Precut Papillotomy Research Articles

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

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

Visibility of the biliary orifice after precut papillotomy: Comparison between white light imaging and texture and color enhancement imaging.

Precut papillotomy is performed in cases of difficult biliary cannulation, but identification of the biliary orifice is difficult. Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) can enhance the structure, color, and brightness. This study compared TXI and white light imaging (WLI) in visibility of biliary orifices. We retrospectively examined 20 patients who underwent bile duct cannulation using both WLI and TXI after precut papillotomy at our center between 2021 and 2022. On WLI and TXI images displayed in random order, bile duct orifice on precut-incision surface of each image was independently evaluated by eight evaluators. Single-indication accuracy rate of biliary orifices, visibility score rated on a 4-grade scale, and color difference between the biliary orifice and the surrounding tissue were examined. The single-indication accuracy rate was higher in TXI compared to WLI (50.6% vs. 35.6%, odds ratio 2.26 [95% CI: 1.32-3.89], p = .003). The time to indicate the biliary orifice was comparable between TXI and WLI (median, 9.7 s [range, 2.6-43] vs. 10.9 s [1.5-64], p = .086). Furthermore, the visibility score was higher in TXI than in WLI (median, 3 [interquartile range, 2-3] vs. 2 [2, 3], p < .001), and the color difference between the biliary orifice and surrounding tissue in TXI was more pronounced than in WLI (median, 22.9 [range, 9.39-55.2] vs. 18.0 [6.48-43.0]; p < .001). TXI enhanced the color difference and visibility of the biliary orifice after precut and improved single-indication accuracy rate, suggesting that it could be useful for biliary cannulation after precut papillotomy.

S1239 Pre-Cut Papillotomy vs Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Rendezvous for Difficult Biliary Cannulation (DBC): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

S1239 Pre-Cut Papillotomy vs Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Rendezvous for Difficult Biliary Cannulation (DBC): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Relation between Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis and Different Cannulation Techniques: The Experience of a High-Volume Center from North-Eastern Romania.

Despite numerous advances that have aimed to increase the safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) still remains a major issue. We aimed to assess the rate of PEP as well as the relation to the cannulation techniques in our unit, a high-volume center in north-eastern Romania. ERCPs performed in our unit from March to August 2022 were retrospectively included. Data concerning demographic information, presence of difficult cannulation, the technique used for cannulation, as well as immediate complications, were gathered from the electronic database. 233 ERCPs were included. PEP was diagnosed in 23 (9.9%) of cases. Precut sphincterotomy (PS), transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPBS), and a combination of TPBS and PS were performed in 6.4%, 10.3%, and 1.7% of cases, respectively, while an Erlangen precut papillotomy was performed in one case. Both in patients with PS and TPBS the rate of PEP was 20%. When the two techniques were associated, the rate of PEP was 25%. TPBS and PS represented risk factors for PEP (OR 1.211 for a CI of 0.946-1.551, p = 0.041, and OR 1.124 for a CI of 0.928-1.361, p = 0.088, respectively). No PEP-associated deaths were found. Both PS and TPBS presented a similar risk of PEP.

Transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy versus conventional precut papillotomy for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (single center experience)

Transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy versus conventional precut papillotomy for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (single center experience)

Precut papillotomy on a minor papilla followed by balloon papilloplasty to provide a complete pancreatic-duct drainage in tropical pancreatitis with reverse pancreas divisum.

Video 1Demonstration of the precut on minor papilla and papilloplasty with pancreatoscopy.

“Salvage techniques” are the key to overcome difficult biliary cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Although the efficacy and safety of salvage techniques for biliary cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have been reported, few reports analyzed the choice of techniques and their clinical outcomes in large cohorts. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of biliary cannulation in patients with native papillae. We retrospectively identified 1021 patients who underwent initial ERCP from January 2013 to March 2020. We investigated background factors, treatment details, cannulation success rates, and adverse event rates. Then we analyzed a series of treatment processes, including salvage techniques such as double guidewire technique (DGT), needle knife pre-cutting (NKP), and transpancreatic pre-cut papillotomy (TPPP). The initial ERCP success rate using standard technique alone was 62.8%, which increased to 94.3% including salvage techniques. Salvage techniques were frequently required in patients with long oral protrusions (OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.80–3.15; p < 0.001). A total of 503 cases (49.3%) had long oral protrusions, 47.5% of which required the salvage techniques, much higher than 27.5% of not-long cases. Patients with long oral protrusions had a higher frequency of NKP. In conclusion, patients with long oral protrusions frequently required salvage techniques. Salvage techniques may help to overcome many difficult biliary cannulation cases.

Endoscopic salvage therapy after failed biliary cannulation using advanced techniques: A concise review.

