Successful Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Research Articles

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Pediatric Population: A Decade-Long Experience from 2 Tertiary Centers.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic method for pancreato-biliary disorders in adults, but its use in pediatric populations remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the indications, technical success, and safety of ERCP in pediatric patients. A retrospective analysis of all ERCP procedures performed on patients under 18 years of age was conducted at 2 tertiary centers in Türkiye (Harran University and Gaziantep University Hospital) during the period between January 2013 and May 2024. The data used for the study were obtained from patients' medical records. A total of 153 ERCP procedures were performed on 83 pediatric patients (64%, female) with a mean age of 12.9 years (range 3-17) at the time of ERCP. Common bile duct stones were the most frequent indication (n = 39, 47%) for ERCP, followed by biliary hydatid cyst-related complications (n = 24, 29%). The overall cannulation success rate was 98.7% (82/83). Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in 79 (95%) patients. More than one ERCP procedure was performed in 41 (49%) patients. Stones were extracted in 32 patients (30 were biliary and 2 pancreatic). Stent placement was performed in 33 patients (25 biliary and 8 pancreatic). Post-ERCP pancreatitis developed in 4.8% (n = 4) of patients, and all classified as mild. Ten (12%) patients developed mild/moderate cholangitis following ERCP. One patient (1.2%) experienced minor bleeding. About half of the patients (48%) were discharged within 1 day postprocedure. No patient experienced procedure-related mortality. Our study results indicate that ERCP is both effective and safe in the pediatric population.

Influence of pediatric ERCP positioning on procedural outcomes: A single-center study.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is traditionally done in the prone position. In pediatrics, patient anatomy and anesthesia practices are considerations that affect procedural success and anesthesia time. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety, procedural success, and efficiency of pediatric ERCP in the prone versus supine positions. ERCPs from September 2016 to August 2023 were reviewed at our center. Demographic and procedure variables were collected. Multivariate linear regression was performed to determine the effect of patient position on total anesthesia time. Two hundred eighty-three patients (378 ERCPs) were included. There were significant differences in fellow involvement, proportion of native papillae, procedural indication, and total anesthesia time by ERCP position. Multivariate linear regression found that supine position was associated with 9.3-min decrease in anesthesia time and American Society of Anesthesiologists Class 1 or 2 was associated with 10.6-min decrease in anesthesia time. Factors that were associated with increased anesthesia time were additional procedure, increased procedure time, and native papilla. Finally, we found a learning curve for transitioning from prone to supine position was between 10 and 40 cases. After the learning curve, we found 11-min decrease in mean procedure time and 16-min decrease in total anesthesia time in the supine position. This is the first pediatric study to evaluate the role of patient positioning on ERCP outcomes and total anesthesia time. Given similar procedural outcomes, the impact of increased anesthesia time on neurodevelopment in children, and the cost to the patient, the supine position may be preferred to a prone position.

Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a patient with asplenia-type heterotaxy syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Asplenia-type heterotaxy syndrome (HS) is rare and refers to visceral malposition and dysmorphism. It is associated with a high infant mortality rate due to cardiac anomalies, and related digestive endoscopic interventions are poorly understood. With the improved long-term prognosis of these individuals after modern cardiac surgery, intra-abdominal anomalies have become increasingly significant. CASE SUMMARY Herein, we report successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in a 14-year-old male with asplenia-type HS that involved unique imaging findings and technical difficulties. His anatomic anomalies included complex congenital heart disease, midline liver placement, an absent spleen, a left-sided inferior vena cava, and dextroposition of the stomach and pancreas. He suffered from choledocholithiasis with obstructive jaundice, and the stone was successfully extracted with a basket following endoscopic papillary balloon dilation. CONCLUSION Although anatomic anomalies in HS increase the degree of technical difficulty when performing ERCP, they can be safely managed by experienced endoscopists, as illustrated by the present case. Identifying these variations with imaging modalities and being aware of them before initiating an invasive intervention are crucial to preventing potential complications.

Impact of periampullary diverticula on the rates of successful cannulation and ERCP complications: An up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis.

Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) is usually incidentally discovered during abdominal imaging, gastrointestinal endoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The influence of PAD on ERCP outcomes is unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an up-to-date evaluation of the impact of PAD on cannulation and ERCP-related complications. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles published up to October 31, 2023. The rates of successful cannulation and post-ERCP complications were compared between the PAD and non-PAD groups. The quality of the studies was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3. Twenty-eight articles were included. Non-PAD was associated with a relatively high cannulation success rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-0.97, p = 0.03). However, after 2015, PAD was not correlated with cannulation failure (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59-1.11, p = 0.20). Compared with intradiverticular papilla (IDP), non-IDP had a higher successful cannulation rate (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25-0.72, p = 0.002), while IDPincreased the difficult cannulation rate (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.05-2.44, p = 0.03). Additionally, PAD increased the incidence of ERCP-related pancreatitis (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.40, p = 0.0006) and bleeding (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.03-1.73, p = 0.03). Although PAD, especially IDP, decreased the cannulation success rate, PAD was no longer considered a significant obstacle to cannulation after 2015. PAD increased the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis and bleeding.

Enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy: Multicenter prospective registry (SAMISEN-B) using motorized spiral enteroscopy.

Background and study aims This was a prospective study of efficacy and safety of motorized spiral enteroscopy (MSE) to perform biliary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy at five European centers. Patients and methods Consecutive patients with biliary indications for enteroscopy-assisted ERCP were enrolled. Objectives were technical success, adverse event (AE) rate, and patient radiation exposure. Results Eighty-nine patients were enrolled and one was excluded for a pancreatic indication. All participants had variations of Billroth II reconstruction (29.5%) or Roux-en-Y reconstruction (70.5%), either with naive papilla (39%) or hepaticojejunostomy (61%). Main indications were anastomotic stricture treatment and/or biliary stone removal. Enteroscopy to reach the bile duct was possible in 65 of 88 patients (74%), bile duct cannulation in 54 of 88 (61%), and therapeutic ERCP was technically successful in 48 of 88 (54%). In Billroth II variations, technical success was achieved in 13 of 26 patients (50%) compared with 35 of 62 (57%, P = 0.5792 Chi square) in Roux-en-Y reconstructions (including bariatric gastric bypass). ERCP with intact papilla was successful in 17 of 34 patients (50%) compared with 31 of 54 (57%, P = 0.4968 Chi square) in hepaticojejunostomy. The study was prematurely terminated July 2023 because MSE was withdrawn by the manufacturer for safety issues. Overall, in 12 of 88 patients (14%), AEs were recorded and six (7%) were considered serious. Only one serious AE was attributable to MSE enteroscopy: perforation of the proximal esophagus during enteroscope insertion. Conclusions This prospective multicenter study was prematurely discontinued due to withdrawal of the MSE by the manufacturer because of safety issues. Technical success of MSE-assisted biliary ERCP in different types of surgically altered anatomy was 54%, which was lower than anticipated. There was one esophageal perforation attributable to use of MSE. (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05129449).

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) versus choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) in ERCP-failed malignant biliary obstruction: A systematic review and META-analysis.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard in managing malignant biliary obstruction. The success of ERCP has limitations, whereas surgical biliary bypass and percutaneous transhepatic approaches, as alternative modalities, come with significant costs, longer durations, and higher levels of mortality and morbidity. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided biliary drainage with two approaches, hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) and choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS), is a favored and evolving alternative modality. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of EUS-HGS and EUS-CDS. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Scholar databases up to August 2023, based on the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. We identified randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing the efficacy and safety of EUS-HGS and EUS-CDS. Outcome measures included technical and clinical success, side effects, and mean procedure time. Nine nonrandomized studies and two randomized controlled trials involving 537 patients (225 EUS-HGS, 312 EUS-CDS) were analyzed. No difference was found in technical success (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.41-1.68; I 2 = 0%) and clinical success between the two procedures (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.51-1.81; I 2 = 9.94%). Side effects were significantly higher in EUS-HGS (OR, 2.01, 95% CI, 1.14-3.59; I 2 = 0%). No significant difference in mean procedure time was observed between the two procedures (0.13; 95% CI, -0.15-0.41; I 2 = 34.89%). There are differences in efficacy and safety between EUS-HGS and EUS-CDS. EUS-CDS has a faster procedure time, lower risk of side effects, and ease of puncture during the procedure.

