Long versus short peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia: results of a non-inferiority randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become standard treatment for achalasia with comparable efficacy to surgery. In most of published series, the length of myotomy is 12-13 cm. Shorter cuts could have the advantage of shorter procedure time and possibly reduced gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) rate. DESIGN: This single-centre, patient-blinded, randomised, non-inferiority clinical trial included 200 patients, who were randomly allocated, to receive either a long-POEM (13 cm; 101 patients) or a short-POEM (8 cm; 99 patients). Primary outcome was defined as an Eckardt symptom score of ≤3 at 24 months after the procedure; a non-inferiority design was chosen with an accepted success range of 6% between the two treatments. Secondary outcomes included operating time, complication rate, postoperative manometry, GORD rate and quality of life. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat analysis, clinical success rates were 89.1% in the long-POEM and 98.0% in the short-POEM group, resulting in an absolute between-group difference of -8.9% (90% CI -14.5 to -3.3).Procedure time was significantly reduced in the short-POEM as compared with the long-POEM group (40 vs 50 min, p<0.0001). Severe adverse events occurred in one patient in both groups.No differences were observed in postoperative GORD: acid exposure >6% on pH monitoring study at 6 months was seen in 34.3% (long-POEM) vs 31.1% (short-POEM), while endoscopic oesophagitis was diagnosed in 37.6% vs 51.5% at 6 months and in 21% vs 24.5% at 24 months. Regular proton pump inhibitor use was not different either (36.8% vs 37.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates non-inferiority of a shorter cut length of POEM as compared with the standard treatment, which saved some procedural time. GORD rate was not reduced by reducing cutting length. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03450928.

Soft self-expandable metal stent to treat painful pancreatic duct strictures secondary to chronic pancreatitis: a prospective multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) may offer a treatment option for pain associated with a dilated pancreatic duct (PD) in chronic pancreatitis (CP), but optimal patient selection and FCSEMS design, efficacy, and safety remain uncertain. We studied an investigational pancreatic FCSEMS for treatment of CP-associated pain. METHODS: Patients with painful CP, a dominant distal PD stricture, and PD dilation upstream were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, single-arm trial studying 6-month indwell of a 4- to 6-cm-long soft pancreatic FCSEMS. Primary efficacy and safety endpoints were pain reduction 6 months after FCSEMS indwell (performance goal ≥53%) and PD stenting-related serious adverse events (SAEs), respectively (performance goal <32%). The primary efficacy endpoint was assessed in patients with sufficiently severe and frequent pain at FCSEMS placement as a first stent or in exchange of a plastic stent. RESULTS: Among 67 patients (mean age, 52.7 ± 12.5 years; mean time since CP diagnosis, 6.4 ± 6.4 years), 34 (50.7%) had plastic stent placement within 90 days of FCSEMS placement, and 46 patients were eligible for the primary efficacy endpoint analysis. Technical success was 97.0% (65/67). The observed primary efficacy (26.1%, 12/46) and safety endpoints (31.3%, 21/67) failed to meet the a priori study hypotheses. Study stent migration occurred in 47.7% of patients (31/65). CONCLUSIONS: Six-month treatment with an FCSEMS did not lead to an expected degree of pain reduction, and migrations and SAEs were common. Further study is needed to clarify optimal decompressive strategy, FCSEMS design, and patient selection. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02802020.).

