Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP Research Articles

Biliopancreatic Endoscopy in Altered Anatomy.

Background and Objectives: Anatomical post-surgical alterations of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract have always been challenging for performing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, especially when biliopancreatic diseases are involved. Esophagectomy, gastrectomy with various reconstructions and pancreaticoduodenectomy are among the most common surgeries causing upper GI tract alterations. Technological improvements and new methods have increased the endoscopic success rate in these patients, and the literature has been rapidly increasing over the past few years. The aim of this systematic review is to identify evidence on the available biliopancreatic endoscopic techniques performed in the altered post-surgical anatomy of upper GI tract. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS databases. Study-level variables extracted were the last name of the first author, publication year, study design, number of patients, type of post-surgical anatomical alteration, endoscopic technique, success rate and endoscopic-related adverse events. Results: Our primary search identified 221 titles, which was expanded with studies after the citation search. The final full-text review process identified 52 articles (31 retrospective studies, 8 prospective studies and 13 case reports). We found several different techniques developed over the years for biliopancreatic diseases in altered anatomy, in order to perform both endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). They included enteroscopy-assisted ERCP (double and single balloon enteroscopy-ERCP, spiral enteroscopy-ERCP) laparoscopic assisted ERCP, EUS-Directed transgastric ERCP, EUS-directed transgastric intervention, gastric access temporary for endoscopy, and percutaneous assisted trans prosthetic endoscopic therapy. The success rate was high (most of the techniques showed a success rate over 90%) and a low rate of adverse events were reported. Conclusions: We suggest the considerationof the novel techniques when approaching patients with altered anatomy who require biliopancreatic endoscopy, focusing on the surgery type, success rate and adverse events reported in the literature.

Living on the EDGE: Canadian Experience With EUS-directed Transgastric ERCP (EDGE) in Patients With Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Anatomy.

IntroductionRoux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery imposes anatomic barriers to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Potential options for biliary access in these patients include laparoscopic-assisted ERCP or balloon enteroscopy. However, these approaches require specialized equipment and/or operating room personnel and are associated with high rates of failure and adverse events compared to conventional ERCP. A recently described technique, EDGE, is an endoscopic approach which involves accessing the excluded stomach to facilitate ERCP.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to describe the results of EDGE procedures performed in Canada.MethodsData were collected from patient cases who had undergone an EDGE procedure across centers in Canada. All patients had a history of RYGB bariatric surgery. In each procedure, a 20-mm diameter lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) was deployed under EUS guidance to allow access from the gastric remnant/proximal jejunum to the excluded stomach. Subsequently, during a separate procedure, a duodenoscope was passed through the LAMS to perform ERCP. Following ERCP, the LAMS was replaced with a pigtail stent or APC was used to facilitate closure of the gastro-jejunal/gastro-gastric fistula.ResultsThe indication for EDGE in the seven included cases was for the treatment of choledocholithiasis (six) or gallstone pancreatitis (one). The technical success rate of the EDGE procedure in these cases was 100%. Clinical success, defined by normalization of bilirubin and symptomatic relief, was observed in all cases. There were no adverse events reported.ConclusionThe results of this series support EDGE as a safe and minimally invasive approach to biliary access and therapy in patients with previous RYGB surgery.

Laparoscopy-Assisted Transgastric ERCP: A Challenging Technique for Biliary Clearance Post Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

AbstractBiliary complications after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are not uncommon. Managing choledocholithiasis in this subset of patients is challenging as conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is not possible due to lack of peroral access to the second part of duodenum. Enteroscopic approach, however, theoretically feasible is difficult and cumbersome, often resulting in failed procedure. Small series has reported higher success with a novel technique of laparoscopic transgastric access for ERCP. Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP) is now increasingly being recognized as a safe and reliable technique for biliary clearance with a low complication rate, making it a preferred approach for managing biliopancreatic disease in these groups of patients. Here we report a case of a young patient with gallstone disease and choledocholithiasis presenting with obstructive jaundice post RYGB who was successfully managed by LA-ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the same session.