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) begins with successful biliary cannulation. However, it is not always be successful. The failure of the initial ERCP is attributed to two main aspects: the papilla/biliary orifice is endoscopically accessible, or it is inaccessible. When the papilla/biliary orifice is accessible, bile duct cannulation failure can occur even with advanced cannulation techniques, including double guidewire techniques, transpancreatic sphincterotomy, needle-knife precut papillotomy, or fistulotomy. There is currently no consensus on the next steps of treatment in this setting. Therefore, this review aims to propose and discuss potential endoscopic options for patients who have failed ERCP due to difficult bile duct cannulation. These options include interval ERCP, percutaneous-transhepatic-endoscopic rendezvous procedures (PTE-RV), and endoscopic ultrasound-assisted rendezvous procedures (EUS-RV). The overall success rate for interval ERCP was 76.3% (68%-79% between studies), and the overall adverse event rate was 7.5% (0-15.9% between studies). The overall success rate for PTE-RV was 88.7% (80.4%-100% between studies), and the overall adverse event rate was 13.2% (4.9%-19.2% between studies). For EUS-RV, the overall success rate was 82%-86.1%, and the overall adverse event rate was 13%-15.6%. Because interval ERCP has an acceptably high success rate and lower adverse event rate and does not require additional expertise, facilities, or other specialists, it can be considered the first choice for salvage therapy. EUS-RV can also be considered if local experts are available. For patients in urgent need of biliary drainage, PTE-RV should be considered.

A safe needle-knife precut papillotomy technique in a patient with a naïve papilla and surgically altered anatomy.

A safe needle-knife precut papillotomy technique in a patient with a naïve papilla and surgically altered anatomy.

Predisposing Factors in Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis

Objective: To ascertain the prevalence of risk factors in pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at Isra University Hospital in Hyderabad. Methodology: This descriptive case series study was done at the gastroenterology department of Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, from September 2018 to March 2020. Patients aged 18 to 50 years, both genders, and diagnosed with post-ERCP pancreatitis were included. All the patients were undergoing an ERCP procedure. The procedure was done under conscious sedation or propofol where needed. The serum amylase level was assessed in all patients at 4 hours. Patients had been considered to have post-ERCP pancreatitis if they developed new or worsening pain of abdomen and had a threefold increase in serum amylase. All the cases were assessed regarding risk factors in pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. All the data was recorded in the proforma. Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.7 years. The majority of the patients (65.47%) were females and 32.90% were males. The mean duration of pancreatitis was 3.1 days. Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction was found in 17.1% of cases. Precut papillotomy was done in 18(23.7%) cases. Repeated pancreatic duct injury was seen in 10(13.2%) cases. No significant difference was found in the effect of modifiers on predisposing factors in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis, p-values were almost insignificant. Conclusion: Cannulation attempts, Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, precut papillotomy, repeated pancreatic duct injection, and female gender were observed to be the predisposing factors in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.

Predictive factors of needle-knife pre-cut papillotomy failure in patients with difficult biliary cannulation

Predictors of needle-knife pre-cut papillotomy (NKP) failure for patients with difficult biliary cannulation has not been reported. Between 2004 and 2016, 390 patients with difficult biliary cannulation undergoing NKP were included in this single-center study. Following NKP, deep biliary cannulation failed in 95 patients (24.4%, NKP-failure group) and succeeded in 295 patients (75.6%, NKP-success group). Patient and technique factors were used to identify the predictors of initial NKP failure. Compared with the NKP-success group, periampullary diverticulum (28.4% vs. 18%, p = 0.028), surgically altered anatomy (13.7% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.049), number of cases performed by less experienced endoscopists, and bleeding during NKP (38.9% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001), were significantly more frequent in the NKP-failure group. On multivariate analysis, surgically altered anatomy (OR 2.374, p = 0.045), endoscopists’ experience (OR 3.593, p = 0.001), and bleeding during NKP (OR 21.18, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with initial failure of NKP. In conclusion, NKP is a highly technique-sensitive procedure, as endoscopists’ experience, bleeding during NKP, and surgically altered anatomy were predictors of initial NKP failure.

An unusual cause of failed selective biliary cannulation

A 40-year-old man underwent ERCP because of a 4-mm bile duct (BD) calculus. The longitudinal fold in the second part of the duodenum was seen oriented in the 11 to 5 o’clock axis. Initial attempts at selective biliary cannulation accessed the pancreatic duct (PD). Precut papillotomy using a needle-knife exposed a clear opening toward 11 o’clock (A, thick arrow), which surprisingly accessed the PD. A faintly visible opening toward 3 o’clock (A, slim arrow) led to the BD (B). The stone was extracted after sphincterotomy at this opening (C).

