Comparison of disposable digital single-operator cholangioscopy versus direct peroral cholangioscopy for the diagnosis of intraductal superficial lesions of the bile duct.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Disposable digital single-operator cholangioscopy (D-SOC) and direct peroral cholangioscopy (D-POC) using an ultraslim endoscope are established POC modalities for the diagnosis and treatment of various biliary diseases. We compared the usefulness of D-SOC and D-POC for the diagnosis of intraductal superficial lesions of the bile duct (ISL-Bs). METHODS: In total, 38 consecutive patients with suspected biliary diseases who underwent both D-SOC and D-POC were enrolled. The primary outcome was the detection rate of the ISL-Bs, and the secondary outcomes were the technical success of POC and POC-guided forceps biopsy sampling (POC-FB), procedure time, visualization quality, and tissue adequacy. RESULTS: D-SOC had a higher technical success rate than D-POC but without a statistically significant difference (100% vs. 92.1%, P = 0.248). D-POC had a marginally higher ISL-B detection rate (34.2% vs. 28.9%, P = 0.683) and significantly higher visualization quality (P = 0.033). The mean procedure time was significantly shorter with D-SOC (11.00 ± 1.34 vs. 19.03 ± 2.95 min, P < 0.001). The technical success rate of POC-FB and tissue adequacy did not differ between the two techniques (D-SOC vs. D-POC: 81.8% vs. 84.6%, P = 0.693 and 77.8% vs. 90.9%, P = 0.566). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that both POC systems are safe and useful for the detection, characterization, and diagnosis of minute ISL-Bs. While D-SOC displayed a shorter procedure time and a tendency for higher technical success rate, D-POC provided superior visualization quality, allowing detailed observation of the surface structure and microvascular patterns.

Impact of temperature-controlled endobiliary radiofrequency ablation for inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A propensity score-matched analysis.

Background and study aims Endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be an effective palliative treatment, but few studies have evaluated its outcomes for malignant obstruction in the hilar bile duct, which has a thin wall and complex duct-vascular contacts. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of temperature-controlled endobiliary RFA, which can reduce the risk of unintentional thermal injury by maintaining the temperature of the ablation segment, in the treatment of inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Patients and methods After propensity score matching, 64 patients with inoperable hilar CCA were categorized to the RFA + stent group (endobiliary RFA with stenting; n=32) or stent-only group (stenting only; n=32). The evaluated outcomes were the median time to recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs). Results Technical success was achieved in all patients. The clinical success rate was 93.8% in the RFA + stent group and 87.5% in the stent-only group ( P =0.672). The median time to RBO was 242 days in the RFA + stent group and 168 days in the stent-only group ( P =0.031). The median OS showed a non-significant tendency to be higher in the RFA + stent group (337 versus 296 days; P =0.260). Overall AE rates were comparable between the two groups (12.5% vs 9.4%, P =1.000). Conclusions Temperature-controlled endobiliary RFA resulted in favorable stent patency without increasing the rate of AEs but it did not significantly increase OS in patients with inoperable hilar CCA (Clinical trial registration number: KCT0008576).

Usefulness of Direct Peroral Cholangioscopy Using a Multibending Ultraslim Endoscope for the Management of Intrahepatic Bile Duct Lesions (with Videos).

Background/Aims: : Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) has been used to assess intrahepatic duct (IHD) lesions but with a limited role. A new multibending (MB) ultraslim endoscope has been designed to improve POC performance. We evaluated the usefulness of POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for the management of IHD lesions. Methods: : Between March 2017 and March 2020, 22 patients underwent direct POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for IHD lesions documented by previous imaging or cholangiopancreatography. The primary outcome was technical success of POC, and secondary outcomes were technical success of POC-guided interventions, median procedure time, and POC-related adverse events. Results: : The technical success rate for POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for IHD lesions was 95.5% (21/22). Free-hand insertion was successful in 95.2% (20/21). The overall technical success rate for POC-guided intervention was 100% (21/21), including nine diagnostic and 12 therapeutic procedures (eight direct stone removal and four intraductal lithotripsies). The median procedure time was 29 minutes (range, 9 to 79 minutes). There were no procedure-related adverse events. Conclusions: : Direct POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope allows direct visualization of IHD lesions and may be useful for diagnosis and therapeutic management in selected patients.