ID: 3520457 OUTCOMES OF LAPAROSCOPIC-ASSISTED ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY VERSUS PERCUTANEOUS TRANSHEPATIC BILIARY DRAINAGE IN PATIENTS WITH ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY

Patients with history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery are not candidates for standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to their surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. There are a number of alternative approaches in such patients including device-assisted ERCP, laparoscopy-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and surgical drainage. The aim of our study was to compare clinical outcomes in RYGB patients undergoing LA-ERCP versus PTBD for management of pancreatobiliary diseases.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients With Prior Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Case Series of Technical Challenges

ABSTRACT Accessing the biliary ducts for performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and relevant interventional procedures after gastric bypass surgery is technically difficult and frequently unsuccessful due to anatomical alterations. To overcome such technical challenges, laparoscopic-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP) is used to approach the biliary ducts via nonperoral reliable access for performing different endoscopic biliary interventions. In this case series, we report a total of three patients with different anatomical alterations who underwent LA-ERCP.

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

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

Laparoscopic-assisted ERCP following RYGB: a 12-year assessment of outcomes and learning curve at a high-volume pancreatobiliary center.

Treatment of pancreaticobiliary pathology following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) poses significant technical challenges. Laparoscopic-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (LA-ERCP) can overcome those anatomical hurdles, allowing access to the papilla. Our aims were to analyze our 12-year institutional outcomes and determine the learning curve for LA-ERCP. A retrospective review of cases between 2007 and 2019 at a high-volume pancreatobiliary unit was performed. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of specific outcomes. To identify the learning curve, CUSUM analyses and innovative methods for standardizing the surgeon's timelines were performed. 131 patients underwent LA-ERCP (median age 60, 81% females) by 17 surgeons and 10 gastroenterologists. Cannulation of the papilla was achieved in all cases. Indications were choledocholithiasis (78%), Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction/Papillary stenosis (18%), management of bile leak (2%) and stenting/biopsy of malignant strictures (2%). Median total, surgical and ERCP times were 180, 128 and 48min, respectively, and 47% underwent concomitant cholecystectomy. Surgical site infection developed in 9.2% and post-ERCP pancreatitis in 3.8%. Logistic regression revealed multiple abdominal operations and magnitude of BMI decrease (between RYGB and LA-ERCP) to be predictive of conversion to open approach. CUSUM analysis of operative time demonstrated a learning curve at case 27 for the surgical team and case 9 for the gastroenterology team. On binary cut analysis, 3-5 cases per surgeon were needed to optimize operative metrics. LA-ERCP is associated with high success rates and low adverse events. We identify outcome benchmarks and a learning curve for new adopters of this increasingly performed procedure.

Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE): a retrospective multicenter study

Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP; EDGE) is an alternative to enteroscopy- and laparoscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy. Although short-term results are promising, the long-term outcomes are not known. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the rates of long-term adverse events after EDGE, with a focus on rates of persistent gastrogastric or jejunogastric fistula; (2) to identify predictors of persistent fistula; (3) to assess the outcomes of endoscopic closure when persistent fistula is encountered. This was a multicenter retrospective study involving 13 centers between February 2015 and March 2019. Adverse events were defined according to the ASGE lexicon. Persistent fistula was defined as an upper gastrointestinal series or esophagogastroduodenoscopy showing evidence of fistula. 178 patients (mean age 58 years, 79 % women) underwent EDGE. Technical success was achieved in 98 % of cases (175/178), with a mean procedure time of 92 minutes. Periprocedural adverse events occurred in 28 patients (15.7 %; mild 10.1 %, moderate 3.4 %, severe 2.2 %). The four severe adverse events were managed laparoscopically. Persistent fistula was diagnosed in 10 % of those sent for objective testing (9/90). Following identification of a fistula, 5 /9 patients underwent endoscopic closure procedures, which were successful in all cases. The EDGE procedure is associated with high clinical success rates and an acceptable risk profile. Persistent fistulas after lumen-apposing stent removal are uncommon, but objective testing is recommended to identify their presence. When persistent fistulas are identified, endoscopic treatment is warranted, and should be successful in closing the fistula.

