Timing of ERCP after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for large main pancreatic duct stones.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is performed to fragment large main pancreatic duct (MPD) stones in symptomatic patients. Subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is often performed to clear the stone fragments. Edema of surrounding tissue after ESWL theoretically affects the ability to perform ERCP. However, the optimal timing of ERCP after ESWL is not clearly defined. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of same-day ERCP after ESWL and to determine if the timing of ERCP after ESWL affects outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients from January, 2013 to September, 2019 who received ESWL for MPD stones at our center. Included patients received subsequent same-day ERCP under the same general anesthesia session or later session ERCP (1-30 days after ESWL). Demographics, anatomical findings, history, and outcomes were collected. Success was defined as complete or near complete (> 80%) stone fragmentation with clearance. RESULTS: 218 patients were treated with ESWL and subsequent ERCP. 133 (61.0%) received ERCP on the same day immediately after ESWL, while 85 (39.0%) returned for ERCP at a later day (median 3.0 days after ESWL). Baseline characteristics demonstrated patients who received same-day ERCP had a higher rate of pain at baseline (94.7% vs 87.1%, p = 0.045). Main outcomes demonstrated an overall successful MPD stone clearance rate of 90.4%, with similar rates between same-day ERCP and later session ERCP (91.7% vs 88.2%, p = 0.394). Additionally, successful cannulation at ERCP, adverse events, and post-procedure admission rates were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Delaying ERCP to allow peripancreatic tissue recovery after ESWL does not affect outcomes. Same-day ERCP after ESWL is safe and effective.

Outcomes in Endoscopic and Operative Transgastric Pancreatic Debridement.

OBJECTIVES: Select patients with anatomically favorable walled off pancreatic necrosis may be treated by endoscopic (Endo-TGD) or operative (OR-TGD) transgastric debridement (TGD). We compared our experience with these 2 approaches. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Select necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) patients are suitable for TGD which may be accomplished endoscopically or surgically. Limited experience exists contrasting these techniques exists. METHODS: Patients undergoing Endo-TGD and OR-TGD at a single, high-volume pancreatic center between 2008 and 2019 were identified from a prospective database. Patient characteristics, procedural details, and outcomes of these 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: Among 498 NP patients undergoing necrosis intervention, 160 (32%) had TGD: 59 Endo-TGD and 101 OR-TGD. The groups were statistically similar in age, comorbidity, pancreatitis etiology, necrosis anatomy, pancreatitis severity, and timing of TGD from pancreatitis insult. OR-TGD required 1.1 ±â€Š0.5 and Endo-TGD 3.0 ±â€Š2.0 debridements/patient. Fewer hospital readmissions and repeat necrosis interventions, and shorter total inpatient length of stay were observed in OR-TGD patients. New-onset organ failure [Endo-TGD (13%); OR-TGD (13%); P = 1.0] was similar between groups. Hospital length of stay after TGD was significantly longer in patients undergoing Endo-TGD (13.8 ±â€Š20.8 days) compared to OR-TGD (9.4 ±â€Š6.1 days; P = 0.047). Mortality was 7% in Endo-TGD and 1% in OR-TGD (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Operative and endoscopic transgastric debridement achieve necrosis resolution with different temporal and procedural profiles. Clear multidisciplinary communication is essential to determine appropriate approach to individual necrotizing pancreatitis patients.

