Peroral direct cholangioscopic argon plasma coagulation by using an ultraslim upper endoscope for recurrent hepatoma with intraductal nodular tumor growth (with videos)

Innovation of endoscopic management in difficult common bile duct stone in the era of laparoscopic surgery

Common bile duct (CBD) stone is a common biliary problem, which often requires endoscopic approach as the initial treatment option. Roughly, 7%-12% of the subjects who experience cholecystectomy were subsequently referred to biliary endoscopist for further management. In general, there are three classifications of difficult CBD stone, which are based on the characteristics of the stone (larger than 15 mm, barrel or square-shaped stones, and hard consistency), accessibility to papilla related to anatomical variations, and other clinical conditions or comorbidities of the patients. Currently, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) of a previous sphincterotomy and EPLBD combined with limited sphincterotomy performed on the same session is still recommended by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy as the main approach in difficult CBD stones with history of failed sphincterotomy and balloon and/or basket attempts. If failed extraction is still encountered, mechanical lithotripsy or cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy can be considered. Surgical approach can be considered when stone extraction is still failed or the facilities to perform lithotripsy are not available. To our knowledge, conflicting evidence are still found from previous studies related to the comparison between endoscopic and surgical approaches. The availability of experienced operator and resources needs to be considered in creating individualized treatment strategies for managing difficult biliary stones.

Role of balloon-assisted cholangioscopy in a multiethnic cohort to assess complex biliary disease (with videos)

BACKGROUND

Cholangioscopy is used to diagnose and treat various biliary lesions. Balloon-assisted cholangioscopy (BAC) has mostly been reported in Asian patients with large bile ducts.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility and accuracy of performing BAC in complex biliary diseases in Australian patients.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

A single Australian tertiary referral hospital.

PATIENTS

Fifty-nine consecutive patients (55 non-Asian ethnicity).

INTERVENTIONS

BAC using ultrathin endoscopes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Procedural success rates, diagnostic accuracy, and adverse event rates.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients underwent 76 BAC procedures for indeterminate biliary lesions, ampullary adenomas, and difficult stone disease. The technical success rate was 93%. The median bile duct diameter was 7 mm (range, 2-20). Of 34 indeterminate biliary strictures, 22 appeared benign and 12 malignant on BAC appearance alone. All benign-appearing strictures were confirmed benign, whereas 9 of 12 malignant-appearing strictures were confirmed malignant by biopsy sampling or follow-up (sensitivity 100% [95% CI, 66%-100%], specificity 88% [95% CI, 69%-97%], positive predictive value 75% [95% CI, 42%-93%], negative predictive value 100% [95% CI, 82%-100%]). BAC appearance correctly diagnosed indeterminate masses as benign (4/4) or malignant (3/3). Eight patients were assessed for bile duct extension of ampullary adenomas and 5 of 6 had biliary stones cleared directly or with holmium laser lithotripsy. Adequate histopathologic specimens were obtained from 31 of 39 (79%) attempted biopsy specimens. The adverse event rate was 8%.

LIMITATIONS

A single-center, single endoscopist experience.

CONCLUSIONS

In a largely non-Asian cohort with smaller bile ducts, BAC can be performed with high success and acceptable adverse event rates. BAC is particularly useful in differentiating benign from malignant indeterminate biliary lesions.

Direct peroral cholangioscopy using an ultraslim upper endoscope for biliary lesions

BACKGROUND

The development of direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOC) using an ultraslim endoscope simplifies biliary cannulation. The conventional techniques are cumbersome to perform and require advanced skills. The recent introduction of the guidewires and balloons has improved the therapeutic outcomes. Here we describe an effective and easier method for performing DPOC using an ultraslim upper endoscope.

METHODS

Indications for DPOC were the presence of stones on follow-up of patients who had previously undergone complete sphincteroplasty, including endoscopic sphincterotomy or endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation. Fifteen patients underwent DPOC. An ultraslim endoscope was inserted perorally and was advanced into the major papilla. The ampulla of Vater was visualized by retroflexing the endoscope in the distal second portion of the duodenum, and then DPOC was performed using a wire-guided cannulation technique with an anchored intraductal balloon catheter.

