Complicated hepatic hydatid cyst and acute pancreatitis. Value of ERCP and treatment with endoscopic sphincterotomy

We present the case of a 29 year-old cholecystectomized woman with hepatic hydatid cysts who was admitted for acute pancreatitis. Echography and abdominal CAT revealed three thydatid cysts-the one in the right liver lobe being complicated-as well as pancreatitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) confirmed the suspected diagnosis of intrabiliary hydatid cyst rupture. An endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed, posterior evolution being asymptomatic, thus permitting the postponing of surgery.     

Management of gallstone pancreatitis: cholecystectomy or ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy

BACKGROUND: Currently, cholecystectomy is recommended for patients with gallstone-induced pancreatitis. ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) within 24 to 48 hours is also suggested for the treatment of acute gallstone pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to determine outcome after cholecystectomy versus ES alone in patients with gallstone pancreatitis. METHODS: One hundred seventeen patients with gallstone pancreatitis were included in this prospective observational study. Inclusion criteria were typical abdominal pain; serum amylase level 3 times or greater than normal; and gallbladder stones and a dilated bile duct, with or without stones, by US, CT, or ERCP. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients (Group A) underwent cholecystectomy after initial evaluation including ERCP in 43 (53%) and ERCP with ES in 38 (47%). The remaining 34 (Group B) underwent successful ERCP with ES alone. Mean follow-up was 33 months for Group A and 34 months for Group B. Recurrent gallstone pancreatitis was noted in 2 patients (2.4%) in Group A (bile duct stone in 2, sludge and papillary stenosis in 1), and in 1 patient (2.9%) in Group B. Ten patients in Group B had follow-up US of the gallbladder that showed disappearance of stones in 3. During follow-up, there was no significant difference in the rates of biliary complications (Group A, 3.6% vs. Group B, 11.6%; p = 0.19) or serious complications (pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholangitis) (Group A, 3.6% vs. Group B, 5.8%). Also, there was no significant difference in procedure-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence of pancreatitis after ERCP with ES alone for gallstone pancreatitis is rare. In patients who have undergone ES alone, cholecystectomy should be considered only if there are overt manifestations of gallbladder disease (e.g., biliary pain, cholecystitis, cystic duct obstruction) and not for prevention of recurrent gallstone pancreatitis. Because treatment by ES alone may be associated with a higher risk of biliary complications during follow-up compared with cholecystectomy, these patients may require close surveillance.     

应用EST技术治疗急性胆源性胰腺炎的临床体会

目的 探讨内镜下乳头Oddi括约肌切开术(endoscopic sphincterotomy,EST)在急性肌源性胰腺炎(acute gallstone pancreatitis,AGP)诊治中的应用价值。方法 将入选的189例AGP患者随机分为EST治疗组(n=79)和对照组(n=110),并根据APACHE Ⅱ评分,将每组再进一步分为重症组和轻症组,两组患者均给予中西医结合治疗。EST治疗组在入院后24h内行内镜逆行胰胆管造影(endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,ERCP)+EST,如发现胆总管或胆胰共同通道有结石,则行网篮、气囊取石或碎石器碎石后取石,如结石多、结石直径大或取石未净,则EST术后再行鼻胆管引流术(endoscopic nasobilliary drainage,ENBD)。结果 对重症AGP,EST治疗组的并发症发生率转开腹手术率、住院天数及住院费用均明显低于对照组(P<0.05);而轻症AGP,两组之间无显著差异结论 早期应用EST技术治疗重症AGP是有效的和安全的。     

应用EST技术治疗急性胆源性胰腺炎的临床体会

目的探讨内镜下乳头Oddi括约肌切开术(endoscopic sphincterotomy, EST)在急性胆源性胰腺炎(acute gallstone pancreatitis, AGP)诊治中的应用价值.方法将入选的189例AGP患者随机分为EST治疗组(n=79)和对照组(n=110),并根据APACHE Ⅱ评分,将每组再进一步分为重症组和轻症组,两组患者均给予中西医结合治疗.EST治疗组在入院后24 h内行内镜逆行胰胆管造影(endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,ERCP) +EST,如发现胆总管或胆胰共同通道有结石,则行网篮、气囊取石或碎石器碎石后取石,如结石多、结石直径大或取石未净,则EST术后再行鼻胆管引流术(endoscopic nasobilliary drainage, ENBD).结果对重症AGP,EST治疗组的并发症发生率、转开腹手术率、住院天数及住院费用均明显低于对照组(P<0.05);而轻症AGP,两组之间无显著差异.结论早期应用EST技术治疗重症AGP是有效的和安全的.     

