Biliary Access Research Articles

EUS-guided antegrade pancreatic guidewire placement for double-guidewire technique in single-balloon enteroscope-assisted ERCP.

Highlight Mandai and colleagues describe EUS-guided antegrade pancreatic guidewire placement followed by the double-guidewire technique in balloon enteroscope-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a patient with recurrent gastric cancer. This case suggests that EUS-guided antegrade pancreatic guidewire placement can be useful for the subsequent double-guidewire technique when EUS-guided biliary access has failed.

Propensity score-matched analysis for comparing transpancreatic sphincterotomy and needle-knife precut in difficult biliary cannulation

Transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) can be an alternative approach of difficult biliary access in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TPS compared to needle-knife precut (NKP), considering the early and late outcomes of both techniques. The prospectively collected clinical data, ERCP procedure findings, and outcomes of patients who underwent ERCP with difficult biliary access in our hospital from July 2016 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the applied secondary cannulation techniques. The propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to reduce the potential selection bias and unify the preventive measures of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) in both groups. A total of 125 patients were enrolled in this study, with 54.4% male and a mean age of 63.29 ± 16.33 years. NKP group included 82 patients, and 43 patients received TPS. Prophylactic pancreatic stents were placed in all patients with TPS and 58.5% of patients with NKP. After applying PSM, the cohort was comprised to 86 patients with 43 patients in each TPS and NKP groups. Successful selective cannulation was achieved by 95.3% using TPS and by 93% using NKP. The mean procedure time was shorter in the TPS group without significant difference. Compared to NKP, using TPS did not affect the rate of PEP. Moreover, TPS was associated with less frequent post-ERCP bleeding and perforation, but without significant differences (all p > 0.05). Patients who received TPS or NKP had no symptoms related to papillary stenosis or chronic pancreatitis during the follow-up period. In conclusion, using TPS in difficult cannulation cases was useful to achieve success cannulation with an acceptable PEP rate and less frequent post-ERCP bleeding and perforation compared to NKP. There were no symptoms related to papillary stenosis or chronic pancreatitis during the follow-up period.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage in benign biliary pathology with normal foregut anatomy: a multicenter study.

Biliary drainage using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS-BD) has been developed as a novel technique to obtain biliary access and drainage when ERCP fails. Numerous studies have demonstrated its safety and efficacy specifically pertaining to those with malignant distal biliary obstruction or altered foregut anatomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of EUS-BD in benign indications in patients with normal foregut anatomy. We performed a retrospective comparative study from 5 academic medical centers (2008-2018) involving patients with benign biliary obstruction and native foregut anatomy who had an initial failed ERCP with subsequent attempt at biliary decompression via EUS-BD or by repeating ERCP. 36 patients (mean age 61.6 ± 2.2, 38.9% female) who underwent attempted EUS-BD following initial failed ERCP were compared to 50 patients (mean age 62.7 ± 2.3, 73.5% female) who underwent repeat ERCP following an initial failed cannulation. EUS-BD was technically successful in 28 (77.8%) patients with rendezvous being the most common approach (86.1%). A higher level of pre-procedural bilirubin was found to be associated with technical success of EUS-BD (3.65 ± 0.63 versus 1.1 ± 0.4, p value 0.04). Success of repeat ERCP following failed cannulation was 86%. Adverse events were significantly more frequent in the EUS-BD cohort when compared to the repeat ERCP (10 (27.8%) versus 4 (8.0%), p = 0.02, OR 4.32. EUS-BD remains a viable therapeutic option in the setting of benign biliary disease, with success rates of 77.8%. Adverse events were significantly more common with EUS-BD vs. repeat ERCP, emphasizing the need to perform in expert centers with appropriate multidisciplinary support and to strongly consider the urgency of biliary decompression before considering same session EUS-BD after failed initial biliary access.

