Performance Of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Research Articles

Endoscopic Biliary Drainage in Surgically Altered Anatomy.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered the preferred method for managing biliary obstructions. However, the prevalence of surgically modified anatomies often poses challenges, making the standard side-viewing duodenoscope unable to reach the papilla in most cases. The increasing instances of surgically altered anatomies (SAAs) result from higher rates of bariatric procedures and surgical interventions for pancreatic malignancies. Conventional ERCP with a side-viewing endoscope remains effective when there is continuity between the stomach and duodenum. Nonetheless, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or surgery has historically been used as an alternative for biliary drainage in malignant or benign conditions. The evolving landscape has seen various endoscopic approaches tailored to anatomical variations. Innovative methodologies such as cap-assisted forward-viewing endoscopy and enteroscopy have enabled the performance of ERCP. Despite their utilization, procedural complexities, prolonged durations, and accessibility challenges have emerged. As a result, there is a growing interest in novel enteroscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) techniques to ensure the overall success of endoscopic biliary drainage. Notably, EUS has revolutionized this domain, particularly through several techniques detailed in the review. The rendezvous approach has been pivotal in this field. The antegrade approach, involving biliary tree puncturing, allows for the validation and treatment of strictures in an antegrade fashion. The EUS-transmural approach involves connecting a tract of the biliary system with the GI tract lumen. Moreover, the EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) procedure, combining EUS and ERCP, presents a promising solution after gastric bypass. These advancements hold promise for expanding the horizons of comprehensive and successful biliary drainage interventions, laying the groundwork for further advancements in endoscopic procedures.

FTP7.8 Has Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) management of acute biliary obstruction due to gallstones been affected during the Covid-19 pandemic? – A single unit experience

Abstract Introduction British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines advised for ERCP procedures to be continued for emergency biliary pathologies during the Covid pandemic. We aim to compare the performance and outcomes of ERCP for acute gallstone biliary obstruction before, during, and post first and second covid waves at our unit. Methods Retrospective study of all patients with acute biliary obstruction secondary to gallstones who underwent ERCP from January to December 2020 (covid), compared with those between January to December 2019 (pre-covid), and between January to December 2021 (post-covid). Results 65 patients underwent ERCP for obstructed gallstones in the covid group, compared to 64 in pre-covid and 64 in post-covid group. Higher proportion of patients presented with severe jaundice (bilirubin >100) in the covid group, compared to pre-covid (P=0.031) and post-covid (P=0.028) groups. Proportion of patients with biliary sepsis requiring antibiotics was higher in covid group compared to pre-covid (P=0.031) and post-covid groups (P=0.047). The median waiting time for ERCP was 3 days in covid group, 4 days in pre-covid, and 5 days in post-covid. Compared to both pre-covid and post-covid groups respectively, there was no statistically significant reduction in the covid group in any of: proportion of complete CBD clearance (P=0.26 P=0.40), sphincterotomies performed (P=0.22, P=0.49), or successful CBD stent insertion (P=085. P=0.52). There was no statistical difference in post-ERCP complication rates comparing Covid with pre-covid (P=0.47), or post-covid (P=0.24) groups. Conclusions Quality of ERCP management of acute gallstone biliary obstruction has been maintained throughout the covid pandemic at our unit.

A new classification of periampullary diverticulum: cannulation of papilla on the inner margins of the diverticulum (Type IIa) is more challenging