The use of a rescue stent in the management of lumen-apposing metal stent migration during EUS-directed transgastric ERCP with stent-in-stent technique to remove a forgotten metal biliary stent

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass poses a unique set of challenges during ERCP. Conventional approaches include laparoscopic-assisted ERCP and balloon-assisted enteroscopy. Laparoscopic-assisted ERCP is invasive and requires coordination between a surgeon and gastroenterologist. Balloon-assisted ERCP has a lower procedural success rate (60%-80%),1 and the size of the working channel can limit interventions. EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) (Fig. 1)2 allows for a same-day or multistep procedure by creating a gastrogastric fistula, allowing endoscopic access to the biliary tree via the excluded stomach.

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

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

Procedural Outcomes of Laparoscopic-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients with Previous Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To investigate the procedural outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. We performed a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA statement standards to identify all studies reporting procedural outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted ERCP in patients with previous RYGB. The ROBINS-I tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Fixed-effect and random-effects models were applied to calculate pooled outcome data. A total of 17 case series, enrolling 256 patients, were included. The mean age of included patients was 49. The mean procedure time was 137min (95% CI 102-172). In terms of procedural success rates, the overall technical success was 95.3% (95% CI 92.5-97.5, I2= 0%), papillary access success was 95.3% (95% CI 92.5-97.5, I2= 0%), cannulation success was 95.3% (95% CI 92.5-97.5, I2= 0%), sphincterotomy success was 96.1% (95% CI 93.5-98.1, I2= 0%), and stone removal success was 95.9% (95% CI 92.4-98.4, I2= 0%). Conversion to open was required in 4.7% (95% CI 2.5-7.6, I2= 0%). In terms of complications, pancreatitis occurred in 4.7% (95% CI 2.3-8, I2= 17%), cholangitis in 1.7% (95% CI 0.5-3.6, I2= 0%), and perforation in 3.7% (95% CI 1.8-6.3, I2= 0%). The length of hospital stay was 3days (95% CI 2-4). Laparoscopic-assisted ERCP seems to be feasible, effective, and a safe method to access the biliary tract in patients with previous RYGB as indicated by high technical success rates and low complication rates. There is a need for comparative evidence regarding outcomes of laparoscopic ERCP in comparison with alternative treatment options.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for Bile Duct Stones After Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass: Single-Centre Experience.

Gallstones are common in bariatric patients due to obesity and rapid weight loss. Bile duct stones after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) pose a technical challenge. We present our experience in management of bile duct stones following RYGB using laparoscopic-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (LA-ERCP). Retrospective review of RYGB patients who had endoscopic intervention for bile duct stones between 2010 and 2019. We assessed demographic and clinical outcomes. There were 12 patients: 9 females, median age 64years (range 34-73), median ASA score 3 (range 2-3), and median body mass index (BMI) 30kg/m2 (range 24.4-46). Median time of presentation since RYGB was 5years (range 6-96months). Clinical presentations were biliary pain with deranged liver function tests (n = 8, 67%) and cholangitis (n = 4, 33%). Ten patients (83%) had cholecystectomy prior to presentation. LA-ERCP was performed in all 12 patients. It was successful in 10 patients (83%) of which 7 were performed as a primary intervention for bile duct stones and 3 were for residual stones following previous bile duct exploration. Two out of 12 LA-ERCPs (17%) were converted to open duct clearance. Median overall hospital stay was 2.5days (range 1-10). One patient developed post-ERCP pancreatitis; one had chronic pain. There was no major complication or mortality. LA-ERCP is feasible for bile duct stones after RYGB and can clear the duct primarily or following previous surgical exploration. It also provides an opportunity to perform cholecystectomy and diagnostic laparoscopy.

