Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Procedures Research Articles

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Anesthetic and Sedative Regimens for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Network Meta-analysis.

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of various anesthetic and sedative regimens for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until March 2024. Primary outcomes included procedure time, patient satisfaction, oxygen saturation (SpO2), incidence of SpO2 below 90%, and adverse events. The analysis was performed using R software, analyzing continuous outcomes with mean differences and dichotomous outcomes with risk ratios. 42 RCTs were included. Combination therapies such as remifentanil plus tramadol and propofol plus midazolam plus pethidine demonstrated significantly shorter procedure times. Propofol plus oxycodone yielded higher patient satisfaction. Oxygenation results indicated that propofol plus fentanyl, oxycodone, and ketamine improved SpO2. Propofol plus oxycodone (RR<0.01), dexmedetomidine plus fentanyl (RR<0.01), propofol plus nalbuphine (RR=0.01), Mg sulfate plus propofol (RR=0.01), and propofol plus fentanyl (RR=0.02), showed a significant lower rate of patients with SpO2 below 90% compared to propofol. Midazolam plus pethidine plus dexmedetomidine (RR=0.01), propofol plus oxycodone (RR=0.09), and dexmedetomidine plus fentanyl (RR=0.2) exhibited lower rates of adverse events compared to propofol. This study provides comprehensive evidence to guide clinical decision-making and optimize anesthetic management for ERCP procedures.

Does T-tube indwelling prolong the procedure of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for healing duct-to-duct anastomotic bile leakage after liver transplantation?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the preferred treatment for duct-to-duct anastomotic bile leakage (D-D aBL) after liver transplantation (LT). This study aimed to compare the time required for ERCP and D-D aBL recovery in post-LT patients with and without T-tube drainage. A total of 40 patients (11 with T-tube drainage and 29 without T-tube drainage) with confirmed D-D aBLs treated successfully with ERCP from July 2016 to September 2021 were reviewed. The mean interval from LT to initial ERCP was significantly longer in patients with T-tube drainage than in those without T-tube drainage (41.9 vs 25.1 days, P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in the time required for ERCP to result in D-D aBL healing between patients with T-tube drainage and those without T-tubes (33.4 vs 23.0 days). T-tube indwelling did not significantly prolong the course required for ERCP to resolve D-D aBL in post-LT patients.

A Comparison of Remimazolam versus Propofol on Blood Pressure Changes During Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Intraoperative hypotension is the most common adverse event in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and is usually attributed to the vasodilatory effect of the anesthetic. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the impact of remimazolam versus propofol on blood pressure changes during the therapeutic ERCP procedure. Adult patients scheduled for elective therapeutic ERCP were randomized to receive either remimazolam or propofol anesthesia (40 patients in each group). The primary outcomes included the change in mean arterial pressure (MAP) during induction and the area under the baseline (AUB), calculated as the blood pressure below baseline multiplied by the duration, throughout the procedure. These measures, respectively, indicated the severity of blood pressure decrease during anesthesia induction and the overall impact of blood pressure changes throughout the procedure. Any incidences of hypotension, defined as MAP <65 mm Hg for at least 1 minute, were recorded. The recovery time and any adverse events were also reported. The change in MAP after induction was smaller in the remimazolam group compared to the propofol group (-7.5 [-14.0 to 0] mm Hg vs -25.0 [-33.8 to -14.3] mm Hg), with a median difference of 17.0 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.0-22.0; P <.001). The AUB in the remimazolam group was less than in the propofol group (-373 [-82 to -854] mm Hg·min vs -705 [-272 to -1100] mm Hg·min), with a median difference of 255 mm Hg·min (95% CI, 29-477; P =.021). The incidence of hypotension was significantly lower for remimazolam than propofol (5% vs 30%; P =.006). There were no serious adverse events in either group. Remimazolam may be considered as an alternative to propofol for general anesthesia during therapeutic ERCP procedures, with the potential advantage of stable hemodynamics.