Annular pancreas: endoscopic and pancreatographic findings from a tertiary referral ERCP center.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Annular pancreas is a congenital anomaly whereby pancreatic tissue encircles the duodenum. Current knowledge of endoscopic findings of annular pancreas is limited to small case series. The aim of this study was to describe the endoscopic and pancreatographic findings of patients with annular pancreas at a large tertiary care ERCP center. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study. Our Institutional Review Board-approved, prospectively collected ERCP database was queried for cases of annular pancreas. The electronic medical records were searched for patient and procedure-related data. RESULTS: From January 1, 1994, to December 31, 2016, 46 patients with annular pancreas underwent ERCP at our institution. Index ERCP was technically successful in 42 patients (91.3%), and technical success was achieved in all 46 patients (100%) after 2 attempts, when required. A duodenal narrowing or ring was found in most patients (n = 39, 84.8%), yet only 2 (4.3%) had retained gastric contents. Pancreas divisum was found in 21 patients (45.7%), 18 of which were complete divisum. Pancreatobiliary neoplasia was the indication for ERCP in 7 patients (15.2%). Pancreatographic findings consistent with chronic pancreatitis were noted in 15 patients (32.6%) at the index ERCP. CONCLUSION: This is the largest series describing the endoscopic and pancreatographic findings of patients with annular pancreas. We found that 45.7% of patients had concurrent pancreas divisum. Endoscopic therapy was successful in most patients at our institution after 1 ERCP, and in all patients after a second ERCP. Nearly one-third of patients had findings consistent with chronic pancreatitis at the time of index ERCP. It is unclear whether this may be a feature of the natural history of annular pancreas.

Clinical response to dorsal duct drainage via the minor papilla in refractory obstructing chronic calcific pancreatitis.

Background and study aims Complete stone removal from the main pancreatic duct might not be achieved in all patients with obstructive chronic calcific pancreatitis. We report our results for endoscopic dorsal pancreatic duct (DPD) bypass of obstructing stones in the ventral pancreatic duct (VPD). Patients and methods 16 patients with obstructive chronic calcific pancreatitis were treated with a DPD bypass. Clinical success was defined as significant pain relief and no hospital admissions for pain management during the ongoing treatment period. Results Among 16 patients meeting entry criteria, 10 (62.5 %) had a history of unsuccessful endoscopic therapy, and 8 had failed extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). Clinical success was achieved in 12 patients (75 %). Among these responders, 10 patients (83.3 %) had markedly improved or complete pain relief after the first stent placement, which persisted throughout the follow-up period; 11 patients (91.7 %) were able to discontinue their daily analgesics. Conclusions In selected patients with obstructive chronic calcific pancreatitis, the DPD bypass may be considered as a rescue endoscopic therapy, potentially obviating the need for surgery when standard endoscopic methods and ESWL fail.

Short- and long-term outcomes from percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding the safety and efficacy of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension (PEG-J). We evaluated adverse events related to PEG-J and determined the clinical impact of PEG-J in those with chronic pancreatitis (CP). METHODS: This cohort study included all patients who underwent PEG-J placement in a tertiary-care academic medical center between 2010 and 2012. Main outcome measurements were (1) short- and long-term complications related to PEG-J and (2) changes in weight and hospitalizations during the 12-month period before and after PEG-J in the CP subgroup. RESULTS: Of 102 patients undergoing PEG-J placement, the overall technical success rate was 97 %. During a median follow-up period of 22 months (1-46 months, n = 90), at least one tube malfunction occurred in 52/90 (58 %; 177 episodes) after a median of 53 days (3-350 days), requiring a median of two tube replacements. Short-term (<30 days) tube malfunction occurred in 28/90 (31 %) and delayed in 24/90 (27 %); these included dislodgement (29 %), clogging (26 %) and kinking (14 %). In the CP subgroup (n = 58), mean body weight (kg) (70 vs. 71, p = 0.06) and body mass index (kg/m2, 26 vs. 27, p = 0.05) increased post-PEG-J. Mean number of hospitalizations (5 vs. 2, p < 0.0001) and inpatient days per 12 months (22 vs. 12, p = 0.005) decreased. CONCLUSIONS: While we observed no major complications related to PEG-J, half of patients had at least one episode of tube malfunction. In the CP subgroup, jejunal feeding via PEG-J significantly reduced the number of hospitalizations and inpatients days, while improving nutritional parameters.

Mechanisms of Biliary Plastic Stent Occlusion and Efforts at Prevention.

