Multiple Cannulation Attempts Research Articles

Implementation of Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation Training Across Eight NHSBT Therapeutic Apheresis Units in England.

Ultrasound-guided cannulation (USGC) of a peripheral vein reduces the need for central vascular access device (CVAD) placement to perform a successful apheresis procedure. Effective training of healthcare professionals to acquire this skill is essential. Here, we report on the implementation of the USGC training across eight apheresis units in England. A 3-h introductory training program was devised with theoretical and practical elements. This was followed by supervised USGC practices on any patient ≥ 18 years old, regardless of venous status. Data on all supervised USGC attempts were recorded and analyzed. Over an 11-month period, 11 nurses were trained to USGC competency with another six nurses still in training, resulting in seven out of eight units having at least one USGC-competent nurse. In one unit, USGC training has not started yet. Three hundred sixty-one supervised USGC episodes on 168patients and donors took place; of these, 178 were done for training purposes only on patients who had visible and palpable veins, 179 USGC were done on patients with difficult venous status and four were not recorded. The period from first supervised USGC to competency was a median of 45 days (Range: 17-166 days), with a median of 15 successful (Range: 10-30) and two unsuccessful (Range: 1-15) USGC being performed per trainee. The placement of 57 CVADs and 41 multiple cannulation attempts have been avoided. USGC is a useful tool to reduce the need for CVAD. Training across multiple apheresis units is a lengthy procedure, but it can be successfully implemented.

Comparative Study of Periarterial Infiltration of Nitroglycerine with Lignocaine vs Lignocaine Alone for Ultrasound Guided Radial Artery Cannulation in ICU Patients

Background: Radial arterial cannulation is a commonly done procedure in ICU. Multiple cannulation attempts can lead to radial artery spasm resulting in low pulse volume, decreased pulse palpability and cannulation failure. This study evaluates the effects of periarterial nitroglycerine infiltration with lignocaine vs lignocaine alone in USG guided radial artery cannulation in ICU patients.
 Methods: A total of 60 ICU patients in age group 18-65 years who required radial artery cannulation for ABG analysis and invasive blood pressure monitoring were enrolled. They were randomly allocated to Group LN (periarterial infiltration with 0.2ml nitroglycerine+0.8 ml lignocaine 2%) and Group L (periarterial infiltration with 1ml of lignocaine 2%) of 30 patient each. Both groups were compared with respect to radial artery dimensions before and after infiltration of drug, pulse palpability score, no of attempts, time of cannulation and failure rates.
 Results: There was significantly greater increase in radial artery dimensions in group LN as compared to group L after intervention. Pulse palpability score was also better in group LN. Mean time required for cannulation, number of attempts and insertion failure were significantly lesser in group LN as compared to another group. No hemodynamic adverse effect was reported in either group.
 Conclusion: Periarterial infiltration with lignocaine and nitroglycerine combination increase radial artery dimension with improved cannulation success rate.

Risk factors of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with biliary tract diseases

BackgroundTo investigate the risk factors of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with biliary tract diseases.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 480 patients who underwent ERCP for biliary tract diseases at the Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University from October 2011 to October 2016. The patients were divided into a study group (n = 75, with PEP) and a control group (n = 405, without PEP) based on whether they developed post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), and their clinical baseline data and intraoperative conditions were retrieved and compared. Then, factors associated with PEP were analyzed using logistic regression model, based on which a nomogram prediction model was constructed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used to evaluate the performance of the prediction model.ResultsSignificant differences in age, sex, history of pancreatitis, history of choledocholithiasis, pancreatic duct imaging, pancreatic sphincterotomy, difficult cannulation, multiple cannulation attempts and juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula were observed between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age less than 60 years (OR, 0.477; 95% CI, 0.26–0.855), female sex (OR, 2.162; 95% CI, 1.220–3.831), history of pancreatitis (OR, 2.567; 95% CI, 1.218–5.410), history of choledocholithiasis (OR, 2.062; 95% CI, 1.162–3.658), pancreatic sphincterotomy (OR, 2.387; 95% CI, 1.298–4.390), pancreatic duct imaging (OR, 4.429; 95% CI, 1.481–13.242), multiple cannulation attempts (OR, 2.327; 95% CI, 1.205–4.493), difficult cannulation (OR, 2.421; 95% CI, 1.143–5.128), and JPD (OR, 2.002; 95% CI, 1.125–3.564) were independent risk factors for PEP. The nomogram for predicting the occurrence of PEP demonstrated an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.787, and the calibration curves of the model showed good consistency between the predicted and actual probability of PEP.ConclusionOur results showed that age less than 60 years, female sex, history of pancreatitis, history of choledocholithiasis, pancreatic sphincterotomy, pancreatic duct imaging, multiple cannulation attempts, difficult cannulation and juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula were independent risk factors for PEP. In addition, the established nomogram demonstrated promising clinical efficacy in predicting PEP risk in patients who underwent ERCP for biliary tract diseases.