Fully Covered Self-Expanding Metal Stent vs Multiple Plastic Stents to Treat Benign Biliary Strictures Secondary to Chronic Pancreatitis: A Multicenter Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Benign biliary strictures (BBS) are complications of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Endotherapy using multiple plastic stents (MPS) or a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) are acceptable treatment options for biliary obstructive symptoms in these patients. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic CP-associated BBS enrolled in a multicenter randomized noninferiority trial comparing 12-month treatment with MPS vs FCSEMS. Primary outcome was stricture resolution status at 24 months, defined as absence of restenting and 24-month serum alkaline phosphatase not exceeding twice the level at stenting completion. Secondary outcomes included crossover rate, numbers of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCPs) and stents, and stent- or procedure-related serious adverse events. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients were randomized to MPS and 80 to FCSEMS. Baseline technical success was 97.6% for MPS and 98.6% for FCSEMS. Eleven patients crossed over from MPS to FCSEMS, and 10 from FCSEMS to MPS. For MPS vs FCSEMS, respectively, stricture resolution status at 24 months was 77.1% (54/70) vs 75.8% (47/62) (P = .008 for noninferiority intention-to-treat analysis), mean number of ERCPs was 3.9 ± 1.3 vs 2.6 ± 1.3 (P < .001, intention-to-treat), and mean number of stents placed was 7.0 ± 4.4 vs 1.3 ± .6 (P < .001, as-treated). Serious adverse events occurred in 16 (19.0%) MPS and 19 (23.8%) FCSEMS patients (P = .568), including cholangitis/fever/jaundice (9 vs 7 patients respectively), abdominal pain (5 vs 5), cholecystitis (1 vs 3) and post-ERCP pancreatitis (0 vs 2). No stent- or procedure-related deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Endotherapy of CP-associated BBS has similar efficacy and safety for 12-month treatment using MPS compared with a single FCSEMS, with FCSEMS requiring fewer ERCPs over 2 years. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT01543256.).

Migration rate using fully covered metal stent in anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation: Results from the BASALT study group.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: The traditional endoscopic therapy of anastomotic strictures (AS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is multiple ERCPs with the insertion of an increasing number of plastic stents side-by-side. Fully covered self-expanding metal stents (cSEMS) could be a valuable option to decrease the number of procedures needed or non-responders to plastic stents. This study aims to retrospectively analyse the results of AS endoscopic treatment by cSEMS and to identify any factors associated with its success. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-one patients (mean age 55.9 ± 7.6 SD; 73 males) from nine Italian transplantation centres, had a cSEMS positioned for post-OLT-AS between 2007 and 2017. Forty-nine (54%) patients were treated with cSEMS as a second-line treatment. RESULTS: All the procedures were successfully performed without immediate complications. After ERCP, adverse events occurred in 11% of cases (2 moderate pancreatitis and 8 cholangitis). In 49 patients (54%), cSEMSs migrated. After cSEMS removal, 46 patients (51%) needed further endoscopic (45 patients) or radiological (1 patient) treatments to solve the AS. Lastly, seven patients underwent surgery. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression showed that cSEMS migration was the only factor associated with further treatments (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.6; p value 0.03); cSEMS implantation before 12 months from OLT was associated with stent migration (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.7-16.0; p value 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: cSEMS appears to be a safe tool to treat AS. cSEMS migration is the main limitation to its routinary implantation and needs to be prevented, probably with the use of new generation anti-migration stents.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy using a single-operator cholangioscope (pSOC), a retrospective, observational, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Percutaneous cholangioscopy (PC) is more complex and invasive than a transpapillary approach, with the need for a large percutaneous tract of 16 French (Fr) on average in order to advance standard percutaneous cholangioscopes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether percutaneous single-operator cholangioscopy (pSOC) using the SpyGlass™ DS system is feasible, safe, and effective in PC for diagnostic and therapeutic indications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of 28 patients who underwent pSOC in 4 tertiary referral centers were retrospectively analyzed. Technical and clinical success for therapeutic procedures was assessed as well as diagnostic accuracy of pSOC-guided biopsies and visualization. Adverse events and the required number and size of dilatations were reviewed. RESULTS: 25/28 (89%) patients had a post-surgical altered anatomy. The average number of percutaneous dilatations prior to pSOC was 1.25 with a mean dilatation size of 11 French. Histopathology showed a 100% accuracy. Visual impression showed an overall accuracy of 96.4%. Technical and clinical success was achieved in 27/28 (96%) of cases. Adverse events occurred in 3/28 (10.7%) cases. CONCLUSION: pSOC is a feasible, safe, and effective technique for diagnostic and therapeutic indications. It may be considered an alternative approach in clinical cases where gastrointestinal anatomy is altered. It has the potential to reduce peri-procedural adverse events and costs. Prospective randomized-controlled trials are necessary to confirm the previously collected data.