Risk factors for acute pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a retrospective single-center study

Background. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important procedure in the diagnosis and management of pancreaticobiliary diseases. Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common and serious adverse event after ERCP. Purpose – to evaluate retrospectively PEP incidence and to identify independent risk factors of PEP. Materials and Methods. The analysis of 578 ERCP cases was done. A number of potential risk factors for PEP were taken into uni- and multivariate analisys: age, gender, common bile duct (CBD) size, bilirubin level, presence of cholangitis, Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), malignant biliary obstruction, chronic pancreatitis, biliary obstruction, history of cholecystectomy, history of endoscopic papillosphincterotomy (EPST), initial ERCP success, therapeutic success, selective biliary cannulation, pancreatic cannulation/injection, Precut and EPST. Results. PEP was in 29 (5%) cases. Six factors with р < 0,05 by univariate analysis (CBD ≤ 10 mm, normal bilirubin level, SOD, history of cholecystectomy, pancreatic cannulation/injection, precut) were included into multivariate logistic regression model. The independent risk factor for PEP were CBD ≤ 10 mm (OR 2,416; 95% ДІ, 1,037–5,629; p = 0,041), SOD (OR 4,107; 95% ДІ, 1,726–9,771; p = 0,001) та pancreatic cannulation/injection (OR 3,447; 95% ДІ, 1,455–8,166; p = 0,005); and precut was an independent protective factor for PEP (OR 0,129; 95% ДІ, 0,047–0,354; p = 0,014). Conclusions. The incidence of PEP was 5%. Small CBD and SOD are independent PEP risk factors as well as pancreatic cannulation/injection. Early precut technique is an independent factor preventing PEP.

ThP5.10 - Post ERCP Pancreatitis at a Tertiary Center - A Retrospective Incidence and Causal Analysis

Abstract Background Incidence of Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) Pancreatitis (PEP) varies between 3.5% and 9.7% as per the 2014 meta-analyses. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence, perform a causal analysis and gauge the financial implications of PEP in our hospital for general surgical patients to help optimise the utilisation of resources. Methods All General Surgical patients who had ERCP between 01/10/2022 and 31/03/2023 were included in the analysis. A successful ERCP was defined as cannulation of the biliary tree. The digital patient records were analysed and collected onto a master datasheet. They were divided into PEP and non-PEP groups. Results A total of 131/155 attempted ERCPs were successful. Of these 131, 13 (9.92%) developed PEP. Females were predominantly affected. Three out of six patients (50%) undergoing ERCP for malignant biliary obstructions developed PEP. Elective ERCPs (15% vs 6.5%) and higher mean bilirubin levels >= 134.92 µmol/L posed a greater risk of developing PEP (p-value=0.021). The mean hospital stay was 3.5 days longer (2-49 days) in the PEP group. The total extra cost to the NHS ranged from £20,475 - £35,763 over 6 months. Conclusion Patients with gallstone disease should receive prompt cholecystectomy in adherence to NICE guidelines to reduce the risk of gallstone-related problems and ERCP need. This in turn would lead to a reduction in PEP and positively affect the financial implications on the NHS. We also recommend a randomised control trial for patients with grossly deranged liver function tests to compare ERCP with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct explorations combined.

Same versus separate sessions of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for distal malignant biliary obstruction: a propensity score-matched study

ABSTRACT Background Same-session endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an attractive policy for patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) requiring fine-needle biopsy (FNB) and biliary drainage. However, scanty and conflicting data exists regarding safety and efficacy when comparing these two procedures performed in same versus separate sessions. Methods Single-center, retrospective, propensity score-matched study including patients with DMBO who underwent EUS-FNB followed by ERCP during the same or separate sessions. The primary outcome was the safety of the procedure [number of patients experiencing adverse events (AEs), overall AEs, its severity, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP)]. Secondary outcomes were successful ERCP, use of advanced cannulation techniques, EUS-FNB adequacy, length of hospital stay, overall procedure time, and time to recurrent biliary obstruction. Results After propensity matching, 87 patients were allocated to each group. AEs developed in 23 (26.4%) vs. 17 (19.5%) patients in the same and separate sessions group, respectively (p = 0.280). The overall number, the severity of AEs, and the rate of PEP were similar in the two groups. Secondary outcome parameters were also comparable in the 2 groups. Conclusions Same-session EUS-FNB followed by ERCP with biliary drainage is safe and does not impair technical outcomes of tissue adequacy and biliary cannulation.

