Symptomatic Common Bile Duct Stones Research Articles

Comparative Risks of Post-ERCP Adverse Events in Patients with Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Choledocholithiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the standard of care for the management of choledocholithiasis but carries risk of complications which may result in significant morbidity and mortality. While currently available guidelines endorse the use of ERCP for the management of symptomatic common bile duct stones, the need for ERCP in incidentally found asymptomatic choledocholithiasis is more controversial, and practice varies on a geographic and institutional level. This systematic review and meta-analysis is conducted to compare post-ERCP adverse events between asymptomatic and symptomatic choledocholithiasis patients. We searched PubMed/Embase/Web of Science databases to include all studies comparing post-ERCP outcomes between asymptomatic and symptomatic choledocholithiasis patients. The primary outcome was post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), while secondary outcomes included post-ERCP cholangitis, bleeding, and perforation. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Mantel-Haenszel method within a random-effect model. Our analysis included six observational studies, totaling 2,178 choledocholithiasis patients (392 asymptomatic and 1786 symptomatic); 53% were female. Asymptomatic patients exhibited a higher risk of PEP compared with symptomatic patients (11.7% versus 4.8%; RR 2.59, 95% CI 1.56-4.31, p ≤ 0.001). No significant difference was observed in post-ERCP cholangitis, bleeding, or perforation rates between the two groups. Asymptomatic patients with choledocholithiasis appear to have a higher risk of PEP than symptomatic patients, while the risk of other post-ERCP adverse events is similar between the two groups. Interventional endoscopists should thoroughly discuss potential adverse events (particularly PEP) with asymptomatic patients before performing ERCP and utilize PEP-prevention measures more liberally in this subgroup of patients.

Curative surgical treatment of common bile duct stones: Retrospective cohort study.

In the event of symptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stones with dilated CBD, one possible curative treatment option is stone extraction through choledocotomy associated with cholecystectomy. Endoscopic treatment is only reserved for residual stones at 6weeks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results from laparoscopic curative surgical treatment of CBD stones with dilated CBD. This is a retrospective single-centered cohort study. All consecutive patients admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with evidence of CBD stones with dilated CBD from January 2010 to December 2020 at our center were included. Success was defined by CBD clearance at 6weeks. Need for additional procedures, such as endoscopic sphincterotomy, immediate, and end-of-procedure morbi-mortality as well as factors associated with procedure failure, were also studied. A total of 246 patients who received curative treatment were included in the study. The success rate for the curative treatment was 93.1% (229 patients). Immediate postoperative morbidity was 24.4% with a 5.3% reintervention rate. Immediate and 6-week postoperative mortality rates were zero and 0.4%, respectively. The mean length of stay was 11.3days. Factors associated with procedure failure appeared to be the occurrence of an early postoperative complication and the need for readmission during the period between surgery and drain removal. This study indicates that laparoscopic curative surgical treatment for symptomatic CBD stones may be performed with acceptable results without routine need for additional procedures.

HPB P34 A case-controlled study of single-stage versus two-stage approach to managing common bile duct stones

Abstract Background The most common approaches to the treatment of symptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stones are endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by cholecystectomy (two-stage approach) and intra-operative imaging +/- bile duct exploration (BDE) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (single-stage approach). Intra-operative cholangiogram (IOC) and intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS) are the two common forms of intra-operative imaging. Although IOC is used more frequently, IOUS is safer, non-invasive and can be repeated. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of patients undergoing a single-stage approach with IOUS compared to patients undergoing a two-stage approach. Methods This was a retrospective case-controlled study. Outcomes of patients who had a single-stage approach (group 1) between February 2015 and June 2022 were compared with a cohort of patients (matched for age, sex, and co-morbidities) who had a two-stage approach (group 2). Outcomes included the total number of admissions from diagnosis until cholecystectomy, time from initial presentation to surgery, length of stay (LOS), post-operative and post-ERCP complications (including bile leak, pancreatitis and retained stones), readmission rate and mortality within a year. Results Seventy-four patients were included (65% female, mean age 56 years, median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 2). The median number of admissions was lower in group 1 (1 vs 3 days, p<0.01). The median waiting time till surgery was 4 days in group 1 (vs 128 days, p<0.01). The median LOS for group 1 was 5 days (vs 7 days, p=0.08). Overall complications were lower in group 1 (5% vs 11%, p=0.79). Complications included bile leak (5% vs 0%), pancreatitis (0% vs 8%) and retained stones (0% vs 3%). Readmission rate was 3% vs 16% (p=0.66). Overall mortality was zero. Conclusions Patients who were managed for CBD stones via the single-stage approach had significantly fewer hospital admissions and shorter waiting time to cholecystectomy. There was no significant difference in LOS, rate of complications or readmissions between the two groups. We therefore advocate the use of the single-stage approach using IOUS routinely over ERCP in the management of symptomatic CBD stones.

Balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for asymptomatic common bile duct stones on surgically altered anatomy: A high risk factor for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is more common in patients with asymptomatic common bile duct stones (CBDSs) and normal anatomy than in those with symptomatic CBDS; however, studies on the effect of surgically altered anatomy are lacking. We aimed to investigate whether asymptomatic CBDS in balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP cases for surgically altered anatomy also has a high incidence of PEP and analyze the risk factors for PEP. We retrospectively analyzed 108 consecutive patients who underwent initial ERCP for CBDS with surgically altered anatomies and with naive papilla at Kitasato University Hospital from April 2015 to December 2022. Study participants were as follows: 92 (85%) patients with symptomatic CBDS and 16 (15%) patients asymptomatic CBDS. The overall bile duct cannulation success rate was 89.8%, with PEP occurring in 7.4% of patients (symptomatic CBDS: 3.3%, asymptomatic CBDS: 31.3%). PEP incidence was significantly higher for asymptomatic CBDS (p = .0017). Multivariate analysis identified asymptomatic CBDS and precut sphincterotomy as significant risk factors for PEP. Asymptomatic CBDS may be a risk factor for PEP onset in balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP with surgically altered anatomy. Therefore, the procedure should be performed after obtaining sufficient informed consent and adequate preparation.

Predictors of technical success of percutaneous transhepatic common bile duct stone removal: is it only a matter of stone size?

The common practice is to remove symptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the percutaneous transhepatic removal of CBD stones. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 100 patients (66 men and 34 women; age: 25-105years, mean 79.1years) with symptomatic CBD stones who underwent percutaneous transhepatic stone removal (PTSR) from January 2010 through October 2019. After balloon dilation of the ampulla of Vater or bilioenteric anastomosis, the stones were pushed out of the CBD into the small bowel with a balloon catheter. If failed, basket lithotripsy was performed. Technical success was defined as complete clearance of the bile ducts on a cholangiogram. The technical success rate was 83%, and achieved 90.2% in patients with altered gastroduodenal/pancreatobiliary anatomy. Multivariable analysis revealed that CBD diameter (odds ratio [OR]: 506.460, p = 0.015), failed ERCP (OR: 16.509, p = 0.004), Tokyo guidelines TG18/TG13 severity (grade III; OR: 60.467, p = 0.006), and left-sided transhepatic approach (OR: 21.621, p = 0.012) were risk factors for technical failure. The appropriate cutoff CBD size was 15.5mm (area under the curve: 0.91). CBD stone size, radiopacity of stones, and CBD angle between retroduodenal and pancreatic portion did not influence technical success. PTSR is effective for CBD stone removal in older adults and individuals with altered gastrointestinal tract anatomy. The aforementioned risk factors for technical failure should be considered in preoperative evaluation before PTSR to improve the success rate. • PTSR is effective in symptomatic CBD stone management among older adults and individuals with altered anatomy. Investigating clinical /anatomic factors can guide radiologists toward a more comprehensive preoperative evaluation to maximize the success rate. • Our data indicate that dilated CBD (diameter ≥ 15.5mm) and left-sided PTBDs reduce the technical success rate by 506-fold and 22-fold, respectively. • Clinical factors such as previous failed ERCP for stone removal and higher severity of acute cholangitis lessen the technical success rate.

