Pancreatic Duct Guidewire Research Articles

Development of a Scoring System for Predicting the Difficulty of Bile Duct Cannulation and Selecting the Appropriate Cannulation Method.

Selective biliary cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be challenging due to factors like papillary morphology. Various patterns indicate cannulation difficulty, but the combinations causing difficulty and the optimal cannulation method for each scenario are unclear. This study aimed to identify cannulation difficulty patterns and develop a predictive scoring system for selecting the appropriate cannulation method. We retrospectively compared 776 patients with naïve papilla, dividing them into conventional contrast cannulation (N = 510) and salvage technique (N = 266) groups. The salvage group included patients using pancreatic duct guidewire placement and/or wire-guided cannulation due to difficulties with the contrast method. Papillary morphology (Haraldsson's classification), periampullary diverticulum (PAD), and scope operability were analyzed using multiple regression to identify risk factors for cannulation difficulties. Factors were scored based on hazard ratios to access combinations causing difficulties. The salvage group had more older patients and higher frequencies of type 2 (small), type 3 (protruding or pendulous), type 4 (creased or ridged) papillae, PAD, and poor scope operability. Significant risk factors in the multivariate analysis included type 2 [odds ratio (OR) 6.88], type 3 (OR 7.74), type 4 (OR 4.06) papillae, PAD (OR 2.26), and poor scope operability (OR 4.03). Pattern recognition scores were significantly higher in the salvage group (1.31 vs. 3.43, P < 0.0001). Type 2-4 papillae, PAD, and poor scope operability are significant risk factors for cannulation difficulty. Pattern recognition scores based on these factors can predict cannulation difficulty and aid in selecting between conventional and salvage methods.

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a review

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has continued to develop over recent decades with regard to both indications for its use and improvements in technique. The most common complication is post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) with incidence rates being reported at ~10%. The exact mechanism of PEP is unknown but is likely multifactorial with papillary edema contributing to the activation of the inflammatory cascade playing an important role. Selected risk factors include patient-related factors (female sex, younger age, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and history of PEP) and procedure-related factors (difficult cannulation, multiple pancreatic duct guidewire passes, pancreatic acinarization, multiple pancreatic duct contrast injections, and precut sphincterotomy). Several preventative prophylactic strategies have been posited; however, current guidelines recommend the use of rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aggressive intravenous (IV) fluid hydration, and pancreatic duct stents. Appropriate patient selection and the use of noninvasive imaging modalities for diagnosis of pancreaticobiliary abnormalities is a key aspect in prevention. Future studies continue to explore various pharmacologic, procedure-related, and combination strategies for prevention and will be important as the use of ERCP continues to grow.

Endoscopic Resection Techniques for Duodenal and Ampullary Adenomas.

Duodenal polyps have a reported incidence of 0.3% to 4.6%. Sporadic, nonampullary duodenal adenomas (SNDAs) comprise less than 10% of all duodenal polyps, and ampullary adenomas are even less common. Nonetheless, the incidence continues to rise because of widespread endoscopy use. Duodenal polyps with villous features or those that are larger than 10mm may raise concern for malignancy and require removal. We demonstrate endoscopic resection of SNDAs and ampullary adenomas using some of our preferred techniques. The duodenum has several components that can make EMR of duodenal polyps technically challenging. Not only does the duodenum have a thin muscle layer, but it is also highly mobile and vascular, which may explain higher rates of perforation and bleeding of duodenal EMR reported in the literature compared with colon EMR. A standard adult gastroscope with a distal cap is commonly used for duodenal EMRs. Based on the location, however, side-viewing duodenoscopes or pediatric colonoscopes may be used. To prepare for EMR, a submucosal injection is performed for an adequate lift. The polyp is then resected via stiff monofilament snares and subsequently closed with hemostatic clips if feasible. The ampullectomy technique differs slightly from duodenal EMRs and carries the additional risk of pancreatitis. Submucosal injection in the ampulla may not lift well; thus, its utility is debatable. Biliary sphincterotomy should be performed, and based on endoscopist preference, the pancreatic duct (PD) guidewire can be left during resection to maintain access. After resection, a PD stent is placed to minimize pancreatitis risk. The video shows the aforementioned duodenal EMR techniques. Two clips of ampullectomy are also shown in the video. A few common techniques used to perform duodenal EMR and ampullectomy are highlighted in the video. It is important to understand and manage adverse events associated with these procedures and to have established surveillance plans.

