Stent-induced symptomatic pancreatic duct stricture after endoscopic prophylactic pancreatic duct stent placement for the normal pancreas

Frequency and predictors of delayed clearance of prophylactic pancreatic stents after ERCP

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Timely evaluation and removal of prophylactic pancreatic stents (PSs) placed during ERCP are recommended. The aim of the study was to examine the proportion of patients whose prophylactic PSs passed or were removed within 4 weeks of ERCP.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who received ERCP with prophylactic PS placement (May 2014 to October 2022) at a tertiary center were identified. The primary endpoint was clearance of the PS ≤4 weeks from ERCP confirmed by radiologic studies or endoscopy. Multivariate analysis was used to identify endoscopist-, patient-, and procedure-related factors associated with the primary endpoint.

RESULTS

Of 4724 patients undergoing ERCP, 262 (5.5%) received a prophylactic PS (mean age, 56.6 ± 18.5 years; 168 [64%] women). After ERCP, PSs were evaluated in ≤2 weeks in 177 patients (68%; 95% CI, 62-73). Furthermore, PSs were cleared at ≤4 weeks in 135 patients (52%; 95% CI, 46-58) by radiologic studies in 86 (33%) or endoscopic removal in 49 (19%). On multivariate analysis, biliary stent placement (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.8) reduced the odds of timely PS clearance after adjusting for endoscopist-specific clearance rates: top (aOR, 11.1; 95% CI, 4.0-30.5), second (aOR, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.5-11.9), and third (aOR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.9-9.0) compared with the bottom quartile. During follow-up of 20.1 ± 23.5 months, 47 of 127 patients (37%) with delayed PS clearance demonstrated a median stent dwelling time of 55 days (range, 29-929).

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic PSs were cleared within 4 weeks in only half of the patients after ERCP. In addition to primarily endoscopist-driven factors, biliary stent placement was associated with delayed clearance of prophylactic PSs.

A case of pancreatic fistula with disruption of the inferior branch of the pancreatic duct caused by a pancreatic stent after endoscopic papillectomy

A 73-year-old man underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for abdominal pain, which revealed an ampullary adenoma with no obvious extension into the bile or pancreatic ducts. Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) was performed and a 5-Fr 5-cm stent was placed in the pancreatic duct. The patient developed acute pancreatitis on postoperative day (POD) 1 and contrast-enhanced computed tomography performed on POD 2 revealed that the proximal end of the stent had migrated into the retroperitoneum, forming a pancreatic fistula. Stent removal and endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage were performed and the pancreatitis rapidly improved. The tumor was completely resected and after approximately three years of follow-up, no tumor recurrence or acute pancreatitis was observed.Retrospectively, the inferior branch of the pancreatic duct was prominent on pancreatography at the time of EP and the proximal end of the stent had dislocated into the inferior branch. The stent subsequently moved proximally, which could have caused pancreatitis and pancreatic fistula. The morphology of the pancreatic duct should be carefully monitored during stenting. Selecting a stent that matches each patient's specific pancreatic duct morphology may help physicians minimize the risk of adverse outcomes.

The short-term outcomes of laparoscopic enucleation of pancreatic tumors with exposing the Wirsung duct

BACKGROUND

It is widely believed that the prerequisite for safely performing enucleation is that the distance between the tumor and the main pancreatic duct (MPD) is at least 2-3 mm. However, enucleating a deep pancreatic tumor adjacent to the MPD remains challenging, particularly when exposure or repair of the MPD is necessary. This study reported our initial experience with this procedure and demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the MPD exposure or repair.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic enucleation (LapEN) with exposing the MPD from January 2017 to August 2023 were collected and analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. Data from procedures of laparoscopic middle pancreatectomy (LMP) and LapEN for superficial tumors were collected for comparative analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 26 patients were enrolled, 27 tumors were enucleated. Tumor located in the pancreatic head and neck (n = 20), and the body (n = 7). The mean tumor size, operating time, and blood loss were 2.3 cm, 163 min, and 63 ml, respectively. MPD injuries occurred in 8 cases due to the need for complete tumor resection, which were repaired or reconstructed using 6-0 PDS-II with or not inserting a plastic stent. 10 cases (38.5%) developed surgical-related complications, seven (26.9%) were classified as Clavien-Dindo grade I, and three (11.5%) were Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa. Biochemical leakage occurred in 16 cases (61.5%), clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) occurred in 10 cases (38.5%). Two patients (7.7%) experienced post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage. Further analyses indicated LapEN with MPD exposure had a longer operating time and higher incidence of CR-POPF compared to LapEN for superficial tumors, but a shorter operating time and less blood loss compared to LMP (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic enucleation with exposing the MPD is feasible and safe with the support of precise preoperative assessments, meticulous intraoperative dissection, well familiarity with the anatomy of the MPD, and excellent surgical skills.