Emergency Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Did Not Increase the Incidence of Postprocedural Pancreatitis Compared With Elective Cases: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify the incidence of and risk factors for post–endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) after emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).MethodsWe performed a prospective multicenter observational study of 3914 patients who underwent ERCP. We compared the incidence of PEP after emergency and elective ERCP.ResultsA total of 3410 patients were enrolled in this study. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 44 of 800 patients (5.5%) and in 190 of 2418 patients (7.9%) in the emergency and elective groups, respectively. No significant difference was noted between the groups (odds ratio [OR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52–1.03; P = 0.07). Multivariate analysis showed that the following factors increased the risk for PEP after emergency ERCP: contrast medium injection into the pancreatic duct (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.30–5.03; P = 0.005), >4 cannulation attempts (OR, 5.72; 95% CI, 2.61–12.50; P < 0.001), and endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (OR, 9.24; 95% CI, 2.13–40.10; P < 0.001).ConclusionsNo significant difference was noted in the incidence of PEP in patients after emergency and elective ERCP. We may prevent PEP even after emergency ERCP by avoiding contrast injection into the pancreatic duct, multiple cannulation attempts, and endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation.

Risk factors for adverse events associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a retrospective study

IntroductionEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered to be a challenge in patients with surgically altered anatomy. We aimed to identify the risk factors of ERCP-related adverse events in patients with surgically altered anatomy in our center.MethodsWe included patients with surgically altered anatomy who underwent ERCP between April 2017 and December 2020 at our center. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed in univariate and multivariate methods to identify the risk factors for adverse events.ResultsA total of 121 ERCP procedures were performed in 93 patients. The papilla or surgical anastomosis was successfully reached in 113 cases (93.4%). Diagnostic success was achieved in 106 cases (93.8%) and subsequent therapeutic success was achieved in 102 cases (96.2%). ERCP-related adverse events occurred in 31 cases (25.6%). In univariate analysis, not first time ERCP attempt, a CBD stone diameter ≥ 15 mm, multiple cannulation attempts, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation, endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage, biopsy in the bile duct or papilla, mechanical lithotripsy use, and stone retrieval basket were associated with ERCP-related adverse events. In multivariate analysis, multiple cannulation attempts (OR 5.283; 95% CI 1.088–25.659; p = 0.039), endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (OR 4.381; 95% CI 1.191–16.114; p = 0.026), and biopsy in the bile duct or papilla (OR 35.432; 95% CI 2.693–466.104; p = 0.007) were independently associated with ERCP-related adverse events.ConclusionsERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy was feasible and safe. Interventions including multiple cannulation attempts, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation, and biopsy in the bile duct or papilla were independent risk factors for ERCP-related adverse events.

Use of vein-viewing device to assist intravenous cannulation decreases the time and number of attempts for successful cannulation in pediatric patients.

Every child who contacts a healthcare setting has a potential for intravenous cannulation (IV) procedure and related pain, fear, and distress. Many of the healthcare professionals recognize that there is a lack of intervention to prevent multiple cannulation attempts and to reduce pain and distress inflicted to children during IV cannulation. A quasi‐experimental study was undertaken in pediatric patients to study the effect of a vein‐viewing device (VTorch) on IV cannulation procedure. The number of cannulation attempts and time taken for successful cannulation were assessed with the use of this device (experimental group, n = 159) and compared it with the standard procedure (control group, n = 159). The effect of this device in cannulation associated pain, fear, and behavioral distress were also evaluated among these children. Using Vein‐viewing device as an aid for IV cannulation significantly reduced the time taken for cannulation (P = .003) and the number of cannulation attempts (P = .03). In addition, there was a significant increase in the first‐attempt cannulation success rate with the use of this device (P = .04). The use of vein‐viewing device did not have any direct effect on cannulation associated pain, fear, or behavioral distress among the study participants. The results of this study may aid in improving the quality of intravenous access procedure in pediatric patients.