Transpancreatic precut papillotomy versus double-guidewire technique in difficult biliary cannulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Approximately 11 % of biliary cannulations are considered difficult. The double guidewire (DGW-T) and transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) are two useful techniques when difficult cannulation exists and the main pancreatic duct is unintentionally accessed. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and security of both DGW-T and TPS techniques in difficult biliary cannulation. Methods We conducted a systematic review in different databases, such as PubMed, OVID, Medline, and Cochrane Databases. Were included all RCT which showed a comparison between TPS and DGW in difficult biliary cannulation. Endpoints computed were successful cannulation rate, median cannulation time, and adverse events rate. Results Four studies were selected (4 RCTs). These studies included 260 patients. The mean age was 64.79 ± 12.99 years. Of the patients, 53.6 % were men and 46.4 % were women. The rate of successful cannulation was 93.3 % in the TPS group and 79.4 % in the DGW-T group ( P = 0.420). The rate of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) was lower in patients who had undergone TPS than DGW-T (TPS: 8.9 % vs DGW-T: 22.2 %, P = 0.02). The mean cannulation time was 14.7 ± 9.4 min in the TPS group and 15.1 ± 7.4 min with DGW-T ( P = 0.349). Conclusions TPS and DGW are two useful techniques in patients with difficult cannulation. They both have a high rate of successful cannulation; however, the PEP was higher with DGW-T than with TPS.

Troubleshooting Difficult Bile Duct Access: Advanced ERCP Cannulation Techniques, Percutaneous Biliary Drainage, or EUS-Guided Rendezvous Technique?

Despite experienced hands and availability of various well-designed catheters and wires, selective bile duct cannulation may still fail in 10–20% of cases during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In case standard ERCP cannulation technique fails, salvage options include advanced ERCP cannulation techniques such as double-guidewire technique (DGW) with or without pancreatic stenting and precut papillotomy, percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD), and endoscopic ultrasound-guided Rendezvous (EUS-RV) ERCP. If the pancreatic duct is inadvertently entered during cannulation attempts, DGW technique is a reasonable next step, which can be followed by pancreatic stenting to reduce risks of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Studies suggest that early precut papillotomy is not associated with a higher risk of PEP, while needle-knife fistulotomy is the preferred method. For patients with critical clinical condition who may not be fit for endoscopy, surgically altered anatomy in which endoscopic biliary drainage is not feasible, and non-communicating multisegmental biliary obstruction, PBD has a unique role to provide successful biliary drainage efficiently in this particular population. As endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary drainage techniques advance, EUS-RV ERCP has been increasingly employed to guide bile duct access and cannulation with satisfactory clinical outcomes and is especially valuable for benign pathology at centres where expertise is available. Endoscopists should become familiar with each technique’s advantages and limitations before deciding the most appropriate treatment that is tailored to patient’s anatomy and clinical needs.

ID: 3526852 TRANSPANCREATIC SPHINCTEROTOMY TECHNIQUE AND DOUBLE GUIDEWIRE PLACEMENT FOR DIFFICULT CANNULATION IN ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (ERCP). IS IT USEFUL IN THE PEDIATRIC PATIENT?

Selective bile duct cannulation is the prerequisite for all endoscopic biliary therapeutic interventions, but this cannot always be achieved easily. Despite advances and new developments in endoscopic accessories, selective biliary access fails in 5%-15% of cases, even in expert high-volume centers. Various techniques, such as double-guidewire induced cannulation, pre-cut papillotomy or trans pancreatic sphincterotomy with or without placement of a pancreatic stent, have been used to improve cannulation success rates. Repeated and prolonged attempts at cannulation increase the risk of pancreatitis. These techniques have been reported in adults, but there are no data on their use in children.

Ampullary Stone in Chronic Pancreatitis Causing Obstructive Jaundice and Cholangitis

Cholangitis is very rarely caused by impaction of a pancreatic stone in the papilla. An elderly male presented with obstructive jaundice and cholangitis that was caused by an impacted pancreatic stone. He presented as fever of 2 weeks duration and was referred as case of periampullary neoplasm for palliative stenting. However, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram was done which revealed the impacted stone. Precut papillotomy was done to release the stone, which led to the resolution of cholangitis.

Advances in Biliary Access.

Bile duct cannulation using conventional techniques fails in up to 16% of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. Advanced techniques to gain biliary access include ERCP-based maneuvers, and newer endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions. In this article, we review the evidence supporting the use of various ERCP and EUS techniques for biliary access, as well as studies comparing these different techniques. In comparative studies, biliary access after failed conventional cannulation was more successful with EUS-rendezvous compared to precut papillotomy. EUS-guided drainage compares favorably with percutaneous drainage with respect to clinical success, safety profile, and cost-efficiency. Recent randomized trials comparing EUS to ERCP drainage in malignant obstruction have found similar success rates between these techniques. EUS-guided techniques compare favorably to ERCP-based methods for biliary access and drainage. The advent of newer technologies to facilitate interventional EUS may further change current treatment approaches.

