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.     

Can pancreatic duct stenting prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients who undergo pancreatic duct guidewire placement for achieving selective biliary cannulation? A prospective randomized controlled trial

Background  

Although pancreatic duct guidewire placement (P-GW) for achieving selective biliary cannulation is reported to be effective in patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is difficult, this technique entails a possible increased risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the prophylactic effect of pancreatic duct stenting on the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients who underwent P-GW.     

Mechanical prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis by pancreatic stents: results,techniques, and indications

Impaired pancreatic drainage may be most important in the pathophysiology of post-ERCP pancreatitis. When there is a mechanical problem, there is often a mechanical solution. Pancreatic stenting reduces the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients. Young patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction or prior pancreatitis and those undergoing procedures with either a difficult cannulation, precut and/or pancreatic sphincterotomy should be strongly considered for pancreatic stenting. Stents should be removed within about one week or have the proximal flaps removed to allow early spontaneous distal migration. Pancreatic stent placement following biliary intervention can occasionally be difficult. In cases where the primary goal is pancreatic therapy, one should consider establishing pancreatic access before addressing the bile duct. A pancreatic stent can then serve as a guide for sphincterotomy, but most importantly, protect against post-ERCP pancreatitis.     

Pancreatic-duct stent placement facilitates difficult common bile duct cannulation

BACKGROUND: Cannulation of the common bile duct can be difficult in certain instances. Difficult cannulation has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis. We report a technique to facilitate difficult cannulation that uses a pancreatic-duct stent to guide biliary cannulation. METHODS: A retrospective review of all ERCPs performed at our institution from October 1, 2000 to June 30, 2004 (1638) was performed to identify all cases in which a pancreatic-duct stent was placed to guide common bile duct cannulation. Charts on these patients then were reviewed to assess cannulation success and complications. In addition, indications for the ERCP and previously failed cannulation attempts by outside physicians were documented. OBSERVATIONS: Thirty-nine patients had pancreatic-duct stents placed as an aid to guide common bile duct cannulation. Successful cannulation of the bile duct was achieved in 38 of the 39 patients (97.4%) Procedure-related pancreatitis occurred in two patients and was mild in both. There were no procedure-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of difficult common bile duct cannulation, placement of a pancreatic-duct stent as a guide to aid common bile duct cannulation appears to be an effective and safe technique.     

胰管支架预防困难胆管插管ERCP术后急性胰腺炎的前瞻性研究

目的探讨经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（ERCP）中置入胰管支架对困难胆管插管患者ERCP术后急性胰腺炎（PEP）的预防效果。方法120例行ERCP诊疗发生困难胆管插管的患者采用随机数字表法随机分成2组,一组术中置入胰管支架（观察组）,另一组未置入（对照组）,对比分析2组ERCP术后高淀粉酶血症、PEP的发生率以及术后患者腹痛评分结果。结果观察组发生ERCP术后高淀粉酶血症15例（27．3％）,PEP5例（8．3％）,无一例重症PEP,术后患者腹痛评分（3．82±1．48）分;对照组发生ERCP术后高淀粉酶血症18例（30．0％）,PEP14例（23．3％）,重症PEP2例（3．3％）,术后患者腹痛评分（4．78±1．93）分。2组ERCP术后高淀粉酶血症发生率比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;观察组PEP、重症PEP发生率以及术后患者腹痛评分均明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论置入胰管支架可以有效降低胆管插管困难所引起的PEP的风险,并能有效缓解患者术后疼痛,具有较好的临床应用价值。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Difficult biliary cannulation: Historical perspective,practical updates,and guide for the endoscopist

Despite improvements in endoscopic technologies and accessories, development of advanced endoscopy fellowship programs, and advances in ancillary imaging techniques, biliary cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) can still be unsuccessful in up to 20% of patients, even in referral centers. Once cannulation has been deemed to be difficult, the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis and technical failure inherently increases. A number of factors, including endoscopist experience and patient anatomy, have been associated with difficult biliary cannulation, but predicting a case of difficult cannulation a priori is often not possible. Numerous techniques such as pancreatic guidewire and stenting, early pre-cut, and rendezvous may be employed when standard approaches fail. Data regarding the rate of success and adverse events of these techniques have been variable, though most studies suggest that pancreatic duct stenting generally reduces the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis in instances of difficult biliary cannulation. Here we provide a review on difficult biliary cannulation and discuss how the choice of which techniques to employ and how to best employ them should be individualized and take into account the skill of the endoscopist, the disorder being treated, the anatomy of the patient, and the available biomedical literature.     

