ERCP findings and the role of endoscopic sphincterotomy in acute gallstone pancreatitis

TRPV4 channel opening mediates pressure-induced pancreatitis initiated by Piezo1 activation

Elevated pressure in the pancreatic gland is the central cause of pancreatitis following abdominal trauma, surgery, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and gallstones. In the pancreas, excessive intracellular calcium causes mitochondrial dysfunction, premature zymogen activation, and necrosis, ultimately leading to pancreatitis. Although stimulation of the mechanically activated, calcium-permeable ion channel Piezo1 in the pancreatic acinar cell is the initial step in pressure-induced pancreatitis, activation of Piezo1 produces only transient elevation in intracellular calcium that is insufficient to cause pancreatitis. Therefore, how pressure produces a prolonged calcium elevation necessary to induce pancreatitis is unknown. We demonstrate that Piezo1 activation in pancreatic acinar cells caused a prolonged elevation in intracellular calcium levels, mitochondrial depolarization, intracellular trypsin activation, and cell death. Notably, these effects were dependent on the degree and duration of force applied to the cell. Low or transient force was insufficient to activate these pathological changes, whereas higher and prolonged application of force triggered sustained elevation in intracellular calcium, leading to enzyme activation and cell death. All of these pathological events were rescued in acinar cells treated with a Piezo1 antagonist and in acinar cells from mice with genetic deletion of Piezo1. We discovered that Piezo1 stimulation triggered transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 4 (TRPV4) channel opening, which was responsible for the sustained elevation in intracellular calcium that caused intracellular organelle dysfunction. Moreover, TRPV4 gene-KO mice were protected from Piezo1 agonist- and pressure-induced pancreatitis. These studies unveil a calcium signaling pathway in which a Piezo1-induced TRPV4 channel opening causes pancreatitis.

Similarities and differences between biliary sludge and microlithiasis: Their clinical and pathophysiological significances

The terms biliary sludge and cholesterol microlithiasis (hereafter referred to as microlithiasis) were originated from different diagnostic techniques and may represent different stages of cholesterol gallstone disease. Although the pathogenesis of biliary sludge and microlithiasis may be similar, microlithiasis could be preceded by biliary sludge, followed by persistent precipitation and aggregation of solid cholesterol crystals, and eventually, gallstone formation. Many clinical conditions are clearly associated with the formation of biliary sludge and microlithiasis, including total parenteral nutrition, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, organ transplantation, administration of certain medications, and a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. Numerous studies have demonstrated complete resolution of biliary sludge in approximately 40% of patients, a cyclic pattern of disappearing and reappearing in about 40%, and progression to gallstones in nearly 20%. Although only a minority of patients with ultrasonographic demonstration of biliary sludge develop gallstones, it is still a matter of controversy whether microlithiasis could eventually evolve to cholesterol gallstones. Biliary sludge and microlithiasis are asymptomatic in the vast majority of patients; however, they can cause biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, and acute pancreatitis. Biliary sludge and microlithiasis are most often diagnosed ultrasonographically and bile microscopy is considered the gold standard for their diagnosis. Specific measures to prevent the development of biliary sludge are not practical or cost-effective in the general population. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers the most definitive therapy on biliary sludge. Endoscopic sphincterotomy or surgical intervention is effective for microlithiasis-induced pancreatitis. Ursodeoxycholic acid can effectively prevent the recurrence of solid cholesterol crystals and significantly reduce the risk of recurrent pancreatitis.

Piezo1 is a mechanically activated ion channel and mediates pressure induced pancreatitis

Merely touching the pancreas can lead to premature zymogen activation and pancreatitis but the mechanism is not completely understood. Here we demonstrate that pancreatic acinar cells express the mechanoreceptor Piezo1 and application of pressure within the gland produces pancreatitis. To determine if this effect is through Piezo1 activation, we induce pancreatitis by intrapancreatic duct instillation of the Piezo1 agonist Yoda1. Pancreatitis induced by pressure within the gland is prevented by a Piezo1 antagonist. In pancreatic acinar cells, Yoda1 stimulates calcium influx and induces calcium-dependent pancreatic injury. Finally, selective acinar cell-specific genetic deletion of Piezo1 protects mice against pressure-induced pancreatitis. Thus, activation of Piezo1 in pancreatic acinar cells is a mechanism for pancreatitis and may explain why pancreatitis develops following pressure on the gland as in abdominal trauma, pancreatic duct obstruction, pancreatography, or pancreatic surgery. Piezo1 blockade may prevent pancreatitis when manipulation of the gland is anticipated.