S3238 Outcomes of Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in a Community Hospital Setting

INTRODUCTION: ERCP is a complex endoscopic procedure that requires dedicated training and carries a high risk of adverse events. Most published data on outcomes and treatment strategies are from academic institutions. Community-based hospitals are prevalent and provide access to ERCP for acute pancreaticobiliary issues. ERCP outcomes in this setting are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine ERCP outcomes in a community setting, with particular attention to the 30-day adverse event rate. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective, non-controlled study of patients undergoing ERCP at Naples Community Hospital in Naples, Florida. Four gastroenterologists have ERCP privileges. Data were collected from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. The success rate was calculated in cases where appropriate papilla position was obtained. If cannulation was attempted the procedure was included. A therapeutic ERCP was defined as a procedure that included a sphincterotomy, stent placement/removal, dilation, or retrieval of a stone. Technical success was defined when cannulation, stone removal, or drainage was successful. Cannulation was considered successful when the tip of the catheter was passed beyond the papilla into the desired duct. Demographics, indication, findings, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 284 therapeutic ERCP procedures were performed. Fifty-four percent of the patients (n = 154) were male, median age 72 years (range 17-98 years), and median BMI 26 (range 13-50). The most common indication for ERCP was choledocholithiasis without cholangitis 48% (n = 137). The overall adverse event rate was 16% (n = 46). Post ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) occurred in 14% (n = 42), post sphincterotomy bleeding 3% (n = 9), and bile duct perforation 0.07% (n = 2). There were no deaths. Sixty-one percent (n = 174) of patients received 100 mg rectal indomethacin. Biliary and pancreatic cannulation was successful in 94% (n = 257). Precut papillotomy was performed in 1% of cases (n = 3; Table 1). Only periprocedural rectal indomethacin was associated with a reduced incidence of PEP in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis (Table 2). CONCLUSION: This is the first study at our community hospital to explore the indications and outcomes of ERCP. We found a higher rate of PEP compared to quoted rates from large academic centers, but with comparable technical success rates. This may be due to volume and level of experience, factors that deserve further exploration in larger, future studies.Table 1.: Demographics, Indications and Technical characteristicsTable 2.: Predictors of Post ERCP pancreatitis

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography results three days after a failed pre-cut.

deep cannulation of the common bile duct is essential in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, cannulation is not possible in approximately 20 % of the cases with the usual techniques. Pre-cutting is an alternative that allows cannulation in difficult cases although its success is not guaranteed. Repeating the ERCP within three days of a failed pre-cut is an acceptable option. to determine if an ERCP performed three days after a failed pre-cut papillotomy allows the bile duct to be cannulated without increasing complication rates. patients who underwent an ERCP plus pre-cut were included, in whom the common bile duct could not be cannulated and who also underwent a new ERCP three days after the initial pre-cut. The primary objective was a successful biliary cannulation in the second ERCP and the secondary objective were the complications of the initial pre-cut. forty patients with an average age of 65 years were identified and 57 % were male. The indications for ERCP were choledocholithiasis in 95 %, biliary fistula in 2.5 % and pancreatic neoplasia in 2.5 %. The ERCP was repeated three days later in 92.5 % of the cases and the biliary cannulation was successful in 78.3 %. a new ERCP performed within three days of a failed pre-cut is justifiable since it has a significant success rate. Bile duct cannulation is achieved in three out of four patients, with an acceptable percentage of complications.

Risk Factors for Pancreatitis and Cholecystitis after Endoscopic Biliary Stenting in Patients with Malignant Extrahepatic Bile Duct Obstruction.

Background/Aims:For the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction, endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) has been widely accepted as a standard procedure. However, post-ERBD complications can affect the lives of patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the predictive factors for these complications, including the patient’s status, cancer status, and stent type. Methods:This was a retrospective analysis conducted in a single tertiary hospital from January 2007 to July 2017. The following variables were evaluated: sex, age, body mass index, cancer type, history of pancreatitis, gallbladder stone, previous biliary stenting, precut papillotomy, stent type, contrast injection into the pancreatic duct or gallbladder, cystic duct invasion by the tumor, and occlusion of the cystic duct orifice by a metal stent. Results:Multivariate analysis showed that contrast injection into the pancreatic duct was a risk factor for pancreatitis. Patients with a history of bile drainage showed a lower risk of pancreatitis. For cholecystitis, the analysis revealed contrast injection into the gallbladder and cystic duct invasion by the tumor as important predictive factors. Metal stents showed a greater risk of post-procedure pancreatitis than plastic stents, but did not affect the incidence of cholecystitis. Conclusions:Considering that contrast injection is the most important factor for both complications, a careful approach by the physician is essential in preventing the occurrence of any complications. Further, choosing the type of stent is an important factor for patients at a risk of post-procedure pancreatitis.