Post-endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis after Conservative Treatment for Symptomatic Bile Duct Stones.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for asymptomatic common bile duct stones (CBDS) has been associated with an increased risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Patients with asymptomatic CBDS at the time of ERCP include those with incidentally discovered CBDS (group A) and previously symptomatic patients with CBDS who became asymptomatic after conservative treatment for symptomatic CBDS, including obstructive jaundice or acute cholangitis (group B). In this study, we aimed to examine PEP risk in group B by comparing PEP risks between groups A, B, and currently symptomatic patients (group C). In this multicenter retrospective study, we examined 77 patients in group A, 41 patients in group B, and 1225 patients in group C who had native papillae. PEP incidence rates between asymptomatic patients at the time of ERCP (groups A and B) and symptomatic patients (group C) were compared using one-to-one propensity score matching. Bonferroni's correction analysis was also performed to compare PEP incidence rates among the three groups. As per our findings, PEP incidence rate in propensity score-matched groups A and B was significantly higher than that of propensity score-matched group C (13.2% [15/114] versus 4.4% [5/114], respectively, P = 0.033). In groups A and B, PEP incidence rates were 11.7% (9/77) and 14.6% (6/41), respectively. PEP risk in group B was similar to that in group A (P = 1.0). PEP incidence in group B was significantly higher than PEP incidence in group C (14.6% (6/41)) vs. 2.9% (35/1225)) (P = 0.005)). ERCP for previously symptomatic patients with CBDS who became asymptomatic after conservative treatment for symptomatic CBDS may increase the risk of PEP compared with ERCP for currently symptomatic patients. Thus, ERCP should be performed before patients become asymptomatic using conservative treatments if patients can tolerate ERCP procedures.

OGBN P06 Expectant Management Following Endoscopic Sphincterotomy for Choledocholithiasis: Is It Safe?

Abstract Background Gallstone disease is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions in the UK. It is estimated that 10–15% of adults in the UK have gallstones. Most gallstones are found in the gallbladder but sometimes they can pass through the cystic duct into the common bile duct (CBD) causing choledocholithiasis. CBD stones may present with symptoms of jaundice, cholangitis, pancreatitis or be asymptomatic. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES), first reported in 1974, is considered a safe and effective method for managing choledocholithiasis. A significant proportion of patients who undergo ES for symptomatic CBD stones are subsequently referred for cholecystectomy. However, it is unclear whether cholecystectomy itself is necessary after endoscopic CBD stone removal. Some studies recently have indicated that cholecystectomy may not always be needed following endoscopic duct clearance (expectant management), especially for patients that remain asymptomatic or decline surgery (due to frailty, significant comorbidities or patient choice). The primary aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients who had expectant management (EM) after endoscopic CBD stone removal. Methods We retrospectively analysed the records of patients who underwent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in a UK District General Hospital between 01 January 2019 and 31 December 2019. Inclusion criteria were a) presence of CBD stones, and b) patients who underwent ERCP without prior cholecystectomy. The following patients were excluded: a) previous cholecystectomy, b) patients who underwent ERCP for other biliary pathologies, including malignancy. The original data set was obtained from the clinical coding department. ERCP reports, clinic letters, discharge summaries and the hospital results reporting systems were reviewed to extract patient data including demographics, comorbidities, management decision following ERCP, need for repeat ERCP and readmission rate. Results A total of 220 patients underwent ERCP in 2019. After excluding patients who did not fit the inclusion criteria,106 patients were included in this study. The median age was 75 years (22–97). 60 patients were women and 46 were men. Median follow up period was 36 months (30–42), excluding patients who died within the follow up period. 63 (59%) patients had a course of expectant management following ERCP for choledocholithiasis while 43 (41%) had a planned cholecystectomy (CS). Of the sixty-three patients who had EM, 40 were considered unfit for surgery, 18 were asymptomatic following ERCP, 3 did not wish to have surgery and the reason is unknown in 2. The median age for EM patients was 80 years (22–91), whereas the CS group had a median age of 62 years (25–82). In the EM group, 11 patients passed away within the follow-up period, none related to biliary pathology. Of the remaining 52 patients, only 1 proceeded to have cholecystectomy during the 3 year follow-up period due to multiple episodes of cholangitis. 2 out of 52 (4%) were readmitted with biliary complications but they continued to be managed conservatively due to frailty. Conclusions Endoscopic sphincterotomy and clearance of ductal stones followed by cholecystectomy is the most common treatment for choledocholithiasis. Recent NICE guidelines recommend CS for all patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic CBD stones. However, there is minimal evidence regarding the safety of leaving the gallbladder in situ after ES and thus the issue remains debatable. The majority of studies that have evaluated the complication rates of EM have focused only on elderly patients (age>80years), whereas our study has evaluated all patients after ERCP regardless of age and comorbidities. Pancreatitis did not occur during follow-up in any patients without cholecystectomy. This is in keeping with previous evidence as ES may in itself be definitive in prophylaxis against pancreatitis as it decreases the risk of pancreatic duct obstruction. The majority of patients (95%) with choledocholithiasis who did not undergo cholecystectomy after ERCP remained asymptomatic, indicating that expectant management is safe. However, we recognise this was a single centre study with limited patient numbers and medium-term follow-up. We suggest that future randomized controlled trials be multicentre and should include an assessment of patients’ quality of life and non-hospital managed symptoms.