Manipulation of the pancreas during surgery can induce acute pancreatitis due to zymogen activation. Here the authors show that the mechanoreceptor Piezo1 is activated by pressure and its activation leads to calcium dependent pancreatic injury whereas its inhibition is protective against pancreatitis.

ERCP in acute biliary pancreatitis

The role of urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in acute biliary pancreatitis is for many years a subject for disagreement among physicians. Although the evidence seemed to be in favor of performing ERCP, endoscopists usually hesitate to conform to the guidelines. ERCP is an invasive procedure, with complications which can affect patients’ outcome. Recent evidence suggests that we should probably modify our policy, recruiting less invasive procedures, like magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound, before conducting ERCP in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis. In this editorial the different aspects regarding the role of ERCP in acute biliary pancreatitis are discussed.

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the preoperative assessment of patients with biliary pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The ultimate treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) is undoubtedly laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but controversy remains about the optimal imaging method in the preoperative assessment of these patients. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in detecting common bile duct (CBD) stones and associated pathologies in patients with ABP. At the same time, we tried to determine the natural transit time of gallstones from gallbladder to duodenum in ABP.

METHODS

Between February 1999 and October 2006 a prospective observational study was conducted and 104 consecutive patients with ABP were recruited. MRCP findings were correlated with subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasonography, intraoperative cholangiography or clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

MRCP correctly predicted the presence of CBD stones in 19 out of 104 patients, and there were two false-positive and four false-negative results. The ability of MRCP to detect CBD stones was: positive predictive value 90.5%, negative predictive value 95.2%, sensitivity 82.6%, specificity 97.5% and overall accuracy 94.2%. MRCP performed within 48 h after admission showed CBD stones in 28.6% of the patients decreasing to 8.0% after 1 week. MRCP disclosed cholecystitis in 25 patients, anatomical variants of the cystic duct in 10 patients and a wide variety of other abnormalities of the upper abdominal cavity.

CONCLUSION

MRCP is highly accurate in the preoperative detection of CBD stones and other biliopancreatic pathologies in patients with gallstone pancreatitis.

Early endoscopic intervention versus early conservative management in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that early endoscopic intervention, performed on patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction, reduces systemic and local inflammation.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The role of early endoscopic intervention, in the treatment of acute gallstone pancreatitis, remains controversial. Previous randomized trials have not focused on the subgroup of patients with clinical evidence of biliopancreatic obstruction.

METHODS

This single-center randomized clinical trial was performed between May 2000 and September 2005. Of 238 patients, admitted within 48 hours after the onset of acute gallstone pancreatitis, 103 with a distal bile duct measuring > or =8 mm combined with a total serum bilirubin > or =1.20 mg/dL, were randomized to receive either endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography followed by endoscopic papillotomy for bile duct stones (EEI, n = 51) or early conservative management (ECM, n = 52). Patients with clinical evidence of coexisting acute cholangitis were excluded. Outcome measures included changes in organ failure score and computed tomography (CT) severity index during the first week after admission, incidence of local complications, and overall morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

The incidence of bile duct stones at EEI was 72% and 40% of patients in the ECM group had persisting bile duct stones at elective biliary surgery. No significant differences were found between the EEI and ECM groups regarding changes in mean organ failure score (P = 0.87), mean CT severity index (P = 0.88), incidence of local complications (6% vs. 6%, P = 0.99), overall morbidity (21% vs. 18%, P = 0.80), and mortality (6% vs. 2%, P = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study failed to provide evidence that early endoscopic intervention reduces systemic and local inflammation in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and biliopancreatic obstruction. If acute cholangitis can be safely excluded, early endoscopic intervention is not mandatory and should not be considered a standard indication.