435 Post ERCP Pancreatitis at a Tertiary Centre - a Retrospective Incidence and Causal Analysis

Abstract Background Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of ERCP. The overall incidence of PEP varies between 3.5% and 9.7% as per the recent meta-analyses in 2014. We aim to evaluate the incidence of PEP, conduct a causal analysis and financial implications at our hospital for general surgical patients. Method All General Surgical patients who had ERCP done between 01/10/2022 and 31/03/2023 were included in the analysis. The patient records on TrakCare® were analysed for demographic details, admission records, ERCP details, pre-procedural laboratory values and length of stay. The successful ERCPs defined as cannulation of the common bile duct were divided into the PEP and the non-PEP groups. Results A total of 155 patients had ERCP attempted but only 131 were successful. Of these 131, 13 (9.92%) developed PEP. Females in their 60s were predominantly affected. Three out of six patients undergoing ERCP for malignant biliary obstructions were affected (50%). Patients with grossly deranged Liver Function Tests (mean bilirubin levels >=134.92µmol/L) had a higher risk of developing PEP (p-value=0.021). The mean overall hospital stay was 3.5 days longer (2-49 days) for patients who developed PEP costing an extra £20,475 - £35,763 over 6 months to the NHS. There were no mortalities recorded. Conclusions Patients with gallstone disease should receive prompt cholecystectomy adhering to NICE guidelines to reduce the risk of developing gallstone-related complications. This in turn would lead to a reduction in PEP and positively affect the financial implications for the NHS.

Management of Common Bile Duct Stones: Evaluation of the Effect of Size of Stones as the Determinant for the Procedure for Treatment in Era of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgery

Abstract Background Common bile duct stones (CBDS) are estimated to be present in 10–20% of individuals with symptomatic gallstones. A variety of imaging modalities can be employed to identify the condition while management of confirmed cases of CBDS may involve endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), surgery and radiological methods of stone extraction. Clinicians are therefore confronted with a number of potentially valid options to treat individuals with suspected CBDS. Objective To determine if ERCP sphincterotomy and extraction is effective in management of CBDS ranging from 10 to 20 mm or if surgical intervention is preferred in a sample of patients with common bile duct stones. Patients and Methods In this study, the data of (30) patients with CBDS who presented for the first time to the department of General surgery at Ain Shams University hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. Were collected during the period of August 2021 to February 2022. Results In the current study, all patients received proper pre-operative assessment and were operated on using same endoscope set and by experienced operators. Also, all patients were observed for post ERCP complications. The current study found that ERCP stone extraction in stones ranging from 10-20 mm success rate shows no significant difference in comparison with results that were published in different recent researches studying ERCP success rate in different stone sizes. Conclusion The current study found that success rate of ERCP in CBD stones extraction in stones ranging from 10-20 mm in size is similar to success rate in stone extraction compared to other studies not specifying stone size range. Also, complication rate was comparable to other recent published studies’ complication rate.

Combination of Precut Techniques in Difficult Biliary Cannulation.

Selective biliary cannulation (SBC) is a prerequisite for successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). SBC has the potential to fail in as many as 20% of cases, even with skilled endoscopists. Precut incision techniques like needle-knife sphincterotomy (NKS) and transpancreatic septotomy (TPS) can be used in cases where standard cannulation techniques fail. However, these precut techniques may also fail in some cases. We aimed to evaluate the procedural success of the combined TPS + NKS technique in difficult biliary cannulation. The study included 289 patients who underwent ERCP with precut techniques from 2017 to 2022. Patients were classified into the following three groups and evaluated retrospectively in terms of cannulation success, and ERCP-related adverse effects: Transpancreatic septotomy, NKS, and TPS + NKS; statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), version 29.0, software was used to analyze the data. The success rate of SBC was 69% in the TPS group, 75.3% in the NCS group, and 87% in the TPS + NCS group. There was no significant difference between the NKS and TPS + NKS groups. Cannulation success in both NKS group and NKS + TPS groups was significantly higher than in the TPS group (p < 0.001). Complication rates were similar. In cases where standard sphincterotomy and precut techniques fail, a second precut technique can be used. A previous TPS does not prevent NKS. Abiyev A, Tuzcu B, Bilican G, et al. Combination of Precut Techniques in Difficult Biliary Cannulation. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2024;14(1):56-59.