Unique double guidewire technique using a guidewire perforating the diverticulum for a difficult biliary cannulation.

Biliary cannulation of an intradiverticular papilla, classified type 1 as per the Li-Tanaka classification, is sometimes challenging [1]. Although in cases with difficult biliary cannulation the pancreatic duct guidewire placement technique is useful [2] [3], placing the guidewire in the pancreatic duct is sometimes difficult. We report a successful case of biliary cannulation in a patient with an intradiverticular papilla using an unusual double guidewire technique taking advantage of a guidewire perforating the diverticulum.

Successful endoscopic retrieval of a migrated pancreatic stent using a basket catheter for peroral cholangioscopy through a biliary plastic stent pusher tube: a case report.

Objective: Retrieval is challenging once prophylactic pancreatic stents migrate deep into the pancreatic duct. Herein, we describe a case of successful endoscopic retrieval of a migrated prophylactic pancreatic stent using a basket catheter through a biliary plastic stent pusher tube.Patient: A 71 year-old man was referred to our hospital for removal of a straight-shaped migrated 5-Fr 3-cm prophylactic pancreatic stent with a flap on the duodenal side. There were no subjective symptoms at the time of the hospital visit.Results: During endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, we inserted an 8.5-Fr plastic biliary stent pusher tube in front of the migrated pancreatic stent. The stent was then grasped using a basket catheter for peroral cholangioscopy through the biliary stent pusher tube. The stent was pulled into the pusher tube and was successfully retrieved from the pancreatic duct. No complications were associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.Conclusion: Although rare, prophylactic pancreatic duct stent migration after pancreatic duct guidewire placement should be noted. In our case, endoscopic retrieval of a migrated prophylactic pancreatic stent using a basket catheter for peroral cholangioscopy through the biliary plastic stent pusher tube was successful.

A novel method of papilla fixation for difficult biliary cannulation without using a pancreatic duct guidewire: non-guidewire fixation method.

A novel method of papilla fixation for difficult biliary cannulation without using a pancreatic duct guidewire: non-guidewire fixation method.

Can topical epinephrine application to the papilla prevent pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography? Results from a double blind, multicentre, placebo controlled, randomised clinical trial

Background and study aimsPost-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is a complication associated with important morbidity, occasional mortality and high costs. Preventive strategies are suboptimal as PEP continues to affect...

Pancreatic duct guidewire placement for biliary cannulation as a risk factor for stone residue after endoscopic transpapillary stone removal

BackgroundRecent improvements in stone extraction implements and apparatus have lessened the complexity of the endoscopic bile duct stone treatment. However, despite confirmation of complete removal, cases of residual stones have been reported, which can result in recurrent biliary symptoms, cholangitis, and pancreatitis and considerably increase cost given the need for repeat imaging and/or procedures. To date, risk factors for residual bile duct stones following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) extraction have not been thoroughly evaluated. This study retrospectively investigated the incidence and risk factors of residual bile duct stones following extraction via ERCP.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all ERCP cases that underwent endoscopic bile duct stone extraction between April 2014 and March 2019. A total of 505 patients were enrolled and evaluated for the incidence and risk factors of residual bile duct stones after ERCP.ResultsThe rate of residual stones was 4.8% (24/505). Residual stones were detected by computed tomography (12/24) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (12/24). In univariate analyses, a large number of stones (P = 0.01), long procedure time (P = 0.005), and performance of the pancreatic duct guidewire placement method (P-GW) for selective bile duct cannulation (P = 0.01) were the factors involved in residual stones. In multiple logistic regression analysis, performing P-GW was retained as the only independent factor of residual stones (adjusted odds ratio, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.19–9.88; P = 0.02).ConclusionsWhen removing bile duct stones with a pancreatic guidewire in place, paying attention to residual stones is necessary.

