A novel technique of endoscopic introducer-assisted transpapillary gallbladder aspiration prior to drainage in a patient with acute cholecystitis.

Abstract

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ET-GBD) is the preferred technique in patients with acute cholecystitis and cholangitis [1]. Meta-analyses have reported technical and clinical success rates of 83 % and 88.1 % respectively [1] [2]. Aspiration of the infected bile and saline irrigation using nasobiliary drainage is an acceptable method [1]; however, the performance of this maneuver during ET-GBD is time-consuming because of the high viscosity of the bile and the small caliber of the conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography catheter. Endoscopic introducer-assisted procedures have recently emerged as effective pancreaticobiliary interventions [3] [4]. This article describes gallbladder aspiration and irrigation using a novel dual-structure catheter.