Endoscopic management of postcholecystectomy complications at a Nigerian tertiary health facility

BackgroundCholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration for biliary stone disease are common hepatobiliary surgeries performed by general surgeons in Nigeria. These procedures can be complicated by injury to the biliary tree or retained stones, requiring repeat surgical intervention. This study presents the experience of using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of hepatobiliary surgery complications at the academic referral center of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife, Nigeria.MethodsAll patients with postcholecystectomy complications referred to the endoscopy unit at OAUTHC from March 2018 to April 2023 were enrolled. Preoperative imaging included a combination of abdominal ultrasound, CT, MRI, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and T-tube cholangiogram. All ERCP procedures were performed under general anesthesia.ResultsSeventy-two ERCP procedures were performed on 45 patients referred for postcholecystectomy complications. The most common mode of presentation was ascending cholangitis [16 (35.6%)], followed by persistent biliary fistula [12 (26.7%)]. The overall median duration of symptoms after cholecystectomy was 20 weeks, with a range of 1-162 weeks. The most common postcholecystectomy complication observed was retained stone [16 (35.6%)]. Other postcholecystectomy complications included bile leakage, bile stricture, bile leakage with stricture, and persistent bile leakage from the T-tube in 12 (26.7%), 11 (24.4%), 4 (8.9%), and 2 (4.4%) patients, respectively. Ampullary cannulation during ERCP was successful in all patients (45, 100%). Patients with complete biliary stricture (10/12) required hepaticojejunostomy.ConclusionEndoscopic management of postcholecystectomy complications was found to be safe and reduce the number of needless surgeries to which such patients are exposed. We recommended prompt referral of such patients for ERCP.

Comparative analysis of the therapeutic efficacy of remimazolam tosylate and propofol in older adults undergoing painless endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the therapeutic outcomes associated with the administration of remimazolam and propofol during painless endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures in older adults. A total of 140 older adults who underwent elective painless ERCP were randomly assigned to two groups using the random number table method: the remimazolam group and the propofol group, each consisting of 70 patients. In the remimazolam group, anesthesia was administered using a combination of remimazolam and opioids, while in the propofol group, a combination of propofol and opioids was used. Comparative assessments between the two groups included anesthesia induction time, first induction success rate, intraoperative hemodynamics, awakening duration, stress response index, and the incidence of adverse reactions. The remimazolam group exhibited a prolonged anesthesia induction time compared to the propofol group and a lower success rate of first induction (P < 0.05). At the point of endoscope entry (T2) and 10min post-operation (T3), patients in the remimazolam group demonstrated higher mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and bispectral index (BIS) values compared to those in the propofol group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the remimazolam group had shorter durations for eye-opening, consciousness recovery, and residence in the recovery room compared to the propofol group (P < 0.05). Post-surgery levels of epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and cortisol (Cor) at 24h were lower in the remimazolam group than in the propofol group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the remimazolam group (18.57%) compared to the propofol group (31.43%) (P < 0.05). Remimazolam exhibits a longer induction time compared to propofol in the painless diagnosis and treatment of ERCP in older adults. However, it provides a more stable circulatory state post-induction and throughout the operation, reduces stress response, enables rapid recovery, and has a lower incidence of serious adverse reactions. These attributes suggest that remimazolam has potential for widespread clinical application and adoption. clinicaltrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR2400080926.

A worrisome prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers in patients with biliary obstruction and cholangitis: Phenotypic and molecular characterization of biliary Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates

Background & aimsThe alarming rise of antibiotic resistance presents a substantial and worrisome issue within the context of biliary obstruction, specifically in the treatment of cholangitis. This abovementioned scenario underscores the critical importance of addressing extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers in the biliary system to adequately tackle cholangitis using third-generation cephalosporins. Hence, we aimed to determine the frequency of ESBL and carbapenemases among biliary Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from patients with biliary obstruction. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, bile samples were collected via aspiration from patients diagnosed with biliary obstruction during the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure. Subsequent culturing of these samples was performed, followed by phenotypic and molecular assessments for the detection of ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing strains of E. coli and K. pneumoniae. ResultsApproximately 23.5 % of patients with biliary obstruction harbored biliary ESBL-producers, with the majority (70.2 %) being diagnosed with cholangitis. Moreover, 2.1 % of patients had biliary carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae strains. Molecular analysis confirmed the high prevalence of blaCTX-M and blaTEM in E. coli, and blaTEM and blaSHV in K. pneumoniae. Additionally, the presence of biliary K. pneumoniae harboring blaKPC, blaNDM, and blaIMP was observed. ConclusionOur study reveals a noteworthy observation that over half of patients experiencing biliary obstruction harbor ESBL-producing bacteria in their biliary tract. Notably, we discovered a significant link between ESBL producers and the risk of cholangitis. These findings raise important concerns regarding the suitability of employing third-generation cephalosporins as initial treatment for cholangitis and other similar biliary infections.

