Natural history of asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinic without beds: A long-term prognosis over 10 years

BACKGROUND

Several studies have explored the long-term prognosis of patients with asymptomatic gallbladder stones. These reports were primarily conducted in facilities equipped with beds for addressing symptomatic cases.

AIM

To report the long-term prognosis of patients with asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without bed facilities.

METHODS

We investigated the prognoses of 237 patients diagnosed with asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without beds between March 2010 and October 2022. When symptoms developed, patients were transferred to hospitals where appropriate treatment was possible. We investigated the asymptomatic and survival periods during the follow-up.

RESULTS

Among the 237 patients, 214 (90.3%) remained asymptomatic, with a mean asymptomatic period of 3898.9279 ± 46.871 d (50-4111 d, 10.7 years on average). Biliary complications developed in 23 patients (9.7%), with a mean survival period of 4010.0285 ± 31.2788 d (53-4112 d, 10.9 years on average). No patient died of biliary complications.

CONCLUSION

The long-term prognosis of asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without beds was favorable. When the condition became symptomatic, the patients were transferred to hospitals with beds that could address it; thus, no deaths related to biliary complications were reported. This finding suggests that follow-up care in clinics without beds is possible.

A multi-institutional study designed by members of Tokyo Guidelines (TG) Core Meeting to elucidate the clinical characteristics and pathogenesis of acute cholangitis after bilioenteric anastomosis and biliary stent insertion with a focus on biliary obstruction: Role of transient hepatic attenuation difference (THAD) and pneumobilia in improving TG diagnostic performance

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of acute cholangitis (AC) after bilioenteric anastomosis and stent-related AC in a multi-institutional retrospective study, and validate the TG18 diagnostic performance for various type of cholangitis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 1079 AC patients during 2020, at 16 Tokyo Guidelines 18 (TG 18) Core Meeting institutions. Of these, the post-biliary reconstruction associated AC (PBR-AC), stent-associated AC (S-AC) and common AC (C-AC) were 228, 307, and 544, respectively. The characteristics of each AC were compared, and the TG18 diagnostic performance of each was evaluated.

RESULTS

The PBR-AC group showed significantly milder biliary stasis compared to the C-AC group. Using TG18 criteria, definitive diagnosis rate in the PBR-AC group was significantly lower than that in the C-AC group (59.6% vs. 79.6%, p < .001) because of significantly lower prevalence of TG 18 imaging findings and milder bile stasis. In the S-AC group, the bile stasis was also milder, but definitive-diagnostic rate was significantly higher (95.1%) compared to the C-AC group. The incidence of transient hepatic attenuation difference (THAD) and pneumobilia were more frequent in PBR-AC than that in C-AC. The definitive-diagnostic rate of PBR-AC (59.6%-78.1%) and total cohort (79.6%-85.3%) were significantly improved when newly adding these items to TG18 diagnostic imaging findings.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic rate of PBR-AC using TG18 is low, but adding THAD and pneumobilia to TG imaging criteria may improve TG diagnostic performance.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for cholelithiasis 2021

The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology first published evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for cholelithiasis in 2010, followed by a revision in 2016. Currently, the revised third edition was published to reflect recent evidence on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cholelithiasis conforming to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Following this revision, the present English version of the guidelines was updated and published herein. The clinical questions (CQ) in the previous version were reviewed and rearranged into three newly divided categories: background questions (BQ) dealing with basic background knowledge, CQ, and future research questions (FRQ), which refer to issues that require further accumulation of evidence. Finally, 52 questions (29 BQs, 19 CQs, and 4 FRQs) were adopted to cover the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prognosis. Based on a literature search using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases for the period between 1983 and August 2019, along with a manual search of new information reported over the past 5 years, the level of evidence was evaluated for each CQ. The strengths of recommendations were determined using the Delphi method by the committee members considering the body of evidence, including benefits and harms, patient preference, and cost-benefit balance. A comprehensive flowchart was prepared for the diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder stones, common bile duct stones, and intrahepatic stones, respectively. The current revised guidelines are expected to be of great assistance to gastroenterologists and general physicians in making decisions on contemporary clinical management for cholelithiasis patients.

Treatment strategy changes for inflammatory bowel diseases in biologic era: results from a multicenter cohort in Japan, Far East 1000

Many molecular targeted agents, including biologics, have emerged for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), but their high prices have prevented their widespread use. This study aimed to reveal the changes in patient characteristics and the therapeutic strategies of IBD before and after the implementation of biologics in Japan, where the unique health insurance system allows patients with IBD and physicians to select drugs with minimum patient expenses. The analysis was performed using a prospective cohort, including IBD expert and nonexpert hospitals in Japan. In this study, patients were classified into two groups according to the year of diagnosis based on infliximab implementation as the prebiologic and biologic era groups. The characteristics of therapeutic strategies in both groups were evaluated using association analysis. This study analyzed 542 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 186 Crohn's disease (CD). The biologic era included 53.3% of patients with UC and 76.2% with CD, respectively. The age of UC (33.9 years vs. 38.8 years, P < 0.001) or CD diagnosis (24.3 years vs. 31.9 years, P < 0.001) was significantly higher in the biologic era group. The association analysis of patients with multiple drug usage histories revealed that patients in the prebiologic era group selected anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents, whereas those in the biologic era group preferred biologic agents with different mechanisms other than anti-TNF-α. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that both patient characteristics and treatment preferences in IBD have changed before and after biologic implementation.

Clinical Features Focusing on Extraintestinal Manifestations in Japanese Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Far East 1000

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can develop extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) during the disease course, which sometimes impact their quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clarify the prevalence and types of EIMs using a hospital-based IBD cohort in Japan.

METHODS

A patient cohort with IBD was established in 2019, as participated by 15 hospitals in Chiba Prefecture of Japan. Using this cohort, the prevalence and types of EIMs, which are defined based on previous reports and the Japanese guidelines, were investigated.

RESULTS

This cohort enrolled 728 patients, including 542 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 186 Crohn's disease (CD). Of these patients with IBD, 10.0% were identified with one or more EIMs (57 (10.5%) with UC and 16 (8.6%) with CD). Arthropathy and arthritis were the most common EIM in 23 (4.2%) patients with UC, followed by primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (2.6%). Arthropathy and arthritis were also the most common in patients with CD, but no cases of PSC were observed. EIMs were more frequently observed in patients with IBD treated by specialists than in those treated by non-specialists (12.7% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.011). The incidence of EIMs in patients with IBD was not significantly different over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence and types of EIMs in our hospital-based cohort in Japan did not significantly differ from those reported in previous or Western studies. However, the incidence might be underestimated due to the limited ability of non-IBD specialists to discover and describe EIMs in patients with IBD.

