Endoscopic approach to the bile duct in the patient with surgically altered anatomy

Endoscopy Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage Using Lumen Apposing Metal Stent in Malignant Biliary Obstruction

This narrative review provides an overview of the application of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD), including EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD), for the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. EUS-BD has demonstrated excellent technical and clinical success rates, with lower rates of adverse events when compared with percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). EUS-BD is currently the preferred alternative technique for biliary drainage (BD) in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Particularly, this review will focus on EUS-BD performed with the use of lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS). The introduction of these innovative devices, followed by the advent of electrocautery-enhanced LAMS (EC-LAMS), gave the procedure a great technical implementation and a widespread application.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided biliary drainage in surgically altered anatomy: A comprehensive review of various approaches

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the preferred modality for drainage of the obstructed biliary tree. In patients with surgically altered anatomy, ERCP using standard techniques may not be feasible. Enteroscope assisted ERCP is usually employed with variable success rate. With advent of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), biliary drainage procedures in patients with biliary obstruction and surgically altered anatomy is safe and effective. In this narrative review, we discuss role of EUS guided biliary drainage in patients with altered anatomy and the various approaches used in patients with benign and malignant biliary obstruction.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided access procedures following surgery

EUS-guided therapeutic procedures have emerged in the recent years as a minimally invasive option for the management of complex hepatobiliary disorders. Gastrointestinal surgeries, e.g., pancreaticoduodenectomy, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, and partial gastrectomy with different reconstructions are commonly performed for a wide range of indications that include tumour resections and weight loss. Conventional endoscopic procedures are challenging in those patients due to inaccessible or unreachable ampulla. Patients with surgically altered anatomy are good candidates for EUS-guided access procedures that have shown good technical and clinical success rates. This category of procedures includes EUS-guided biliary drainage, EUS-guided pancreatic drainage, EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) and EUS-guided Gastroenterostomy. Studies have shown that these procedures have comparable or better results than traditional endoscopic, interventional radiology-guided and surgical procedures. This article discusses the indications, technique and outcome of the different EUS-guided access procedures in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

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.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography by double-balloon enteroscopy in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) allows a diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of pancreatobiliary diseases. However, the procedure in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy represents a technical challenge.

OBJECTIVE

to report the diagnostic and therapeutic outcome of device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) ERCP in patients with a surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy.

METHODS

a prospective cohort of patients with a history of surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy undergoing DAE-ERCP in a referral center was used. A double-balloon enteroscope was used to reach the papillary area or the bilio-enteric anastomosis. The clinical and endoscopic characteristics, and technical, diagnostic and therapeutic success were described. Clinical and endoscopic differences were evaluated according to diagnostic success, as well as the biochemical response in those patients with therapeutic success.

RESULTS

ninety-six procedures were included in the study in 75 patients. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) was the main surgical anatomy (82.3%) and cholangitis was the main indication for ERCP (49%). Diagnostic success was obtained in 69.8% of the participants. Of these, therapeutic success was obtained in 83.6% (overall success 58.3%). Cases with a diagnostic success had a higher frequency of cholangiography compared to those without diagnostic success (94% vs 0%, p < 0.001), as well as a lower probability of a failed cannulation (1.5% vs 100%, p < 0.001). A significant improvement was observed in patients with a therapeutic success in bilirubin, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase levels (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP by means of double-balloon enteroscopy is a useful technique in patients with a surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy, in whom access to the bile duct is required. However, these procedures are very challenging and diagnostic and therapeutic success where achieved in up to 60% of cases.