Biliary stenting via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has greatly improved the quality of patient care over the last 30 years. Plastic stent occlusion limits the life span of such stents. Attempts to improve plastic stent patency duration have mostly failed. Metal stents (self-expandable metal stents [SEMSs]) have therefore replaced plastic stents, especially for malignant biliary strictures. SEMS are at least 10 times more expensive than plastic stents. In this focused review, we will discuss basic mechanisms of plastic stent occlusion, along with a systematic summary of previous efforts and related studies to improve stent patency and potential new techniques to overcome existing limitations.

Long-term follow-up results of endoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with the MUSE™ endoscopic stapling device.

BACKGROUND: The initial 6-month data for MUSE™ (Medigus, Omer, Israel) endoscopic stapling device were reported (Zacherl et al. in Surg Endosc 29:220-229, 2015). The current study aims to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of 37 patients who received endoscopic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment with the MUSE™ device. METHODS: Efficacy and safety data for 37 patients were analyzed at baseline, 6 months, and 4 years post-procedure. In one center (IU), efficacy and safety data were evaluated at baseline, 6 months post-procedure, and then annually up to 4 years. RESULTS: No new complications have been reported in our long-term analysis. The proportions of patients who remained off daily PPI were 83.8 % (31/37) at 6 months and 69.4 % (25/36) at 4 years post-procedure. GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) scores (off PPI) were significantly decreased from baseline to 6 months and 4 years post-procedure. The daily dosage of GERD medications, measured as omeprazole equivalents (mean ± SD, mg), decreased from 66.1 ± 33.2 at baseline to 10.8 ± 15.9 at 6 months and 12.8 ± 19.4 at 4 years post-procedure (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In our multi-center prospective study, the MUSE™ stapling device appears to be safe and effective in improving symptom scores as well as reducing PPI use in patients with GERD. These results appeared to be equal to or better than those of the other devices for endoluminal GERD therapy. Future studies with larger patient series, sham control group, and greater number of staples are awaited.

Evaluation of Pharmacologic Prevention of Pancreatitis After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is controversy over the efficacy of pharmacologic agents for preventing pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (PEP). We performed a systematic review of PEP pharmacoprevention to evaluate safety and efficacy. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of the literature for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of PEP pharmacoprevention through February 2014. After identifying relevant studies, 2 reviewers each extracted information on study characteristics, clinical outcomes, and risk of bias. A research classification scale was developed to identify pharmacologic agents ready for clinical use, agents for which a confirmatory RCT should be considered a high priority, agents for which exploratory studies are still necessary, and agents for which additional research should be of low priority. Clinical and research recommendations for each agent were made by consensus after considering research classification results and other important factors such as magnitude of benefit, safety, availability, and cost. RESULTS: After screening 851 citations and 263 potentially relevant articles, 2 reviewers identified 85 RCTs and 28 meta-analyses that were eligible. On the basis of these studies, rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were found to be appropriate for clinical use, especially for high-risk cases. Sublingual nitroglycerin, bolus-administered somatostatin, and nafamostat were found to be promising agents for which confirmatory research is warranted. Additional research was found to be required to justify confirmatory RCTs for topical epinephrine, aggressive intravenous fluids, gabexate, ulinastatin, secretin, and antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of a systematic review, NSAIDs are appropriate for use in prevention of PEP, especially for high-risk cases. Additional research is necessary to clarify the role of other pharmacologic agents. These findings could inform future research and guide clinical decision-making and policy.