Management of the critically ill patient with severe acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

Acute pancreatitis represents a spectrum of disease ranging from a mild, self-limited course requiring only brief hospitalization to a rapidly progressive, fulminant illness resulting in the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), with or without accompanying sepsis. The goal of this consensus statement is to provide recommendations regarding the management of the critically ill patient with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

DATA SOURCES AND METHODS

An international consensus conference was held in April 2004 to develop recommendations for the management of the critically ill patient with SAP. Evidence-based recommendations were developed by a jury of ten persons representing surgery, internal medicine, and critical care after conferring with experts and reviewing the pertinent literature to address specific questions concerning the management of patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

DATA SYNTHESIS

There were a total of 23 recommendations developed to provide guidance to critical care clinicians caring for the patient with SAP. Topics addressed were as follows. 1) When should the patient admitted with acute pancreatitis be monitored in an ICU or stepdown unit? 2) Should patients with severe acute pancreatitis receive prophylactic antibiotics? 3) What is the optimal mode and timing of nutritional support for the patient with SAP? 4) What are the indications for surgery in acute pancreatitis, what is the optimal timing for intervention, and what are the roles for less invasive approaches including percutaneous drainage and laparoscopy? 5) Under what circumstances should patients with gallstone pancreatitis undergo interventions for clearance of the bile duct? 6) Is there a role for therapy targeting the inflammatory response in the patient with SAP? Some of the recommendations included a recommendation against the routine use of prophylactic systemic antibacterial or antifungal agents in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. The jury also recommended against pancreatic debridement or drainage for sterile necrosis, limiting debridement or drainage to those with infected pancreatic necrosis and/or abscess confirmed by radiologic evidence of gas or results or fine needle aspirate. Furthermore, the jury recommended that whenever possible, operative necrosectomy and/or drainage be delayed at least 2-3 wk to allow for demarcation of the necrotic pancreas.

CONCLUSIONS

This consensus statement provides 23 different recommendations concerning the management of patients with SAP. These recommendations differ in several ways from previous recommendations because of the release of recent data concerning the management of these patients and also because of the focus on the critically ill patient. There are a number of important questions that could not be answered using an evidence-based approach, and areas in need of further research were identified.

Laparoscopic surgery of the liver and biliary tract

Laparoscopic treatment of liver and biliary tract disease is growing in popularity but requires extensive experience. Among the lesions now managed with minimally invasive methods are simple cysts, polycystic liver disease, hydatid cysts, biliary stones, and benign solid tumors. Patient selection, surgical techniques, and outcomes are described.

IAP Guidelines for the Surgical Management of Acute Pancreatitis

During 2002 the International Association of Pancreatology developed evidenced-based guidelines on the surgical management of acute pancreatitis. There were 11 guidelines, 10 of which were recommendations grade B and one (the second) grade A. (1) Mild acute pancreatitis is not an indication for pancreatic surgery. (2) The use of prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics reduces infection rates in computed tomography-proven necrotizing pancreatitis but may not improve survival. (3) Fine-needle aspiration for bacteriology should be performed to differentiate between sterile and infected pancreatic necrosis in patients with sepsis syndrome. (4) Infected pancreatic necrosis in patients with clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis is an indication for intervention including surgery and radiological drainage. (5) Patients with sterile pancreatic necrosis (with negative fine-needle aspiration for bacteriology) should be managed conservatively and only undergo intervention in selected cases. (6) Early surgery within 14 days after onset of the disease is not recommended in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis unless there are specific indications. (7) Surgical and other forms of interventional management should favor an organ-preserving approach, which involves debridement or necrosectomy combined with a postoperative management concept that maximizes postoperative evacuation of retroperitoneal debris and exudate. (8) Cholecystectomy should be performed to avoid recurrence of gallstone-associated acute pancreatitis. (9) In mild gallstone-associated acute pancreatitis, cholecystectomy should be performed as soon as the patient has recovered and ideally during the same hospital admission. (10) In severe gallstone-associated acute pancreatitis, cholecystectomy should be delayed until there is sufficient resolution of the inflammatory response and clinical recovery. (11) Endoscopic sphincterotomy is an alternative to cholecystectomy in those who are not fit to undergo surgery in order to lower the risk of recurrence of gallstone-associated acute pancreatitis. There is however a theoretical risk of introducing infection into sterile pancreatic necrosis. These guidelines should now form the basis for audit studies in order to determine the quality of patient care delivery.