A nomogram for prediction of ERCP success in patients with bile duct leaks: a multicenter study.

Bile duct leaks (BDLs) are serious complications that occurs after hepatobiliary surgery and trauma, leading to rapid clinical deterioration. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the first-line treatment for BDLs, but it is not clear which patients will respond to this therapy and which patients will require additional surgical intervention. The aim of our study was to explore the predictors of successful ERCP for BDLs. A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from six centers' databases. All consecutive patients who were clinically confirmed as BDLs were included in the study. Collected data were demographics, disease severity, and ERCP procedure characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to select independent predictive factors that affect the outcome of ERCP for BDLs, and a nomogram was established. Calibration and ROC curves were used to evaluate the models. Four hundred and forty-eight consecutive patients were clinically confirmed as BDLs and 347 were excluded. In the 101 patients included patients, clinical success was achieved in 78 patients (77.2%). In logistic multivariable regression, two independent factors were negatively associated with the success of ERCP: SIRS (OR, 0.183; 95% CI 0.039-0.864; P = 0.032) and high-grade leak (OR 0.073; 95% CI 0.010-0.539; P = 0.010). Two independent factors were positively associated with the success of ERCP: leak-bridging drainage (OR 4.792; 95% CI 1.08-21.21; P = 0.039) and cystic duct leak (OR 6.193; 95% CI 1.03-37.17; P = 0.046). The prediction model with these four factors was evaluated using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.9351. The calibration curve showed that the model had good predictive accuracy. Leak-bridging drainage and cystic duct leak are positive predictors for the success of ERCP, while SIRS and high-grade leak are negative predictors. This prediction model with nomogram has good predictive ability and practical clinical value, and may be helpful in clinical decision-making and prognostication.

A143 PATIENT POSITION AND ENDOSCOPIC CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY (ERCP) TECHNICAL SUCCESS AMONG PATIENTS WITH SURGICALLY ALTERED FOREGUT ANATOMY: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract Background Patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pose challenges due to anatomical distortions. Factors such as patient positioning, endoscopist experience, and choice of endoscope may influence procedural success. It is unclear how these factors may impact the technical success of ERCP among patients with altered anatomy. Aims We primarily aimed to determine the impact of patient positioning (prone versus left lateral decubitus [LLD]) on technical success of ERCP among patients with surgically altered anatomy. Our secondary aim was to determine the impact of patient positioning on procedural time and immediate bleeding. Methods We conducted a retrospective single-centre study using data from 2010 to 2020 that included patients with hepaticojejunostomy, Roux-en-Y anastomosis, Billroth-1, or Billroth-2 anatomy. The primary outcome was technical success of the ERCP, which we comprehensively defined as of successful navigation to the papilla or surgical anastomosis, selective cannulation and cholangiography, and the realization of the intended therapeutic goals. The secondary outcomes were the presence of immediate bleeding and procedural time. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics using mean and standard deviation (SD) and Fisher exact test with relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). All statistical tests were two-tailed and considered significant at Pampersand:003C0.05. Results Among 205 patients, there were 179 (87.3%) in the LLD group, and 26 (12.6%) in the prone group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of patient sex, age, type of altered anatomy, or American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) classification. We found that there was no significant differences between the two groups in terms of procedural success (RR 1.1, 95% CI: 0.8-1.5), immediate bleeding (RR 1.7, 95% CI: 0.2-14.8), and procedural time (P=0.808). Conclusions We did not find that patient positioning had a significant impact on technical success in ERCP among patients with surgically altered anatomy. The choice of positioning should be tailored to individual patient and endoscopist factors, with a focus on optimizing outcomes in this complex patient subset. Funding Agencies None

Technical success and adverse event rates after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using deep sedation with propofol.

