NMR cholangiography in the diagnostic algorithm of candidates to video laparocholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: High resolution magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a non invasive imaging modality for depicting the pancreatobiliary tree. It can demonstrate dilation, stenosis and intraductal filling defects of both the biliary and the pancreatic duct. The imaging quality of high resolution MRCP is excellent. MRCP appears to be more effective and less invasive than endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to evaluate many pancreatic and biliary diseases as choledocholithiasis, malignant obstruction, incomplete or failed ERCP, postsurgical alterations of the biliary tract (as biliary-enteric anastomoses), sclerosing cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, and congenital anomalies of the biliary and pancreatic duct. METHODS: MRCP was performed in 21 non selected patients with suspected choledocholithiasis and demonstrated the presence of stones in the biliary tract in 5 of them. In these 5 patients sequential endoscopic-laparoscopic treatment was performed and confirmed in all cases the presence of stones in the biliary tree. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (VLC) and transcystic cholangiography was attempted in the restant 16 patients. RESULTS: Laparoscopic transcystic cholangiography confirmed in all cases the response of MRCP. CONCLUSIONS: MRCP has the potential to replace ERCP in the management of patients candidate to VLC with suspected choledocholithiasis.     

Role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in diagnosis and management of congenital choledochal cysts: 28 pediatric cases

Background/purposeManagement of choledochal cysts consists of surgical excision and hepaticojejunal anastomosis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be used to resolve complications and to evaluate the biliary tract and pancreatobiliary duct junction. Our aim was to underline the importance of ERCP for optimal management.MethodsFrom 2005 to 2011, 28 patients were reviewed (21 female, 7 male; mean age, 5.71 years; range, 2-16 years). After imaging, all patients underwent elective ERCP and were referred for surgery.ResultsCholedochal cyst was diagnosed at ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in all examined patients; common biliopancreatic duct was diagnosed in 3 (20%) of 15 patients at magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and in none at ultrasound. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed choledochal cyst in all patients and common biliopancreatic duct in 19 (68%) of 28 patients. Twelve patients underwent sphincterotomy. All patients underwent surgical extrahepatic biliary tree resection and hepaticojejunal anastomosis. Mean period of hospitalization was 9.5 days (range, 6-13 days). No major complications related to ERCP were observed. Two patients needed postoperative ERCP for complications (pancreatitis during follow-up).ConclusionsIn our pediatric experience, ERCP is feasible and safe. It can rule out other possible biliary tract anomalies and help plan the timing and choice of the appropriate surgical procedure.     

Recurrent pancreatitis caused by pancreatobiliary anomalies in children with annular pancreas

Purpose

Annular pancreas (AP) is usually associated with duodenal obstruction in neonates. Pancreatitis with AP occurs frequently in adults but is rare in children. This article describes pancreatitis in children with AP and pancreatobiliary anomalies and its surgical treatment.

Patients and Methods

Six children who underwent duodenal bypass for AP subsequently developed recurrent pancreatitis. Three had trisomy 21. Duodenoduodenostomy had been performed in 5 patients and gastrojejunostomy in 1 patient for neonatal duodenal obstruction. We reviewed overall management, imaging, and surgical treatment in these children.

Results

All children subsequently complained of recurrent abdominal pain. Pancreatitis developed in 6 children, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed associated pancreatobiliary anomalies such as pancreas divisum, pancreatobiliary malunion, choledochocele, and intraluminal duodenal diverticulum. In 5 cases, surgery for recurrent or chronic pancreatitis was performed. The range of follow-up was 11 to 54 months, and all children who underwent surgery had excellent results.

Conclusions

Children with AP occasionally require reoperation for recurrent pancreatitis because of associate pancreatobiliary anomalies. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and ERCP provide excellent images of pancreatobiliary anomalies. Intraoperative cholangiopancreatography is also essential for accurate depiction of the ductal structure and selection of the appropriate surgical procedure.     