Ampullary obstruction monitoring in acute gallstone pancreatitis: a safe, accurate, and reliable method to detect pancreatic ductal obstruction

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the value of ordinary clinical and laboratory data, including the monitoring of ampullary gallstone obstruction in the early phases of the disease, in the diagnosis of acute gallstone pancreatitis (AGP).

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-two patients were studied. The inclusion criteria were admission within 48 h from the onset of symptoms, clinical presentation compatible with AGP, bile-free gastric aspirate, elevation of serum amylase and bilirubin, and ultrasonographic demonstration of cholelithiasis. Monitoring of ampullary obstruction included severity of pain, presence of bile in the gastric aspirate, and serial serum bilirubin determinations. The clinical diagnosis of AGP was confirmed or excluded by surgical exploration, and that of ampullary obstruction by intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

RESULTS

The overall accuracy of the diagnostic tests for AGP was high: sensitivity, 0.94; specificity, 0.99; positive predictive value, 0.95; and negative predictive value, 0.99. Detection of spontaneous ampullary decompression was correct in 100% of the patients, and that of ampullary obstruction, in 61%. The accuracy of this test was sensitivity, 1.0; specificity, 0.92; positive predictive value, 0.61; and negative predictive value, 1.0.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical criteria and ordinary laboratory determinations are sufficiently accurate to discriminate between patients with AGP and those with other acute abdominal pathologies. Careful monitoring of patients' pain, quality of nasogastric aspirate, and serum bilirubin level can accurately identify the few cases with persistent ampullary obstruction. Those patients can then be selected for intervention to restore the ampullary patency and prevent progression of acute pancreatitis.

Effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy and interval cholecystectomy on late outcome after gallstone pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sphincterotomy alone, or followed by cholecystectomy, are options in patients with gallstone pancreatitis.

METHODS

Ninety-six patients of median age 74 (range 30-93) years with gallstone pancreatitis had endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and were followed for a median of 84 (range 33-168) months. Forty-eight of 49 patients with, and nine of 47 without, common bile duct (CBD) stones had urgent endoscopic sphincterotomy. One patient with, and six without, CBD stones had delayed endoscopic sphincterotomy a median of 35 (range 12-111) days after acute pancreatitis. Thus, 64 patients had endoscopic sphincterotomy (group 1) and 32 did not (group 2). Fifteen and 16 patients in each group respectively had interval cholecystectomy after a median of 3 months and 1 month.

RESULTS

Patients in groups 1 and 2 had similar rates of interval cholecystectomy (15 of 64 versus 16 of 32 patients respectively) or required cholecystectomy (15 of 49 versus five of 16 patients), recurrent CBD calculi (three of 64 versus three of 32 patients) or total length of hospitalization after interval cholecystectomy (median 15.5 and 15 days) or required (median 22 and 24 days) cholecystectomy. The overall incidence of recurrent pancreatitis was one of 64 patients in group 1 and five of 32 in group 2 (P = 0.02), but after interval cholecystectomy the recurrence rate of biliopancreatic symptoms was similar (one of 15 patients versus three of 16 patients respectively).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic sphincterotomy, but not interval cholecystectomy, reduced the overall incidence of recurrent pancreatitis, but not of late biliary complications. Some 31 per cent of the patients required cholecystectomy, suggesting that routine cholecystectomy should be considered in fit patients following acute pancreatitis.

The management of perforation of the duodenum following endoscopic sphincterotomy: a proposal for selective therapy

The successful non-surgical management of retroduodenal perforation following endoscopic sphincterotomy is reported and the literature reviewed. Two patients are described who developed gas in the retroperitoneum following endoscopic sphincterotomy. One patient developed retroperitoneal emphysema and cervical emphysema, while the second patient developed retroperitoneal emphysema and a pneumothorax following endoscopic sphincterotomy. Both patients were treated conservatively and made uneventful recoveries. An algorithm for assessment and treatment is proposed based on the authors' experience and a literature review. Patients with confirmed ongoing duodenal leakage, sepsis or collection should have expeditious surgery.