The Possible Association of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Acute Cholangitis: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study

: BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly encountered. It is associated with several comorbid diseases. However, its association with infectious biliary diseases is still unknown. Aims: We aimed to assess whether NAFLD is a risk factor for the development of acute cholangitis among patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones. Methods: We performed a retrospective study, including all patients with a documented diagnosis of CBD stone that had available data on the presence or absence of NAFLD. Descriptive analysis using univariate and multivariate models was used to assess whether an association existed between NAFLD and acute cholangitis. Results: We included 811 patients. Of them, 161 patients presented with acute cholangitis, vs. 650 patients who presented with symptomatic CBD stone without cholangitis. NAFLD was significantly more common in the cholangitis group compared to the non-cholangitis group (15.5% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.01). In univariate analysis, age (Odds ratio (OR) 1.04, p < 0.0001), male gender (OR 1.47, p = 0.03), hypertension (OR 1.81, p = 0.0008), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.59, p = 0.01), and NAFLD (OR 2.04, p = 0.006) were significantly associated with acute cholangitis. In multivariate analysis, NAFLD kept its association with acute cholangitis irrespective of age (OR 2.15, p = 0.005). Conclusions: NALFD showed a significant association with acute cholangitis among patients with a CBD stone. Clinicians should encourage treatment of NAFLD in general, and especially in the setting of gallstone disease.

Low insertion of cystic duct increases risk for common bile duct stone recurrence.

Common bile duct (CBD) stone is one of the most frequent biliary diseases. Recurrence after the complete removal of CBD stones is high, and we aim to evaluate the rate and risk factors for symptomatic recurrence of CBD stones after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We, retrospectively, reviewed the database of patients who underwent ERCP for CBD stones and subsequent cholecystectomy between January 2015 and December 2017 at a tertiary hospital. The recurrence of symptomatic CBD stones was defined as the presence of a CBD stone with related symptoms at least 6months after the ERCP procedure. The primary outcomes were recurrence of symptomatic CBD stones and its risk factors. Among the 362 enrolled patients, 60 experienced a symptomatic recurrence of CBD stones between 6months and 5years after the procedure. The mean duration of follow-up was 32.3 ± 8.1months. The patients with recurrences were older and had a longer follow-up duration. Low insertion of the cystic duct (HR = 2.893, p = 0.016), distal CBD angulation (HR = 1.015, p = 0.034), maximum CBD diameter (HR = 1.070, p = 0.012), number of ERCP sessions at first admission (HR = 1.558, p = 0.032), and cannulation time (HR = 1.030, p = 0.008) were the independent risk factors for symptomatic recurrent CBD stones. Patients with risk factors, especially those with low cystic duct insertion, are more prone to symptomatic recurrent CBD stones and should be followed more carefully.

Remaining issues of recommended management in current guidelines for asymptomatic common bile duct stones.