P6518Radial artery dilatation to improve access and lower complication rates during coronary angiography (RADIAL): a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Transradial catheterization has become the preferred access site for coronary angiography. The transradial approach is however not without challenges and complications. Cannulation is technically challenging and may require multiple cannulation attempts or access may fail. Local access site complications may occur postprocedurally. Purpose To explore the use of prolonged occlusion flow mediated dilatation (PO-FMD) to dilate the radial artery prior to cannulation to reduce puncture attempts, increase cannulation success and reduce access site complications in transradial coronary angiography. Methods 1156 patients undergoing transradial coronary angiography were randomized into PO-FMD and sham PO-FMD groups. PO-FMD was achieved by a 10 minute inflation of a blood pressure cuff on the arm to above systolic pressure, followed by deflation with resultant radial artery dilation. In the sham PO-FMD group the cuff was not inflated. The operators were blinded to the intervention. Results 580 patients were randomized to the sham PO-FMD group and 576 to the PO-FMD group. The number of puncture attempts were reduced with the use of PO-FMD, with a median number of attempts of 1 in the PO-FMD group and 2 in the sham PO-FMD group (p&lt;0.001). Cannulation failure was reduced with PO-FMD FMD with cannulation failure rates of 2.7% in the PO-FMD group and 5.8% in the sham PO-FMD group (p=0.01). Radial artery pulsation loss (RAPL) was reduced with PO-FMD with 1.4% in the PO-FMD group and 3.8% in the sham PO-FMD group (p=0.02). Conclusion PO-FMD decreases puncture attempts, reduces cannulation failure rates and decreases RAPL during transradial coronary angiography.

Real-time ultrasound-guided external ventricular drain placement: technical note.

In the United Kingdom, ultrasound-guided external ventricular drain (EVD) insertion is becoming the standard of care to mitigate the morbidity associated with catheter malposition and multiple passes. Many neurosurgeons routinely use ultrasound to check the preinsertion trajectory, although real-time visualization of ventricular cannulation is preferable since minor deviations can be significant in patients with smaller ventricles, and live visualization further enables the catheter tip to be adjusted away from the choroid plexus. Such real-time ultrasound navigation has traditionally been limited by technical factors including the challenge of simultaneously manipulating the probe and inserting the catheter within the same image plane. The authors here describe a simple technique for precise EVD placement using a readily available bur hole ultrasound transducer attached to a 10-gauge needle guide channel (principally used for biopsy procedures) to accommodate a ventriculostomy catheter. The anticipated trajectory line is then projected onto the display and followed into the ipsilateral lateral ventricle. This is illustrated with a representative case and video demonstrating this rapid, user-friendly, and reliable technique. The authors invite others to consider this useful technique to minimize the risks of catheter misplacement or multiple cannulation attempts, which can be of particular benefit to junior neurosurgeons performing difficult cases under pressured conditions.

Emergency Surgical Airways Following Activation of a Difficult Airway Management Team in Hospitalized Critically Ill Patients: A Case Series.

