Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy Research Articles

Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy After Double Guidewire Technique Was Noninferior to Primary Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy in Difficult Biliary Cannulation.

When unintentional pancreatic duct access occurs during difficult biliary cannulation, the double guidewire (DGW) or transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) may be utilized. DGW can be easily switched to TPS due to the existing guidewire in the pancreatic duct. However, the efficacy of TPS after DGW, named sequential DGW-TPS technique, versus primary TPS has not been assessed. Our aim was to compare the benefits and adverse events of sequential DGW-TPS technique and primary TPS. We performed a comparative retrospective cohort study that enrolled a total of 117 patients with native papillae. The patients were divided into one of 2 groups according to the primary bile duct access technique (sequential DGW-TPS or primary TPS), both with pancreatic stenting. Between November 2017 and May 2023, a total of 84 patients were grouped into sequential DGW-TPS and 33 into primary TPS. The overall post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) rate was 4.3% in the entire cohort, with no statistical differences were observed between the groups in terms of PEP rates (P = 0.927), PEP severity (P = 1.000), first biliary cannulation success (P = 0.621), overall cannulation success (P = 1.000), hyperamylasemia incidence (P = 0.241), elevated amylase levels (P = 0.881), and postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.185). Furthermore, these results remained consistent in multivariable regression analysis. The sequential DGW-TPS technique showed a comparable safety and biliary cannulation success rate to primary TPS in difficult biliary cannulation. Given the potential long-term complications associated with TPS, DGW should be first if inadvertent pancreatic access occurs, with TPS serving as second only if DGW fails.

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.

Current state of biliary cannulation techniques during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): International survey study.

Background and study aims Endoscopist techniques affect biliary cannulation success and the risk of adverse events during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This survey study aims to understand the current practice of biliary cannulation techniques among endoscopists. Methods Practicing endoscopists were sent an anonymous 28-question electronic survey on biliary cannulation techniques and intraprocedural pancreatitis prophylactic strategies. Results The survey was completed by 692 endoscopists (6.2% females). A wire-guided cannulation technique (WGT) was the preferred initial biliary cannulation approach (95%). The preferred secondary approaches were a double-wire (DWT) (65.8%), precut needle-knife technique (NKT) (25.7%), transpancreatic sphincterotomy (5.9%) or other (2.6%). Overall, 18.1% of respondents were not comfortable with NKTs. In the setting of pancreatic duct (PD) access, 81.9% and 97% reported a threshold of three or more wire passes or contrast injections into the PD, respectively, before changing strategy, 34% reported placement of a prophylactic PD stent <50% of the time and 12.1% reported removal of the PD stent at the end of the procedure. Advanced endoscopy fellowship (AEF) training and high volume (>200 ERCPs per year) were associated with comfort with precut NKTs and likelihood of prophylactic PD stent ( P <0.001 for both). Conclusions A WGT technique followed by the DWT and NKT were the preferred biliary cannulation techniques; however, almost one-fifth of respondents were not comfortable with the NKT. There was considerable variability in secondary cannulation approaches, time spent attempting biliary cannulation and prophylactic PD stent placement, factors known to be associated with cannulation success and adverse outcomes.

Predictive factors of difficult biliary cannulation: An experience of a tunisian tertiary center

IntroductionSelective biliary cannulation is a prerequisite for a successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, conventional biliary access can be difficult. The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of difficult biliary cannulation (DBC) and its associated factors and to describe the efficiency and safety of used standard and advanced cannulation techniques. MethodsWe conducted a single-center retrospective study including all patients with naïve papilla who had an ERCP procedure in Gastroenterology department of Mohamed Taher Maamouri Hospital from June 2019 to December 2021. Efficiency was defined as successful selective deep biliary cannulation. DBC was defined based on the presence of one or more of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) criteria (5-5-1): more than five cannulation attempts, more than 5 min before cannulation and more than one accidental passage in the wirsung. Prevalence was measured using ESGE 5-5-1 cutoffs and chinese set cutoffs 15-10-2. Predictors of DBC were sought by univariate and multivariate analysis (SPSS software, p significant if < 0.05). ResultsWe included 664 patients (mean age 62 years and sex ratio M/W = 0.8). Main indication for ERCP was choledocholithiasis (67%, n = 442) followed by malignant biliary stenosis (21%, n = 138). Based on ESGE criteria, prevalence of DBC was 42.62% (n = 283). Prevalence was 21.15% when 15-10-2 cutoffs are applied in trainee-involved procedure. Cumulative biliary success rate was 96.46%. Standard cannulation method achieved access in 98.2% while advanced methods permitted success in 92.2% in fistulotomy, 94.1% in papillotomy and 77.3% in transpancreatic sphincterotomy. Independent predictive factors of DBC in multivariate analysis were: Trainee presence OR 1.80 [1.24–2.65], SOD OR 4.71 [1.11–19.88], biliary stenosis found on imaging examinations (OR 2.53 [1.63–3.92], small papilla OR 4.09 [1.82–9.17] and difficult orientation of the papilla OR 14.90 [3.28–67.62]. ConclusionDBC is a frequent endoscopic situation. Predictors of DBC can be related to trainee involvement in the procedure, anatomical and clinical factors. A thorough understanding of these factors can actively contribute to ERCP management plans.