Current guidelines for treating asymptomatic common bile duct stones (CBDS) recommend stone removal, with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) being the first treatment choice. When deciding on ERCP treatment for asymptomatic CBDS, the risk of ERCP-related complications and outcome of natural history of asymptomatic CBDS should be compared. The incidence rate of ERCP-related complications, particularly of post-ERCP pancreatitis for asymptomatic CBDS, was reportedly higher than that of symptomatic CBDS, increasing the risk of ERCP-related complications for asymptomatic CBDS compared with that previously reported for biliopancreatic diseases. Although studies have reported short- to middle-term outcomes of natural history of asymptomatic CBDS, its long-term natural history is not well known. Till date, there are no prospective studies that determined whether ERCP has a better outcome than no treatment in patients with asymptomatic CBDS or not. No randomized controlled trial has evaluated the risk of early and late ERCP-related complications vs the risk of biliary complications in the wait-and-see approach, suggesting that a change is needed in our perspective on endoscopic treatment for asymptomatic CBDS. Further studies examining long-term complication risks of ERCP and wait-and-see groups for asymptomatic CBDS are warranted to discuss whether routine endoscopic treatment for asymptomatic CBDS is justified or not.

Comparable safety of ERCP in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with common bile duct stones: a propensity-matched analysis

Background The safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for asymptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stones patients has not been thoroughly elucidated. This study attempted to compare the incidence and severity of ERCP complications in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with CBD stones and to provide evidence for the treatment of asymptomatic CBD stones. Methods The clinical data of patients were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into the asymptomatic CBD stones group and the symptomatic CBD stones group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the two groups. The incidence and severity of postoperative complications of ERCP in the two groups were analyzed. Results A total of 79 patients who had asymptomatic CBD stones and 795 patients who had symptomatic CBD stones were included in this study. After PSM, 79 patients from the asymptomatic CBD group and 316 patients from the symptomatic CBD stones group were identified. Before and after PSM, no significant differences in the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) were noted between the two groups (p > .05). In addition, no differences in the incidence and severity of other complications, including acute cholangitis, bleeding and perforation, between the two groups were observed before and after PSM (p > .05). Conclusions Patients with asymptomatic CBD stones do not exhibit an increased risk of ERCP-related complications compared with those with symptomatic CBD stones. ERCP was observed to be equally safe and efficacious for patients with asymptomatic versus symptomatic CBD stones.

A nationwide study of clinical variation in the management and outcomes of symptomatic common bile duct stones

Aim: To identify current practice in management of common bile duct (CBD) stones across the UK and compare clinical outcomes. Patients: All patients undergoing attempted CBD clearance. Intervention/Comparator: Comparing various methods of CBD stone clearance: open CBD exploration laparoscopic CBD exploration ERCP in isolation or combined with cholecystectomy. Outcomes: Primary: Method of attempted CBD clearance Success of CBD clearance Study Design: Population based crosssectional prospective audit over twomonth period completed by UKwide traineeled research collaborative network. Audit standards are taken from the Joint Advisory Group, Royal College of Surgeons and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines to evaluate clinical outcomes.

Laparoscopic assisted ERCP for treatment of common bile duct stones post-gastric bypass

Several surgical options to treat the common bile duct stones after gastric bypass have been proposed. We are presenting a video of laparoscopic assisted ERCP for treatment of common bile duct stones after gastric by-pass in a female patient. She had a medical history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, gastric by-pass and open hepatectomy due to abdominal trauma. Then the patient developed symptomatic common bile duct stones. Sonogram and MRI showed bile duct dilatation and multiple stones. A combined laparoscopic and endoscopic approach was proposed. After open neumoperitoneum, we tried to identify the gastric remnant. There were a lot of adhesions because of previous surgeries. Later, the stomach was approached and fixed to the abdominal wall. Afterwards, ERCP was performed through an incision on abdominal and gastric wall. We were able to remove all bile duct stones. After that, the gastric wall was closed by running suture. There were no postoperative complications. A month later, MRI showed no bile duct stones. The patient has been asymptomatic for a year. Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP is an options for patients with choledocholithiasis and post-bariatric surgery.