急诊ERCP在急性胆源性胰腺炎治疗中的应用

目的探讨急诊ERCP在急性胆源性胰腺炎(ABP)急性反应期中的作用与地位。方法回顾分析92例ABP患者,根据是否早期接受急诊ERCP分为ERCP组(ERCP组,52例)和非ERCP组(N-ERCP组,40例)。观察ERCP组中胆总管微小结石或胆泥发生率;比较两组重症胰腺炎发生率、腹痛缓解时间、血清淀粉酶及肝功能变化。结果 ERCP组中49例急诊ERCP治疗成功,成功率达94.2%。ERCP组中,胆总管微小结石及胆泥共6例,占胰腺炎病因11.5%(6/52);ERCP组重症胰腺炎发生率[5.8%(3/52)]明显低于N-ERCP组[20%(8/40)](P<0.05)。ERCP组腹痛缓解时间(3.5±1.1 d vs 5.0±1.5 d)、血清淀粉酶下降速度(50±135 U/L vs 201±120 U/L)、肝功能(TBIL:125±114μmol/L vs 250±140μmol/L;ALT:210±183 U/L vs 452±215 U/L;GGT:241±198 U/L vs 450±285 U/L)改善情况均优于N-ERCP组(P<0.05)。结论急诊治疗性ERCP可显著缓解临床症状和降低重症胰腺炎发生率。     

急性胰腺炎复发病例的临床研究

目的：研究急性胰腺炎复发的基本病因及影像学特点。方法：回顾性分析５６例急性胰腺炎复发（复发组）及６１例初发胰腺炎（对照组）病人的基本病因、Ｂ超、ＣＴ和ＥＲＣＰ检查的变化规律以探讨其病因。结果：复发组病人胆石症发病率为６０．７％,显著高于对照组的３１．１％（Ｐ＜０．０１）;对照组发病原因不明者达５０．８％,显著高于复发组（Ｐ＜０．０１）。复发组病人中放射痛、腹肌紧张和黄疸的发生率分别为４８．２％、２１．４％和１６．１％,显著高于对照组（Ｐ＜０．０５）。Ｂ超检查发现,复发组胰腺回声粗强者达３５．７％,胰管扩张者达１９．６％,均显著高于对照组;胆囊炎、胆结石和胆总管扩张的发病率也显著高于对照组。ＣＴ示复发组胰腺假性囊肿、肿大、坏死的发生率高于对照组,但无统计学意义。ＥＲＣＰ示复发组胆总管结石、扩张的发生率显著高于对照组（Ｐ＜０．０１）;主胰管结石、扩张、狭窄及乳头部病变发生率也明显增多。结论：胆囊炎、胆囊结石、胆总管结石等疾病可能是急性胰腺炎复发的主要病因。其他还有一部分病人是慢性胰腺炎的急性发作。     

MRCP与ERCP对胆道梗阻诊断价值的比较

目的：探讨磁共振胰胆管成像(MRCP)对胰胆管梗阻性疾病的诊断价值及局限性.方法:采用快速自旋回波水成像技术,对35例临床拟诊胆道梗阻并均行内窥镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)的患者进行MRCP检查,并将MRCP影像资料与ERCP进行对照分析,21例经手术病理证实,14例为ERCP检查证实.结果:MRCP成功率为100%,MRCP图像与ERCP极其相似,依据MRCP图像可以作出与ERCP基本一致的诊断.对胆道梗阻的部位诊断正确率达91.4%,定性诊断正确率达80.6%.MRCP图像的空间分辨率略逊于ERCP,有时不能显示胰管及其分支.对ERCP失败或显示不全的病例,MRCP可获得有价值的诊断信息.结论:MR-CP在诊断胆道梗阻性疾病方面具有简便、安全,无创伤性,无需造影剂等优点,而且具有与ERCP相同的诊断价值,在许多方面可取代ERCP.     

十二指肠镜技术联合乌司他丁治疗急性胆源性胰腺炎的临床研究

目的 评价早期十二指肠镜技术联合乌司他丁治疗急性胆源性胰腺炎的价值及并发症.方法 150例胆源性胰腺炎患者中,72 h内行内镜治疗50例,72 h内行内镜联合乌司他丁治疗50例,保守治疗50例.比较其腹痛缓解时间,血淀粉酶及肝功能恢复时间等.结果 联合组较对照组治疗后血淀粉酶恢复正常时间,肝功能恢复正常时间、腹痛...     