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.

Combined rectal indomethacin and intravenous saline hydration in post-ERCP pancreatitis prophylaxis

Background and study aimAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially life-threatening complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There is a lack of effective measures to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), except NSAIDs. Aggressive hydration for AP can be considered, given the frequency of hemoconcentration, hypovolemia, and hypoperfusion in pancreatitis. We aimed to clarify the clinical utility of combined indomethacin and saline hydration for preventing PEP. Patients and methodIn this cross-sectional study, 120 patients undergoing ERCP for the first time at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit and Liver Unit Kasralainy (GIELUKA) were enrolled and then randomly allocated into two groups: indomethacin and indomethacin-hydration groups. Intravenous (IV) saline was given to the latter at a rate of 10 ml/kg/h after the ERCP for 2 h. ResultsThe age of the studied patients was 43.8 ± 14.9 years, with 55% of them being female. The patient-related risk factors for PEP were older age (p = 0.039), higher pre-ERCP urea level (p = 0.032), and less choledocholithiasis (p = 0.028). The patients with PEP had a higher frequency of biliary cannulation attempts (p = 0.004) and accidental pancreatic duct cannulation (p = 0.003), required a longer cannulation time (p = 0.021), had undergone precut knife and transpancreatic sphincterotomy at a higher rate (p = 0.032; and p = 0.001, respectively), and had a significantly longer procedure time (p = 0.006).PEP occurred in only five patients in the indomethacin group, while it did not occur in the indomethacin-hydration group (8% vs. 0%, p = 0.022). Serum amylase and lipase elevation 2 h after ERCP were predictors of PEP. However, serum amylase only was significantly lower 2 h post-ERCP in the indomethacin-hydration group than in the indomethacin group (p = 0.045). Moreover, abdominal pain and vomiting on the first day of ERCP were good predictors of PEP. ConclusionAggressive IV saline hydration with rectal indomethacin can more effectively prevent PEP than indomethacin alone.

Efficacy and safety of transpancreatic sphincterotomy in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a retrospective cohort study.

Difficult cannulation represents a common obstacle during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We assessed the efficacy and adverse events of transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS), and investigated potential associated confounders. All patients referred to our department for ERCP during 2015-2020 were eligible if they had intact papilla and visceral anatomy. In addition to standard measures, TPS was combined with pancreatic stent placement. Apart from demographics, we retrieved data related to the indication, periampullary anatomy, necessity for TPS or fistulotomy, their outcomes and complications. Chi-square test was employed to investigate associations between TPS and independent variables. When significance was observed, the respective variables were inserted into a regression model. A total of 1082 individual patients were eligible, with an equal female: male ratio and a mean age of 72.7±15.82 years. Seventy-three patients (6.7%) underwent TPS, with a 95.9% successful cannulation rate. Papilla morphology or regional diverticulum did not affect the decision to perform TPS, though it was significantly associated with malignant common bile duct (CBD) obstruction as the ERCP indication (P=0.001). Considering adverse events, TPS did not increase the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), though it affected bleeding (P=0.005). Regression analysis revealed a protective role of TPS against PEP (risk ratio [RR] 0.015, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-5.05; P<0.001), while the aforementioned risk of hemorrhage was attributed to previous precut attempts (RR 3.02, 95%CI 1.42-6.43; P=0.004). TPS combined with pancreatic stenting is an effective and safe modality in difficult cannulation cases and could be the first-choice alternative in malignant CBD obstruction.

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.

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.

Propensity score-matched analysis for comparing transpancreatic sphincterotomy and needle-knife precut in difficult biliary cannulation

Transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) can be an alternative approach of difficult biliary access in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TPS compared to needle-knife precut (NKP), considering the early and late outcomes of both techniques. The prospectively collected clinical data, ERCP procedure findings, and outcomes of patients who underwent ERCP with difficult biliary access in our hospital from July 2016 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the applied secondary cannulation techniques. The propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to reduce the potential selection bias and unify the preventive measures of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) in both groups. A total of 125 patients were enrolled in this study, with 54.4% male and a mean age of 63.29 ± 16.33 years. NKP group included 82 patients, and 43 patients received TPS. Prophylactic pancreatic stents were placed in all patients with TPS and 58.5% of patients with NKP. After applying PSM, the cohort was comprised to 86 patients with 43 patients in each TPS and NKP groups. Successful selective cannulation was achieved by 95.3% using TPS and by 93% using NKP. The mean procedure time was shorter in the TPS group without significant difference. Compared to NKP, using TPS did not affect the rate of PEP. Moreover, TPS was associated with less frequent post-ERCP bleeding and perforation, but without significant differences (all p > 0.05). Patients who received TPS or NKP had no symptoms related to papillary stenosis or chronic pancreatitis during the follow-up period. In conclusion, using TPS in difficult cannulation cases was useful to achieve success cannulation with an acceptable PEP rate and less frequent post-ERCP bleeding and perforation compared to NKP. There were no symptoms related to papillary stenosis or chronic pancreatitis during the follow-up period.

Comparison between transpancreatic sphincterotomy and needle-knife fistulotomy in difficulty biliary access, a retrospective study in Taiwan

BackgroundSelective deep biliary cannulation is the first and the most important step before further biliary therapy. Transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS), and needle knife fistulotomy (NKF) were commonly used in patients with difficult cannulation, but few studies compare the outcome between TPS and NKF.MethodsA total of 78 patients who met the criteria of difficult cannulation in the National Taiwan University hospital from October 2015 to October 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Their baseline demographics, success rate of biliary cannulation, and the rate of adverse events were assessed.Results31 patients and 47 patients underwent TPS and NKF for difficult biliary access, respectively. The characteristics of the 2 groups were similar, but patients in TPS group had more frequent pancreatic duct cannulation. Bile duct cannulation was successful in 23 patients (74.2%) in the TPS group and 39 (83.0%) in the NKF group (P = 0.34). There was no difference between the TPS and NKF in the rate of adverse events, including post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) (16.1% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.17), and hemorrhage (3.2% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.35). No perforation occurred.ConclusionsBoth TPS and NKF have good biliary access rate in patient with difficult cannulation. TPS has acceptable successful rate and similar complication rate, compared with NKF.

Transpancreatic biliary sphincterotomy for biliary access is safe also on a long-term scale

BackgroundTranspancreatic biliary sphincterotomy (TPBS) is an advanced cannulation method for accessing common bile duct (CBD) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). If CBD cannulation is difficult, an endoscopist can open the septum between the pancreatic and biliary duct with a sphincterotome to gain access. Long-term results of this procedure are unclear. We wanted to evaluate the short- and long-term complications of TPBS on patients with native papilla and benign indication for ERCP.Patients and MethodsERCPs performed in Helsinki University Hospital between 2007 and 2013 were reviewed. The study group comprised 143 consecutive patients with TPBS and 140 controls (CG). Data were collected from patient records and a phone survey was performed as a follow-up ≥ 4 years after the index ERCP.ResultsPost-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) developed in seven patients (4.9%) in TPBS and one patient (0.7%) in CG (p = 0.067). The rates of other acute complications were similar between the groups. ERCP ended with no access to CBD in four cases (2.8%) in TPBS. The median length of follow-up was 6 years in TPBS and 7 years in CG. During this period, three patients (2.1%) in TPBS and six patients (4.3%) in CG suffered from acute pancreatitis (AP) (p = 0.238). One (0.7%) patient in CG and none in TPBS developed chronic pancreatitis (CP). Abdominal pain was suffered by ten patients (6.9%) in TPBS and twelve patients (8.6%) in CG daily, whereas by six patients (4.2%) in TPBS and twelve patients (8.6%) in CG weekly.ConclusionTPBS is a useful procedure, with acceptable complication rates. No significant difference occurred between the groups when evaluating the short-term or long-term complications with a follow-up period of four to 10 years. Additionally, no significant differences occurred in upper abdominal pain, episodes of AP, or development of CP.

Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy, Double-Guidewire, and Precut Techniques: Which One Makes the Cut?

Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy, Double-Guidewire, and Precut Techniques: Which One Makes the Cut?

Transpancreatic sphincterotomy: a valuable technique to gain biliary access

Transpancreatic sphincterotomy: a valuable technique to gain biliary access

Managing Difficult Cannulations in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Prospective Randomized Control Trial Study of Precut Needle Knife Sphincterotomy versus Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy Technique

