Recurrence following successful eradication of neoplasia with endoscopic mucosal resection compared with endoscopic submucosal dissection in Barrett's esophagus: a retrospective comparison.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are effective treatments for Barrett's neoplasia. However, little is known about recurrence rates following these techniques. We compared long-term neoplasia recurrence rates following EMR and ESD. METHODS: This study included patients with Barrett's neoplasia (high grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma) treated between July 2019 and December 2023 at a tertiary referral center in Canada. Outcomes were residual neoplasia at first follow-up, complete remission of neoplasia (CRN), and neoplasia recurrence following CRN. RESULTS: 157 patients were included (87 EMR, 70 ESD). Compared with EMR, the ESD group had larger lesions (median 2 vs. 3 cm, P<0.05), more adenocarcinoma (85.1% vs. 94.3%, P = 0.07), and deeper submucosal invasion (T1a: 71.6% vs. 75.8%; T1b-SM1: 25.7% vs. 6.1%; T1b≥SM2: 2.7% vs. 18.2%; P<0.05). Among 124 patients with follow-up (71 EMR, 53 ESD), 84.9% of ESD-treated patients had curative resections (i.e. R0 resection with low risk for lymph node metastasis), whereas 94.4% of EMR-treated patients had deep margin R0 resection of low risk lesions. At first follow-up, residual neoplasia (14.1% vs. 11.3%) and CRN (97.2% vs. 100%) were similar in the EMR and ESD groups, but neoplasia recurrence following CRN was significantly higher with EMR (13% vs. 1.9%, P<0.05), with cumulative probability of recurrence at 3 years of 18.3% vs. 4.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Neoplasia recurrence following CRN was significantly higher following EMR compared with ESD, suggesting that ESD may be superior to EMR in preventing neoplasia recurrence in Barrett's esophagus.

Association of gastric myotomy length in peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) with gastro-esophageal junction distensibility measured by Endoluminal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP).

BACKGROUND: Endoluminal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP) is a device that measures gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) distensibility. However, it is not demonstrated that GEJ distensibility increases proportionally with varying gastric myotomy length in peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). This study aimed to investigate the association between gastric myotomy length in POEM and intraoperative EndoFLIP findings. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent POEM with intraoperative EndoFLIP from December 2019 to January 2023. Using EndoFLIP, minimal balloon diameter and its distensibility index (DI) were measured pre- and post-myotomy. Primary and secondary outcomes were the post-myotomy EndoFLIP findings at 30 ml and 40 ml volume fills. RESULTS: The study included 44 patients (mean age 53.1 years, 50% female). Chicago classification included achalasia type I (39%), II (41%), III (9%), hypercontractile esophagus (2%), and EGJOO (9%). The mean esophageal myotomy length was 7.5 ± 2.2 cm and gastric myotomy was 2.1 ± 0.6 cm. Simple linear regression analyses indicated that for each 1 cm increase in gastric myotomy length, the DI at 30 ml volume fill was estimated to increase by 2.0 mm2/mmHg (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.41), the minimal diameter at 30 ml volume fill was estimated to increase by 2.4 mm (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.48), and the minimal diameter at 40 ml volume fill was estimated to increase by 1.3 mm (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a significant linear relationship between gastric myotomy length and GEJ distensibility measured by EndoFLIP during POEM. These findings may be useful in clinical practice by enabling EndoFLIP to help calibrate a desired gastric myotomy length to achieve optimal DI and minimal diameter.

Establishment of standards for the referral of large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps: an international expert consensus using a modified Delphi process.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Resection of colorectal polyps has been shown to decrease the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps are often referred to expert centers for endoscopic resection, which requires relevant information to be conveyed to the therapeutic endoscopist to allow for triage and planning of resection technique. The primary objective of this study was to establish minimum expected standards for the referral of large nonpedunculated colonic polyps for potential endoscopic resection. METHODS: A Delphi method was used to establish consensus on minimum expected standards for the referral of large colorectal polyps among a panel of international endoscopy experts. The expert panel was recruited through purposive sampling, and 3 rounds of surveys were conducted to achieve consensus. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed for each round. RESULTS: A total of 24 international experts from diverse continents participated in the Delphi study, resulting in consensus on 19 statements related to the referral of large colorectal polyps. The identified factors, including patient demographic characteristics, relevant medications, lesion factors, photodocumentation, and the presence of a tattoo, were deemed important for conveying the necessary information to therapeutic endoscopists. The mean scores for the statements, which were scored on a scale of 1 to 10, ranged from 7.04 to 9.29, with high percentages of experts considering most statements as a very high priority. Subgroup analysis according to continent revealed some variations in consensus rates among experts from different regions. CONCLUSIONS: The identified consensus statements can aid in improving the triage and planning of resection techniques for large colorectal polyps, ultimately contributing to the reduction of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality.