Pancreatico-choledochal junction and pancreatic duct system morphology in acute biliary pancreatitis. A prospective study with early ERCP

Sixty-two patients with acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) were prospectively studied by early ERCP in order to evaluate the morphology of the pancreatico-choledochal junction and the pancreatic duct system (PDS) and compared with 62 control patients. Abnormalities of the ampulla of Vater were observed in 66.1% (33.5% in controls; p = 0.001). A common channel for the common bile duct and the main pancreatic duct (MPD) were found in 70.9% of ABP cases; the length of common channel was < or = 5 mm in 79.5% and > 5 mm in 20.4%; the angle between CBD and MPD was < or = 30 degrees in 88.6% and > 30 degrees in 11.4% (no difference compared to the control group). A patent Santorini's duct were found in 37% of ABP cases vs 38.7% in controls (NS); there was no significant difference in patency of the duct of Santorini between edematous and necrotizing cases of ABP. Morphological changes of the PDS were found in all patients with necrotizing (22 cases) and in 15 out of 40 patients with edematous ABP (p < 0.0001).

Assessment of main pancreatic duct integrity by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in patients with acute pancreatitis

The integrity of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) was evaluated by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) in a retrospective study of 105 patients with acute pancreatitis presenting over an 11-year period (1980-1991). The findings were compared with clinical outcome and the need to operate for local pancreatic complications. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 89) had either clinically mild pancreatitis or severe disease but no surgery for local complications, and < 25 per cent necrosis on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) (n = 48). Group 2 patients (n = 16) had clinically severe pancreatitis and underwent surgery for local complications and/or had > or = 25 per cent necrosis on CT (n = 12), at surgery or post mortem. All 89 patients in group 1 had an intact MPD at ERP, which was performed a median of 6 (range 0-30) days after onset of pancreatitis; the median age was 63 (range 20-88) years and there were no deaths. The median age of patients in group 2 was 59 (range 26-85) years. ERP in this group was performed in four patients < 5 days after onset and all had an intact MPD; one died with necrosis and another from a cerebrovascular accident. ERP was performed > or = 5 days after onset in the other 12 patients; five had an intact MPD and two required surgery for pseudocyst drainage only; seven had a disrupted MPD and all required surgery for pancreatic necrosis (one death). It is concluded that an intact MPD was a feature of mild pancreatitis, whereas disruption occurred > 4 days after onset in patients with necrosis necessitating surgery.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy in young patients with choledochal dilatation and a long common channel: a preliminary report

An anomalous elongated pancreaticobiliary common channel encourages reflux up both the biliary tree and the pancreatic ductal system, resulting in progressive choledochal dilatation, cholangitis with ductal calculi, relapsing pancreatitis and malignant change. Transduodenal sphincteroplasty has been used to improve drainage from the abnormal channel. The use of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) to establish drainage and minimize the surgical risks is reported in six symptomatic patients with mild choledochal dilatation (common bile duct diameter less than 15 mm), a common channel less than 15 mm in length and a distal stenosis. This was successful in five patients, who have no further symptoms. ES failed in the only patient with an undilated common channel and this patient went on to have open surgery. We believe ES to be safe and effective in the treatment of selected cases of long common channel.

Nonoperative management of bile duct stones

The treatment of choice for most retained bile duct stones is by nonoperative means. If a T-tube is in place, percutaneous techniques via the T-tract are indicated. Percutaneous access via puncture of a Roux-en-Y loop is also practical. In the absence of a T-tube, retrograde endoscopic techniques should be used. Both techniques are very effective and safe. Stones in the intrahepatic and extrahepatic ducts also can be treated nonoperatively. Endoscopic sphincterotomy has a role in the treatment of selected patients with gallstone pancreatitis, acute cholangitis, and choledocholithiasis with in situ gallbladders. In difficult cases, endoscopic and percutaneous techniques are employed in combination.

Gallstone pancreatitis

Gallstone pancreatitis is caused by transient obstruction of the ampulla of Vater by a migrating gallstone. Intraglandular activation of pancreatic enzymes occurs (by an unclear mechanism), and their entry into the circulation causes most of the local and systemic events of pancreatitis. The diagnosis is based on history and physical examination, an elevation of serum amylase above 1000 IU/L, and ultrasound and CT scans. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can be used in less certain cases to confirm the presence of common bile duct stones. Because of the absence of an agent that can abort progression of the disease, therapy should consist of adequate resuscitation, nutritional support, and careful monitoring to detect early complications. In patients with mild pancreatitis, surgery usually can be performed within 48 or 72 hours of admission or as soon as symptoms and amylase levels return to normal. For patients with severe disease, endoscopic sphincterotomy is emerging as the therapeutic modality of choice. Elective treatment of the associated biliary disease should be performed during the same hospitalization after the acute phase of the disease has subsided.