Risk of pancreatitis after pancreatic duct guidewire placement during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Background & aimsAdvanced techniques have been developed to overcome difficult cannulation cases in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Pancreatic duct guidewire placement method (PGW) is performed in difficult cannulation cases; it is possible that it places patients at risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). The mechanism of PEP is still unclear, but pancreatic duct pressure and injury of pancreatic duct are known causes of PEP. Therefore, we hypothesized a relationship between pancreatic duct diameter and PEP and predicted that PGW would increase the risk of PEP in patients with non-dilated pancreatic ducts. This study aimed to investigate whether PGW increased the risk of PEP in patients with pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 3 mm.MethodsWe analyzed 332 patients with pancreatic duct ≤ 3 mm who performed first time ERCP session. The primary endpoint was the rate of adverse event of PEP. We evaluated the risk of PEP in patients who had undergone PGW compared to those who had not, using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis.ResultsPGW was found to be an independent risk factor for PEP by univariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–5.38; p = 0.03) after IPTW in patients with pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 3 mm. Adjusted for all covariates, PGW remained an independent risk factor for PEP (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.33–7.33; p = 0.01).ConclusionOur results indicate that PGW in patients with pancreatic duct diameter ≤ 3 mm increases the risk of PEP.

Pancreatic duct guidewire placement for biliary cannulation for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis.

Difficult cannulation is a risk factor for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). It has been postulated that the pancreatic duct guidewire (PGW) technique may improve biliary cannulation success and reduce the risk of PEP in people with difficult cannulation. To systematically review evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness and safety of the PGW technique compared to persistent conventional cannulation (CC) (contrast- or guidewire-assisted cannulation) or other advanced techniques in people with difficult biliary cannulation for the prevention of PEP. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases, major conference proceedings, and for ongoing trials on the ClinicalTrials.gov and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) up to March 2016, using the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Diseases model with no language restrictions. RCTs comparing the PGW technique versus persistent CC or other advanced techniques in people undergoing ERCP with difficult biliary cannulation. Two review authors independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. Using intention-to-treat analysis with random-effects models, we combined dichotomous data to obtain risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed heterogeneity using the Chi(2) test (P < 0.15) and I(2) test (> 25%). To explore sources of heterogeneity, we conducted a priori subgroup analyses according to trial design, use of pancreatic duct (PD) stent, involvement of trainees in cannulation, publication type, and risk of bias. To assess the robustness of our results, we carried out sensitivity analyses using different summary statistics (RR versus odds ratio (OR)) and meta-analytic models (fixed-effect versus random-effects). We included seven RCTs comprising 577 participants. There was no significant heterogeneity among trials for the outcome of PEP (P = 0.32; I(2) = 15%). The PGW technique significantly increased PEP compared to other endoscopic techniques (RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.42; low-quality evidence). The number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome was 13 (95% CI 5 to 89). Among the three studies that compared the PGW technique with persistent CC, the incidence of PEP was 13.5% for the PGW technique and 8.7% for persistent CC (RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.83 to 3.01; low-quality evidence). Among the two studies that compared the PGW technique with precut sphincterotomy, the incidence of PEP was 29.8% in the PGW group versus 10.3% in the precut group (RR 2.92, 95% CI 1.24 to 6.88; low-quality evidence). Among the two studies that compared the PGW technique with PD stent placement, the incidence of PEP was 11.7% for the PGW technique and 5.0% for PD stent placement (RR 1.75, 95% CI 0.08 to 37.50; very low-quality evidence). There was no significant difference in common bile duct (CBD) cannulation success with the randomised technique (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.24; low-quality evidence) or overall CBD cannulation success (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.18; low-quality evidence) between the PGW technique and other endoscopic techniques. There was also no statistically significant difference in the risk of other ERCP-related complications (bleeding, perforation, cholangitis, and mortality). The results were robust in sensitivity analyses. The overall quality of evidence for the outcome of PEP was low or very low because of study limitations and imprecision. In people with difficult CBD cannulation, sole use of the PGW technique appears to be associated with an increased risk of PEP. Prophylactic PD stenting after use of the PGW technique may reduce the risk of PEP. However, the PGW technique is not superior to persistent attempts with CC, precut sphincterotomy, or PD stent in achieving CBD cannulation. The influence of co-intervention in the form of rectal peri-procedural nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration is unclear.

