Duct Access Research Articles

Groove pancreatitis – an unusual case of pancreatitis, case report

Groove pancreatitis is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis affecting the pancreaticoduodenal groove, leading to ductal stenosis and symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice. It often coexists with cystic dystrophy of the duodenal wall (CDDW), marked by duodenal wall thickening and cyst formation. We report a case of a 36-year-old male with persistent abdominal pain and a history of acute pancreatitis, diagnosed with CDDW via MRI. Despite multiple endoscopic interventions, ductal access was challenging due to inflammation and conservative management with proton pump inhibitors and pancreatic enzymes provided symptom relief. Diagnostic tools include MRI, endoscopy, and EUS were administered. Management of groove pancreatitis still remains a challenge consisting of treatment ranging from conservative methods to surgical intervention for refractory cases, emphasizing a cautious, stepwise approach and lifestyle changes.

One-step technique for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy using a partially covered metal stent for superficial bile duct access.

One-step technique for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy using a partially covered metal stent for superficial bile duct access.

Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy After Double Guidewire Technique Was Noninferior to Primary Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy in Difficult Biliary Cannulation.

When unintentional pancreatic duct access occurs during difficult biliary cannulation, the double guidewire (DGW) or transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) may be utilized. DGW can be easily switched to TPS due to the existing guidewire in the pancreatic duct. However, the efficacy of TPS after DGW, named sequential DGW-TPS technique, versus primary TPS has not been assessed. Our aim was to compare the benefits and adverse events of sequential DGW-TPS technique and primary TPS. We performed a comparative retrospective cohort study that enrolled a total of 117 patients with native papillae. The patients were divided into one of 2 groups according to the primary bile duct access technique (sequential DGW-TPS or primary TPS), both with pancreatic stenting. Between November 2017 and May 2023, a total of 84 patients were grouped into sequential DGW-TPS and 33 into primary TPS. The overall post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) rate was 4.3% in the entire cohort, with no statistical differences were observed between the groups in terms of PEP rates (P = 0.927), PEP severity (P = 1.000), first biliary cannulation success (P = 0.621), overall cannulation success (P = 1.000), hyperamylasemia incidence (P = 0.241), elevated amylase levels (P = 0.881), and postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.185). Furthermore, these results remained consistent in multivariable regression analysis. The sequential DGW-TPS technique showed a comparable safety and biliary cannulation success rate to primary TPS in difficult biliary cannulation. Given the potential long-term complications associated with TPS, DGW should be first if inadvertent pancreatic access occurs, with TPS serving as second only if DGW fails.

Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration for Multiple Large Common Bile Duct Stones: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in 2 different sessions, is the widely followed standard sequence of surgical procedures for concurrent gall bladder and common bile duct (CBD) stone disease, across the world. However, being highly technical, skillful and technology dependant, ERCP, sometimes, does not succeed even in the best of hands. This can happen due to abnormal local anatomy (eg. Previous Billroth II gastrectomy, previous surgical scars which distort the duodenum etc.) and unfriendly stone morphology such as a very large stone or a large number of stones. Failure to extract/retrieve bile duct stones at ERCP is an indication for CBD exploration (open or laparoscopic) at surgery. Herein, we present one such case of a 67 year old woman who had previously undergone surgery – laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gall stone disease 3 years back. She presented to us with a common bile duct loaded with multiple large stones. Inspite of undergoing ERCP (2 attempts over 48 hours), a common bile duct access could not be achieved endoscopically, thereby rendering endotherapy unsuccessful. She then underwent a successful totally laparoscopic CBD exploration, using standard laparoscopy instruments, some endoscopy accessories like endo-balloon & dormia basket and intraoperative fluoroscopy.

Novel Interventional Radiology for the Treatment of Various Lymphatic Leakages: Lymphatic Intervention and Embolization.