Sa1308 ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF SYMPTOMATIC COMMON BILE DUCT STONES IN THE ELDERLY

Regardless of age, in Japan it is recommended that the complete removal of stones be achieved for the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. However, in many elderly patients stones cannot be safely removed at the initial procedure because of their age and the time required to deal with many and/or large stones. In those patients endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS) is recommended as an alternative. To examine the outcome of endoscopic treatment for elderly patients with symptomatic CBD stones. From January 2016 to May 2017, we performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for 59 elderly patients with cholangitis due to CBD stones. Two groups were evaluated: complete clearance of CBD stones (stone clearance group) and a stenting group where drainage with a 7 Fr. double-pigtail side hole plastic stent was performed. Because of advanced age, there was no plan for regular stent changing. We compared patient profiles, procedure time, adverse events, recurrence rates of cholangitis and the time until recurrence between the two groups. The stone clearance group had 45 patients (26 men) vs. 14 in the stenting group (2 men) (P <0.001). Stenting group patients were significantly older (median age 88, range 78-96) than the stone clearance group (median age 75, range 29-96), P<0.001. The median procedure time was less with stenting than stone removal: 14 min (range 9-26) vs. 27 min (range 6-53), P <0.001. No adverse events occurred in either group. Recurrence of cholangitis was lowest in the stone clearance group [18% (8/45) vs. the stenting group, 43% (6/14), P=0.054]. However, the median time to recurrence of cholangitis was similar between those undergoing stone clearance and stenting [13.8 months (range 1-31) vs. 11 months (range 2-29), P=0.69] (Fig. 1). Although biliary stenting is an effective alternative for acute management of symptomatic choledocholithiasis in ill elderly patients, almost half suffered recurrence of cholangitis. Long term placement of a single stent is not an optimal solution. Whether stone removal after cholangitis subsides or placement of multiple stents would reduce recurrent cholangitis remains to be studied.

Increased risk and severity of ERCP-related complications associated with asymptomatic common bile duct stones.

Background and study aims Endoscopic removal of asymptomatic common bile duct stones (CBDS) is generally recommended. Although many reports have described the risk of complications in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), no studies have addressed this problem in the context of asymptomatic CBDS. This study examines the risk of complications arising in ERCP for asymptomatic CBDS. Patients and methods This retrospective study included 425 patients with naive papilla who underwent therapeutic ERCP for choledocholithiasis at 2 institutions in Japan for 2 years. The risk of complications was examined in patients who were divided into the asymptomatic and symptomatic CBDS groups. We used propensity score analysis to adjust for confounding effects. Results Complications were observed in 32 (7.5 %) of the 425 patients. Of the 358 patients with symptomatic CBDS, 14 patients (3.9 %) had complications. In contrast, of the 67 patients with asymptomatic CBDS, 18 patients (26.9 %) had complications. Propensity score analysis revealed that asymptomatic CBDS was a significant risk factor, with a significantly higher incidence of complications compared with symptomatic CBDS (odds ratio, 5.3). Moderate to severe complications were observed in 15 of 18 patients (83.3 %) in the asymptomatic CBDS group, with significantly more moderate to severe complications than those in the symptomatic CBDS (odds ratio, 6.7). Conclusions Asymptomatic CBDS carried a high risk of ERCP-related complications, and these were often more severe. In asymptomatic CBDS, endoscopic treatment should be carefully performed after considering the patient’s background, and detailed explanation of its possible complications should be given to patients in advance.

E‐Poster Presentations ‐ C) Endoscopy

E‐Poster Presentations ‐ C) Endoscopy

Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy without intraoperative cholangiography: role of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography - a retrospective cohort study.

BackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard treatment for gallbladder diseases. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) can reduce biliary complications of LC; however, with the emergence of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), IOC nowadays is faced with unprecedented challenge. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether preoperative MRCP can safely replace IOC during elective LC in terms of retained common bile duct (CBD) stones and bile duct injury (BDI).MethodsA retrospective study on candidates for elective LC who underwent IOC or preoperative MRCP between January 2009 and December 2014 was conducted.ResultsIn the IOC group, 1972 patients underwent LC and 213 required IOC. In the MRCP group, 2268 patients underwent LC and 257 required MRCP. In the IOC group, the rate of retained CBD stones was 0.45 % without IOC and 1.41 % with IOC. In five of 157 patients who underwent IOC, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or laparoscopic CBD exploration showed no evidence of CBD stones. In the MRCP group, the rate of retained CBD stones was 0.45 % without MRCP. No patients with normal MRCP findings returned with symptomatic CBD stones during 1-year follow-up. The rate of BDIs was 0.20 % in the IOC group and 0.13 % in the MRCP group.ConclusionsSelective use of preoperative MRCP is an effective and safe strategy when conducting elective LC to treat gallstones. LC resorting to preoperative MRCP can be performed safely without IOC, with an acceptable rate of retained CBD stones and BDIs.