Lumen-apposing metal stents for the treatment of pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid collections and bleeding risk: a propensity matched study.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) using the Hot-Axios device has recently been associated with a significant risk of bleeding. This adverse event (AE) seems to occur less frequently with the use of a different device, the Spaxus stent. The aim of the current study was to compare the rates of bleeding between the two stents. METHODS: Patients admitted for treatment of PFCs by EUS plus lumen-apposing metal stent in 18 endoscopy referral centers between 10 July 2019 and 28 February 2022 were identified and their outcomes compared using a propensity-matching analysis. RESULTS: 363 patients were evaluated. After a 1-to-1 propensity score match, 264 patients were selected (132 per group). The technical and clinical success rates were comparable between the two groups. Significantly more bleeding requiring transfusion and/or intervention occurred in the Hot-Axios group than in the Spaxus group (6.8% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.03); stent type was a significant predictor of bleeding in both univariate and multivariate regression analyses (P = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Bleeding necessitating arterial embolization did not however differ significantly between the two groups (3.0% vs. 0%; P = 0.12). In addition, the Hot-Axios was associated with a significantly higher rate of overall AEs compared with the Spaxus stent (9.8% vs. 3.0%; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that, in patients with PFCs, bleeding requiring transfusion and/or intervention occurred significantly more frequently with use of the Hot-Axios stent than with the Spaxus stent, although this was not the case for bleeding requiring embolization.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage as a first approach for jaundice palliation in unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction: Prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) represents the gold standard for jaundice palliation in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO). Biliary drainage using electrocautery lumen apposing metal stent (EC-LAMS) is currently a well-established procedure when ERCP fails. In a palliative setting the endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) could represent an easy and valid option. We performed a prospective study with a new EC-LAMS with the primary aim to assess the clinical success rate of EUS-GBD as a first-line approach to the palliation of DMBO. METHODS: In all, 37 consecutive patients undergoing EUS-GBD with a new EC-LAMS were prospectively enrolled. Clinical success was defined as bilirubin level decrease >15% within 24 h and >50% within 14 days after EC-LAMS placement. RESULTS: The mean age was 73.5 ± 10.8 years; there were 17 male patients (45.9%). EC-LAMS placement was technically feasible in all patients (100%) and the clinical success rate was 100%. Four patients (10.8%) experienced adverse events, one bleeding, one food impaction, and two cystic duct obstructions because of disease progression. No stent-related deaths were observed. The mean hospitalization was 7.7 ± 3.4 days. Median overall survival was 4 months (95% confidence interval 1-8). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage with the new EC-LAMS is a valid option in palliative endoscopic biliary drainage as a first-step approach in low survival patients with malignant jaundice unfit for surgery. A smaller diameter EC-LAMS should be preferred, particularly if the drainage is performed through the stomach, to avoid potential food impaction, which could result in stent dysfunction.

The Use of a New Dedicated Electrocautery Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent for Gallbladder Drainage in Patients with Acute Cholecystitis.

Aims: Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) in ultrasonography-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) have become increasingly important for high-risk surgical patients. Our study aims to evaluate the technical and clinical success, safety, and feasibility of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gallbladder drainage using a new dedicated LAMS. Methods: This is a retrospective multicenter study that included all consecutive patients not suitable for surgery who were referred to a tertiary center for EUS-GBD using a new dedicated electrocautery LAMS for acute cholecystitis at eight different centers. Results: Our study included 54 patients with a mean age of 76.48 years (standard deviation: 12.6 years). Out of the 54 endoscopic gallbladder drainages performed, 24 (44.4%) were cholecysto-gastrostomy, and 30 (55.4%) were cholecysto-duodenostomy. The technical success of LAMS placement was 100%, and clinical success was achieved in 23 out of 30 patients (76.67%). Adverse events were observed in two patients (5.6%). Patients were discharged after a median of 5 days post-stenting. Conclusions: EUS-GBD represents a valuable option for high-surgical-risk patients with acute cholecystitis. This new dedicated LAMS has demonstrated a high rate of technical and clinical success, along with a high level of safety.