BackgroundPeriampullary diverticulum (PAD) may make the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with choledocholithiasis more difficult and may increase complication rates. The present study evaluated the effects of PAD on first-time ERCP in patients with choledocholithiasis.MethodsOutcomes were compared in patients with and without PAD and in those with four types of PAD: papilla located completely inside the diverticulum (type I), papilla located in the inner (type II a) and outer (type II b) margins of the diverticulum; and papilla located outside the diverticulum (type III).Parameters compared included cannulation time and rates of difficult cannulation, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and perforation.ResultsThe median cannulation times in patients with types I, II a, II b, III PAD and in those without PAD were 2.0 min, 5.0 min, 0.67 min, 3.5 min, and 3.5 min, respectively, with difficult cannulation rates in these groups of 7.4%, 31.4%, 8.3%, 18.9%, and 23.2%, respectively. The rates of PEP in patients with and without PAD were 5.3% and 5.1%, respectively. Four patients with and one without PAD experienced perforation.ConclusionsThe division of PAD into four types may be more appropriate than the traditional division into three types. Cannulation of type I and II b PAD was easier than cannulation of patients without PAD, whereas cannulation of type II a PAD was more challenging. PAD may not increase the rates of PEP.

The role and timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in acute biliary pancreatitis without cholangitis: A nationwide analysis.

The role and optimal timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in acute biliary pancreatitis without cholangitis (ABPwoC) remains unclear. Using a large national database, we aimed to examine hospitalization outcomes of patients with ABPwoC as a function of the performance and timing of ERCP. This was a retrospective study of adult patients with ABPwoC utilizing the National Inpatient Sample from 2016-2017. Patients who underwent inpatient ERCP were stratified into performance: within 24, 24-48, 48-72, and >72 h of hospital admission. The primary outcome was all-cause inpatient mortality as a function of the performance and timing of ERCP; secondary outcomes, including healthcare utilization, were assessed. Multivariate modeling was used to adjust for potential confounders. Statistical analyses were conducted using STATA, version 16.0. Of the 70 030 patients with ABPwoC, 31.37% underwent inpatient ERCP. Performance (aOR: 0.6, p< .05), but not timing (aOR: 0.98, p= .9), of inpatient ERCP was associated with significantly lower all-cause inpatient mortality. Urgent ERCP (within 24 h) was associated with shorter hospital length of stay, lower charges and cost, and less need for pancreatic drainage procedures, while ERCP within 72 h was associated with less frequent intensive care unit admission (all p< .05). Based on this large, nationwide analysis, inpatient ERCP for ABPwoC is associated with lower all-cause mortality. ERCP within 24 and 72 h, though not associated with lower mortality, are associated with multiple improved clinical outcomes, including lower healthcare charges and costs.

S110 Racial Differences in the Performance of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Acute Cholangitis: A Nationwide Time Trend Analysis, 2008-2018