A comparison of clinical outcomes and cost utility among laparoscopy, enteroscopy, and temporary gastric access-assisted ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy

Gastric Access Temporary for Endoscopy (GATE), also known as EUS-Directed Trangastric ERCP (EDGE), has demonstrated advantages over device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) and laparoscopic-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP) for patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) anatomy. We aimed to directly compare clinical outcomes and cost utility among the three ERCP modalities. Patients with RYGB anatomy who had DAE, LA-ERCP, or GATE from 2009 to 2019 at 2 tertiary centers were included in our review. We measured outcomes in three areas: success rate, post-procedural adverse events (AEs) and hospitalization, and cost utility per Medicare/Medicaid insurance payments. Cohort Total 130 patients (70 underwent DAE, 42 LA-ERCP, and 18 GATE). Success rate DAE was successful in 59% of patients, compared to success rates of 98 and 100% for LA-ERCP and GATE, respectively (p < 0.001). For DAE, 62% of unsuccessful cases required rescue therapy. Adverse events and hospitalization Patients who underwent GATE had the lowest rate of hospitalization post procedure (44% vs. 77% and 100% for DAE and LA-ERCP, respectively, p < 0.01) and spent the least amount of time hospitalized (median time 0days vs 2 and 3days for DAE and LA-ERCP, respectively, p < 0.0001). GATE had lower AE rates than LA-ERCP (6 vs 31%, p = 0.046), and both had similar rates to DAE. Cost utility LA-ERCP carried the highest total procedural and hospitalization cost per Medicare/ Medicaid insurance payments (median payment difference of $9.7K vs GATE and $7.9K vs DAE, p < 0.01 for both). Procedural and hospitalization costs were similar between GATE and DAE (p = 0.76). GATE is a safe modality for ERCP with high success rates in RYGB patients and exhibits the lowest hospitalization time and rate of adverse events when compared to DAE and LA-ERCP. GATE is similar to DAE from a cost utility approach, and both are less costly than LA-ERCP.

After you Roux, what do you do? A systematic review of most successful advanced assisted ERCP techniques in patients with various altered upper gastrointestinal surgical anatomical reconstructions with particular focus on RYGB (last 10years).

Access to the Common Bile Duct in patients with surgically altered UGI anatomy such as RYGB is exceptionally challenging. Previously, these patients could only be treated by open surgery; however, multiple new advanced assisted ERCP techniques such as EDGE, LA-ERCP, and DEA-ERCP have now been developed and indeed successfully used to treat these patients. Despite growing experience, these techniques have yet to become part of our mainstream practice and many clinicians remain unfamiliar or even unaware of them; as a result, they are unfortunately often overlooked. We conducted this systematic review to try and shed more light on them and understand which of these techniques resulted in the best patient outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of PubMed database publications between December 2008 and December 2018. Keyword variants of "EDGE, Enteroscopy-assisted & laparoscopy-assisted ERCP" and "altered surgical anatomy" were combined to identify relevant papers for inclusion. We identified 34 studies, comprising a total of 1848 advanced assisted ERCPs in patients with altered UGI anatomy from 12 different countries. These papers were critically appraised, summarised, and presented in table format. EDGE and LA-ERCP were associated with both the highest overall combined CBD cannulation rates (99.3% for both vs 74.6% for DEA-ERCP) and ERCP interventional success (98.3% for EDGE vs 97.4% for LA-ERCP and 67.6% for DEA-ERCP). Advanced ERCP is associated with excellent success rates and a higher safety profile than surgery; however, patient selection and identification of the exact surgical anatomy are key.

Endoscopic management of symptomatic walled-off omental fat necrosis.

Endoscopic management of symptomatic walled-off omental fat necrosis.

EUS-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography versus laparoscopic-assisted ERCP versus deep enteroscopy-assisted ERCP for patients with RYGB.