The Toronto Upper Gastrointestinal Cleaning Score: a prospective validation study.

BACKGROUND : Assessment of mucosal visualization during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) can be improved with a standardized scoring system. To address this need, we created the Toronto Upper Gastrointestinal Cleaning Score (TUGCS). METHODS : We developed the TUGCS using Delphi methodology, whereby an international group of endoscopy experts iteratively rated their agreement with proposed TUGCS items and anchors on a 5-point Likert scale. After each Delphi round, we analyzed responses and refined the TUGCS using an 80 % agreement threshold for consensus. We used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to assess inter-rater and test-retest reliability. We assessed internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha and item-total and inter-item correlations with Pearson's correlation coefficient. We compared TUGCS ratings with an independent endoscopist's global rating of mucosal visualization using Spearman's ρ. RESULTS : We achieved consensus with 14 invited participants after three Delphi rounds. Inter-rater reliability was high at 0.79 (95 %CI 0.64-0.88). Test-retest reliability was excellent at 0.83 (95 %CI 0.77-0.87). Cronbach's α was 0.81, item-total correlation range was 0.52-0.70, and inter-item correlation range was 0.38-0.74. There was a positive correlation between TUGCS ratings and a global rating of visualization (r = 0.41, P = 0.002). TUGCS ratings for EGDs with global ratings of excellent were significantly higher than those for EGDs with global ratings of fair (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION : The TUGCS had strong evidence of validity in the clinical setting. The international group of assessors, broad variety of EGD indications, and minimal assessor training improves the potential for dissemination.

Predictors of Malignancy in Patients With Indeterminate Biliary Strictures and Atypical Biliary Cytology: Results From Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Atypical cellular features are commonly encountered in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures, which are nondiagnostic of malignancy yet cannot rule it out. This study aims to identify clinical features that could discriminate patients with indeterminate biliary strictures and atypical biliary cytology who may harbor underlying malignancy. METHODS: All patients with an indeterminate biliary stricture and an atypical brush cytology obtained during endoscopic brushings were identified in a large tertiary-care center. Demographical information, clinical data and the final pathological diagnosis were collected. The study cohort was divided based on the final diagnosis into benign and malignant groups. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 62.9% were males with mean age of 61.7 ± 16.4 years. Overall, there was an almost equal distribution of patients in the benign and malignant groups. Older age (≥65 years), jaundice, weight loss, intrahepatic biliary and pancreatic duct dilation, double-duct sign and presence of a mass were associated with malignancy in the univariate analysis. However, only older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00 to 1.03), jaundice (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.11 to 9.98) and presence of a mass (OR 12.10, 95% CI 4.94 to 29.67) were significantly associated with malignancy in the multivariate analysis. High CA19-9 was associated with malignancy only in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. CONCLUSION: In patients with indeterminate biliary stricture and atypical brush cytology, older age, jaundice and presence of a mass are significant predictors of malignancy. Patients with such characteristics need prompt evaluation to rule out underlying malignancy.

Management of combined malignant biliary-duodenal obstruction in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy with EUS-guided gastrogastrostomy, EUS biliary drainage, and duodenal stent placement.

Video 1Demonstration of deploying lumen-apposing metal stents for gastrogastrostomy and choledochoduodenostomy in a patient with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy, as well as EUS-guided fine needle biopsy for pancreatic mass.

Clinical and pathological predictors of failure of endoscopic therapy for Barrett's related high-grade dysplasia and early esophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Multimodal endoscopic treatment for Barrett's esophagus (BE) related high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is safe and effective. However, there is a paucity of data to predict the response to endoscopic treatment. This study aimed to identify predictors of failure to achieve complete eradication of neoplasia (CE-N) and complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all HGD/EAC cases treated endoscopically at a tertiary referral center. Only patients with confirmed HGD/EAC from initial endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) were included. Potential predictive variables including clinical characteristics, endoscopic features, and index histologic parameters of the EMR specimens were evaluated using multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients were diagnosed with HGD/EAC by initial EMR from January 2008 to January 2019. Of these, 366 patients who underwent subsequent endoscopic treatment with or without RFA were included. Cumulative incidence rates at 3 years for CE-N and CE-IM were 91.4% (95% CI 87.8-94.2%) and 66.8% (95% CI 61.2-72.3%), respectively during a median follow-up period of 35 months. BE segment of 3-10 cm (HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.36-0.57) and > 10 cm (HR 0.25; 95% CI 0.15-0.40) were independent clinical predictors associated with failure to achieve CE-N. With respect to CE-IM, increasing age (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.78-1.00) was another predictor along with BE segment of 3-10 cm (HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.28-0.49) and > 10 cm (HR 0.15; 95% CI 0.07-0.30). Lymphovascular invasion increased the risk of CE-N and CE-IM failure in EAC cases. CONCLUSION: Failure to achieve CE-N and CE-IM is associated with long-segment BE and other clinical variables. Patients with these predictors should be considered for a more intensive endoscopic treatment approach at expert centers.

