Unsuccessful Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Research Articles

Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Transmural Biliary Drainage With 6 mm and 8mm Cautery-enhanced Lumen-apposing Metal Stents: A Multicenter Collaborative Study.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be unsuccessful in patients with duodenal stenosis or malignant ampullary infiltration. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been proposed as an alternative. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of EUS-BD for malignant distal bile duct obstruction using the newly introduced smaller caliber 6 or 8 mm cautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent. A multicenter retrospective study was performed on patients with unresectable malignant distal bile duct obstruction who underwent EUS-BD between 2021 and 2022 after unsuccessful ERCP. Thirty-two patients were included [7 (53.13%) males], with a mean age of 72.2 ± 12.5 years. The technical success rate was 100%. Altered anatomy was present in 2 (6.25%). The indication for drainage was biliary obstruction from pancreatic cancer in 26 patients (84.5%), cholangiocarcinoma in 3 (9.4%), and ampullary mass in 3 (9.4%). The procedure was performed mostly in an outpatient setting (n = 19, 59.38%). The clinical success rate was 92.3% [bilirubin: 14.1 (SD: 8.9) preprocedure vs 4.9 (SD: 1.1) postprocedure; P = 0.0001]. There was one early adverse event of a perforation, which was closed endoscopically and drained percutaneously. Delayed adverse events included food impaction of the stent (n = 1), which was resolved with a repeat procedure and insertion of a double pigtail stent. This study demonstrates the feasibility of EUS-BD drainage using smaller caliber 6 or 8 mm lumen-apposing metal stent to relieve malignant distal bile duct obstruction in patients who fail conventional ERCP.

EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy versus percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage after failed ERCP: A propensity score-matched analysis.

Background and study aims Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is the traditional second-line option after unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HG) is a viable alternative to PTBD. Our study aimed to compare outcomes of EUS-HG and PTBD for benign and malignant biliary diseases following failed ERCP. Patients and methods This single-center study retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing EUS-HG and PTBD for benign and malignant biliary disorders. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed using age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. The primary outcome was clinical success, which we defined as a decrease in total bilirubin by ≥ 50% at 2 weeks for malignant disease and resolution of the biliary disorder for benign disease. Results In total, 41 patients underwent EUS-HG and 138 patients underwent PTBD. After propensity score matching in a 1:2 ratio, 32 EUS-HG patients were matched with 64 PTBD. Technical success was achieved in 29 of 32 (91%) for EUS-HG and 63 of 64 (98%) for PTBD ( P =0.11). Clinical success was 100% for EUS-HG and 75% for PTBD ( P =0.0021). EUS-HG was associated with a lower adverse event rate (EUS-HG 13% vs. PTBD 58%, P <0.0001), shorter procedure duration (median 60 vs. 115 minutes, P <0.0001), shorter post-procedure length of stay (median 2 vs. 4 days, P <0.0001), and fewer reinterventions (median 1 vs. 3, P <0.0001). Conclusions Our results suggest that EUS-HG is superior to PTBD in the treatment of benign and malignant biliary disorders after failed ERCP.

Current trends of minimally invasive therapy for cholecystocholedocholithiasis.

The minimally invasive approach of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided procedures for cholecystocholedocholithiasis, such as EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD), EUS-guided rendezvous (EUS-RV), and EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD), is affirmed as an effective treatment for patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) who are unfit for surgery and for patients with common bile duct stones (CBDSs) who have experienced a previous ERCP failure. Furthermore, in cases of difficult CBDS extraction during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), cholangioscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy (CS-EHL) has showed optimal results. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of EUS-GBD and percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PT-GBD) in patients with AC who are unfit for surgery. We also aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EUS-GBD, EUS-BD, and EUS-RV following ERCP failure and the effectiveness of CS-EHL for difficult CBDS extraction in our hospital. The secondary aim was to examine the safety of these procedures. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of all the EUS-GBD, PT-GBD, EUS-BD, EUS-RV, and CS-EHL procedures, which were prospectively collected in the gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy unit and the general surgery unit from January 2020 to June 2023. The efficacy was expressed in terms of technical and clinical success rates, while safety was assessed based on the rate of adverse events (AEs). We enrolled 83 patients with AC and high surgical risk. Among them, 57 patients (68.7%, 24/57 male, median age 85 ± 11 years) underwent EUS-GBD, and 26 (31.3%, 19/26 male, median age 83 ± 7 years) underwent PT-GBD. The technical and clinical success rates were 96.5 and 100% for EUS-GBD, and 96.1 and 92% for PT-GBD. The AEs for EUS-GBD were 1.7%, and for PT-GBD, it was 12%. ERCP for CBDS extraction failed in 77 patients. Among them, 73 patients (94.8%) underwent EUS-RV with technical and clinical success rates of 72.6% (53/73) and 100%, respectively. No AEs were reported. Four out of 77 patients were directly treated with EUS-BD for pyloric inflammatory stenosis. In 12 patients (16.4%), following unsuccessful EUS-RV with a CBD diameter ≥ 12 mm, an EUS-BD was performed. Both technical and clinical success rates for EUS-BD were 100%, and no AEs were reported. EUS-GBD was the treatment of choice for the remaining 8 (10.9%) patients after failure of both ERCP and EUS-RV. The procedure had high technical and clinical success rates (both at 100%), and no AEs were reported. The 12 difficult CBDS extraction treated with CS-EHL also showed high technical and clinical success rates (both at 100%), with no reported AEs. The minimally invasive approach for cholecystocholedocholithiasis, especially EUS-guided procedures, had high efficacy and safety in treating AC in high-risk surgical patients and CBDS extraction after a previously unsuccessful ERCP.