With the increasing complexity and prolonged duration of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures, sedation shifted from conscious sedation with benzodiazepines to deep sedation with propofol. We assessed the technical success and adverse event rates of ERCP with deep versus conscious sedation. Consecutive patients treated with ERCP in the University Medical Center Utrecht over a 7-year period (2010-2016) were screened for eligibility. Gastroenterologist-administered conscious sedation with midazolam was used from 2010-2013, whilst anesthesiology-administered deep sedation with propofol was used from 2013-2016. Data were retrospectively collected from electronic medical records. Outcomes were technical success and procedure-related adverse events within 30 days after ERCP. Associations of sedation type with outcomes were analyzed in univariable and multivariable analyses. A total of 725 patients were included: 336 (46%) with conscious sedation and 389 (54%) with deep sedation. Technical success was significantly higher when propofol-based sedation was used (317 [82%] vs. 252 [75%], P=0.034). Adverse events also occurred significantly more often in the propofol group (77 [20%] vs. 38 [11%], P=0.002), due to higher rates of post-ERCP cholangitis (21 [5%] vs. 8 [2%], P=0.039), and post-ERCP pancreatitis (29 [7%] vs. 11 [3%], P=0.014). After adjustment, propofol-based sedation remained significantly associated with technical success and adverse events, with odds ratios of 1.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-2.21) and 1.95 (95% CI 1.25-3.04), respectively. Propofol-based sedation resulted significantly more often in technical success of ERCP compared with midazolam-based sedation, but adverse events were almost twice as common, with higher rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis and cholangitis.

Impact of periampullary diverticulum on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: bridging the gap between fiction and reality.

Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) is frequently discovered in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Studies have yielded conflicting results regarding its impact on the technical success of ERCP and post-ERCP complications. This study aims to assess the success and safety of ERCP in patients with PAD. This study included 400 patients who underwent ERCP for common bile duct (CBD) stones. Patients were classified into the PAD group (200 patients) and the non-PAD group (200 patients). Within the PAD group, patients were further subclassified into three types based on the location of the papilla. The study compared the two groups in terms of technical success and ERCP complications. The success rate of cannulation using selective techniques, needle-knife precut, or trans-pancreatic sphincterotomy was 88%, 7.5%, and 4.5%, respectively, for the PAD group and 81%, 9.5%, and 9.5%, respectively, for the non-PAD group (p = 0.099). Complete CBD clearance was achieved in 85% of the PAD group and 84% of the non-PAD group (p = 0.782). The rate of post-ERCP complications was similar in both groups (p = 0.371). Periampullary diverticulum type 1 was associated with more challenging cannulation (p < 0.001), a lower rate of complete CBD clearance (p < 0.001), and a higher rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis (p = 0.002) compared to other types. The presence of PAD does not hinder the technical success of ERCP and is not associated with a higher frequency of post-ERCP complications.

Choledocholithiasis: A Review of Management and Outcomes in a Regional Setting.

Background Choledocholithiasis is a common surgical presentation with an incidence of 8% to 16% in symptomatic cholelithiasis. Treatment often requires a multi-stage approach via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), which can prolong the length of stay (LoS) and expose patients to unnecessary risks. A single-stage procedure, such as LC with common bile duct exploration (CBDE), is a safe and effective option that may decrease LoS. This study compares patient outcomes and management in a regional center and aims to identify factors that predict the presence of confirmed choledocholithiasis. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed on all patients admitted to Toowoomba Hospital for management of diagnosed or suspected choledocholithiasis from January 2021 to March 2023. Patient demographics, ERCP findings, and operative data were collated. Results A total of 195 patients were identified, including 136 patients undergoing multi-stage management, 34 patients who had an ERCP alone, and 25 patients who underwent single-stage management. Single-stage procedures had an 80% success rate with an average LoS of 3.6 days. Multi-stage procedures had an average LoS of 8.1 days and an ERCP success rate of 93%. Complication rates between ERCP (11.7%) and LC with CBDE (9.7%) were comparable. Time to index ERCP and serum bilirubin level were found to be significantly lower in those with positive index ERCP findings compared to those without. Conclusion Single-stage procedures are a safe way to manage choledocholithiasis and are associated with a reduced LoS when compared to multi-stage management, with comparable efficacy and morbidity rates.

