Effectiveness and complication rates of percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided management of common bile duct stones: a single-arm meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the success and complication rate of percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided management (PTFM) for the removal of common bile duct stones (CBDS). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of multiple databases was conducted to identify original articles published between January 2010 and June 2022, reporting the success rate of PTFM for the removal of CBDS. A random-effect model was used to summarize the pooled rates of success and complications with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Eighteen studies involving 2554 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Failed or infeasible endoscopic management was the most common indication of PTFM. The meta-analytic summary estimates of PTFM for the removal of CBDS were as follows: rate of overall stone clearance 97.1% (95% CI, 95.7-98.5%); stone clearance at first attempt 80.5% (95% CI, 72.3-88.6%); overall complications 13.8% (95% CI, 9.7-18.0%); major complications 2.8% (95% CI, 1.4-4.2%); and minor complications 9.3% (95% CI, 5.7-12.8%). Egger's tests showed the presence of publication bias with respect to the overall complications (p = 0.049). Transcholecystic management of CBDS had an 88.5% pooled rate for overall stone clearance (95% CI, 81.2-95.7%), with a 23.0% rate for complications (95% CI, 5.7-40.4%). CONCLUSION: The systematic review and meta-analysis answer the questions of the overall stone clearance, clearance at first attempt, and complication rate of PTFM by summarizing the available literature. Percutaneous management could be considered in cases with failed or infeasible endoscopic management of CBDS. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This meta-analysis highlights the excellent stone clearance rate achieved through percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided removal of common bile duct stones, potentially influencing clinical decision-making when endoscopic treatment is not feasible. KEY POINTS: • Percutaneous transhepatic fluoroscopy-guided management of common bile duct stones had a pooled rate of 97.1% for overall stone clearance and 80.5% for clearance at the first attempt. • Percutaneous transhepatic management of common bile duct stones had an overall complication rate of 13.8%, including a major complication rate of 2.8%. • Percutaneous transcholecystic management of common bile duct stones had an overall stone clearance rate of 88.5% and a complication rate of 23.0%.

Cholangioscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy versus laser lithotripsy for the treatment of choledocholithiasis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic management of large bile duct stones may be challenging and refractory to standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) techniques. To this end, per-oral cholangioscopy (POC)-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) or laser lithotripsy (LL) has been increasingly utilized during ERCP. There are limited data, however, comparing EHL and LL in the management of choledocholithiasis. Therefore, the aim was to analyze and compare the efficacy of POC-guided EHL and LL for the treatment of choledocholithiasis. METHODS: A database search on PubMed was performed selecting prospective English-language articles published by September 20th, 2022, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies selected included bile duct clearance as an outcome. RESULTS: A total of 21 prospective studies (15 using LL, 4 using EHL, and 2 both) including 726 patients were included for analysis. Complete ductal clearance was achieved in 639 (88%) patients with 87 (12%) patients having incomplete ductal clearance. Patients treated with LL had an overall median stone clearance success rate of 91.0% (IQR, 82.7-95.5), whereas EHL achieved a median stone clearance success rate of 75.8% (IQR, 74.0-82.4), [p = .03]. CONCLUSIONS: LL is a highly effective form of POC-guided lithotripsy for the treatment of large bile duct stones, particularly when compared to EHL. However, direct, head-to-head randomized trials are needed to identify the most effective form of lithotripsy for treating refractory choledocholithiasis.

Gallbladder biliary lithotripsy: A new rationale applied to old treatment.

Pure endoscopic treatment of combined cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis is possible due to the chance to use together both endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) approaches. This endotherapy permits to treat biliary stones in the main bile duct by standard ERCP and gallbladder stones by EUS-guided cholecystoduodenostomy eventually associated to intracorporeal lithotripsy to achieve optimal results.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related adverse events in Korea: A nationwide assessment.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a pivotal procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of pancreatobiliary diseases, it has been known that the risk of procedure-related adverse events (AEs) is significant. OBJECTIVE: We conducted this nationwide cohort study since there have been few reports on the real-world data regarding ERCP-related AEs. METHODS: Patients who underwent ERCP were identified between 2012 and 2015 using Health Insurance Review and Assessment database generated by the Korea government. Incidence, annual trends, demographics, characteristics according to the types of procedures, and the risk factors of AEs were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 114,757 patients with male gender of 54.2% and the mean age of 65.0 ± 15.2 years were included. The most common indication was choledocholithiasis (49.4%) and the second malignant biliary obstruction (22.8%). Biliary drainage (33.9%) was the most commonly performed procedure, followed by endoscopic sphincterotomy (27.4%), and stone removal (22.0%). The overall incidence of ERCP-related AEs was 4.7% consisting of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP; 4.6%), perforation (0.06%), and hemorrhage (0.02%), which gradually increased from 2012 to 2015. According to the type of procedures, ERCP-related AEs developed the most commonly after pancreatic stent insertion (11.4%), followed by diagnostic ERCP (5.9%) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (5.7%). Younger age and diagnostic ERCP turned out to be independent risk factors of PEP. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP-related AEs developed the most commonly after pancreatic stent insertion, diagnostic ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy. Special caution should be used for young patients receiving diagnostic ERCP due to increased risk of PEP.