Predictive factors in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant causes in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for extrahepatic cholestasis.

Diagnosing benign vs. malignant extrahepatic cholestasis is challenging despite the currently available advanced imaging and endoscopic techniques. This study aims to determine the predictive accuracy of initial biochemical data and bile duct dilatation findings in transabdominal ultrasound (US) to differentiate between benign and malignant disease in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis. We reviewed the case records of 814 patients who had undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (in cases of unsuccessful ERCP) for extrahepatic cholestasis. The etiology of biliary obstruction was determined based on ERCP, endoscopic ultrasonography, radiology, cytology, biopsy, and/or clinical follow-up at one year. The patients were divided into benign and malignant groups according to the underlying etiology of biliary obstruction. A complete biochemical profile, transabdominal ultrasonography at presentation, and other demographic data were recorded. Alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.002), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.038), and bilirubin levels were significantly higher in malignant patients. The mean age of patients with malignancy was 69.5 years, vs. 60.6 years in benign patients (p < 0.001). The likelihood of malignancy increased with the increased bilirubin levels (> 200 µmol/l: 30.0% sensitivity, 97.6% specificity). The total bilirubin level predicting malignancy as the best cut-off value was 111 mmol/L with optimum sensitivity and specificity (61.8% and 83.8%, respectively) and area under the curve = 0.756, (p < 0.001). Intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) dilatation was significantly higher in malignant patients (p < 0.001). A serum bilirubin level of 111 µmol/L or higher and the detection of IHBD dilatation on abdominal ultrasonography are important predictors in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant causes of extrahepatic cholestasis.

Ectopic Opening of Common Bile Duct to Duodenal Bulb: A Single Tertiary Center Experience.

The ectopic opening of the common bile duct(CBD) into the duodenal bulb is a rare biliary anomaly. The study aimed to reveal the experience with clinical and endoscopic outcomes in these patients. This study was conducted on 57 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for ectopic opening of the CBD into the duodenal bulb at our institution between 2010 and 2020. The median age was 59 years (49 males). A total of 146 ERCP procedures were performed (once in 26 patients and 2 or more times in 31 patients). Ten patients had a history of unsuccessful ERCP in an external center. The median follow-up time was 14.6 months. All patients had a slit-like opening of the CBD into the duodenal bulb, apical stenosis, and hook-shaped distal CBD. ERCP findings were CBD stone or dilatation in 55 patients and post-cholecystectomy biliary leakage in 2 patients. Balloon dilatation was performed for apical stenosis in 7 patients and distal CBD stenosis in 26 patients. During the first ERCP session, biliary stent/nasobiliary drainage was placed in 37 patients, and CBD stones were extracted in 19 patients without stenting. Biliodigestive anastomosis was applied to 13 patients, 5 of whom had recurrent cholangitis, 7 required recurrent ERCP, and one was due to the technical difficulty of ERCP. Ectopic biliary opening should be remembered if the papilla cannot be seen in its usual place in a patient with apical stenosis. ERCP should be performed in experienced hands, and surgery should be considered in the need for recurrent ERCP.