The impact of COVID-19 on hospitalizations that underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the United States.

COVID-19 impacts technical success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In this study, we aimed to assess the influence of COVID-19 on hospitalizations that underwent ERCP. We identified all adult COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 hospitalizations that underwent ERCP in the United States using the National Inpatient Sample for 2020. Hospitalization characteristics, clinical outcomes, and complications were compared between the two groups. In 2020, 2015 COVID-19 and 203,094 non-COVID-19 hospitalizations underwent ERCP. The COVID-19 cohort had a higher mean age (60.3 vs 55.6years, p < 0.001) and a higher proportion of Blacks and Hispanics compared to the non-COVID-19 cohort. After adjusting for confounders, the COVID-19 cohort had higher all-cause inpatient mortality (4.77 vs 1.45%, aOR 4.09, 95% CI 2.50-6.69, p < 0.001), mean length of stay (LOS) [10.19 vs 5.94days, mean difference: 3.88, 95% CI 2.68-5.07, p < 0.001] and mean total hospital charges (THC) [$152,933 vs $96,398, mean difference: 46,367, 95% CI 21,776-70,957, p < 0.001] compared to the non-COVID-19 cohort. Increasing age, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, and post-ERCP pancreatitis were identified to be independent predictors of inpatient mortality for COVID-19 hospitalizations that underwent ERCP. Furthermore, the COVID-19 cohort had higher odds of developing post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) (11.55 vs 7.05%, aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.19-2.25, p = 0.002) compared to the non-COVID-19 cohort, after adjusting for confounders. However, there was no statistical difference in the rates of bowel perforations and post-ERCP hemorrhage between the two groups. COVID-19 hospitalizations that underwent ERCP had higher inpatient mortality, mean LOS, mean THC, and odds of developing PEP compared to the non-COVID-19 cohort. This study is not a part of a clinical trial.

Predictors of success of conventional ERCP for bile duct stones and need for single-operator cholangioscopy.

Background and study aims The characteristics of difficult stones requiring cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy are poorly defined. We sought to determine clinician perception of these characteristics and decision-making in biliary endoscopy. Methods One hundred twenty-four delegates attending an online course were invited to assess 20 clinical stone cases. Each image was graded on a 4-point Likert for: grading of stone difficulty, confidence of clearance with conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) methods, likelihood of needing cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy, and confidence of clearance with one session of lithotripsy. An independent reviewer rated each case on largest stone size, stone number, presence of stricture distal to stone, size of stone relative to distal duct size, and acute common bile duct (CBD) angulation < 135°. Multilevel (mixed) statistical methods with a two-level model were utilized with multilevel ordinal logistic regression. Results Stone size and location, stricture and stone diameter:duct ratio impacted perceived procedural difficulty P < 0.01). Stone:duct ratio (< 50% odds ratio [OR] 0.22, P < 0.001), stricture (OR 7.26, P < 0.001) and stone location impacted confidence of clearance with conventional ERCP. Intrahepatic and cystic duct stones were least likely to engender confidence ( P < 0.01). The same factors plus CBD angulation < 135° predicted cholangioscopy requirement ( P < 0.01). Stone number did not influence procedure difficulty or cholangioscopy requirement. Strictures (OR 0.29, P < 0.001) and location, especially intrahepatic (OR 0.42, P < 0.001) impaired confidence in clearance with one cholangioscopy session. Conclusions Ductal anatomy, the presence of a stricture distal to a stone, cystic and intrahepatic stones and stones larger than the distal duct are considered by endoscopists to be significant predictors of requiring cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy.

S3341 Successful Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Through Gastro-Gastric Fistula from Silastic Band Erosion in a Patient with Fobi-Pouch Gastric Bypass

S3341 Successful Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Through Gastro-Gastric Fistula from Silastic Band Erosion in a Patient with Fobi-Pouch Gastric Bypass