Introduction: Black race was shown to have high mortality from acute cholangitis (AC) previously (1998-2009) and to undergo less endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (2009-2012). We conducted a longitudinal racial breakdown of ERCP performed in AC in the USA over 11 years (2008-2018). Methods: This is a retrospective longitudinal trend analysis using National Inpatient Sample. Adult patients (≥18 years old) with AC were identified. Multivariate linear or logistic regression was performed when appropriate. To control for the severity of AC, we also included severe sepsis, septic shock, systemic inflammatory response syndrome with acute organ dysfunction, acute renal failure, acute respiratory failure, thrombocytopenia, altered mental status, and abnormal coagulation in the regression model. Stata (v.14.2) was used to perform analyses considering a 2-sided P-value< 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: A total of 312,849 patients with AC were included in the analysis. Before 2015, the longitudinal trend for the overall total and early ERCPs performed in Whites and Hispanics was increasing (P< 0.01) (Table). The trend was stable in Asians but in Blacks, even though the trend for early ERCP was increasing (P< 0.01) but the overall ERCPs performed for AC remained the same (P=0.07). After 2015, the trends for both early and total ERCPs remained stable for all races (P >0.05). However, upon examining the proportion of early ERCPs among total ERCPs performed, Blacks represented the racial category with the lowest numbers (Figure). Even though the trend of proportions for all racial categories was increasing (P< 0.01) however, the rate of increase was lowest for Blacks (per year increase for Whites was 1.37%, Blacks 1.18%, Hispanics 1.47%, and 1.37 for Asians). Racial mortality comparison showed that compared to Whites, Blacks had the highest odds of mortality (for Blacks, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.86, P< 0.01, Hispanics aOR 1.29, P< 0.01, Asians aOR 1.30, P=0.01). Conclusion: The modification in International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding in 2015 resulted in an apparent sharp change in the proportion of ERCPs performed due to coding change. Even though the trend for the performance of early ERCP for AC is on the rise in all races, there still exists a racial disparity in the use of early ERCP. The black population was at risk of receiving lower rates of early ERCP (calculated as a fraction of total ERCP), which may impart higher mortality.Figure 1.: Trend for the proportion of early ERCP comparing to total ERCP (ERCP: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, AC: acute cholangitis, %: percentage, ICD: International Classification of Diseases) Table 1. - Trends for early and total ERCP performance in acute cholangitis Year 2008 2010 2012 2014 P value a,b 2016 2018 P value a,b White Total ERCP, % 47.58 48.75 50.21 50.55 < 0.01 33.42 32.55 0.37 Early ERCP, % 24.43 25.60 28.38 29.01 < 0.01 18.89 18.90 0.99 Black Total ERCP, % 41.20 39.75 43.59 43.45 0.07 30.97 30.21 0.72 Early ERCP, % 17.34 18.09 22.58 21.93 < 0.01 13.96 14.72 0.66 Hispanic Total ERCP, % 53.87 53.85 56.36 58.14 < 0.01 35.61 35.51 0.96 Early ERCP, % 28.70 27.64 31.94 34.36 < 0.01 17.64 20.28 0.13 Asians Total ERCP, % 54.34 52.86 55.28 53.04 0.84 35.08 37.58 0.39 Early ERCP, % 31.69 27.32 33.45 33.18 0.31 17.16 22.33 0.27 ERCP: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.aLinear P trend values.bTime-interrupted trends (before and after 2015) were obtained due to International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding change from ICD-9 to ICD-10 in 2015.

Riesgo de eventos tromboembólicos en función del manejo de la terapia anticoagulante y antiagregante en pacientes sometidos a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica

Background and objectivesThe main clinical practice guidelines recommend adequate periprocedural withdrawal and reintroduction of antithrombotic drugs in case of invasive techniques. The main objective of this study was to assess whether, in patients receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, the suppression or reduction of the pharmacological dose for the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) implies a greater risk of thromboembolic events. Patients and methodsA prospective observational study was carried out, which included 644ERCP performed with therapeutic intention during 2019 at the Reina Sofía University Hospital with follow-up during the 30days after the endoscopic intervention. ResultsSix patients presented a thromboembolic event, finding no differences between the incorrect withdrawal/reintroduction of antithrombotic treatment and a higher proportion of thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events after the procedure (P>.05). The incidence of thrombotic events was significantly higher in patients treated with heparin or apixaban (P=.001), as well as with a history of atrial fibrillation (P=.05), rheumatic valve disease (P=.037) and recurrent pulmonary embolism (P=.035), this being also an independent risk factor. Likewise, the incidence of hemorrhage in the 30days post-sphincterotomy was significantly lower in those with implantation of a biliary prosthesis (P=.04). ConclusionsInadequate periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy is not associated with a significant increase in the incidence of thromboembolic events in the 30days after ERCP. However, close follow-up and surveillance during the days after this is essential in those patients with a condition that significantly increases the risk of thrombosis.

Diagnosis of malignant biliary obstruction: pondering over the ERCP, MRCP and histology.