Prevalence and risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries related to endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding work-related injury among endoscopists. OBJECTIVE: To define the prevalence of endoscopy-related musculoskeletal injuries and their impact on clinical practice and to identify physician and practice characteristics associated with their development. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Electronic survey of active members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy with registered e-mail addresses. PARTICIPANTS: Physicians who currently or ever performed endoscopy and responded to the survey between February 2013 and November 2013. INTERVENTION: A 25-question, self-administered, electronic survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence, location, and ramifications of work-related injuries and endoscopist characteristics and workload parameters associated with endoscopy-related injury. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 684 endoscopists. Of those, 362 (53%) experienced a musculoskeletal injury perceived definitely (n = 204) or possibly (n = 158) related to endoscopy. Factors associated with a higher rate of endoscopy-related injury included higher procedure volume (>20 cases/week; P < .001), greater number of hours per week spent performing endoscopy (>16 hours/week; P < .001), and total number of years performing endoscopy (P = .004). The most common sites of injury were neck and/or upper back (29%) and thumb (28%). Only 55% of injured endoscopists used practice modifications in response to injuries. Specific treatments included medications (57%), steroid injection (27%), physiotherapy (45%), rest (34%), splinting (23%), and surgery (13%). LIMITATIONS: Self-reported data of endoscopy-related injury. CONCLUSION: Among endoscopists there is a high prevalence of injuries definitely or potentially related to endoscopy. Higher procedure volume, more time doing endoscopy per week, and cumulative years performing endoscopy are associated with more work-related injuries.

Endoscopic anterior fundoplication with the Medigus Ultrasonic Surgical Endostapler (MUSE™) for gastroesophageal reflux disease: 6-month results from a multi-center prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Both long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and surgical fundoplication have potential drawbacks as treatments for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This multi-center, prospective study evaluated the clinical experiences of 69 patients who received an alternative treatment: endoscopic anterior fundoplication with a video- and ultrasound-guided transoral surgical stapler. METHODS: Patients with well-categorized GERD were enrolled at six international sites. Efficacy data was compared at baseline and at 6 months post-procedure. The primary endpoint was a ≥ 50 % improvement in GERD health-related quality of life (HRQL) score. Secondary endpoints were elimination or ≥ 50 % reduction in dose of PPI medication and reduction of total acid exposure on esophageal pH probe monitoring. A safety evaluation was performed at time 0 and weeks 1, 4, 12, and 6 months. RESULTS: 66 patients completed follow-up. Six months after the procedure, the GERD-HRQL score improved by >50 % off PPI in 73 % (48/66) of patients (95 % CI 60-83 %). Forty-two patients (64.6 %) were no longer using daily PPI medication. Of the 23 patients who continued to take PPI following the procedure, 13 (56.5 %) reported a ≥ 50 % reduction in dose. The mean percent of total time with esophageal pH <4.0 decreased from baseline to 6 months (P < 0.001). Common adverse events were peri-operative chest discomfort and sore throat. Two severe adverse events requiring intervention occurred in the first 24 subjects, no further esophageal injury or leaks were reported in the remaining 48 enrolled subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The initial 6-month data reported in this study demonstrate safety and efficacy of this endoscopic plication device. Early experience with the device necessitated procedure and device changes to improve safety, with improved results in the later portion of the study. Continued assessment of durability and safety are ongoing in a three-year follow-up study of this patient group.

Performance characteristics of EUS for locoregional evaluation of ampullary lesions.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of EUS in the locoregional assessment of ampullary lesions is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To compare EUS with ERCP and surgical pathology for the evaluation of intraductal extension and local staging of ampullary lesions. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary-care referral center. PATIENTS: All patients who underwent EUS primarily for the evaluation of an ampullary lesion between 1998 and 2012. INTERVENTION: EUS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Comparison of EUS sensitivity/specificity for intraductal and local extension with ERCP and surgical pathology by using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curves and outcomes of the subgroup referred for endoscopic papillectomy. RESULTS: We identified 119 patients who underwent EUS for an ampullary lesion, of whom 99 (83%) had an adenoma or adenocarcinoma. Compared with ERCP (n = 90), the sensitivity/specificity of EUS for any intraductal extension was 56%/97% (AUROC = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.89). However, when using surgical pathology as the reference (n = 102), the sensitivity/specificity of EUS (80%/93%; AUROC = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76-0.97) and ERCP (83%/93%; AUROC = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.77-0.99) were comparable. The overall accuracy of EUS for local staging was 90%. Of 58 patients referred for endoscopic papillectomy, complete resection was achieved in 53 (91%); in those having intraductal extension by EUS or ERCP, complete resection was achieved in 4 of 5 (80%) and 4 of 7 (57%), respectively. LIMITATION: Retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: EUS and ERCP perform similarly in evaluating intraductal extension of ampullary adenomas. Additionally, EUS is accurate in T-staging ampullary adenocarcinomas. Future prospective studies should evaluate whether EUS can identify characteristics of ampullary lesions that appropriately direct patients to endoscopic or surgical resection.

