Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation Research Articles

Extraction of Common Bile Duct Stones Refractory to Mechanical Lithotripsy Using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

The standard treatment for choledocholithiasis is to remove the stones by performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). With various techniques such as basket extraction, balloon catheter extraction, mechanical lithotripsy, followed by endoscopic papillary sphincterotomy or endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation, the success rate of stone extraction is known to be over 90%. However, stone extraction can fail in cases with large common bile duct stones or biliary stricture. We report a case of impacted choledocholithiasis after conventional ERCP and mechanical lithotripsy treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Case Series of Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation for Children with Common Bile Duct Stones and a Review of the Literature.

Background: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has been employed for the endoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDSs) and has been reported to have a high success rate for stone removal. However, EST is associated with a risk of bleeding, perforation, and sphincter of Oddi function disruption. To avoid these risks, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) is an option for CBDS. Sphincter of Oddi function preservation decreases long-term biliary infection and gallstone recurrence. EPBD may have advantages in children who require a long follow up. However, there have been few reports on pediatric cases, particularly in infants. Methods: From September 2017 to December 2023, we performed EPBD for four pediatric CBDSs. The patients were aged from 5 months to 8 years, including two infants aged 5 and 6 months. Furthermore, we reviewed the stone removal rate and complications of 545 ESTs performed at high-volume centers and 13 EPBD-reported cases in children with CBDSs. Results: CBDSs of all patients who underwent EPBD in our institution were successfully removed. No bleeding or perforation was noted; pancreatitis was observed in three patients. In an analysis of 545 ESTs in children, the stone removal rate was high, ranging from 83% to 100% (mean 96%). The incidence of pancreatitis was 0-9.6% (mean 4.4%), and the grade of pancreatitis was almost mild. The bleeding frequency was 1.3-5.4% (mean 2.7%). With regards to the grade of bleeding, seven cases were mild (64%) and four were moderate (36%). Compared with adults who underwent EST, the frequencies of pancreatitis and bleeding were almost equal in children; however, in children, once bleeding occurs, it has a higher risk of leading to blood transfusion. Stone removal via EPBD in children has a 100% success rate. Pancreatitis was responsible for all complications were related; its frequency was 46% (6/13 patients, including five mild cases and one moderate case), which is higher than that of EST and adult cases who underwent EPBD. In most children with pancreatitis, pancreatic enzyme levels returned to normal within 2-3 days following EPBD, and no severe cases caused by EPBD were reported. Conclusions: CBDS removal via EPBD in children has a high success rate with very low risk of bleeding and perforation. Although pancreatitis frequently occurs, most cases are mild. Sphincter of Oddi function preservation via EPBD is expected to prevent long-term stone recurrence and biliary tract infection, and EPBD is considered to be an effective method for CBDS removal in children.

Risk Factors for Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis After Endoscopic Removal of Common Bile Duct Stones: An Update in Chinese Patients with Choledocholithiasis

Aim: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been widely used in endoscopic surgery for many biliary and pancreatic diseases. Post-ERCP Pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common complication that occurs, even with expert surgeons. However, few reports have addressed the risk of PEP by focusing on the removal of Common Bile Duct Stones (CBDS). Methods: To detect potential risk factors for PEP after endoscopic removal of CBDS, the medical records of CBDS patients who received ERCP procedures at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2021 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient- and procedure-related data were collected, and PEP was reevaluated. Single- and multiplevariable analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors. Results: A total of 1,251 procedures were performed in 1,173 patients and PEP occurred in 84 cases (6.71%). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that female sex (P= 0.049, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.002-2.521), cerebral infarction (P=0.011, 95% CI: 1.197-3.964), acute pancreatitis history (P=0.001, 95% CI: 2.436-7.249), fatty liver disease (P=0.021, 95% CI: 1.140 -4.843), common bile duct diameter <10 mm (P=0.005, 95% CI: 1.299-4.313), and Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilatation (EBD) (P=0.01, 95% CI: 0.321-0.855) were independent risk factors for PEP in CBDS patients. Conclusion: Female sex, a history of Fatty Liver Disease (FLD), previous acute pancreatitis, and common bile duct stenosis are risk factors for PEP, whereas EPBD is a protective factor for PEP in patients with CBDS, which should be considered by clinicians.