Preliminary feasibility study of a new partially covered self-expandable metal stent with an anchoring flange for EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (with videos).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HPG) has a risk of serious procedural adverse events (AEs), but few dedicated devices for EUS-HPG are available. We evaluated the feasibility of a new partially covered self-expandable metal stent (PCSEMS) with an anchoring flange for EUS-HPG. METHODS: The feasibility of a stent featuring a proximal radiopaque uncovered portion 1.5 cm in length and a distal anchoring flange 20 mm in diameter was evaluated in consecutive patients undergoing EUS-HPG for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. Primary outcomes were the technical and clinical success of EUS-HPG, and secondary outcomes were AEs, recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), reintervention for RBO, and the technical feasibility of peroral cholangioscopy (POC) through the stent in situ. RESULTS: EUS-HPG was performed in 24 patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. The technical and clinical success rates of EUS-HPG were 100% (24/24) and 91.7% (22/24), respectively. AEs developed after EUS-HPG in 8.3% of patients (2/24, cholangitis). RBO developed in 29.2% of patients (7/24), with a median cumulative time to RBO of 6.7 months. The causes of RBO were sludge formation (n = 4), hyperplasia at an uncovered portion (n = 2), and nonocclusive cholangitis (n = 1). Reintervention for RBO had a 100% success rate (7/7), and POC through the stent in situ was technically feasible in 7 of 8 patients with a stent diameter of 10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-HPG with a new PCSEMS can alleviate malignant biliary obstruction after failed ERCP. The novel stent evaluated in this study may prevent stent-related AEs, including stent migration, and allow advanced endoscopic interventions through the HPG route.

Detection and endoscopic classification of intraductal neoplasms of the bile duct by peroral cholangioscopy with narrow-band imaging (with videos).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Indirect diagnostic modalities are unsatisfactory for detecting intraductal neoplasm of the bile duct (IN-B), which can be detected by peroral cholangioscopy (POC) with narrow-band imaging (NBI). We investigated the POC findings of IN-B and developed a feasible endoscopic classification system. METHODS: Four hundred seventy-one patients who underwent direct POC from April 2008 to July 2020 were enrolled. Intraductal superficial lesions of the bile duct (ISL-Bs) were classified according to surface structure and microvascular pattern on POC with NBI and correlated to histologic findings after POC-guided forceps biopsy sampling (POC-FB) or surgery. The primary outcome was the detection rate of IN-Bs, and the secondary outcomes were the associations of POC findings with IN-B, technical success rates of POC and POC-FB, and adverse events. RESULTS: Direct POC was successful in 458 of 471 patients (97.2%). Among the patients, 131 (27.8%) exhibited ISL-Bs. The technical success rate of POC-FB was 94.7% (124/131). Among the 124 patients who underwent POC-FB, IN-B was revealed in 54 (43.5%), for a detection rate of 11.8% (54/458). Papillary lesions (P = .041), nodular lesions (P = .044), and irregularly or regularly dilated and tortuous vessels (P = .004 and P = .006, respectively) were POC findings associated with IN-B. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of the novel classification system was .899. CONCLUSIONS: POC with NBI can be useful for the detection of IN-Bs. Our novel classification system based on both surface structure and microvascular pattern may allow differentiation of IN-B from ISL-Bs.

A novel bipolar electrocautery-enhanced delivery system with a lumen-apposing metal stent for EUS-guided drainage: A porcine study.

BACKGROUND: An electrocautery-enhanced delivery system with a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is available for one-step endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage (EUS-TD). Bipolar electrosurgery has several potential clinical advantages, including reduced collateral thermal damage, enhanced hemostasis, and no requirement for a return electrode plate. In this study, we compared the technical feasibility and safety of a newly developed bipolar electrocautery-enhanced delivery system with a conventional delivery system for EUS-TD using a LAMS in a porcine model. METHOD: Ten days before the study, 12 mini pigs underwent common bile duct ligation for EUS-guided gallbladder drainage. Transenteric puncture was performed, followed by placement of a guidewire. In six pigs, a bipolar electrocautery-enhanced delivery system with LAMS (Hot SPAXUS) was inserted over the guidewire and advanced into the gallbladder, without prior dilation of the tract, by applying a bipolar cut current. In the remaining six pigs, a conventional delivery system with LAMS (Cold SPAXUS) was inserted after tract dilatation using a cystotome. The stent was removed after 4 weeks. RESULTS: In all pigs, the stent was successfully inserted and deployed in the gallbladder without adverse events. The mean procedure time of EUS-TD was significantly lower in the Hot SPAXUS group than that of the Cold SPAXUS group (mean ± standard deviation: 188.7 ± 5.2 vs 449.5 ± 97.5 s, P = .0019). Stent migration was not observed, and all stents were removed successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage using a bipolar electrocautery-enhanced LAMS is feasible for reducing the procedure time while maintaining the high success rate and safety of conventional LAMS.