A136 LIVING ON THE EDGE: EUS-DIRECTED TRANSGASTRIC ERCP (EDGE) IN PATIENTS WITH ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS ANATOMY

Abstract Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery imposes anatomic barriers to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Potential options for biliary access in these patients include laparoscopic-assisted ERCP or balloon enteroscopy. However, these approaches require specialized equipment and/or operating room personnel and are associated with high rates of failure and adverse events compared to conventional ERCP. A recently described technique, EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE), is an entirely endoscopic approach which involves accessing the excluded stomach to facilitate conventional ERCP. Objectives To describe the results of EDGE procedures performed in two centres in British Columbia. Aims To describe the results of EDGE procedures performed in two centres in British Columbia. Methods Data were collected from five patient cases who had undergone an EDGE procedure at Victoria General Hospital (4) or Vancouver General Hospital (1) in British Columbia from 2019 to 2020. All patients had a history of RYGB bariatric surgery. In each of the procedures, a 20 mm diameter lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) was deployed under EUS-guidance to allow access from the gastric remnant or proximal jejunum to the excluded stomach. Subsequently, during a separate procedure 4 to 28 days later, a duodenoscope was passed through the LAMS to perform ERCP. Following ERCP, the LAMS was removed 0 to 38 days later and replaced with a double pigtail stent to facilitate controlled closure of the gastro-jejunal or gastro-gastric fistula. Results Of the five cases included in the case series, 4 patients underwent EDGE for treatment of choledocholithiasis and one patient underwent the procedure for gallstone pancreatitis. The technical success rate of the EDGE procedure in the five cases was 100%. Clinical success, defined by normalization of bilirubin and symptomatic relief, was observed in all of the cases. There were no adverse events related to the EDGE procedure in these five cases. Conclusions The results of this series support EDGE as a safe and minimally invasive approach to biliary access and therapy in patients with previous RYGB surgery. Funding Agencies None

Percutaneous Transjejunal Retrograde Cholangiogram as Alternative Biliary Access in Patients with Previous Roux-en-Y Surgery

Percutaneous Transjejunal Retrograde Cholangiogram as Alternative Biliary Access in Patients with Previous Roux-en-Y Surgery

How to access the common bile duct

Biliary access is a prerequisite to all endoscopic interventions in the biliary tract. Successful cannulation of the papilla of Vater is the predominant challenge for the majority of endoscopists training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP), and the skills required for success differ substantially from those of regular luminal endoscopy. This paper reviews some of the key elements to successful biliary cannulation, a range of options for problem-solving when cannulation is difficult, and some tips and tricks in select special situations as well. The techniques are described, and available evidence is reviewed.

ERCP is more challenging in cases of acute biliary pancreatitis than in acute cholangitis – Analysis of the Hungarian ERCP registry data

BackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important therapeutic modality in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) cases with cholangitis or ongoing common bile duct obstruction. Theoretically, inflammation of the surrounding tissues would result in a more difficult procedure. No previous studies examined this hypothesis. ObjectivesABP and acute cholangitis (AC) without ABP cases were compared to assess difficulty of ERCP. MethodsThe rate of successful biliary access, advanced cannulation method, adverse events, cannulation and fluoroscopy time were compared in 240 ABP cases and 250 AC cases without ABP. Previous papillotomy, altered gastroduodenal anatomy, and cases with biliary stricture were excluded. ResultsSignificantly more pancreatic guidewire manipulation (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.921 [1.241–2.974]) and prophylactic pancreatic stent use (aOR 4.687 [2.415–9.098]) were seen in the ABP than in AC group. Average cannulation time in the ABP patients (248 vs. 185 s; p = 0.043) were longer than in AC cases. No difference was found between biliary cannulation and adverse events rates. ConclusionERCP in ABP cases seem to be more challenging than in AC. Difficult biliary access is more frequent in the ABP cases which warrants the involvement of an experienced endoscopist.

Advances in Biliary Access.