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (EDGE) is a novel technique for managing pancreaticobiliary diseases in patients with a history of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). It has shown to have high technical success rates and fewer adverse events as compared to laparoscopic-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP). We compared the technical success and clinical outcomes of EDGE vs. LA-ERCP vs. E-ERCP. Patients and methods A retrospective chart review was performed for 56 patients, of whom 18 underwent LA-ERCP, 12 underwent E-ERCP, and 26 had EDGE, and a comparison of technical success and complication rates was done. Results Baseline demographic characteristics of patients undergoing these procedures, including age and gender, were comparable. The technical success rate for patients in the EDGE group were 100 % (n = 26), compared with 94 % (n = 17) and 75 % (n = 9) in the LA-ERCP and E-ERCP groups ( P = 0.02). In the EDGE group, 8 % of patients (n = 2) had bleeding, and 4 % of patients (n = 1) had lumen-apposing metal stent migration occur during the procedure. In the LA-ERCP group 6 % (n = 1) of patient had bleeding, 6 % (n = 1) post-ERCP pancreatitis and 6 % (n = 1) were diagnosed with an intra-abdominal infection post-procedure. Time to complete the EDGE procedure was significantly shorter at 79 ± 31 mins, compared with 158 ± 50 mins for LA-ERCP and 102 ± 43 mins for E-ERCP ( P < 0.001). Conclusion EDGE is a novel procedure with short procedure times and an effective alternative to LA-ERCP and E-ERCP in management of pancreaticobiliary diseases in patients with a history of RYGB.

Tu1114 HIGH LEVEL DISINFECTION DUODENOSCOPE PROCESSING MIGHT BE ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER RATE OF INFECTIOUS COMPLICATION FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPY ASSISTED ERCP, A MULTICENTER STUDY

Laparoscopy-assisted (LA) ERCP is highly successful procedure in patients with roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) anatomy. Yet, it carries a significant change to the usual gastroenterology practice as the scope is entering through a sterile, surgically made orifice. This poses the question of the need for Ethylene Oxide (ETO) gas sterilization for duodenoscope reprocessing as compared the standard high-level disinfection (HLD) that is commonly used for regular ERCP. Our aim was to evaluate the rate of infectious complication following LA-ERCP according to the scope reprocessing method. This is an IRB approved, retrospective study that included adult patients with RYGB undergoing LA-ERCP in 25 centers in the United States, 1 in Canada, and 1 in Brazil. A standardized data entry form was distributed across all the centers to collect information about demographics, indications, operative details, success rate, scope reprocessing method, and complications. Rates of infectious complications were compared according to duodenoscope reprocessing method using Fisher's Exact Test. We included 457 patients with median age of 52 (+/- 12) years and 86% females. Indication for lap-assist ERCP was biliary in 92% (stones 50%) and pancreatic in 8% (acute pancreatitis 94%). Success in reaching the papilla was achieved in 99%, cannulating the desired duct in 99%, and performing the desired intervention in 98%. Scope processing was with HDL and periodic cultures in 381 cases (83%) whereas it was with ETO gas sterilization (proceeded by HDL) in 76 cases (17%). Overall rate of infectious complication was 6.9%. Port site or surgical wound infections reported 3.7%. Whereas post ERCP cholangitis reported in 1.3% of the cases. There was a trend towards less infectious complications among ETO gas sterilization cases with a rate of overall infectious complication of 3.9% versus 7.5% (p=0.196), site or surgical wound infections 2.6% versus 3.9% (p=0.671) as compared to HLD cases. On the other hand, there was significantly less perioperative antibiotics used with ETO gas sterilization as compared to HLD cases (75% versus 90%, p <0.001) group, Table 1. Our large multicenter study indicates that ETO gas sterilization might be associated with less infectious complication following LA-ERCP as compared to HLD. Lack of statistical significance is attributed to low power due to the rarity of the infectious outcomes. However, ETO gas sterilization was associated with statistically significant less use of peri-procedure prophylactic antibiotics and yet showed a clinically relevant trend toward lower infectious rates. Although the optimal duodenoscope processing prior to LA-ERCP remains to be determined, it appears sensible to perfume ETO gas sterilization and administer pre-procedure antibiotic prophylaxis to lower the chance of infectious complications.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Transgastric ERCP in Patients with Gastric Bypass: Unique as an Odd Duck