Recovery of endoscopy services in the era of COVID-19: recommendations from an international Delphi consensus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on provision of endoscopy services globally as staff and real estate were repurposed. As we begin to recover from the pandemic, a cohesive international approach is needed, and guidance on how to resume endoscopy services safely to avoid unintended harm from diagnostic delays. The aim of these guidelines is to provide consensus recommendations that clinicians can use to facilitate the swift and safe resumption of endoscopy services. An evidence-based literature review was carried out on the various strategies used globally to manage endoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic and control infection. A modified Delphi process involving international endoscopy experts was used to agree on the consensus statements. A threshold of 80% agreement was used to establish consensus for each statement. 27 of 30 statements achieved consensus after two rounds of voting by 34 experts. The statements were categorised as pre-endoscopy, during endoscopy and postendoscopy addressing relevant areas of practice, such as screening, personal protective equipment, appropriate environments for endoscopy and infection control precautions, particularly in areas of high disease prevalence. Recommendations for testing of patients and for healthcare workers, appropriate locations of donning and doffing areas and social distancing measures before endoscopy are unique and not dealt with by any other guidelines. This international consensus using a modified Delphi method to produce a series of best practice recommendations to aid the safe resumption of endoscopy services globally in the era of COVID-19.

Endoscopic Resection of Ampullary Tumours: Long-term Outcomes and Adverse Events.

BACKGROUND: The management of ampullary lesions has shifted from surgical approach to endoscopic resection. Previous reports were limited by small numbers of patients and short follow-up. The aim of this study is to describe short- and long-term outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing endoscopic ampullectomy. METHODS: Retrospective study of endoscopic ampullectomies performed at a tertiary center from January 1999 to October 2016. Information recorded includes patient demographics, clinical outcomes, lesion pathology, procedural events, adverse events and follow-up data. RESULTS: Overall, 103 patients underwent endoscopic resection of ampullary tumours (mean age 62.3 ± 14.3 years, 50.5% female, mean lesion size 20.9 mm; 94.9% adenomas, with a majority of lesions exhibiting low-grade dysplasia (72.7%). Complete endoscopic resection was achieved in 82.5% at initial procedure. Final complete endoscopic resection was achieved in all patients with benign pathology on follow-up procedures. Final pathology showed that 11% had previously undiagnosed invasive carcinoma. Delayed postprocedure bleeding occurred in 21.4%, all of which were managed successfully at endoscopy. Acute pancreatitis complicated 15.5% of procedures (mild in 93.8%). Perforation occurred in 5.8%, all treated conservatively except for one patient requiring surgery. Piecemeal resection was associated with significantly higher recurrence compared to en-bloc resection (54.3% versus 26.2%, respectively, P = 0.012). All recurrences were treated endoscopically. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ampullectomy appears both safe and effective in managing patients with ampullary tumours in experienced hands. Most adverse events can be managed conservatively. Many patients develop recurrence during long-term follow-up but can be managed endoscopically. Recurrence rates may be reduced by performing initial en-bloc resection.