ObjectiveTo compare the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), magnetic resonance pancreatography (MRCP) and histological examination for malignant biliary obstruction.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients admitted for biliary obstruction caused by biliary tree malignancy that underwent ERCP, MRCP and histological examination. Data were collected from the medical records. The primary endpoints were the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve value, sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy of the three procedures in terms of a final diagnosis of obstructive biliary malignancy; and the agreement between ERCP, MRCP and histological examination with the final diagnosis.ResultsA total of 160 patients were included in the study (85 males, 53.1%; mean ± SD age, 69.31 ± 10.96 years). Considering the final diagnosis, the performance of MRCP, ERCP and histology in assessing biliary tumours produced AUROC values of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75, 0.90), 0.94 (95% CI 0.85, 0.99) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.70, 0.82), respectively. ERCP presented higher sensitivity, overall diagnostic accuracy and agreement with the final diagnosis than MRCP and histological examination.ConclusionThese current data suggest that invasive methods such as ERCP with biopsy remain more reliable than non-invasive methods.

Success Rate of Wire Control-Assisted ERCP Sphincterotomy Versus Non-assisted ERCP Cannulation of Common Bile Duct in a Secondary Care Unit During the First COVID-19 Peak: A Retrospective Observational Study of 281 Patients

BackgroundThe British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) recommended that during the COVID-19 pandemic, endoscopy units perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for obstructive biliary pathologies in an emergency. We assessed the local performance of ERCP during the first wave of COVID-19 at our local endoscopy center, in particular the technique to common bile duct (CBD) cannulation.MethodologyAll ERCP procedures performed from January to June 2020 were retrospectively assessed and compared with procedures performed between January and June 2019 at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. The indications for ERCP, success rate, and complications were studied separately. Correlation analysis was conducted using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The binary logistic regression model was used to compute the factors associated with successful ERCP. Significance was established when the two-sided P-value < 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA, 2017).ResultsA total of 281 ERCP were included in this study, with 169 and 112 performed during the first six months of 2019 and 2020, respectively. A statistically significant (0.0087) higher proportion of cases with liver dysfunction presented for ERCP before the COVID-19 outbreak (152, 89.94%). All patients before COVID-19 underwent wire control-assisted ERCP, while 82 (73.21%) received assisted ERCP during the first wave (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.10) in the number of patients who underwent sphincterotomy before and during the first wave of COVID-19, with 97 (57.39%) and 76 (67.85%), respectively. The success rate of ERCP before COVID-19 was relatively high, accounting for 146 (86.39%) patients in contrast to 87 (77.67%) patients during the first wave (P = 0.074). Sphincterotomy (β = 2.800, P = 0.028) and stent insertion (β = 0.852, P = 0.046) were statistically significant predictors of ERCP outcomes. There was no statistically significant impact of cholangitis on the success of ERCP (β = 1.672, P = 0.109).ConclusionThe first wave of COVID-19 had a statistically proven negative impact on the expected standards of ERCP performance. Although the complication rate was significantly higher during the first wave case difficulty, the American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) status was not assessed on an individual basis. Both ASA status and case difficulty are now included in our endoscopy selection process. We recommend adding the complexity of cases and ASA to the local and national recording databases. This is a rare study on UK-based hospitals.

ID: 3525194 ROLE OF ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY AND INTRADUCTAL SECRETIN TEST IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF EXOCRINE PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY

Chronic Pancreatitis (CP) may be difficult to diagnose in the early stages when imaging may be normal. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) may be considered as a surrogate marker of CP, although not all patients with CP have EPI. During performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, addition of an Intraductal Secretin Test (IDST) may further aid the evaluation of EPI, based on determination of pure pancreatic juice (PPJ) volume and bicarbonate concentration (BC). The optimal collection time for IDST is unknown.