RESULTS

One patient failed in the treatment due to looping of the endoscope in the fornix of the stomach. Fourteen (93.3%) were successfully treated with our modified DPOC technique. Only one patient (6.7%) experienced an adverse event (pancreatitis) who responded well to conservative management. Residual stones of the common bile duct were completely removed in 3 patients.

CONCLUSION

The modified method of DPOC is simple, safe and easy to access the bile duct.

Clinical evaluation of a prototype multi-bending peroral direct cholangioscope

BACKGROUND

Although peroral direct cholangioscopy (PDCS) is emerging as an alternative to traditional mother-daughter cholangioscopy, it is associated with high failure rates. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability to insert and carry out interventions using a prototype multi-bending PDCS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective, observational clinical feasibility study was done in 41 patients with a variety of biliary diseases. A multi-bending PDCS prototype was inserted using a free-hand technique, a guidewire alone, or with a 5-Fr diameter anchoring balloon. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were carried out.

RESULTS

The free-hand direct insertion technique failed in all attempted cases (n = 7). Of the remaining 34 cases, successful rate of PDCS insertion into the distal bile duct was achieved by passing the PDCS over a guidewire alone (n = 6) and/or with a guidewire plus anchoring balloon (n = 28) for an overall successrate of 88.2% (30/34). In 13 (92.9%) patients without an underlying biliary stricture, PDCS insertion proximal to the bifurcation was possible. In 25 cases, biliary interventions were attempted including biopsy (n = 13), stone removal (n = 6), stent removal (n = 1), and intraductal electrohydraulic lithotripsy (n = 2) and were successful in 22 (88%). Other than two patients with procedure-related cholangitis with a mild grade of severity, no complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a novel multi-bending prototype peroral direct cholangioscope, cholangioscopy had a high diagnostic and therapeutic success rate only when passed over a guidewire and anchoring balloon but not with the free-hand insertion technique. Comparative studies of direct cholangioscopy are warranted.

Cholangioscopy: the biliary tree never looked so good!

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endoscopists have long awaited advances in the equipment and techniques for cholangiopancreatoscopy. Since the turn of the millennium, endoscopists have witnessed an explosion in the development and refinement of the capabilities of cholangioscopes as they move from being almost exclusive to tertiary care academic settings to a wider range of practices.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies have tested and constructively critiqued the procedure, hoping to increase the success rate of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Many have found significant improvement upon the limitations of radiographic imaging in diagnosing diseases and achieving full clearance of biliary stones. Image quality has improved with a range of features. However, most of these still need to be studied further. The addition of balloon catheters and overtubes has improved stability and access to the biliary ducts, but comes with complications that need to be studied further.

SUMMARY

Although we still have improvements to yearn for, the future looks bright. As endoscopists continue their commitment to the promise of direct visualization of the biliary trees and the complementary tools for diagnosis and treatment, we are continuing to raise quality of care for patients with complicated biliary diseases.

Advanced techniques for endoscopic biliary imaging: cholangioscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, confocal, and beyond

Cholangioscopy, endosonography, and confocal microscopy represent important technologies that expand biliary imaging beyond a level previously realized by noninvasive modalities (ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Endoscopic ultrasonography has shown efficacy for the evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures; however, this modality seems most reliable for distal bile duct abnormalities and in the setting of a moderate to high pretest probability for malignancy. Further refinement of these technologies, validation of their respective diagnostic criteria, and study within the context of comparative, randomized trials are needed and will contribute greatly to expedient patient care.

Choledochoscopy/cholangioscopy

Miniature endoscopes that can be introduced into the bile duct through the duodenoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were developed to allow nonsurgical management of difficult biliary stones. The direct visualization enabled by these cholangioscopes of the biliary epithelium provides additional data in the assessment of biliary strictures. Cholangioscopy allows assessment of the biliary lumen, biliary epithelium, targeted tissue acquisition, targeted therapy, and wire guidance.