Comparison of ERCP Outcomes and Complication Risk between Elderly and Younger Patients: A Large Single-Center Study

Objectives: The current study compared potential risks, complications, and the impact on clinical outcomes among elderly and younger patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Methods: Procedure-related complications, risk factors, and clinical outcomes following complications in elderly patients (aged ≥75 years) and younger who underwent biliary ERCP were evaluated. Results: Median age of 63 (48–74) of 1164 patients who underwent biliary ERCP for the first time, and 266 (22.8%) were elderly. Comorbidities were statistically significant (81 [30.5%] versus 78 [8.7%], p &lt; 0.001), and periampullary diverticulum (PAD) was detected more commonly in the elderly group (79 [29.7%] vs. 103 [11.5%], p &lt; 0.001). There was no statistical difference in cannulation technique, cannulation time, and cannulation success in both groups, while the total ERCP procedure time was higher in the elderly group (22 [16–29] vs. 20 [14–29], p = 0.030). Regarding the procedure-related complications, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (26 [9.8%] vs. 71 [7.9%], p = 0.292). In the case of complications, the length of hospitalization stay was statistically longer in the elderly group. Moreover, the elderly had a longer length of hospitalization, experiencing pancreatitis and a higher probability of developing moderate/severe pancreatitis. In multivariate and univariate analysis, prolonged cannulation time was found to be an independent risk factor in patients ≥75 years of age. Conclusions: This study showed that while ERCP-related complication rates in elderly patients are comparable to younger patients, it can be associated with worse outcomes following the complication and prolonged length of hospitalization.

Endoscopic or combined management of post-surgical biliary leaks: a two-center recent experience.

Post-surgical biliary leaks (PSBL) are one of the most prevalent and significant adverse events emerging after liver or biliary tract surgeries. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) alone or combined with another approach (Rendez Vous) as treatment of PSBL obtains optimal outcomes due to the possibility of modifying the resistances in the biliary tree. A retrospective double-center study was conducted in two tertiary centers. Consecutive patients who underwent at least one attempt of PSBL correction by ERCP or Rendez Vous procedure between January 2018 and August 2023 were included. The primary outcome was overall endoscopic clinical success. In contrast, the secondary outcomes were hospital stay exceeding five days and endoscopic clinical success with the first endoscopic procedure at the tertiary center. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess outcomes. 65 patients were included. Patients with one or multiple) leaks had more possibility to achieve the endoscopic clinical success compared to those affected by the association of leaks and stricture (96% vs 67%, p value 0.005). Leaks occurring in the main biliary duct had less probability (67%) to achieve the overall endoscopic clinical success compared to those in the end-to-end anastomosis (90%), in the resection plane or biliary stump (96%) or first or secondary order biliary branches (100%, p value 0.038). A leak-bridging stent positioning had more probability of achieving the endoscopic clinical success than a not leak-bridging stent (91% vs 53%, p value 0.005). ERCP and Rendez Vous procedures are safe and effective for treating PSBL, regardless of the type of preceding surgery, even if technical or clinical success was not achieved on the first attempt. A stent should be placed, if feasible, leak-bridging to enhance treatment efficacy.

Assessment of occupational radiation exposure during a specific endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occupational radiation exposure of staff during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with a focus on individuals closest to the radiation source, and to identify potential increases in exposure to hands and eye lenses. Patient radiation exposure during ERCP was also assessed. Staff organ doses were monitored using a Philips Allura Xper FD 20 fluoroscopy system, during 24 ERCP procedures for a period of 7months. Staff doses were measured using thermoluminescence dosemeters and electronic personal dosemeters, and patient effective doses were simulated and calculated. Physicians' annual organ doses ranged from 0.2 to 1.6mSv for shoulders, 0.1 to 0.4mSv for eye lenses, and 0.3 to 1.6mSv for fingers. The annual organ dose of the nursing staff ranged from 0.08 to 2.4mSv for shoulders, 0.02 to 2.3mSv for eye lenses, and 1.2 to 5.3mSv for fingers. The effective dose to patients ranged from 0.009 to 0.46mSv. Staff doses were within safe limits, but patient doses were high, emphasizing the need for improved radiation protection.