内镜下乳头括约肌切开术在非胆源性重症急性胰腺炎治疗中的作用

目的 探讨经内镜十二指肠乳头括约肌切开术(EST)和鼻胆管引流术(ENBD)在非胆源性重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)治疗中的作用.方法 73例非胆源性SAP患者按随机法分为内镜治疗组(35例)和对照组(38例).对照组采用内科非手术治疗;内镜治疗组在入院后72 h内行EST和ENBD.检测治疗前及治疗后24 h、3 d、7 d血清淀粉酶;观察入院后腹痛缓解、肠功能恢复情况;记录两组患者病死率、并发症发生率、中转手术率、住院天数.结果 内镜治疗组插管成功率94.3%(33/35),无相关操作并发症;治疗前及治疗后24 h、3 d、7 d血清淀粉酶水平分别为(1376±131)U/L、(675±49)U/L、(238±49)U/L、(75±13)U/L,治疗前和治疗后24 h与对照组无显著差异,治疗后3 d、7 d均较对照组显著降低(P＜0.01).内镜治疗组患者腹痛缓解显效率48.6%,有效率37.1%,显著高于对照组的26.3%和28.9%(P＜0.05).两组患者均无病死.发病30 d内内镜治疗组并发症发生率为14.3%,中转手术率为2.86%,显著低于对照组的44.7%和21.1%(P＜0.01和P＜0.05).内镜治疗组平均住院(27.6±4.0)d,比对照组的(41.7±5.9)d显著缩短(P＜0.05).结论 发病72 h以内采用EST和ENBD治疗非胆源性SAP效果明显优于内科非手术治疗,且安全、可行.     

急性胰腺炎早期ERCP及内镜治疗66例

目的探讨急性胰腺炎患者早期ＥＲＣＰ及内镜治疗应用的价值及安全性．方法急性胰腺炎患者作早期（１ｄ～７ｄ内）ＥＲＣＰ及内镜治疗（ＥＲＣＰ组，６６例），并以同期保守治疗的急性胰腺炎患者６０例作对照（对照组），观察两组患者血清淀粉酶恢复时间，腹痛缓解时间、住院天数、住院费用及并发症发生情况．结果ＥＲＣＰ组中，３６例为胆道疾病患者，４例为胰管结石，４例为胰腺分裂症，３例为乳头旁巨大憩室，１７例ＥＲＣＰ未见异常．作内镜下治疗３３例，其中ＥＰＴ及取石术１７例，４例作了副乳头切开及扩张术，１２例作了鼻胆管引流术．ＥＲＣＰ组腹痛缓解天数及平均住院天数分别为１１５ｄ±３６ｄ及２１７ｄ±５０ｄ，明显短于对照组（１５４ｄ±７８ｄ及３３０ｄ±６８ｄ，Ｐ＜００１）．血清淀粉酶恢复时间及住院费用两组相差不显著．两组均未发生严重并发症．结论急性胰腺炎早期ＥＲＣＰ及内镜治疗经济安全、有效，可缩短腹痛缓解时间及住院天数，作者认为对胆源性胰腺炎应尽早行ＥＲＣＰ及内镜治疗．     

Early endoscopic cholangiopancreatography and sphincterotomy in acute biliary pancreatitis: report of 50 cases.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was successfully performed in 49/50 consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis and suspected biliary aetiology in the early phases of the disease (24-72 hours from admission). ERCP showed common bile duct lithiasis and/or stenosis (25 cholecystectomized patients) in 41/49 cases (83.7%). In 38 patients endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) was performed: stone removal was possible in lithiasic patients (36 cases, 13 previously cholecystectomized); 3 further patients showed a main pancreatic duct stenosis (2 of these underwent pancreatic ES). The patients treated with ES showed a quick improvement in symptomatology and clinical outcome; no adverse effect of ERCP was found; no mortality was registered. Comparison with a previous series of 130 cases of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) showed a reduction in mortality, complications and length of hospitalization. These findings suggest that, from a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view, early ERCP is safe and useful in ABP.     

