病例资料对比分析.统计学处理采用SPSS 13.0统计软件,率的比较采用x2检验,P＜0.05为差异有统计学意义.结果 本组乳头预切开术108例,ERCP成功103例,成功率95.4％.术后并发症7例,发生率6.5％,无十二指肠穿孔及死亡病例.同期822例常规ERCP诊治成功率97.7％,术后并发症63例,发生率7.7％.乳头预切开与常规选择性胆管插管两组患者的并发症发生率(x2=0.141,P=0.707)及成功率(x2=2.041,P=0.153)差异无统计学意义.结论 乳头预切开术与常规ERCP相比不增加发生并发症的风险,可提高困难ERCP的成功率,但要严格掌握适应证,由经验丰富的医师进行.     

Evaluation of Early Precut with Needle-Knife in Difficult Biliary Cannulation During ERCP

Background

There is scarce information on whether performing the precut procedure early rather than after several cannulation attempts is associated with different success and complication rates.

Objective

The aim of this retrospective study was is to compare the early precut technique with the standard one in terms of the results and complications.

Methods

The contemporary success rate and postoperative complications in 792 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cases were frequently observed during the period from June 2007 to May 2011, and 56 of these cases were carried out with precut biliary sphincterotomy after the standard sphincterotomy had failed.

Results

The success rate for standard sphincterotomy was 89.8 %: 51 out of 56 cases were carried out with precut biliary sphincterotomy and succeeded. The total success rate was 96.3 %. The difference was significant (χ ² = 25.62, p < 0.01) compared to the success rate of first cannulation, while the difference in complication rates between precut and standard sphincterotomy was minor (9.9 vs. 12.5 %, p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Early precut with a needle-knife in a difficult biliary cannulation was safe and effective if performed by experienced endoscopists.     

Repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography after failed initial precut sphincterotomy for biliary cannulation

AIM: To investigate the outcome of repeating endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) after initially failed precut sphincterotomy to achieve biliary cannulation.METHODS: In this retrospective study, consecutive ERCPs performed between January 2009 and September 2012 were included. Data from our endoscopy and radiology reporting databases were analysed for use of precut sphincterotomy, biliary access rate, repeat ERCP rate and complications. Patients with initially failed precut sphincterotomy were identified.RESULTS: From 1839 consecutive ERCPs, 187 (10%) patients underwent a precut sphincterotomy during the initial ERCP in attempts to cannulate a native papilla. The initial precut was successful in 79/187 (42%). ERCP was repeated in 89/108 (82%) of patients with failed initial precut sphincterotomy after a median interval of 4 d, leading to successful biliary cannulation in 69/89 (78%). In 5 patients a third ERCP was attempted (successful in 4 cases). Overall, repeat ERCP after failed precut at the index ERCP was successful in 73/89 patients (82%). Complications after precut-sphincterotomy were observed in 32/187 (17%) patients including pancreatitis (13%), retroperitoneal perforations (1%), biliary sepsis (0.5%) and haemorrhage (3%).CONCLUSION: The high success rate of biliary cannulation in a second attempt ERCP justifies repeating ERCP within 2-7 d after unsuccessful precut sphincterotomy before more invasive approaches should be considered.     

经胰管弓式隔膜乳头预切开术和针式乳头预切开术在困难胆管插管中的应用研究

目的评价经胰管弓式隔膜乳头预切开术处理ERCP困难胆管插管的应用价值。方法回顾2006年1月至2008年7月109例ERCP胆总管插管困难患者进行经胰管弓式隔膜乳头预切开术（下称经胰管组,56例）和常规针式乳头预切开术（下称常规针刀组,53例）的临床资料,比较两种方法插管成功率及并发症发生率。结果109例患者中的97例在乳头预切开术后可成功插入胆管,经胰管组成功率96．4％（54／56）,常规针刀组成功率81．1％（43／53）,两者差异具统计学意义（P〈0．05）。109例中11例出现并发症,包括急性胰腺炎5例、出血4例、胆道感染2例。其中,经胰管组急性胰腺炎2例,常规针刀组急性胰腺炎3例,出血4例,胆道感染2例。两组比较,经胰管组总的并发症发生率低于常规针刀组（3．6％比17．0％,P〈0．05）,术后胰腺炎、出血、感染发生率也分别低于后者,但均无统计学意义。结论内镜经胰管弓式隔膜乳头预切开术超选胆总管成功率高于针式乳头预切开术,而且并发症较低,是处理选择性胆总管插管较困难患者的安全和有效的办法。