Development of irreversible pancreatic ductal change triggered by pancreatic duct stenting in chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Stent-induced ductal change is a complication of endoscopic pancreatic stent placement for chronic pancreatitis, potentially leading to irreversible changes that may contribute to pancreatic dysfunction. This study aimed to examine the long-term outcomes of stent-induced ductal change and evaluate factors that correlate with the development of irreversible ductal changes.

METHODS

Between January 2008 and December 2022, 52/223 patients with chronic pancreatitis in whom an S-type plastic stent was successfully placed from the main papilla for duct stricture were detected with stent-induced ductal change on pancreatography at stent removal. We retrospectively investigated the clinical features of patients whose main pancreatic duct was reassessed by endoscopic pancreatography after >1 month without stent and whose residual stent-induced ductal change was irreversible.

RESULTS

The patients with chronic pancreatitis with stent-induced ductal change (n = 28) (elevated change, 15; stricture change, 13) were evaluated using follow-up pancreatography. Eleven patients (39.3%) showed residual change associated with stent-induced ductal change, the degree of which was partial improvement, no change, and obstructive change in one, seven, and three patients, respectively. Stricture changes during stent removal and duration of stent placement that triggered ductal changes were significantly associated with the development of residual ductal changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Irreversible stent-induced ductal change in patients with chronic pancreatitis was associated with stricture changes in the main pancreatic duct and continued plastic-stent placement. Careful evaluation of the pancreatic duct is required during plastic-stent placement. Early plastic-stent removal may result in an effective response to the development of stent-induced ductal change.

Laparoscopic enucleation of tumors embedded in the pancreatic head: Safety and feasibility

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment for a benign or low-grade malignant tumor in the pancreatic head remains a challenge at present. As an organ-sparing procedure, enucleation is ideal. However, it is still controversial whether laparoscopic enucleation (LapEN) can be safely performed for a pancreatic head tumor, especially a deeply embedded one.

METHODS

The cases who underwent LapEN of a pancreatic tumor from January 2014 to September 2022 in our hospital were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 151 cases were collected. The incidence of pancreatic fistula (PF, grade B) was 21.9 %. No patient developed PF (grade C) or died. Compared with enucleating a tumor in the distal pancreas (N = 98), enucleating a tumor in the pancreatic head (N = 53) showed a longer operation time and a higher incidence of conversion. The cases with a tumor in the pancreatic head were then divided into the group with a deeply embedded tumor (N = 32) and the group with a superficial tumor (N = 21). The embedded group had a smaller tumor size and a higher proportion of insulinoma. There were no statistical differences in the parameters of operation time, blood loss and incidence of complications between the two groups. The outcomes of enucleating a tumor deeply embedded in the proximal and distal pancreas were further analyzed, which indicated no statistical differences in clinical parameters between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

LapEN of a tumor in the pancreatic head is feasible and safe, even for a deeply embedded tumor.

Focal pancreatic ductal change induced by 10-Fr S-type plastic stent in chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Stent-induced ductal change (SIDC) is a complication of endoscopic pancreatic stenting (EPS) in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). However, the evaluation of SIDC associated with S-type pancreatic plastic stent (PS) and large-caliber PS, such as 10 Fr, is limited. This study aimed to analyze the SIDC of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) associated with 10-Fr S-type PS in patients with CP.

METHODS

Between January 2008 and December 2021, 132 patients with CP in whom a 10-Fr S-type PS had been installed by EPS were retrospectively reviewed. The SIDC incidence rate was examined, and the clinical features of patients with and without SIDC were investigated, including the outcomes for detected SIDC.