Prospective Comparison of Moderate Conscious Sedation and Anesthesia Assistance for the Performance of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Objectives Recent trends have favored the use of anesthesia personnel more frequently for advanced endoscopic procedures. We hypothesize a selective sedation approach based on patient and procedural factors using either moderate conscious sedation (MCS) or general anesthesia (GA) will result in similar outcomes and safety with significant cost savings. Methods A 12-month prospective study of all adult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCPs) performed at a tertiary medical center was enrolled. Technical success, cannulation rates, procedural related complications, procedure time, and cost were compared between MCS and GA. Results A total of 876 ERCPs were included in the study with 74% performed with MCS versus 26% with GA. The intended intervention was completed successfully in 95% of cases with MCS versus 96% cases with GA (p = 0.59). Cannulation success rates with MCS were 97.5 versus 97.8% with GA (p = 0.81). Overall, adverse event rates were similar in both groups (MCS: 6.6% vs. GA: 9.2%, p = 0.21). Mean procedure time was less for MCS versus GA, 18.3 and 26 minutes, respectively (p < 0.0001). Selective use of MCS vs. universal sedation with GA resulted in estimated savings of $8,190 per case and $4,735,202 per annum. Conclusions Preselection of ERCP sedation of moderate conscious sedation versus general anesthesia based upon patient risk factors and planned therapeutic intervention allows for the majority of ERCPs to be completed with MCS with similar rates of technical success and improvement in resource utilization and cost savings compared to performing ERCPs universally with anesthesia assistance.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and liver biopsy in the evaluation of elevated liver function tests after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUNDAbnormal liver function tests (LFTs) in post-liver transplant (LT) patients pose a challenge in the timing and selection of diagnostic modalities. There are little data regarding the accuracy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and liver biopsy (LB) in diagnosing post-transplant complications. AIMTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of ERCP and LB in patients with non-vascular post-LT complications.METHODSThis single-center retrospective study evaluated patients undergoing both ERCP and LB for evaluation of elevated LFTs within 6 mo of LT from 2000 to 2017. Diagnostic operating characteristics including accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for various diagnoses were calculated for ERCP and LB. The R factor (ratio of alkaline phosphatase to alanine aminotransferase) was also calculated for each patient. RESULTSOf the 1284 patients who underwent LT, 91 patients (74.7% males, mean age of 51) were analyzed. Anastomotic strictures (AS, 24.2%), acute cellular rejection (ACR, 11%) and concurrent AS/ACR (14.3%) were the most common diagnoses. ERCP carried an accuracy of 79.1% (95%CI: 69.3-86.9), LB had an accuracy of 93.4% (95%CI: 86.2-97.5), and the combination of the two had an accuracy of 100% (95%CI: 96-100). There was no difference between patients with AS and ACR in mean R factor (AS: 1.9 vs ACR: 1.1, P = 0.24). Adverse events did not differ between the two tests (ERCP: 3.1% vs LB: 1.1%, P = 0.31). CONCLUSIONIn patients with abnormal LFTs after LT without vascular complications, the combination of LB and ERCP carries low risk and improves diagnostic accuracy over either test alone.

Su1436 ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY IN A TERTIARY CANADIAN HOSPITAL: OPTIMIZING TISSUE SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

Pancreatic and biliary cancer can be difficult to diagnose definitively, and tissue diagnosis defines clinical management in both early and late disease. The majority of patients diagnosed with pancreaticobiliary malignancy present with advanced disease, and only 30% have resectable tumors. This lag contributes to poor prognosis and outcome. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a mainstay for diagnosing and treating conditions of the bile and pancreatic duct. This study aimed to provide data on the diagnostic performance of ERCP utilizing conventional methods for tissue acquisition, particularly in the setting of an indeterminate stricture. In particular, this was a quality assurance review to determine our center’s baseline performance as a reference benchmark, so new methods of tissue acquisition, such as the SpyglassTM can be better compared. In a tertiary care hospital, 3723 ERCP procedures were performed between 2013 and 2017. Demographic and clinical information was retrospectively collected. Demographic and clinical information was collected. Three ERCP techniques of tissue sampling were analyzed: brushing alone (BiA), biopsy (BrA), and brushing and biopsy dual-modality approach (BrBi). The diagnostic performances (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy) were analyzed with data from post-sampling clinical reports, surgical pathological reports, and diagnostic imaging reports. 222 patients (285 ERCP procedure) met the study criteria and received fluoroscopy-guided ERCP sampling with cytology brushing and/or tissue biopsies. 36 (13%) patients had BiA, 85 (29%) patients had BrA, and 164 (58%) patients had BrBi (Table 1). The sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies of the three sampling techniques respectively were: 56%, 93%, and 85% for BiA; 73%, 96%, and 83% for BrA; and 79%, 94%, and 86% for BrBi (Table 1). Our retrospective analysis of fluoroscopic-guided tissue acquisition shows accuracy as high as current published data on direct visualization cholangioscopy guided techniques. A prospective study looking not only at clinical yield but a cost analysis should be implemented before a commitment to purchase new technology (i.e. SpyglassTM).

Prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis with rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Acute pancreatitis is the most common and feared adverse event associated with performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Unremitting effort has been made for over 40 years to minimize the frequency and severity of this complication. Recently, the use of rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have opened a new era for its prevention. This review focuses on the role of NSAIDs in pancreatitis, the pharmacokinetics of these agents, and summarizes the results of clinical trials with rectal NSAIDs alone and combination regimens in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

A273 ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY IN A TERTIARY CANADIAN HOSPITAL: OPTIMIZING TISSUE SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

Abstract Background Pancreatic and biliary cancer can be difficult to definitively diagnose, and tissue diagnosis defines clinical management in both early and late disease. The majority of patients with pancreaticobiliary malignancy present with late disease and only 30% have resectable tumours, contributing to poor prognosis and outcome. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a mainstay for diagnosing and treating conditions of the bile and pancreatic duct. Aims This study aimed to provide data on the diagnostic performance of ERCP utilizing conventional methods for tissue acquisition particularly in the setting of an indeterminate stricture. In particular, this was a quality assurance review to determine our centre’s baseline performance as a reference so new methods of tissue acquisition such as SpyglassTM can be benchmarked against. Methods In a tertiary care hospital, 3723 ERCP procedures were performed between 2013 and 2017. Demographic and clinical information was retrospectively collected. Demographic and clinical information was collected. Three ERCP techniques of tissue sampling were analyzed: brushing alone (BiA), biopsy alone (BrA), and brushing and biopsy dual-modality approach (BrBi). The diagnostic performances (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy) were calculated with data from post-sampling clinical reports, surgical pathological reports, and diagnostic imaging reports. Results 222 patients (285 ERCP procedure) met the study criteria and received fluoroscopy-guided ERCP sampling with cytology brushing and/or tissue biopsies. 36 (13%) patients had BiA, 85 (29%) patients had BrA, and 164 (58%) patients had BrBi. The sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies of the three sampling techniques respectively were: 56%, 93%, and 85% for BiA; 73%, 96%, and 83% for BrA; and 79%, 94%, and 86% for BrBi. Conclusions Our retrospective analysis of fluoroscopic-guided tissue acquisition shows accuracy as high as current published data on direct visualization cholangiosopy guided techniques. A prospective study looking not only at clinical yield but a cost analysis should be put in place prior to a commitment to purchase new equipment such as the SpyglassTM. Funding Agencies None

Endoscopic ultrasound as a diagnostic and predictive tool in idiopathic acute pancreatitis.

BackgroundEndoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is useful in the diagnostic workup of idiopathic acute pancreatitis but its role as a predictor of recurrence has not been thoroughly assessed. Our aim was to study the performance of EUS in idiopathic acute pancreatitis, its impact on the natural history of the disease, and the factors related to recurrence.MethodsPatients with idiopathic acute pancreatitis referred to our endoscopy unit were enrolled and followed, with assessment of the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), cholecystectomy, and the incidence of recurrence. EUS findings and recurrence rates were compared between patients with a first episode or recurrent attacks and in patients with previous cholecystectomy versus those with gallbladder in situ.ResultsOne hundred six patients were included (mean follow up: 53.59±27.79 months). Biliary disease related to stones was the most common finding on EUS (49.1%), and patients referred for recurrent attacks showed the highest recurrence rate during follow up (57.1%). ERCP or cholecystectomy reduced recurrences to 14.3% in patients with biliary disease. Age under 65 (odds ratio [OR] 3.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-10.44; P=0.02), previous cholecystectomy (OR 3.19, 95%CI 1.11-9.17; P=0.03), and no lithiasis on EUS (OR 2.87, 95%CI 1.04-7.87; P=0.04) were independent risks factors for recurrence.ConclusionsEUS-directed ERCP/cholecystectomy was associated with lower relapse rates in idiopathic acute pancreatitis. Along with age and gallbladder status, it provides predictive information about recurrence likelihood.