Comparison of radiation-shielding curtains for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography staff

Occupational radiation exposure to the eye lens of medical staff during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) should be kept low so as not to exceed annual dose limits. Dose should be low to avoid tissue reactions and minimizing stochastic effects. It is known that the head and neck of the staff are exposed to more scattered radiation in an over-couch tube system than in a C-arm system (under-couch tube). However, this is only true when radiation-shielding curtains are not used. This study aimed to compare the protection radiation to the occupationally exposed worker between a lead curtain mounted on a C-arm system and an ERCP-specific lead curtain mounted on an over-couch tube system. A phantom study simulating a typical setting for ERCP procedures was conducted, and the scattered radiation dose at four staff positions were measured. It was found that scattered radiation doses were higher in the C-arm with a lead curtain than in the over-couch tube with an ERCP-specific lead curtain at all positions measured in this study. It was concluded that the over-couch tube system with an ERCP-specific lead curtain would reduce the staff eye dose by less than one-third compared to the C-arm system with a lead curtain. For the C-arm system, it is necessary to consider more effective radiation protection measures for the upper body of the staff, such as a ceiling-suspended lead screen or another novel shielding that do not interfere with procedures.

Radiation exposure to patients undergoing percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography: an advanced phantom study.

Fluoroscopic examinations like Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC) are fundamental in diagnosing and treating hepatobiliary diseases. However, these procedures expose patients to significant radiation, highlighting the need for a detailed assessment of the radiation doses received by critical organs. The study's primary objective is to determine the experimental doses received by critical organs in patients undergoing these procedures. This study utilized an Alderson RANDO phantom outfitted with Thermoluminescent Dosemeters (TLDs) to experimentally measure the radiation doses received by various organs during ERCP and PTC procedures. This method provided direct and accurate data on organ-specific radiation exposure, contrasting with the traditional approach of relying on theoretical simulations. The analysis revealed that PTC generally results in higher radiation doses to organs compared to ERCP. Critical organs, such as the thyroid, spleen, liver, pancreas, ovaries, and uterus, were exposed to varying levels of radiation, with the thyroid and spleen receiving particularly high doses in PTC. The study also demonstrated that the per-minute radiation exposure was consistently higher in PTC across all examined organs. The study's findings underscore the significant radiation exposure associated with ERCP and PTC, with PTC posing a greater risk. Understanding these exposure levels is crucial for clinical decision-making, particularly when considering patients' pre-existing conditions and sensitivity to radiation. The study highlights the need for clinicians to carefully weigh the benefits of ERCP and PTC against the potential radiological risks. It suggests a preference for ERCP in situations where radiation exposure needs to be minimized. Furthermore, the findings advocate for ongoing advancements in medical imaging techniques to reduce radiation exposure, emphasizing the importance of patient safety in fluoroscopic examinations. This research contributes significantly to informed clinical decision-making, ensuring that the selection of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures aligns with the best interest of patient health and safety.

Does the Use of Potential Pancreatotoxic Drugs Increase the Risk of Post-Endoscopic Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis?

Background and Aim: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable procedure for pancreatobiliary disorders but carries significant risks, including post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). The exact cause of PEP is unclear, but mechanical and thermal injuries during the procedure and patient-related factors have been implicated. This study aims to investigate the possible contribution of potential pancreatotoxic drug (PPD) exposure to PEP risk. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-centre, cohort study conducted at Canberra Hospital, a tertiary university hospital. Consecutive ERCP performed with native papillae within a 4-year period from January 2019 to January 2023 were evaluated. Details of ERCP procedures, patient characteristics, and all medications were contemporaneously collected. All patients had follow-up phone calls or review within 24 h post procedure. The diagnosis of PEP was based on the Cotton consensus definition. Results: A total of 32 out of 444 patients (7.2%) developed PEP. There was no significant difference in the incidence of PEP between patients taking PPD compared to patients who were not (7.1% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.845). Three factors were independently associated with PEP in the multivariate analysis: the presence of a periampullary diverticulum (OR = 5.4, 95% CI 1.7–15.3, p = 0.002), the performance of pre-cut sphincterotomy (OR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.4, p = 0.017), and pancreatic duct cannulation (OR = 3, CI 1.3–7, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The overall incidence of pancreatitis in our selected group of ERCP patients with native papillae was 7.2%. Our study did not find the use of PPD to be a statistically significant risk factor for PEP.