Comparison of sequential pancreatic duct guidewire placement technique and needle knife precut sphincterotomy for difficult biliary cannulation

Pancreatic duct guidewire placement (PDGP) includes double guidewire technique (DGT) and transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS). DGT can be switched to TPS with ease due to the existing guidewire in the pancreatic duct. In this study, we aimed to combine DGT and TPS as a single technique, named sequential PDGP, and to compare its performance with needle knife precut sphincterotomy (NKPS) in treating difficult biliary cannulation (BC). A total of 83 patients with difficult BC were enrolled in this study. Of these, 63 underwent sequential PDGP and 20 underwent NKPS. Cannulation success rate, cannulation time and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related complications were prospectively recorded and compared between the two groups. Successful BC was achieved in 88.9% (56/63) of the patients in the sequential PDGP group compared with 70.0% (14/20) in the NKPS group (P = 0.095). Cannulation time was 7.49 ± 5.03 min in the sequential PDGP group and 10.60 ± 7.24 min in the NKPS group (P = 0.086). Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 12.7% of patients in the sequential PDGP group and 10.0% in the NKPS group (P = 1.000). There was no significant difference in the rates of other complications (bleeding, perforation and cholangitis) between the two groups. Sequential PDGP is a safe and effective alternative method to NKPS in cases of difficult BC. In those with failed standard cannulation, sequential PDGP can be considered when the guidewire is inadvertently inserted into the pancreatic duct or can be placed in the pancreatic duct without difficulty.

Pancreatic duct guidewire pre-occupying for difficult biliary cannulation in ERCP

Objective To investigate the efficacy of pancreatic duct guidewire pre-occupying in ERCP with difficult biliary cannulation. Methods During a four-year study period from June 2008 to June 2012, a total of 3505 patients were included in this retrospective analysis. Initial biliary cannulation method consisted of single-guidewire technique for up to 5 attempts, followed by double-guidewire technique when repeated unin- tentional pancreatic duct cannulation had taken place. Pre-cut papillotomy technique was reserved for when double-guidewire technique had failed or no pancreatic duct cannulation had been previously achieved. Biliary cannulation success and post- ERCP complication rate were compared. Results Single-guidewire technique was characterized by statistically significant higher success rate （93.4%）, compared with the double-guide- wire technique （54. 8%, P 〈 0. 001 ）, pre-cut failed double-guidewire technique （81.3%, P 〈 0. 001 ） or pre- cut as first step method （84. 6%, P =0. 011 ）. Pre-cut failed double-guidewire technique and pre-cut as first step method offered a statistically significantly more favorable outcome compared with the double-guidewire technique （both P 〈 0. 001 ）. The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis did not differ in a statistically signifi- cant manner among the four methods. Numbers of patients who got bleeding in pre-cut papillotomy technique and sphincterotomy after successful single-guidewire technique were 5 and 2 respectively. One case of perfora- tion was recorded using pre-cut papillotomy technique. There was no procedure-related mortality within 30 days. Conclusion Although double-guidewire technique success rate proved not to be superior to single- guidewire technique or pre-cut papillotomy, it is considered highly satisfactory in terms of safety in order to avoid the risk of a pre-cut when biliary therapy is necessary in difficuh-to-cannulate cases. Key words: Cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde; Sphincterotomy, endoscopic ; Postoperative complications

Is the double-guidewire technique superior to the pancreatic duct guidewire technique in cases of pancreatic duct opacification?

Pancreatic duct guidewire placement (P-GW) techniques include both the injection cannulation technique with a contrast medium and wire-guided cannulation without contrast injection for selective biliary cannulation; the latter is the so-called "double-guidewire technique" (D-GW). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes between P-GW and D-GW for biliary cannulation. The procedures for biliary cannulation with a naïve papilla were performed in a total of 363 cases. We divided the patients chronologically, according to the time period during which the procedures were performed, into two groups: group A, P-GW performed from March 2008 to June 2009; and group B, D-GW performed from July 2009 to December 2010. The success rates and complication rates were evaluated in each group. Biliary cannulation was successful in 31 (81.6%) patients in the P-GW group and 34 patients (82.9%) in the D-GW group. The onsets of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) occurred in the P-GW and D-GW groups were four (10.5%) and three (7.3%) patients, respectively, and all were mild cases (P = 0.616). The frequency of hyperamylasemia and the serum amylase level tended to be lower in the D-GW group than in the P-GW group (P = 0.213). There was a statistically significant difference on the onsets of PEP in the GW and non-GW groups (P = 0.04, 8.9% and 1.1%, respectively). Both the D-GW and P-GW techniques were equally effective for difficult biliary cannulation. Furthermore, the complication rates, including PEP, were similar in both techniques. A prospective randomized trial is warranted.