Common bile duct strictures associated with chronic pancreatitis

Common bile duct (CBD) strictures associated with chronic pancreatitis may cause significant hepatobiliary disease. Nine patients with chronic alcohol-related pancreatitis and CBD obstruction requiring operative biliary or pancreatobiliary decompression are reported. Alkaline phosphatase was the most specific biochemical indicator of cholestasis. Abnormal CBD anatomy was delinated accurately in 89 per cent of cases with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). All strictures were localized to the intrapancreatic portion of the distal CBD. Pancreatic pseudocysts (PPC) were identified in six (67%) cases. All nine patients underwent biliary decompression. Simultaneous PPC drainage or pancreatic duct decompression (Peustow procedure) was performed in eight cases (89%). No perioperative mortality occurred, and all patients reported subjective improvement in symptoms. Biliary tract strictures sufficient to cause clinical or biochemical cholestasis are a poorly recognized complication of chronic pancreatitis. Cholangiography (PTC or ERCP) should be obtained in order to delineate radiographic features, and extent and severity of the biliary stricture because there is no predictable correlation between levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and liver histopathology. A percutaneous biopsy is requisite to document changes in hepatic morphology. In order to prevent potential hepatobiliary complications such as cholangitis and secondary biliary cirrhosis, biliary strictures should be managed surgically even in anicteric and otherwise asymptomatic patients. Simultaneous treatment of associated pancreatic pathology can be performed if necessary with little added morbidity.     

轻症急性胆源性胰腺炎内镜治疗价值

目的 评价早期内镜治疗轻症急性胆源性胰腺炎的价值及远期并发症.方法 将131例轻症急性胆源性胰腺炎患者随机分为2组,44例行保守治疗(保守组),87例在72h内行内镜治疗(内镜组).比较其腹痛缓解时间,血淀粉酶、肝功能恢复时间及复发率等.结果 内镜组较对照组治疗后血淀粉酶、肝功能及体温恢复正常时间,腹痛缓解时间、腹部体征消失时间明显缩短(P<0.05).122例患者平均随访18个月(3~42个月),9例失访,随访率93.1%.内镜组的胰腺炎复发率0%(0/83)明显低于对照组15.4%(6/39)(P=0.001)).结论 早期内镜治疗对于轻症急性胆源性胰腺炎是一种有效而安全的方法,尤其适用于有明显黄疸、感染、结石嵌顿的病例,并能减少胰腺炎的复发.     

Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with pancreatic pseudocyst associated with resolving acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Experience with patients with pancreatic pseudocysts has led the authors to the hypothesis that preoperative evaluation of the pancreatic and bile ducts by ERCP will define those patients who may be inadequately treated by pseudocyst drainage alone without attention to associated pancreatic and biliary ductal abnormalities. In patients with certain ductal abnormalities, the pseudocyst operation was combined with a definitive operative drainage of the pancreatic duct and/or of the biliary tree where appropriate. A prospective evaluation of routine preoperative ERCP was undertaken over a 36-month period in all patients scheduled for operative treatment of pseudocyst of the pancreas. From an initial group of 44 patients with pseudocysts, three patients who had spontaneous regression of the pseudocyst were excluded. ERCP was successful in 39 of the remaining 41 patients. Among 41 operated patients, 24 were admitted with a diagnosis of pseudocyst that arose after an episode of acute pancreatitis, and 17 had chronic pancreatitis with pseudocyst. Nine patients, initially assumed to have acute pancreatitis, were recognized to have chronic pancreatitis on the basis of ERCP findings. Communication with the main pancreatic duct (MPD) was demonstrated in 18 of 41 pseudocysts, and the rate of communication was similar in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis. Dilatation of the MPD was seen in 23 of 41 patients and was associated with chronic pancreatitis in 21. Dilatation of the common bile duct was found in 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis. The operative plan was altered by ERCP findings in 24 of 41 patients; 22 of the 24 patients had chronic pancreatitis. There were no complications of ERCP. These data suggest that ERCP should be performed in all patients with pseudocysts to establish correct diagnosis and to allow optimal choice of operation.     