[Cholangioscopy]

Cholangioscopy is an important component of the management of a selected group of patients with biliary diseases. Due to the advantage of direct visualization cholangioscopy provides targeted diagnostic and therapeutic procedures under endoscopic control. Thus cholangioscopy improves the differentiation of benign and malignant intraductal lesions, targeted biopsies and precise delineation of intraductal tumor spread before surgical resection. Furthermore lithotripsy of difficult bile duct stones, ablative therapies for biliary malignancies and direct biliary drainage can be carried out under endoscopic control. Recent developments of new types of conventional peroral cholangioscopy permit feasible, safe and effective procedures that can broaden the use of this technique at reasonable costs. Hence the spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions under cholangioscopic control will be further expanded in the future.

Endoscopic management of difficult common bile duct stones

Endoscopy is widely accepted as the first treatment option in the management of bile duct stones. In this review we focus on the alternative endoscopic modalities for the management of difficult common bile duct stones. Most biliary stones can be removed with an extraction balloon, extraction basket or mechanical lithotripsy after endoscopic sphincterotomy. Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy or mechanical lithotripsy has been shown to be effective for management of difficult to remove bile duct stones in selected patients. Ductal clearance can be safely achieved with peroral cholangioscopy guided laser or electrohydraulic lithotripsy in most cases where other endoscopic treatment modalities have failed. Biliary stenting may be an alternative treatment option for frail and elderly patients or those with serious co morbidities.

Single-step direct cholangioscopy by freehand intubation using standard endoscopes for diagnosis and therapy of biliary diseases

OBJECTIVES

Commercially available 10F cholangioscope systems have limitations in examination of the biliary tree. Further, they are not readily available in all endoscopy units. Direct cholangioscopy (DC) using slim and ultraslim gastroscopes have been utilized to detect and treat bile duct (BD) diseases. It often requires initial duodenoscope introduction, followed by over-the-wire exchange to a gastroscope for BD intubation. We report a novel single-step DC technique using forward-viewing endoscopes without requiring tandem-scope exchange.

METHODS

In patients with native papilla, a "J" maneuver, accomplished by retroflexing the endoscope in the second portion of the duodenum and withdrawing the retroflexed scope into the BD, was used to achieve free intubation. A variety of readily available standard endoscopes were used. For biliary-enteric anastomoses, balloon dilation, if necessary followed by enteroscope advancement, was utilized for BD visualization.

RESULTS

A total of 18 patients underwent 22 DC procedures (8 male, 10 female, mean age 69 years). Direct intubation was successful in all procedures. Indications included BD stone (n=10), BD stricture or tumor (n=8). A native papilla was present in 13 patients and biliary-enteric anastomoses in 5; 8 patients had altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Sphincterotomy was required in 12/13 native papilla patients to facilitate DC. Free intubation of the BD was accomplished in 19 of 22 exams, and 3 facilitated by guidewire (over-the-wire in 2 and alongside a guidewire in 1). Overtube-assisted enteroscopy was used to reach the BD in four patients. The findings were stones (n=6), strictures or tumors (n=7), abnormal mucosa (n=5), a dilated duct confirming stone clearance without stricture (n=3), and retained stent (n=1). Interventions were biopsy (n=8), stone extraction (n=5), electrohydraulic lithotripsy (n=3), chromoendoscopy (n=2), narrow-band imaging (n=2), through the scope stricture dilation (n=2), and argon-plasma coagulation of biliary tumor (n=1). Complications were cholangitis managed with intavenous antibiotics (n=1).

CONCLUSIONS

Single-step DC can be achieved without using tandem-scope exchange, and may be clinically useful for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in managing select biliary tract diseases.

Therapeutic role of direct peroral cholangioscopy using an ultra-slim upper endoscope

INTRODUCTION

Peroral cholangioscopy provides direct visualization of the bile duct and facilitates diagnostic procedures and therapeutic intervention. The currently available mother-baby scope system is not widely used because of its disadvantages. Direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) with a regular, ultra-slim, upper endoscope can provide a valuable and economic solution for evaluating bile duct lesions, although its therapeutic role in biliary tract disease is uncertain. We assessed the usefulness of direct POC with an ultra-slim endoscope for therapeutic application in patients with biliary diseases.