Ursodeoxycholic acid is associated with improved long-term outcome in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment improves long-term outcomes in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). In this study, we investigated whether UDCA treatment is associated with improved liver transplantation (LT)-free survival in a cohort of Japanese patients with PSC.Journal instruction requires a city and country for affiliations; however, these are missing in affiliation [6]. Please verify if the provided city and country are correct and amend if necessary.'Tokyo, Japan' is correct.

METHODS

We used retrospective data from the Japanese PSC registry that included 435 patients with PSC. In this study, we enrolled patients with a complete dataset at diagnosis, along with the diagnosis year, treatment protocol, follow-up period, and outcome data. The association between UDCA treatment and all-cause death or LT was analyzed using Cox regression and inverse probability of UDCA treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted Cox regression models adjusted for covariates.

RESULTS

Among 435 patients with PSC, 110 were excluded due to insufficient or missing data, and the remaining 325 patients (male, 187 (58%); mean age at diagnosis, 45.8 years) were enrolled. The mean follow-up period was 5.1 years, and 57 deaths and 24 LTs occurred during observation. UDCA was administered to 278 patients (86%). The Cox regression model demonstrated that UDCA treatment was associated with an improvement in LT-free survival [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28-0.78, p = 0.003]. In addition, the IPTW-adjusted model indicated a significant association between UDCA and LT-free survival (aHR 0.43, 95% CI 0.25-0.75, p = 0.020). Sensitivity analysis excluding patients treated with bezafibrate indicated a similarly significant association between UDCA treatment and LT-free survival.

CONCLUSION

In this Japanese PSC cohort, UDCA treatment was significantly associated with improved LT-free survival.

"Salvage techniques" are the key to overcome difficult biliary cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Although the efficacy and safety of salvage techniques for biliary cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have been reported, few reports analyzed the choice of techniques and their clinical outcomes in large cohorts. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of biliary cannulation in patients with native papillae. We retrospectively identified 1021 patients who underwent initial ERCP from January 2013 to March 2020. We investigated background factors, treatment details, cannulation success rates, and adverse event rates. Then we analyzed a series of treatment processes, including salvage techniques such as double guidewire technique (DGT), needle knife pre-cutting (NKP), and transpancreatic pre-cut papillotomy (TPPP). The initial ERCP success rate using standard technique alone was 62.8%, which increased to 94.3% including salvage techniques. Salvage techniques were frequently required in patients with long oral protrusions (OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.80–3.15; p < 0.001). A total of 503 cases (49.3%) had long oral protrusions, 47.5% of which required the salvage techniques, much higher than 27.5% of not-long cases. Patients with long oral protrusions had a higher frequency of NKP. In conclusion, patients with long oral protrusions frequently required salvage techniques. Salvage techniques may help to overcome many difficult biliary cannulation cases.

Liver cirrhosis is a risk factor for poor prognosis of acute cholangitis caused by choledocholithiasis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Acute cholangitis, which is characterized by biliary infection and acute liver injury, may impact cirrhosis prognosis. However, the prognosis itself remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study compared the mortality and liver function change between patients with and without cirrhosis who underwent endoscopic treatment for acute cholangitis caused by choledocholithiasis between January 2004 and December 2019.

RESULTS

We analyzed 699 patients, 44 of whom had cirrhosis. The cirrhotic group had a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate than the noncirrhotic group (14% vs. 1%; P < 0.001). The cirrhotic group also had significantly lower total bilirubin and albumin recovery. However, all patients with cirrhosis who survived achieved total-bilirubin recovery, and 91% achieved albumin recovery within 90 days. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, the independent risk factors for total-bilirubin recovery included cirrhosis (hazard ratio, 0.37; 95%CI, 0.24‒0.58; P < 0.001) and high total-bilirubin level (0.46; 95%CI, 0.34‒0.60; P < 0.001), whereas those for albumin recovery were cirrhosis (0.51; 95%CI, 0.33‒0.79; P = 0.002), high age (0.62; 95%CI, 0.47‒0.82; P < 0.001), organ dysfunction (0.62; 95%CI, 0.39‒0.96; P = 0.03), low albumin level (0.57; 95%CI, 0.36‒0.91; P = 0.02), and high C-reactive protein level (0.73; 95%CI, 0.56‒0.95; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cirrhosis complicated with acute cholangitis had poor prognosis. Recovery of liver function after endoscopic treatment was slow; nevertheless, most patients who survived could recover within 90 days.

Correction to: Clinical guidelines for primary sclerosing cholangitis 2017

The article “Clinical guidelines for primary sclerosing cholangitis 2017”, written by Hiroyuki Isayama, Susumu Tazuma, Norihiro Kokudo, Atsushi Tanaka, Toshio Tsuyuguchi, Takahiro Nakazawa, Kenji Notohara, Suguru Mizuno.

Modified Socratic Method (planned and executed by Takada) for medical education: Grade II Acute Cholecystitis of Tokyo Guidelines 2018 as an example case

BACKGROUND

Socratic method, which is an educational method to promote critical thinking through a dialogue, has never been practiced in a large number of people at the academic societies.

METHODS

Modified Socratic method was performed for the first time as an educational seminar using an example case of moderate acute cholecystitis based on the evidence described in Tokyo Guidelines 2018. We adopted a method that Takada had been modifying for many years: the instructor first knows the degree of recognition of the audience, then the instructor gives a lecture in an easy-to-understand manner and receives questions from the audience, followed by repeated questions and answers toward a common recognition.

RESULTS

Using slides, video, and an answer pad, 281 participants including the audience, instructors and moderators came together to repeatedly ask and answer questions in the five sessions related to the case scenario. The recognition rate of the topic of Critical View of Safety increased significantly before vs after this method (53.0% vs 90.3%). The seminar had been successfully performed by receiving a lot of praise from the participants.

CONCLUSION

This educational method is considered to be adopted by many academic societies in the future as an effective educational method.

Uncovered versus covered metallic stents for the management of unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction: a randomized multicenter trial

OBJECTIVE

The treatment result of the uncovered metallic stent (uncovered MS) and covered metallic stent (covered MS) for unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction is controversial. This time, we conducted this study to compare the efficacies and complication rates of uncovered MS and covered MS in unresectable malignant distal biliary obstructions at a prospective randomized multicenter trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From April 2014 to September 2018, patients with unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the uncovered MS group and the covered MS group.

RESULTS

92 treatment results patients were discussed. 48 patients were assigned to the uncovered MS group and 44 cases were assigned to the covered MS group. Both groups showed a drainage effect. No significant difference was found in the drainage effect between the 2 groups. The number of stent occlusion was significantly greater (p = .0467) in uncovered MS (43.8%) comparing with those in covered MS (22.7%). As the cause of stent occlusion, tumor ingrowth was significantly greater (p < .001) in the uncovered MS group (35.4%) than in the covered MS group (2.3%). The median stent patency period was significantly longer (p = .0112) in the covered MS group (455 days) than that of the uncovered MS group (301 days). A significant difference in the median survival period was not found between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Covered MS showed the possibility of extending the stent patency period by suppressing tumor ingrowth more than uncovered MS does. The UMIN Clinical Trial Registry number is UMIN000015093.