Objective: To evaluate the success rate of cannulations and rate of procedure-related complications between needle knife sphincterotomy (NKS) and transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) techniques, and to evaluate the most effective cannulation time to proceed with NKS or TPS. Methods: This study recruited 52 patients with inaccessible bile ducts by the standard cannulation at Khon Kaen Hospital from May 2012 to May 2015. Patients were randomly allocated to the NKS group (N=21) or the TPS group (N=21). Successful cannulations, and complications between NKS and TPS were collected and assessed. Results: Successful cannulations by TPS and NKS were achieved in 14 cases (53.8%) and 13 cases (50%) respectively (p value = 0.781). Post ERCP pancreatitis was found in 2 cases using TPS, and in 3 cases using NKS. There were 3 cholangitis cases in TPS group, and 2 cholangitis cases in NKS group. Perforations were found in 3 cases and 1 case in TPS and NKS group, respectively. There were 4 deaths in this study, one case in TPS group and 3 cases in NKS group. Complications and mortality between TPS and NKS were not statistically significant (P>0.05). After 40 minutes of the ERCPs, there was less chance for a successful cannulation. Unsuccessful cannulations between TPS and NKS was not statistically different according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Conclusion: TPS and NKS are able to increase successful cannulations. There are no significant differences in the cannulation success rate and rate of complications between the TPS and NKS. The appropriate time to terminate a cannulation in difficult cases is found to be 40 minutes.

Double Guidewire Technique versus Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy for Difficult Biliary Cannulation

Background: The standard biliary cannulation technique has been reported to fail in approximately 5– 20% of cases so, several supplementary techniques have been recommended to facilitate access to the common bile duct (CBD); Double-guidewire technique (DGT) and transpancreaticsphincterotomy (TPS) are effective method in cases of standard biliary cannulation failure. Objective: To compare the outcomes between DGT and TPS in patients with difficult biliary cannulation regarding the procedure duration, success rate and complications. Patients and Methods: This was a randomized study conducted in Al-Hussein University Hospital, Endoscopy Unit in the period between May, 2016 to October, 2017. A total of 40 patients, who bile duct cannulation was not possible and selective pancreatic duct cannulation was achieved were randomized into DGT (n = 19) and TPS (n = 21) groups. DGT or TPS was done for selective biliary cannulation. We measured the technical success rates of biliary cannulation, median cannulation time, and procedure related complications. Results: The distribution of patients after randomization was balanced, and both groups were comparable in baseline characteristics. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding age and sex distribution, clinical presentation, laboratory findings and sonographic findings. Successful cannulation rate and mean cannulation times in DGT and TPS groups were 94.7% vs 95.2% and 20.1 ± 8.7min vs 21.5 ± 7.8min, P = 0.602, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: When free bile duct cannulation was difficult and selective pancreatic duct cannulation was achieved, DGT and TPS facilitated biliary cannulation and showed similar success rates. However, post-procedure pancreatitis and Cholangitis were significantly higher in the DGT group.

Double Guidewire Technique versus Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy for Difficult Biliary Cannulation

Double Guidewire Technique versus Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy for Difficult Biliary Cannulation

Management of difficult or failed biliary access in initial ERCP: A review of current literature

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 transpancreatic 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. Repeating the ERCP within a few days after initial failed pre-cut is a successful strategy and should be tried before contemplating more invasive, alternative interventions such as percutaneous-endoscopic or endoscopic ultrasound guided rendezvous procedure, percutaneous transhepatic or surgical intervention. However, standard guidelines or sequential protocol has not been existed up to now. In certain circumstances, there are unique clinical indications for which invasive, alternative interventions should be preferred. We present and discuss the methods that can be used in difficult or failed initial ERCP, therefore to provide practical advice for endoscopists, especially those who are inexperienced.

Transpancreatic sphincterotomy has a higher cannulation success rate than needle-knife precut papillotomy - a meta-analysis.

Background and aim While many studies have discussed the different cannulation techniques used in patients with difficult biliary access, no previous meta-analyses have compared transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) to other advanced techniques. Therefore, we aimed to identify all studies comparing the efficacy and adverse event rates of TPS with needle-knife precut papillotomy (NKPP), the most commonly used technique, and to perform a meta-analysis. Methods The Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were searched for trials comparing the outcomes of TPS with NKPP up till December 2016. A meta-analysis focusing on outcome (cannulation success, post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP), post-procedural bleeding, and total adverse events) was performed. The population, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) format was used to compare these cannulation approaches. Five prospective and eight retrospective studies were included in our meta-analysis. Results NKPP has a significantly lower success rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.50, P = 0.046; relative risk [RR] 0.92, P = 0.03) and a higher rate of bleeding complications (OR 2.24, P = 0.02; RR 2.18, P = 0.02) than TPS. However, no significant differences were found in PEP (OR 0.79, P = 0.24; RR 0.80, P = 0.19), perforation (risk difference [RD] 0.01, P = 0.23), or total complication rates (OR 1.22, P = 0.44; RR 1.17, P = 0.47). Conclusion While TPS has a higher success rate in difficult biliary access and causes less bleeding than NKPP, there are no differences in PEP, perforation, or total complication rates between the two approaches. We conclude that TPS, in the hands of expert endoscopists, is a safe procedure, which should be used more widely in patients with difficult biliary access.

How to Improve Cannulation Rates During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

How to Improve Cannulation Rates During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography