Digital Cholangioscopy Research Articles

Digital cholangioscope assisted radiation-free bedside one-stage endoscopic lithotomy and biliary drainage for severe acute cholangitis caused by choledocholithiasis

Radiation-free one-stage bedside endoscopic stone removal and biliary drainage for severe acute cholangitis (SAC) caused by choledocholithiasis in intensive care unit (ICU) has not been reported. Herein, we introduce our preliminary experience of such intervention. Radiation-free bedside digital cholangioscope-assisted one-stage endoscopic stone removal and biliary drainage was performed in an urgent manner. Data on clinical outcomes and follow-up from thirty patients were retrospectively analyzed. Time interval was 7.6 ± 4.7 (2–18) h between ICU admission and endoscopic intervention, and was 35.5 ± 14.5 (5–48) h between the seizure and endoscopic intervention. A 100% technical success was achieved. Except for one mild pancreatitis, no other complication occurred. Patients showed good responses to endoscopic interventions, which were reflected by ameliorated disease severities and laboratory findings. Time lengths of ICU stay and total in-hospital stay were 8.7 ± 4.9 (2–23) days and 14.5 ± 7.4 (5–39) days, respectively. In-hospital mortality occurred in three patients. According to a 6-month follow-up, two patients died of pneumonia and acute myocardial infarction. No SAC and/or biliary stone residual occurred. The current intervention demonstrated favorable results compared to traditional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Our study provides a novel bedside endoscopic intervention method for SAC caused by choledocholithiasis.

Digital cholangioscopy-assisted, direct visualization-guided, radiation-free, endoscopic retrograde intervention for cholelithiasis: technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety.

Nonradiation, digital cholangioscope (DCS)-assisted endoscopic intervention for cholelithiasis has not been widely performed. For this study, we aimed to report the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of an established DCS-guided lithotomy procedure. Data relating to biliary exploration, stone clearance, adverse events, and follow-up were obtained from 289 patients. The choledocholithiasis-related outcomes via the DCS-guided procedure were subsequently compared to those via conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Biliary access was achieved in 285 patients. The technical success rate for the exploration of the common bile duct, the cystic stump, the hilar ducts, and secondary radicals was 100%. Moreover, the success rates were 98.4%, 61.7%, and 20.7%, for the exploration of the cystic duct, complete cystic duct, and gallbladder, respectively. Suspicious or confirmed suppurative cholecystitis, cholesterol polyps, and hyperplastic polyps were detected in 42, 23, and 5 patients, respectively. Stone clearance was achieved in one session in 285 (100%), 11 (100%), 13 (100%), 7 (100%), 6 (100%), and 3 (14.3%) patients with choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis, cystic duct stump stones, nondiffuse located intrahepatic lithiasis, a single cystic duct stone, a single gallbladder stone, and diffuse located intrahepatic lithiasis, respectively. Complete stone clearance for diffuse intrahepatic lithiasis was achieved in 19 (90.5%) patients, and fractioned re-lithotomy was performed in 16 (76.2%) patients. One patient developed mild acute cholangitis, and 12 developed mild pancreatitis. Stones recurred in one patient. Compared with conventional ERCP, DCS-guided lithotomy has the advantages of clearing difficult-to-treat choledocholithiasis and revealing concomitant biliary lesions, and this technique has fewer complications and a decreased risk of stone recurrence. The technical profile, efficacy, and safety of nonradiation-guided and DCS-guided lithotomy are shown in this study. We provide a feasible modality for the endoscopic removal of cholelithiasis.

Deep Learning for Automatic Diagnosis and Morphologic Characterization of Malignant Biliary Strictures Using Digital Cholangioscopy: A Multicentric Study.