METHODS

Several new techniques and accessories allow therapeutic intervention under direct POC using an ultra-slim upper endoscope with a larger, 2-mm working channel. Intracorporeal laser or electrohydraulic lithotripsy under direct POC is a main therapeutic intervention for patients with bile duct stones resistant to conventional endoscopic procedures. Tumor ablation therapy such as photodynamic therapy and argon plasma coagulation may be performed under direct POC. Direct POC can be applied to guide biliary interventions such as guidewire placement, stone removal, and migrated stent retrieval, using diverse accessories.

CONCLUSION

Direct POC with an ultra-slim upper endoscope allows therapeutic intervention for patients with biliary diseases. Enhancements of the endoscope and specialized accessories are expected to expand the therapeutic role of direct POC.

Current status of direct peroral cholangioscopy

Recently, several endoscopists have reported the usefulness of direct peroral video cholangioscopy for the diagnosis and therapy of bile duct lesions. Although ultra-slim pediatric or Tran nasal video endoscopes are usually used for the direct peroral video cholangioscopy, direct scope insertion without pretreatment and any assistant is considerably difficult. Based on the previous literatures, intraductal balloon catheter-assisted scope insertion might be relatively reliable method. To overcome the issue on the scope insertion, recently prototype cholangioscope that has short bending section and anchoring balloon catheter for scope replacement and insertion has been developed. In the near future, we could establish the direct peroral cholangioscopy using new developed technology.

Per-oral cholangioscopy

Direct endoscopic views of bile duct have been described in literature since the 1970s. Since then rapid strides have been made with the advent of technologically advanced systems with better image quality and maneuverability. The single operator semi-disposable per-oral cholangioscope and other novel methods such as the cholangioscopy access balloon are likely to revolutionize this field. Even though cholangioscopy is currently used primarily for characterization of indeterminate strictures and management of large bile duct stones, the diagnostic and therapeutic indications are likely to expand in future. The following is an overview of the currently available per-oral cholangioscopy equipments, indications for use and future directions.

EUS-guided biliary drainage with a fully covered metal stent as a novel route for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic biliary interventions: a pilot study (with videos)

BACKGROUND

EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) with the use of a fully covered metal stent can result in a large-diameter fistula between the bile duct and the duodenum or stomach. This sustainable fistula may constitute a new endoscopic route to the bile duct.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of performing endoscopic procedures through EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy or hepaticogastrostomy with a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS).

DESIGN

Observational pilot study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care referral center.

PATIENTS

This study involved 3 consecutive patients who underwent EUS-BD with an FCSEMS for biliary decompression.

INTERVENTIONS

One to four weeks after EUS-BD with an FCSEMS, endoscopic procedures for the bile duct were performed through the sinus tract to evaluate and manage intrabiliary lesions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Technical success and procedural complications of endoscopic procedures through EUS-BD with an FCSEMS.

RESULTS

Endoscopic procedures were completed through the sinus tract of EUS-BD. Two patients underwent photodynamic therapy for tumor bleeding in the common bile duct and argon plasma coagulation on the biliary intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm repeatedly under direct visual guidance. In the other patient, photodynamic therapy was performed on the malignant hilar stricture through EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy with an FCSEMS.

LIMITATIONS

Small sample size, pilot study.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-BD with an FCSEMS may result in a large-diameter sustainable fistula. Endoscopic intervention through this fistula seems to be feasible and useful for the management of intrabiliary lesions.

New options of cholangioscopy

In the evaluation of biliary diseases, cholangioscopy is considered as complementary procedure to radiographic imaging. Direct visualization of the bile duct is the premier advantage of cholangioscopy over indirect imaging techniques. However, cholangioscopy has not gained wide acceptance because of several technical limitations such as scope fragility, impaired steerability, limited irrigation, and suction capabilities, as well as the need for two experienced endoscopists. Recent innovations such as the implementation of electronic video cholangioscopes and the development of single-operator systems facilitate the procedure, and promise to increase the diagnostic and therapeutic yield of cholangioscopy.

Feasibility of a novel system for intraductal balloon-anchored direct peroral cholangioscopy and endotherapy with an ultraslim endoscope (with videos)

BACKGROUND

Advantages of direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOCS) by using an ultraslim endoscope include a single-operator platform, image quality equal to that of standard endoscopy, and separate water and air channels. However, DPOCS has significant limitations, including cumbersome biliary access, en-face position with the ampulla, and gastric looping of the endoscope. A newly designed anchoring balloon may overcome these challenges.