Artificial intelligence-empowered assessment of bile duct stone removal challenges

The aim of this investigation was to unravel the complexities inherent in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures for bile duct stone removal by leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies to support clinical decision-making and optimize patient outcomes. We introduced the Assessment of Stone Removal Challenges (ACRS) system, a novel integration of Data-efficient Image Transformers (DeiT) for image data analysis and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) for clinical data interpretation. Our study included a patient cohort of 2,129 individuals, focusing on training the ACRS system to achieve high diagnostic precision. Using logistic regression, we identified pivotal predictors affecting the complexity of bile duct stone removal. These findings were visually represented through forest plots and nomograms. Analytical and visualization processes were conducted using the Python and R programming languages, adhering to a p value significance threshold of less than 0.05. By utilizing DeiT enhanced by transfer learning and XGBoost for clinical data interpretation, the system achieved an accuracy of 0.83 and a perfect recall rate on a test set of 2,129 patients. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) provided in-depth diagnostic insights. Logistic regression was applied to identify crucial clinical predictors for stone removal difficulty, as visualized through forest plots and nomograms. These tools facilitated measurable assessments of procedural complexity, making significant strides in gastroenterology diagnostics and decision-making. By adopting causal inference techniques, the system effectively quantifies the influence of various clinical entities on stone removal difficulty, thereby augmenting both diagnostic precision and procedural strategies in ERCP.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using a pediatric colonoscope in patients with Roux‑en‑Y gastrectomy and an intact major duodenal papilla.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and an intact major duodenal papilla is challenging and difficult, with unsatisfactory outcomes using various endoscopes. Limited data are available regarding the outcomes of ERCP using a pediatric colonoscope in such patients. To evaluate the efficacy of a pediatric colonoscope in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and an major duodenal intact papilla, 93 consecutive patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and an intact major duodenal papilla who underwent ERCP using a pediatric colonoscope at the Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, (Nanjing, China) between January 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Following the failure of bile duct cannulation, a double-guidewire or precut technique was utilized for advanced cannulation. Interventions were performed using standard ERCP therapeutic accessories. The results indicated that distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed in 38 out of 93 patients, while 55 patients underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The success rates associated with endoscope insertion, endoscopic cannulation and therapeutic ERCP were 88.17% (82/93), 85.37% (70/82) and 95.71% (67/70), respectively, while the clinical intervention success and complication rates were 72.04% (67/93) and 7.53% (7/93), respectively. The endoscope insertion time was 40.78±10.04 min, and the ERCP procedure time was 88.55±16.38 min. Student's t-test showed that the endoscope insertion time and the ERCP procedure time in patients undergoing distal gastrectomy were longer than those in patients undergoing total gastrectomy (P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age and number of previous abdominal surgeries were independent risk factors associated with endoscope insertion failure. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the use of a pediatric colonoscope is efficacious and safe for patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and an intact major duodenal papilla undergoing ERCP.

