Is transduodenal pancreatography ever contraindicated? A case report of provoked pancreatitis and pseudocyst

A comparison of nonionic versus ionic contrast media: results of a prospective, multicenter study. Midwest Pancreaticobiliary Study Group

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is one of the most common complications associated with ERCP. Multiple factors have been implicated for this potentially serious complication. Numerous suggestions for minimizing risks at ERCP have been offered, one of which is to use nonionic, low osmolarity contrast agents for pancreatic injection. Results of previous studies comparing different contrast media have been inconclusive.

METHODS

To evaluate the role contrast material plays in the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis, the Midwest Pancreaticobiliary Group performed a prospective double-blind controlled study. A total of 1,979 consecutive ERCP patients were enrolled, and 1,659 patients with pancreatic duct injections were divided into subgroups according to the complexity of the ERCP. Post-ERCP pancreatitis was compared between similar groups. Patients were randomized to receive injections of nonionic, low osmolarity contrast or standard ionic contrast media.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of post-procedural pancreatitis was 10.2%. Those with diagnostic ERCP had the lowest incidence at 5.6%. Therapeutic procedures (12.3%) and sphincter of Oddi manometry (15.2%) had higher rates. Those injected with standard (ionic) contrast had an incidence of 10.4% and after injection with lower osmolar (nonionic) contrast, there was a 10% post-procedural pancreatitis rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with more complex procedures develop pancreatitis more frequently. The use of low osmolar (nonionic) contrast media does not decrease the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) involves cannulation of the papilla of Vater followed by contrast radiology of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. With experience, X-ray films of the desired duct(s) can be obtained in 90% of patients, with minimal patient discomfort and a low frequency of complications. Retrograde cholangiography accurately assesses the site and cause of biliary tract obstruction. Retrograde pancreatography reveals ductal abnormalities in most patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, and the nature of the abnormality usually permits differentiation of the two diseases. The diagnostic accuracy of ERCP is enhanced by cytological evaluation of pure pancreatic juice, while endoscopic sphincterotomy is a therapeutic option in selected patients with choledocholithiasis and papillary stenosis. Current developments include endoscopic aspiration biopsy of the pancreas and endoscopy of pancreatic and biliary ducts, using a miniature endoscope passed down a channel in the parent instrument.

The diagnosis of jaundice by the minilaparotomy open transhepatic cholangiogram

The precise diagnosis of the etiology of jaundice is of considerable value to the clinician in caring for the icteric patient. A series of twenty-three patients who underwent minilaparotomy (open transhepatic cholangiogram) is presented. This procedure allows for inspection, biopsy, cholangiography and omental venography under direct visualization and at minimal risk to the patient. In this series the cause of jaundice was successfully determined in 96% of the cases. Cholangiography was used to visualize the ducts in 20 patients and in 2 others, the diagnosis was made by inspection and liver biopsy. The literature on alternative diagnostic methods is reviewed and compared to other procedures the minilaparotomy has relatively few contraindications and many advantages. It is a useful and safe technique in the face of abnormal clotting factors, obstructive jaundice, ascites or hepatitis. By using the multiple diagnostic modalities available in a minilaparotomy, the rate of successful diagnosis equals or exceeds that of the other procedures. It is therefore recommended that this approach be considered as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of jaundice.