Digital single-operator cholangioscopy (D-SOC) has enhanced the ability to diagnose indeterminate biliary strictures (BSs). Pilot studies using artificial intelligence (AI) models in D-SOC demonstrated promising results. Our group aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) for the identification and morphological characterization of malignant BSs in D-SOC. A total of 84,994 images from 129 D-SOC exams in two centers (Portugal and Spain) were used for developing the CNN. Each image was categorized as either a normal/benign finding or as malignant lesion (the latter dependent on histopathological results). Additionally, the CNN was evaluated for the detection of morphologic features, including tumor vessels and papillary projections. The complete dataset was divided into training and validation datasets. The model was evaluated through its sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy and area under the receiver-operating characteristic and precision-recall curves (AUROC and AUPRC, respectively). The model achieved a 82.9% overall accuracy, 83.5% sensitivity and 82.4% specificity, with an AUROC and AUPRC of 0.92 and 0.93, respectively. The developed CNN successfully distinguished benign findings from malignant BSs. The development and application of AI tools to D-SOC has the potential to significantly augment the diagnostic yield of this exam for identifying malignant strictures.

A Unique Approach to Obtaining Tissue in a Difficult to Access Indeterminate Biliary Stricture: Percutaneous Cholangioscopy and Biopsy

ABSTRACT When evaluating biliary strictures, establishing a diagnosis can present challenges. The first-line approach of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can often involve anatomic restrictions. Traditionally, percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy has been the answer for biopsies unable to be obtained with the modalities above but requires time for large tract dilation and days of sinus tract maturation to allow for a scope. We present a novel case of percutaneous digital cholangioscopy with SpyGlass DS, a small caliber scope traditionally used with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, used for percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy after previous failed attempts by several different standard methods. Our case highlights a multidisciplinary approach in ultimately diagnosing malignancy.

Total stricture of liver transplant biliary anastomosis resolved with peroral digital cholangioscopy and the non-flexible end of a 0.018-inch biliary guidewire.

Total stricture of liver transplant biliary anastomosis resolved with peroral digital cholangioscopy and the non-flexible end of a 0.018-inch biliary guidewire.

Radiation-free digital cholangioscopy-guided removal of bile duct foreign body and holmium laser lithotripsy for large common bile duct stones.

Digital cholangioscopy (SpyGlass; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA) allows direct visualization of the biliary system for therapeutic interventions [1]. This is a report of cholangioscopy-guided removal of a biliary plastic stent and holmium laser lithotripsy for large common bile duct (CBD) stones.

Endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent for malignant small-intestine obstruction using a digital cholangioscope-guided approach.

For malignant gastrointestinal obstruction in inoperable patients, the self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is a useful nonsurgical palliative treatment to improve patients’ quality of life [1] [2] [3] [4]. The common method of intestinal stent placement is to navigate the guidewire through the narrow segment, which often takes a long time, and sometimes leads to stent placement failure because the guidewire cannot pass through the narrow segment. Here, we describe the successful endoscopic placement of an SEMS using a guidewire after a digital cholangioscope was used to pass through the narrow small intestine.

Spy basket retrieval method of an embedded hepaticogastrostomy stent (with videos).

EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is performed for benign biliary diseases as an alternative therapy for ERCP. However, a critical adverse event such as stent migration was reported.[1] Recently, stent retrieval method in the HGS route using Spy bite (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA),[2] forceps,[3] or balloon[4] has been reported. We report a case that the plastic stent (PS) retrieval method using Spy basket (Boston Scientific) [Figure 1] and grasping the flap of PS was efficient as a new stent retrieval method.Figure 1: Spy basket (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA)A 70-year-old man with a history of pancreaticoduodenectomy was admitted to our institution to treat intrahepatic biliary stones. Because we failed to remove stones under enteroscope-assisted ERCP due to the instability of the scope, we decided to perform EUS-HGS. At first, a PS was placed in the choledochojejunostomy route, and a metallic stent was placed across the HGS route due to the incomplete stone extraction because of large stone size [Video 1]. One month later, the PS was revealed to be placed into B2 [Figure 2a]. It seemed to be difficult to retrieve the PS because of embedding into not B3 but B2. After we removed the metallic stent in the HGS route, cholangioscope (Spy-Glass DS; Boston Scientific) was inserted. Although we failed to catch the PS by Spy bite under direct visualization [Video 2], we could successfully grasp the flap of embedded stent and easily retrieve it using a Spy basket [Figure 2b, c and Video 3]. Finally, stones were completely extracted using electrohydraulic lithotripsy with a cholangioscopy. No procedure-related adverse events occurred [Figure 2d]. Although stent dislocation can be a serious complication during interventional EUS and may need surgical intervention, cholangioscopy-guided grasping the flap of PS by Spy basket can be an effective method for retrieval of embedded PS.Figure 2: Retrieval of an embedded stent using a digital cholangioscopy and Spy basket; (a) An embedded plastic stent to the left lateral branch of the bile duct (B2). (b and c) The embedded stent was grasped using a Spy basket under digital cholangioscopic visualization, on the cholangioscopic image and fluoroscopic image. (d) Fluoroscopic image of the biliary duct after removal of the stent and intrahepatic biliary stonesDeclaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the patient has given his consent for his images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understands that his name and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal his identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Prospective registration study of diagnostic yield and sample size in forceps biopsy using a novel device under digital cholangioscopy guidance with macroscopic on-site evaluation.