ERCP in acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of acute pancreatitis has evolved over years since its introduction in 1968. Its importance in diagnosing the etiology of pancreatitis has steadily declined with the advent of less invasive diagnostic tools. The therapeutic implications of ERCP in acute pancreatitis are many fold and are directed towards management of known etiological factors or its related complications. This article highlights the current status of ERCP in acute pancreatitis. DATA SOURCES: An English literature search using PubMed database was conducted on ERCP in acute pancreatitis, the etiologies and complications of pancreatitis amenable to endotherapy and other related subjects, which were reviewed. RESULTS: ERCP serves as a primary therapeutic modality for management of biliary pancreatitis in specific situations, pancreatitis due to microlithiasis, specific types of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, pancreas divisum, ascariasis and malignancy. In recurrent acute pancreatitis and smoldering pancreatitis it has a definite therapeutic utility. Complications of acute pancreatitis including pancreatic-duct disruptions or leaks, benign pancreatic-fluid collections and pancreatic necrosis can be beneficially dealt with. Intraductal ultrasound and pancreatoscopy during ERCP are useful in detecting pancreatic malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The role of ERCP in acute pancreatitis is predominantly therapeutic and occasionally diagnostic. Its role in the management continues to evolve and advanced invasive procedures should be undertaken only in centers dedicated to pancreatic care.     

EST对预防急性胆源性胰腺炎复发的临床价值

目的探讨内镜下乳头括约肌切开（endoscopic sphincterotomy,EST）对预防急性胆源性胰腺炎（acutebiliary pancreatitis,ABP）复发的临床价值。方法将临床治愈的296例ABP患者分为EST治疗组（n=119）和非EST对照组（n=177）。将两组患者进一步分为胆囊切除组和非胆囊切除组。随访所有ABP患者,比较两组复发率有无显著差异。结果两组ABP患者平均随访时间32±14月;15例失访,随访率94.9%。EST治疗组（11/113）的复发率明显低于非EST治疗组（75/168）,差异有显著性（P〈0.01）;胆囊切除虽然能降低ABP的复发率,但其差异无显著性地（P〉0.05）。结论应用EST技术治疗ABP,可预防ABP的再次发作。     

Recurrence of acute gallstone pancreatitis and relationship with cholecystectomy or endoscopic sphincterotomy

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of recurrence of gallstone pancreatitis, its clinical features, and the presence of prognostic factors of recurrence. METHODS: From January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2003, 233 patients admitted with acute gallstone pancreatitis (AGP) were prospectively studied. Patients were divided into two groups: recurrent and nonrecurrent group. Clinical, analytical, radiological, prognostic parameters, and severity (Atlanta criteria) were assessed, along with the performance of cholecystectomy or endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). Clinical features of recurrence were analyzed. Univariate (chi(2), Student's t-test) and multivariate tests were performed. Statistical significance was assumed if p < 0.05. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-six attacks were identified. Forty-two patients (18.2%) recurred, suffering 53 recurrent attacks, which took place within 30 days in 23.3%. Patients who did not undergo surgery after the first attack had 31-fold risk of recurrence (OR = 31.5%, CI = 95%[7.22-137.84], p < 0.001). In patients not operated, recurrence was more frequent if ES was not performed (37.04%vs 0%, p= 0.019). Among patients with surgical risk, none who recurred underwent ES, compared with 27.9% of those who did not recur. Patients in the nonrecurrent group underwent cholecystectomy within the first 30 days or ES more frequently (31.2%vs 7.3%, p= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence of gallstone pancreatitis is a frequent event. Delay of cholecystectomy implies an increased risk of recurrence. ES could be an acceptable option to prevent recurrence in patients who are not candidates for surgery or who do not desire to undergo cholecystectomy.     

Early EUS of the bile duct before endoscopic sphincterotomy for acute biliary pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sphincterotomy can benefit patients with suspected biliary pancreatitis, although there are procedure-related complications. EUS can be used to select patients for endoscopic sphincterotomy. The results of this strategy were assessed. METHODS: Information on patients referred for EUS were recorded in a database. One hundred twenty-three patients with suspected biliary pancreatitis (57 men, 66 women; median age 55 years) were included and followed. All underwent EUS followed by endoscopic sphincterotomy during the same procedure if choledocholithiasis was identified. Outcomes were studied in relation to the initial severity of biliary pancreatitis (Ranson and Balthazar scores), presence of stones, and time span between onset of biliary pancreatitis and EUS plus endoscopic sphincterotomy. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (28%) had a Ranson score greater than 3 on admission and 38 (31%) were Balthazar D-E. The median time from admission to EUS was 3 days. EUS imaging of the bile duct was complete in all but 3 patients. Thirty-three patients (27%) had choledocholithiasis on EUS and underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy. Stones were more frequent in patients with jaundice (p < 0.005) and when EUS was performed less than 3 days after admission (p < 0.05). One hundred patients (81%) recovered without complication. Two patients (1.6%) died, 1 had recurrent BP develop, 6 (5%) had further biliary symptoms, and 16 (13%) had complications of pancreatitis develop (9 pseudocysts). There were 3 mild endoscopic sphincterotomy-related complications (complication rate 6.5%). CONCLUSIONS: In this series in which endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed selectively depending on the endosonographic presence or absence of ductal stones early in the course of the pancreatitis, and not according to its predicted severity, mortality and complications of endoscopic sphincterotomy were low and unrelated to the predicted severity of biliary pancreatitis or the presence of choledocholithiasis. Controlled trials are needed to confirm the superiority of this strategy compared with ERCP alone for the management of biliary pancreatitis.     

Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in acute pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） is a useful tool in the evaluation and management of acute pancreatitis. This review will focus on the role of ERCP in specific causes of acute pancreatitis, including microlithiasis and gallstone disease, pancreas divisum, Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, tumors of the pancreaticobiliary tract, pancreatic pseudocysts, and pancreatic duct injury. Indications for endoscopic techniques such as biliary and pancreatic sphincterotomy, stenting, stricture dilation, treatment of duct leaks, drainage of fluid collections and stone extraction will also be discussed in this review. With the advent of less invasive and safer diagnostic modalities including endoscopic ultrasound （EUS） and magnetic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （MRCP）, ERCP is appropriately becoming a therapeutic rather than diagnostic tool in the management of acute pancreatitis and its complications.     

Role of prophylactic endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis due to transient common bile duct obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The role of prophylactic endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with transient common bile duct obstruction is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the value of performing prophylactic endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients suffering from acute biliary pancreatitis and absent common bile duct stones on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Hospital notes of patients admitted to our unit with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis from January 2000 to January 2005 were reviewed. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed when patients were deemed unfit for cholecystectomy, suffering from a severe attack of acute pancreatitis and/or showing evidence of transient common bile duct obstruction. The outcomes of patients with and without endoscopic sphincterotomy were compared. RESULTS: A total of 427 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis during the study period. Eighty-eight patients with absent common bile duct stones on ERCP were identified. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in 71 patients and not performed in 17 patients. There was no significant difference in recurrent pancreatitis rates (1.4% vs 5.8%, P = 0.35), recurrent biliary complication rates (5.6% vs 5.9%, P = 1) or mortality rates (5.8% vs 1.5%, P = 0.35). The time to recurrent complications (38.4 days vs 41.0 days, P = 0.38) was not significantly different between the two groups. There was no ERCP-related morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic endoscopic sphincterotomy is not recommended in patients with transient common bile duct obstruction or as an option to cholecystectomy in elderly patients. Early cholecystectomy should be performed.     

Early endoscopic sphincterotomy in the management of acute gallstone pancreatitis in elderly patients

Eighteen elderly patients with acute attacks of gallstone pancreatitis underwent early endoscopic sphincterotomy of the papilla of Vater. Eleven patients were considered to be at high risk for surgery due to chronic cardiorespiratory or renal problems. The outcome of these patients was compared with that of 20 consecutive elderly patients with gallstone pancreatitis treated at the same time by means other than endoscopic sphincterotomy. Endoscopic sphincterotomy resulted in an immediate clinical improvement in all patients, except in one patient who developed transient cholangitis; there was no mortality. In contrast, there was one death (5%) and 20% morbidity in the controls. Mean hospitalization period was shorter in patients undergoing sphincterotomy (6 compared with 9.5 days), although the patients managed by sphincterotomy were initially more seriously ill than controls. Only two of the 11 high-risk patients underwent elective cholecystectomy; all others were well during a mean follow-up of 22 months. It is concluded that early endoscopic sphincterotomy is highly effective and safe in acute attacks of gallstone pancreatitis in elderly high-risk patients.     

Recurrent pancreatitis in Caroli's disease. Treatment by endoscopic sphincterotomy

'Pure' Caroli's disease is rarely observed, usually presenting with symptoms of cholangitis: cases of pancreatitis seem most infrequent in the literature. A case of recurrent pancreatitis in Caroli's disease associated with renal policystic disease is presented: the rareness of this manifestation is stressed and the possible pathogenetic hypotheses are discussed, as well as indications for the selected treatment by endoscopic sphincterotomy.