An emergency surgical airway (ESA) is widely recommended for securing the airway in critically ill patients who cannot be intubated or ventilated. Little is known of the frequency, clinical circumstances, management methods, and outcomes of hospitalized critically ill patients in whom ESA is performed outside the emergency department or operating room environments. We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients undergoing ESA in our intensive care units (ICUs) and other hospital units from 2008 to 2012 following activation of our difficult airway management team (DAMT). Of 207 DAMT activations for native airway events, 22 (10.6%) events culminated in an ESA, with 59% of these events occurring in ICUs with the remainder outside the ICU in the context of rapid response team activations. Of patients undergoing ESA, 77% were male, 63% were obese, and 41% had a history of a difficult airway (DA). Failed planned or unplanned extubations preceded 61% of all ESA events in the ICUs, while bleeding from the upper or lower respiratory tract led to ESA in 44% of events occurring outside the ICU. Emergency surgical airway was the primary method of airway control in 3 (14%) patients, with the remainder of ESAs performed following failed attempts to intubate. Complications occurred in 68% of all ESAs and included bleeding (50%), multiple cannulation attempts (36%), and cardiopulmonary arrest (27%). Overall hospital mortality for patients undergoing ESA was 59%, with 38% of deaths occurring at the time of the airway event. An ESA is required in approximately 10% of DA events in critically ill patients and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Efforts directed at early identification of patients with a difficult or challenging airway combined with a multidisciplinary team approach to management may reduce the overall frequency of ESA and associated complications.

Post-ERCP pancreatitis and its related factors: A prospective study in Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital

Abstract Objectives: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a widely used procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatobiliary disease with post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common complication. The goal of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the potential patient- and procedure-related risk factors for PEP. Methods: A 25-variable database was compiled from information collected before, during, and 24-72 h after ERCP for 238 patients who underwent diagnostic or therapeutic ERCP in Cipto Mangunkusumo General National Hospital, Jakarta. The grading of acute pancreatitis was classified using the modified Glasgow (Imrie′s) severity criteria. Results: The average age was 51 years, and most patients were men and were overweight. Sixty-three patients (26.5%) were diagnosed with PEP, and 33 of these (52.4%) were classified as having severe pancreatitis. We applied univariate analysis to analyze the data contained in the 25-variable database to identify patient- and procedure-related predictors of PEP. We found significant correlations between PEP and the patient-related factor common bile duct stenosis (P &lt; 0.05), and between PEP and the three procedure-related factors procedure time, cannulation time, and multiple cannulation attempts (P &lt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that multiple attempts at cannulations was the only significant risk factor for PEP. Conclusions: In our study, four variables were associated with PEP: Common bile duct stenosis, procedure time, cannulation time, and multiple attempts at cannulations. We conclude that, in patients undergoing ERCP who are at high risk of PEP, procedure-related factors should be monitored to reduce the risk of PEP. Multiple attempts at cannulation was the most significant risk factor in our study.

Effect of site selection on pain of intravenous cannula insertion: A prospective randomised study.

Background and Aim:Pain on intravenous (IV) cannulation continues to cause considerable anxiety among the patients visiting the hospital for elective surgery. Often, it is the only unpleasant experience, especially in ambulatory surgical settings. Although, anecdotal evidence suggests that antecubital fossa (ACF) might be less painful site for venous cannulation, no scientific study exists to validate the same.Methods:In this prospective randomised study, effect of site selection on pain of venous cannulation was studied. Fifty-five consecutive adults, scheduled to undergo elective surgery, were randomly allocated to get IV cannulation first on ACF (28 patients) or on dorsum of hand (DOH) (27 patients) followed by cannulation on the contralateral arm on the alternative site (DOH or ACF). Five patients were excluded due to multiple cannulation attempts. Pain scores on cannulation related to both sites were recorded and compared.Results:Non-parametric data and frequency data analysis, using the Wilcoxon signed rank test or the Chi-square test as appropriate, showed that ACF approach was significantly less painful in comparison to the DOH when using a 20-gauge cannula for venous cannulation (P < 0.05).Conclusion:We recommend that in the absence of any contraindications, ACF should be the cannulation site of choice. However, considerations like increased chance of kinking and obstruction might preclude such practice.

OUTCOMES OF BUTTONHOLE AND ROPE‐LADDER CANNULATION TECHNIQUES IN A TROPICAL RENAL SERVICE

Buttonhole cannulation was introduced into this Queensland Renal Service in 2005. Contrary to published literature, a local review of cannulation outcomes found no greater likelihood of infections with the buttonhole technique. To compare the outcomes of buttonhole and rope-ladder cannulation techniques. Prospective cohort. Consenting patients attending for haemodialysis via an existing arteriovenous fistula (n = 104). Cannulation sites were assessed at every dialysis session for 12 weeks; fear and pain were scored by participants weekly. No statistically significant differences in infection, haematoma formation, pain or fear between the techniques. Occurrence of aneurysm was higher (p < 0.05) in the rope-ladder group. More patients in buttonhole group required multiple cannulation attempts (p < 0.05). More of the rope-ladder group failed to attend their scheduled dialysis sessions (p < 0.05). This study confirms that in this setting there are few negative outcomes of either technique of fistula cannulation. Specifically, buttonhole cannulation appears to be a safe alternative means of fistula access to the gold-standard cannulation technique. The Service is examining strategies to improve attendance.