107 The Prevalence of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-Related Complications in Patients With Liver Transplant: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION: Biliary complications following liver transplantation are usually managed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); however, the literature on post-ERCP complications remains poorly reported and largely inconsistent in this patient population. Hereby we aimed to systematically review and analyze the literature on complication rates associated with the performance of ERCP in patients with liver transplant. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases from inception through May 2019 to identify all the studies that evaluated post-ERCP complications in patients with liver transplant. Effect estimates from the individual studies were extracted and combined using the random effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird, and a pooled odds ratio (OR) and prevalence were calculated. Forest plots were generated, and publication bias was assessed for using conventional techniques. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with a total of 1787 patients were included in this analysis. In total, 3192 ERCPs were performed on these patients. The pooled all-complication rate was 5.2% (95% CI: 0.035–0.075) (Figure 1). Procedural complications analyzed included post-ERCP pancreatitis 3.4% (95% CI: 0.025–0.047), bleeding 1.1% (95% CI: 0.006–0.020), infections 0.2% (95% CI: 0.025–0.047), and cholangitis 0.8% (95% CI 0.004–0.020) (Figure 2a–d). No cases of periprocedural death were reported. The pooled OR for post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients with liver transplant compared to patients without liver transplant was 1.289 (95% CI: 0.455–3.653, P = 0.633, I2 = 72.88%) (Figure 3). CONCLUSION: The risk of post-ERCP complications has been a major concern for many endoscopists in patients with liver transplantation. This might be related to theoretical concerns of distorted anatomy and difficult cannulation, combined with a general lack of evidence on the true prevalence of these complications. Our study confirms that post-ERCP complication rates are comparable to the general population undergoing ERCP and hence, peri-procedural evaluation and management should be continued as per the standard of care in this patient population.

Recent advances in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in Billroth II gastrectomy patients: A systematic review.

BACKGROUNDEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy has been considered a challenging procedure due to the surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. However, there has been a paucity of comparative studies regarding ERCP in Billroth II gastrectomy cases because of procedure-related morbidity and mortality and practical and ethical limitations. This systematic and comprehensive review was performed to obtain a recent perspective on ERCP in Billroth II gastrectomy patients.AIMTo systematically review the literature regarding ERCP in Billroth II gastrectomy patients.METHODSA systematic review was performed on the literature published between May 1975 and January 2019. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The outcomes of successful afferent loop intubation and successful selective cannulation and occurrence of adverse events were assessed.RESULTSA total of 43 studies involving 2669 patients were included. The study designs were 36 (83.7%) retrospective cohort studies, 4 (9.3%) retrospective comparative studies, 2 (4.7%) prospective comparative studies, and 1 (2.3%) prospective cohort study. Of a total of 2669 patients, there were 1432 cases (55.6%) of side-viewing endoscopy, 664 (25.8%) cases of forward-viewing endoscopy, 171 (6.6%) cases of balloon-assisted enteroscopy, 169 (6.6%) cases of anterior oblique-viewing endoscopy, 64 (2.5%) cases of dual-lumen endoscopy, 31 (1.2%) cases of colonoscopy, and 14 (0.5%) cases of multiple bending endoscopy. The overall success rate of afferent loop intubation was 91.3% (2437/2669), and the overall success rate of selective cannulation was 87.9% (2346/2437). A total of 195 cases (7.3%) of adverse events occurred. The success rates of afferent loop intubation and the selective cannulation rate for each type of endoscopy were as follows: side-viewing endoscopy 98.2% and 95.3%; forward-viewing endoscopy 97.4% and 95.2%; balloon-assisted enteroscopy 95.4% and 97.5%; oblique-viewing endoscopy 94.1% and 97.5%; and dual-lumen endoscopy 82.8% and 100%, respectively. The rate of bowel perforation was slightly higher in side-viewing endoscopy (3.6%) and balloon-assisted enteroscopy (4.1%) compared with forward-viewing endoscopy (1.7%) and anterior oblique-viewing endoscopy (1.2%). Mortality only occurred in side-viewing endoscopy (n = 9, 0.6%).CONCLUSIONThe performance of ERCP in the Billroth II gastrectomy population has been improving with choice of various type of endoscope and sphincter management. More comparative studies are needed to determine the optimal strategy to perform safe and effective ERCP in Billroth II gastrectomy patients.