Little progress has been made in modern lymphatic medicine since Dr. Kinmonth first described pedal lymphangiography in the 1950s. The clinical need for an effective treatment modality for managing lymphatic leakage greatly increased only after intranodal lymphangiography, which enabled the depiction of the exact location of the leakage. This review introduces five hypotheses that have been proposed while addressing various clinical scenarios involving lymphatic leakage: (1) various embolization techniques can be used to prevent lymphatic leakage; (2) lymph node embolization can treat postoperative pelvic lymphoceles that are refractory to sclerotherapy; (3) the technical success rate of thoracic duct cannulation can be improved by using retrograde thoracic duct access as a bail-out method; (4) non-traumatic chylothorax can be managed by understanding the underlying pathophysiology; and (5) chylous ascites can be managed by understanding the underlying pathophysiology. Five retrospective observational studies, one randomized prospective clinical trial, and two case reports (letters to the editor) were published after the hypotheses were validated. We provide a new systematic approach to lymphatic intervention by describing the process of the current comprehensive research.

Endoscopic ultrasound-rendezvous versus percutaneous-endoscopic rendezvous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for bile duct access: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or percutaneous-assisted antegrade guidewire insertion can be used to achieve biliary access when standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) fails. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety of EUS-assisted rendezvous (EUS-RV) and percutaneous rendezvous (PERC-RV) ERCP. We searched multiple databases from inception to September 2022 to identify studies reporting on EUS-RV and PERC-RV in failed ERCP. A random-effects model was used to summarize the pooled rates of technical success and adverse events with 95% confidence interval (CI). In total, 524 patients (19 studies) and 591 patients (12 studies) were managed by EUS-RV and PERC-RV, respectively. The pooled technical successes were 88.7% (95% CI 84.6-92.8%, I2 = 70.5%) for EUS-RV and 94.1% (95% CI 91.1-97.1%, I2 = 59.2%) for PERC-RV (P = 0.088). The technical success rates of EUS-RV and PERC-RV were comparable in subgroups of benign diseases (89.2% vs. 95.8%, P = 0.068), malignant diseases (90.3% vs. 95.5%, P = 0.193), and normal anatomy (90.7% vs. 95.9%, P = 0.240). However, patients with surgically altered anatomy had poorer technical success after EUS-RV than after PERC-RV (58.7% vs. 93.1%, P = 0.036). The pooled rates of overall adverse events were 9.8% for EUS-RV and 13.4% for PERC-RV (P = 0.686). Both EUS-RV and PERC-RV have exhibited high technical success rates. When standard ERCP fails, EUS-RV and PERC-RV are comparably effective rescue techniques if adequate expertise and facilities are feasible. However, in patients with surgically altered anatomy, PERC-RV might be the preferred choice over EUS-RV because of its higher technical success rate.

EUS-guided antegrade pancreatic duct access: Burning questions.

EUS-guided antegrade pancreatic duct access: Burning questions.

Current state of biliary cannulation techniques during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): International survey study.

Background and study aims Endoscopist techniques affect biliary cannulation success and the risk of adverse events during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This survey study aims to understand the current practice of biliary cannulation techniques among endoscopists. Methods Practicing endoscopists were sent an anonymous 28-question electronic survey on biliary cannulation techniques and intraprocedural pancreatitis prophylactic strategies. Results The survey was completed by 692 endoscopists (6.2% females). A wire-guided cannulation technique (WGT) was the preferred initial biliary cannulation approach (95%). The preferred secondary approaches were a double-wire (DWT) (65.8%), precut needle-knife technique (NKT) (25.7%), transpancreatic sphincterotomy (5.9%) or other (2.6%). Overall, 18.1% of respondents were not comfortable with NKTs. In the setting of pancreatic duct (PD) access, 81.9% and 97% reported a threshold of three or more wire passes or contrast injections into the PD, respectively, before changing strategy, 34% reported placement of a prophylactic PD stent <50% of the time and 12.1% reported removal of the PD stent at the end of the procedure. Advanced endoscopy fellowship (AEF) training and high volume (>200 ERCPs per year) were associated with comfort with precut NKTs and likelihood of prophylactic PD stent ( P <0.001 for both). Conclusions A WGT technique followed by the DWT and NKT were the preferred biliary cannulation techniques; however, almost one-fifth of respondents were not comfortable with the NKT. There was considerable variability in secondary cannulation approaches, time spent attempting biliary cannulation and prophylactic PD stent placement, factors known to be associated with cannulation success and adverse outcomes.

Multicenter retrospective cohort of EUS-guided anterograde pancreatic duct access

Background and study aims Pancreatic duct (PD) cannulation may be difficult during conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to underlying pathology, anatomical variants or surgically altered anatomy. Pancreatic access in these cases previously necessitated percutaneous or surgical approaches. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows for an alternative and can be combined with ERCP for rendezvous during the same procedure, or for other salvage options. Patients and methods Patients with attempted EUS access of the PD from tertiary referral centers between 2009 and 2022 were included in the cohort. Demographic data, technical data, procedural outcomes and adverse events were collected. The primary outcome was rendezvous success. Secondary outcomes included rates of successful PD decompression and change in procedural success over time. Results The PD was accessed in 105 of 111 procedures (95 %), with successful subsequent ERCP in 45 of 95 attempts (47 %). Salvage direct PD stenting was performed in 5 of 14 attempts (36 %). Sixteen patients were scheduled for direct PD stenting (without rendezvous) with 100 % success rate. Thus 66 patients (59 %) had successful decompression. Success rates improved from 41 % in the first third of cases to 76 % in the final third. There were 13 complications (12 %), including post-procedure pancreatitis in seven patients (6 %). Conclusions EUS-guided anterograde pancreas access is a feasible salvage method if retrograde access fails. The duct can be cannulated, and drainage can be achieved in the majority of cases. Success rates improve over time. Future research may involve investigation into technical, patient and procedural factors contributing to rendezvous success.

Эндоскопическая ультрасонография и транспапиллярные вмешательства у пациентов с парапапиллярными дивертикулами

Aim: to evaluate the possibilities of diagnosed during endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in clarifying diagnosis of peripapillary diverticula (PD) and optimization of treatment tactics depending on the type of mutual location of the diverticulum and the major duodenal papilla (MDP). Patients and Methods: the study included 304 patients (186 (61.2%) female patients) with peripapillary duodenal diverticulum (PDD). By the criterion of the diverticulum and MDP mutual location, patients were divided into three groups: 195 (64.1%) patients with suprapapillary diverticulum, 59 (19.4%) — with diverticulum of the "butterfly" type, 50 (16.5%) — with intradiverticular MDP. Anatomical features of various diverticula types and associated pathology of periampullary region were studied on the basis of endosonography data, as well as the treatment results of biliary diseases, technical success and complications of transpapillary interventions in various types of diverticula were analyzed. Results and Discussion: patients with intradiverticular MDP were significantly older (69.8±4.4 years). In this group, the size of diverticula (21 mm) and dilatation of choledochus (18 mm) were larger. Patients in this group were significantly more commonly diagnosed with stenosis of the MDP and secondary choledocholithiasis. Indications for endoscopic papillosphincterotomy in patients with PDD were choledocholithiasis — 124 (57.1%), stenosis of the MDP — 44 (20.3%), diverticular compression in terminal choledochus — 49 (22.6%), EUS. The complication rate of transpapillary interventions did not significantly differ and amounted to 2.8%. However, the share of failures during MDP standard biliary cannulation and lithoextraction was higher in the intradiverticular MDP and amounted to 34.5% and 8.8%, respectively, which forced the use of rendezvous procedures that were used in 10 (34.5%) patients of this group. Conclusion: EUS is a highly informative method of diagnostic clarification in PD, providing direct visual inspection of the papillary zone and its echocardiogram. The use of EUS at the initial stage of diagnostics allows to significantly optimize the treatment tactics, determining the indications for transpapillary interventions and ensuring their rational choice. The greatest technical difficulties and failures are expected to occur during manipulations on the intradiverticular MDP, which forces the use of rendezvous procedures, antegrade common bile duct access and laparotomic interventions. KEYWORDS: peripapillary diverticulum, endoscopic ultrasound, transpapillary interventions endoscopic papillosphincterotomy, biliary hypertension. FOR CITATION: Belozerov V.A., Grigoriev N.N., Prokopov V.A., Belozerova D.E. Endoscopic ultrasound and transpapillary interventions in patients with peripapillary diverticula. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2023;7(5):258–263 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2023-7-5-3.