Double balloon enteroscopy improves ERCP success in patients with modified small bowel anatomy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) on the success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures in patients with surgically modified gastrointestinal (GI) tract anatomy.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who underwent ERCP in the Gastroenterology Department of Kocaeli University School of Medicine hospital between December 2008 and September 2014 were examined. From the patient group that was scheduled to undergo DBE-ERCP, the details of cases in which ERCP via standard duodenoscope or DBE-ERCP was performed during the same session because standard ERCP failed were included. Procedure parameters, outcomes, and complications related to the procedure in both groups were analyzed. Patients who underwent the DBE-ERCP procedure directly, those who underwent push enteroscopy, or gastroscopy to evaluate the GI tract anatomy before the day of ERCP, and who underwent DBE-ERCP on a day other than the initial ERCP session were excluded. Afferent loop intubation, access to the major papilla, selective cannulation, therapeutic success rates, and the effect of DBE on overall procedure success were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients with a history of BII gastrojejunostomy and 11 patients with hepaticojejunostomy (with or without Roux-en-Y) were included in the study. In all patients, the ERCP procedure was initiated with a standard duodenoscope. If intubation of the afferent loop was unsuccessful in reaching the major papilla or enterobiliary anastomosis, DBE was used. In 30 (48.4%) of the 62 patients whose GI tract was anatomically altered, the duodenoscope was successfully advanced to the ampulla and 27 (43.5%) were cannulated successfully. Thirty-one patients underwent DBE-ERCP. DBE reached the ampulla or enterobiliary anastomosis in 30 patients (96.8%) and selective choledocus cannulation was achieved in all patients but 3 (90%), including 1 patient with a hepaticojejunostomy. The overall ERCP success rate increased from 43.5% (27/62) to 87.1% (54/62). Two perforations (1 during standard duodenoscopy and 1 with DBE-ERCP) were observed.

CONCLUSION

The overall success rate of ERCP increased with use of the DBE technique in patients with small bowel anatomic variations that were the result of previous surgery.

Challenges of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with Billroth II gastrointestinal anatomy: A review article

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a combination of endoscopy and fluoroscopy that is commonly used in the management of pancreatobiliary diseases. ERCP can be challenging if performed in surgically altered anatomy, such as a Billroth II reconstruction, compared with native anatomy and usually has a lower success rate. We identified five emerging challenges in such patients. These are the choice of endoscope, the identification of afferent loop, reaching the duodenal stump, cannulation in the reverse position, and endoscopic sphincterotomy. Performing ERCP in patients with a Billroth II reconstruction needs adequate knowledge, proper skill, and experience to achieve a good clinical outcome.

EUS-guided biliary drainage for postsurgical anatomy

ERCP is the mainstay of therapy for pancreatobiliary diseases in patients with native upper gastrointestinal (UGI) anatomy. However, when UGI anatomy is surgically altered, standard ERCP becomes technically challenging or not possible. In such instances, EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been increasingly employed by advanced endoscopists as a safe and effective method of access to the biliary tree. In this study, we review the technical aspects and outcomes of EUS-BD in patients with surgical UGI anatomy.

Systematic review of management of gallbladder disease in patients undergoing minimally invasive bariatric surgery

The introduction and subsequent widespread adaptation of minimally invasive approaches for bariatric surgery have not only changed the outcomes of bariatric surgery but also called into question the management of co-morbid surgical conditions, in particular gallbladder disease. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foregut Committee performed a systematic review of the published literature from 1995-2018 on management of gallbladder disease in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The papers reviewed generated the following results. (1) Routine prophylactic cholecystectomy at the time of bariatric surgery is not recommended. (2) In symptomatic patients who are undergoing bariatric surgery, concomitant cholecystectomy is acceptable and safe. (3) Ursodeoxycholic acid may be considered for gallstone formation prophylaxis during the period of rapid weight loss. (4) Routine preoperative screening and postoperative surveillance ultrasound is not recommended in asymptomatic patients. In the era of minimally invasive surgery, the management of gallbladder disease in patients undergoing bariatric surgery continues to evolve.

Current status of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy must be performed by a highly experienced endoscopist. The challenges are accessing the afferent limb in different types of reconstruction, cannulating a papilla with a reverse orientation, and performing therapeutic interventions with uncommon endoscopic accessories. The development of endoscopic techniques has led to higher success rates in this group of patients. Device-assisted ERCP is the endoscopic procedure of choice for high success rates in short-limb reconstruction; however, these success rate is lower in long-limb reconstruction. ERCP assisted by endoscopic ultrasonography is now popular because it can be performed independent of the limb length; however, it must be performed by a highly experienced and skilled endoscopist. Stent deployment and small stone removal can be performed immediately after ERCP assisted by endoscopic ultrasonography, but the second session is needed for other difficult procedures such as cholangioscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy. Laparoscopic-assisted ERCP has an almost 100% success rate in long-limb reconstruction because of the use of a conventional side-view duodenoscope, which is compatible with standard accessories. This requires cooperation between the surgeon and endoscopist and is suitable in urgent situations requiring concomitant cholecystectomy. This review focuses on the advantages, disadvantages, and outcomes of various procedures that are suitable in different situations and reconstruction types. Emerging new techniques and their outcomes are also discussed.