Pancreatic stenting prevents pancreatitis after biliary sphincterotomy in patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

Background & Aims: Patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction are at high risk of developing pancreatitis after endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy. Impaired pancreatic drainage caused by pancreatic sphincter hypertension is the likely explanation for this increased risk. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine if ductal drainage with pancreatic stenting protects against pancreatitis after biliary sphincterotomy in patients with pancreatic sphincter hypertension. Methods: Eligible patients with pancreatic sphincter hypertension were randomized to groups with pancreatic duct stents (n = 41) or no stents (n = 39) after biliary sphincterotomy. The primary measured outcome was pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Results: Pancreatic stenting significantly decreased the risk of pancreatitis from 26% to 7% (10 of 39 in the no stent group and 3 of 41 in the stent group; P = 0.03). Only 1 patient in the stent group developed pancreatitis after sphincterotomy, and 2 others developed pancreatitis at the time of stent extraction. Patients in the no stent group were 10 times more likely to develop pancreatitis immediately after sphincterotomy than those in the stent group (relative risk, 10.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–78.3). Conclusions: Pancreatic duct stenting protects significantly against post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients with pancreatic sphincter hypertension undergoing biliary sphincterotomy. Stenting of the pancreatic duct should be strongly considered after biliary sphincterotomy for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction; pancreatic sphincter of Oddi manometry identifies which high-risk patients may benefit from pancreatic stenting.GASTROENTEROLOGY 1998;115:1518-1524     

Does a pancreatic duct stent prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis? A prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND: Pancreatitis is the most frequent complication of ERCP. Injury to the papilla during ERCP could obstruct pancreatic duct outflow and initiate pancreatitis. A randomized prospective study was performed to evaluate the effect of pancreatic duct stent placement on the frequency and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis in a selected group of patients. METHODS: The study group consisted of patients over 18 years of age at high risk for post-ERCP pancreatitis because of a difficult cannulation, sphincter of Oddi manometry, and/or the performance of endoscopic sphincterotomy. Patients were prospectively randomized to have a pancreatic duct stent placed or no stent upon completion of the ERCP. The endoprosthesis used was either a 5F nasopancreatic catheter or 5F, 2-cm long pancreatic stent. Study endpoints were the frequency and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis. RESULTS: Patients undergoing pancreatic duct stent placement had a lower frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis as compared with those in the control group (28% vs. 5%; p < 0.05). Pancreatitis tended to be less severe in patients who had pancreatic duct drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic duct stent insertion after ERCP reduces the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients at high risk for this complication.     

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.     

Pancreatic stent insertion: consequences of failure and results of a modified technique to maximize success

BACKGROUND: Increasingly, pancreatic stents are being placed to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis. However, guidewire and stent placement may fail if the duct is small or tortuous, potentially exacerbating the risk. This study assessed the impact of unsuccessful pancreatic stent placement on complications and the efficacy of a modified technique for stent insertion when pancreatic ductal anatomy makes stent insertion technically difficult. METHODS: Technical variables and 30-day complications of consecutive therapeutic ERCPs, including attempted major papilla pancreatic stent insertion were prospectively studied. Success rates for pancreatic stent placement were compared for a 1-year period during which conventional deep guidewire insertion was used and another 1-year period in which a modified technique was used as needed in patients with ductal anatomy that made stent placement technically difficult. In the modified technique, a short (2-3 cm) small diameter (3F-5F) stent was placed over a 0.018-in nitinol-tipped guidewire, passed as little as 1 to 2 cm beyond the pancreatic sphincter. RESULTS: In 225 high-risk therapeutic ERCPs, pancreatitis occurred after the procedure in two of 3 (66.7%) patients in whom pancreatic stent insertion failed vs. 32 of 222 (14.4%) patients with successful insertion (p=0.06). Severe pancreatitis occurred only after unsuccessful stent insertion. Significant multivariate risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis were unsuccessful pancreatic stent insertion (odds ratio 16.1: 95% CI[1.3, 200]), sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (odds ratio 3.2: 95% CI[1.4, 7.5]), and prior post-ERCP pancreatitis (odds ratio 3.2: 95% CI[1.4, 7.1]). The following were not risk factors: performance of pancreatic, biliary, or needle-knife pre-cut sphincterotomy; number of pancreatic contrast injections; and difficult cannulation. Stent placement was unsuccessful in 3 (3.2%) of 93 attempts during the 1-year period in which a conventional technique was used vs. none of 132 attempts in a subsequent year in which the modified technique was used. CONCLUSIONS: Failed attempts at pancreatic stent placement are associated with an extremely high risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Success can be consistently achieved by use of a modified technique.     