RESULTS

Stent-induced ductal change during EPS was confirmed in 41 patients (31.1%) of 132 patients at a site coincident with the PS tip or distal flap in the MPD. All patients were asymptomatic during the development of SIDC. Morphological changes in the MPD were detected as elevated (75.6%) or bearing stricture changes (24.4%). A total of 90.2% of SIDC developed after the first 10-Fr PS installation. No significant differences were noted between the patients with and without SIDC. The outcomes of continued PS installment for SIDC showed persistence and secondary change.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent-induced ductal change-associated 10-Fr PS installation was performed in just under one-third of the patients, indicating a substantial incidence rate and a possible development of SIDC from early stages onwards. More emphasis should be placed on SIDC as the complication.

Pancreatic duct stents

Pancreatic duct stenting using endoscopy or surgery is widely used for the management of benign and malignant pancreatic diseases. Endoscopic pancreatic stents are mainly used to relieve pain caused by chronic pancreatitis and pancreas divisum, and to treat pancreatic duct disruption and stenotic pancreaticointestinal anastomosis after surgery. They are also used to prevent postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis and postoperative pancreatic fistula, treat pancreatic cancer, and locate radiolucent stones. Recent advances in endoscopic techniques, such as endoscopic ultrasonography and balloon enteroscopy, and newly designed stents have broadened the indications for pancreatic duct stenting. In this review we outlined the types, insertion procedures, efficacy, and complications of endoscopic pancreatic duct stent placement, and summarized the applications of pancreatic duct stents in surgery.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Endoscopic Approach to Recurrent Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis: Expert Review

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Update Expert Review is to provide practical, evidence-based guidance to clinicians regarding the role of endoscopy for recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

This expert review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide guidance on a topic of clinical importance to the AGA membership, underwent internal peer review by the Clinical Practice Updates Committee (CPUC), and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. This review is framed around the 8 best practice advice points agreed upon by the authors, based on the results of randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as well expert consensus in this field. Best Practice Advice Statements BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: After an unrevealing initial evaluation, endoscopic ultrasound is the preferred diagnostic test for unexplained acute and recurrent pancreatitis. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast and cholangiopancreatography is a reasonable complementary or alternative test to endoscopic ultrasound, based on local expertise and availability. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for reducing the frequency of acute pancreatitis episodes in patients with pancreas divisum is controversial, but minor papilla endotherapy may be considered, particularly for those with objective signs of outflow obstruction, such as a dilated dorsal pancreatic duct and/or santorinicele. There is no role for ERCP to treat pain alone in patients with pancreas divisum. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: The role of ERCP for reducing the frequency of pancreatitis episodes in patients with unexplained recurrent acute pancreatitis and standard pancreatic ductal anatomy is controversial and should only be considered after a comprehensive discussion of the uncertain benefits and potentially severe procedure-related adverse events. When pursued, ERCP with biliary sphincterotomy alone may be preferable to dual sphincterotomy. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: Surgical intervention should be considered over endoscopic therapy for long-term treatment of patients with painful obstructive chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic intervention is a reasonable alternative to surgery for suboptimal operative candidates or those who favor a less invasive approach, assuming they are clearly informed that the best practice advice primarily favors surgery. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: When ERCP is pursued, small (≤5mm) main pancreatic duct stones can be treated with pancreatography and conventional stone extraction maneuvers. For larger stones, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and/or pancreatoscopy with intraductal lithotripsy may be required. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: When ERCP is pursued, prolonged stent therapy (6-12 months) is effective for treating symptoms and remodeling main pancreatic duct strictures. The preferred approach is to place and sequentially add multiple plastic stents in parallel (upsizing); emerging evidence suggests that fully covered self-expanding metal stents may have a role for this indication, but additional research is necessary. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: ERCP with stent insertion is the preferred treatment for benign biliary stricture due to chronic pancreatitis. FCSEMS placement is favored over multiple plastic stents whenever feasible, given similar efficacy but significantly reduced need for stent exchange procedures during the treatment course. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: Celiac plexus block should not be routinely performed for the management of pain due to chronic pancreatitis. The decision to proceed with celiac plexus block in selected patients with debilitating pain in whom other therapeutic measures have failed can be considered on a case-by-case basis, but only after discussion of the unclear outcomes of this intervention and its procedural risks.