Long-term effects of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation in patients with challenging bile duct calculi: A retrospective observational study

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) can be used to treat challenging common bile duct stones. No previous studies have reported intractable cases treated either by EPLBD or mechanical lithotripter use. We aimed to evaluate and compare the long-term effects of EPLBD with mechanical lithotripter use.This retrospective cohort study reviewed data from 153 patients admitted to the Eastern Chiba Medical Center from April 2014 to March 2020, presenting with common bile duct calculi that could not be removed using a basket or balloon catheter. Patients were divided into groups depending on whether the treatment was performed using a mechanical lithotripter or EPLBD. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate of common bile duct calculi, and the secondary outcome was the rate of postoperative adverse events. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the 2 groups. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.The median age of patients included in the lithotripter and EPLBD groups were 73 years and 83 years, respectively (P = .006), while the sex ratio (male:female) in the groups was 18:13 and 55:67, respectively. The EPLBD group showed a statistically larger median bile duct diameter (13 mm [range: 8-24 mm] vs 11 mm [range: 5-16 mm]; P < .001), larger maximal calculus diameter (median, 13.5 mm [range: 8-25 mm] vs 11 mm [range: 7-16 mm]; P < .001), and shorter median cumulative treatment time after reaching the duodenal papilla (35.5 minutes [range: 10-176 minutes] vs 47 minutes [range: 22-321 minutes]; P = .026) in comparison to the lithotripter group. There was no significant difference in the rate of adverse events between the EPLBD and the mechanical lithotripter groups. The recurrence rate was significantly lower (P = .014) in the EPLBD group.EPLBD increases therapeutic efficacy and reduces treatment duration for patients in whom calculus removal is difficult, without increasing the frequency of adverse events. No serious adverse events were observed. Additionally, EPLBD appears to reduce the risk of long-term recurrence. Future studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes in younger patients.

Current status of diagnosis and therapy for intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct

Bile duct epithelial tumours showing papillary neoplasm in the bile duct lumen are present in the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Clinicopathological images of these tumours are distinctive and diverse, including histological images with a low to high grade dysplasia, infiltrating and noninfiltrating characteristics, excessive mucus production, and similarity to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas. The World Health Organization Classification of Tumours of the Digestive System in 2010 named these features, intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB), as precancerous lesion of biliary carcinoma. IPNB is currently classified into type 1 that is similar to IPMN, and type 2 that is not similar to IPMN. Many of IPNB spreads superficially, and diagnosis with cholangioscopy is considered mandatory to identify accurate localization and progression. Prognosis of IPNB is said to be better than normal bile duct cancer.

Percutaneous Two-Dimensional Shear Wave Elastography for Diagnosis of Pancreatic Tumor

BACKGROUND

To investigate the efficacy of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) for the diagnosis of pancreatic mass lesions.

METHODS

This ethics committee-approved cross-sectional study included 52 patients with histologically-proven pancreatic tumors (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), 36; tumor-forming pancreatitis (TFP), 15; neuroendocrine tumor, 1) and 33 control subjects. The 2D-SWE was performed for the tumor/non-tumor tissues, and SWE-mapping patterns and propagation quality were assessed.

RESULTS

Three mapping patterns were detected based on the size and distribution of the coloring areas. Pattern A (whole coloring) was detected in all non-tumor tissues and TFP, whereas pattern C (multiple small coloring spots) was detected in PDAC only. Pattern B (partial coloring with smaller spots) was detected in other lesions. The specificity and positive predictive value of pattern A for non-PDAC and those of pattern C for PDAC were 100%. The SWE value was higher in tumor lesions than in the non-tumor tissues (38.1 vs. 9.8 kPa; p < 0.001) in patients with PDAC. The SWE value in the non-tumor lesion was higher in patients with PDAC than in control (9.8 vs. 7.5 kPa; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

2D-SWE may play a role as a novel diagnostic tool for PDAC to detect a specific mapping pattern with quantitative assessment.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of biliary tract cancers 2019: The 3rd English edition

BACKGROUND

The Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery launched the clinical practice guidelines for the management of biliary tract cancers (cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and ampullary cancer) in 2007, then published the 2nd version in 2014.

METHODS

In this 3rd version, clinical questions (CQs) were proposed on six topics. The recommendation, grade for recommendation, and statement for each CQ were discussed and finalized by an evidence-based approach. Recommendations were graded as Grade 1 (strong) or Grade 2 (weak) according to the concepts of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

The 31 CQs covered the six topics: (a) prophylactic treatment, (b) diagnosis, (c) biliary drainage, (d) surgical treatment, (e) chemotherapy, and (f) radiation therapy. In the 31 CQs, 14 recommendations were rated strong and 14 recommendations weak. The remaining three CQs had no recommendation. Each CQ includes a statement of how the recommendations were graded.

CONCLUSIONS

This latest guideline provides recommendations for important clinical aspects based on evidence. Future collaboration with the cancer registry will be key for assessing the guidelines and establishing new evidence.

Predictive model of bleeding following endoscopic sphincterotomy for the treatment of choledocholithiasis in hemodialysis patients: A retrospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although hemodialysis (HD) is a strong risk factor for postendoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) bleeding, additional risk factors in HD patients remain unclear. There is no model for predicting post-ES bleeding risk in HD patients. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective multicenter study to reveal these risk factors and develop a predictive model of post-ES bleeding in HD patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of HD patients who underwent ES at eight hospitals between January 2006 and December 2016, with post-ES bleeding as the main outcome measure. Univariate analyses were performed to extract possible risk factors for post-ES bleeding. Factors that were clinically important and statistically significant in our univariate analyses were then included in our logistic regression analysis for the development of a multivariate predictive model of post-ES bleeding. This predictive model was visualized using a predictive nomogram.

RESULTS

Post-ES bleeding occurred in 20 (16.3%) of 123 HD patients. Based on clinically important factors and the results of our univariate analyses, platelet count, prothrombin time (international normalized ratio), and HD duration were included in our predictive model of post-ES bleeding. Receiver operating characteristic analysis found that this model had an area under the curve of 0.715 (95% confidence interval, 0.609-0.822). We developed a predictive nomogram based on these results.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that post-ES bleeding is more common in HD patients than in the general population and succeeded in constructing a predictive model that can effectively identify HD patients at risk of post-ES bleeding.