A239 PATIENT OUTCOMES AFTER ENDOSCOPIC STENT INSERTION FOR MALIGNANT BILIARY OBSTRUCTION: A QUALITY ASSURANCE STUDY

Abstract Background Management of pancreaticobiliary malignancy is complex and multi-disciplinary. Decompression of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) is preferentially achieved with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and biliary stent placement. This may improve the quality of life for patients with unresectable disease and improve outcomes in resectable/borderline-resectable disease. Purpose To assess quality outcomes in patients undergoing biliary stenting for MBO. Method This is a retrospective chart audit of patients referred to the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) for suspected or confirmed MBO. The primary outcome was clinical success (reduction in bilirubin of &amp;gt;50% at 30 days). Secondary outcomes were technical success, type of stent used, need for re-intervention, adverse events (AEs), time from stent placement to surgery or cancer centre assessment, and survival. Result(s) Between January 2020 and June 2022, 222 patients (102 female, 46%) with a mean age of 70±1 years (range 34-93 years) underwent 290 ERCPs. The cause of MBO was pancreatic cancer in 130 (59%), cholangiocarcinoma in 32 (14%), ampullary cancer in 9 (4%), and others in 51 (23%). Technical success for stent insertion on first ERCP was achieved in 180/222 patients (81%) with only brushings performed in 2. Of the 40 patients (18%) with unsuccessful ERCP, further success was achieved by repeat ERCP (8), percutaneous transhepatic drainage (PTC, 15), PTC with rendezvous ERCP (1), surgical decompression (3), and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (1). No biliary drainage was performed in 12 patients. Overall, ERCP with stent insertion was technically successful in 188/222 patients (85%). A total of 233 biliary stents were inserted (38 plastic, 195 metal). Clinical success was achieved in 20/38 patients (53%) with plastic stents and 151/181 patients (83%) with metal stents (Χ2 17.4 p&amp;lt;0.05). Adverse events were encountered in 33 patients (11%) with stent migration occurring in 8 (3%), cholangitis in 7 (2%), post-ERCP pancreatitis in 7 (2%), post-sphincterotomy bleeding in 4 (1%), and death in 2 (1%). Re-intervention was required in 36 patients (20%) after initial ERCP with successful stent placement. The re-intervention rate was significantly higher with plastic stents (14/27, 52%) than with metal stents (22/153, 14%) after initial ERCP (Χ2 20.1 p&amp;lt;0.001). The overall survival was a mean of 249±16 days (5-967) for patients with plastic stents and 248± 16 days (1-959) for those with metal stents. Survival was significantly worse in patients with unresectable disease vs resectable/borderline-resectable disease (Log rank 38.89, p&amp;lt;0.001), Figure 1. Image Conclusion(s) In MBO, metal stents appear to provide significantly better biliary drainage, with less need for re-intervention, but do not appear to be associated with any survival benefit over plastic stents. We hope that this quality assurance project will help in the development of a regional management pathway for optimizing the care of patients presenting with MBO. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared

EUS-Guided Choledochoduodenostomy after Failed Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Distal Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Introduction: Malignant biliary obstruction drainage is essential, since jaundice is associated with morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the recommended procedure for biliary drainage, with percutaneous biliary drainage being the classic alternative in cases of unsuccessful ERCP. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage has been emerged as a new option, with EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) being considered an effective and safe method in the drainage of distal obstructions of the common bile duct. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS-CDS performed in patients with distal malignant biliary obstructions, after failed ERCP. Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study between July 2017 and June 2022 including all consecutive patients submitted to EUS-CDS in our center. The primary outcomes were “technical success” and “clinical success,” defined as “resolution of jaundice or improvement in total serum bilirubin level above 50% at 7th day and above 75% at 30th day after the procedure.” Secondary outcomes were procedure-related adverse events, endoscopic reintervention, and survival time. Results: EUS-CDS was performed in 20 patients (65.0% male; median age 76 years). The most frequent etiology for the biliary obstruction was pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 17; 85.0%), and most patients presented at advanced stages of cancer (12/60% in stages III or IV). ERCP failure was mainly due to the presence of obstruction in the duodenal lumen (n = 11; 55.0%). Fully covered metallic stents were used in all patients, mostly HotAxiosTM (n = 15; 75.0%). The technical success rate was 100%, and the clinical success rate was 89.5% (n = 17/19) at 7th day and 93.3% (n = 14/15) at 30th day. Four patients (20.0%) developed cholangitis within the first 30 days after the procedure; there were no late complications, and no patient died as a complication of the procedure. In 2 patients (10.0%), endoscopic reintervention was necessary due to stent migration, incidentally detected. Median survival was 93 days (minimum 5–maximum 751). Conclusion: EUS-CDS was effective in biliary decompression of malignant obstructions of the common bile duct, with high clinical success and a favorable safety profile.

S1732 ERCP With Per-Oral Pancreatoscopy-Guided Laser Lithotripsy for Difficult Pancreatic Duct Stones

Introduction: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy and balloon/basket extraction is the first line management for symptomatic pancreatic duct (PD) stones. The risk of stone extraction failure via ERCP increases with PD stones that are >10mm, impacted, multiple stones or in a complicated location [1]. With difficult PD stones, fragmentation prior to extraction may be required. Stone fragmentation can be accomplished through extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), per-oral pancreatoscopy (POP) laser lithotripsy (LL) and POP- electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL). We report a case of difficult PD stones successfully managed by POP-LL holmium laser. Case Description/Methods: A 48-year-old man with advanced primary sclerosing cholangitis with percutaneous biliary drainage and chronic pancreatitis presented for recurrent jaundice, right upper quadrant and midepigastric abdominal pain and pruritus. ERCP revealed the ventral PD filled with numerous stones and was swept with a balloon and 1 stone was removed. Repeat ERCP was performed 2 weeks later with balloon extraction of a few small stones and debris from the PD. The ventral duct was then explored under pancreatoscopy using Spyglass, revealing multiple stones in the head and neck of the pancreas. Lithotripsy was then accomplished using a holmium laser. No immediate nor distant post-ERCP complications were encountered. A 1-week follow up revealed resolution of abdominal pain. Discussion: The patient in our case had recurrent abdominal pain caused by pancreatic duct stones resulting in pancreatic outflow obstruction. Both attempts using ERCP with balloon sweeping were unsuccessful in complete stone extraction leading to the use of POP Spyglass with laser lithotripsy for the management of the multiple remaining stones. Direct visualization of the PD with technology like Spyglass, has shown to reduce the risk of duct injury, allows the visualization of stones that may have been missed previously, and permits confirmation of clearance of the PD (Figure). As seen in this case, POP allowed for visualization of PD stones that could not be accessed through ERCP management and used in conjunction with laser lithotripsy, the PD stones were successfully and safely fragmented. POP-LL has been shown to successfully fragment difficult to manage PD stones, as evidenced in this case and other studies, and should be considered as a useful alternative in the management of numerous PD stones and/or multiple unsuccessful ERCP attempts.Figure 1.: Laser lithotripsy with holmium laser being applied through the catheter (red arrow) to the PD stone (White arrow).

Experience of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with side-viewing duodenoscope in patients with previous gastric surgery.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with conventional side-viewing duodenoscope can be challenging and unsuccessful at altered anatomy in the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to evaluate our experience with ERCP in patients with previous gastric surgery. Patients on whom ERCP was performed from January 2017 to August 2021 and who had previous gastric surgery were included into the study. Age, sex, comorbidity, Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI), ERCP indication, previous gastric surgery (indication, type of resection and reconstruction), history of cholecystectomy, and MRCP results were evaluated retrospectively. The results were compared as successful ERCP (SERCP) or unsuccessful ERCP (USERCP). Also, odds ratio ERCP failure was also evaluated. Forty-three patients were included into study. Mean age was 68.8 ± 13.6 years. The most common sex was female (51.2%). The most common ERCP indication was choledocholithiasis with 44.2%, gastric surgery indication was peptic ulcer with 72.1%, gastric resection was subtotal with 67.4%, and reconstruction was gastrojejunostomy with 58.1%. The success rate of ERCP was 44.2%. Mean CCI was 4.16 ± 2.28. Only malignancy history was significantly higher in the USERCP group (p= 0.026). Male sex, non-choledocholithiasis indication, history of malignancy, CCI> 4, total gastrectomy, Roux-NY (RNY) reconstruction, history of cholecystectomy, and intercalarily to the bile duct dilatation in MRCP were likelihood for USERCP. While history of malignancy and cholecystectomy were the only significant factor for unsuccessful ERCP, male sex, total gastrectomy, RNY anastomosis result in a higher likelihood of ERCP failure in patients with previous gastric surgery. Alternative devices to side-viewing duodenoscope will increase success in selected patients.

Second endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography after failure of initial biliary cannulation: A single institution retrospective experience.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is not always successful when difficult biliary cannulation occurs. A second ERCP seems to be a worthwhile option following initial failure cannulation; however, relevant data are limited. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the outcomes of repeating ERCP in patients in whom the first biliary cannulation with or without precut sphincterotomy failed. It retrospectively analyzed 4,136 patients who underwent an initial biliary access between June 2016 and September 2020. Data from our databases were analyzed. Efficacy was based on the cannulation rate of the second ERCP and safety was assessed in terms of adverse events. Of 94 patients, 56 (59.6%) underwent a second ERCP and the success rate in biliary cannulation was 83.9% (47 of 56). The median operative time in the second ERCP was shorter than that in the initial procedure (47 vs. 65 min, P<0.001). A total of 5 patients (8.9%) suffered from mild ERCP-associated complications following the second ERCP. Compared with patients that did not undergo a second ERCP, patients that underwent a second ERCP had a lower 30-day mortality rate (13.2 vs. 1.8%, P=0.038). In addition, by univariate and multivariate analysis, it was observed that normal preoperative serum bilirubin levels and an interval time of <3 days were correlated with the cannulation failure of a second ERCP (OR=9.211, P=0.019, OR=6.765, P=0.041, respectively). A second ERCP following failure of an initial biliary cannulation appears to be safe and effective. For most clinically stable patients with an unsuccessful initial ERCP, a second ERCP after 2-4 days may be an optimal strategy. Preoperative normal serum bilirubin levels may be a risk factor that can be used for predicting cannulation failure of a second ERCP procedure.

Outcome of Obstructive Jaundice Patients after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Introduction: Obstructive jaundice is frequently encountered worldwide including Bangladesh. Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the procedures to manage obstructive jaundice. Objectives: To ascertain the outcome of obstructive jaundice patients who underwent ERCP. Materials and Methods: It was a hospital based cross sectional observational study, carried out in Gastroenterology Department of Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Dhaka from May 2017 to May 2019. Total 200 patients were included in the study. Verbal consents were taken from patients. Data were collected with a checklist and analyzed by using SPSS 20. Results: Total 200 patients’ mean age±SD was 56.5±14.5 years with range 21 to 92 years and majority were 41 to 60 years 80(40%) followed by 61 to 80 years 78(39%). Etiology of obstructive jaundice were, benign 137(68.5%) and malignant 63(31.5%). Among the benign: 69(34.5%) were choledocholithiasis, 45(22.5%) biliary stricture, 20(10.0%) papillary stenosis and 3(1.5%) biliary warms. Among the malignant: 24(12.0%) were distal cholangiocarcinoma, 21(10.5%) periampullary tumors, 10(5.0%) Klatskin tumor, 4(2.0%) carcinoma head of pancreas, and 4(2.0%) other malignancy. Mean serum bilirubin level 17.6 mg/dl with minimum 0.6mg/dl, maximum 41.3mg/dl; mean alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level 351.4U/L with minimum 111U/L and maximum 1262U/L; mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level 118.8 U/L with minimum 28 U/L, maximum 521 U/L; ERCP were successfully done in 188(94.0%) patients with single attempt 171 (85.5%), repeated sessions 17(8.5%) and 12(6.0%) patients unsuccessful ERCP; complications occurred in 17(8.5%)patients, of whom post-ERCP pancreatitis 9(4.5%) and post procedure cholangitis 4(2.0%)patients. Conclusion: Benign etiologies of obstructive jaundice were more common than malignant one. Both benign and malignant etiology of obstructive jaundice can be successfully managed with ERCP with few complications. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 16, No 2 (December) 2020: 27-30