Outcome of percutaneous transhepatic biliary interventions in the management of biliary enteric anastomotic strictures with hepatolithiasis

To evaluate percutaneous transhepatic biliary interventions (PTBI) using the ADDFREE (Access-Drain-Dilate-Flush-REpeat periodically-Evaluate and remove) technique and its outcomes in patients with biliary enteric anastomotic strictures (BEAS) and hepatolithiasis. A retrospective review was undertaken of patients having hepatolithiasis with BEAS who underwent PTBI with a therapeutic intent (from January 2010 to January 2021) was performed. The technical and clinical successes of PTBI were analysed. Technical success was divided into duct access, crossing of BEAS, stricture resolution, and calculi clearance. Improvement of liver function tests, resolution of leucocytosis and presenting complaints were considered as clinical success. The patients were followed-up for a minimum duration of 6-months. Eighteen patients received PTBI in form of the ADDFREE technique. Hepatolithiasis was bilobar (44.4%), unilobar in multiple ducts (unilobar-m; 27.8%) and unilobar in a single duct (unilobar-s; 27.8%) along with anastomotic stricture. The average number of sessions of stone clearance for bilobar, unilobar-m, and unilobar-s was 4.4 (±1.6), 3.6 (±2.4), and 1.5 (±0.5), respectively. Clinical success was observed in 14 (77.8%), while one patient had recurrence of calculi and received repeat treatment. Bile culture was positive for bacterial organisms in 17 (94.4%) patients. No major complication were seen while minor complication were seen in five patients consisting of self-limiting haemobilia (n=1), per-catheter bile leak (n=2) and aggravation of cholangitis (n=2). PTBI, consisting of bile duct access, cholangioplasty, and calculi clearance, is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of patients having hepatolithiasis secondary to BEAS.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloons for endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct interventions.

BACKGROUNDEndoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided main pancreatic duct (PD) access may be used when conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) techniques fail. The use of a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon (PTAB), originally developed for vascular interventions, can be used to facilitate transmural (e.g., transgastric) PD access and to dilate high-grade pancreatic strictures.AIMTo describe the technique, efficacy, and safety of PTABs for EUS-guided PD interventions.METHODSPatients who underwent EUS with use of a PTAB from March 2011 to August 2021 were retrospectively identified from a tertiary care medical center supply database. PTABs included 3-4 French angioplasty catheters with 3-4 mm balloons designed to use over a 0.018-inch guidewire. The primary outcome was technical success. Secondary outcomes included incidence of adverse events (AEs) and need for early reintervention. RESULTSA total of 23 patients were identified (48% female, mean age 55.8 years). Chronic pancreatitis was the underlying etiology in 13 (56.5%) patients, surgically altered anatomy (SAA) with stricture in 7 (30.4%), and SAA with post-operative leak in 3 (13.0%). Technical success was achieved in 20 (87%) cases. Overall AE rate was 26% (n = 6). All AEs were mild and included 1 pancreatic duct leak, 2 cases of post-procedure pancreatitis, and 3 admissions for post-procedural pain. No patients required early re-intervention.CONCLUSIONEUS-guided use of PTABs for PD access and/or stricture management is feasible with an acceptable safety profile and can be considered in patients when conventional ERCP cannulation fails.

Pancreatic duct access via rendezvous technique

A 49-year-old woman a smoker with acute on chronic pancreatitis presented with epigastric pain and jaundice. Lipase was markedly elevated, and liver function test results were consistent with biliary obstruction. CT and EUS showed chronic calcific pancreatitis with common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatic duct (PD) dilatation and PD stones, but the results were negative for a mass.

Slim-endoscopy-stabilized (SOS)-rendezvous-ERC via EUS-transgastric bile duct access: Utilization for severe pancreatitis with consecutive obstructive jaundice and inaccessible major papilla

After failed biliary cannulation via standard ERC-approach EUS-based rendezvous-ERC (EUS-RV-ERC) is a valid alternative. One of the challenging factors in this setting is the management of the guidewire. Here we propose a method, where a slim endoscope is used to stabilize the guidewire and optimize wire manipulation in a patient who underwent EUS-RV-ERC via a transgastric approach.

A204 SINGLE OPERATOR CHOLANGIOSCOPY GUIDED ELECTROHYDRAULIC LITHOTRIPSY THROUGH A UNIQUE PERCUTANEOUS ACCESS FOR SEVERE RECURRENT PYOGENIC CHOLANGITIS: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Background Single operator cholangioscopy guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy (SOC-EHL) is effective in difficult biliary stones. SOC is usually introduced in a transpapilliary fashion via a duodenoscope (peroral SOC). This approach is limited in intrahepatic ductal access, especially in presence of distal strictures. Aims To report a case of ductal clearance using a unique percutaneous access of SOC-EHL in a patient with extensive intrahepatic stones in addition to a distal stricture. Methods A retrospective case report Results An 80 year old male known for a distal cholangiocarcinoma post-Whipple surgery presented with recurrent cholangitis. Computed tomography scan revealed dilated intrahepatic bile ducts in segments V and VII and a dilated posterior right hepatic duct (PRHD) with associated cholelithiasis. Peroral SOC was first performed using a therapeutic gastroscope. The hepaticojejunostomy was patent and the cholangioscope was easily introduced into the bile duct. No stones or strictures were found on inspection of the intra- and extra-hepatic biliary system. Due to cholangitis recurrence a left-sided percutaneous drain was placed. However, cholangiogram showed a normal biliary sytem with no filling defects. A right-sided PTC was then performed for source control. Repeat right-sided cholangiogram finally identified an extremely dilated PRHD with extensive filling defects and a stricture in the distal PRHD. The abnormal biliary segments were missed on peroral SOC and left-sided cholangiogram due to the tight stricture. Percutaneous SOC-EHL was then planned. The abnormal segment could not be reached using the right sided access. The left system did not allow for easy PRHD access due to the stricture and angulation. In order to gain entry to the abnormal biliary segment, the PRHD stricture was dilated to 6mm with balloon angioplasty. A 0.035” guidewire was inserted from the left access and advanced to the extrahepatic bile duct. This wire was captured using a snare introduced from the right percutaneous access and pulled through the right side. This allowed wire tension to be optimally applied from both percutaneous accesses. A cholangioscope was then introduced over the wire from the left access and advanced into the abnormal PRHD with optimal wire tension at both ends. A large stone burden was noted on SOC and ductal clearance with EHL was achieved after two EHL sessions (Fig. 1). Final cholangiogram showed complete ductal clearance and there was no recurrence of cholangitis at an 18 month follow-up. Conclusions SOC-EHL is an important therapeutic modality but may be of limited effectivess for extensive intrahepatic stones. Our case suggests the possibility of using a percutaneous approach for SOC-EHL in intrahepatic stones with concomitant distal stricture. Figure 1: A) Cholangiogram showing extensive intrahepatic stone burden; B) SOC-EHL via a percutaneous access with EHL; C) final cholangiogram showing complete ductal clearance. Funding Agencies None

Troubleshooting Difficult Bile Duct Access: Advanced ERCP Cannulation Techniques, Percutaneous Biliary Drainage, or EUS-Guided Rendezvous Technique?

