Biliary access in technically difficult biliary cannulation: the mucosal bridge technique

Risk factors of pancreatitis after endoscopic sphincterotomy. Review of literature and practical remarks based on approximately 10,000 ERCPs

Post-endoscopic pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Depending on the presence of risk factors, PEP can occur in 4,1% to about 43% of patients. According to the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guidelines, only three to patient-associated risk factors have been identified: suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) (OR 4.09), female gender (OR 2.23), and previous pancreatitis (OR 2.46). Another three procedure-associated factors include cannulation attempt duration > 10 minutes (OR 1.76), more than one pancreatic guidewire passage (OR 2.77, CI: 1.79 - 4.30), and pancreatic injection (OR 2.2, CI: 1.60 - 3.01). Importantly, analyses of cumulative risk due to coexistence of several factors emphasize the importance of female sex, difficult cannulation, CBD diameter <5 mm, young age, and many other factors. Unfortunately, studies performed to date have included only small numbers of patients with several co-existing risk factors. Therefore, further analysis of other risk factors and the cumulative risk related to their co-occurrence is necessary. Based on current evidence, special care must be given to patients with several risk factors. Also, care should be given to proper qualification of patients, use of guidewires, early pre-cut incision, protective Wirsung's duct stenting, and rectal NSAID administration.

Transpapillary selective bile duct cannulation technique: Review of Japanese randomized controlled trials since 2010 and an overview of clinical results in precut sphincterotomy since 2004

In 1970, a Japanese group reported the first use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which is now carried out worldwide. Selective bile duct cannulation is a mandatory technique for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP. Development of the endoscope and other devices has contributed to the extended use of ERCP, which has become a basic procedure to diagnose and treat pancreaticobiliary diseases. Various techniques related to selective bile duct cannulation have been widely applied. Although the classical contrast medium injection cannulation technique remains valuable, use of wire-guided cannulation has expanded since the early 2000s, and the technique is now widely carried out in the USA and Europe. Endoscopists must pay particular attention to a patient's condition and make an attendant choice about the most effective technique for selective bile duct cannulation. Some techniques have the potential to shorten procedure time and reduce the incidence of adverse events, particularly post-ERCP pancreatitis. However, a great deal of experience is required and endoscopists must be skilled in a variety of techniques. Although the development of the transpapillary biliary cannulation approach is remarkable, it is important to note that, to date, there have been no reports of transpapillary cannulation preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis. In the present article, selective bile duct cannulation techniques in the context of recent Japanese randomized controlled trials and cases of precut sphincterotomy are reviewed and discussed.

Burdick's Technique for Biliary Access Revisited

The precut sphincterotomy is used to facilitate selective biliary access in cases of difficult biliary cannulation. Needle-knife precut papillotomy is the standard of care but is associated with a high rate of complications such as pancreatitis, duodenal perforation, bleeding, etc. Sometimes during bowing of the sphincterotome/cannula and the use of guide wire to facilitate biliary cannulation, inadvertent formation of a false passage occurs in the 10 to 11 o'clock direction. Use of this step to access the bile duct by the intramucosal incision technique was first described by Burdick et al., and since then two more studies have also substantiated the safety and efficacy of this non-needle type of precut sphincterotomy. In this review, we discuss this non-needle technique of precut sphincterotomy and also share our experience using this "Burdick's technique."