EUS-guided biliary interventions for benign diseases and unsuccessful ERCP - a prospective unicenter feasibility study on a large consecutive patient cohort.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard for the treatment of biliary obstruction of any etiology. However, cannulation failure of the common bile duct (CBD) by ERCP occurs in 5-10%. Alternatives after a failed ERCP are re-ERCP by an expert endoscopist, percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage (PTCD), (balloon) enteroscopy-assisted ERCP, or surgery. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage of the bile ducts (EUS-BD) is becoming the standard of care in tertiary referral centers for cases of failed ERCP in patients with malignant obstruction of the CBD. In expert hands, EUS-guided biliary drainage has excellent technical/clinical success rates and lower complication rates compared to PTCD. Despite the successful performance of EUS-BD in malignant cases, its use in benign cases is limited. The aim of this study (design, systematic prospective clinical observational study on quality assurance in daily clinical practice) was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS-BD in benign indications. Patients with cholestasis and failed ERCP were recruited from a prospective EUS-BD registry (2004-2020). One hundred and three patients with EUS-BD and benign cholestasis were extracted from the registry (nTotal = 474). Indications of EUS-BDs included surgically altered anatomy (n = 65), atypical bile duct percutaneous transhepatic cholangio orifice at the duodenal junction from the longitudinal to the horizontal segment (n = 1), papilla of Vater not reached due to the gastric outlet/duodenal stenoses (n = 6), papilla that cannot be catheterized (n = 24), and proximal bile duct stenosis (n = 7). The primary endpoint was technical and clinical success. Secondary endpoints were procedure-related complications during the hospital stay. 103 patients with EUS-BD and benign cholestasis were extracted from the registry (nTotal=474). Different transluminal access routes were used to reach the bile ducts: transgastric (n = 72/103); -duodenal (n = 16/103); -jejunal (n = 14/103); combined -duodenal and -gastric (n = 1/103). The technical success rate was 96 % (n = 99) for cholangiography. Drainage was not required in 2 patients; balloon dilatation including stone extraction was sufficient in 17 cases (16.5 %; no additional or prophylactic insertion of a drain). Transluminal drainage was achieved in n = 68/103 (66 %; even higher in patients with drain indication only) by placement of a plastic stent (n = 29), conventional biliary metal stents (n = 24), HotAXIOS stents (n = 5; Boston Scientific, Ratingen, Germany), Hanaro stents (n = 6; Olympus, Hamburg, Germany), HotAXIOS stents and plastic stents (n = 1), HotAXIOS stents and metal stents (n = 1) and metal stents and plastic stents (n = 2). Techniques for stone extraction alone (nSuccessful=17) or stent insertion (nTotal = 85; nSuccessful=85 - rate, 100 %) and final EUS-BD access pathway included: Rendezvous technique (n = 14/85; 16.5 %), antegrade internal drainage (n = 20/85; 23.5 %), choledochointestinostomy (n = 7/85; 8.2 %), antegrade internal and hepaticointestinostomy (n = 22/85; 25.9 %), hepaticointestinostomy (n = 21/85; 24.7 %), choledochointestinostomy and hepaticointestinostomy (n = 1/85; 1.2 %).The complication rate was 25 % (n = 26) - the spectrum comprised stent dislocation (n = 11), perforation (n = 1), pain (n = 2), hemorrhage (n = 6), biliary ascites/leakage (n = 3) and bilioma/liver abscess (n = 3; major complication rate, n = 12/68 - 17.6 %). Re-interventions were required in 19 patients (24 interventions in total). EUS-BD can be considered an elegant and safe alternative to PTCD or reoperation for failed ERCP to achieve the necessary drainage of the biliary system even in underlying benign diseases. An interventional EUS-based internal procedure can resolve cholestasis, avoid PTCD or reoperation, and thus improve quality of life. Due to the often complex (pathological and/or postoperative) anatomy, EUS-BD should only be performed in centers with interventional endoscopy/EUS experience including adequate abdominal surgery and interventional radiology expertise in the background. This enables adequately adapted therapeutic management in the event of challenging complications. It seems appropriate to conduct further studies with larger numbers of cases to systematize the approach and peri-interventional management and to successively develop specific equipment.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage: Are we there yet?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the mainstay procedure of choice for management of obstructive biliary disease. While ERCP is widely performed with high success rates, the procedure is not feasible in every patient such as cases of non-accessible papilla. In the setting of unsuccessful ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has become a promising alternative to surgical bypass and percutaneous biliary drainage (PTBD). A variety of different forms of EUS-BD have been described, allowing for both intrahepatic and extrahepatic approaches. Recent studies have reported high success rates utilizing EUS-BD for both transpapillary and transluminal drainage, with fewer adverse events when compared to PTBD. Advancements in novel technologies designed specifically for EUS-BD have led to increased success rates as well as improved safety profile for the procedure. The techniques of EUS-BD are yet to be fully standardized and are currently performed by highly trained advanced endoscopists. The aim of our review is to highlight the different EUS-guided interventions for achieving biliary drainage and to both assess the progress that has been made in the field as well as consider what the future may hold.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage as a rescue therapy for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction: a multicenter experience.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is often unsuccessful in patients with duodenal stenosis or malignant ampullary infiltration. While endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been proposed as an alternative, EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is an attractive option when both approaches fail. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of EUS-GBD as rescue therapy for malignant distal bile duct obstruction. A multicenter retrospective study was performed on patients with unresectable malignant distal bile duct obstruction who underwent EUS-GBD between 2014 and 2019 after unsuccessful ERCP and EUS-BD. Clinical success was defined as a decrease in serum bilirubin of > 50 % within 2 weeks. 28 patients were included, with a lumen-apposing metal stent used in 26 (93 %) and a self-expandable metal stent in two (7 %). The technical success rate was 100 %. The clinical success rate was 93 %, with an improvement in bilirubin (7.3 [SD 5.4] pre-procedure vs. 2.8 [SD 1.1] post-procedure; P = 0.001). Delayed adverse events included food impaction of the stent (n = 3), with a further two patients developing cholecystitis and bleeding. This study demonstrates the feasibility of gallbladder drainage to relieve malignant distal bile duct obstruction in patients with failed ERCP and EUS-BD.

S0924 Is Afferent Limb Length in Post-Pancreaticoduodenectomy Patients a Limiting Factor for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography?