Clinical practice guidelines for endoscopic papillectomy

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has developed the "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Endoscopic Papillectomy (EP)" as a fundamental guideline using scientific approach. EP is a recently spreading therapeutic modality for ampullary tumors ranked as high risk endoscopic technique. Because of the paucity of high level of evidence, strength of recommendations had to be determined by a consensus among specialists. These guidelines, shed light on the following five issues: Indications, Preoperative/intraoperative preparations and techniques, Early adverse events, Therapeutic outcomes and remnants/recurrences, and Follow-up and late adverse events, to guide current clinical practice on EP.

Acute Pancreatitis after Biliary and Pancreatic Stent Removal with a Forward-Viewing Endoscope

Plastic biliary stents are commonly used for biliary drainage, while plastic pancreatic stents may be used prophylactically against acute pancreatitis in patients at high risk for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. Removal of these prostheses is generally safe and can easily be performed in the ambulatory setting. Herein, we report a case of acute pancreatitis induced by removal of plastic biliary and pancreatic stents with a forward-viewing endoscope.

Comparison of idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis [IRAP] and recurrent acute pancreatitis with genetic mutations

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic recurrent acute pancreatitis (IRAP) describes frequent episodes of pancreatitis without an etiology found using current testing. We compared the natural history of IRAP with recurrent acute pancreatitis with genetic mutations.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort of patients with recurrent acute pancreatitis (≥2 episodes) and negative conventional testing. All patients had ≥1 episode after cholecystectomy and completed genetic testing. Primary outcomes were chronic pancreatitis incidence, pancreatic cancer, and mortality. Secondary outcomes included opioid and ERCP utilization.

RESULTS

128 patients met criteria for presumed IRAP. 35 patients met criteria for true IRAP. 12 patients had recurrent acute pancreatitis with gene mutations. Chronic pancreatitis developed in 27 (77.1%) IRAP patients over a median of 6 years. Chronic pancreatitis incidence was similar in IRAP and CFTR mutation carriers; but developed later in SPINK1 carriers. No patients developed pancreatic cancer or died from pancreatic-related causes. Patients were frequently treated with oral opioids and ERCP, without significant differences within or between groups.

CONCLUSION

IRAP and pancreatitis in mutation carriers is associated with chronic pancreatitis. Important differences in natural history were observed, but no association was found with cancer or pancreas-related mortality. Efforts to understand the genetic contributions to IRAP, minimize opioids and unnecessary ERCPs are encouraged.

Risk factors and prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula after insulinoma enucleation:a retrospective study from a high-volume center

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Enucleation is an effective surgical method to treat pancreatic insulinoma, however, the incidence of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) is high. We aim to investigate the risk factors for CR-POPF which have not been well characterized and develop effective methods to prevent CR-POPF after enucleation.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 161 patients diagnosed with insulinoma from June 2016 to July 2020 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The risk factors for CR-POPF were evaluated and the role of prophylactic pre-operative pancreatic stent to prevent the occurrence of CR-POPF after enucleation of pancreatic insulinoma were explored.

RESULTS

A cohort of 161 insulinoma cases were reviewed. The CT or MRI imaging reports could be tracked in 108 cases. A total of 96 patients underwent surgery, while 81 experienced pancreatic enucleation. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the distance from insulinoma to the main pancreatic duct (MPD) ≤2 mm was an independent risk factor for CR-POPF (p = 0.003, OR = 6.011, 95% Cl 1.852-19.512). The pre-operative pancreatic stent substantially reduced the incidence of CR-POPF in patients with tumor located in proximity to (distance ≤2 mm) the MPD (CR-POPF of the stented group vs the non-stented group: 37.5% vs 71.4%, p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

The distance from insulinoma to MPD ≤2 mm is a predictive factor for CR-POPF after enucleation. Pancreatic duct stenting may benefit patients with insulinoma in proximity to the MPD by enabling a lower CR-POPF rate, so it should be considered before the enucleation of the insulinoma in proximity to the MPD (distance ≤2 mm).