Clinical practice guidelines for IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis

IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) is a distinct type of cholangitis frequently associated with autoimmune pancreatitis and currently recognized as a biliary manifestation of IgG4‐related disease. Although clinical diagnostic criteria of IgG4‐SC were established in 2012, differential diagnosis from primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma is sometimes difficult. Furthermore, no practical guidelines for IgG4‐SC are available. Because the evidence level of most articles retrieved through searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases was below C based on the systematic review evaluation system of clinical practice guidelines MINDS 2014, we developed consensus guidelines using the modified Delphi approach. Three committees (a guideline creating committee, an expert panelist committee for rating statements according to the modified Delphi method, and an evaluating committee) were organized. Eighteen clinical questions (CQs) with clinical statements were developed regarding diagnosis (14 CQs) and treatment (4 CQs). Recommendation levels for clinical statements were set using the modified Delphi approach. The guidelines explain methods for accurate diagnosis, and safe and appropriate treatment of IgG4‐SC.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis in Japanese patients

Background

In Western countries, most patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have concurrent ulcerative colitis (UC). The number of patients with UC in East Asia has increased markedly over the past two decades. However, current clinical features of PSC and of PSC associated with UC (PSC-UC) have not yet been clarified in East Asia, particularly in Japan. We aimed to reveal the clinical courses and associations with UC in Japanese patients with PSC from the mutual viewpoint of PSC and UC.

Methods

We retrospectively retrieved medical records of patients with PSC (69) and UC (1242) who were diagnosed at Chiba University Hospital between June 1991 and August 2017.

Results

In the present cohort, 37 patients had PSC-UC; the cumulative risks of PSC in patients with UC and of UC in patients with PSC were 3.0% and 53.6%, respectively. We confirmed similar distinctive results by a Japanese nationwide survey, noting that younger patients with PSC had a notably high possibility of association with UC. From the viewpoint of the UC cohort, the occurrence of right-sided disease was significantly higher in patients with PSC-UC than in those with UC (16.2% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.003). Pancolitis was more commonly observed in PSC-UC, and proctits/left-sided colitis was less commonly found in patients with UC. The number of patients with young-onset PSC-UC may be increasing similar to an increase in patients with UC in Japan.

Conclusions

In our cohort, the comorbidity rate of PSC-UC was higher than that obtained in previous reports. The incidence of PSC-UC and UC may increase in the future in East Asia, particularly in Japan.

A proposed severity classification system for hepatolithiasis based on an analysis of prognostic factors in a Japanese patient cohort

BACKGROUND

Hepatolithiasis frequently results in severe complications. We conducted a cohort study to identify prognostic factors and to establish a hepatolithiasis severity classification system.

METHODS

The study cohort comprised 396 patients who were identified through a 1998 nationwide survey and followed up for 18 years or until death. Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Median survival time of the patients was 308 (range 0-462) months. Of the 396 patients enrolled in the study, 118 (29.8%) died, most frequently from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (25 patients, 21.2%). Age of ≥ 65 years at the time of initial diagnosis [hazard ratio (HR) 3.410], jaundice for ≥ 1 week during follow-up (HR 2.442), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (HR 3.674), and liver cirrhosis (HR 5.061) were shown to be significant risk factors for death from any therapeutic course. The data led to a 3-grade disease severity classification system that incorporates intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and liver cirrhosis as major factors and age of ≥ 65 years and jaundice for ≥ 1 week during follow-up as minor factors. Survival rates differed significantly between grades.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed hepatolithiasis severity classification system can be used to assess prognosis and thereby improve patient outcomes.

Risk factors of ineffective drainage in uncovered self-expandable metal stenting for unresectable malignant hilar biliary strictures

AIM

In this study, we assessed the factors contributing to ineffective drainage in the initial transpapillary uncovered self-expandable metal stent (USEMS) placements in patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary strictures (UMHBSs) (Bismuth type II or higher).

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center study. A total of 97 patients with UMHBSs who underwent technically successful initial USEMS placements using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were classified into the effective drainage group (n = 73) or the ineffective drainage group (n = 24). We then compared group characteristics, clinical outcomes, and drained liver volumes. Drained liver volume was measured by using computed tomography volumetry. The definition of effective biliary drainage was a 50% decrease in the serum total bilirubin level or normalization of the level within 14 days of stent placement.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that ineffective drainage was associated with the pre-ERCP serum total bilirubin level (P = 0.0075), pre-ERCP serum albumin level (P = 0.042), comorbid liver cirrhosis (P = 0.010), drained liver volume (P = 0.0010), and single stenting (P = 0.022). Multivariate analysis identified comorbid liver cirrhosis (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-25.85; P = 0.022) and drained liver volume < 50% (adjusted OR, 5.50; 95% CI, 1.50-20.25; P = 0.010) as independent risk factors of ineffective drainage.

CONCLUSION

Comorbid liver cirrhosis and a drained liver volume < 50% contributed significantly to ineffective drainage in the initial transpapillary USEMS placements for UMHBSs.

Risk factors of adverse events in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for patients aged ≥85 years

AIM

Little is known about the factors that contribute to the occurrence of adverse events in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for people aged ≥85 years and safety for the super-old. Therefore, we decided to identify these factors and to examine whether ERCP is safe in the super-old.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study. A total of 137 patients aged ≥85 years who underwent therapeutic ERCP at Chiba University Hospital from January 2012 to March 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Four cases of Billroth II reconstruction and two cases of gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction were excluded, and 131cases in total were examined in the present study. A total of 10 and 121 cases with and without adverse events, respectively, were present. Using univariate analysis, factors significantly contributing to the occurrence of adverse events in therapeutic ERCP were identified as aged ≥90 years (P = 0.0096), duodenal papilla cancer (P = 0.0012), gallbladder carcinoma (P = 0.023), and biliary metal stenting (P = 0.040). In multivariate analysis, only ≥90 years-of-age was a significant factor (P = 0.049). In addition, comparison between 25 cases of the super-old and 106 cases aged 85-89 years was carried out. In the super-old group, the average value of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification and Charlson's Comorbidity Index were significantly better than those in 85-89-year-olds (P = 0.0035 and P < 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the super-old group had fewer comorbid diseases, they had significantly increased adverse events compared with patients aged 85-89 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1038-1045.

Immunohistochemical analysis of IMP3 and p53 expression in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and resected specimens of pancreatic diseases

BACKGROUND

Insulin-like growth factor II messenger ribonucleic acid-binding protein 3 (IMP3) is a valuable marker that distinguishes malignant from benign lesions and predicts prognosis.