Sa1455 DID THE STONE PASS? NO! AND WE SHOULD LOOK FOR IT

Guidelines exists for predictors of choledocholithiasis (CLD) and pre-test probability of detecting stone during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, there is limited literature on the variations and interpretation of trended liver function test (LFTs) prior to ERCP in predicting underlying CLD. We sought to investigate the patterns of LFTs prior to the performance of ERCP in hospitalized patients presenting with suspected CLD.

Unplanned Hospital Encounters After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in 3 Large North American States

We have few population-level data onthe performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the United States. We investigated the numbers of unplanned hospital encounters (UHEs), patient and facility factors associated with UHEs, and variation in quality and outcomes in the performance of ERCP in 3 large American states. We collected data on 68,642 ERCPs, performed at 635 facilities in California, Florida, and New York from 2009 through 2014. The primary endpoint was number of UHEs with an ERCP-related event within 7 days of ERCP; secondary endpoints included number of UHEs within 30 days and mortality within 30 days. Each facility was assigned a risk-standardized cohort, and variations in number of UHEs were analyzed with multivariable analysis. Among all ERCPs, 5.8% resulted in a UHE within 7 days and 10.2% within 30 days. Performance of sphincterotomy was significantly associated with a higher risk of UHE at 7 and 30 days (P < .001). Younger age, female sex, and more advanced comorbidity were associated with UHE. There was substantial heterogeneity in rates of UHE among facilities: 4.2% at facilities in the 5th percentile and 25.2% at facilities in the 95th percentile. Increasing facility volume and ability to perform endoscopic ultrasonography were associated inversely with risk. The median number of ERCPs performed each year was 68.7, but 69% of facilities performed 100 or fewer ERCPs per year. Risk for UHE after sphincterotomy decreased with increasing facility volume until an inflection point of 157 ERCPs per year was reached. In an analysis of outcomes of 68,642 ERCPs performed in 3 states, we found a higher-than-expected number of UHEs. There is substantial unexplained variation in risk for adverse events after ERCPs among facilities, and volume is the strongest predictor of risk. Annual facility volumes above approximately 150 ERCPs per year may protect against UHE.

Pediatric Endoscopic Procedure Complications.

This review summarizes the current body of research, define high-risk patients and endoscopic processes, and outline evidence-based countermeasures aimed at minimizing the incidence of complications during endoscopy in children. Significant complications of endoscopy requiring emergency department or inpatient admission in otherwise healthy children are unusual, but more common with therapeutic procedures; risk from procedures increases incrementally with preoperative coexisting conditions. Duodenal hematoma is predominantly a pediatric endoscopic complication and is more likely in hematology-oncology patients. Air embolism is a well-defined endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complication in adults and is likely to increase in children with increased performance of pediatric ERCP. Increased physician expertise is the most often proposed countermeasure, especially in the context of endoscopy complications in the higher-risk patient and procedure. Endoscopy in children remains a very safe group of procedures, although a more detailed understanding of risk factors and ideal training and practice organization is lacking.