Although the SpyGlass Direct Visualization System can be clinically useful for diagnosing indeterminate biliary stricture, it employs SpyBite forceps, which typically obtain only a small amount of tissue and have a low sampling rate. An improved forceps biopsy device for SpyGlass DS has recently been released (SpyBite MAX). The aim of this prospective registration study was to assess the diagnostic yield and efficacy of histological biopsy tissue obtained with SpyBite MAX forceps compared with SpyBite forceps in patients with indeterminate biliary stricture. The primary outcome of the study was the diagnostic accuracy of biopsy specimens obtained by SpyBite MAX forceps. The secondary outcomes were tissue size, number of forceps biopsies, rate of obtaining adequate tissue, and adverse events in the SpyBite MAX forceps group compared with the SpyBite group. Forceps biopsies using SpyBite MAX (n=47) and SpyBite (n=50) were performed successfully in all patients. The number of biopsies performed before visible core tissue was obtained was significantly lower in the SpyBite (mean, 1.5 ± 0.7) than in the SpyBite forceps group (mean, 2.3 ± 1.1 mm; P < .001). Tissue sample size was larger in the SpyBite MAX group (mean, 1.8 ± 1.6 mm2 ) than in the SpyBite group (mean, 1.0 ± 0.9 mm2 ; P=.004) but there was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy. Improvements in dedicated forceps for biopsy in SpyGlass DS may contribute to improving the rates of adequate tissue and tissue sample size obtained, and to reducing the number of forceps biopsies required.

S1663 Diagnosis of Biliary Varices Using Digital Cholangioscopy: Uncommon Cause of Biliary Obstruction and Bleeding

S1663 Diagnosis of Biliary Varices Using Digital Cholangioscopy: Uncommon Cause of Biliary Obstruction and Bleeding

S25 Deep Learning for the Automatic Identification of Neoplastic Biliary Nodules in Patients With Indeterminate Biliary Stenosis During Digital Cholangioscopy

Introduction: Digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) provides direct visual exploration of the biliary tract. This tool has become essential for distinguishing benign from malignant biliary strictures. The visual aspect of these lesions is highly sensitive for the diagnosis of malignancy. Macroscopic characteristic such as tumor vessels, papillary projections, masses and nodules are common findings in patients with malignant biliary strictures. Recent endoscopic literature has demonstrated large interest in artificial intelligence (AI) systems for detection of endoscopic lesions. However, the application of these systems for automatic characterization of biliary lesions has not been explored. This study aimed to develop a convolutional neural network for automatic detection of biliary nodules in D-SOC images. Methods: A convolutional neural network (CNN) was designed for automatic identification of biliary nodules using DSOC images. A total of 16150 frames were extracted from a pool of 85 patients undergoing DSOC (Spyglass DS II system, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA). Each frame was classified by two endoscopists with experience in D-SOC regarding the presence or absence of nodules. Two image datasets were built for training and validation of the CNN (80% and 20% of the full image dataset, respectively). The performance of the model was measured by calculating the area under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively). Results: The architecture of the network was optimized for the detection of malignant biliary nodules. The CNN reached a sensitivity of 94.0%, a specificity of 99.9%, a PPV of 98.8% and a NPV of 99.7%. The overall accuracy of the deep learning system was 99.6%. The AUC was 1.00. Conclusion: The development of deep learning algorithms for application to DSOC may further potentiate the diagnostic capabilities of this modality. The application of these AI systems on real-time may help to guide biopsies and, thus, mitigate the current limitations of DSOC-guided biopsies, to achieve a more accurate diagnosis and timelier treatments. Our deep learning algorithm has demonstrated high performance levels for the detection of malignant nodules of the biliary tract, with high sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy (Figure 1).Figure 1.: 1A - Output obtained from the application of the CNN. A blue bar represents a correct prediction. B – benign/normal findings; NN – nodules. 1B - ROC analyses of the network’s performance. AUC: area under the curve; CNN: convolutional neural network; B: benign/normal findings; NN: nodules.

