ERCP for common bile duct stones in the elderly: refining the procedure to improve outcomes.

Removal of common bile duct stones in patients with a previous cholecystectomy was one of the first indications for ERCP with biliary sphincterotomy. Thanks to a minimally invasive procedure, patients were prevented from having a new operation. Subsequently, as the technique proved to be successful, ERCP was extended to all patients with choledocholithiasis, regardless of whether or not they had gallbladder. Also contributing was the fact that, at least in the beginnings, surgical interventions on the bile duct with laparoscopic cholecystectomy were more difficult. Nowadays, many surgeons prefer to perform cholecystectomy with a bile duct clean of stones. In this issue of the Spanish Journal of Gastroenterology, Gardenyes et al. present a study on ERCP for common bile duct stones in elderly patients. The novelty of this study is not only to analyze the ERCP procedure, which we already knew has similar success and complication rates to younger patients, but also to focus on the long-term outcome, considering the frailty that frequently accompanies aging. The study concludes that older patients may benefit from enhanced care protocols to reduce medical adverse events and improve outcomes. For us gastroenterologists and endoscopists, another conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that we should not be satisfied that ERCP in older patients has the same success and complication rates as in younger patients, but rather we should strive to ensure that the results are even better.

[Is there an alternative to Getz procedure for common bile duct disruption?] / Sushchestvuet li al'ternativa operatsii Gettsa pri narushenii tselostnosti kholedokha?

The authors present common bile duct reconstruction using the Kehr drainage.

[Modern endoscopic technologies for chronic calcifying pancreatitis]. / Sovremennye endoskopicheskie tekhnologii pri khronicheskom kal'tsinoznom pankreatite.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electrohydraulic lithotripsy of calculi of the main pancreatic duct using ultrathin SpyGlass DS endoscope. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 29 patients with chronic calcifying pancreatitis and obstructive calculi of the main pancreatic duct. All surgeries were carried out between 2018 and 2023. RESULTS: Complete removal of calculi (≥5 mm) within one procedure was achieved in 25 (86%) patients. CONCLUSION: Pancreatoscopy with electrohydraulic lithotripsy using the digital SpyGlass DS system (BostonScientificCorp, Marlborough, MA) is the most effective method for calculi of the main pancreatic duct.

Fully Covered Self-expanding Stents are Cost-effective at Remediating Biliary Strictures in Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis.

Benign biliary strictures (BBS) develop in up to 10% to 30% of patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP).1 Endoscopic endoprosthetics via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become the standard of care for remediating these strictures. Seventy percent to eighty percent of these strictures resolve with sequential or concurrent placement of multiple plastic stents (MPS).1,2 More recently, placement of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS) have been shown to have similar outcomes as MPS.3-6 FCSEMS provide a larger radial diameter and require fewer procedures, but may have drawbacks, including a higher risk of migration, cholecystitis, delamination, and tissue ingrowth. A recent study demonstrated that FCSEMS with a 12-month indwell had similar outcomes to MPS with fewer ERCP needed.7 However, the cost-effectiveness of either strategy for managing BBS has not been assessed previously nor has the impact of additional reimbursement to cover the cost of FCSEMS on the cost-effectiveness of FCSEMS utilization.

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.

An artificial intelligence difficulty scoring system for stone removal during ERCP: a prospective validation.

BACKGROUND: A computer-assisted (CAD) system was developed to assess, score, and classify the technical difficulty of common bile duct (CBD) stone removal during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The efficacy of the CAD system was subsequently assessed through a multicenter, prospective, observational study. METHOD: All patients who met the inclusion criteria were included. Based on cholangiogram images, the CAD system analyzed the level of difficulty of stone removal and classified it into "difficult" and "easy" groups. Subsequently, differences in clinical endpoints, including attempts at stone extraction, stone extraction time, total operation time, and stone clearance rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: 173 patients with CBD stones from three hospitals were included in the study. The group classified as difficult by CAD had more extraction attempts (7.20 vs. 4.20, P < 0.001), more frequent machine lithotripsy (30.4 % vs. 7.1 %, P < 0.001), longer stone extraction time (16.59 vs. 7.69 minutes, P < 0.001), lower single-session stone clearance rate (73.9 % vs. 94.5 %, P < 0.001), and lower total stone clearance rate (89.1 % vs. 97.6 %, P = 0.019) compared with the group classified as easy by CAD. CONCLUSION: The CAD system effectively assessed and classified the degree of technical difficulty in endoscopic stone extraction during ERCP. In addition, it automatically provided a quantitative evaluation of CBD and stones, which in turn could help endoscopists to apply suitable procedures and interventional methods to minimize the possible risks associated with endoscopic stone removal.