Endoscopic papillectomy: risk factors for incomplete resection and recurrence during long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic papillectomy is increasingly used as an alternative to surgery for ampullary adenomas and other noninvasive ampullary lesions. OBJECTIVE: To measure short-term safety and efficacy of endoscopic papillectomy, define patient and lesion characteristics associated with incomplete endoscopic resection, and measure adenoma recurrence rates during long-term follow-up. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary-care academic medical center. PATIENTS: All patients who underwent endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary lesions between July 1995 and June 2012. INTERVENTION: Endoscopic papillectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patient and lesion characteristics associated with incomplete endoscopic resection and ampullary adenoma-free survival analysis. RESULTS: We identified 182 patients who underwent endoscopic papillectomy, 134 (73.6%) having complete resection. Short-term adverse events occurred in 34 (18.7%). Risk factors for incomplete resection were jaundice at presentation (odds ratio [OR] 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07-0.69; P = .009), occult adenocarcinoma (OR 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.36; P = .002), and intraductal involvement (OR 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11-0.75; P = .011). The en bloc resection technique was strongly associated with a higher rate of complete resection (OR 4.05; 95% CI, 1.71-9.59; P = .001). Among patients with ampullary adenoma who had complete resection (n = 107), 16 patients (15%) developed recurrence up to 65 months after resection. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective analysis. CONCLUSION: Jaundice at presentation, occult adenocarcinoma in the resected specimen, and intraductal involvement are associated with a lower rate of complete resection, whereas en bloc papillectomy increases the odds of complete endoscopic resection. Despite complete resection, recurrence was observed up to 5 years after papillectomy, confirming the need for long-term surveillance.

Improved outcomes of bile duct injuries in the 21st century.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this analysis were to compare the outcomes of bile duct injuries by specialist over time and the role of management timing and biliary stents. BACKGROUND: Postoperative bile duct injuries require multidisciplinary management. In recent years, advancements have occurred in patient evaluation and in timing and type of therapy. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team managed 528 patients over 18 years. Mean age was 52 years; 69% were women and 95% had a cholecystectomy and/or bile duct exploration. Patients were classified by the Strasberg system as having bile leaks (type A, n = 239, 45%) or bile duct injuries (types B-E, n = 289, 55%). Injury outcomes from 1993 to 2003 (n = 132) were compared with those from 2004 to 2010 (n = 157). A successful outcome was defined as no need for further intervention after the initial 12 months of therapy. Standard statistical methods were employed. RESULTS: Patients with bile leaks were managed almost exclusively by endoscopists (96%) with a 96% success rate. Patients with bile duct injuries were managed most often by endoscopists (N = 115, 40%) followed by surgeons (N = 104, 36%) and interventional radiologists (N = 70, 24%). Overall success rates were best for surgery (88%, P < 0.05) followed by endoscopy (76%) and interventional radiology (50%) and improved over time (78% vs 69%). Outcomes were best for surgery in recent years (95% vs 80%, P < 0.05) and for patients stented for more than 6 months (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Almost all bile leaks and many bile duct injuries can be managed successfully by endoscopists. Selected proximal injuries can be treated by interventional radiologists with modest success. Outcomes of bile duct injuries are best with surgical management and in patients who are stented for more than 6 months.

