Outcome of long-term biliary stenting for stones in the 2010s: beware the cholecystectomised!

Objective: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the mainstay of management for most patients with common bile duct stones (CBDS). Duct clearance at initial ERCP may not be achieved in a third of patients, many of whom may be elderly with multiple comorbidities rendering them at potentially high risk for further procedures. We aimed to quantify the rate of biliary sequelae and mortality among a large cohort undergoing a single ERCP with sphincterotomy and stent insertion without having undergone complete ductal clearance (permanent stent insertion, PSI), and to examine factors that may predispose to adverse outcomes. Design/method: Outcomes of all ERCPs undertaken on the intact papilla between February 2010 and January 2020 were distilled to identify a cohort who had undergone PSI for initially irretrievable CBDS. These were subjected to retrospective follow-up until the development of biliary sequelae, death or survival into 2023. Results: There were 2175 index ERCPs for CBDS, of whom 114 met the PSI criteria. Eleven did not survive their index hospitalisation, leaving 103 for follow-up. Of these, 25 (24%) developed late biliary sequelae, 19 (18%) required at least one further ERCP and 8 (8%) died from biliary sequelae. Adverse outcomes were found to be more common among those who had undergone cholecystectomy prior to ERCP, and those with periampullary diverticula. Conclusions: Long-term biliary stenting following sphincterotomy remains a valid option for selected patients with initially irretrievable bile duct stones who could be at high risk from repeat procedures.

How asking patients a simple question enhances care at the bedside: medical students as agents of quality improvement.

Medical students have traditionally played a passive role in the delivery of health care. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement Open School members and leaders initiated the Ask One Question project in December 2011. Through a commitment to the project, students are learning to assume a unique position in health care settings, as both learners and caregivers. They are improving care at the bedside by asking a simple question: "How can I improve your stay today?" Using the Model for Improvement to adapt the Ask One Question concept for local use, medical students at Cardiff University (United Kingdom) asked 120 patients. A content analysis of those responses identified 89 issues across 4 broad areas for improvement, including communication issues (uncertainty about their care management and desire for more time with their health care professional); practical issues (assistance with tasks made difficult because of ill health); wider organizational and National Health Services requests; and medical needs (requiring medical or nursing intervention). A medical student, a clinical colleague, or the hospital organization could act on those issues. Actions ranged from attending to simple tasks (eg, finding spectacles) or basic care needs (eg, giving a drink) to suggestions requiring wider institutional change. On a simple but effective level, Ask One Question reflects good manners and is a demonstrable competency of patient-centered practice. It is a vehicle for enabling students to seek improvements in health care and initiate relevant actions to improve the patient experience at the bedside.