S1714 Diagnosis and Management of Intraductal Papillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct via Endoscopic Ultrasound Evaluation

Introduction: Intrampullary papillary neoplasm (IAPN) is a rare tumor seen in women in their 60s, with an incidence of 0.025 per 100,000. The 5-year survival rate is 33%. It is distinct from an ampullary adenoma, which arises from the duodenal mucosa overlying the ampulla. It is unlikely to be cured by ampullectomy. Case Description/Methods: A 63-year-old woman with prior cholecystectomy was found to have abnormal liver tests (AST 104, AST 233, alkaline phosphatase 290) and mild hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin 1.7). Abdominal ultrasound showed diffuse biliary dilatation without obvious stones or stricture. MRCP showed multiple filling defects in the distal common bile duct (CBD). ERCP revealed a prominent ampulla. Digital cholangioscopy done for further investigation showed an exophytic papillary tumor in the distal CBD (Figure) along with excess luminal mucous (Figure). The endoscopic and cholangioscopic findings of a papillary intraluminal mass and mucobilia was suggestive of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB). A 69-year-old woman with a complicated biliary history was seen by her PCP for jaundice and R shoulder pain and was found to have cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis. She underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy after MRI showed CBD stones. An ampullary prominence of 1 cm was concerning for an invasive carcinoma. ERCP showed multifocal frond like papillary projections at the left hilum and distal CBD and copious thick mucin through the examined extrahepatic duct and hilum; concerning for IPNB with progression to cholangiocarcinoma. Both patients underwent surgical evaluation. Discussion: IAPN is a rare tumor with poor prognosis. It is unclear if it is a variant of IPNB that also includes the ampulla or if it primarily arises within the ampullary channel and spreads proximally into the bile duct and the pancreatic duct. Diagnosis is established by cholangioscopy with biopsies. Endoscopic ultrasound of the ampulla and pancreas is essential. Cholangioscopy should be undertaken for tumor mapping. Pancreaticoduodenectomy should be treatment of choice for IAPN or IAPN with adenocarcinoma without distant metastases in order to achieve tumor free margins, as seen via pathology tissue. IAPN should be suspected based on endoscopic ampullary features such as a prominent ampulla, prolapse of papillary fronds on sphincterotomy, lack of resolution of cholestasis despite duct clearance. Cholangioscopy should be undertaken establish an early diagnosis.Figure 1.: Photo 1 (top): exophytic papillary tumor in the distal common bile duct; Photo 2 (bottom): excess luminal mucous in common bile duct.

A novel peroral digital cholangioscope with a large accessory channel: An experimental study.

A peroral cholangioscope (POCS) can allow direct visualization of the biliary mucosa and its use is becoming more widespread due to improvements in functionality, image quality, and operability, as well as the development of related devices. Recently, a novel mother-baby peroral cholangioscope (nMB-POCS) with a large (2-mm) accessory channel has been developed. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of this novel POCS in a dry simulation and animal model. We evaluated the ease of insertion and maneuverability of the nMB-POCS, the image quality, and the passage of the devices into the accessory channel and into the common bile duct in a dry and live porcine model. In both models, the nMB-POCS could be easily inserted into the duodenoscope and into the distal bile duct and hilum. The image quality was good, and it was possible to observe the surface structure and the vascular network of the bile duct mucosa in detail. The nMB-POCS with its larger accessory channel is expected to improve the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment,and reduce the procedure time. Clinical studies in patients are warranted.