Endoscopic management of non-anastomotic biliary strictures following liver transplantation: Long-term results from a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVES: Studies on endoscopic treatment of non-anastomotic biliary strictures (NABS) following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are scanty and with a short follow-up. The long-term results of endoscopic treatment with plastic stents of NABS following OLT were analyzed. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive enrolled patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for NABS after OLT between 1997 and 2015. Endoscopic treatment success was defined as stricture resolution, without recurrence. RESULTS: During the study period, 33 patients with NABS underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in our center. A total of 68 ERCP were performed with a 4.4% of procedure-related adverse events. Mortality related to cholangitis secondary to endoscopic procedures was 12%. After median follow-up of 70.3 months from stents removal, NABS resolution was obtained in 12 out of 24 (50%) patients. Only one case of late NABS recurrence was observed which was successfully retreated endoscopically. According to our data analysis NABS occurring <12 months from OLT showed a worse prognosis (P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The follow-up of this study confirms that endoscopic treatment of NABS is unsatisfactory. However, patients who respond to endoscopic treatment maintain the response over time. Prompt treatment of acute cholangitis due to stents occlusion is advised in these patients to avoid high mortality rates.

Fibrin glue injection: Rescue treatment for refractory post-sphincterotomy and post-papillectomy bleedings.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) and papillectomy (EP) are associated with a non-negligible risk of post-procedural bleeding. Despite first-line endoscopic hemostasis being achieved by several methods, patients may experience bleeding persistence or recurrence. In such cases, fibrin glue (FG) injection may be used as a rescue therapy before more invasive approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic FG injection to treat refractory post-ES and post-EP bleeding. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from patients with refractory immediate or delayed bleeding following ES or EP, between October 2007 and November 2019, at a single institution. Clinical success was defined as bleeding control after FG injection. RESULTS: Overall, 70 patients were included. Clinical success was reached in 64 (91.4%) patients after one session of FG injection. Of six (8.6%) patients in whom the treatment failed, one required subsequent insertion of a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FC-SEMS) due to immediate massive bleeding, while five experienced bleeding recurrence. Such events were managed with an additional session of FG injection that failed in two cases. Therefore, one patient underwent FC-SEMS plus selective embolization, whereas the other underwent diagnostic arteriography. No severe periprocedural complications occurred. Two cases of intrabiliary glue migration were treated by endoscopic removal with a retrieval basket. CONCLUSIONS: Rescue therapy with endoscopic FG injection appears to be effective and safe to treat refractory post-ES and post-EP bleeding. Further studies are required to confirm these preliminary data.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic treatment of aberrant hepatic duct injuries after cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Right aberrant hepatic ducts are an anatomic variant with clinical relevance because of the risk of injury during cholecystectomy. Treatment options for aberrant hepatic duct injuries are not standardized. This study aims to analyze the long-term results of endoscopic treatment of aberrant hepatic duct lesions. METHODS: Patients who underwent ERCP for aberrant hepatic duct lesions were retrospectively identified. Demographic data, type of aberrant duct lesion according to the Strasberg classification, type of treatment (number of plastic stents inserted, treatment duration, and number of ERCPs), and adverse events were recorded. Follow-up was obtained by telephone contact or medical examinations. RESULTS: Between January 1996 and March 2019, 32 patients (78% women, mean age 51.7 years) with aberrant hepatic duct injuries underwent ERCP at our Endoscopy Unit. Six patients had Strasberg type B lesions, 11 patients had type C, and 8 patients had type E5, and 7 patients had a stenosis of the aberrant duct. A mean of 3.7 biliary plastic stents per patient were used; mean treatment duration was 6.3 months. All patients with isolated aberrant duct stenosis and 1 of 6 patients (17%) with type B Strasberg lesions achieved patency. Ten of 11 patients (91%) with type C Strasberg lesions achieved duct recanalization. After a mean follow-up of 109.3 ± 61.2 months, 29 of 32 patients (91%) were asymptomatic; 1 underwent surgery for recurrent cholangitis, 1 received a new endoscopic procedure because of cholangitis, and 1 reported episodic biliary colic without an increase in liver function test values and was successfully managed with a low-fat diet. CONCLUSIONS: An endoscopic approach to aberrant hepatic duct lesions after cholecystectomy can be considered an effective first-line therapy.