METHODS

First, we evaluated IMP3 expression in 77 resected specimens of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Eleven PDAC patients preoperatively underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Survival analysis of IMP3 and clinicopathological factors was performed. IMP3 and p53 expression was evaluated in another 127 EUS-FNA samples of solid pancreatic masses to compare the diagnostic value of routine and immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

IMP3 expression was detected in 72.3%, 50%, 20%, and 0% of PDAC, malignant IPMN, benign IPMN, and CP, respectively. Evaluation of IMP3 expression in EUS-FNA specimens coincided with that in resected specimens in 10 of 11. IMP3 expression correlated with tumor differentiation in PDAC samples (p = .006) and with poor prognosis through univariate analysis (p = .045). Tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with poor prognosis through multivariate analysis. In EUS-FNA specimens, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of cytohistological analysis were 80.8%, 100%, and 85.0%, respectively. IMP3 and p53 expression were detected in 80.8% and 44.9% of malignant and 0% and 5% of benign lesions. Combined with IMP3 immunostaining, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of cytohistological analysis significantly increased to 87.9%, 100%, and 90.8% (p = .016), respectively. Meanwhile, p53 staining had no impact on the results.

CONCLUSIONS

IMP3 immunohistochemical staining can improve the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA for malignant pancreatic tumors.

Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society guidelines for endoscopic sphincterotomy

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) has recently compiled guidelines for endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) using evidence-based methods. Content regarding actual clinical practice, including detailed endoscopic procedures, instruments, device types and usage, has already been published by the JGES postgraduate education committee in May 2015 and, thus, in these guidelines we avoided duplicating such content as much as possible. The guidelines do not address pancreatic sphincterotomy, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD), and endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD). The guidelines for EPLBD are planned to be developed separately. The evidence level in this field is often low and, in many instances, strong recommendation has to be determined on the basis of expert consensus. At this point in time, the guidelines are divided into six items including indications, techniques, specific cases, adverse events, outcomes, and postoperative follow up.

Granular cell tumor of the pancreas diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration

A 68-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for the treatment of bile duct stone, pancreatic tumor, and pancreatic cysts. First, bile duct stone was removed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. By abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography, a 12-mm diameter tumor was found in the pancreatic body. The tumor was isodense compared with the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma in the non-contrast phase and poorly enhanced in the arterial phase; it exhibited gradual enhancement from the portal vein phase to the late phase. Numerous pancreatic cysts were also observed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. By magnetic resonance imaging, the tumor was hypointense in T1-weighted images, isointense in T2-weighted images, and hyperintense in diffusion-weighted images. By magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, the main pancreatic duct was not dilated, and pancreatic cysts communicated with the main pancreatic duct. The pancreatic cysts were diagnosed as branch-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. Histopathologic assessment of the specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration revealed the tumor as benign pancreatic granular cell tumor. The patient was followed up without surgical resection. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography at 6 months after admission, the tumor did not show any changes in diameter or characteristics.

Safety and efficacy of metallic stent for unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction in elderly patients

AIM

To study the safety of insertion of metallic stents in elderly patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction.

METHODS

Of 272 patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction, 184 patients under the age of 80 were classified into Group A, and 88 subjects aged 80 years or more were classified into Group B. The safety of metallic stent insertion, metal stent patency period, and the obstruction rate were examined in each group.

RESULTS

In Group B, patients had a significantly worse performance status, high blood pressure, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia; besides the rate of patients orally administered antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants tended to be higher (P < 0.05). Metallic stents were successfully inserted in all patients. The median patency period was 265.000 ± 26.779 (1-965) d; 252.000 ± 35.998 (1-618) d in Group A and 269.000 ± 47.885 (1-965) d in Group B, with no significant difference between the two groups. Metallic stent obstruction occurred in 82 of the 272 (30.15%) patients; in 53/184 (28.80%) patients in Group A and in 29/88 (32.95%) of those in Group B, showing no significant difference between the two groups. Procedural accidents due to metal stent insertion occurred in 24/272 (8.8%) patients; in 17/184 (9.2%) of patients in Group A and in 7/88 (8.0%) of those in Group B, with no significant difference between the two groups, either.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that metallic stents can be safely inserted to treat unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction even in elderly patients aged 80 years or more.

Transpancreatic precut papillotomy versus double-guidewire technique in difficult biliary cannulation: prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Difficult biliary cannulation and unintentional pancreatic duct cannulation are thought to be important contributors to pancreatitis occurring after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Our aim was to compare and evaluate the rates of success and complications of transpancreatic precut papillotomy (TPPP) and the double-guidewire technique (DGT), both with prophylactic pancreatic stenting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From April 2011 to March 2014, patients with difficult biliary cannulation, in whom we planned to first position a guidewire in the pancreatic duct, were enrolled, and 68 patients were prospectively randomly allocated to two groups (TPPP 34, DGT 34). We evaluated the rates of success and complications for each group.

RESULTS

TPPP had a significantly higher success rate (94.1 %) than DGT (58.8 %). The rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis was 2.9 % in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the overall rate of complications related to cannulation. CONCLUSION : If biliary cannulation cannot be achieved, TPPP should be selected first after unintentional pancreatic duct cannulation.

Clinical guidelines for primary sclerosing cholangitis 2017

BACKGROUND

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is relatively rare disease and pathogenesis and methods of treatments were still not established. Then, we had conducted the making clinical guidelines to manage patients with PSC based on the literature review and expert opinions. These clinical guidelines were made for the medical doctors on the management of PSC, except child case of PSC.

METHODS

We had employed modified Delphi method. The production committee decided guidelines, strength of recommendations and evidence level after reviewed literatures systematically, and The Expert panel evaluated those. The Scientific Committee of the Japan Biliary Association (JBA) evaluated revised guidelines, and the Public comments were collected on web site of JBA.

RESULTS

We had made 16 guidelines about epidemiology/pathophysiology, diagnostics, therapy and prognosis. Also, we had made both diagnostic and therapeutic flow chart.

CONCLUSIONS

We hope that these guidelines will contribute to the improvement and development of the medical care of PSC.

Short- and long-term results of endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage for pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis

AIM

To evaluate the short- and long-term results of endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage (EUS-GTD) for pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) and identify the predictive factors of treatment outcome for walled-off necrosis (WON) managed by EUS-GTD alone.

METHODS

We investigated 103 consecutive patients with PFC who underwent EUS-GTD between September 1999 and August 2015. Patients were divided into four groups as follows: WON (n = 40), pancreatic pseudocyst (PPC; n = 11), chronic pseudocyst (n = 33), and others (n = 19). We evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of the treatment. In cases of WON, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictor variables associated with the treatment success. In addition, PFC recurrence was examined in patients followed up for more than 6 mo and internal stent removal after successful EUS-GTD was confirmed.