Sa1528 Pancreatic Duct Guidewire Placement for Biliary Cannulation for the Prevention of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis (PEP): Cochrane Collaboration Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Sa1528 Pancreatic Duct Guidewire Placement for Biliary Cannulation for the Prevention of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis (PEP): Cochrane Collaboration Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Mo1466 Pancreatic Duct Stenting Versus Pancreatic Duct Guidewire Placement for Facilitating Biliary Cannulation

Mo1466 Pancreatic Duct Stenting Versus Pancreatic Duct Guidewire Placement for Facilitating Biliary Cannulation

447 DGT vs TPS in Patients With Initial PD Cannulation by Chance; Prospective Randomized Multi-Center Study

Successful cannulation of the common bile duct (CBD) is an important benchmark of ERCP. Repeated cannulation for CBD is one of the main risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis. Recently, pancreatic duct guidewire assisting bile duct cannulation (double guidewire technique, DGT) or transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy (TPS) have been considered a promising alternative approach in difficult cannulation situations. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of DGT with the TPS in the patients in whom pancreatic duct cannulation was performed initially.

Complications of ERCP

Complications of ERCP

Pancreatic duct guidewire placement for biliary cannulation in a single-session therapeutic ERCP

To investigate the technical success and clinical complication rate of a cannulated pancreatic duct with guidewire for biliary access. During a five-year study period, a total of 2843 patients were included in this retrospective analysis. Initial biliary cannulation method consisted of single-guidewire technique (SGT) for up to 5 attempts, followed by double-guidewire technique (DGT) when repeated unintentional pancreatic duct cannulation had taken place. Pre-cut papillotomy technique was reserved for when DGT had failed or no pancreatic duct cannulation had been previously achieved. Main outcome measurements were defined as biliary cannulation success and post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complication rate. SGT (92.3% success rate) was characterized by statistically significant enhanced patient outcome compared to either the DGT (43.8%, P < 0.001), pre-cut failed DGT (73%, P < 0.001) or pre-cut as first step method (80.6%, P = 0.002). Pre-cut as first step method offered a statistically significantly more favorable outcome compared to the DGT (P < 0.001). The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis did not differ in a statistically significant manner between either method (SGT: 5.3%, DGT: 6.1%, Pre-cut failed DGT: 7.9%, Pre-cut as first step: 7.5%) or with patients' gender. Although DGT success rate proved not to be superior to SGT or pre-cut papillotomy, it is considered highly satisfactory in terms of safety in order to avoid the risk of a pre-cut when biliary therapy is necessary in difficult-to-cannulate cases.

Can pancreatic duct stenting prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients who undergo pancreatic duct guidewire placement for achieving selective biliary cannulation? A prospective randomized controlled trial

Although pancreatic duct guidewire placement (P-GW) for achieving selective biliary cannulation is reported to be effective in patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is difficult, this technique entails a possible increased risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the prophylactic effect of pancreatic duct stenting on the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients who underwent P-GW. Seventy patients who underwent P-GW for achieving selective biliary cannulation were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to either the stent group (n=35) or the no-stent group (n=35). The pancreatic duct stent used was a 5-Fr, 4-cm-long stent with a single pigtail at the duodenal end (Pit-stent™). The primary endpoint was the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Selective biliary cannulation was achieved in 80% of the stent group and in 94% of the no-stent group (P=0.15). Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 13% (9 patients; mild). Pancreatic duct stenting was successful in 91% of the stent group. One patient in the stent group developed migration of the stent during the procedure, followed by mild pancreatitis. The frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis in the stent group was significantly lower than that in the no-stent group (2.9 vs. 23%, relative risk 0.13, confidence interval 0.016, 0.95). Pancreatic duct stenting after P-GW for achieving selective biliary cannulation is recommended to reduce the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

S1445: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Use of a Pancreatic Duct Stent or a Pancreatic Duct Guidewire to Facilitate Bile Duct Cannulation

Among cases of difficult biliary cannulation, alternatives to precut sphincterotomy include use of a pancreatic duct (PD) stent (PDS) or guidewire (PDW) to facilitate common bile duct cannulation (CBDC). We present the preliminary results from an ongoing, multicenter, randomized trial.