Clinical characteristics may distinguish patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma arising from long- versus short-segment Barrett's esophagus.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with long-segment Barrett's esophagus (LSBE; ≧3 cm) have higher risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) than those with short-segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE; <3 cm). However, it is unclear whether patients developing EAC from LSBE or SSBE differ significantly according to baseline clinical characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database comprising consecutive patients with early EAC treated by endoscopic mucosal resection at a single, tertiary-referral center. Information regarding baseline clinical characteristics were determined. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify factors that differed significantly between patients with EAC arising from SSBE and LSBE. RESULTS: A total of 145 LSBE EAC and 179 SSBE EAC cases were identified. The LSBE EAC patients had a stronger association with having a hiatal hernia compared to the SSBE EAC patients. In contrast, inverse associations were observed in LSBE EAC patients with statin use and smoking pack-years relative to SSBE EAC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who developed EAC on a background of LSBE were more likely to have a hiatus hernia compared to patients with SSBE EAC, who were more likely to have higher smoking pack-years and higher rates of statin use.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Therapy: The Present and the Future.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) offers access to many intra-abdominal vessels that until now have only been accessible to the surgeon and interventional radiologist. In addition to assisting with diagnostics, this unique access offers the potential for therapeutic intervention for a host of indications. To date, this has had the most clinical impact in the treatment of gastroesophageal varices, with EUS-guided coil and glue application growing in use worldwide. Although randomised controlled trial data is lacking, we discuss the growing body of literature behind EUS-guided therapy in the management of varices. EUS has also been used in specialized centres to assist in non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding. The treatment of bleeding from Dieulafoy lesions, tumours and pancreatic pseudoaneurysms has all been described. The potential applications of EUS have also extended to the placement of portal vein stents and porto-systemic shunts in animal models. As medicine continues to move to increasingly less invasive interventions, EUS-guided therapies offer substantial promise for the safe and effective delivery of targeted treatment for a widening array of vascular disorders.

Efficacy of single-incision needle-knife biopsy for sampling subepithelial lesions.

Background and study aims Single-incision needle-knife (SINK) biopsy is a diagnostic method for acquiring tissue samples for subepithelial lesions (SELs). A single linear incision is made in the overlying mucosa and tissue samples are obtained by passing conventional biopsy forceps through the opening and deep into the lesion. The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy and safety of this technique. Patients and methods Consecutive patients who underwent SINK biopsy for an upper gastrointestinal SEL between October 2013 and September 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Forty-nine patients underwent 50 SINK biopsies. Sufficient sampling for a definite pathologic diagnosis was obtained in 42 (86 %) cases, with 91 % (40/44) having sufficient sample to perform immunohistochemistry when deemed clinically relevant. Of the 26 patients with prior non-diagnostic biopsies or FNA, a specific diagnosis was obtained in 85 % (22/26). There were no significant adverse events. Conclusions SINK biopsy is a safe and feasible strategy for obtaining a definitive tissue diagnosis with immunohistochemistry for SELs.

Non-operative Management of Necrotic Pancreatic Collection and Bleeding Pseudoaneurysm Communicating with Bowel Lumen at Multiple Sites: a Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Pancreatic pseudocysts and foci of walled-off necrosis (WON) are well-known complications of acute pancreatitis. We present a case of severe gallstone pancreatitis complicated by WON, fistulization to the bowel and gastrointestinal bleeding. Bleeding was localized to a pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery within the WON using imaging and endoscopy. Angiography and image-guided therapy were then used to control bleeding with coil-embolization. To our knowledge, this is the first report of non-operative management of a patient with severe pancreatitis complicated by WON and a bleeding pseudoaneurysm with multiple communications to the hollow viscera. Therapeutic options are discussed and a thorough literature review is included.

Clinical practice guideline: management of acute pancreatitis.

ABSTRACT: There has been an increase in the incidence of acute pancreatitis reported worldwide. Despite improvements in access to care, imaging and interventional techniques, acute pancreatitis continues to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the availability of clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis, recent studies auditing the clinical management of the condition have shown important areas of noncompliance with evidence-based recommendations. This underscores the importance of creating understandable and implementable recommendations for the diagnosis and management of acute pancreatitis. The purpose of the present guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of both mild and severe acute pancreatitis as well as the management of complications of acute pancreatitis and of gall stone-induced pancreatitis.

RESUME: Une hausse de l'incidence de pancréatite aiguë a été constatée à l'échelle mondiale. Malgré l'amélioration de l'accès aux soins et aux techniques d'imagerie et d'intervention, la pancréatite aiguë est toujours associée à une morbidité et une mortalité importantes. Bien qu'il existe des guides de pratique clinique pour la prise en charge de la pancréatite aiguë, des études récentes sur la vérification de la prise en charge clinique de cette affection révèlent des lacunes importantes dans la conformité aux recommandations fondées sur des données probantes. Ces résultats mettent en relief l'importance de formuler des recommandations compréhensibles et applicables pour le diagnostic et la prise en charge de la pancréatite aiguë. La présente ligne directrice vise à fournir des recommandations fondées sur des données probantes pour la prise en charge de la pancréatite aiguë, qu'elle soit bénigne ou grave, ainsi que de ses complications et de celles de la pancréatite causée par un calcul biliaire.