Endotherapy of postcholecystectomy biliary strictures with multiple plastic stents: long-term results in a large cohort of patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic therapy of benign biliary strictures with multiple plastic stent (MPS) placement has shown satisfactory results. However, the literature describes various benign biliary stricture etiologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term MPS results in patients with postcholecystectomy biliary strictures (PCBSs). METHODS: PCBS patients without complete bile duct transection were included. ERCP consisted of placing an increasing plastic stent number over time, exchanged at regular intervals (3-4 months), until complete morphologic stricture disappearance. After stent removal, patient follow-up comprised liver function tests and clinical assessment. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-four patients (43.5% men; mean age, 53 years) were enrolled; in 43% of the cases, PCBSs were involved or were close to the main hepatic confluence. PCBS resolution rate was 96.7% (n = 149). A mean maximum number of 4.3 ± 1.6 stents were placed side-by-side; a mean of 4.2 ± 1.5 ERCPs per patient was needed to obtain PCBS resolution during a mean treatment period of 11.8 ± 6.4 months. Unscheduled stent exchange because of cholangitis, jaundice, or pain occurred in 7.4% of cases. Procedure-related mortality was absent. Follow-up data were available in 85.2% of cases. After a mean follow-up of 11.1 ± 4.9 years, stricture recurrence rate was 9.4% (n = 12). Subsequent to retreatment, 83.3% of patients (n = 10) were asymptomatic after a mean time of 9 years, whereas 2 patients underwent hepaticojejunostomy because of failed retreatment. Statistical analysis revealed no risk factors for PCBS recurrence after MPS. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy of PCBSs with MPSs is safe and effective at long-term follow-up. PCBSs involving or close to the main hepatic confluence were successfully treated with MPSs. PCBS recurrence rate is low and can be successful endoscopically retreated without precluding possible surgical treatment.

Fully covered self-expanding metal stents for benign biliary stricture after orthotopic liver transplant: 5-year outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Minimally invasive treatments of anastomotic benign biliary stricture (BBS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) include endoscopic placement of multiple plastic stents or fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs). No multiyear efficacy data are available on FCSEMS treatment after OLT. METHODS: We prospectively studied long-term efficacy and safety of FCSEMS treatment in adults aged ≥18 years with past OLT, cholangiographically confirmed BBS, and an indication for ERCP with stent placement. Stent removal was planned after 4 to 6 months, with subsequent follow-up until 5 years or stricture recurrence. Long-term outcomes were freedom from stricture recurrence, freedom from recurrent stent placement, and stent-related serious adverse events (SAEs). RESULTS: In 41 patients, long-term follow-up began after FCSEMS removal (n = 33) or observation of complete distal migration (CDM) (n = 8). On an intention-to-treat basis, the 5-year probability of remaining stent-free after FCSEMS removal or observation of CDM was 48.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.2%-64.7%) among all patients and 60.9% (95% CI, 43.6%-78.2%) among 31 patients with over 4 months of FCSEMS indwell time. In 28 patients with stricture resolution at FCSEMS removal or observed CDM (median, 5.0 months indwell time), the 5-year probability of no stricture recurrence was 72.6% (95% CI, 55.3%-90%). Sixteen patients (39%) had at least 1 related SAE, most commonly cholangitis (n = 10). CONCLUSIONS: By 5 years after temporary FCSEMS treatment of post-OLT BBS, approximately half of all patients remained stent-free on an intention-to-treat basis. Stent-related SAEs (especially cholangitis) were common. FCSEMS placement is a viable long-term treatment option for patients with post-OLT BBS. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01014390.).

