Needle-knife assisted ERCP.

BACKGROUND: During endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), incising through the wall of the major papilla with an electrocautery needle-knife is a method for achieving access into the bile duct. This procedure, often referred to as a "precut," may be used when cannulation attempts via the orifice of the papilla are unsuccessful. Potential complications include hemorrhage, duodenal perforation, and acute pancreatitis. METHODS: The 172 patients who underwent an attempt of a needle-knife assisted ERCP during the years 1997-2003 at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: A selective bile duct cannulation was achieved after needle-knife incision in 148 out of 172 patients (86%) at the primary session. In 10 additional patients (6%), a repeated procedure proved successful for cannulation. In the remaining 14 patients (8%), the biliary cannulation failed and was not attempted again. Complications after needle-knife assisted ERCP occurred as follows: three patients (2%) presented with late bleeding after the ERCP and three patients (2%) developed acute pancreatitis. None of the patients required operative treatment for complications. There was no mortality. CONCLUSION: The use of the needle-knife markedly improves the success rate of selective biliary cannulation in ERCP without increasing the rate of complications.