Despite experienced hands and availability of various well-designed catheters and wires, selective bile duct cannulation may still fail in 10–20% of cases during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In case standard ERCP cannulation technique fails, salvage options include advanced ERCP cannulation techniques such as double-guidewire technique (DGW) with or without pancreatic stenting and precut papillotomy, percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD), and endoscopic ultrasound-guided Rendezvous (EUS-RV) ERCP. If the pancreatic duct is inadvertently entered during cannulation attempts, DGW technique is a reasonable next step, which can be followed by pancreatic stenting to reduce risks of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Studies suggest that early precut papillotomy is not associated with a higher risk of PEP, while needle-knife fistulotomy is the preferred method. For patients with critical clinical condition who may not be fit for endoscopy, surgically altered anatomy in which endoscopic biliary drainage is not feasible, and non-communicating multisegmental biliary obstruction, PBD has a unique role to provide successful biliary drainage efficiently in this particular population. As endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary drainage techniques advance, EUS-RV ERCP has been increasingly employed to guide bile duct access and cannulation with satisfactory clinical outcomes and is especially valuable for benign pathology at centres where expertise is available. Endoscopists should become familiar with each technique’s advantages and limitations before deciding the most appropriate treatment that is tailored to patient’s anatomy and clinical needs.

S1644 A Curious Case of Duodenal Mass Causing Malignant Biliary Obstruction and White Bile

Introduction: We describe a case of a duodenal mass causing malignant biliary obstruction and the use of LAMS cholecystoduodenostomy for gallbladder drainage revealing white bile. Case Description/Methods: An 83 year-old male developed orange colored urine and stool for 3 weeks. CA 19-9 was 8,381 U/mL and direct bilirubin was 43.7 mg/dL. CT Abdomen and Pelvis with contrast showed a dilated common bile duct to 1.6cm with narrowing at the ampulla, dilated intrahepatic ducts, and a duodenal mass. ERCP demonstrated a large duodenal ulcerated mass from D1 to D3 and replaced the medial aspect of the duodenal wall. Despite probing the mass with guidewire, bile duct access was unsuccessful. Biopsies showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with mucinous and signet ring cell features (Figure 1A). EUS showed a 4x6cm obstructing polypoid mass in the duodenum (star) with invasion into the distal common bile duct (arrow) resulting in a dilated common bile duct (circle) (Figure 1B). Subsequent LAMS cholecystoduodenostomy was performed for drainage (arrow) (Figure 1C). White bile (clear bile) was noted upon deployment into the gallbladder (star) (Figure 1D). Discussion: White bile in malignant biliary obstruction occurs because the biliary epithelium secretes mucus into bile despite the obstruction, resulting in colorless fluid. White bile has been associated with worse survival in these patients.Figure 1.: (a) duodenal adenocarcinoma with mucinous and signet ring cell features (b) duodenal adenocarcinoma (star) invading the distal common bile duct (arrow) resulting in a dilated common bile duct (circle) (c) LAMS deployment (arrow) within the dilated gallbladder while creating the cholecystoduodenostomy (d) White bile (star) draining through the LAMS.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: Current practice and future research.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has evolved from a primarily diagnostic to therapeutic procedure in hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease. Most commonly, ERCPs are performed for choledocholithiasis with or without cholangitis, but improvements in technology and technique have allowed for management of pancreatic duct stones, benign and malignant strictures, and bile and pancreatic leaks. As an example of necessity driving innovation, the new disposable duodenoscopes have been introduced into practice. With the advantage of eliminating transmissible infections, they represent a paradigm shift in quality improvement within ERCP. With procedures becoming more complicated, the necessity for anesthesia involvement and safety of propofol use and general anesthesia has become better defined. The improvements in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) have allowed for direct bile duct access and EUS facilitated bile duct access for ERCP. In patients with surgically altered anatomy, selective cannulation can be performed with overtube-assisted enteroscopy, laparoscopic surgery assistance, or the EUS-directed transgastric ERCP. Cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy use has become ubiquitous with defined indications for large bile duct stones, indeterminate strictures, and hepatobiliary and pancreatic neoplasia. This review summarizes the recent advances in infection prevention, quality improvement, pancreaticobiliary access, and management of hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. Where appropriate, future research directions are included in each section.

