Risk factors for adverse events associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a retrospective study

Introduction Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered to be a challenge in patients with surgically altered anatomy. We aimed to identify the risk factors of ERCP-related adverse events in patients with surgically altered anatomy in our center. Methods We included patients with surgically altered anatomy who underwent ERCP between April 2017 and December 2020 at our center. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed in univariate and multivariate methods to identify the risk factors for adverse events. Results A total of 121 ERCP procedures were performed in 93 patients. The papilla or surgical anastomosis was successfully reached in 113 cases (93.4%). Diagnostic success was achieved in 106 cases (93.8%) and subsequent therapeutic success was achieved in 102 cases (96.2%). ERCP-related adverse events occurred in 31 cases (25.6%). In univariate analysis, not first time ERCP attempt, a CBD stone diameter ≥ 15 mm, multiple cannulation attempts, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation, endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage, biopsy in the bile duct or papilla, mechanical lithotripsy use, and stone retrieval basket were associated with ERCP-related adverse events. In multivariate analysis, multiple cannulation attempts (OR 5.283; 95% CI 1.088–25.659; p = 0.039), endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (OR 4.381; 95% CI 1.191–16.114; p = 0.026), and biopsy in the bile duct or papilla (OR 35.432; 95% CI 2.693–466.104; p = 0.007) were independently associated with ERCP-related adverse events. Conclusions ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy was feasible and safe. Interventions including multiple cannulation attempts, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation, and biopsy in the bile duct or papilla were independent risk factors for ERCP-related adverse events.

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

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

Comparison of the efficacy and safety between palliative biliary stent placement and duct clearance among elderly patients with choledocholithiasis: a propensity score-matched analysis

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of palliative endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS) and complete stone removal among elderly patients with choledocholithiasis using propensity score matching. Methods From April 2012 to October 2017, 161 patients aged 75 years and older with choledocholithiasis underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at our institution. Among them, 136 (84.5%) had complete stone removal, and 25 (15.5%) underwent palliative EBS without further intervention until symptom occurrence. The median age of the EBS group was significantly higher than that of the complete stone removal group. The proportion of patients with dementia, cerebral infarction, preserved gallbladder with gallstones, and surgically altered anatomy was higher in the EBS group than in the complete stone removal group. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for different factors. In total, 50 matched patients (n = 25 in each group) were analyzed. Results The median duration of cholangitis-free periods was significantly shorter in the EBS group (596 days) than in the complete stone removal group. About half of patients in the EBS group required retreatment and rehospitalization for cholangitis during the observation period. Cholangitis was mainly caused by stent migration. There was no significant difference in terms of mortality rate and procedure-related adverse events between the two groups. Death was commonly attributed to underlying diseases. However, one patient in the EBS group died due to severe cholangitis. Conclusions Palliative EBS should be indicated only to patients with choledocholithiasis who have a poor prognosis.

Risk Factors for Adverse Events Associated With Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients With Surgically Altered Anatomy: A Retrospective Study

Introduction : Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered to be a challenge in patients with surgically altered anatomy. We aimed to identify the risk factors of ERCP-related adverse events in patients with surgically altered anatomy in our center. Methods We included patients with surgically altered anatomy who underwent ERCP between April 2017 and December 2020 at our center. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed in univariate and multivariate methods to identify the risk factors for adverse events. Results A total of 121 ERCP procedures were performed in 93 patients. The papilla or surgical anastomosis was successfully reached in 113 cases (93.4%). Diagnostic success was achieved in 106 cases (93.8%) and subsequent therapeutic success was achieved in 102 cases (96.2%). ERCP-related adverse events occurred in 31 cases (25.6%). In univariate analysis, not first time ERCP attempt, a CBD stone diameter ≥ 15 mm, multiple cannulation attempts, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation, endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage, biopsy in the bile duct or papilla, mechanical lithotripsy use, and stone retrieval basket were associated with ERCP-related adverse events. In multivariate analysis, multiple cannulation attempts (OR 5.283; 95% CI, 1.088–25.659; p = 0.039), endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (OR 4.381; 95% CI, 1.191–16.114; p = 0.026), and biopsy in the bile duct or papilla (OR 35.432; 95% CI, 2.693-466.104; p = 0.007) were independently associated with ERCP-related adverse events. Conclusions ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy was feasible and safe. Interventions including multiple cannulation attempts, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation, and biopsy in the bile duct or papilla were independent risk factors for ERCP-related adverse events.