ERCP via gastrostomy vs. double balloon enteroscopy in patients with prior bariatric Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most common bariatric surgery. The performance of ERCP in bariatric RYGB is challenging due to the long Roux limb. We herein compared the indications and technical outcomes of ERCP via percutaneous gastrostomy (GERCP) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBERCP) for patients with prior bariatric RYGB anatomy. METHODS: Between December 2005 and November 2011, consecutive ERCP patients who had undergone RYGB were identified using a prospectively maintained electronic ERCP database. Medical records were abstracted for ERCP indications and outcomes. In most cases, the gastrostomy was done by either laparoscopic or open surgery and allowed to mature at least 1 month before performing ERCP. The choice of route for ERCP was at discretion of managing physician. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (F = 42) with GERCP and 28 patients (F = 26) with DBERCP were identified. The mean age was younger in GERCP than DBERCP (44.8 vs. 56.1, p < 0.001). GERCP patients were more likely to have suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (77 %) as the primary indication whereas DBERCP was suspected CBD stone (57 %). The mean total number of sessions/patient in GERCP and DBERCP was 1.7 ± 1.0 and 1.1 ± 0.4, respectively (p = 0.004). GERCP access to the major papilla was successful in all but two (97 %), whereas duct cannulation and interventions were successful in all. In DBERCP, the success rate of accessing major papilla, cannulation and therapeutic intervention was 78, 63, 56 %, respectively. There was one (3.1 %) post-ERCP pancreatitis in DBERCP. Complications occurred in 11 GERCP procedures (14.5 %) and 10 were related to the gastrostomy. This was significantly higher than that of DBERCP (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: GERCP is more effective than DBERCP in gaining access to the pancreatobiliary tree in patients with RYGB, but it is hindered by the gastrostomy maturation delay and a higher morbidity. Technical improvements in each method are needed.

Multicenter Randomized Trial of 10-French versus 11.5-French Plastic Stents for Malignant Biliary Obstruction.

Background. There is little prospective data on whether bigger plastic stents are better for patients with malignant biliary obstruction with jaundice. Goals. Multicenter prospective study to compare technical success, clinical response, stent occlusion, and patient survival in patients with malignant biliary obstruction randomized to 10-French or 11.5-French plastic stent. Study. Patients with malignant biliary obstruction were randomized to 10-French or 11.5-French biliary stents. Patients were prospectively assessed for stent occlusion, stent-related interventions, hospital stay, and change in bilirubin. Main outcome measurements included technical success, clinical response, rates of stent occlusion, and survival. Results. 234 patients (47 hilar and 187 common bile duct strictures) were randomized. Outcomes were similar for the 10-French and 11.5-French groups (technical success 99.1% versus 97.4%, P = 0.37). Overall, median stent survival was 213 days, but there was no statistically significant difference in stent survival between 10-French and 11.5-French stents (149 versus 258 days, P = 0.16). Stent survival was significantly longer when placed for common bile duct versus hilar strictures (231 versus 115 days, P = 0.049). Conclusions. The theoretical advantage of improved bile flow for the 11.5-French stent does not translate into more prolonged patency, better clinical response, and longer patient survival than the 10-French stent.

Hereditary pancreatitis: endoscopic and surgical management.

INTRODUCTION: Hereditary pancreatitis is a rare cause of chronic pancreatitis. In recent years, genetic mutations have been characterized. The rarity of this disorder has resulted in a gap in clinical knowledge. The aims were to characterize patients with hereditary pancreatitis and establish clinical guidelines. METHODS: Pediatric and adult endoscopic, surgical, radiologic, and genetic databases from 1998 to 2012 were searched. Patients with recurrent acute or chronic pancreatitis and genetic mutation for either PRSS-1, SPINK-1, or CFTR or those who met the family history criteria were included. Patients with pancreatitis due to other causes, without a positive family history, familial pancreatic cancer, or cystic fibrosis, were excluded. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were identified. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis in 54 patients (62 %). Eighty-five patients (98 %) underwent 263 endoscopic procedures including sphincterotomy (72 %), stone removal (49 %), and pancreatic duct stenting (82 %). Twenty-eight patients (32 %) have undergone 37 operations which included 19 resections and 18 drainage procedures. The interval between procedures for recurrent pain was longer for surgery than for endoscopic therapy (9.1 vs. 3.4 years, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most children and young adults with hereditary pancreatitis can be managed initially with endoscopic therapy. When surgery is undertaken, the procedure should be tailored to the pancreatic anatomy and cancer risk.