Progression and Management of Duodenal Neoplasia in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the natural history and outcomes of surveillance of duodenal neoplasia in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). BACKGROUND: Duodenal cancer is the most common cause of death in FAP. METHODS: Cohort study of patients prospectively enrolled in an upper endoscopic surveillance protocol from 1982 to 2012. The duodenum was assessed by side-viewing endoscopy and classified as stage 1 to 5 disease. Endoscopic and/or operative interventions were performed according to stage. RESULTS: There were 218 patients in the protocol (98 with advanced stage). They had a median of 9 endoscopies (range: 2-25) over a median of 11 years (range: 1-26). Median age at diagnosis of stage 3 disease (adenoma: 2.1-10 mm) was 41 years and stage 4 disease (adenoma >10 mm) was 45 years. Median time from first esophagogastroduodenoscopy to stage 4 disease was 22.4 years. The risk of stage 4 disease was 34.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 23.8-43.4] at 15 years. In multivariate analysis, sex, type of colorectal surgery, years since colorectal surgery, and stage were significantly associated with risk of progression to stage 4 disease. Five of 218 (2.3%) patients developed duodenal cancer at median age of 58 years (range: 51-65). The risk of developing duodenal cancer was 2.1% (95% CI: 0-5.2) at 15 years. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced duodenal polyposis progress in the severity of disease (size and degree of dysplasia); however, the rate of progression to carcinoma is slow. Aggressive endoscopic and surgical intervention, especially in the presence of large polyps and high-grade dysplasia, appears to be effective in preventing cancer deaths in FAP.

Comparative performance of uncoated, self-expanding metal biliary stents of different designs in 2 diameters: final results of an international multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The Wallstent has remained the industry standard for biliary self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs). Recently, stents of differing designs, compositions, and diameters have been developed. OBJECTIVE: To compare the new nitinol 6-mm and 10-mm Zilver stents with the 10-mm stainless steel Wallstent and determine the mechanism of obstruction. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, controlled study. SETTING: Nine centers experienced in SEMS placement during ERCP. PATIENTS: A total of 241 patients presenting between September 2003 and December 2005 with unresectable malignant biliary strictures at least 2 cm distal to the bifurcation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Stent occlusions requiring reintervention and death. RESULTS: At interim analysis, a significant increase in occlusions was noted in the 6-mm Zilver group at the P = .04 level, resulting in arm closure but continued follow-up. Final study arms were 64, 88, and 89 patients receiving a 6-mm Zilver, 10-mm Zilver, and 10-mm Wallstent, respectively. Stent occlusions occurred in 25 (39.1%) of the patients in the 6-mm Zilver arm, 21 (23.9%) of the patients in the 10-mm Zilver arm, and 19 (21.4%) of the patients in the 10-mm Wallstent arm (P = .02). The mean number of days of stent patency were 142.9, 185.8, and 186.7, respectively (P = .057). No differences were noted in secondary endpoints, and the study was ended at the 95% censored study endpoints. Biopsy specimens of ingrowth occlusive tissue revealed that 56% were caused by benign epithelial hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: SEMS occlusions were much more frequent with a 6-mm diameter SEMS and equivalent in the two 10-mm arms despite major differences in stent design, material, and expansion, suggesting that diameter is the critical feature. Malignant tumor ingrowth produced only a minority of the documented occlusions.

Management of perforation after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a population-based review.

BACKGROUND: Perforation related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a rare complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the management and outcomes of these perforations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 1996 and December 2002, a total of 6620 ERCPs were performed at our regional endoscopy unit serving the 1.5 million population of Southern Alberta. Thirty perforations (0.45%) were identified and retrospectively reviewed. Results. Seven of these 30 patients were found to have guidewire perforations of the bile duct, 11 perforations were peri-ampullary, 3 duodenal, 1 esophageal, and 1 patient had a perforation of an afferent limb of a Billroth II anastomosis. In seven patients the location of the perforation could not be determined (unknown). All patients with guidewire perforations were recognized during ERCP, and all were managed medically. Of the 11 peri-ampullary perforations, 7 of these patients had a pre-cut sphincterotomy, 5 underwent surgery and 4 patients died. Delay in diagnosis occurred in all patients that died. Of the three duodenal perforations, all required operation and one patient died. Of the seven 'unknown' retroperitoneal perforations, two patients required surgery and there was no mortality. The patients with esophageal and afferent limb perforations both recovered uneventfully after surgery. Most patients who required surgery had retroperitoneal fluid seen on CT scanning. CONCLUSIONS: We found that most guidewire perforations can be managed medically with little morbidity. Pre-cut sphincterotomy is a risk factor for perforation. Peri-ampullary and duodenal perforations have a high morbidity and mortality rate. In particular, retroperitoneal fluid collections on CT scans, delay in diagnosis and failure of medical therapy requiring salvage surgery are associated with poor outcomes. Early aggressive surgery may improve patient care.