Cost Utility of Competing Strategies to Prevent Endoscopic Transmission of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Prior reports have linked patient transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE, or "superbug") to endoscopes used during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We performed a decision analysis to measure the cost-effectiveness of four competing strategies for CRE risk management. We used decision analysis to calculate the cost-effectiveness of four approaches to reduce the risk of CRE transmission among patients presenting to the hospital for symptomatic common bile duct stones. The strategies included the following: (1) perform ERCP followed by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-recommended endoscope reprocessing procedures; (2) perform ERCP followed by "endoscope culture and hold"; (3) perform ERCP followed by ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization of the endoscope; and (4) stop performing ERCP in lieu of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with common bile duct exploration (CBDE). Our outcome was incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. In the base-case scenario, ERCP with FDA-recommended endoscope reprocessing was the most cost-effective strategy. Both the ERCP with culture and hold ($4,228,170/QALY) and ERCP with EtO sterilization ($50,572,348/QALY) strategies had unacceptable incremental costs per QALY gained. LC with CBDE was dominated, being both more costly and marginally less effective vs. the alternatives. In sensitivity analysis, ERCP with culture and hold became the most cost-effective approach when the pretest probability of CRE exceeded 24%. In institutions with a low CRE prevalence, ERCP with FDA-recommended reprocessing is the most cost-effective approach for mitigating CRE transmission risk. Only in settings with an extremely high CRE prevalence did ERCP with culture and hold become cost-effective.

Irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct in association with a wall thickening is a key sign at endoscopic ultrasonography for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis.

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of key signs identified at endoscopic ultrasonography in diagnosing an autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Between January 2007 and December 2011, a retrospective case-control study was conducted in 177 patients with AIP (n = 30), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 42), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (n = 21), alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (n = 32), and symptomatic common bile duct stones (n = 52). An irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct in association with a wall thickening was seen in 28 of 30 AIP, 1 of 42 pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 0 of 21 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, 0 of 32 alcoholic chronic pancreatitis, and 0 of 52 common bile duct stones (P < 0.05). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall diagnostic accuracy of this sign for the diagnosis of AIP were 93%, 99.3%, 96.3%, 98.6%, and 98.3%, respectively. In type 1 AIP, hyperechoic parietal thickening was more frequent (92.3% vs 33.3%, P < 0.05). In type 2 AIP, hypoechoic parietal thickening was more frequent (83.3% vs 23.1%, P < 0.05). An irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct in association with a wall thickening seen at endoscopic ultrasonography is accurate in diagnosing AIP. The type of echogenicity of the thickening is well correlated with the type of AIP.

Timing and nature of presentation of unsuspected retained common bile duct stones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective study.

Common bile duct (CBD) stones may be over looked at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), particularly when intra-operative cholangiography (IOC) is not performed. Currently, there is no data available about the time course and pattern of presentation for stones retained in the CBD at the time of LC. The aim of this study was to establish the time course and pattern of presentation of unsuspected retained CBD stones post LC. Patients presenting with symptomatic CBD stones from 1994 until 2010, having previously undergone LC were studied in this retrospective, case note review. CBD stones were confirmed at ERCP. Data collected included LC date, mode of presentation, imaging results including CBD diameter, stone appearance, length of stay and post ERCP complications. Patients having an ERCP for stones found on IOC at LC were excluded. Sixty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common mode of presentation was abdominal pain (n = 38, 62%) with (17) or without (21) deranged liver function tests. Nineteen (31%) patients presented with clinical complications of the CBD stones: cholangitis (10), acute biliary pancreatitis (6) or obstructive jaundice (3). The CBD was usually mild-to-moderately dilated (8-15 mm) on ultrasound. The median time span from LC to presentation with CBD stones was 4 years (range: 6 days-18 years). Five (8.2%) patients had a complication from their ERCP; mild pancreatitis (3), bleed (1) and cholangitis (1). Nineteen (31.1%) patients required more than one ERCP to complete stone/stent removal. The median time for patients to present with symptomatic CBD stones after LC is 4 years. Patients with retrained stones may remain asymptomatic for many years. A third of the patients presented with potentially serious complications of the retained CBD stone. Future studies for CBD stones after LC need to follow patients for at least 10 years.