ERCP-related adverse events: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline.

PROPHYLAXIS: 1:  ESGE recommends routine rectal administration of 100 mg of diclofenac or indomethacin immediately before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in all patients without contraindications to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 2:  ESGE recommends prophylactic pancreatic stenting in selected patients at high risk for post-ERCP pancreatitis (inadvertent guidewire insertion/opacification of the pancreatic duct, double-guidewire cannulation).Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 3:  ESGE suggests against routine endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy before the insertion of a single plastic stent or an uncovered/partially covered self-expandable metal stent for relief of biliary obstruction.Weak recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 4:  ESGE recommends against the routine use of antibiotic prophylaxis before ERCP.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 5:  ESGE suggests antibiotic prophylaxis before ERCP in the case of anticipated incomplete biliary drainage, for severely immunocompromised patients, and when performing cholangioscopy.Weak recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 6:  ESGE suggests tests of coagulation are not routinely required prior to ERCP for patients who are not on anticoagulants and not jaundiced.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. TREATMENT: 7:  ESGE suggests against salvage pancreatic stenting in patients with post-ERCP pancreatitis.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 8:  ESGE suggests temporary placement of a biliary fully covered self-expandable metal stent for post-sphincterotomy bleeding refractory to standard hemostatic modalities.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 9:  ESGE suggests to evaluate patients with post-ERCP cholangitis by abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) scan and, in the absence of improvement with conservative therapy, to consider repeat ERCP. A bile sample should be collected for microbiological examination during repeat ERCP.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.

Endoscopic Management of Benign Biliary Strictures After Liver Transplantation.

Biliary strictures represent some of the most frequent complications encountered after orthotopic liver transplantation. They comprise an array of biliary abnormalities with variations in anatomical location, clinical presentation, and different pathogenesis. Magnetic resonance cholangiography represents the most accurate noninvasive imaging test that can provide detailed imaging of the whole biliary system-below and above the anastomosis. It is of particular value in those harboring complex hilar or intrahepatic strictures, offering a detailed roadmap for planning therapeutic procedures. Endoscopic therapy of biliary strictures usually requires biliary sphincterotomy plus balloon dilation and stent placement. However, endoscopic management of nonanastomotic biliary strictures is much more complex and challenging as compared with anastomotic biliary strictures. The present article is a narrative review presenting the results of endoscopic treatment of biliary strictures occurring after liver transplantation, describing the different strategies based on the nature of the stricture and summarizing their outcomes.

Long-term follow-up after multiple plastic stenting for refractory pancreatic duct strictures in chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Dominant pancreatic duct strictures in chronic pancreatitis are often managed by endoscopic placement of a single plastic stent. Insertion of multiple plastic stents (MPS) has been proven to be effective in managing refractory strictures, but data are still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and long-term results of MPS to dilate pancreatic duct strictures in chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: 48 patients (34 men; mean age 44 years) with chronic pancreatitis and a single pancreatic stent through a refractory stricture in the pancreatic head underwent the following protocol: 1) removal of the single pancreatic stent; 2) balloon dilation of the stricture; 3) insertion of the maximum number of stents; 4) stent removal after 6 - 12 months. RESULTS: The median number of pancreatic plastic stents placed was 3 (diameter 7 - 11.5 Fr, length 3 - 7 cm). Five patients (10.4 %) had persistent strictures after MPS removal. During a mean follow-up of 9.5 years (0.3 - 15.5 years) after stent removal, 74.4 % (32/43) of the patients were asymptomatic, and 25.6 % (11/43) experienced pancreatitis recurrence or pancreatic type pain after a mean time of 26.4 months (8/43, 18.6 % underwent plug extraction without evidence of stricture recurrence; 3/43, 7.0 % had stricture recurrence). No major complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic multiple plastic stenting of chronic pancreatitis-related pancreatic duct strictures showed satisfactory long-term results, with the option of re-treatment. This procedure can be considered an important therapeutic alternative for painful pancreatic duct strictures located in the head of the pancreas in the setting of chronic pancreatitis.