Effectiveness and complication rates of percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided management of common bile duct stones: a single-arm meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the success and complication rate of percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided management (PTFM) for the removal of common bile duct stones (CBDS). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of multiple databases was conducted to identify original articles published between January 2010 and June 2022, reporting the success rate of PTFM for the removal of CBDS. A random-effect model was used to summarize the pooled rates of success and complications with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Eighteen studies involving 2554 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Failed or infeasible endoscopic management was the most common indication of PTFM. The meta-analytic summary estimates of PTFM for the removal of CBDS were as follows: rate of overall stone clearance 97.1% (95% CI, 95.7-98.5%); stone clearance at first attempt 80.5% (95% CI, 72.3-88.6%); overall complications 13.8% (95% CI, 9.7-18.0%); major complications 2.8% (95% CI, 1.4-4.2%); and minor complications 9.3% (95% CI, 5.7-12.8%). Egger's tests showed the presence of publication bias with respect to the overall complications (p = 0.049). Transcholecystic management of CBDS had an 88.5% pooled rate for overall stone clearance (95% CI, 81.2-95.7%), with a 23.0% rate for complications (95% CI, 5.7-40.4%). CONCLUSION: The systematic review and meta-analysis answer the questions of the overall stone clearance, clearance at first attempt, and complication rate of PTFM by summarizing the available literature. Percutaneous management could be considered in cases with failed or infeasible endoscopic management of CBDS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This meta-analysis highlights the excellent stone clearance rate achieved through percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided removal of common bile duct stones, potentially influencing clinical decision-making when endoscopic treatment is not feasible. KEY POINTS: • Percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided management of common bile duct stones had a pooled rate of 97.1% for overall stone clearance and 80.5% for clearance at the first attempt. • Percutaneous transhepatic management of common bile duct stones had an overall complication rate of 13.8%, including a major complication rate of 2.8%. • Percutaneous transcholecystic management of common bile duct stones had an overall stone clearance rate of 88.5% and a complication rate of 23.0%.

Endoscopic-Directed Trans-Gastric Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Patients With Roux-en-Y gastric Bypasses: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic ultrasound-directed trans-gastric retrograde cholangiopancreatography (EDGE) is a new procedure for treating pancreaticobiliary diseases in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The aim of this meta­analysis was to determine the overall outcomes and safety of EDGE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a computerized search of the main databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Science Citation Index, through October 2022. The main outcome measures examined in the meta-analysis were technical and clinical success rates and overall adverse event (AE) rate, especially the lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) dislodgement rate. AE rates were assessed according to LAMS size (15 vs. 20 mm), number of stages (single vs. two) and access route (gastrogastric vs. jejuno-gastric). RESULTS: Fourteen trials with a total of 574 patients who had undergone 585 EDGE procedures were included in this study. The cumulative technical and clinical success and AE rates were 98%, 94%, and 14%, respectively. The commonest AE was LAMS dislodgement (rate 4%). The overall AE rate was lower in the 20-mm LAMS than in the 15-mm LAMS group (odds ratio [OR]=5.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.35 to 14.29). There were no significant differences in AE rate between number of stages (OR=1.36; 95% CI: 0.51 to 3.64) or differing access routes (OR=1.03; 95% CI 0.48 to 2.22). CONCLUSION: We here provide evidence that EDGE for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography yields good treatment outcomes in patients with RYGBs. The AE rate is significantly lower with 20-mm versus 15-mm LAMS; thus, the former is likely preferable.