Acute biliary pancreatitis: Diagnosis and management

Acute biliary pancreatitis is a serious complication of biliary calculous disease and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis has been the focus of discussion in recent years. In addition, the exact role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis has not yet been fully defined. In this report, we evaluated a protocol of emergency ERCP (within 24 hours) for predicted severe attacks, early ERCP (within 72 hours) for predicted mild attacks, and interval LC for management of acute biliary pancreatitis. Between January 1992 and June 1995 a total of 75 patients with acute biliary pancreatitis were managed according to the protocol. Bedside ultrasonography at admission diagnosed 94% of all 64 patients with gallbladder stones, but the sensitivity of visualizing choledocholithiasis was low (19%). Forty-five (60%) of them were predicted to have a severe attack by either Ranson or glucose/urea criteria. Emergency ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) for identifiable common bile duct (CBD) or ampullary stones were performed on all patients predicted to have a severe attack within 24 hours from presentation. An early endoscopic procedure was performed on all patients predicted to have a mild attack within 72 hours from presentation. ERCP was successful in 95% of all patients, and CBD stones were detected in 52 (69%) of them. ES and stone clearance were successful in all of these 52 patients. The morbidity associated with the endoscopic procedure was 3%, and there were no deaths. All except one patient survived the attack of acute pancreatitis, resulting in an overall mortality of 1%. Interval LC was performed on 46 patients with a conversion rate of 4%. The median postoperative hospital stay after LC was 2 days, and there was no major intraoperative or postoperative morbidity or mortality. Our experience suggests that the policy of emergency ERCP for patients with predicted severe disease, early ERCP for patients with predicted mild disease, and interval LC are associated with favorable outcomes in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis. Acute biliary pancreatitis can be managed safely and effectively by a combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach.     

Pancreatogram changes in patients with calculous biliary disease.

A successful pancreatogram was obtained at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 53 patients with calculous biliary disease. Twenty-eight patients presented with jaundice and 25 with pain. In both groups there was a high incidence of pancreatogram abnormalities (47 and 48 per cent respectively). These findings demonstrate that the pancreas is often abnormal in the presence of complicated calculous biliary disease even though there may be no recent clinical evidence of pancreatitis and suggest that asymptomatic chronic pancreatitis may be common. The clinical significance of the abnormalities is discussed.     

食管胃静脉曲张患者伴胰胆疾病内镜下治疗的研究

目的本研究对193例行经内镜逆行胰胆管造影（ERCP）诊治的食管胃静脉曲张伴胰胆疾病患者进行回顾性分析,以期了解ERCP对食管胃静脉曲张伴胰胆疾病的诊断价值。方法对食管胃静脉曲张患者行常规内镜检查,同时行ERCP检查及治疗193例次。部分食管胃静脉曲张伴胰胆疾病者给予常规内镜下初级预防治疗,部分食管胃静脉曲张伴胰胆疾病者直接作ERCP检查。结果发现化脓性胆管炎10例;肝、胆管结石共47例;原发性肝癌8例;胆管癌3例;胆管癌栓6例;胰腺癌3例;十二指肠乳头病变4例;胆管狭窄29例;乳头括约肌切开15例;胆管支架31例;迟发性出血2例,出血并发症发生率1%;结论对所有食管胃静脉曲张伴胰胆疾病者作ERCP检查是安全、有效的,但其并发症等相关因素还需要长期大样本的研究。     

The spectrum and natural history of common bile duct stenosis in chronic alcohol-induced pancreatitis.

Sixty patients with chronic alcohol-induced pancreatitis with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography evidence of common bile duct stenosis were studied to determine the clinical spectrum and natural history of this complication, as well as the indications for biliary bypass. In 17% of patients, common bile duct stenosis (CBDS) was an incidental finding at ERCP, while in the remaining cases pain and jaundice were the predominant symptoms in 35% and 48%, respectively. Biliary drainage was performed in 38% of patients for persistent or recurrent jaundice, cholangitis, and while undergoing pancreatic duct or cyst drainage procedures for pain. The benign nature of CBDS in chronic alcohol-induced pancreatitis (CAIP) in patients without persistent jaundice is emphasized. In particular, no histologically proved cases of secondary biliary cirrhosis were noted. The majority of patients with CBDS due to CAIP may be safely managed without biliary bypass but require close follow-up.     