Endoscopic treatment of chronic pancreatitis: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline - Updated August 2018.

ESGE suggests endoscopic therapy and/or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) as the first-line therapy for painful uncomplicated chronic pancreatitis (CP) with an obstructed main pancreatic duct (MPD) in the head/body of the pancreas. The clinical response should be evaluated at 6 - 8 weeks; if it appears unsatisfactory, the patient's case should be discussed again in a multidisciplinary team and surgical options should be considered.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE suggests, for the selection of patients for initial or continued endoscopic therapy and/or ESWL, taking into consideration predictive factors associated with a good long-term outcome. These include, at initial work-up, absence of MPD stricture, a short disease duration, non-severe pain, absence or cessation of cigarette smoking and of alcohol intake, and, after initial treatment, complete removal of obstructive pancreatic stones and resolution of pancreatic duct stricture with stenting.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends ESWL for the clearance of radiopaque obstructive MPD stones larger than 5 mm located in the head/body of the pancreas and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for MPD stones that are radiolucent or smaller than 5 mm. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE suggests restricting the use of endoscopic therapy after ESWL to patients with no spontaneous clearance of pancreatic stones after adequate fragmentation by ESWL.Weak recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE suggests treating painful dominant MPD strictures with a single 10-Fr plastic stent for one uninterrupted year if symptoms improve after initial successful MPD drainage. The stent should be exchanged if necessary, based on symptoms or signs of stent dysfunction at regular pancreas imaging at least every 6 months. ESGE suggests consideration of surgery or multiple side-by-side plastic stents for symptomatic MPD strictures persisting beyond 1 year after the initial single plastic stenting, following multidisciplinary discussion. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends endoscopic drainage over percutaneous or surgical treatment for uncomplicated chronic pancreatitis (CP)-related pseudocysts that are within endoscopic reach.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE recommends retrieval of transmural plastic stents at least 6 weeks after pancreatic pseudocyst regression if MPD disruption has been excluded, and long-term indwelling of transmural double-pigtail plastic stents in patients with disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE suggests the temporary insertion of multiple side-by-side plastic stents or of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) for treating CP-related benign biliary strictures.Weak recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE recommends maintaining a registry of patients with biliary stents and recalling them for stent removal or exchange.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

Endoscopic management of common bile duct stones: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline.

ESGE recommends offering stone extraction to all patients with common bile duct stones, symptomatic or not, who are fit enough to tolerate the intervention.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends liver function tests and abdominal ultrasonography as the initial diagnostic steps for suspected common bile duct stones. Combining these tests defines the probability of having common bile duct stones.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE recommends endoscopic ultrasonography or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography to diagnose common bile duct stones in patients with persistent clinical suspicion but insufficient evidence of stones on abdominal ultrasonography.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE recommends the following timing for biliary drainage, preferably endoscopic, in patients with acute cholangitis, classified according to the 2018 revision of the Tokyo Guidelines:- severe, as soon as possible and within 12 hours for patients with septic shock- moderate, within 48 - 72 hours- mild, elective.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends endoscopic placement of a temporary biliary plastic stent in patients with irretrievable biliary stones that warrant biliary drainage.Strong recommendation, moderate quality of evidence.ESGE recommends limited sphincterotomy combined with endoscopic papillary large-balloon dilation as the first-line approach to remove difficult common bile duct stones. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence.ESGE recommends the use of cholangioscopy-assisted intraluminal lithotripsy (electrohydraulic or laser) as an effective and safe treatment of difficult bile duct stones.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE recommends performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 2 weeks from ERCP for patients treated for choledocholithiasis to reduce the conversion rate and the risk of recurrent biliary events. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.

