National trends and outcomes in timing of ERCP in patients with cholangitis.

INTRODUCTION: Guidelines recommend early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the management of acute cholangitis, but the definition of the term "early" remains debatable. This study analyzed national trends in the timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and identified the ideal time to perform preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with acute cholangitis. METHODS: The 2005 to 2016 National Inpatient Sample was used to identify patients undergoing cholecystectomy for acute cholangitis. Severity of cholangitis was defined using the 2013 Tokyo Grading Criteria, where Tokyo grade III patients were defined as having organ dysfunction and non-Tokyo grade III patients were defined as grades I and II. Multivariable regressions (accounting for patient and hospital characteristics) were used to identify the timing of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography associated with the least mortality risk. RESULTS: Of 91,051 patients undergoing cholecystectomy for cholangitis, 55% underwent preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: 24% of patients received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography on the day of admission, 41% on hospital day 2, and the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography decreased gradually thereafter. Mortality rates remained under 1% if endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed during the first 3 days and increased as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed during days 4 to 7 (P < .001). On multivariable regression, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography performed >72 hours after admission was associated with increased mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.80, P = .01). Receiving endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography P > 72 hours increased risk of death among Tokyo grade III patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.88, P = .01). Overall, during the study period, the utilization of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for all grades of acute cholangitis increased from 39% of patients in 2005 to 51% in 2016 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: There has been an increase in the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for acute cholangitis. Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography on the day of admission was not associated with a decrease in mortality in patients with Tokyo grade III disease, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography within 72 hours of hospitalization was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Sphincteroplasty Using Large Balloon Dilatation for Difficult Common Bile Duct Stone Removal at Dhulikhel Hospital.

Background Endoscopic sphincteroplasty (ESPT) using a large Controlled Radial Expansion (CRE) Wire guided balloon dilatation has gained acceptance in removing a difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones. Objective To evaluate effectiveness and complications of removing large and difficult bile duct stones with sphincterotomy combined with large balloon dilatation. Method A total of 132 patients, from February 2014 to June 2017, who had biliary ductal calculus which was either greater than 15 mm or difficult to remove with standard technique, underwent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) with Endoscopic sphincteroplasty using a large Controlled radial expansion wire guided balloon dilatation. The success rate of complete stone clearance and post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreaticography complications were analyzed. Result There were 48 (36.4 %) male and 84 (63.6%) female patients with mean age of 55.48 ± 16.36 years. Stones were removed with sphincteroplasty in first attempt in 90 out of 132 (68.2%) patients, 26 out of 37 (70.27%) patients in second session and in all 7(100%) patients in third attempt. Five (11.90%) patients were lost to follow up and 4 were advised for surgery because of failure to remove stones by sphincteroplasty. Overall success of endoscopic sphincterotomy and large balloon dilatation in our study was 93.18%. Complications were seen in 17 (13.6%) patients; bleeding seen in 9 (6.8%) patients and mild pancreatitis in 8 (6.1%) patients. None of the patients had severe pancreatitis or perforation secondary to the procedure. Conclusion Endoscopic sphincteroplasty after sphincterotomy is an effective and safe technique for a difficult common bile duct stone removal.

Criteria for difficult biliary cannulation: start to count.

OBJECTIVE: In European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines, biliary cannulation of native papilla is defined as difficult in the presence of >5 papilla contacts, >5 min cannulation time or >1 unintended pancreatic duct cannulation (5-5-2). The aim is to test 5-5-2-criteria in a single-center practice predicting the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP), and to study the efficacy of transpancreatic biliary sphincterotomy (TPBS) as an advanced method for biliary cannulation. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of 821 patients with native papilla were analyzed. Primary cannulation was the first method chosen for cannulation (sphincterotome and a guidewire). Advanced cannulation method was endoscopist-chosen cannulation method after failed primary cannulation. RESULTS: Primary cannulation succeeded in 599 (73%) patients in a median of 2 min. TPBS ± needle knife resulted in a 90% success rate. The final cannulation success was 814 (99.1%) cases in a median of 5.3 min. PEP risk was 4.0%. When primary cannulation succeeded, the PEP rate was 2.3%. When advanced methods were needed, the PEP rate increased to 13.5%. Altogether 311 (37.9%) patients fulfilled at least one 5-5-2-criterion. In patients without 5-5-2-criteria, the primary cannulation succeeded in 79.6% (n = 477), compared to 20.4% (n = 122) with the criteria, P < 0.001, indicating the need to exchange the cannulation method instead of persistence. If all the 5-5-2-criteria were present, the risk of PEP was 12.7%. CONCLUSION: The results support the use of the 5-5-2-criteria for difficult cannulation. TPBS is an effective advanced cannulation method with an acceptable complication rate.

Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society guidelines for endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation.

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has developed the 'EPLBD Clinical Practice Guidelines' as fundamental guidelines based on new scientific techniques. EPLBD is a treatment method that has recently become widely used for choledocolithiasis. The evidence level in this field is usually low, and in many instances, the recommendation grading has to be determined on the basis of expert consensus. At this point, the guidelines are divided into the following six sections according to the 'EST Clinical Practice Guidelines': (i) Indications, (ii) procedures, (iii) special cases, (iv) procedure-related adverse events, (v) treatment outcomes, and (vi) postoperative follow up observation.

Provider-specific quality measurement for ERCP using natural language processing.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Natural language processing (NLP) is an information retrieval technique that has been shown to accurately identify quality measures for colonoscopy. There are no systematic methods by which to track adherence to quality measures for ERCP, the highest risk endoscopic procedure widely used in practice. Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of using NLP to measure adherence to ERCP quality indicators across individual providers. METHODS: ERCPs performed by 6 providers at a single institution from 2006 to 2014 were identified. Quality measures were defined using society guidelines and from expert opinion, and then extracted using a combination of NLP and data mining (eg, ICD9-CM codes). Validation for each quality measure was performed by manual record review. Quality measures were grouped into preprocedure (5), intraprocedure (6), and postprocedure (2). NLP was evaluated using measures of precision and accuracy. RESULTS: A total of 23,674 ERCPs were analyzed (average patient age, 52.9 ± 17.8 years, 14,113 were women [59.6%]). Among 13 quality measures, precision of NLP ranged from 84% to 100% with intraprocedure measures having lower precision (84% for precut sphincterotomy). Accuracy of NLP ranged from 90% to 100% with intraprocedure measures having lower accuracy (90% for pancreatic stent placement). CONCLUSIONS: NLP in conjunction with data mining facilitates individualized tracking of ERCP providers for quality metrics without the need for manual medical record review. Incorporation of these tools across multiple centers may permit tracking of ERCP quality measures through national registries.

Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society guidelines for endoscopic sphincterotomy.

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) has recently compiled guidelines for endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) using evidence-based methods. Content regarding actual clinical practice, including detailed endoscopic procedures, instruments, device types and usage, has already been published by the JGES postgraduate education committee in May 2015 and, thus, in these guidelines we avoided duplicating such content as much as possible. The guidelines do not address pancreatic sphincterotomy, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD), and endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD). The guidelines for EPLBD are planned to be developed separately. The evidence level in this field is often low and, in many instances, strong recommendation has to be determined on the basis of expert consensus. At this point in time, the guidelines are divided into six items including indications, techniques, specific cases, adverse events, outcomes, and postoperative follow up.

Role of endoscopy in primary sclerosing cholangitis: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Clinical Guideline.

1 ESGE/EASL recommend that, as the primary diagnostic modality for PSC, magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) should be preferred over endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation. 2 ESGE/EASL suggest that ERCP can be considered if MRC plus liver biopsy is equivocal or contraindicated in patients with persisting clinical suspicion of PSC. The risks of ERCP have to be weighed against the potential benefit with regard to surveillance and treatment recommendations.Low quality evidence, weak recommendation. 6 ESGE/EASL suggest that, in patients with an established diagnosis of PSC, MRC should be considered before therapeutic ERCP.Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 7 ESGE/EASL suggest performing endoscopic treatment with concomitant ductal sampling (brush cytology, endobiliary biopsies) of suspected significant strictures identified at MRC in PSC patients who present with symptoms likely to improve following endoscopic treatment.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 9 ESGE/EASL recommend weighing the anticipated benefits of biliary papillotomy/sphincterotomy against its risks on a case-by-case basis.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.Biliary papillotomy/sphincterotomy should be considered especially after difficult cannulation.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 16 ESGE/EASL suggest routine administration of prophylactic antibiotics before ERCP in patients with PSC.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 17 EASL/ESGE recommend that cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) should be suspected in any patient with worsening cholestasis, weight loss, raised serum CA19-9, and/or new or progressive dominant stricture, particularly with an associated enhancing mass lesion.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 19 ESGE/EASL recommend ductal sampling (brush cytology, endobiliary biopsies) as part of the initial investigation for the diagnosis and staging of suspected CCA in patients with PSC.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence.