EUS-guided biliary drainage in patients with moderate-severe cholangitis is safe and effective: a multi-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Patients with moderate-severe cholangitis require urgent/early biliary drainage and failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) warrants use of percutaneous drainage. While endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has evolved as an effective salvage modality but its safety and efficacy data in moderate-severe cholangitis are limited. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive moderate-severe cholangitis patients, with failed/technically non-feasible ERCP requiring EUS-BD in two tertiary care centers were included. Baseline laboratory and demographic parameters were documented. Technical and clinical success were primary outcome measures. Additionally, effective biliary drainage, adverse events due to procedure, hospital stay, ICU stay, and mortality were noted. RESULTS: Of the 49 patients (23 male; 46.9%) presenting with moderate/severe cholangitis, 23 (46.9%) had severe cholangitis. The median Charleston comorbidity index was 7.0 (IQR 2.0). Majority had malignant disease (87.8%) and 25 (51.0%) had inaccessible papilla. Technical success was achieved in 48 cases (98.0%), while clinical success with improvement of cholangitis was noted in 44 of 48 cases (91.7%). Effective biliary drainage was noted in 85.4% (41/48) cases. Adverse events in the form of mostly bleeding and bile leak were noted in 5 cases (10.2%) but managed conservatively. Distal obstruction exhibited significantly better clinical success (100% vs. 78.9%; p = 0.02) than hilar obstruction. Severe cholangitis had significantly lower clinical success (81.8% vs. 100%; p = 0.04) than moderate cholangitis. CONCLUSION: EUS-BD can be a safe and effective alternative option for patients with moderate to severe cholangitis, even with significant pre-morbid conditions, with acceptable adverse events rate.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Antegrade Stent Placement in Patients with Failed ERCP as a Modality of Preoperative and Palliative Biliary Drainage.

BACKGROUND: No large studies have addressed the role of endoscopic-ultrasound biliary drainage (EUS-BD) as preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) for malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction (MEBO). We aimed to discuss the outcomes of EUS antegrade stent placement (EUS-AG) in the preoperative and palliative setting. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent EUS-AG for MEBO between December 2019 and December 2021 was done. Primary outcome measures were technical success and clinical success. Secondary outcome measures were number of days of hospitalization postprocedure, adverse events related to EUS-AG procedure, morbidity related to surgery, and 3-month mortality after surgery. RESULTS: 54 patients underwent attempt for EUS-AG (mean age 54.8 ± 12.1 years; female 44.4%). Most common primary cancer was pancreatic cancer in 42.1% (23/54) patients. Indication was palliative in 34 (62.9%) patients and PBD in 20 (37%) patients. Level of block was distal in 35 (64.8%) and proximal in 19 (35.1%) patients. Technical success of EUS-AG was 88.7% (47/53). Clinical success was seen in 95.7% (45/47) patients. Median number of days of hospitalization postprocedure was 1 day. No procedure-related severe adverse events were seen. Of 20 patients who underwent EUS-AG as PBD, 19 had technical success (95%) with clinical success in 94.5% (18/19). Surgery was performed in 11 patients, of whom 10 patients underwent successful PPPD (one intraoperative liver metastasis). Two patients had Clavein-Dindo III/IV complication post-PPPD, with one mortality within 30 days of surgery. CONCLUSION: EUS-AG is safe and effective after failed ERCP in both preoperative and palliative setting.

Nasobiliary guided laparoscopic cholecystectomy following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the most common management of gallstones combined with common bile duct (CBD) stones. This study aims to evaluate the impact of routine insertion of nasobiliary catheter during ERCP in cases of difficult LC. PATIENTS & METHODS: From total 110 patients who underwent ERCP followed by LC in the period from April 2019 to April 2020, nasobiliary (NB) catheter was inserted during ERCP in 55 patients after CBD clearance (NB group). In the other 55 patients, only CBD clearance was done (Control group). In the NB group, dynamic trans-nasobiliary intraoperative cholangiography (TN-IOC) was done during dissection of Calot's triangle. At the end of the procedure, trans-nasobiliay methylene blue (MB) test was done to detect any missed biliary injury. The primary outcome to be analyzed was the incidence and severity of bile duct injury (BDI), secondary outcomes were the operative time, conversion to open surgery, and hospital stay. RESULTS: Of the 110 patients, 57 patients (51.8%) were males and 53 (48.2%) were females. Median age was 55 years. One case of biliary leak was reported in the NB group (1.8%), while 2 cases (3.6%) were reported in the Control group. The average operative time in the NB group was 115 min versus 128 min in the Control group (P value < 0.001). No cases were converted to open cholecystectomy in the NB group (0%) with 5 cases (9.1%) converted to open in the Control group. The average postoperative hospital stay was 2 ± 0.1 days in the NB group versus 3.6 ± 5.3 days in the Control group (P value = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Routine insertion of nasobiliary tube during ERCP, in patients with combined gallbladder and CBD stones, is a simple, safe and dynamic method for IOC. This maneuver does not statistically decrease the incidence of BDI but can diagnose, minimize and treat BDI with shorter operative time and hospital stay.