Endo-therapies for biliary duct-to-duct anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation: Outcomes of a nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: The most appropriate endo-therapeutic approach to biliary anastomotic strictures is yet to be defined. AIM: To retrospectively report on the endo-therapy of duct-to-duct anastomotic strictures during 2013 in Italy. METHODS: Data were collected from 16 Endoscopy Units at the Italian Liver Transplantation Centers (BASALT study group). RESULTS: Complete endo-therapy and follow-up data are available for 181 patients: 101 treated with plastic multistenting, 26 with fully covered self-expandable metal stenting and 54 with single stenting. Radiological success was achieved for 145 patients (80%), that is, 88% of plastic multistenting, 88% of self-expandable metal stenting and 61% of single stenting (P < 0.001 vs plastic multistenting; P < 0.05 vs self-expandable metal stenting). After first-line endo-therapy failure, the patients underwent a second-line endo-therapy with plastic multistenting for 25%, fully covered self-expandable metal stenting for 53% and single stenting for 22% of cases, and radiological success was achieved for 84%, that is, 100%, 85% and 63% with plastic multistenting, self-expandable metal stenting and single stenting (P < 0.05 vs plastic multistenting or self-expandable metal stenting) respectively. Procedure-related complications occurred in 7.8% of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies. Overall, clinical success was achieved in 87% of patients after a median follow-up of 25 months. CONCLUSION: Plastic multistenting is confirmed as the preferred first-line treatment, while fully covered self-expandable metal stenting as rescue option for biliary anastomotic strictures. Single stenting has sub-optimal results and should be abandoned.

Right hepatic artery syndrome: report of three cases and literature review.

Anatomical variations of the hepatic artery have been described as responsible for the onset of jaundice or stone formation. We present three cases of intrahepatic stones secondary to a compression of the proximal common bile duct (CBD) by the right hepatic artery (RHA). Three consecutive patients (males, mean age 65 years) with symptoms of cholangitis and intra-hepatic stones admitted between October 2017 and June 2018 with a final diagnosis of CBD compression from the RHA. The three patients underwent ERCP and biliary sphincterotomy with extraction of intra-hepatic stones; after stone removal cholangiograhy showed CBD compression just below the main hepatic confluence which was confirmed to be secondary to RHA compression on subsequent MRI. The patients remained asymptomatic after 12 months mean follow-up. Compression of the CBD by the RHA might be responsible for intra-hepatic stone formation. Endoscopic treatment is feasible and effective on short-term follow-up.

Pancreas divisum and recurrent pancreatitis: long-term results of minor papilla sphincterotomy.

Background and aims: Pancreas divisum (PD) is the most common congenital variant of the pancreatic ductal system and a potential cause of acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP). Endoscopic therapy is a therapeutic option for symptomatic PD, but there is limited data on long-term results. We aimed to assess the effect of minor papilla endoscopic sphincterotomy (MiES) in the setting of ARP in patients with PD. Methods: Consecutive patients treated by MiES were included. Clinical data, including gender, age, smoking and drinking habits, number of episodes of acute pancreatitis (AP) as well as technical data pertaining to the endoscopic therapy were reviewed. Patients available for follow-up were contacted to assess the long-term impact of MiES using the Patient's Global Impression of Change (PGIC) questionnaire. Results: A total of 138 patients with PD including 77 patients with ARP underwent MiES; 48 patients were available for long-term follow-up using the PGIC score, with a mean follow-up period of 9.7 years. Procedure-related adverse events developed in 10 cases (12.9%): 5 post-MiES delayed bleeding and 5 mild pancreatitis. MiES was clinically successful in 35 patients (72.9%) who did not experience any more episodes of AP. Improvement in quality of life (PGIC ≥6) occurred in 41/48 patients (85.4%). On multivariate analysis, stenosis of the MiES was the only predictive factor for increased risk of recurrent pancreatitis after initial therapy. Conclusion: MiES resulted an efficient treatment for ARP in patients with PD with clinical benefit, patient satisfaction and improved quality of life even at long-term follow-up.