Feasibility of Cholangioscopy Using Multibending Ultra-Slim Endoscope Through a Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent for Choledochoduodenostomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided choledochoduodenostomy using a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) allows access to the biliary system with a sufficiently large diameter stent. However, an appropriate endoscope for this purpose is required. We evaluated the feasibility of per-oral cholangioscopy (POC) using a multibending ultra-slim endoscope through a LAMS for EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy. METHODS: Twelve patients who underwent EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy, followed by POC via a LAMS, were enrolled. POC was performed with an multibending ultra-slim endoscope. The primary outcome was technical success, defined as examination of both hepatic ducts and either the distal common bile duct or stricture site within 10 min. The types of intervention and adverse events were also assessed. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all cases with the multibending ultra-slim endoscope. Narrow-band imaging endoscopy was performed in five cases (41.7%) and POC-guided targeted biopsy was performed in three cases (25.0%). Stone extraction during POC was performed in two patients (16.7%) and foreign body removal from the intrahepatic duct was performed in one patient. One patient underwent additional metal stent insertion under direct visualization. After POC, no stent migration or severe adverse events were seen in any case. CONCLUSIONS: POC using a multibending ultra-slim endoscope for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes can be performed effectively and safely through a LAMS after EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy.

EUS-guided biliary drainage with a novel electrocautery-enhanced lumen apposing metal stent as first approach for distal malignant biliary obstruction: a prospective study.

Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) represents the gold standard for jaundice palliation in malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) patients. Biliary drainage using electrocautery lumen apposing metal stent (EC-LAMS) is currently a well-established procedure when ERCP fails. We aimed to assess the technical and clinical success of a new EC-LAMS as the first approach to the palliation of malignant jaundice due to MBO in patients unfit for surgery. Patients and methods Twenty-five consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic-guided biliary drainage with the new EC-LAMS were prospectively enrolled. Clinical success was defined as bilirubin level decrease > 15 % 24 hours after EC-LAMS placement. Results Mean age was 76.6 ±â€Š11.56 years, and male patients were 10 (40 %). EC-LAMS placement was technically feasible in 24 patients (96 %) and clinical success rate was 100 %. Only one patient (4 %) experienced a misplacement rescued by an immediate second EC-LAMS placement. The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.66 ±â€Š4.22 days. The median overall survival was 7 months (95 % CI 1-7). Conclusions In this preliminary study, the new EC-LAMS seems to allow a single-step palliative endoscopic therapy in patients affected by jaundice due to MBO, with high technical and clinical success and low adverse events. Further large prospective studies are warranted to validate these results.

Role of ERCP in Malignant Hilar Biliary Obstruction.

Malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHO), an aggressive perihilar biliary obstruction caused by cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, or other metastatic malignancies, has a poor prognosis. Surgical resection is the only curative treatment method for biliary malignancies. However, most of the patients with MHO cannot undergo surgeries on presentation because of an advanced inoperable state or a poor performance state due to old age or comorbid diseases. Therefore, palliative biliary drainage is mandatory to improve symptomatic jaundice and quality of life. Among drainage methods, endoscopic biliary drainage is the current standard for the palliation of unresectable advanced MHO. The development of stents and various accessories and advances in endoscopic techniques including endoscopic ultrasonography have facilitated primary endoscopic intervention in difficult high-grade hilar strictures. However, some issues are still under debate, such as palliation methods, appropriate stents, the number of stents, deployment methods, and additional local ablation therapies. Therefore, this review presents currently optimal endoscopic palliation methods for advanced MHO based on the reported literature.

Efficacy and safety of direct peroral cholangioscopy using a new multibending ultra-slim endoscope for the management of biliary diseases.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Compared with currently available duodenoscopy-assisted systems, direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOC) using an ultra-slim endoscope is limited by technical difficulties. The multibending (MB) ultra-slim endoscope was introduced as a dedicated cholangioscope for DPOC to challenge the technical problem. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical utility of DPOC using an MB endoscope with free-hand insertion into the bile duct in patients with biliary diseases. METHODS: A total of 145 patients who underwent DPOC using an MB endoscope were analyzed. The primary outcome was the technical success rate of DPOC using the free-hand insertion of the MB endoscope. The secondary outcomes were the technical success rates of DPOC-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, the diagnostic accuracy of DPOC-guided target biopsy, and adverse events related to DPOC. RESULTS: Free-hand biliary insertion of a MB endoscope for DPOC was technically successful in 133 patients (91.7%). DPOC-guided target biopsy was successful in 36 of 38 patients (94.7%) and had a diagnostic accuracy of 91.7% (95% confidence interval, 82.6-100). Sixty-nine therapeutic interventions were performed; technical success was achieved in 65 (94.2%). No severe adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The MB ultra-slim endoscope was technically effective to perform a DPOC including various diagnosis and therapeutic interventions without device assistance. MB endoscope is considered to contribute to expanding a role of DPOC in diagnosis and treatment of diverse biliary tract diseases.