Bile duct cannulation using conventional techniques fails in up to 16% of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. Advanced techniques to gain biliary access include ERCP-based maneuvers, and newer endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions. In this article, we review the evidence supporting the use of various ERCP and EUS techniques for biliary access, as well as studies comparing these different techniques. In comparative studies, biliary access after failed conventional cannulation was more successful with EUS-rendezvous compared to precut papillotomy. EUS-guided drainage compares favorably with percutaneous drainage with respect to clinical success, safety profile, and cost-efficiency. Recent randomized trials comparing EUS to ERCP drainage in malignant obstruction have found similar success rates between these techniques. EUS-guided techniques compare favorably to ERCP-based methods for biliary access and drainage. The advent of newer technologies to facilitate interventional EUS may further change current treatment approaches.

The role of endoscopic ultrasound guidance for biliary and pancreatic duct access and drainage to overcome the limitations of ERCP: a retrospective evaluation.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ductal access and drainage (EUS-DAD) of biliary/pancreatic ducts after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is less invasive than percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). The actual need for EUS-DAD remains unknown. We aimed to determine how often EUS-DAD is needed to overcome ERCP failure. Consecutive duct access procedures (n = 2205; 95 % biliary) performed between June 2013 and November 2015 at a tertiary-care center were reviewed. ERCP was used first line, EUS-DAD as salvage after ERCP, and PTBD when both had failed. Procedures were defined as "index" in patients without prior endoscopic duct access and "combined" when EUS-DAD followed successful ERCP. The main outcomes were the EUS-DAD and PTBD rates. EUS-DAD was performed in 7.7 % (170/2205) of overall procedures: 9.1 % (116/1274) index and 5.8 % (54/931) follow-up. Most index EUS-DADs were performed following (46 %) or anticipating (39 %) ERCP failure, whereas 15 % followed successful ERCP (combined procedures). Among index procedures, the EUS-DAD rate was higher in surgically altered anatomy (58.2 % [39 /67)] vs. 6.4 % [77/1207]); PTBD was required in 0.2 % (3/1274). Among follow-up procedures, ERCP represented 85.7 %, cholangiopancreatography through mature transmural fistulas 8.5 %, and EUS-DAD 5.8 %; no patient required PTBD. The secondary PTBD rate was 0.1 % (3/2205). Six primary PTBDs were performed (overall PTBD rate 0.4 % [9/2205]). EUS-DAD was required in 7.7 % of ERCPs for benign and malignant biliary/pancreatic duct indications. Salvage PTBD was required in 0.1 %. This high EUS-DAD rate reflects disease complexity, a wide definition of ERCP failure, and restrictive PTBD use, not poor ERCP skills. EUS-DAD effectively overcomes the limitations of ERCP eliminating the need for primary and salvage PTBD in most cases.

Use of the Ovesco remOVE DC cutter to trim a metal biliary stent with excess length in the duodenum allowing biliary access for ERCP.

Use of the Ovesco remOVE DC cutter to trim a metal biliary stent with excess length in the duodenum allowing biliary access for ERCP.

Access fistulotomy: technical tips for success.

Background and AimsBiliary cannulation, although critical to procedural success in ERCP, can be difficult and, if unsuccessful, can lead to longer hospital stays, repeat procedures, and increased costs. Expertise in adjunct techniques, including access fistulotomy, can increase success rates and potentially avoid these issues. The aim of this case series is to describe the technique of access fistulotomy and illustrate key points that are important for successful biliary access.MethodsThree cases are reviewed in which access fistulotomy was used to achieve biliary access. The steps for the procedure are reviewed, and key technical tips and anatomic landmarks are illustrated in the video.ResultsSuccessful biliary access is obtained using fistulotomy in 3 cases. In each case, the anatomic landmarks of the papilla and intraduodenal biliary segment are reviewed. The first case illustrates a large papilla in which initial incision followed by careful exposure reveals a clear “onion ring” structure corresponding to the bile duct. The second case requires stepwise incision, each guided by anatomic landmarks before the biliary adventitia is identified, leading to biliary cannulation. In the third case, the utility of fistulotomy in a duodenal diverticulum is illustrated. Recognition of the distorted anatomy allowed precise, careful incision leading to biliary access.ConclusionsAccess fistulotomy is an invaluable technique to aid in biliary access. Knowledge of key landmarks and careful evaluation of the incision are critical to successful biliary access when performing fistulotomy.