Pre-Cut Papillotomy Versus Endoscopic Ultrasound-Rendezvous for Difficult Biliary Cannulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Various endoscopic techniques are employed to achieve biliary cannulation when confronted with difficult biliary access. Every procedure carries its own risk in terms of bleeding, infection, pancreatitis, and cholangitis. Our meta-analysis aimed to compare pre-cut papillotomy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-rendezvous in terms of technical success rates, and post-procedure pancreatitis and bleeding. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that compared pre-cut papillotomy and EUS-rendezvous. The primary outcome was technical success by achieving biliary cannulation. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pancreatitis and bleeding. A random-effects model was used to calculate the risk ratios (RRs) and confidence intervals (CIs). A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Our meta-analysis included four studies comparing pre-cut papillotomy and EUS-rendezvous. The studies included 13,659 total endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures, of whom 1,004 patients underwent alternate biliary cannulation procedures due to difficult biliary cannulation. The mean age of the study population was noted to be 49.5 years and males represented 53.3% of the total participants. Both procedures were similar in terms of technical success (RR: 0.95, 95% CI (0.88, 1.02)). No difference was found between rates of post procedure pancreatitis (RR: 1.82, 95% CI (0.80, 4.15)) and post procedure bleeding (RR: 2.80, 95% CI (0.67, 11.66)). There was no difference in technical success of procedure or post-procedure complications such as pancreatitis and bleeding between pre-cut papillotomy and EUS-rendezvous technique. More randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to compare both procedural techniques and complications rates. However, currently, both procedures are equally effective and safe during difficult biliary cannulation in the hands of experienced endoscopists.

Complications in Patients with Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: 15-Year Experience at a Tertiary Care Center in Latin America.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a common procedure, but it poses challenges in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy (SAGA). Alternative techniques like single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE), double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), or push enteroscopy (PE) have been used, albeit with potential complications. Limited Latin American data exists on ERCP complications in SAGA patients. Our goal is to describe complications of ERCP in SAGA at a national referral institution. Retrospective, single-center cohort study. All SAGA ERCP procedures performed at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Department of the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán from January 2008 to May 2023 were included. Extracted data from records included procedure specifics, endoscope type, success, and complications. Complications were evaluated during procedure and 28-day post-procedure and classified using the AGREE system. A total of 266 procedures in 174 patients were included, 74% were women, and the median age was 44years. Predominant modified anatomy was Roux-en-Y biliary reconstruction (79%), followed by Whipple procedure (13%) and subtotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (6.0%). The main indications were cholangitis with stricture (31%), stricture (19%), and cholangitis (19%). DBE was used in 89%, PE in 7.5%, and SBE in 3.4%. Success rates were 77% endoscopic, 72% technical, and 69% therapeutic; in 30%, the procedure was unsuccessful. Complications happened in 18% of cases, most commonly cholangitis (7.5%), followed by perforation (2.6%) and hemorrhage (1.9%). According to the AGREE classification, 10.9% were grades 1 and 2, 6.4% were grade 3, and 0.4% were grade 4 complications. No significant differences emerged between groups with and without complications. Procedures increased over time, but complications and unsuccessful procedures remained stable. ERCP complications align with international data, often not requiring invasive treatment. Enhanced exposure to such cases correlates with fewer complications and failures. Prospective studies are essential to identify complication and failure predictors.

Safety-Centric Precision Control of a Modified Duodenoscope Designed for Surgical Robotics

There is limited research on robotic systems designed for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures using a side-view duodenoscope. The unique structure of the duodenoscope presents challenges to safely and precisely control the distal end pose. Control methods applied can reduce potential medical risks. We have redesigned the control section of the duodenoscope to facilitate its manipulation by a robotic system. An orthogonal compensator is employed to rectify the motion planes to standard planes. A hysteresis compensator based on the Prandtl-Ishlinskii model enables precise control of the distal pose of the duodenoscope. Furthermore, we utilize a contact force prediction model to prevent excessive contact force at the distal end. The performance of the modified duodenoscope is comparable to that of the standard duodenoscope. Following orthogonal compensation, the deviation angles of the motion planes is reduced by 32% to 98%. Post-hysteresis compensation, the root mean square error (RMSE) of the output angle of the distal end is decreased from 8.347° to 4.826°. The accuracy of distal end contact force prediction was approximately ±25% under conditions of high contact force. In conclusion, the modification and control strategy we proposed can achieve relatively safe and precise control of bending section, laying the foundation for the subsequent roboticization of duodenoscope systems for ERCP procedures.

Endoscopic approach for biliopancreatic disease after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a 10-year single-center experience.

