Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of acute cholangitis caused by choledocholithiasis: A single-center retrospective study in Japan.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the treatment of acute cholangitis caused by choledocholithiasis. Methods: The Japanese government declared a state of emergency in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 309 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for acute cholangitis caused by choledocholithiasis between April 2017 and December 2022. Results: Patients were categorized into a pregroup (n = 134) and a postgroup (n = 175), depending on whether they were diagnosed before or after the state of emergency declaration. The total number of ERCP cases and the number of ERCP cases with endoscopic stone removals increased after the state of emergency declaration. Compared with the pregroup, the numbers of patients with performance status of 0-1 and surgically altered anatomy increased, whereas the numbers of patients taking oral antiplatelets or anticoagulants and those with cerebrovascular disease decreased in the postgroup. The number of single-stage endoscopic stone removals increased and hospital stays were significantly shorter in the postgroup. No differences in adverse event rates were detected between the two groups. Conclusions: Although our hospital provides tertiary care, the number of patients with cholangitis in good general condition and no underlying disease increased after the state of emergency declaration. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in the number of single-stage endoscopic treatments and shortened hospital stays for patients with acute cholangitis caused by choledocholithiasis. No safety issues with ERCP were detected, even during the pandemic.

Still elusive: Developments in the accurate diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures.

Indeterminate biliary strictures pose a significant diagnostic dilemma for gastroenterologists. Despite advances in endoscopic techniques and instruments, it is difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant pathology. A positive histological diagnosis is always preferred prior to high risk hepatobiliary surgery, or to inform other types of therapy. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with brushings has low sensitivity and despite significant improvements in instruments there is still an unacceptably high false negative rate. Other methods such as endoscopic ultrasound and cholangioscopy have improved diagnostic quality. In this review we explore the techniques available to aid accurate diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures and obtain accurate histology to facilitate clinical management.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the surgically altered patient.

As management of upper gastrointestinal malignancies improves, and with popularization of bariatric surgery, endoscopists are likely to meet patients with altered upper gastrointestinal anatomy. Short-term, the surgery can cause complications like bleeding, leaks, and fistulas, and longer-term problems such as intestinal or biliary anastomotic strictures or biliary stones can arise, all necessitating endoscopy. In addition, the usual upper gastrointestinal pathologies can also still occur. These patients pose unique challenges. To proceed, understanding the new layout of the upper gastrointestinal tract is essential. The endoscopist, armed with a clear plan for navigation, can readily diagnose and manage most commonly occurring conditions, such as marginal ulcers and proximal anastomotic strictures with standard endoscopic instruments. With complex reconstructions involving long segments of small bowel, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, utilization of balloon-assisted enteroscopy may be necessary, mandating modification of procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Successful endoscopic management of patients with altered anatomy will require prior planning and preparation to ensure the appropriate equipment, setting, and skill set is provided.

Single stage laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis. Lesson learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Choledocholithiasis, a common complication of gallstone disease, poses significant risks including cholangitis and pancreatitis. Various treatment approaches exist, including single-stage and two-stage techniques, with recent literature suggesting advantages of the single-stage approach in terms of outcomes and cost-effectiveness. This study evaluates the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of single-stage laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (LC + iERCP) compared to the previously adopted two-stage approach. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing single-stage LC + iERCP for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). Data on demographics, preoperative assessments, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were collected and compared with an historical control group undergoing the two-stage approach (LC + preopERCP). Hospitalization costs were also compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 190 patients were included, with 105 undergoing single-stage LC + iERCP. The single-stage approach demonstrated successful completion without cystic duct cannulation, with no conversions to open surgery. Operative time was comparable to the two-stage approach, while hospital stay, and costs were significantly lower in the single-stage group. Complication rates were similar between the groups. Conclusions: Single-stage LC + iERCP appears to be a feasible, effective, and safe approach for treating cholecysto-choledocholithiasis, offering potential benefits in terms of reduced hospital stay, OR occupation time, and costs compared to the two-stage approach. Integration of this approach into clinical practice warrants consideration, unless there are logistical challenges that cannot be overcome or lack of endoscopic expertise also for treating challenging urgent cases.