Cannulation procedure optimization for patients with duodenal papillary tumors.

The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) to that of conventional cannulation methods (CCMs) when used for primary biliary access in patients with duodenalpapillary tumors. Consecutive patients who had duodenalpapillary tumors and who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were retrospectively enrolled. Successful cannulation rates, cannulation and procedure times, and the prevalence of adverse events were compared between the NKF and CCM groups. A total of 404 patients (NKF, n = 124; CCM, n = 280) with duodenalpapillary tumors were included. The primary and overall cannulation rates were 92.1% (372/404) and 96.0% (388/404), respectively. Compared to CCMs, NKF was associated with a significantly higher successful cannulation rate (99.2% versus 88.9%, P < 0.001) and significantly lower cannulation times (2.1 ± 2.0min versus 4.7 ± 5.2min), procedure times (8.8 ± 3.8min versus 12.9 ± 7.6min), and unintentional pancreatic duct cannulation rates (1.6% versus 20%), with P < 0.001 for all. Overall adverse events occurred less frequently in the NKF group (3.2% versus 10.7%, P = 0.011). Of these adverse events, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) was significantly lower in the NKF group than in the CCM group (1.6% versus 6.8%, P = 0.03). Bleeding and cholangitis rarely occurred with either cannulation method (0.8% versus 2.1%, P = 0.681, and 0.8% versus 1.7%, P = 0.671, respectively). NKF is a more effective and safer procedure than CCMs for patients with duodenalpapillary tumors.

S0119 Safety and Efficacy of Needle Knife Sphincterotomy for Biliary Access at a Tertiary Care Referral Center

S0119 Safety and Efficacy of Needle Knife Sphincterotomy for Biliary Access at a Tertiary Care Referral Center

S1382 The Great Imitator: A Case of Early Onset Pancreatic Cancer

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies, and represents the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry, fewer than 2 percent of patients with PC are under the age of 45. Those who are diagnosed with PC at a younger age consistently show better outcomes, including overall, progression-free and disease-free survivals. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: We present a case of a 35-year-old woman with past medical history of cholelithiasis status post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy and extraction of choledocholiths followed by cholecystectomy at the age of 20 and morbid obesity status post laparoscopic gastric sleeve at the age of 30 who was referred for ERCP with extraction of choledocholiths. She underwent a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which revealed a 3.1 × 2.8 cm mildly heterogeneously enhancing pancreas head mass (Figure 1A) associated with marked upstream dilation of the biliary tree (Figure 1B). Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed a 23.7 × 22.1 mm hypoechoic heterogeneous pancreas head mass with ill-defined borders. Fine needle biopsy (FNB) was performed (Figure 2A) with pathology revealing adenocarcinoma (Figure 2B). Due to external compression of pancreas mass on duodenum, major ampulla was not visualized, and ERCP was performed by rendezvous technique in conjunction with interventional radiology (Figure 3A). A transpapillary fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FC-SEMS) was successfully deployed resulting in biliary decompression (Figure 3B). As there was no imaging evidence of metastatic disease, patient was referred for resection with curative intent after neoadjuvant chemotherapy administration. DISCUSSION: PC prevalence in patients under the age of 50 remains rare. Certain risk factors for early onset are similar to those for late onset PC. These include alcohol use, tobacco use, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, obesity and previous cholecystectomy or gastrectomy. In early onset PC, special attention should be paid to molecular genetics. The typical oncogenes, such as KRAS and c-Myc, and tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53, CDKN2a and SMAD4, still play a role, however, special attention should be paid to BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 germline mutations, as these patients show a particularly early disease onset. Surgical resection is the only curative therapeutic approach, and early detection is essential to ensure resectability.Figure 1.: (A) MRI axial image displaying pancreatic head mass; (B) MRCP coronal image displaying biliary ductal dilation upstream from pancreatic mass.Figure 2.: (A) EUS image with FNB of pancreatic head mass; (B) pathology slide displaying high magnification image of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.Figure 3.: (A) Biliary access achieved by rendezvous technique with interventional radiology; (B) Transpapillary fully covered self expanding metal stent successfully deployed.