Complications of the treatment of endoscopic biliary strictures developing after liver transplantation

Background

Bile duct strictures remain a major source of morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Endoscopic management by the conventional methods of biliary dilatation and/or stent placement has been successful, but sometimes severe complications occur, necessitating prolonged therapy. The aim of this study is to clarify the complications of the endoscopic approach for endoscopic dilatation and/or stent placement.

Method

Of 46 patients who underwent living-donor liver transplantation, 10 were diagnosed as having anatomic biliary strictures by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Two patients developing biliary strictures after deceased-donor liver transplantation were also enrolled in the study. For the purpose of comparison, 302 patients with a total of 550 consecutive ERCP cases (including 115 patients with 250 malignant bile duct strictures) were recruited in this study. Success rate, number of endoscopy sessions, the median procedure time for ERCP, and incidence of complications including post-ERCP pancreatitis were compared in the OLT cases and other cases.

Results

The following results were obtained in the OLT cases, malignant stricture cases, and all cases, respectively: mean number of endoscopy sessions was 3.62, 2.17, and 1.94 (P?=?0.0216, P?P?=?0.0327, P?=?0.0093); and severe pancreatitis occurred in 2 cases of OLT. In a univariate analysis for post-ERCP pancreatitis, OLT was extracted as the only significant risk factor.

Conclusions

Endoscopic maneuvering for biliary dilatation and/or stent placement following OLT was associated with a higher risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis than the use of the same technique for the treatment of malignant biliary stricture. Endoscopic treatment after OLT was a significant risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis.     

Suprapapillary puncture of the common bile duct for selective biliary access: a novel technique (with videos)

BACKGROUND: Selective cannulation of the bile duct while avoiding the potential mechanisms that initiate the cascade of pancreatic injury may prevent or minimize post-ERCP pancreatitis. This could be accomplished by suprapapillary needle puncture of the bile duct with a specially designed needle. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to describe a new technique to perform selective biliary cannulation by using a novel needle-puncture device and its outcome in 28 patients with suspected biliary pathology. DESIGN: This is a single-center, prospective pilot study of suprapapillary puncture of bile duct for both diagnosis and therapy of biliary pathology. SUBJECTS: Thirty patients were enrolled: 28 patients underwent suprapapillary puncture to gain biliary access, and 2 patients with a large periampullary diverticulum were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: After successful biliary cannulation by using a suprapapillary puncture technique and balloon dilation of the tract if necessary, stone removal, plastic stent insertion, and metal stent insertion were attempted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Successful biliary cannulation, time for cannulation, outcome of therapy (clearing the stones or providing stent drainage with stent insertion), and complications were recorded. At 60 days, the suprapapillary puncture was evaluated to check the status of drainage. RESULTS: Suprapapillary puncture was successful in 25 of the 28 patients, and, in 1 patient, it was successful after a week. It was useful in demonstrating a normal bile duct in 9 of 11 patients with suspected biliary pathology. Subsequent therapy was successful in the management of 11 patients with stones, benign biliary pathology in 2 patients, and malignant biliary pathology in 3 of 4 patients. None of the patients developed post-ERCP pancreatitis. Complications included small perforations that resolved with conservative management (n = 2), minor bleeding (n = 2), and submucosal injection (n = 1). At 60 days, all the puncture sites healed in patients who did not undergo dilation, while those with dilation of the tract had a patent orifice, with excellent flow of bile. CONCLUSIONS: Suprapapillary puncture for biliary cannulation is a useful technique for selective cannulation of the bile duct and avoids injury to the pancreas but with higher complication rates. Further studies will be needed to define its safety and its relative benefits compared with conventional access methods.     

New role of the dual knife for precut papillotomy in difficult bile duct cannulation

The dual knife is usually used for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). To date, however, there have been no clinical trials of the safety and effectiveness of precut papillotomy using the dual knife for biliary access in patients failing conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cannulation. We herein report 18 patients who underwent precut papillotomy with the dual knife. All had intact papilla, and had failed deep cannulation of the bile ducts. After successful biliary cannulation and standard endoscopic sphincterotomy, if necessary, stone removal or plastic or metal stent insertion was attempted. Selective bile‐duct cannulation was achieved in all 18 patients (100%), at an average time of 4.2 min (range, 3–6 min). Of these 18 patients, six had malignant bile duct obstruction and 12 had common bile duct stones. One patient developed post‐ERCP pancreatitis, which resolved after conservative management. There were no deaths related to the procedure.     