Esfinterotomía más dilatación con balones de grandes volúmenes versus esfinterotomía en la extracción de litiasis complejas: análisis prospectivo / Sphincterotomy plus large balloon dilation versus sphincterotomy alone for the extraction of complex lithiasis: a prospective analysis

ANTECEDENTES Y PROPÓSITO: la esfinterotomía mediana asociada a dilatación con balones de grandes volúmenes es una alternativa a la esfinterotomía amplia en la remoción de litiasis complejas pero no resulta claro cuál de las dos técnicas es más efectiva. Nosotros comparamos ambos métodos de manera prospectiva. MÉTODO: desde enero de 2012 hasta marzo de 2014 se incluyeron en forma consecutiva 133 pacientes con litiasis complejas. Al grupo A se le realizó esfinterotomía mediana asociada a dilatación con balones de grandes volúmenes y al grupo B esfinterotomía amplia. Se evaluaron las tasas de éxito en la extracción de litiasis, tasa de permeabilidad ductal, la utilización de litotripcia mecánica, dosis, tiempo y dosis por área de la radioscopia y complicaciones vinculadas al procedimiento. RESULTADOS: el grupo A tuvo 44 pacientes y el grupo B 69. La tasa de éxito global en la extracción fue de 86,4% en el grupo A y 70% en el grupo B (p = 0,069). En las litiasis gigantes la efectividad en la extracción fue de 89,3% en el grupo A y 58,6% en el grupo B (p = 0,019). El porcentaje de utilización de litotripcia mecánica fue de 15,9% y 30,4%, respectivamente (p = 0,142). La dosis total de radiación fue de 39,8 mGy vs. 26,2 mGy, respectivamente (p= 0,134). Se presentaron complicaciones en el 6,8% y 5,5% de los procedimientos de cada grupo sin diferencias significativas (p = 0,856). CONCLUSIÓN: la técnica de esfinterotomía con dilatación resulta más efectiva e igualmente segura que la esfinterotomía convencional en el manejo de la coledocolitiasis gigante

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mid-size sphincterotomy associated with large balloon dilation is an alternative to wide sphincterotomy to remove complex lithiases. However, which of the two techniques is most effective remains unclear. Hence, we conducted this study to compare both methods prospectively. Method: Since January 2012 until March 2014, 133 consecutive patients with complex stones were included. Group A underwent mid-size sphincterotomy associated with large balloon dilation and group B underwent wide sphincterotomy alone. Success rates were assessed for: Extraction of stones, ductal patency rate, the use of mechanical lithotripsy, dose, time and dose per radioscopy area as well as procedure-related complications. Results: Group A comprised 44 patients and group B comprised 69 patients. Overall success rate for extraction was 86.4% in group A and 70% in group B (p = 0.069). In giant lithiasis, effective extraction was 89.3% in group A and 58.6% in group B (p = 0.019). Use of mechanical lithotripsy was 15.9% and 30.4%, respectively (p = 0.142). Total radiotherapy dose was 39.8 mGy vs. 26.2 mGy, respectively (p = 0.134). Complications occurred in 6.8% and 5.5% of the procedures in each group, without significant differences among them (p = 0.856). Conclusion: Sphincterotomy plus large balloon dilation is more effective and equally safe than conventional sphincterotomy for the management of giant main bile duct lithiasis