老年急性胆源性胰腺炎的内镜治疗

目的探讨老年病人急性胆源性胰腺炎患者早期行内镜下逆行胰胆管造影检查和治疗的临床疗效及安全性。方法 87例急性胆源性胰腺炎住院患者,其中老年病人23例(老年组),其余64例为对照组,观察两组的疗效和安全性。结果 23例老年病人均顺利实行了ERCP操作,病情均得到不同程度的改善,同对照组相比没有明显增加并发症率。结论内镜下逆行胰管造影对于治疗老年病人急性胆源性胰腺炎具有微创、安全、有效,是治疗老年病人胆源性胰腺炎的一种有效的方法。     

ERCP in association with laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background With the evolution of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) as the standard operation for benign gallbladder disease, the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones has to be defined. Methods From November 1990 to April 1994 we attempted LC in 1,788 patients. Eighty-nine patients underwent ERCP preoperatively under the following indications: jaundice or a history of jaundice, cholangitis, gallstone pancreatitis, abnormal liver function tests, and a sonogram showing either CBD stones or a dilated CBD. With intent to minimize the number of unnecessary ERCPs only patients with jaundice, cholangitis, and high abnormalities on the liver function tests (LFTs) were directly referred for ERCP. All other patients with suspected choledocholithiasis were initially investigated with intravenous cholangiography (IVC) and tomography; only patients with positive findings on IVC subsequently underwent ERCP. Eighteen patients underwent ERCP postoperatively and the indications included jaundice, bile leak, and abnormal intraoperative cholangiogram. Results Of the 89 patients having ERCP preoperatively 54 patients (60.7%) were found to have CBD stones which were removed endoscopically in all cases except in one patient where a large CBD stone was removed during laparoscopic exploration of the CBD. Eight patients of the 18 patients having ERCP postoperatively were found to have CBD stones and all of them had their CBD cleared endoscopically. There were no mortalities, while four patients developed a mild pancreatitis. Conclusions Although there is an increasing tendency to clear the bile duct with a laparoscopic approach, ERCP and sphincterotomy has a certain role in conjunction with LC in the management of patients with a high suspicion of CBD stones, particularly in institutions where there is easy access to expert interventional endoscopic techniques.     

经内镜乳头括约肌小口切开并放置塑料支架分期治疗巨大或多发胆总管结石

【摘要】目的探讨经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（ERCP）Ⅰ期先行乳头括约肌小口切开并放置塑料支架解除梗阻,一月后再Ⅱ期取石,分期治疗巨大或多发胆总管结石的临床应用的安全性及有效性。方法回顾性分析2010年1月至2015年12月在我科住院首次行ERCP治疗的72例直径≥20mm或结石数量≥3粒的胆总管结石患者,分为观察组（一期ERCP放置支架,1月后二期取石,n=36）;对照组（一期治疗组,n=36）。观察和比较两组病例术后结石清除率,ERCP后胰腺炎（PEP）、重症胰腺炎发生,术后出血、胆道感染发生情况。结果在术后结石清除率方面观察组34例（94.4%）与对照组31例（91.2%）,比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;观察组ERCP术后胰腺炎1例,对照组有8例（P<0.05）;观察组无重症胰腺炎发生,对照组发生2例;观察组1例发生术后出血,对照组则有6例发生（P<0.05）;观察组没有发生术后胆道感染,对照组发生5例（P<0.05）。结论内镜下乳头括约肌小切开并放置塑料支架分期取石术治疗巨大或多发胆总管结石是安全、有效、可行的。     

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the laparoscopic era

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach to patients with suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones remains unsettled. Options include pre- and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or laparoscopic exploration of the CBD. This retrospective study evaluates the role of ERCP in the management of suspected CBD stones, with an emphasis on indications, endoscopic findings, and outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the consecutive medical records of 99 patients (67 females and 32 males) who underwent ERCP for suspected CBD stones between March 1992 and December 1995. RESULTS: In 86 patients, ERCP was performed preoperatively. Indications for ERCP included jaundice, pancreatitis, elevated liver functions tests (LFT), and ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) scan findings. Forty one (48%) of 86 preoperative ERCP had positive findings; 37 (43%) were negative, and in 8 (9%) we failed to demonstrate the CBD. There were seven (8%) major complications: four cases of acute pancreatitis, one case of acute bleeding, and two cases of acute bleeding with perforation. There was no mortality. When pancreatitis was the only indication for ERCP, 0 of 8 patients had positive findings in comparison with 50% when pancreatitis was associated with jaundice and LFT, and 93% when US or CT scan demonstrated stones or dilation of the CBD. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that ERCP is a valuable option for management of CBD stones but should be performed selectively. Neither pancreatitis alone nor LFT alone is an indication for ERCP. The presence of CBD stones is more likely when multiple indications are present.     