RESULTS

In this study, the total technical success rate was 96.1%. The treatment success rate of WON, PPC, chronic pseudocyst, and others was 57.5%, 90.9%, 91.0%, and 89.5%, respectively. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography using the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the treatment success rate of WON was significantly lower in patients with more than 50% pancreatic parenchymal necrosis (OR = 17.0; 95%CI: 1.9-150.7; P = 0.011) and in patients with more than 150 mm of PFC (OR = 27.9; 95%CI: 3.4-227.7; P = 0.002).The recurrence of PFC in the long term was 13.3% (median observation time, 38.8 mo). Mean amylase level in the cavity was significantly higher in the recurrence group than in the no recurrence group (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The reduction of WON by EUS-GTD alone was associated with the proportion of necrotic tissue and extent of the cavity. The amylase level in the cavity may be a predictive factor for recurrence of PFC.

A pilot study on cisplatin-based transarterial chemoembolization combined with systemic cisplatin plus gemcitabine for advanced or metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma

e15629

Background: Systemic cisplatin plus gemcitabine (CisGem) is the standard treatment for patients with advanced or metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (ICC). Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a treatment procedure for patients with liver cancer. This prospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cisplatin-based TACE combined with systemic CisGem in patients with ICC. Methods: Eligibility criteria were histologically or cytologically confirmed, unresectable, recurrent or metastatic mass-forming type ICC; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–2; and an adequate major organ function. Patients may have had prior treatment, including surgery, but no prior CisGem therapy. Cisplatin (25 mg/m2) plus gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) were intravenously administered on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle for 12 cycles. Three sessions of TACE were scheduled—before first, fifth, and ninth cycle of CisGem. A suspension of CDDP-powder 35 mg/m2 and lipiodol was injected through tumor-feeding branch of intrahepatic lesions, and embolization of the feeding arteries was performed using gelatin sponge (UMIN000004776). Results: Of 14 patients enrolled between December 2010 and December 2013, 7 (50%) completed treatment schedule, whereas 4 (29%) and 3 (21%) discontinued due to disease progression and adverse events (one patients each due to allergic reaction, platelet count reduction, and hepatic infection), respectively. The most common severe adverse events were elevated aspartate aminotransferase (86%) and alanine aminotransferase (71%) levels; reduced neutrophil (36%), platelet (36%), and white blood cell (28%) counts; and hepatic infection (21%). Eleven patients (79%) were evaluated for objective response (RECIST version 1.1): 9 were observed to have a partial response and 2 had a stable disease. The 6-month progression-free survival rate was 64%, and median overall survival was 25.8 months. Conclusions: Cisplatin-based TACE combined with CisGem is a feasible treatment option; however, a randomized clinical trial for comparison with CisGem is required in future. Clinical trial information: UMIN000004776.

Utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography on biliopancreatic diseases in patients with Billroth II-reconstructed stomach

AIM

To examine the utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on biliopancreatic diseases in the patients with Billroth II-reconstructed stomach.

METHODS

For 26 cases of biliopancreatic diseases in patients with Billroth II-reconstructed stomach, ERCP was conducted using a straight-view scope or a retrograde oblique-viewing endoscope. All the cases were patients aiming at selective insertion into the bile duct. One patient aimed at diagnosis, and 25 patients aimed at treatment. The cases in which the endoscope reached the duodenal papilla and anastomosis, and insertion into the bile duct became possible, were considered successful.

RESULTS

The rate of reaching the duodenal papilla and anastomosis was 84.7% (22/26 patients). Among the cases without reaching the duodenal papilla and anastomosis, there were 2 in which the endoscope did not pass due to tumor-induced duodenal infiltration. In 1 case, the fiber did not reach the duodenal papilla due to long afferent loop. The success rate of insertion into the bile duct in patients in which the endoscope reached the duodenal papilla and anastomosis was 90.9% (20/22 patients), and the success rate of procedures including treatment was 86.3% (19/22 patients). After treatment, mild cholangitis was observed in 1 patient (4.5%, 1/22 patients) but relieved conservatively. No other accidental symptom was observed.

CONCLUSION

It was considered that the ERCP for biliopancreatic diseases in patients with Billroth II-reconstructed stomach will become a less invasive, safe and useful examination and treatment approach.

No negative impact of serum IgG4 levels on clinical outcome in 435 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis from Japan

BACKGROUND

Several studies have demonstrated that elevated serum IgG4 levels are associated with poor outcomes of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), but the impact of serum IgG4 levels on PSC remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to determine prognostic factors of patients with PSC and to investigate the association between serum IgG4 levels and the clinical features and prognosis of PSC in a Japanese cohort.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed follow-up data for 435 patients with PSC (UMIN000018438). Patients with distinct etiologies of sclerosing cholangitis including IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) were excluded from this study.

RESULTS

Serum IgG4 levels were tested at the time of diagnosis in 216 of 435 patients with PSC, and were elevated in 27 patients (>134 mg/dl, 12.5%). Clinical features at diagnosis were comparable between patients with normal and elevated serum IgG4 levels, with the exception of serum albumin. The overall and liver-transplantation free survival rate was comparable between the groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that age, albumin, and bilirubin, but not IgG4, at the time of diagnosis affected PSC prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study showed that serum IgG4 levels at diagnosis do not affect PSC prognosis in a Japanese cohort that excluded patients with IgG4-SC.

Clinical utility of 0.025-inch guidewire VisiGlide2TM in the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related procedures

AIM

To examine the result of the use of 0.025-inch guidewire (GW) VisiGlide2^TM as the first choice in the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related procedures without selecting the patient in a multicenter prospective study.

METHODS

ERCP using 0.025-inch GW VisiGlide2^TM as the first choice was conducted in patients who have needed ERCP, and its accomplishment rate of procedure, procedural time, incidence of accidental symptoms were compared with those of ERCP using 0.025-inch GW VisiGlide^TM.

RESULTS

The accomplishment rate of procedure was 97.5% (197/202), and procedural time was 23.930 ± 16.207 min. The accomplishment rate of procedure using 0.025-inch GW VisiGlide^TM was 92.3% (183/195), and procedural time was 31.285 ± 19.122 min, thus the accomplishment rate of procedure was significantly improved and procedural time was significantly shortened (P < 0.05). Accidental symptoms by ERCP-related procedures were observed in 3.0% (6/202), and all were conservatively alleviated.

CONCLUSION

When 0.025-inch GW VisiGlide2^TM was used for ERCP-related procedure as the first choice, it showed high accomplishment rate of procedure and low incidence of accidental symptoms, suggesting it can be used as the universal GW. Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN0000016042).

Efficacy of multiple biliary stenting for refractory benign biliary strictures due to chronic calcifying pancreatitis

AIM

To investigate endoscopic therapy efficacy for refractory benign biliary strictures (BBS) with multiple biliary stenting and clarify predictors.

METHODS

Ten consecutive patients with stones in the pancreatic head and BBS due to chronic pancreatitis who underwent endoscopic therapy were evaluated. Endoscopic insertion of a single stent failed in all patients. We used plastic stents (7F, 8.5F, and 10F) and increased stents at intervals of 2 or 3 mo. Stents were removed approximately 1 year after initial stenting. BBS and common bile duct (CBD) diameter were evaluated using cholangiography. Patients were followed for ≥ 6 mo after therapy, interviewed for cholestasis symptoms, and underwent liver function testing every visit. Patients with complete and incomplete stricture dilations were compared.