Techniques for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in altered gastrointestinal anatomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review highlights the current status of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) techniques in patients with altered anatomy. Endoscopic treatment of biliopancreatic disorders is particularly challenging in patients with altered anatomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are two main approaches to perform ERCP in patients with altered anatomy: the transluminal access and the transmural access. The transluminal access uses device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) to reach and cannulate the biliopancreatic system. The transmural access is created using therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or surgery to reach the biliopancreatic system. Both techniques are under continuous development and optimization.

SUMMARY

Based on the currently available data in the literature, the transluminal access is the preferred first-line approach because of an acceptable success rate and an excellent safety profile, whereas the transmural approach may be more efficacious but with a higher complication rate, even in experienced hands. Due to the complexity of both techniques and the relative low number of procedures, patients with altered anatomy are best referred to high-volume centres where both techniques are available for optimal treatment.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy: One single center's experience

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is challenging. Results of ERCP in those patients varied.The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of various endoscopes-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy.Fifty-two patients with Billroth II reconstruction (group A), 20 patients with subtotal or total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis (group B), 25 patients with pancreatoduodenectomy or Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction (group C) were included. Gastroscope, duodenoscope, colonoscope, and double-balloon enteroscope were used.The endoscope insertion success rate of groups A, B, C was 96.2% (50/52), 85.0% (17/20), 80% (20/25), respectively. χ test showed that there was no significant difference between the 3 groups (P = 0.068). The mean insertion time was 36.7, 68.4, and 84.0 minutes, respectively. One-way ANOVA showed that the insertion time of group C was significantly longer than that of groups B and C (both P <0.001). The endoscopic cannulation success rates of groups A, B, C were 90%, 82.4%, and 100%, respectively. χ test showed that there was no significant difference between the 3 groups (P = 0.144). The mean cannulation time was 19.4, 28.1, and 20.4 minutes, respectively. One-way ANOVA showed that the cannulation time of group B was longer than that of groups A and C (P <0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). In total, 74 patients with successful biliary cannulation achieved the therapeutic goal; thus, the clinical success rate was 76.3% (74/97).Our study showed that ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy was safe and feasible.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Post Gastrectomy Patients

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in post-gastrectomy patients with Billroth II (BII) reconstruction and Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction presents a challenge to therapeutic endoscopists. Major difficulties, including intubation to the ampulla of Vater, selective cannulation, and ampullary intervention, must be overcome in these patients. Recent data have shown that device-assisted ERCP allows for high success rates in these patients because various devices are useful for overcoming major difficulties. Therefore, good knowledge of postoperative anatomy and various devices is mandatory before performing ERCP procedures for post-gastrectomy patients.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Bilioenteric Anastomosis

For diagnosis and treatment of pancreatobiliary diseases, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is useful method nowadays and its technically success rate is usually in about 90%-95% of patients with normal gastric and pancreaticobiliary anatomy. Recently ERCP is significantly challenging after intestinal reconstruction, particularly in patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD, classic Whipple’s operation) or pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) with reconstruction. PD and PPPD relate to numerous techniques have been presented for reconstruction of the digestive tract and pancreaticobiliary tree during the resection bilioenteric stricture commonly occurs later in the postoperative course and developed in 5-year cumulative probability of biliary stricture rate of 8.2% and pancreaticoenteric stricture of 4.6%. This complication was no difference in incidence between patients with benign or malignant disease. In PD or PPPD with reconstruction, short pancreatobiliary limb with biliojejunal anastomosis site is made usually, modestly success rate of intubation to blind loop and cannulation with conventional endoscope. However, in combined Reux-en-Y anastomosis, longer pancreatobiliary limb and additional Reux limb are obstacle to success intubation and cannulation by using conventional endoscope. In this situation, new designed enetroscope with dedicated accessories is efficient.