Effect of endoscopic stenting of malignant bile duct obstruction on quality of life.

BACKGROUND AND GOALS: Endoscopic stent insertion is considered the method of choice for palliation of malignant bile duct obstruction (MBDO). However, it can cause complications and requires periodic stent exchanges. Although endoscopic stenting is clearly indicated for relief of cholangitis or refractory pruritus, its role in patients with jaundice alone is less clear. Endoscopic stenting for this relative indication might be justified, if there is a significant improvement in quality of life (QOL) of such patients. The aim of our study was to determine whether endoscopic stenting for MBDO results in improved QOL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for MBDO and participating in a randomized trial comparing patency duration of 10 and 11.5-Fr biliary plastic stents, completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General questionnaire at baseline, at 1 month after stent insertion, and at 180 days after stent insertion. RESULTS: A total of 164 patients answered the QOL questionnaire at baseline, 95 patients answered the questionnaire at 30 days, and 54 patients answered the questionnaire at 180 days after stent insertion. Endoscopic biliary stenting resulted in a statistically significant improvement in overall score of QOL, and different aspects of QOL such as physical, emotional, and functional well-being. There was a statistically significant improvement in most of the symptoms specific for MBDO at 30 and 180 days after stenting. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic stenting significantly improves QOL in patients with MBDO, and, therefore, is an appropriate part of palliative treatment in this patient population.

Oral administration of edible oil before ERCP: effect on selective biliary cannulation.

BACKGROUND: A fatty meal before ERCP relaxes the sphincter of Oddi and may facilitate biliary cannulation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of an oral fatty meal before ERCP on time to and success rate of biliary cannulation. DESIGN: Human clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary ERCP center. PATIENTS: Adult patients with intact papilla undergoing ERCP for presumed biliary pathology. INTERVENTIONS: Patients arriving more than 1 hour before the procedure were given oil by mouth. Patients not receiving oil served as controls. The need for a precut sphincterotomy was considered a failure of initial cannulation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Appearance of the papillary orifice, bile flow, cannulation success rate, cannulation and fluoroscopy times. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients received oil (mean age 52.8 years; 40% male), and 103 patients served as controls (mean age 53.3 years; 49% male). The papillary orifice was open in 52 of 86 (61%) and 38 of 103 (37%) patients in the oil and control groups, respectively (P = .002). Bile flow was seen in 59 of 86 (68%) and 50 of 103 (49%) patients, respectively (P = .009). The overall initial biliary cannulation success rate was 80 of 86 (93%) and 97 of 103 (94%), respectively (P = .77). There was no difference in cannulation success rates, cannulation, and fluoroscopy times for fellows or faculty endoscopists in each group. No pulmonary aspiration was seen in either group. LIMITATIONS: Unblinded study. CONCLUSIONS: The biliary orifice appeared more open and bile flow was seen in more patients receiving oil, but there was no difference in successful biliary cannulation rates and cannulation and fluoroscopy times in the 2 groups.

Update on endoscopic management of main pancreatic duct stones in chronic calcific pancreatitis.

Pancreatic duct stones are a common complication during the natural course of chronic pancreatitis and often contribute to additional pain and pancreatitis. Abdominal pain, one of the major symptoms of chronic pancreatitis, is believed to be caused in part by obstruction of the pancreatic duct system (by stones or strictures) resulting in increasing intraductal pressure and parenchymal ischemia. Pancreatic stones can be managed by surgery, endoscopy, or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. In this review, updated management of pancreatic duct stones is discussed.