INTRODUCTION: Despite the advances in modern endoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remains a challenge in patients who are post-pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). For post-PD reconstruction, the choledochojejunostomy and pancreaticojejunostomy are frequently placed on a single limb of the jejunum to create the afferent limb. This study evaluated the technical and clinical success rates of ERCP in post-PD patients relative to their afferent limb length (ALL). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients with prior classic or pylorus-preserving PD who received ERCP from 01/13/06 to 01/16/19. Operative reports were analyzed for anatomical post-PD reconstruction details. Outcomes included: endoscopic access to the anastomosis of interest, technical success rate—the ability to treat stricture with dilation or stent placement, and clinical success rate—a documented decrease in bilirubin to normal or 50% of peak value within 2 weeks. Statistical analysis was done using Stata/SE version 16.0. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients (75% male; median age 66 years, range 22–86 years) with prior PD (20 classic PD; 8 pylorus-preserving PD) received 66 ERCPs [Table 1]. The median ALL was 42.5 cm (range 40–65 cm) in both surgical groups, 40 cm (range 40–60 cm) in those with pylorus-preserving PD, and 45.0 cm (range 40–65 cm) in those with classic PD. The most commonly used endoscope to reach the anastomosis of interest was a therapeutic upper endoscope (n = 31, 47.0%) [Table 2]. For biliary decompression, the choledochojejunostomy was reached on 16/25 initial ERCPs (64%), and on 54/63 (85.7%) total ERCPs when repeat attempts were included. All 3 ERCPs performed for pancreatic intervention were unsuccessful. The technical success rate was 81.0% (51/63 ERCPs) and the clinical success rate was 76.2% (48/63 ERCPs) [Table 3]. In the 9 patients where the enterobiliary anastomosis was not identified, 2 had pylorus-preserving PD, 7 had classic PD, and the median ALL was 40.0 cm (range 40-65). Unsuccessful ERCPs were attributed to sharp bowel angulations (n = 5), poor visibility (n = 1), and ALL (n = 2; length >65 cm). There were no perforations or bleeding. CONCLUSION: Overall, ERCP was limited by excessively long afferent limbs (lengths >65 cm), but more commonly by sharp bowel angulations that prevented endoscope advancement. Improvements are necessary for the endoscopic management of the pancreaticojejunostomy in patients who are post-PD.Table 1.: All enteric anastomosis were placed on a single limb of the jejunum to create the afferent limbTable 2Table 3

Titanium clip migration after cholecystectomy: original technique for laparoscopic transcystic extraction when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography fails.

Surgical clip migration into the common bile duct (CBD) is a rare complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Few cases of surgical clip migration have been reported in the literature, and most of them have been successfully treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We present a 71-year-old woman with 48 h of abdominal pain, jaundice and fever 6 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. She was diagnosed with common bile duct obstruction from surgical clip migration. After failure of ERCP, the patient was successfully treated with an innovative approach by laparoscopic transcystic extraction using endoscopic hose-type biopsy forceps. The presented technique was feasible and safe in expert hands, representing a valuable alternative to avoid the need of a choledochotomy in patients with unsuccessful ERCP.

Application and Value of Endoscopic Ultrasonography Guided Biliary Interventional Therapy in Patients With Biliary Obstruction and Surgically Altered Anatomy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) in patients with biliary obstruction and surgically altered anatomy. This was a retrospective study. We collected data from 60 patients with biliary obstruction and surgically altered anatomies who undergone EUS-BD (group A, 33 cases) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) (group B, 27 cases) after unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography from January 2016 to January 2018. The operation success rate, the clinical success rate, complications, hospital stay were observed. In group A, 31 cases of 33 patients were successfully operated and placed stents or drainage tube by endoscopic ultrasound puncture [endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) guided rendezvous 8, EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy 14, EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy 11], 28 had a significant decrease in jaundice. The complications rate was 9.1% (biliary bleeding 2; acute cholangitis 1). There was statistically significant difference in the complications [9.09% (3/33) vs. 33.33% (9/27), χ=5.45, P<0.05] and length of hospital stay (14.45±5.78 vs. 18.52±8.64 d, t=10.03, P<0.01) between group A and group B. There was not statistical significance in the technical and clinical success rate between 2 groups [93.94% (31/33) vs. 92.60% (25/27), 84.85% (28/33) vs. 85.19% (23/27), χ1=0.10, χ2=0.11, P>0.05]. EUS-BD may be the first choice for patients with biliary obstruction and surgically altered anatomy after a failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in centers with expertise in EUS-BD procedures.