Outcomes of single-endoscopist-performed needle-knife fistulotomy for selective biliary access in 842 consecutive patients: learning curve and changes over a 14-year period in a retrospective study

Background and aims Needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) has emerged as the preferred precut technique. From a late strategy, NKF has shifted to an early rescue technique and has been used recently as a primary method for biliary access. It is unknown how these changes have affected NKF outcomes. We analyzed the outcomes of NKF over time in a large cohort of patients. Methods Multicenter retrospective cohort study of 842 patients who underwent NKF for biliary access between 2006 and 2019. Patients were divided into four study periods according to a late or early cannulation strategy and to the use of post-ERCP pancreatitis prophylaxis (Period 1–Period 4). We assessed outcomes of NKF, learning curves and shifts over time. Results Bile duct access was obtained in 88.0% of the patients. The initial cannulation rate increased significantly from 77.5% in P1 to 92.0% in P4 (p < .001). An endoscopist can obtain 80% success rate after performing 100 NKF procedures (95% CI: 0.79–0.86) and a 95% success rate after 830 procedures (95% CI: 0.92–0.98). Adverse events and pancreatitis were observed in 6.5% and 4.9% of patients respectively. The rate of pancreatitis was not significantly different during the 4 periods (p = .190). A decline in the pancreatitis rate was observed from 2006 until 2016 (no trainees) and then an increase until 2019 (trainees involved). The presence of trainees increased the rate of pancreatitis in the last period by 9.9%. Conclusions The success of NKF has increased significantly over the years, initially in a rapid manner and then more slowly. It is associated with a low rate of complications, which tend to decrease with experience. The involvement of trainees is associated with an increased rate of pancreatitis.

Advancements in Endoscopic Biliary Interventions by Gastroenterology.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an endoscopic technique in which a specialized side-viewing endoscope is guided into the duodenum, allowing for instruments to access the biliary and pancreatic ducts. ERCP was initially developed as a diagnostic tool as computed tomography was in its infancy during that time. ERCP has evolved since its inception in the 1960s to becoming not only a valuable diagnostic resource but now an effective therapeutic intervention in the treatment of various biliary disorders. The most common biliary interventions performed by ERCP include the management of biliary obstructions for benign and malignant indications. Additionally, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been increasingly utilized in diagnosing and intervening on pancreaticobiliary lesion. This article will discuss the various methods currently available for various endoscopic biliary interventions and future interventional techniques. For the management of biliary strictures, EUS can be utilized with fine need aspiration, while ERCP can be used for the placement of various stents and diagnostic modalities. Another example is radiofrequency ablation, which can be used for the treatment of hilar strictures. Achieving bile duct access can be challenging in patients with complicated clinical scenarios; other techniques that can be used for bile duct access include EUS-guided rendezvous approach, transluminal approach, Choleodochoduodenostomy, and hepatogastrostomy, along with gaining access in complicated anatomy such as in patients with Rou-en-Y anatomy. Another useful endoscopic tool is nonsurgical drainage of the gallbladder, which can be a suitable option when patients are not optimal surgical candidates. There has also been an increase in outpatient utilization of ERCP, which was previously seen as a predominantly inpatient procedure in the past. Possible future evolutions of biliary interventions include robotic manipulation of a duodenoscope and direct infusion of chemotherapeutic or immunomodulatory agents into the pancreaticobiliary tree. These advancements will depend on parallel advancements in other imaging and laboratory as well as breakthrough technology or techniques by other disciplines including interventional radiology and minimally invasive surgery.