Laparoscopic assisted transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (LAERCP) is used for treatment in patients after gastric bypass, where transoral access to the biliary tree is not possible. We describe our technique and experience with this procedure for our patient who had undergone Roux en y gastric bypass (RYGB). Patient underwent intra-operative cholangiography which revealed common bile duct (CBD) stones. A combined laparoscopic-endoscopic approach was attempted. A small gastrotomy with a purse-string suture was performed on the anterior wall on remanant stomach. A side-viewing scope was introduced through a 15-mm trocar on the upper left quadrant and through the gastrotomy. The jejunum was occluded to prevent air passage and small bowel distension. Endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction were carried out according to standard techniques. Occlusion cholangiogram confirmed CBD clearance. There was no procedure-related complication, and the patients were discharged on the second postoperative day. The patient was doing well at 1-year follow-up. Biliary obstruction can occur many years after gastric bypass with or without cholecystectomy. Our findings suggest that gastric bypass patients may be at a higher risk of symptomatic cholelithiasis with CBD stones. LAERCP is a reliable option for common bile duct clearance; our technique of LAERCP is technically simple and associated with low complication rate, making it appealing to surgeons trained in laparoscopy.

Laparoscopy-assisted versus balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are at increased risk of biliary disease necessitating endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The most widely used approaches to perform ERCP after RYGB are laparoscopy-assisted ERCP (LA-ERCP) and balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP (BEA-ERCP). There are few studies comparing these procedures. We aimed to compare the performance, benefits, and harms of LA-ERCP and BEA-ERCP in RYGB patients. We identified all RYGB patients who underwent ERCP at two tertiary care endoscopy centers in Oslo, Norway between May 2013 and December 2017. One center performed BEA-ERCP, the other LA-ERCP. Procedure success was defined as fulfillment of the therapeutic or diagnostic aim, according to the procedure description. Adverse events were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo grading system. During the study period, 40 BEA-ERCP and 39 LA-ERCP procedures were performed in 68 patients. Procedure success rate was 72.5 % for BEA-ERCP and 87.2 % for LA-ERCP (P = 0.14). Adverse events occurred in 18 % of BEA-ERCP and 28 % of LA-ERCP (P = 0.23). Serious adverse events (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3b) occurred in 2.5 % of BEA-ERCP and 7.7 % of LA-ERCP procedures (P = 0.36). Concomitant cholecystectomy was performed in 25 of the 39 LA-ERCP procedures. The median procedure times for LA-ERCP performed with and without concomitant cholecystectomy were 201 minutes and 140 minutes, respectively, and for BEA-ERCP was 125 minutes. In experienced hands, both LA-ERCP and BEA-ERCP have high success rates after RYGB. The choice of approach should be individualized according to patient characteristics and available physician competence.

Management of adverse events of EUS-directed transgastric ERCPprocedure.

Background and AimsAccessing the pancreatobiliary region in patients with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can be challenging. Traditionally, techniques such as percutaneous biliary drainage, enteroscopy-assisted ERCP, and laparoscopy-assisted ERCP have been used. However, each technique has its limitations. EUS–directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) using a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) has emerged as a novel endoscopic technique for ERCP in patients who have undergone RYGB. The aim of this case series was to highlight LAMS-related shortcomings and adverse events during the periprocedural period.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of 4 patients with RYGB anatomy who underwent EDGE for the management of pancreaticobiliary disease and experienced LAMS-related adverse events. Techniques for managing and avoiding these events are discussed.ResultsFour patients underwent EDGE with both technical and clinical success. Slight LAMS migration with partial mucosal overgrowth was encountered in 1 case and was managed by LAMS removal. A large, bleeding, distal marginal ulcer after the EDGE procedure was encountered in the second case and was managed with proton pump inhibitor and removal of the LAMS, with fistula treatment with argon plasma coagulation used to enhance closure. The third case was complicated by moderate intraprocedural bleeding after LAMS dilation, which was managed by applying balloon tamponade and placing a through-the-scope esophageal stent across the LAMS. Last, preferential food passage to the excluded stomach was noted in the fourth case and resulted in symptomatic distention. The symptomatic distention was managed by another de novo jejunogastrostomy using a LAMS for drainage.ConclusionsDespite its feasibility and acceptable safety profile, the use of LAMSs during EDGE could be associated with several procedure-specific adverse events, which can be avoided or managed endoscopically with no further consequence.