OBJECTIVE

To report the feasibility of DPOCS with the anchoring balloon.

DESIGN

Pilot study, porcine model.

SETTING

Animal resources center.

INTERVENTION

The anchoring balloon system developed by Cook Medical (Winston-Salem, NC) was used for DPOCS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Primary: Feasibility of biliary access maintenance and intraductal mobility. Secondary: Feasibility of intraductal therapeutic procedures.

RESULTS

Four animal subjects underwent DPOCS with the anchoring balloon. Ductal access was achieved with sphincterotomy in 2 subjects and with a balloon sphincteroplasty in 2 subjects. Intraductal placement of the ultraslim endoscope was achieved in all biliary access attempts without balloon migration or deflation. Common bile duct, cystic duct, bifurcation, and main right and left duct direct visualization was achieved in all cases. Therapeutic interventions by DPOCS, including intraductal biopsy, balloon dilatation, and intraductal bilateral metal stent placement, were all completed successfully. Biliary perforation occurred in one case because of balloon overinflation and in a second case because of sphincterotomy.

LIMITATIONS

Prototype study in an animal model and small study size.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the novel anchoring balloon system successfully and safely enables DPOCS for both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. If corroborated in human trials, it could offer a new platform for biliary interventions.

Peroral direct cholangioscopic-guided biopsy and photodynamic therapy using an ultraslim upper endoscope for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with intraductal tiny nodular tumor growth

Bile-duct invasion is rare in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report a case that received peroral direct cholangioscopy (PDCS)-guided endoscopic biopsy and photodynamic treatment (PDT) for recurrent HCC with intraductal tiny nodular tumor growth. A 64-year-old woman presented with recurrent right upper-quadrant pain. Six months previously she had been diagnosed with HCC with bile-duct invasion in the right anterior segment and had received right anterior segmentectomy. On pathological examination, the margin of resection was clear, but macroscopic bile-duct invasion was noted. On admission, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed a 0.5-cm-sized polypoid mass at the hilar portion. ERCP-guided biopsy failed, and an ampullary stricture was noted. PDCS-guided endoscopic biopsy was thus performed, and histopathology of the retrieved specimen revealed HCC. The patient submitted to PDT. There was no procedure-related complication. After 1 month of PDT the polypoid lesion and scar change at the hilar lesion had disappeared.

Transnasal endoscopic biliary drainage as a rescue management for the treatment of acute cholangitis

Endoscopic biliary drainage has been established to provide effective treatment for acute obstructive jaundice and cholangitis. A recently developed ultrathin transnasal videoendoscope (TNE) is minimally invasive even for critically ill patients and can be performed without conscious sedation. Transnasal endoscopic biliary drainage (TNE-BD) is performed using a front-viewing TNE with approximately 5 mm outer diameter and 2 mm working channel diameter. Finally, 5F naso-biliary tube or plastic stent are placed. Technical success rates are approximately 100% and 70% for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy or placement of self-expandable metallic stent, and intact papilla, respectively. There are no serious complications. In conclusion, although further cases should be accumulated, TNE-BD and in particular, one-step naso-biliary drainage using TNE may be a useful and novel technique for the treatment of acute cholangitis.

Direct peroral cholangioscopy using an ultra-slim upper endoscope for the treatment of retained bile duct stones

OBJECTIVES

Intracorporeal lithotripsy must be used under direct visual control with an additional endoscope in order to ensure safety and precise targeting during the removal of difficult-to-extract bile duct stones using conventional methods. The currently available "mother-baby" scope system has several disadvantages. We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) using an ultra-slim upper endoscope for electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) or laser lithotripsy (LL) for the treatment of difficult-to-extract bile duct stones.

METHODS

A total of 18 patients who were unsuccessfully treated for common bile duct (CBD) stones using conventional endoscopy, including mechanical lithotripsy (ML), underwent EHL or LL under intraductal balloon-guided direct POC using an ultra-slim upper endoscope. The balloon catheter was used to maintain access while an ultra-slim upper endoscope was advanced directly into the bile duct. EHL or LL was performed until it became possible to capture the fragmented stones in a basket. Endoscopic removal of stone fragments by duodenoscopy was attempted in the same session.