Gallstone pancreatitis: a proposed management strategy

It has been usual practice to manage gallstone pancreatitis conservatively over the acute phase and to perform an elective cholecystectomy after an interval of 2-3 months. Because of the risks of recurrent pancreatitis, and in an effort to reduce the high morbidity and mortality associated with severe pancreatitis, there has been a trend towards early surgical intervention and, more recently, endoscopic sphincterotomy. From the Greenlane Hospital experience during 1979-1987, and from a review of recent literature, a strategy is proposed for the management of acute gallstone pancreatitis.

Surgical management of acute pancreatitis

This review examines the lack of improvement in terms of mortality and outcome in patients with acute pancreatitis. Energetic fluid replacement is the only treatment of proven value. There is a strong case for identification of patients with severe disease who may benefit from early operative intervention. Eradication of gallstones may prevent further attacks in patients with gallstone pancreatitis. The benefits of pancreatic resection and necrosectomy still require full evaluation.

Endoscopic management of bile duct stones

Endoscopic sphincterotomy is the procedure of choice for choledocholithiasis in patients who have had a cholecystectomy. The bile duct is cleared of stones in about 80 to 90 percent of patients. Available data, largely retrospective, suggest that surgery and endoscopic sphincterotomy are about equal with respect to removal of stones, morbidity, and mortality. Certain technical problems are discussed, including inability to insert the papillotome, the large stone, and problems relating to anatomy such as peripapillary diverticulum and prior gastrectomy. The treatment of patients with bile duct stones who have not had a cholecystectomy, with and without cholelithiasis, is controversial. Endoscopic sphincterotomy without subsequent cholecystectomy is adequate treatment for the majority of patients who are unfit for surgery, even if there are stones in the gallbladder, provided they are asymptomatic after endoscopic removal of stones from the bile ducts. Endoscopic sphincterotomy has been performed in the treatment of gallstone-induced pancreatitis, acute obstructive cholangitis, and sump syndrome. The complication rate for endoscopic sphincterotomy ranges from 6.5 to 8.7 percent, with a mortality rate of 0 to 1.3 percent. The most common serious complications are perforation, hemorrhage, acute pancreatitis, and sepsis.

Trends in the treatment of gallstone disease: putting the options into context

The new nonsurgical methods of treating gallstone disease rely on fragmentation, such as with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL), or dissolution, such as with ursodiol. Fragmentation alone is usually insufficient for gallbladder stones, and dissolution is only possible for cholesterol stones. Although oral dissolution with or without ESWL is an attractive alternative to surgery, only 25 percent of patients are candidates for this therapy. Dissolution of gallbladder stones by topical application of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is another option whose safety is still open to question. Therefore, cholecystectomy will remain the principal treatment for symptomatic gallbladder stones. Common duct stones can be eliminated in 90 percent of cases by endoscopic sphincterotomy alone, and fragmentation of large common duct stones by mechanical endoscopic lithotripsy or ESWL can bring the success rate up to about 95 percent. Unless cholecystectomy is also required, surgery will have a secondary role in the treatment of common duct stones.

Controlled trial of urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic sphincterotomy versus conservative treatment for acute pancreatitis due to gallstones

121 patients with acute pancreatitis thought to be due to gallstones were randomised to treatment with urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) or with conventional treatment. They were stratified by predicted severity of the attack, according to the modified Glasgow system. ERCP was done within 72 h, and if common bileduct stones were identified, patients underwent ES immediately to extract the stones. There were fewer complications in the 59 patients who underwent ERCP +/- ES than among the 62 treated conventionally, the difference being confined to those whose attacks were predicted to be severe (6/25 ERCP +/- ES [1 death] compared with 17/28 conventional treatment [5 deaths]). Hospital stay was also shorter for patients with severe attacks who underwent ERCP +/- ES than for those who received conservative treatment (median 9.5 versus 17.0 days).