S1854 Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patient With Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and High-Grade Duodenal Stricture Across Dual Lumen Apposing Metal Stents

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) is a minimally invasive modality that has not only been used for drainage of pancreatic fluid collection but also other off-label indications. We demonstrated a case with multiple applications of LAMS for management of both choledocholithiasis and enteric stricture in a patient with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) anatomy. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: An 82-year-old woman with a history of RYGB, multiple abdominal surgeries and choledocholithiasis, which was treated with laparoscopic-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP) and complicated by duodenal perforation and repaired by open surgery, was admitted for right upper quadrant abdominal pain. MRCP revealed choledocholithiasis with biliary dilatation. After discussion of various options for accessing biliary system, EDGE procedure was pursued. For the initial stage, LAMS was deployed to obtain access to gastric remnant under endosonographic and fluoroscopic guidance. The patient returned in 3 weeks after the tract was mature for ERCP. However, high-grade duodenal stricture, which is likely due to post-surgical scarring or peptic stricture, was unexpectedly found before reaching the biliary system. The stricture was treated with 20 mm by 10 mm LAMS placement under endosonographic and fluoroscopic guidance. She returned in 2 weeks for subsequent ERCP through dual transluminal connection consisted of gastrogastrostomy and duodenal LAMS. The duodenoscope was advanced through gastrogastrostomy and duodenal LAMS to the major papilla without difficulty. Biliary sphincterotomy and plastic biliary stent placement were performed. A large amount of sludge and stone was extracted. She was discharged the same day with improvement in symptoms. All stents were removed 6 weeks after the ERCP without complications. DISCUSSION: With application of LAMS, we described a novel case of EDGE procedure in patient with RYGB anatomy in conjunction with benign enteric stricture, which was performed through dual transluminal conduit comprised of gastrogastrostomy and duodenal LAMS. Other biliary access options were also considered. However, given the high likelihood of extensive adhesions from prior abdominal surgery, LA-ERCP posed a higher risk of complications, and balloon-assisted enteroscopy ERCP (BA-ERCP) has limited maneuverability which often leads to suboptimal success rates. This highly effective approach should be considered for situations where BA-ERCP is technically challenging, and when LA-ERCP is not feasible.

Fistulotomy-First Approach is Safe and Effective in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography: Results of a Prospective Case Series.

Background and AimsThe aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of using needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) as a primary cannulation technique in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with a native papilla.Patients and MethodsThis prospective feasibility study enrolled 50 patients between December 2018 and June 2019. The procedure was performed by two expert endoscopists (R.B. and L.H.). The primary outcome was the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Other variables assessed included the success rate of cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD), time to successful cannulation, and incidence of adverse events.ResultsBetween December 2018 and June 2019, 50 patients enrolled in the study. The mean age was 63.4 years (standard deviation 18.1), and there were 26 females. Indications included biliary obstruction secondary to malignancy (n = 14) and choledocholithiasis (n = 36). Successful cannulation of the CBD through the fistulotomy occurred in 49/50 cases. The time to successful cannulation was 5.1 minutes (range 0.5 to 23 minutes). Mild acute pancreatitis occurred in two cases (4%). Post-ERCP bleeding occurred in three patients (6%)ConclusionsIn this pilot study, NKF was used as the primary biliary access technique and it was demonstrated that it appears to be at least as safe as the traditional access technique with a sphinctertome. However, its role as a primary cannulation technique requires further investigation with multicenter, randomized control studies.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy using a partially covered metal stent in patients with malignant biliary obstruction after failed Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Background and AimThe advent of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) has provided an inimitable alternative for gaining biliary access in patients who fail conventional endoscopic drainage. The antimigratory features of the partially covered metal stent (PCMS), namely, the flange head and uncovered portion of the stent, makes it a valuable option in patients undergoing EUS‐guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS‐HGS). The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of EUS‐BD via the hepaticogastrostomy approach using PCMS in patients with malignant biliary obstruction after failed ERCP.MethodsThis is a single‐center retrospective observational study of patients with malignant biliary obstruction undergoing EUS‐HGS after failed ERCP between January 2018 and May 2019. The end‐point of the study was to assess the technical and clinical success rate, as well as the stent‐ and procedure‐related complications.ResultsThere were 20 subjects in this study. The average age was 71.8 ± 7.6 years. Most patients were male, 16 (80%). Inaccessible papillae was the most common indication for this procedure, 16 (80%). Technical success was achieved in all patients. The average procedural time was 39.9 ± 1.3 min. Mean preprocedural bilirubin levels were 348.6 ± 28.8 and subsequently decreased to 108.94 ± 37.1 μmol/L at 2 weeks postprocedure. The clinical success rate was 95% (19/20), with one patient requiring percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). There were no stent‐ or procedure‐related complications reported in this study.ConclusionEUS‐HGS with PCMS is a feasible, effective, and safe alternative for biliary decompression in patients with failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Usefulness and Complications of Needle Knife Fistulotomy as a Rescue Procedure in Patients with Pancreaticobiliary Disease.