Competence development in ERCP: the learning curve of novice trainees.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Measures for competence in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during training are poorly defined. Currently, various training and accreditation programs base verification of competence on performance of a minimum number of procedures. There is a general awareness that procedural competence certification should be based on objective performance criteria. Continuous self-assessment using a Rotterdam Assessment Form for ERCP (RAF-E) can provide insight into trainee performance. The study aim was to express development in ERCP competence as a learning curve. METHODS: ERCP trainees at a tertiary referral center in the Netherlands were invited to participate. Performed procedures were appraised using RAF-E. Indication for each ERCP and presence of a virgin papilla were documented. Complexity was graded on a 3-point scale. The primary outcome parameter was common bile duct (CBD) cannulation success rate. Success of the intended therapeutic interventions was additionally expressed as a learning curve. RESULTS: 15 trainees were included. 1541 ERCPs (624 procedures in native papillary anatomy) were assessed through RAF-E. Unassisted CBD cannulation success rate improved from 36 % at baseline to 85 % after 200 procedures (P < 0.001), and in 624 patients with a virgin papilla from 22 % at baseline to 68 % after 180 procedures (P < 0.001). Learning curves for therapeutic interventions showed significant improvements for successful sphincterotomy (P = 0.01) and stent placement (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Learning curves are a valuable means for assessing competence in ERCP. Differences in learning curves can be shown with RAF-E. Verification of competence should be based on actual performance, instead of minimum numbers.

[Endoscopic biliary stents for the temporary management of choledocholithiasis]. / Endoprótesis biliar en el manejo transitorio de la coledocolitiasis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic extraction of biliary tract stones is safe and effective. When the procedure is not successful, the use of a temporary stent can be a solution. AIM: To prospectively analyze the usefulness of endoscopic biliary stents in the temporary management of biliary obstruction due to choledocholithiasis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of 51 consecutive patients (age range 21-88 years, 34 females) with common bile duct stones that, from January 1999 to December 2001, were subjected to an endoscopic insertion of a biliary stent. RESULTS: The indications for stent placement were a large stone in 40 patients (78%), the insecurity of a complete biliary tract cleaning in eight (16%) and technical difficulties in three (6%). Twenty seven patients (52.9%) were jaundiced and 17 (33.3%) had cholangitis. The prostheses remained in place until definitive resolution of the choledocholithiasis in 47 patients (92%) and migrated in 4 (8%). Bilirubin levels became normal in all cases with jaundice and infection resolved in all those with cholangitis. The definitive treatment of choledocholithiasis was done endoscopically in 28 patients (58%) and surgically in 20 (42%). Three patients were lost from follow up. Of these, one patient (2%) died 14 months later due to a recurrent cholangitis. The remaining two patients were asymptomatic and with the prostheses still in place 522 and 560 days post stent placement. CONCLUSIONS: When the immediate endoscopic resolution of choledocholithiasis is not possible, temporary stenting is a simple and safe therapeutic alternative that allows patients to be free of obstructive complications until the definitive treatment is carried out.

Papillotomy Performance Scoring Scale--a pilot validation study focused on the cut axis.

BACKGROUND: No published Papillotomy Performance Scoring Scale exists. AIMS: To develop such a scale and to apply it to stratify the quality of performance of recorded papillotomies. METHODS: Expert biliary endoscopists were polled regarding their opinion of a 'perfect' biliary papillotomy and experience with complications in relation to the cut axis. Based on these responses a scoring scale encompassing two components - wire alignment and cut orientation, was proposed. This scoring scale was presented to experienced and trainee endoscopists, who scored recording of five biliary papillotomies. The mean final combined score was used for stratification. RESULTS: The experts' opinion of a 'perfect' biliary papillotomy is one cut along the axis of the distal bile duct and papilla. Their reported experience with complications occurring outside of the perfect axis validated their consensus. Application of the scoring scale stratified recorded papillotomies based on the mean final combined scores. CONCLUSIONS: These pilot data support the hypothesis that a scoring scale focused on the cut axis can be constructed based on expert opinion, experience and consensus. The possibility of stratification of mean final combined scores that are significantly different validates application of the scoring scale for assessment of papillotomy performance.