The value of endoscopic duodenal papilloplasty with titanium clip in improving post-operative complications of choledocholithiasis.

To investigate the value of endoscopic duodenal papillary sphincterotomy combined with balloon dilatation in the treatment of duodenal papilloplasty with titanium clip after choledocholithiasis in post-operative complications. One hundred and twenty-five patients (69 males and 56 females) with a median age of 65 (32-81) years were included. The treatment plan was randomly divided into Group A (n = 59) and Group B (n = 66) according to the random number table. Patients in Group A were treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) combined with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD), followed by a titanium clip for duodenal papilloplasty and then indwelling nasobiliary drainage, whereas those in Group B were treated with EST combined EPLBD to remove stones and then indwelling nasobiliary drainage. In patients with choledocholithiasis or with anatomical changes that make stone extraction difficult, this prospective study attempted to perform duodenal papilloplasty with titanium clips after EST and EPLBD lithotripsy to compare and observe post-operative papillary healing, biliary reflux, and complication rates. The use of endoscopic duodenal papilloplasty with a titanium clip can improve biliary reflux after lithotripsy and reduce the incidence of post-operative cholangitis complications.

Endoscopic Sphincterotomy and Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation to Do It Safely

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is a basic procedure for pancreatobiliary endoscopy and is currently widely performed as a standard procedure for the treatment of various pancreatobiliary diseases worldwide. Later, in 1982, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) was introduced as an alternative to EST, and EPBD is known to reduce the risk of bleeding and perforation compared to EST. In order to safely and effectively perform EST and EPBD procedures, it is essential to select an appropriate target for the procedure, as well as to understand and familiarize with the anatomical structure of the duodenal papilla, related instruments, and basic techniques of EST and EPBD.

Validity of Predictive Markers for Post ERCP Pancreatitis Patients: A Single Centre Study

Abstract: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a proprietary procedure, endoscopic modality, and specialized procedure used to diagnose and treat disorders of the pancreatic and biliary systems. The incidence of reported post-ERCP complications varied among several studies including post ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), duodenal perforation, and cholangitis. In this study, the author would like to show certain intra procedural factors related to PEP incidence. This was a retrospective study of secondary data of patients undergoing ERCP procedures from 2017-2022 at Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Hospital, Manado. Length of procedure, cannulation on pancreatic duct, pancreatogram, double wire technique, and the use of certain common bile duct (CBD) stone retrieval techniques such as endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that based on the analyzed data, the percentage of pancreas cannulation was 8%, pancreatogram 5%, double-wire technique 3%, and EPBD procedure 10%, Incidence rate of PEP in all ERCP procedures was 19%. Increased amylase/lipase enzymes were found in 13 of 24 patients (54%) who underwent cannulation; 8 of 16 patients (50%) who underwent pancreatogram; 4 of 9 patients (44%) who underwent double wire procedure; and 10 of 30 patients (33%) who underwent EPBD. This PEP could be caused by several risk factors during ERCP including cannulation, pancreatogram, double wire, and EPBD. Number of cannulation attempt could result in trauma to the ampulla. Pancreatogram could result in hydrostatic, chemical, and allergic injury. Any manipulation of the pancreas that caused trauma could trigger the incidence of PEP. Assessment of the occurrence of PEP was based on increases in lipase and amylase enzyme values by four times the normal value and tested 6 hours after procedure. We could reduce the incidence of PEP by providing prophylactic therapy before ERCP. In conclusion, PEP is the most common complication in ERCP procedures and can be risky in patients with high risk factors. In this study, factors that affecting the incidence of PEP are cannulation, pancreatogram, double wire and EPBD. Keywords: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; pancreatitis; complications

Optimal dilation duration of 10 mm diameter balloons after limited endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stones: a randomized controlled trial

Limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) is widely used. However, the optimal duration of small balloon dilation in choledocholithiasis remains controversial. We aimed to determine the optimal duration for 10 mm diameter balloon dilation after limited EST in choledocholithiasis. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 320 patients were randomly assigned to receive small balloon dilation (10 mm in diameter) for 1 min (n = 160) or 3 min (n = 160) after deep bile duct cannulation. No significant difference in success rate of stone extraction between the two groups was observed. The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) was higher in the 1 min group (10.6%) than in the 3 min group (4.4%) (P = 0.034). The logistic regression analysis showed that guidewire into the pancreatic duct, cannulation time > 5 min and 1 min balloon dilation were independent risk factors for PEP. There were no significant differences in other post-ERCP adverse events such as acute cholangitis, bleeding, perforation, etc. between the two groups. In conclusion, 3 min in duration was determined to be the optimal dilation condition for the removal of common bile duct stones.

The Incidence of Long-Term Cholangitis after Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation Versus Endoscopic Sphincterotomy: a Meta-analysis

The Incidence of Long-Term Cholangitis after Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation Versus Endoscopic Sphincterotomy: a Meta-analysis

Hepatitis E Virus Infection Caused Elevation of Alanine Aminotransferase Levels in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis B and Choledocholithiasis

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic strains that are primarily transmitted through the consumption of undercooked pork or game meat. They also cause asymptomatic infections, acute hepatitis, acute-on-chronic liver failure, chronic hepatitis, and extrahepatic manifestations. Here, we report a man in his 80s who had chronic hepatitis B, took entecavir for it, and presented with higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and jaundice. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed choledocholithiasis with cholecystolithiasis. Although endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation was performed for the removal of a common bile duct stone, the abnormal liver function tests, including jaundice, were prolonged. After other viral hepatitis and other causes of the liver injury were ruled out, as his serum was positive for immunoglobulin A anti-HEV and HEV genotype 3b RNA, we diagnosed him as having acute hepatitis E. In this case, with chronic hepatitis B and a common bile duct stone, the prolonged abnormal results for the liver function tests seemed to be caused by HEV infection. In conclusion, in cases with high ALT levels after removing choledocholithiasis, other factors, including HEV infection, should be considered to determine the cause of abnormal liver function test results. The further examination of hepatitis D virus infection and high ALT levels may be needed in HBV-infected individuals.

A novel balloon dilation catheter facilitating endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy

Video 1Selective biliary cannulation was difficult, and the catheter tended to be cannulated into the pancreatic duct. We applied a double-wire technique to achieve biliary cannulation. Finally, selective biliary cannulation was achieved. Cholangiography revealed a small stone of approximately 5mm in the common bile duct (red arrow). Subsequently, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) was performed using a new EPBD catheter with a diameter of 8mm. This new EPBD catheter was inserted. We inflated this EPBD catheter slightly while observing both endoscopy and fluoroscopy monitors to confirm its dilation process. EPBD was easily and effectively performed without slipping in or out of the papilla. The orifice of the papilla was dilated. Stone extraction was completely achieved.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with wide sphincterotomy and brief balloon expansion is safe and leads rarely in recurrence in large common bile duct stones

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with wide sphincterotomy and brief balloon expansion is safe and leads rarely in recurrence in large common bile duct stones

Development and external validation of a nomogram for prediction of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Background and aimsEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is widely performed for management of pancreatobiliary diseases; however, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) remains as an unsolved problem. Although various risk factors for PEP have been reported, the prediction of PEP remains controversial. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for PEP. MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing ERCP for biliary indications at two centers were retrospectively studied. Using data from a training cohort, we utilized a multivariable model to select five variables to construct a nomogram. The predictive model was internally and externally validated. Based on the nomogram, the patients were categorized into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups. ResultsUsing the data of 2224 patients in the training cohort, five variables were selected to generate a nomogram: 1) sex, 2) indication for ERCP, 3) difficult cannulation, 4) guidewire insertion into the pancreatic duct, and 5) endoscopic sphincterotomy or sphincteroplasty. The most significant risk factor was endoscopic papillary balloon dilation such as endoscopic sphincterotomy or sphincteroplasty. The bias-corrected concordance index was 0.72 in the training cohort and 0.72 in the validation cohort. Calibration curves for both cohorts demonstrated good agreement between the predicted and observed frequencies of the actual outcome. In the validation cohort, PEP developed in 5.0% and 14% of patients in the moderate- and high-risk groups, respectively. ConclusionsWe successfully developed a good predictive model for PEP. The prevention of PEP in high risk patients should be investigated further.