In surgically altered anatomy (SAA), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be challenging, and it remains debatable the choice of the optimal endoscopic approach within this context. We aim to show our experience and evaluate the technical and clinical success of endoscopic treatment performed in the setting of adverse events (AE) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study was conducted on a retrospective cohort of patients presenting biliopancreatic complications after PD from 01/01/2012 to 31/12/2022. All patients underwent ERCP at our Endoscopy Unit. Clinical, instrumental data, and characteristics of endoscopic treatments were collected. 133 patients were included (80M, mean age = 65 y.o.) with a total of 296 endoscopic procedures (median = 2 procedures/treatment). The indications for ERCP were mainly biliary AE (76 cases, 57.1%). Technical success was obtained in 121 patients of 133 (90.9%). 112 out of 133 (84.2%) obtained clinical success. Nine patients out of 112 (8%) experienced AEs. Clinical success rates were statistically different between patients with biliary or pancreatic disease (93.4% vs 73.6%, p < 0.0001). Septic patients were 38 (28.6%) and showed a worse prognosis than non-septic ones (clinical success: 65.7% vs 91.5%, p = 0.0001). During follow-up, 9 patients (8%), experienced recurrence of the index biliopancreatic disease with a median onset at 20months (IQR 6-40.1). Our case series demonstrated that the use of a pediatric colonoscope in ERCP procedures for patients with AEs after PD is both safe and effective in treating the condition, even in a long-term follow-up.

ERCP-Related adverse events in pediatric patients: a 10-years single-site review.

This retrospective analysis aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in pediatric patients by examining ERCP-related adverse events (AEs) occurring over a decade at a single center. Pediatric patients under 18years old who underwent ERCP at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 1/2013 to 11/2023 were included. ERCP-related AEs were defined according to ERCP-related adverse events: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline. Clinical data of patients experiencing ERCP-related AEs were obtained from electronic medical records for analysis. Over the past decade, a total of 76 pediatric patients underwent 113 ERCP procedures, including 26 patients who underwent repeat ERCP, totaling 63 procedures. There were 32 males and 44 females, with a median age of 13years (range 3years and 5months-17years and 9months). Among all ERCP procedures, 14 (12.4%) were diagnostic and 99 (87.6%) were therapeutic, with a 100% success rate. 16 cases (14.2%) of ERCP-related AEs, all post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), were observed, while no other AEs defined by ESGE such as bleeding, perforation, cholangitis, cholecystitis, or sedation-related events were noted. Additionally, 23 cases (20.4%) of ERCP-related AEs not included in the ESGE definition were observed, including post-ERCP abdominal pain in 20 cases (17.7%), post-ERCP nausea and vomiting in 2 cases (1.8%), and unplanned reoperation in 1 case (0.9%). In the 26 cases of pediatric patients who underwent repeat ERCP, we observed that AEs occurred in 15 cases (57.7%) during their initial ERCP, which was much higher than the overall average level. Post-ERCP abdominal pain and PEP are the most common ERCP-related AEs in pediatric patients, while severe AEs such as bleeding and perforation are rare. The incidence of AEs after initial ERCP in pediatric patients who received repeat ERCP is higher than the overall average level. Based on our center's experience, we believe that ERCP can be safely performed in children over 3years old with biliary and pancreatic diseases and obtain reliable clinical benefits. However, active monitoring and management of ERCP-related AEs are essential to improve the clinical outcomes of pediatric ERCP.

Risk factors for pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children

To investigate the application of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children and the risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 66 children, aged ≤16 years, who underwent ERCP for pancreaticobiliary diseases at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from September 2013 to September 2023. The incidence rate of PEP and the risk factors for the development of PEP were analyzed. A total of 78 ERCP procedures were performed on 66 children, with 5 diagnostic ERCPs, 69 therapeutic ERCPs, and 4 failed procedures. The success rate of ERCP operations was 95% (74/78). There were 17 cases of PEP in total, with an incidence rate of 22%. In the PEP group, the proportion of children with normal preoperative bilirubin and the proportion of guidewire insertion into the pancreatic duct during surgery were higher than in the non-PEP group (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that guidewire insertion into the pancreatic duct was an independent risk factor for PEP (P<0.05). With the increasing application of ERCP in children with pancreaticobiliary diseases, it is important to select an appropriate intubation technique during surgery to avoid blindly entering the guidewire into the pancreatic duct and reduce the occurrence of PEP.