Do pre-operative endoscopic procedures, impact the surgical outcomes of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy?

The role and risks of pre-operative endoscopic procedures, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration (EUS/FNA), in patients undergoing robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy are not well-defined despite a broad consensus on the utility of these interventions for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes prior to major pancreatic operations. This study investigates the impact of such preoperative endoscopic interventions on perioperative outcomes in robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy. With Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval we retrospectively analyzed 772 patients who underwent robotic pancreatectomies between 2012 and 2023. Specifically, 430 of these patients underwent a robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy were prospectively evaluated: 93 (22%) patients underwent ERCP with EUS and FNA, 45 (10%) ERCP only, and 31 (7%) EUS and FNA, while 261 (61%) did not. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests and Student's t-tests to compare perioperative outcomes between the two cohorts. Statistically significant differences were observed in patients who underwent a pre-operative endoscopic intervention and were more likely to have converted to an open operation (p = 0.04). The average number of harvested lymph nodes for patients who underwent preoperative endoscopic intervention was statistically significant compared to those who did not (p = 0.0001). All other perioperative variables were consistent across all cohorts. Patients who underwent endoscopic intervention before robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy were more likely to have an unplanned open operation. This study demonstrates the increased operative difficulties introduced by preoperative endoscopic interventions. Although there was no impact on overall patient outcomes, surgeons' experience can minimize the associated risks.

Secondary uncovered versus fully-covered metal stents for the management of occluded stent in unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) have been widely placed for unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction (UDMBO). However, the dysfunction rate is 19-40% and its treatment is controversial. We aimed asses the efficacy and safety of a secondary biliary stents (uncovered (UC) versus fully-covered (FC) stent) for the management of occluded SEMS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2015 and June 2023, 41 patients with UDMBO underwent secondary biliary stent placement as "stent-in-stent" (20 FCSEMS and 21 UCSEMS). The primary outcomes were technical and clinical success of SEMS placement. Secondary outcomes included adverse events (AEs), patency and survival. Patients were prospectively followed until death or loss of follow-up. RESULTS: Technical (100% vs 85.5%) and clinical (100% vs 95.2%) success rates were similar in FCSEMS and UCSEMS groups. The median follow-up period was 510 days (range 290-630). The median duration of stent patency of FCSEMS (220 days, IQR 137.5-442.5) was longer than UCSEMS (150 days, IQR 110-362.5) (P=0.395), although stent dysfunction within 6 months was not different between groups. Multivariate analysis indicated that sex (HR=0.909, 0.852-0.970), antitumor treatment (HR=0.248, 0.032-0.441), stent patency (HR=0.992, 0.986-0.998) and clinical success (HR=0.133, 0.026-0.690) were significant factors for overall survival. There were no remarkable differences in AEs. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of additional biliary stent using the stent-in-stent method is an effective and safe rescue treatment for patients with UDMBO and occluded stent. In addition, the use of FCSEMS compared UCSEMS has unclear benefits regarding stent patency and overall survival.

[Management of acute pancreatitis in the emergency department and the intensive care unit]. / Management der akuten Pankreatitis in der Notaufnahme und Intensivstation.

Acute pancreatitis is a gastrointestinal emergency where diagnosis is based on typical symptoms, increased serum lipase concentration, and abdominal imaging. Local complications and organ failure in severe acute pancreatitis regularly necessitate treatment in the intensive care unit and are associated with increased mortality rates. Only optimal interdisciplinary treatment can improve the prognosis of patients with severe acute pancreatitis. This article gives guidance on the initial diagnostic and etiological examinations as well as on the evaluation of organ failure and the severity assessment according to common classification systems. Furthermore, the endoscopic management of biliary pancreatitis and infected necrosis is discussed and the basics of targeted volume therapy, nutrition, and indications for antibiotic treatment are reviewed.

Non-Invasive Prediction of Choledocholithiasis Using 1D Convolutional Neural Networks and Clinical Data.