RESULTS

Endoscopic therapy was completed in 8 (80%) patients, whereas 2 (20%) patients could not continue therapy because of severe acute cholangitis and abdominal abscess, respectively. The mean number of stents was 4.1 ± 1.2. In two (20%) patients, BBS did not improve; thus, a biliary stent was inserted. BBS improved in six (60%) patients. CBD diameter improved more significantly in the complete group than in the incomplete group (6.1 ± 1.8 mm vs 13.7 ± 2.2 mm, respectively, P = 0.010). Stricture length was significantly associated with complete stricture dilation (complete group; 20.5 ± 3.0 mm, incomplete group; 29.0 ± 5.1 mm, P = 0.011). Acute cholangitis did not recur during the mean follow-up period of 20.6 ± 7.3 mo.

CONCLUSION

Sequential endoscopic insertion of multiple stents is effective for refractory BBS caused by chronic calcifying pancreatitis. BBS length calculation can improve patient selection procedure for therapy.

Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-sialylated mucin core polypeptide 1 is a sensitive biomarker for biliary tract carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA)-sialylated mucin core polypeptide 1 (MUC1) was investigated as a new glycoprotein marker for cholangiocarcinoma (CC) using glycoproteomics technologies. In this multicenter study, WFA-sialylated MUC1 levels in serum and bile samples were measured to determine their diagnostic capability in biliary tract carcinoma (BTC) and intrahepatic (Ih) CC.

METHODS

The study included 244 patients with BTC, 59 patients with IhCC, 287 patients with benign biliary tract diseases, and 44 control subjects.

RESULTS

Serum WFA-sialylated MUC1 levels were significantly higher in patients with either BTC or IhCC than in control subjects and those with benign biliary tract diseases. Patients with IhCC showed higher WFA-sialylated MUC1 levels than patients with tumors at other sites. No significant differences in WFA-sialylated MUC1 levels were found with regard to cancer stage or tissue type. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that WFA-sialylated MUC1 was superior to carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for the diagnosis of benign biliary tract diseases, BTC, and IhCC, as well as for stage I and II carcinomas. Significantly higher levels of biliary WFA-sialylated MUC1 were observed in BTC/IhCC than in benign biliary tract diseases. The diagnostic capability of biliary WFA-sialylated MUC1 was also superior to that of CA19-9, and diagnostic sensitivity was higher than that of biliary cytology for BTC/IhCC.

CONCLUSIONS

WFA-sialylated MUC1 is a useful novel biomarker for BTC/IhCC. In the future, this measurement should be applied in the clinical setting.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided ethanol injection for hepatocellular carcinoma in the caudate lobe

Background and study aims: Accurately puncturing hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) that arise from the caudate lobe is generally considered to be technically difficult. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the feasibility and safety (the therapeutic outcomes and adverse events) of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ethanol injection as a novel treatment for HCC in the caudate lobe. Patients and methods: Twelve patients with early-stage HCC of the caudate lobe that were treated with EUS-guided ethanol injection at two tertiary referral centers were reviewed retrospectively. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of the treatment, a local control curve and an overall survival curve were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 31.0 months. The 1-year local control rate was 80.2 %, and recurrent lesions developed in 2 cases (after 3 and 9 months, respectively). The overall survival rate was 91.7 %, 75.0 %, and 53.3 % at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Concerning procedure-related adverse events (AEs), 2 patients suffered episodes of fever lasting a few days; however, no serious AEs occurred. Conclusions: EUS-guided ethanol injection could be a useful treatment for early-stage HCC in the caudate lobe because of its simplicity and reduced invasiveness.

Prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis by pancreatic duct stenting using a loop-tipped guidewire

AIM: To examine whether it is possible to prevent the occurrence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis in patients experiencing difficulties with selective biliary duct cannulation by pancreatic duct stenting using a loop-tipped guidewire.

METHODS: Procedure success rate, frequency of unintended insertion of the guidewire into side branches of the pancreatic duct, and incidence of procedural accidents were examined using a loop-tipped guidewire (Group A, 20 patients), and a conventional straight-type guidewire (Group B, 20 patients).

RESULTS: The success rate of the procedure was 100% in both groups. Unintended insertion of the guidewire into a side branch of the pancreatic duct occurred 0.056 ± 0.23 (0-1) times in Group A and 2.3 ± 1.84 (0-5) times in Group B; thus, unintended insertion of the guidewire into a side branch of the pancreatic duct was seen significantly less frequently in Group A. There were no procedural accidents in Group A, whereas pancreatitis occurred in one Group B patient; however, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. The serum amylase level after ERCP was 257.15 ± 136.4 (88-628) IU/L in Group A, and 552.05 ± 534.57 (101-2389) IU/L in Group B, showing a significantly lower value in Group A. Hyperamylasemia was found in two patients (10%) in Group A, and nine (45%) in Group B, showing a significantly lower value in Group A.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that in patients who experience difficulties with biliary cannulation, the use of a loop-tipped guidewire for pancreatic duct stenting may assist with the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis, and thereby to a reduction of the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis or hyperamylasemia.

Comparison of endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation and endoscopic sphincterotomy for bile duct stones

Endoscopic treatment for bile duct stones is low-invasive and currently considered as the first choice of the treatment. For the treatment of bile duct stones, papillary treatment is necessary, and the treatments used at the time are broadly classified into two types; endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation where bile duct closing part is dilated with a balloon and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) where bile duct closing part is incised. Both procedures have advantages and disadvantages. Golden standard is EST, however, there are patients with difficulty for EST, thus we must select the procedure based on understanding of the characteristics of the procedure, and patient backgrounds.

Endoscopic management of unresectable malignant gastroduodenal obstruction with a nitinol uncovered metal stent: A prospective Japanese multicenter study

AIM: To determine the safety and efficacy of endoscopic duodenal stent placement in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

METHODS: This prospective, observational, multicenter study included 39 consecutive patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction. All patients underwent endoscopic placement of a nitinol, uncovered, self-expandable metal stent. The primary outcome was clinical success at 2 wk after stent placement that was defined as improvement in the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System score relative to the baseline.

RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all duodenal stent procedures. Procedure-related complications occurred in 4 patients (10.3%) in the form of mild pneumonitis. No other morbidities or mortalities were observed. The clinical success rate was 92.3%. The mean survival period after stent placement was 103 d. The mean period of stent patency was 149 d and the patency remained acceptable for the survival period. Stent dysfunction occurred in 3 patients (7.7%) on account of tumor growth.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic management using duodenal stents for patients with incurable malignant gastric outlet obstruction is safe and improved patients’ quality of life.