A novel mechanical simulator for cannulation and sphincterotomy after Billroth II or Roux-en-Y reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

In patients with Billroth II (B II) or Roux-en-Y anatomy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is demanding. Here, we describe a novel simulator with simulated fluoroscopy for cannulation and sphincterotomy training in such situations.

METHODS

A custom-made simulation system was built based upon a common chassis of a series of previously described ERCP simulators. The papilla is made out of organic material and can be cut by high frequency current. The advancement of guidewires and other instruments within transparent mock bile ducts can be viewed in the window of the simulator without the need for fluoroscopy. The ERCP B II/Roux-en-Y simulation system was first evaluated during an ERCP course.

RESULTS

There were no technical problems related to the novel simulator during the course. After sphincterotomy, the organic papillae could easily be exchanged within a few seconds. Overall, the novel B II/Roux-en-Y simulator achieved favorable results by trainees and expert endoscopists in all categories assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

The new B II/Roux-en-Y mechanical simulator is simple and practicable. A first evaluation during an ERCP course showed promising results.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Outcomes of Patients With Acute Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The prevalence of obesity and number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery are increasing. Obesity has adverse effects in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). We investigated whether bariatric surgery affects outcomes of patients with AP.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study, collecting data from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2007-2011) on all adult inpatients (≥18 years) with a principal diagnosis of AP (n = 1,342,681). We compared primary clinical outcomes (mortality, acute kidney injury, and respiratory failure) and secondary outcomes related to healthcare resources (hospital stay and charges) among patient groups using univariate and multivariate analyses. We performed a propensity score-matched analysis to compare outcomes of patients with versus without bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

Of patients admitted to the hospital with a principal diagnosis of AP, 14,332 (1.07%) had undergone bariatric surgery. The number of patients that underwent bariatric surgery doubled, from 1801 in 2007 to 3928 in 2011 (P < .001). AP in patients that had undergone bariatric surgery was most frequently associated with gallstones. Multivariate analysis associated prior bariatric surgery with decreased mortality (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.92), shorter duration of hospitalization (0.65 days shorter; P < .001), and lower hospital charges ($3558 lower) than in patients with AP not receiving bariatric surgery (P < .001). A propensity score-matched cohort analysis found that mortality and odds of acute kidney injury were similar between patients with versus without history of bariatric surgery, whereas respiratory failure was less frequent in patients who received bariatric surgery (1.34% vs 4.42%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior bariatric surgery in patients hospitalized with AP is not adversely associated with in-hospital mortality, development of organ failure, or healthcare resource use. Bariatric surgery may mitigate the obesity-associated adverse prognostication in AP. These observations are pertinent for future research, because the prevalence of obesity and AP-related hospitalizations is increasing.

Advances in the endoscopic management of common bile duct stones

Extraction of common bile duct stones by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography generally involves biliary sphincterotomy, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation or a combination of both. Endoscopic papillary large-balloon dilation after sphincterotomy has increased the safety of large stone extraction. Cholangioscopically directed electrohydraulic and laser lithotripsy using single-operator mother-daughter systems or direct peroral cholangioscopy using ultraslim endoscopes are increasingly utilized for the management of refractory stones. In this Review, we focus on advances in endoscopic approaches and techniques, with a special emphasis on management strategies for 'difficult' common bile duct stones.

ERCP in the patient with surgically altered anatomy

Endoscopic retrogade cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a standard of care endoscopic technique using a conventional side-viewing duodenoscope to treat a wide variety of biliopancreatic pathologies. However, surgically altered gastric and/or small bowel anatomy renders ERCP more challenging because of several reasons. Depending on the type of surgical reconstruction, different endoscopic approaches have been developed in order to perform therapeutic ERCP. The current review highlights the latest ERCP developments to deal with biliopancreatic problems in patients with surgically altered anatomy, and discusses future directions of improvement.