This paper introduces a novel one-dimensional convolutional neural network that utilizes clinical data to accurately detect choledocholithiasis, where gallstones obstruct the common bile duct. Swift and precise detection of this condition is critical to preventing severe complications, such as biliary colic, jaundice, and pancreatitis. This cutting-edge model was rigorously compared with other machine learning methods commonly used in similar problems, such as logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis, and a state-of-the-art random forest, using a dataset derived from endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography scans performed at Olive View-University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center. The one-dimensional convolutional neural network model demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving 90.77% accuracy and 92.86% specificity, with an area under the curve of 0.9270. While the paper acknowledges potential areas for improvement, it emphasizes the effectiveness of the one-dimensional convolutional neural network architecture. The results suggest that this one-dimensional convolutional neural network approach could serve as a plausible alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, considering its disadvantages, such as the need for specialized equipment and skilled personnel and the risk of postoperative complications. The potential of the one-dimensional convolutional neural network model to significantly advance the clinical diagnosis of this gallstone-related condition is notable, offering a less invasive, potentially safer, and more accessible alternative.

TOKYO criteria 2024 for the assessment of clinical outcomes of endoscopic biliary drainage.

The consensus-based TOKYO criteria were proposed as a standardized reporting system for endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage. The primary objective was to address issues arising from the inconsistent reporting of stent outcomes across studies, which has complicated the comparability and interpretation of study results. However, the original TOKYO criteria were not readily applicable to recent modalities of endoscopic biliary drainage such as biliary drainage based on endoscopic ultrasound or device-assisted endoscopy. There are increasing opportunities for managing hilar biliary obstruction and benign biliary strictures through endoscopic drainage. Biliary ablation has been introduced to manage benign and malignant biliary strictures. In addition, the prolonged survival times of cancer patients have increased the importance of evaluating overall outcomes during the period requiring endoscopic biliary drainage rather than solely focusing on the patency of the initial stent. Recognizing these unmet needs, a committee has been established within the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society to revise the TOKYO criteria for current clinical practice. The revised criteria propose not only common reporting items for endoscopic biliary drainage overall, but also items specific to various conditions and interventions. The term "stent-demanding time" has been defined to encompass the entire duration of endoscopic biliary drainage, during which the overall stent-related outcomes are evaluated. The revised TOKYO criteria 2024 are expected to facilitate the design and reporting of clinical studies, providing a goal-oriented approach to the evaluation of endoscopic biliary drainage.

Usefulness of pancreatic volume quantitative analysis as a predictor of development and severity in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is one of the most common and serious adverse events associated with ERCP. Thus, we aimed to investigate the usefulness of pre-ERCP pancreatic volume, which is deeply involved in exocrine pancreatic function, as a predictor of PEP development and severity. METHODS: In total, 1107 patients who underwent their first ERCP were recruited from January 2012 to December 2022 for this retrospective study. Pancreatic volume was measured by cross-sectional analysis using pre-ERCP computed tomography images. The potential risk factors for PEP were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 745 patients included in the study, 34 (4.6 %) developed PEP: severe, moderate, or mild PEP in 1, 7, and 26 cases, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that only a large pancreatic volume (>70 cm3) was an independent risk factor for the development of PEP (odds ratio, 7.98; 95 % confidence interval, 11.80-67.50; P < 0.001). Additionally, the incidence of PEP was significantly higher in patients with a pancreatic volume >70 cm3 than in those with a pancreatic volume ≤70 cm3 (18.5 % [31/168] vs. 0.5 % [3/577]; P < 0.001). Also, the association between the pre-ERCP pancreatic volume and PEP severity was positively correlated (r = 0.625, P < 0.005), with a larger pancreatic volume corresponding to increased PEP severity. CONCLUSIONS: A large pancreatic volume before ERCP may be a novel risk factor for PEP incidence and severity. This finding suggests that quantitative analysis of the pre-ERCP pancreatic volume could be a useful predictor of PEP.

Risk prediction of cholangitis after stent implantation based on machine learning.

The risk of cholangitis after ERCP implantation in malignant obstructive jaundice patients remains unknown. To develop models based on artificial intelligence methods to predict cholangitis risk more accurately, according to patients after stent implantation in patients' MOJ clinical data. This retrospective study included 218 patients with MOJ undergoing ERCP surgery. A total of 27 clinical variables were collected as input variables. Seven models (including univariate analysis and six machine learning models) were trained and tested for classified prediction. The model' performance was measured by AUROC. The RFT model demonstrated excellent performances with accuracies up to 0.86 and AUROC up to 0.87. Feature selection in RF and SHAP was similar, and the choice of the best variable subset produced a high performance with an AUROC up to 0.89. We have developed a hybrid machine learning model with better predictive performance than traditional LR prediction models, as well as other machine learning models for cholangitis based on simple clinical data. The model can assist doctors in clinical diagnosis, adopt reasonable treatment plans, and improve the survival rate of patients.

The new definition of dominant stricture in primary sclerosing cholangitis: Prevalence and clinical significance.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A new definition of dominant stricture (NDS) has recently been defined for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Prevalence and clinical features of this, compared to traditional dominant stricture (TDS), have not been reported. METHODS: In this single-centre longitudinal prospective cohort study, all PSC patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) between October 2021 and 2022 were recruited. Symptoms of cholestasis, laboratory values (P-alkaline phosphatase, P-Bilirubin), Helsinki PSC-score, brush cytology findings and need for endoscopic therapy (i.e. dilation, stenting) were prospectively collected. RESULTS: Overall, 228 patients with PSC underwent 248 ERCPs. NDS was detected in 43 (17%; 36 patients) and TDS without NDS (TDS group) was detected in 62 (25%; 58 patients) ERCPs, respectively; in the remaining 143 ERCPs, neither TDS nor NDS was seen (no dominant stricture [NoDS] group). PSC duration (median 8 years) and patient's age did not differ between the three groups; males presented more often with NDS. Patients with NDS were more often symptomatic, had higher cholestatic liver enzymes, advanced bile duct disease and markers of biliary inflammation (p < .001). Patients with NDS needed dilation (81%) and stenting (21%) more often than the TDS group (60% and 5%, respectively). Dysplasia in brush cytology was more common in TDS (5%) and NDS (9%) than in NoDS (3%) groups (p = .04), but did not differ between TDS and NDS groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dominant stricture according to the new definition developed in 17% of PSC patients in our cohort and identifies patients with more advanced disease, biliary inflammation and need of endo-therapy.

Pneumo-peritoneum, pneumo-retroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy-an uncommon complication case report.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is invasive for pancreaticobiliary diseases. Perforation is a rare but severe complication among its associated risks. A 45-year-old female with biliary colic and multiple gallbladder calculi was diagnosed with choledocholithiasis based on imaging showing CBD dilation and gallstones. ERCP was planned for stone removal. Sphincterotomy was performed, but stone retrieval attempts failed, leading to severe pneumo-peritoneum and respiratory compromise. Immediate CBD stenting was done, avoiding surgical intervention. The patient recovered uneventfully, later undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with CBD exploration and stone removal. ERCP-related perforations, rare but severe, involve retroperitoneal air collection. Clinical signs include abdominal discomfort, and imaging confirms diagnosis. Management varies by type, with some requiring surgical repair. Conservative management sufficed in this case, with successful patient recovery. ERCP-related complications like pneumo-peritoneum require prompt diagnosis and conservative management if no perforation is evident.

Air embolism complicating endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Aim: Venous air embolism is a rare but potentially life threatening complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Diagnosis is difficult because of the lack of specific signs or symptoms. Case: A 62-year-old man underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis. A cardiovascular collapse occurred during the procedure. The echocardiography showed air within the right ventricle. Aspiration of air from the right ventricle was done and saved the patient's life. Conclusion: We highlight through this case that increased awareness is essential for prompt recognition of the air embolism to allow life-saving therapy.

Endoscopic treatment is the first-line treatment for biliary stones. It may be associated with various complications. We report the case of a 62-year-old patient who underwent endoscopic treatment for biliary stone. During the procedure, he experienced disturbed cardiac function due to the passage of air bubbles into the cardiac cavities. The bubbles were aspirated with a good outcome.

Immune-related adverse event-associated sclerosing cholangitis due to immune checkpoint inhibitors: imaging findings and treatments.