Outcome of Digital Cholangioscopy and Laser Lithotripsy for Impacted Biliary Stones

Abstract Background and Aims Impacted stones in the bile duct are difficult to extract, and are predictor of failure of conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography techniques including mechanical lithotripsy and large balloon dilatation. Intracorporeal lithotripsy may be an effective technique for these stones. The aim of this study is to report the efficacy and safety of intracorporeal laser lithotripsy for impacted stones in the bile duct. Method This study is retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients with impacted stones in the bile duct underwent cholangioscopy with spyglass DS system and laser lithotripsy. Outcome measures were proportion of patients with complete clearance of bile duct after the first session, number of sessions required for complete clearance, and the complications. Results Forty-three patients (27 female) with mean age of 56.12 ± 15.16 years underwent digital cholangioscopy and laser lithotripsy. Mean bilirubin value was 1.8 ± 1.6 mg/dL, 20 (46.51%) patients had single stone, 35(81.39%) patients had only bile duct stones, and 8(18.61%) patients had additional stones in cystic duct or intrahepatic biliary radical. Mean size of largest stone was 16.2 ± 4.4mm. Average duration of the procedure was 69.11 ± 28.12minutes, and complete clearance was achieved in 41/43 (95.34%) patients after the first session. Mean number of sessions required for complete clearance was 1.02 ± .26. Postprocedure cholangitis occurred in one patient. Conclusion Intracorporeal laser lithotripsy is an effective and safe modality for the clearance of impacted bile duct stones.

Identification of endoscopic predictors of biliary malignancy during digital cholangioscopy.

Biliary brushings and biopsies obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have a low sensitivity for the diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures. While cholangioscopic analysis is useful, visual criteria have not yet been defined. The aim of this study was to identify visual criteria for the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures (IDBS). A multicenter study was conducted based on the analysis of cholangioscopic recordings of IBDS. Diagnostic criteria were identified in a study group and verified in a validation group. Four criteria were identified to be associated with malignancy, one negatively ("endobiliary material," odds ratio [OR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-0.92) and three positively ("vascularized villous projections," OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.03-2.24; "twisted or dilated vessels," OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.47-3.24; and "dark color of the mucosa," OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.23-2.70). Between two playbacks, the mean (95% CI) sensitivity of the observer's visual diagnosis increased from 66.1% (60-72) to 73.8% (69-78) (P = 0.004); in the second playback, the kappa value for interobserver agreement ranged between 0.36 (color) and 0.56 (endobiliary material), with a significant improvement (P = 0.0031-0.0001) between the first and second playbacks. Blind assessment by endoscopists not involved in this study had a diagnostic accuracy of 73% (71.4-74.5). The four identified cholangioscopic features are easy to implement in clinical practice and have the potential to increase the level of diagnostic confidence during the workup of IDBS.

Digital Cholangioscopy Visualized a Pancreaticobiliary Fistula Associated With Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm.

An 83-year-old woman presented with jaundice at our hospital. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a large intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia (IPMN) with ectasia of the main pancreatic duct and intrahepatic bile ducts. An inferior common bile duct pancreaticobiliary fistula was also detected (Figure A: arrow). Subsequently, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed signal changes in the region, signifying massive amounts of mucus (Figure B).