RESULTS

The overall success rate of bile duct clearance by lithotripsy under direct POC by a single endoscopist was 88.9% (16 of 18). Stone fragmentation under direct POC was successfully performed in nine patients using EHL and in seven patients using LL. The average number of treatment sessions required to complete stone removal was 1.6. ML was performed to complete stone removal in 5 of 18 (27.8%) patients. Procedure-related complications were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Lithotripsy with EHL or LL under direct POC involving the use of an ultra-slim endoscope by a single endoscopist seems to be an effective and safe treatment for select patients with difficult-to-extract CBD stones.

Intraductal balloon-guided direct peroral cholangioscopy with an ultraslim upper endoscope (with videos)

BACKGROUND

Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) provides direct visualization of the bile duct and facilitates diagnostic procedures and therapeutic intervention. The currently available mother-baby endoscope system is not widely used because of several limitations. Although direct cholangioscopy with an ultraslim upper endoscope with a guidewire has been reported, success is not always guaranteed.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and success rate of direct POC using an ultraslim endoscope with an intraductal balloon to maintain access compared with the guidewire method.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational clinical feasibility study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

We compared overall procedure success rates and complications. A successful procedure was defined as one in which the endoscope was advanced into the bifurcation or stenotic segment of the biliary system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with biliary disease underwent direct POC. All patients had previously undergone an endoscopic sphincterotomy or papillary balloon dilation with a large balloon. Eleven patients underwent wire-guided direct POC. Intraductal balloon-guided direct POC was performed in 21 patients. The balloon catheter was used to maintain access while an ultraslim upper endoscope was advanced over the balloon catheter, through the ampulla of Vater, and directly into the bile duct.

RESULTS

Wire-guided direct POC was successful in 5 of 11 (45.5%) patients. In contrast, the success rate of intraductal balloon-guided direct POC was 95.2% (20/21 patients, P < .05). Forceps biopsies under direct visualization of the intraductal lesion and therapeutic intervention, including laser lithotripsy or electrohydraulic lithotripsy, were performed successfully. Procedure-related complications were not observed.

LIMITATIONS

A small number of patients and no comparison with conventional cholangioscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraductal balloon-guided direct POC with an ultraslim upper endoscope allows the direct visual examination and therapeutic intervention of bile ducts in patients with biliary disease. Further development of the endoscopic apparatus and specialized accessories are expected to facilitate this procedure.

Overtube-balloon-assisted direct peroral cholangioscopy by using an ultra-slim upper endoscope (with videos)

BACKGROUND

The "mother-baby" endoscope system currently used for peroral cholangioscopy (POC) has several limitations. Endoscopic direct cholangioscopy when using an ultra-slim upper endoscope with a guidewire to maintain access has been reported, but appropriate accessories are required to increase the success rate. Herein, we describe a novel method, overtube-balloon-assisted endoscopy, for direct POC.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of direct POC when using an ultra-slim upper endoscope with an overtube balloon to maintain access.

SETTING

A single center.

DESIGN

Case series.

PATIENTS

Twelve patients with biliary disease.

INTERVENTIONS

Direct POC by using an ultra-slim upper endoscope and diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Success rate of this technique, diagnostic or therapeutic feasibility, and complications.

RESULTS

Overtube-balloon-assisted direct POC was performed successfully in 10 of 12 patients (83.3%). The procedure revealed 4 common bile duct (CBD) stones, 4 benign biliary strictures, 1 polypoid tumor, and 1 cholangiocarcinoma. Five patients underwent forceps biopsy under direct visualization of the intraductal lesion. Laser lithotripsy was successfully performed in 1 patient. No procedure-related complication occurred.

LIMITATIONS

A small number of patients and no comparison with conventional cholangioscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

The overtube balloon appears to be a useful accessory in direct POC when using an ultra-slim upper endoscope. However, further development of a slim overtube or other accessories is necessary to improve the success rate of direct POC.