Randomized controlled trial of pancreatic stenting to prevent pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

AIM:To determine the effectiveness of pancreatic duct(PD) stent placement for the prevention of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in high risk patients.METHODS:Authors conducted a single-blind,randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a pancreatic spontaneous dislodgement stent against post-ERCP pancreatitis,including rates of spontaneous dislodgement and complications.Authors defined high risk patients as having any of the following:sphincter of Oddi dysfunction,difficult cannulation,prior history of post-ERCP pancreatitis,pre-cut sphincterotomy,pancreatic ductal biopsy,pancreatic sphincterotomy,intraductal ultrasonography,or a procedure time of more than 30 min.Patients were randomized to a stent group(n = 60) or to a non-stent group(n = 60).An abdominal radiograph was obtained daily to assessspontaneous stent dislodgement.Post-ERCP pancreatitis was diagnosed according to consensus criteria.RESULTS:The mean age(± standard deviation) was 67.4 ± 13.8 years and the male:female ratio was 68:52.In the stent group,the mean age was 66 ± 13 years and the male:female ratio was 33:27,and in the non-stent group,the mean age was 68 ± 14 years and the male:female ratio was 35:25.There were no significant differences between groups with respect to age,gender,final diagnosis,or type of endoscopic intervention.The frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis in PD stent and non-stent groups was 1.7%(1/60) and 13.3%(8/60),respectively.The severity of pancreatitis was mild in all cases.The frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis in the stent group was significantly lower than in the non-stent group(P = 0.032,Fisher's exact test).The rate of hyperamylasemia were 30%(18/60) and 38.3%(23 of 60) in the stent and non-stent groups,respectively(P = 0.05,χ2 test).The placement of a PD stent was successful in all 60 patients.The rate of spontaneous dislodgement by the third day was 96.7%(58/60),and the median(range) time to dislodgement was 2.1(2-3) d.The rates of stent migration,hemorrhage,perforation,infection(cholangitis or cholecystitis) or other complicationss were 0%(0/60),0%(0/60),0%(0/60),0%(0/60),0%(0/60),respectively,in the stent group.Univariate analysis revealed no significant differences in high risk factors between the two groups.The pancreatic spontaneous dislodgement stent safely prevented post-ERCP pancreatitis in high risk patients.CONCLUSION:Pancreatic stent placement is a safe and effective technique to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis.Therefore authors recommend pancreatic stent placement after ERCP in high risk patients.     

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.     

临时性胰管支架在ERCP胆管插管困难病例中的应用价值

目的 探讨通过留置临时性胰管支架选择性胆管插管对提高胆管插管困难者的造影成功率及并发症发生率.方法 内镜下逆行性胰胆管造影(ERCP)以胆管插管为目的时,因为十二指肠乳头偏位、柔软易移动、胆总管下端过度弯曲、乳头狭窄、憩室旁乳头等存在一些胆管插管困难病例,导丝反复进入胰管,且双导丝技术2～3次后导丝仍不能进入胆管者,我们采用在胰管内临时留置胰管支架,再试行胆管插管造影或预切开.结果 43例留置胰管支架者,42例胆管插管造影成功,1例失败,1例轻症胰腺炎发生结论.结论 ERCP选择性胆管插管困难时采用临时胰管支架能提高成功率,可能降低胰腺炎发生率.     

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography during pregnancy without radiation

AIM： To present our experience with pregnant patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） without using radiation, and to evaluate the acceptability of this alternative therapeutic pathway for ERCP during pregnancy. METHODS： Between 2000 and 2008, six pregnant women underwent seven ERCP procedures. ERCP was performed under mild sedoanalgesia induced with pethidine HCI and midazolam. The bile duct was cannulated with a guidewire through the papilla. A catheter was slid over the guidewire and bile aspiration and/or visualization of the bile oozing around the guidewire was used to confirm correct cannulation. Following sphincterotomy, the bile duct was cleared by balloon sweeping. When indicated, stents were placed. Confirmation of successful biliary cannulation and stone extraction was made by laboratory, radiological and clinical improvement. Neither fluoroscopy nor spot radiography was used during the procedure. RESULTS： The mean age of the patients was 28 years （range, 21-33 years）. The mean gestational age for the fetus was 23 wk （range, 14-34 wk）. Five patients underwent ERCP because of choledocholithiasis and/or choledocholithiasis-induced acute cholangitis. In one case, a stone was extracted after precut papillotomy with a needle-knife, since the stone was impacted. One patient had ERCP because of persistent biliary fistula after hepatic hydatid disease surgery. Following sphincterotomy, scoleces were removed from the common bile duct. Two weeks later, because of the absence of fistula closure, repeat ERCP was performed and a stent was placed. The fistula was closed after stent placement. Neither post-ERCP complications nor premature birth or abortion was seen. CONCLUSION： Non-radiation ERCP in experienced hands can be performed during pregnancy. Stent placement should be considered in cases for which complete common bile duct clearance is dubious because of a lack of visualization of the biliary tree.