Endoscopic Diagnosis of Biliary Stricture Combined with Digital Cholangioscope: A Case Series

The endoscopic diagnosis of biliary tract lesions is applied as a non-invasive method; however, its diagnostic accuracy is not yet high. Moreover, digital cholangioscopy is used for directly visualizing the inside of the bile duct, resulting in a more precise biopsy. We present the case series of the outcomes of diagnosis using digital cholangioscopy in patients who underwent cholangioscopy for the evaluation of biliary stenosis in our department between January 2014 and March 2021. The controls were those who underwent a biopsy for biliary stenosis with conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Background data for each case were collected, and the clinical outcomes by biopsy were evaluated, focusing on the accuracy of the diagnosis. Cholangioscopy was performed in 15 cases, while a conventional biopsy by ERCP was performed in 172 cases. Nine of 15 cases (60.0%) were diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma. The number of specimens obtained through conventional ERCP and cholangioscopy was 2.5 ± 1.3 and 3.3 ± 1.5, respectively (p = 0.043). The diagnostic accuracy of conventional ERCP and cholangioscopy were 65.7% (113 of 172 cases) and 100%, respectively, which was significantly higher in the group with cholangioscopy. Digital cholangioscopy is useful when the diagnosis of the biliary stricture using the conventional ERCP method is difficult.

Various innovative roles for 3-Fr microcatheters in pancreaticobiliary endoscopy.

With the development of newer devices and technical innovations, pancreaticobiliary endoscopy is expanding to assume more advanced therapeutic roles. As with other devices, slimmed-down "3-Fr microcatheters" are considered to be opening new windows toward entirely new therapeutic techniques for various purposes. Our practical experience with a total of 34 consecutive patients in whom 3-Fr microcatheters were applied during pancreaticobiliary endoscopic procedures clarified the potential roles of this instrument in pancreaticobiliary endoscopy. The major benefits of 3-Fr microcatheters involve their slimness and flexibility. Applications of 3-Fr microcatheters could be categorized into three groups according to the characteristics of usage: (1) utilization as a cannulation catheter for peroral digital cholangioscopy (n = 15); (2) selective advancement through deep flexures or severely stenotic ducts (n = 11); or (3) two-devices-in-one-channel technique (n = 8). The microcatheter worked successfully for cannulation of cholangioscopy in all but one case (14/15, 93.3%). For selective advancement, the microcatheter worked for troubleshooting in 9 of 11 cases (81.8%). With the two-devices-in-one-channel technique, the microcatheter proved satisfactory in all cases (8/8, 100%). In total, the microcatheter was successfully maneuvered in 31 of 34 cases (91.1%), following the failure of procedures using conventional endoscopic techniques. In terms of adverse events, cystic duct injury was only observed in two cases (5.8%), who recovered under conservative observation, because its slimness could minimize the damage. We believe that 3-Fr microcatheters offer effective and safe salvage troubleshooting during various endoscopic pancreaticobiliary procedures that face troublesome situations with conventional strategies.

Digital Cholangioscopy-assisted Nonradiation Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Retrieval of Common Bile Duct Stone.

The use of nonradiation endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (NR-ERCP) for choledocholithiasis is still limited. Hereby, we introduced our experience of digital cholangioscopy (DCS)-assisted NR-ERCP for retrieval of common bile duct stones. Altogether, data of 132 patients who underwent DCS-assisted NR-ERCP for choledocholithiasis were collected. Procedure details, complications, and short-term follow-up were reviewed and analyzed and were compared with those of conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Routine stone extraction and laser lithotripsy were planned in 116 and 16 patients, respectively. Biliary access was successfully achieved by standard biliary cannulation and by advanced techniques in 99 and 33 patients, respectively. Complete stone removal was achieved in a single session in all patients. Routine stone extraction was performed in 117 patients, and laser lithotripsy was applied in 15 patients, among whom 14 patients with planned lithotripsy and 1 unexpected impacted stone found during the procedure. Unexpected right localized intrahepatic stones and purulent cholecystitis were found in 1 and 3 patients, respectively. Three mild and 1 moderate pancreatitis, 5 cases of hyperamylasemia, and 2 cases of leukocytosis occurred as complications. Short-term follow-up revealed no stone residual. Procedure details, technical success, and complications were not statistically different than conventional ERCP. DCS-assisted NR-ERCP is technically feasible, efficient, and safe for retrieval of common bile duct stones. This novel method is superior to conventional ERCP on detecting unexpected concomitant biliary diseases.

Peribiliary cysts: diagnostic features on endoscopic ultrasound and digital cholangioscopy.

Peribiliary cysts: diagnostic features on endoscopic ultrasound and digital cholangioscopy.