OBJECTIVES: Immune-related adverse event-sclerosing cholangitis caused by treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is rare, and the diagnostic criteria and treatment strategy remain unclear. In this study, we confirmed the clinicopathological features of immune-related adverse event-sclerosing cholangitis and clarified its diagnosis and appropriate management. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 10 patients diagnosed with immune-related adverse event-sclerosing cholangitis and identified by electronic database searches. RESULTS: Blood tests revealed liver dysfunction with a predominance of biliary tract enzymes in all patients; however, jaundice was present in only one patient. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed diffuse hypertrophy of the extrahepatic bile duct wall as the most frequent finding; however, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed various imaging features, such as the pruned-tree appearance of intrahepatic bile ducts, in all patients. Transpapillary bile duct biopsy showed inflammatory cell infiltration using immunostaining, with a predominance of cluster of differentiation 8-positive T cells in 63% of the cases. Initial steroid therapy was effective in two cases. Mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus were used in steroid-refractory cases. Although six patients showed improvements, all of the remaining patients died owing to immune-related adverse event-sclerosing cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS: Various bile duct imaging findings of immune-related adverse event-sclerosing cholangitis were revealed; transpapillary bile duct biopsy may be useful in the diagnosis of immune-related adverse event-sclerosing cholangitis. Despite the combination of multiple immunosuppressive agents, prognosis of immune-related adverse event-sclerosing cholangitis remains poor. Longer follow-up and larger clinical studies are necessary to establish its treatment strategy.

Post-cholecystectomy Clip Migration: A Case Report.

Surgical clip migration into the common bile duct (CBD) with subsequent stone formation is an exceedingly rare complication following both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy, with fewer than 100 cases reported in the literature. Herein, we present the case of a 78-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain and dark urine six years after an open cholecystectomy. Her abdominal ultrasonography revealed no abnormalities, with only mild derangements noted in liver function tests. However, computed tomography of the abdomen unveiled a single metallic surgical clip lodged within the CBD, surrounded by a bile stone, alongside another clip at the gallbladder fossa. The patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), during which the clip was successfully removed. The procedure has utilized SpyGlass cholangioscopy. While clip migration into the CBD remains a rare phenomenon, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with obstructive jaundice or biliary colic post-cholecystectomy. Minimally invasive management by ERCP is the procedure of choice for migrated clips-related complications but surgical common bile duct exploration may be necessary. This case highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt intervention in managing post-cholecystectomy clip migration (PCCM) but potentially serious postoperative complications.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Management of Chronic Pancreatitis.

Management of symptomatic chronic pancreatitis (CP) has shifted its approach from surgical procedures to minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. Increased experience and advanced technology have led to the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as a therapeutic tool to provide pain relief and treat CP complications including pancreatic stones, strictures, and distal biliary strictures, pseudocysts, and pancreatic duct fistulas. In this article the authors will discuss the use of ERCP for the management of CP, its complications, recent advancements, and techniques from the most up to date literature available.

Approaches to Pancreaticobiliary Endoscopy in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Anatomy.

The increasing prevalence of bariatric surgery, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, has necessitated innovative approaches for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to the altered anatomy. Laparoscopy-assisted ERCP offers high success rates but leads to extended hospital stays and an increased risk of adverse events. Enteroscopy-assisted ERCP encounters technical challenges, resulting in lower success rates. A novel technique, endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP, employs a lumen-apposing metal stent to create a fistula connecting the gastric pouch to the excluded stomach, enabling ERCP and other endoscopic procedures. Common adverse events include perforation, stent migration, bleeding, and fistula persistence.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Pancreatic Duct Drainage.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PDD) is a method of decompressing the pancreatic duct (PD) if unable to access the papilla or surgical anastomosis, particularly in nonsurgical candidates. The 2 types of EUS-PDD are EUS-assisted pancreatic rendezvous (EUS-PRV) and EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy (EUS-PG). EUS-PRV should be considered in patients with accessible papilla or anastomosis, while EUS-PG is a comparable alternative in surgically altered foregut anatomy. While technical and clinical successes range from 79% to 100%, adverse events occur in approximately 20%. A multidisciplinary approach that considers the patient's anatomy, clinical indication, and long-term goals should be discussed with surgical and interventional radiology colleagues.