Post-ERCP pancreatitis: Reduction by routine antibiotics

Cholangitis and pancreatitis are severe complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Antibiotics have been considered important in preventing cholangitis, especially in those with jaundice. Some have suggested that bacteria may play a role in the induction of post-ERCP pancreatitis. It is not clear, however, whether the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis could be reduced by antibiotic prophylaxis, as is the case with septic complications. In this prospective study, a total of 321 consecutive patients were randomized to the following two groups: (1) a prophylaxis group (n = 161) that was given 2 g of cephtazidime intravenously 30 minutes before ERCP, and (2) a control group (n = 160) that received no antibiotics. All patients admitted to the hospital for ERCP who had not taken any antibiotics during the preceding week were included. Patients who were allergic to cephalosporins, patients with immune deficiency or any other condition requiring antibiotic prophylaxis, patients with clinical jaundice, and pregnant patients were excluded. In the final analysis six patients were excluded because of a diagnosis of bile duct obstruction but with unsuccessful biliary drainage that required immediate antibiotic treatment. The diagnosis of cholangitis was based on a rising fever, an increase in the C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and increases in leukocyte count and liver function values, which were associated with bacteremia in some. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was based on clinical findings, and increases in the serum amylase level (>900 IU/L), CRP level, and leukocyte count with no increase in liver chemical values. The control group had significantly more patients with post-ERCP pancreatitis (15 of 160 in the prophylaxis group vs. 4 of 155 in the control group; P = 0.009) and cholangitis (7 of 160 vs. 0 of 155; P = 0.009) compared to the prophylaxis group. Nine patients in the prophylaxis group (6%) and 15 patients in the control group (9%) had remarkably increased serum amylase levels (>900 III/L) after ERCP, but clinical signs of acute pancreatitis with leukocytosis, CRF’ reaction, and pain developed in four of nine patients in the prophylaxis group compared to 15 of 15 patients with hyperamylasemia in the control group (P = 0.003). In a multivariate analysis, the lack of antibiotic prophylaxis (odds ratio 6.63, P = 0.03) and sphincterotomy (odds ratio 5.60, P = 0.05) were independent risk factors for the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis. We conclude that antibiotic prophylaxis effectively decreases the risk of pancreatitis, in addition to cholangitis after ERCP, and can thus be routinely recommended prior to ERCP These results suggest that bacteria could play a role in the pathogenesis of post-ERCP pancreatitis.     

The clinical importance of different localizations of the papilla associated with juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula

Background

Previous studies have evaluated the presence of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula (JPDD) and the association with pancreatobiliary disease, but not the association of the papilla with an existing JPDD. We investigated the association of different localizations of the papilla with JPDD.

Methods

We studied patients in whom JPDD was detected during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Patients were classified into 3 groups: 1) papilla located inside the diverticulum, 2) papilla located at the edge of the diverticulum and 3) papilla located closer than 3 cm to the diverticulum. The patients were examined with respect to localization of papilla–diverticula and to the association of the localization with pancreaticobiliary disease.

Results

We enrolled 274 patients in our study. Biliary stone disease more frequently existed in group 3. The number of patients presenting with obstructive jaundice was higher in groups 2 (83.6%) and 3 (83.3%) than group 1 (66%). Cholangitis was more common in group 1 (21.3%) than in groups 2 (6.7%) and 3 (2.3%). The presence of biliary stone disease among patients presenting with pancreatitis was significantly different between groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.013) and between groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.017). The common bile duct more frequently contained stones or sludge in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2.

Conclusion

When the papilla is located close to the JPDD, the incidence of biliary stone disease decreases, and pancreatobiliary diseases are caused mostly in the absence of biliary stone disease.