Unconventional technique to catheterize an anomalous right coronary artery system

Much difficulty was encountered whilst engaging the right coronary artery (RCA) in a hypertensive, dyslipidemic 63-year-old male ex-smoker. He was undergoing cardiac catheterization following an inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction, which had been initially treated (at a peripheral hospital) with fibrinolysis. There were no significant stenoses in the left coronary system. In an endeavor to engage the right coronary system, a 6 French (Fr) Judkins catheter (JR; Cordis; Miami, FL) was primarily utilized. An anomalous origin of the right coronary artery was identified – arising from adjacent to the left coronary cusp (LCC) – but selective catheterization was unsuccessful. Likewise, multiple cannulation attempts with 6 Fr 3-dimensional right curve (3DRC; Cordis; Miami, FL) and Amplatz (AL; Cordis; Miami, FL) -1 and -2 catheters were fruitless. Eventually, the RCA was engaged with a 6 Fr Launcher extra back-up (EBU; Danvers, MA) 3.5 guide catheter by coiling the neck of the catheter at the base of the aortic root and directing the tip towards the roof of the anomalous RCA. A mid-RCA stenosis was demonstrated and was uneventfully stented subsequently (Fig. 1 and Movie 1). This episode typifies the difficulty encountered in selective catheterization due to the unusual location and slit-like orifice of the anomalous RCA. There are no standardized guidelines for catheter selection for this technically challenging scenario. A method similar to ours has been reported — a hair dryer was used to heat an EBU guiding catheter to

Risk Factors Associated with Carotid Artery Puncture following Landmark-Guided Internal Jugular Vein Cannulation Attempts

Objective: The relationship between certain risk factors and carotid artery puncture (CAP) as an early mechanical complication following internal jugular vein cannulation attempts (IJVCAs) was evaluated. Methods: In a retrospective 1-year observational single-center study, 86 IJVCAs conducted in the operating room by 4 competent anesthesiologists were evaluated. Age, gender, puncture side, number of cannulation attempts, circumstances of the procedure and incidence of CAP were obtained from medical records. Results: Of the 86 IJVCAs performed in patients aged 18–75 years, CAP occurred in 8 (9.3%): 5 (5.8%) in patients >65 years and 3 (3.5%) in patients <65 years of age. CAP was not associated with patient’s age (p = 0.11) and gender (p = 0.76). Multiple cannulation attempts (OR = 26.25; 95% CI = 4.52–152.51; p < 0.001) and placement of CVC under emergency conditions (OR = 14.84; 95% CI = 1.73–127.22; p = 0.014) increased the risk for CAP significantly. Also, the risk for CAP was higher when IJVCAs were performed before induction of general anesthesia (OR = 15.75; 95% CI = 1.83–135.1; p = 0.019). CAP was more likely to happen during left-sided than right-sided IJVCA (OR = 5.98; 95% CI = 1.29–27.59; p = 0.022). In addition, left-sided attempts considerably increased the risk for multiple cannulation attempts (OR = 2.782; 95% CI = 1.342–3.965; p < 0.01). Also, manifold cannulation attempts were more frequent if the IJVCA was performed before induction of anesthesia (OR = 4.219; CI = 1.579–11.271; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our results strongly suggest that left-sided, multiple IJVCAs, performed under emergency conditions in conscious patients in the operating room, represent considerable risks for possible CAP.