Needle knife fistulotomy (NKF) is a technique to facilitate pancreatic and biliary duct access during ERCP. The double-guidewire technique (DGT) is also used in cases of difficult cannulation, but it can increase the incidence of post-ERCP-pancreatitis (PEP). This study examined the success and complication rates of NKF after unsuccessful standard cannulation or DGT in patients with pancreaticobiliary disease. The data of 209 patients who received NKF as a rescue procedure between January 2009 and December 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. The cannulation success and complication rates were assessed. The overall cannulation success rate was 90.4%. The success rates of patients who received NKF after standard cannulation or DGT were similar (82.6% [142/172] and 73.0% [27/37], respectively, p=0.179). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the incidence of procedure-related adverse events between the two groups (10.5% [18/172] and 16.2% [6/37], respectively, p=0.391). Endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage (ERPD) insertion decreased the incidence of PEP (0% [0/16] in ERPD and 14.6% [19/130] in non-ERPD, p=0.132) among patients who received PD cannulation. NKF is an effective and safe method that can be considered for rescue management after the initial failure of standard cannulation or DGT. NKF following standard cannulation can be preferred over NKF following DGT because of the higher success rate and the lower rate of pancreatitis, but the difference was not significant. PD stenting in patients at high risk of PEP can be considered to decrease pancreatitis.

Comparison between transpancreatic sphincterotomy and needle-knife fistulotomy in difficulty biliary access, a retrospective study in Taiwan

BackgroundSelective deep biliary cannulation is the first and the most important step before further biliary therapy. Transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS), and needle knife fistulotomy (NKF) were commonly used in patients with difficult cannulation, but few studies compare the outcome between TPS and NKF.MethodsA total of 78 patients who met the criteria of difficult cannulation in the National Taiwan University hospital from October 2015 to October 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Their baseline demographics, success rate of biliary cannulation, and the rate of adverse events were assessed.Results31 patients and 47 patients underwent TPS and NKF for difficult biliary access, respectively. The characteristics of the 2 groups were similar, but patients in TPS group had more frequent pancreatic duct cannulation. Bile duct cannulation was successful in 23 patients (74.2%) in the TPS group and 39 (83.0%) in the NKF group (P = 0.34). There was no difference between the TPS and NKF in the rate of adverse events, including post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) (16.1% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.17), and hemorrhage (3.2% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.35). No perforation occurred.ConclusionsBoth TPS and NKF have good biliary access rate in patient with difficult cannulation. TPS has acceptable successful rate and similar complication rate, compared with NKF.

Needle-knife papillotomy of a choledochocele: a safe solution for a technically challenging dilemma.

When present, a type III choledochal cyst or choledochocele can obscure the papillary orifice, making biliary cannulation during ERCP exceedingly difficult. We present a novel needle-knife papillotomy technique to achieve biliary access in the presence of a choledochocele.