Diagnostic and therapeutic single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy in biliopancreatic diseases: Prospective multicenter study in Japan

AIM: To assess the utility and safety of single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy (SOCPS) using the SpyGlass system in widespread clinical application for biliary and pancreatic diseases.

METHODS: This study was a prospective case series conducted in 20 referral centers in Japan. There were 148 patients who underwent SOCPS; 124 for biliary diseases and 24 for pancreatic diseases. The attempted interventions were SOCPS examination, SOCPS-directed tissue sampling, and therapy for stone removal, among others. The main outcomes were related to the procedure success rate in terms of visualizing the target lesions, SOCPS-directed adequate tissue sampling, and complete stone removal.

RESULTS: A total of 148 patients were enrolled for the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary and pancreatic lesions or treatment of biliary and pancreatic disease. The overall procedure success rate of visualizing the target lesions was 91.2% (135/148). The overall procedural success rates of visualizing the target lesions of diagnostic SOCPS in the bile duct and pancreatic duct were 95.5% (84/89) and 88.2% (15/17), respectively. Diagnosis: the overall adequate tissue for histologic examination was secured in 81.4% of the 86 patients who underwent biopsy under SOCPS (bile duct, 60/75, 80.0%; pancreatic duct, 10/11, 90.9%). The accuracy of histologic diagnosis using SOCPS-directed biopsies in indeterminate bile duct lesions was 70.7% (53/75). In the pancreatic duct, the accuracy of SOCPS visual impression of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm was 87.5% (14/16). Stone therapy: complete biliary and pancreatic stone clearance combined with SOCPS-directed stone therapy using electrohydraulic lithotripsy or laser lithotripsy was achieved in 74.2% (23/31) and 42.9% (3/7) of the patients, respectively. Others: SOCPS using the SpyGlass system was used in cannulation of the cystic duct in two patients and for passing across the obstructed self-expandable metallic stent for a malignant biliary stricture in two patients. All procedures were successful in both SOCPS-guided therapies. The incidence of procedure-related adverse events was 5.4% (8/148).

CONCLUSION: SOCPS with direct visualization and biopsy for diagnosis and SOCPS-directed therapy for biliary and pancreatic diseases can be safely performed with a high success rate.

Ursodeoxycholic acid after bile duct stone removal and risk factors for recurrence: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Currently, no established pharmacologic treatment exists for the prevention of recurrent common bile duct (CBD) stones.

METHODS

Here, we present a multi-center randomized trial that compared the CBD recurrence rate after bile duct stone removal between patients given ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and the untreated group. A total of 36 patients were randomly assigned to either the UDCA (n = 15) or the untreated group (n = 21). The primary end-point was the recurrence rate of CBD stones.

RESULTS

The recurrence rate of CBD stones was 6.6% in the UDCA group and 18.6% in the untreated group (P = 0.171). A multivariate analysis found that not receiving UDCA was an independent risk factor for stone recurrence. The recurrence rates of CBD stones did not differ by sex, past history of cholecystectomy, or the presence of gallstones.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that UDCA may be a novel treatment strategy to prevent the recurrence of CBD stones. However, further evaluation of UDCA in a larger number of subjects will be required to confirm the applicability of these results.

New tapered metallic stent for unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction

AIM: To examine the usefulness of a new tapered metallic stent (MS) in patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction.

METHODS: This new tapered MS was placed in 11 patients with Bismuth II or severer unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction, as a prospective study. The subjects were six patients with bile duct carcinoma, three with gallbladder cancer, and two with metastatic bile duct obstruction. Stenosis morphology was Bismuth II: 7, IIIa: 3, and IV: 1. UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000004758).

RESULTS: MS placement was 100% (11/11) successful. There were no procedural accidents. The mean patency period was 208.401 d, the median survival period was 142.000 d, and the mean survival period was 193.273 d. Occlusion rate was 36.4% (4/11); the causes of occlusion were ingrowth and overgrowth in 2 patients each, 18.2%, respectively. Patients with occlusion underwent endoscopic treatment one more time and all were treatable.

CONCLUSION: The tapered MS proved useful in patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction because it provided a long patency period, enabled re-treatment by re-intervention, and no procedural accidents occurred.

Current status of preoperative drainage for distal biliary obstruction

Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) was developed to improve obstructive jaundice, which affects a number of organs and physiological mechanisms in patients waiting for surgery. However, its role in patients who will undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy for biliary obstruction remains controversial. This article aims to review the current status of the use of preoperative drainage for distal biliary obstruction. Relevant articles published from 1980 to 2015 were identified by searching MEDLINE and PubMed using the keywords “PBD”, “pancreaticoduodenectomy”, and “obstructive jaundice”. Additional papers were identified by a manual search of the references from key articles. Current studies have demonstrated that PBD should not be routinely performed because of the postoperative complications. PBD should only be considered in carefully selected patients, particularly in cases where surgery had to be delayed. PBD may be needed in patients with severe jaundice, concomitant cholangitis, or severe malnutrition. The optimal method of biliary drainage has yet to be confirmed. PBD should be performed by endoscopic routes rather than by percutaneous routes to avoid metastatic tumor seeding. Endoscopic stenting or nasobiliary drainage can be selected. Although more expensive, the use of metallic stents remains a viable option to achieve effective drainage without cholangitis and reintervention.

Cholangiocarcinoma Derived from Remnant Intrapancreatic Bile Duct Arising 32 Years after Congenital Choledochal Cyst Excision: A Case Report

We report a rare case of a 46-year-old woman with cholangiocarcinoma derived from remnant intrapancreatic bile duct arising 32 years after the excision of a congenital choledochal cyst. She had undergone anastomosis of the choledochal cyst and duodenum at birth, excision of the choledochal cyst and hepaticoduodenostomy with jejunal interposition at 14 years of age as well as the excision of an infectious cyst around the anastomosis site at 21 years of age. At 29 years of age, she was diagnosed with a chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and was referred to our hospital for treatment. She did not consent to interferon-based therapy against the HCV infection. At 46 years of age, she experienced epigastric discomfort. A dynamic CT revealed multiple tumors in the liver, a tumor in the head of the pancreas as well as lymph node metastases in the mediastinum and abdominal cavity. A liver tumor biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma, and she was clinically diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma derived from remnant intrapancreatic bile duct with multiple metastasis in the liver and lymph node metastasis. She requested palliative therapy and eventually died during the treatment course. The autopsy specimen revealed a tumor in the head of the pancreas, and on the basis of local existence and the pattern of metastasis, it was confirmed as cholangiocarcinoma derived from remnant intrapancreatic bile duct. A microscopic examination revealed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. This report provides information on a case of cholangiocarcinoma derived from remnant intrapancreatic bile duct arising after the excision of congenital choledochal cyst that was assessed pathologically.