Piloting a nurse-led ultrasound cannulation scheme

Intravenous therapy has evolved to form a fundamental cornerstone of modern health care, but there are significant groups of patients in whom obtaining peripheral venous access is a difficult and drawn out process. An ultrasound guided peripheral venous access service could potentially stop multiple 'blind' attempts, and subsequent damage. A pilot scheme to look at nurse-led ultrasound cannulation was established, and its early results are presented in this article. In addition, a one-operator technique of peripheral ultrasound guided cannulation is described. A total of 28 different patients were referred on 34 occasions for ultrasound guided peripheral cannulation. A total of 33 cannulae were inserted with an overall success rate of 97%. An average of 6.4 attempts at cannulation were undertaken prior to referral and an average of 1.3 attempts were needed to place a cannula under ultrasound guidance. Sixty-nine percent of the cannulae were inserted into the veins of the anterior forearm and 12% into the basilic veins. Overall, 2D ultrasound guided peripheral cannulation is a reliable technique for obtaining vascular access on any adult patients who have already undergone multiple cannulation attempts or in those who it is thought cannulation may be difficult.

Precut Papillotomy is Effective and Safe Only “When” Clinically Indicated and “in” Expert Hands

Precut papillotomy is often employed as a rescue technique when conventional methods fail to establish biliary access at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This can be performed using either the needle-knife or pull-papillotome. Varying rates of technical success and complication have been reported for this technique in the medical literature.1–4 These reports are mainly from large-volume ERCP centers where ERCPs are performed by dedicated endoscopists. In this issue of Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, Jukka et al5 from Finland report their experience with 1044 consecutive ERCPs performed over a 4-year period. The authors evaluated the safety and effectiveness of Erlangen precut papillotomy in achieving biliary access. The Erlangen papillotome is a covex plastic catheter with a cutting wire designed to establish contact only with roof of the papilla. When the papillotome is bent, the cutting wire orients itself to the 11o' clock position of the common bile duct and with electrocautery an incision at the papillary orifice would facilitate biliary access. The authors resorted to use of this technique in 20% (121 of 602 patients) of their patients and report a deep cannulation rate of 98.2%. Indication for ERCP was biliary obstruction in 80% of the study cohort; 20% of patients underwent ERCP for reasons other than biliary obstruction. Precut papillotomy was performed in only 17 cases in the cohort of patients who underwent ERCP for reasons other than biliary obstruction. The rates of complication between the precut and standard papillotomy techniques were not significantly different (8.3% vs. 7.1%). Being retrospective, it is unclear when exactly during ERCP the authors resorted to use of precut techniques. Twenty percent, at first glance, appears to be a high number. However, most of the patients had biliary obstruction, the most valid indication for undergoing an ERCP. The authors have subjected the “correct” cohort of patients for undergoing precut papillotomy. Not surprisingly, their rates of success and complications are enviable. The authors seem to be very comfortable with use of this technique as evident by the numbers: 20% of the entire cohort was subjected to precut papillotomy with a success rate of 98.2%. They appear to resort to use of precut early during the procedure when conventional techniques fail. All procedures were performed in a large-volume ERCP center (>200 cases/y) by the 2 dedicated endoscopists. The institutional and individual provider volumes support these favorable outcomes. Most therapeutic endoscopists attempt precut as a last resort when conventional methods fail. This usually happens after multiple cannulation attempts when the papilla is “red and angry” and the endoscopist is “burnt-out” and almost “ready to quit.” Not surprisingly, the rates of failure and complications are higher. Reasons for reluctance to undertake precut papillotomy are multifactorial: Lack of adequate training in fellowship, inadequate procedural volume to maintain competence in advanced techniques, not feeling comfortable to deal with procedural complications, and inherent risk for potential law suits. All 4 reasons are valid and justifiable. Proficiency in precut papillotomy involves a learning curve that can be completed only with adequate training and procedural exposure.4 In a recent study, only 35% of graduating GI fellows in the United States met ASGE requirements for procedural competence in ERCP.6 It is very likely that a majority of these graduates were not trained in advanced techniques such as precut papillotomy. Even if exposed, they may not have the adequate procedural volume to maintain proficiency. This is evident from a recent analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Only 5% of community hospitals in the United States performed >200 ERCP/y. Only patients who underwent ERCP at high-volume centers had better outcomes: shorter length of hospital stay and lower procedural failure rates.7 ERCP is technically challenging. It is a matter of great satisfaction when the outcomes are successful. However, the desire to achieve this satisfaction should not drive one to desperation. If not proficient, when the papilla turns red and angry, the wise physician will know that it is “time to quit” and to refer the patient to someone more apt to getting the “job done.” Such referral does not exhibit incompetence but rather demonstrates genuineness on the part of the endoscopist in doing what is correct for the patient. Techniques such as precut papillotomy yield good results only when performed in the right patient for the right reason by the right person.