65 Comparing Radiation Time in Radiology Technologist-Controlled Versus Endoscopist-Controlled Fluoroscopy During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

INTRODUCTION: The necessary use of fluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) involves radiation exposure to the endoscopy staff and patients. Radiation technologists (RT) are formally trained to minimize exposure whereas endoscopists are not. The aim of this study was to primarily determine whether involvement of RT reduced fluoroscopy time and secondarily to identify independent predictors of increased fluoroscopy time during ERCP. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of ERCPs performed between August 2017–September 2018 within a single healthcare system. This system is unique in that it has 2 endoscopy units, both of which perform high-volume, high-level ERCPs. Four interventional endoscopists on faculty perform ERCPs at both centers. In one unit (site 1) the fluoroscopy units are controlled by the endoscopist and in the second (site 2) a RT controls it at the direction of the endoscopist. Procedure notes were reviewed for demographic and procedural data. Univariate analyses were used to assess differences among individual variables by site using Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U test. Secondary comparisons included independent predictors of increased fluoroscopy time as assessed by multivariable linear regression. To minimize confounding, only ERCPs performed by endoscopists who work at both centers were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 949 ERCPs were performed during the study period and 605 met inclusion criteria. Patient demographic and procedure characteristics are outlined in Table 1. There was no significant difference between fluoroscopy times in ERCPs that were RT-controlled (mean 372.7 seconds, st. dev. 391.5) versus endoscopist-controlled (334.2 seconds, st. dev 350.4). When controlling for confounding variables in the multivariable model, this difference remained statistically nonsignificant. Independent predictors of high fluoroscopy time in the multivariable model include trainee involvement, ERCP level 3 complexity, hilar biliary obstruction, technically unsuccessful ERCPs, stent placement, balloon or catheter dilation, mechanical and electrohydraulic lithotripsy, ductoscopy and outpatient procedures (Table 2). CONCLUSION: Involvement of a trained RT during ERCP does not decrease fluoroscopy time. Several other fixed and modifiable variables were independently associated with high fluoroscopy times, including trainee involvement. These results stress the importance of formal fluoroscopy education early in an interventional endoscopy fellowship.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy drainage of an excluded left hepatic lobe in a hybrid way with percutaneous assistance

A 48-year-old woman was referred for the management of an excluded left hepatic lobe (LHL) with recurrent cholangitis after right hepatectomy extended to the segment 1 and wedge resection of the segment 2 for the treatment of an occlusive metastatic adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon previously treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and local resection. The crossing of the stricture of the left intrahepatic bile ducts (LIHBDs) was not successful with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A permanent percutaneous external biliary drainage was performed through segment 3 biliary branch, complicated with pain and bile leakage around the drain. A first attempt by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) did not succeed given the absence of dilation of the LIHBD and mostly due to an unstable position induced by a small size of the remnant LHL. Then, a hybrid procedure was performed after changing the percutaneous drain for a 5Fr Arrow-Flex introducer that permitted the puncture of the external part of the introducer with an EUS transgastric EchoTip® 19G needle and insertion of a 0.025-inch guidewire directly into the LIHBD around the introducer. The introducer was removed and the guidewire was caught in the hepatic segment 2 by a percutaneous lasso to stabilize the 0.025-inch guidewire. An EUS-HGS was done after fistulization of the transhepatic tract by 6Fr cystotome and placement of a partially-covered self-expandable metal stents. The clinical course was uncomplicated under vancomycin for an Enterococcus faecium bacteremia, and then chemotherapy was restarted. EUS-HGS is clearly established as an alternative technique for biliary drainage in case of unsuccessful ERCP or altered anatomy, based on decisional algorithm, with a pooled technical success rate of 82%, clinical success rate of 97%, and adverse event rate of 23%. The success of this procedure depends on several factors and tips like the kind and length of the intragastric part of the prosthesis, angulation of the LIHBD, oversized dilation of the transhepatic tract, access to the liver segment 3, and shearing of the guidewire. The low volume of the LHL may also be a cause of technical failure that can be resolved by new procedures as described in this case.

Endoscopic approaches to pancreatic disease.

Endoscopy plays a central role in the evaluation and management of patients with pancreatic disease. This review focuses on recent clinically relevant developments and timely research questions related to endoscopy in acute and chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has moved to the forefront of the evaluation of unexplained pancreatitis; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for recurrent acute pancreatitis remains controversial but commonly practiced; fully covered metallic stents are challenging traditional stent therapy in the treatment of benign biliary and pancreatic strictures due to chronic pancreatitis; endoscopic drainage has become central in the therapeutic algorithm for pancreatic fluid collections; EUS-guided access to the pancreatic duct in cases of unsuccessful ERCP is a promising new platform that requires additional research and development. The evidence in these areas is discussed, with an emphasis on recent high-impact publications. There have been significant recent advances in our endoscopic approach to pancreatic disease; however, additional research is necessary toward providing high-quality, evidence-based care in this area. VIDEO ABSTRACT.