Successful Treatment of More Than 100 Stones in the Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic Bile Ducts with Endoscopic Sphincterotomy Plus Papillary Balloon Dilatation Techniques

Successful Treatment of More Than 100 Stones in the Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic Bile Ducts with Endoscopic Sphincterotomy Plus Papillary Balloon Dilatation Techniques

Successful Endoscopic Treatment of Difficult Common Bile Duct Stones Using Various Interventional Techniques: A Case Report

Clearance of a difficult biliary stone can be obtained using various interventional techniques such as endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation, mechanical lithotripsy, peroral cholangioscopy-assisted intraductal electrohydraulic/laser lithotripsy, temporary plastic stent insertion, percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. We hereby describe the successful endoscopic treatment using various currently available interventional techniques in a case with multiple difficult common bile duct stones. Furthermore, we discuss the countermeasures to overcome the hurdles of each procedure.

Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation Can Be Safely Performed in Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: A Pilot Study.

Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD), a low-risk procedure for bleeding, has been suggested as an alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy for papillary dilatation in patients undergoing endoscopic stone removal who are at a higher risk of bleeding. Several guidelines recommend that combination of two antiplatelet agents should be reduced to single antiplatelet therapy when endoscopic sphincterotomy is performed. However, there is no evidence that EPBD affects the risk of bleeding in patients receiving a combination of two antiplatelet agents; thus, we aimed to explore this problem. We included 31 patients who underwent EPBD for common bile duct stones at our hospital from May 2014 to August 2022 and received either a combination of two antiplatelet agents or single antiplatelet therapy prior to the procedure. The group receiving a combination of two antiplatelet agents included patients who underwent EPBT without antiplatelet therapy withdrawal or with a shorter withdrawal period than those recommended by the guidelines. In the group that received a combination of two antiplatelet agents, one of the two antiplatelet agents used was thienopyridine. No bleeding was observed after EPBD in this study. We did not find any significant between-group differences in hemoglobin levels and rate of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. In patients treated with a combination of two antiplatelet agents, EPBD could be safely performed without bleeding. Therefore, future prospective studies are warranted.

A Novel Non-slip Banded Balloon Catheter for Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation.

A Novel Non-slip Banded Balloon Catheter for Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation.

Comprehensive review on small common bile duct stones.

Common bile duct stones are among the most common conditions encountered by endoscopists. Therefore, it is well researched; however, some items, such as indications for endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD), safety of EPBD and endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy or direct oral anticoagulant, selection strategy for retrieval balloons and baskets, lack adequate evidence. Therefore, the guidelines have been updated with new research, while others remain unchanged due to weak evidence. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the standard methods in guidelines and new findings from recent studies on papillary dilation, stone retrieval devices, difficult-to-treat cases, troubleshooting during the procedure, and complicated cases of cholangitis, cholecystolithiasis, or distal biliary stricture.

Development of clinical prediction rule for the requirement of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) on endoscopic CBD stone clearance.