Risk of thromboembolic events in relation to the management of anticoagulant and antiagregant therapy in patients subjected to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. / Riesgo de eventos tromboembólicos en función del manejo de la terapia anticoagulante y antiagregante en pacientes sometidos a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The main clinical practice guidelines recommend adequate periprocedural withdrawal and reintroduction of antithrombotic drugs in case of invasive techniques. The main objective of this study was to assess whether, in patients receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, the suppression or reduction of the pharmacological dose for the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) implies a greater risk of thromboembolic events. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out, which included 644ERCP performed with therapeutic intention during 2019 at the Reina Sofía University Hospital with follow-up during the 30days after the endoscopic intervention. RESULTS: Six patients presented a thromboembolic event, finding no differences between the incorrect withdrawal/reintroduction of antithrombotic treatment and a higher proportion of thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events after the procedure (P>.05). The incidence of thrombotic events was significantly higher in patients treated with heparin or apixaban (P=.001), as well as with a history of atrial fibrillation (P=.05), rheumatic valve disease (P=.037) and recurrent pulmonary embolism (P=.035), this being also an independent risk factor. Likewise, the incidence of hemorrhage in the 30days post-sphincterotomy was significantly lower in those with implantation of a biliary prosthesis (P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy is not associated with a significant increase in the incidence of thromboembolic events in the 30days after ERCP. However, close follow-up and surveillance during the days after this is essential in those patients with a condition that significantly increases the risk of thrombosis.

[Minimally invasive technologies of lithotripsy and antegrade hydraulic lithoextraction in complex treatment of choledocholithiasis]. / Primenenie mini-invazivnykh tekhnologii litotripsii i antegradnoi gidravlicheskoi litoekstraktsii v kompleksnom lechenii bol'nykh kholedokholitiazom.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of minimally invasive technologies of lithotripsy and hydraulic antegrade lithoextraction in complex treatment of choledocholithiasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the main group, 74 patients with choledocholithiasis underwent complex treatment with minimally invasive lithotripsy and hydraulic antegrade lithoextraction. In the control group, 177 patients with choledocholithiasis complicated by obstructive jaundice underwent complex treatment without minimally invasive lithotripsy and hydraulic antegrade lithoextraction. RESULTS: Both groups were characterized by significant decrease of serum bilirubin, markers of cytolysis and cholestasis with regression of clinical manifestations of obstructive jaundice. At the same time, early and delayed postoperative complications were significantly more common in the control group. Most of these complications accounted for interventions through laparotomy such as external drainage of the common bile duct and hepaticojejunostomy. There were no similar procedures in the main group due to the use of minimally invasive technologies of lithotripsy and antegrade hydraulic lithoextraction. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive lithotripsy and antegrade hydraulic lithoextraction are safe alternatives to traditional methods of lithoextraction and can be recommended in case of ineffective laparoscopic and retrograde endoscopic lithoextraction.

Percutaneous biliary stone clearance: is there still a need? A 10-year single-centre experience.

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous biliary stone clearance in a single hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who underwent percutaneous biliary stone clearance between 2010 and 2020 at a HPB centre were identified from the radiology information system. Their demographic data, presentation, previous surgery, number/size of biliary calculi, success and complications were collected from patient records. Unpaired student's t-test was used to compare numerical variables and the Chi-square test was used to compare categorical data. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients aged between 58.5-91.1 years underwent the procedure, and 42.6% (29/68) had the procedure due to surgically altered anatomy precluding endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The most common presentation was cholangitis (62%). The success rate of percutaneous stone clearance was 92.7%. The average number of calculi was two (range 1-12). Of the patients included, 4.4% developed pancreatitis, 4.4% developed cholangitis, and 1.5% had hepatic artery branch pseudoaneurysm successfully treated with transarterial embolisation. There was no significant difference in success or complication rates between the different access sites (right lobe, left lobe, roux-loop, T-tube, p=0.7767). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous biliary stone clearance is safe and effective and will continue to play an important role where ERCP fails or is impossible due surgically altered anatomy.

Urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy versus conservative treatment in predicted severe acute gallstone pancreatitis (APEC): a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary sphincterotomy improves the outcome of patients with gallstone pancreatitis without concomitant cholangitis. We did a randomised trial to compare urgent ERCP with sphincterotomy versus conservative treatment in patients with predicted severe acute gallstone pancreatitis. METHODS: In this multicentre, parallel-group, assessor-masked, randomised controlled superiority trial, patients with predicted severe (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score ≥8, Imrie score ≥3, or C-reactive protein concentration >150 mg/L) gallstone pancreatitis without cholangitis were assessed for eligibility in 26 hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) by a web-based randomisation module with randomly varying block sizes to urgent ERCP with sphincterotomy (within 24 h after hospital presentation) or conservative treatment. The primary endpoint was a composite of mortality or major complications (new-onset persistent organ failure, cholangitis, bacteraemia, pneumonia, pancreatic necrosis, or pancreatic insufficiency) within 6 months of randomisation. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN97372133. FINDINGS: Between Feb 28, 2013, and March 1, 2017, 232 patients were randomly assigned to urgent ERCP with sphincterotomy (n=118) or conservative treatment (n=114). One patient from each group was excluded from the final analysis because of cholangitis (urgent ERCP group) and chronic pancreatitis (conservative treatment group) at admission. The primary endpoint occurred in 45 (38%) of 117 patients in the urgent ERCP group and in 50 (44%) of 113 patients in the conservative treatment group (risk ratio [RR] 0·87, 95% CI 0·64-1·18; p=0·37). No relevant differences in the individual components of the primary endpoint were recorded between groups, apart from the occurrence of cholangitis (two [2%] of 117 in the urgent ERCP group vs 11 [10%] of 113 in the conservative treatment group; RR 0·18, 95% CI 0·04-0·78; p=0·010). Adverse events were reported in 87 (74%) of 118 patients in the urgent ERCP group versus 91 (80%) of 114 patients in the conservative treatment group. INTERPRETATION: In patients with predicted severe gallstone pancreatitis but without cholangitis, urgent ERCP with sphincterotomy did not reduce the composite endpoint of major complications or mortality, compared with conservative treatment. Our findings support a conservative strategy in patients with predicted severe acute gallstone pancreatitis with an ERCP indicated only in patients with cholangitis or persistent cholestasis. FUNDING: The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development, Fonds NutsOhra, and the Dutch Patient Organization for Pancreatic Diseases.

Efficacy of an Oxycodone-Propofol Combination versus a Fentanyl-Propofol Combination in Conscious Sedation during Therapeutic Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Elderly Patients.

BACKGROUND: With a rapidly aging population, the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increasing. The commonly used sedation anesthesia in ERCP is a combination of propofol and fentanyl, even though fentanyl may cause some adverse reactions such as respiratory depression. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oxycodone combined with propofol versus fentanyl combined with propofol for sedation anesthesia during ERCP. METHODS: A total of 193 patients aged from 65 to 80 years undergoing ERCP were enrolled and randomized into two groups: an "oxycodone combined with propofol" group (group OP, n = 97) and a "fentanyl combined with propofol" group (group FP, n = 96). The rate of perioperative adverse events as well as the recovery time, patients' satisfaction, and endoscopists' satisfaction were noted. RESULTS: There was no difference in the frequency of hypotension or bradycardia between the two groups, but there were more episodes of desaturation (SpO2 <90% for >10 s in 8.3%), postoperative nausea (7.3%), and vomiting (5.2%) in group FP than in group OP. Patients' satisfaction in group FP was lower than that in group OP. The recovery time was longer in group FP than in group OP. CONCLUSIONS: Oxycodone combined with propofol was effective in ERCP, with a low incidence of perioperative adverse events.

Clinical spotlight review for the management of choledocholithiasis.