Risk factors for complications after performance of ERCP

Background: ERCP has become widely available for the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary diseases. In this prospective study, the overall complication rate and risk factors for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP were identified. Methods: Data were collected prospectively on patient characteristics and endoscopic techniques from 1223 ERCPs performed at a single referral center and entered into a database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for ERCP-associated complications. Results: Of 1223 ERCPs performed, 554 (45.3%) were diagnostic and 667 (54.7%) therapeutic. The overall complication rate was 11.2%. Post-ERCP pancreatitis was the most common (7.2%) and in 93% of cases was self-limiting, requiring only conservative treatment. Bleeding occurred in 10 patients (0.8%) and was related to a therapeutic procedure in all cases. Nine patients had cholangitis develop, most cases being secondary to incomplete drainage. There was one perforation (0.08%). All other complications totaled 1.5%. Variables derived from cannulation technique associated with an increased risk for post-ERCP pancreatitis were precut access papillotomy (20%), multiple cannulation attempts (14.9%), sphincterotome use to achieve cannulation (13.1%), pancreatic duct manipulation (13%), multiple pancreatic injections (12.3%), guidewire use to achieve cannulation (10.2%), and the extent of pancreatic duct opacification (10%). Patient characteristics associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis were sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (21.7%) documented by manometry, previous ERCP-related pancreatitis (19%), and recurrent pancreatitis (16.2%). Pain during the procedure was an important indicator of an increased risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (27%). Independent risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis were identified as a history of recurrent pancreatitis, previous ERCP-related pancreatitis, multiple cannulation attempts, pancreatic brush cytology, and pain during the procedure. Conclusions: The most frequent ERCP-related complication was pancreatitis, which was mild in the majority of patients. The frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis was similar for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Bleeding was rare and mostly associated with sphincterotomy. Other complications such as cholangitis and perforation were rare. Specific patient- and technique-related characteristics that can increase the risk of post-ERCP complications were identified. (Gastrointest Endosc 2002;56:652-6.)

Risk factors for complications after performance of ERCP.

ERCP has become widely available for the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary diseases. In this prospective study, the overall complication rate and risk factors for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP were identified. Data were collected prospectively on patient characteristics and endoscopic techniques from 1223 ERCPs performed at a single referral center and entered into a database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for ERCP-associated complications. Of 1223 ERCPs performed, 554 (45.3%) were diagnostic and 667 (54.7%) therapeutic. The overall complication rate was 11.2%. Post-ERCP pancreatitis was the most common (7.2%) and in 93% of cases was self-limiting, requiring only conservative treatment. Bleeding occurred in 10 patients (0.8%) and was related to a therapeutic procedure in all cases. Nine patients had cholangitis develop, most cases being secondary to incomplete drainage. There was one perforation (0.08%). All other complications totaled 1.5%. Variables derived from cannulation technique associated with an increased risk for post-ERCP pancreatitis were precut access papillotomy (20%), multiple cannulation attempts (14.9%), sphincterotome use to achieve cannulation (13.1%), pancreatic duct manipulation (13%), multiple pancreatic injections (12.3%), guidewire use to achieve cannulation (10.2%), and the extent of pancreatic duct opacification (10%). Patient characteristics associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis were sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (21.7%) documented by manometry, previous ERCP-related pancreatitis (19%), and recurrent pancreatitis (16.2%). Pain during the procedure was an important indicator of an increased risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (27%). Independent risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis were identified as a history of recurrent pancreatitis, previous ERCP-related pancreatitis, multiple cannulation attempts, pancreatic brush cytology, and pain during the procedure. The most frequent ERCP-related complication was pancreatitis, which was mild in the majority of patients. The frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis was similar for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Bleeding was rare and mostly associated with sphincterotomy. Other complications such as cholangitis and perforation were rare. Specific patient- and technique-related characteristics that can increase the risk of post-ERCP complications were identified.