To develop a simplified scoring system for clinical prediction of difficulty in CBD stone removal to assist endoscopists working in resource-limited settings in deciding whether to proceed with an intervention or refer patients to a center capable of performing additional procedures and interventions. This study included patients with CBD stones who underwent ERCP at Pattani Hospital between August 2017 and December 2021. Retrospective cohort data was collected and patients were categorized into two groups: bile duct stones successfully treated by endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy and extraction compared to the former method combined with EPLBD. We explored potential predictors using multivariable logistic regression. The chosen logistic coefficients were transformed into a scoring system based on risk with internal validation via bootstrapping procedure. Among the 155 patients who had successful endoscopic therapy for bile duct stones, there were 79 (50.97%) cases of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy, EPLBD and extraction versus 76 (49.03%) cases without EPLBD. The factors used to derive a scoring system included the size of CBD stones >15 mm, the difference between the stone and distal CBD diameter >2mm, distal CBD arm length <36 mm and stone shape. The score-based model's area under ROC was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.83, 0.93). For clinical use, the range of scores from 0 to 16, was divided into two subcategories based on CBD stone removal difficulty requiring EPLBD to derive the PPV. For scores <5 and ≥ 5, the PPV was 23.40 (p <0.001) and 93.44 (p <0.001) respectively. The Bootstrap sampling method indicated a prediction ability of 0.88 (AuROC, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.94). This scoring system has acceptable prediction performance in assisting endoscopists in their choice of stone removal procedure.

Current management of concomitant cholelithiasis and common bile duct stones.

The management policy of concomitant cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis is based on a one- or two-stage procedure. It basically includes either laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration (LCBDE) in the same operation or LC with preoperative, postoperative and even intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-endoscopic sphincterotomy (ERCP-ES) for stone clearance. The most frequently used worldwide option is preoperative ERCP-ES and stone removal followed by LC, preferably on the next day. In cases where preoperative ERCP-ES is not feasible, the proposed alternative of intraoperative rendezvous ERCP-ES simultaneously with LC has been advocated. The intraoperative extraction of CBD stones is superior to postoperative rendezvous ERCP-ES. However, there is no consensus on the superiority of laparoendoscopic rendezvous. This is equivalent to a traditional two-stage procedure. Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation reduces recurrence. LCBDE and intraoperative ERCP have similar good outcomes. The risk of recurrence after ERCP-ES is greater than that after LCBDE. Laparoscopic ultrasonography may delineate the anatomy and detect CBD stones. The majority of surgeons prefer the transcductal instead of the transcystic approach for CBDE with or without T-tube drainage, but the transcystic approach must be used where possible. LCBDE is a safe and effective choice when performed by an experienced surgeon. However, the requirement of specific equipment and advanced training are drawbacks. The percutaneous approach is an alternative when ERCP fails. Surgical or endoscopic reintervention for retained stones may be needed. For asymptomatic CBD stones, ERCP clearance is the first-choice method. Both one-stage and two-stage management are acceptable and can ensure improved quality of life.

Outcomes of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation in comparison to mechanical lithotripsy for large common bile duct stone

Background: The management of common bile duct stone (CBDS) has changed drastically over the past two decades, as open surgery has been supplanted by per-oral endoscopic procedures. Currently, therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the standard worldwide. After performing an endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EBST), endoscopic therapy entails CBDS extraction using conventional procedures. Lithotripsy is an endoscopic procedure used to remove CBDS that are too large to be extracted using conventional techniques.Aim: The aim of the present work is to compare the results of endoscopic large balloon dilatation and mechanical lithotripsy for large CBDS.Subjects and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on 60 cases undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangial pancreatography for large CBDS who were referred to out-case's clinic and in-case's wards of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy unit of Internal Medicine Department at Tanta University Hospitals December 2019 to February 2021. Cases were divided into two equal groups. Group I included cases undergoing endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation (EPLBD) and Group II included cases undergoing mechanical lithotripsy (ML).Results: Success of CBDS extraction, Hb, PLT, TLC, albumin, PA, ALT, AST, creatinine and urea and CBDS parameters (diameter, CBDS size, CBDS number) after ERCP were insignificantly different between both groups. Total serum bilirubin, direct serum bilirubin and, Alkaline phosphatase after ERCP were significantly lower in EPLBD. However, Amylase and lipase were significantly higher in EPLBD.Conclusion: Despite that the endoscopic large balloon dilatation caused significantly higher pancreatitis, it showed lower TSB, DSB and ALP. However, both techniques showed no difference regarding the success of CBDS extraction and laboratory investigations.