Endoprótesis biliar en el manejo transitorio de la coledocolitiasis / Endoscopic biliary stents for the temporary management of choledocholithiasis

Background: Endoscopic extraction of biliary tract stones is safe and effective. When the procedure is not successful, the use of a temporary stent can be a solution. Aim: To prospectively analyze the usefulness of endoscopic biliary stents in the temporary management of biliary obstruction due to choledocholithiasis. Material and methods: Analysis of 51 consecutive patients (age range 21-88 years, 34 females) with common bile duct stones that, from January 1999 to December 2001, were subjected to an endoscopic insertion of a biliary stent. Results: The indications for stent placement were a large stone in 40 patients (78%), the insecurity of a complete biliary tract cleaning in eight (16%) and technical difficulties in three (6%). Twenty seven patients (52.9%) were jaundiced and 17 (33.3%) had cholangitis. The prostheses remained in place until definitive resolution of the choledocholithiasis in 47 patients (92%) and migrated in 4 (8%). Bilirubin levels became normal in all cases with jaundice and infection resolved in all those with cholangitis. The definitive treatment of choledocholithiasis was done endoscopically in 28 patients (58%) and surgically in 20 (42%). Three patients were lost from follow up. Of these, one patient (2%) died 14 months later due to a recurrent cholangitis. The remaining two patients were asymptomatic and with the prostheses still in place 522 and 560 days post stent placement. Conclusions: When the immediate endoscopic resolution of choledocholithiasis is not possible, temporary stenting is a simple and safe therapeutic alternative that allows patients to be free of obstructive complications until the definitive treatment is carried out.

Safety of extension of a previous endoscopic sphincterotomy: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Data in the literature regarding complication risks after the extension of a previous endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (repeat endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy) are limited and controversial. To explore this issue, we prospectively studied complications after repeat sphincterotomy and compared them with those of biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy in consecutive patients with choledocholithiasis. METHODS: A total of 250 patients underwent endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy and 81 underwent extension of a previous one. All patients had choledocholithiasis and were enrolled using specific criteria, excluding parameters predisposing to increased postsphincterotomy complications. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 2.46% in the repeat sphincterotomy and 8.4% in the sphincterotomy group (p > 0.05). Complications for the repeat sphincterotomy and initial sphincterotomy groups, respectively, were as follows: bleeding, 2.46% and 2.8%; pancreatitis, 0% and 4.8% (p < 0.05); cholangitis, 0% and 0.4%; perforation, 0% and 0.4%; and hyperamylasemia, 3.7% and 12.8% (p < 0.05). There were no deaths. Bleeding episodes in the former group occurred when repeat sphincterotomy was performed early after the primary one. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat sphincterotomy is a safe technique for the treatment of patients with choledocholithiasis and seems to be as safe as initial sphincterotomy. It is not associated with increased hemorrhage risk. There is a trend toward a higher risk of hemorrhage when repeat sphincterotomy is performed early. Repeat sphincterotomy is safer than the initial sphincterotomy with respect to pancreatic complications.

An assessment of the learning curve for precut biliary sphincterotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Precut sphincterotomy is considered unsafe when used by inexperienced endoscopists. We sought to determine whether procedural experience with precut sphincterotomy predicted either successful cannulation or development of complications in these patients. METHODS: We describe the experience of 253 consecutive patients who underwent precut biliary sphincterotomy done by one endoscopist between September, 1993 and April, 2001. Data were prospectively collected on procedure indication and outcome. All patients were contacted by phone 30 days after the procedure to determine outcome. We also described precut utilization over time. RESULTS: All 253 precut procedures were divided chronologically into five groups of 50, with 53 in the final group. The rates of successful cannulation after precutting were 88%, 94%, 90%, 88%, and 98%, respectively (p = 0.05 for groups 1-4 vs group 5). Overall complication rates were similar in all groups (12%, 18%, 20%, 12%, and 14%), with no difference in complication severity. Female gender predicted successful cannulation (OR = 2.9 [p = 0.02]), whereas an indication of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction predicted development of complications (OR = 1.7 [p = 0.03]). The total number of ERCP procedures performed increased over time, whereas the proportion of precut sphincterotomies performed decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Although the success rate for precut sphincterotomy may increase with procedural experience, the complication rate does not seem to decrease. Precut sphincterotomy continues to carry an increased complication rate over standard sphincterotomy even when performed by an experienced biliary endoscopist. The need for precut sphincterotomy appears to decrease with increasing ERCP experience.