Choledocholithiasis is a common presentation of symptomatic cholelithiasis that can result in biliary obstruction, cholangitis, and pancreatitis. A systematic English literature search was conducted in PubMed to determine the appropriate management strategies for choledocholithiasis. The following clinical spotlight review is meant to critically review the available evidence and provide recommendations for the work-up, investigations as well as the endoscopic, surgical and percutaneous techniques in the management of choledocholithiasis.

Effectiveness and safety of EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (CDD) is emerging as an alternative technique for biliary drainage in patients who fail conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) are being increasingly used for CDD. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CDD using LAMS. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of multiple databases through May 2019 to identify studies on CDD using covered self-expanding metal stents. Pooled rates of technical success, clinical success, adverse events, and recurrent jaundice associated with CDD using LAMS were estimated. A subgroup analysis was performed based on use of LAMS with electrocautery-enhanced delivery system (EC-LAMS). RESULTS: Seven studies on CDD using LAMS (with 284 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled rates of technical and clinical success (per-protocol analysis) were 95.7% (95% CI 93.2-98.1) and 95.9% (95% CI 92.8-98.9), respectively. Pooled rate of post-procedure adverse events was 5.2% (95% CI 2.6-7.9). Pooled rate of recurrent jaundice was 8.7% (95% CI 4.5-12.8). On subgroup analysis of CDD using EC-LAMS (5 studies with 201 patients), the pooled rates of technical and clinical success (per-protocol analysis) were 93.8% (95% CI 90.4-97.1) and 95.9% (95% CI 91.9-99.9), respectively. Pooled rate of post-procedure adverse events was 5.6% (95% CI 1.7-9.5). Pooled rate of recurrent jaundice was 11.3% (95% CI 6.9-15.7). Heterogeneity (I2) was low to moderate in the analyses. CONCLUSION: CDD using LAMS/EC-LAMS is an effective and safe technique for biliary decompression in patients who failed ERCP. Further studies are needed to assess CDD using LAMS as primary treatment modality for biliary obstruction.

Endoscopic management of pleural effusion caused by a pancreatic pleural fistula.

Pancreatic-pleural fistula (PPF) is a rare sequela of pancreatitis. High degree of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose a PPF. Confirmation is done by high amylase content in pleural fluid analysis. Here, we present two cases with varied presentation of PPF. A 43-year-old man presented with acute on chronic pancreatitis with bilateral (predominantly right) pleural effusion. Another 57-year-old man, previously diagnosed with chronic calcific pancreatitis, presented with left pleural effusion. Both cases were effectively managed with endoscopic pancreatic duct stenting.

The effectiveness of a low-dose esketamine versus an alfentanil adjunct to propofol sedation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A randomised controlled multicentre trial.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the most complex gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. Currently, it is still unclear which sedation regimen best facilitates an ERCP. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist esketamine has anaesthetic, analgesic and sympathomimetic properties and is known to cause less cardiorespiratory depression than other sedatives. It could therefore be an ideal adjunct to propofol for deep sedation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of esketamine versus alfentanil as an adjunct to propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) for deep sedation during ambulant ERCP. DESIGN: A randomised controlled multicentre study. SETTING: Endoscopic intervention suite at an academic and general hospital in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Adult, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I to III patients scheduled to undergo ERCP. INTERVENTION: Consecutive patients were randomly assigned to receive sedation for an ERCP with propofol TCI and alfentanil (group A) or with propofol TCI and esketamine (group E). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was effectiveness of the sedation regimen expressed as the total dose of propofol - as a surrogate parameter - necessary to perform ERCP in a satisfactory manner for endoscopist and patients. Secondary outcomes were recovery time, patients' and endoscopists' satisfaction with sedation, side effects (e.g. psychotomimetic effects, nausea and vomiting) and the number of respiratory and cardiovascular adverse events. RESULTS: Data from 162 patients were analysed. The total dose of propofol required was significantly lower in group E (n=83) (8.3 mg kg h) than in group A (n=79) (10.5 mg kg h) (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in recovery time, patients' and endoscopists' satisfaction, side effects, psychotomimetic effects and the number of sedation-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: Low-dose esketamine reduces the total amount of propofol necessary for sedation during ERCP in American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients without affecting recovery time, satisfaction of patients and endoscopists, side effects and respiratory or cardiovascular adverse events, when compared with alfentanil. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Netherlands Trial Register (NTR5486).