National adherence to the ASGE-SAGES guidelines for managing suspected choledocholithiasis: An EAST multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons provide guidelines for managing suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones. We sought to evaluate adherence to the guidelines among patients with choledocholithiasis and/or acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) and to evaluate the ability of these guidelines to predict choledocholithiasis. METHODS: We prospectively identified patients undergoing same-admission cholecystectomy for choledocholithiasis and/or ABP from 2016 to 2019 at 12 United States medical centers. Predictors of suspected CBD stones were very strong (CBD stone on ultrasound; bilirubin >4 mg/dL), strong (CBD > 6 mm; bilirubin ≥1.8 to ≤4 mg/dL), or moderate (abnormal liver function tests other than bilirubin; age >55 years; ABP). Patients were grouped by probability of CBD stones: high (any very strong or both strong predictors), low (no predictors), or intermediate (any other predictor combination). The management of each probability group was compared with the recommended management in the guidelines. RESULTS: The cohort was comprised of 844 patients. High-probability patients had 64.3% (n = 238/370) deviation from guidelines, intermediate-probability patients had 29% (n = 132/455) deviation, and low-probability patients had 78.9% (n = 15/19) deviation. Acute biliary pancreatitis increased the odds of deviation for the high- (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-2.8; p = 0.03) and intermediate-probability groups (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.07-2.42; p = 0.02). Age older than 55 years (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.4-3.43; p < 0.001) also increased the odds of deviation for the intermediate group. A CBD greater than 6 mm predicted choledocholithiasis in the high (adjusted OR (aOR), 2.16; 95% CI, 1.17-3.97; p = 0.01) and intermediate group (aOR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.59-4.86; p < 0.001). Any very strong predictor (aOR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.76-3.37; p < 0.0001) and both strong predictors predicted choledocholithiasis (aOR, 2; 95% CI, 1.35-2.96; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Almost 45% of patients with suspected CBD stones were managed discordantly from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons guidelines. We believe these guidelines warrant revision to better reflect the ability of the clinical variables at predicting choledocholithiasis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Percutaneous removal of common bile duct stones using a modified balloon technique.

ABSTRACT: To evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones using a modified balloon technique (balloon catheter sphincteroplasty and expulsion of the stones using half-captured balloons within the sheath) in patients difficult to treat with endoscopy.Fifty patients underwent a modified balloon technique (balloon group), and 53 patients underwent CBD stone removal by the basket method (stone basket group) between 2016 and 2019. We compared the balloon and stone basket groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the modified balloon technique. Outcome variables such as demographics, technical success rates, procedural details, and complications were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test, Fisher exact test, or the χ2 test.The technical success rate in the balloon group was 66% (33/50) in 1 session, 32% (16/50) in 2 sessions, and 2% (1/50) in 3 sessions. That of the stone basket group was 45% (24/53) in 1 session, 38% (20/53) in 2 sessions, and 17% (9/53) in 3 sessions.The total procedure time was significantly shorter in the balloon group (29.5 ±â€Š15.1 minutes) than in the stone basket group (41.7 ±â€Š20.2 minutes) (P < .01), whereas the number of stones was higher in the balloon group than in the stone basket group (P = .03). Maximal stone size, balloon size, pancreatitis, and hospitalization stay did not show statistical differences between the 2 groups. Most complications (9 patients, balloon group; 8 patients, stone basket group) were mild and transient. Major complications occurred in one patient in the stone basket group, who experienced hemobilia due to arterial injury caused by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, which was treated by endovascular embolization without mortality.The modified balloon technique is an effective and safe treatment method for CBD stone removal in patients presenting difficulties in the endoscopic approach.

Specialist shortage in developing countries: comprehending delays in care.

We describe a case of a middle-aged woman who presented with progressive jaundice and was suspected to have rebound choledocholithiasis, which was initially managed with balloon extraction through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at her first presentation. Healthcare in Pakistan, like many other developing countries, is divided into public and private sectors. The public sector is not always completely free of cost. Patients seeking specialised care in the public sector may find lengthy waiting times for an urgent procedure due to a struggling system and a lack of specialists and technical expertise. Families of many patients find themselves facing 'catastrophic healthcare expenditure', an economic global health quandary much ignored.

Direct cholangioscopy-guided stone extraction / Extracción de piedras guiada por colangioscopia directa

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Single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy and choledocholithiasis: do technical improvements mean better outcomes?

BACKGROUND: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy is challenging. Single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP (SBE-ERCP) is an innovative alternative to reach the bile duct. OBJECTIVE: to report our experience in SBE-ERCP in patients who presented with Roux-en-Y anatomy and choledocholithiasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: patients who presented choledocholithiasis and underwent SBE-ERCP between January 2018 and April 2020 were retrospectively identified via medical records and the digestive endoscopy database. Enteroscopy success was defined as reaching the biliary limb and papilla identification. ERCP diagnostic success was defined as a successful duct cannulation and cholangiography, and ERCP procedural success was defined as the ability to successfully carry out choledocholithiasis extraction. Complications of ERCP were defined according to standard criteria. RESULTS: a total of eleven patients (two females) with a mean age of 81 years (range 60-91 years) with Roux-en-Y anastomosis underwent ERCP using a SBE on 13 occasions. The indication for all procedures was choledocholithiasis, which had been previously confirmed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Enteroscopy success occurred in 13/13 (100 %) of procedures. Overall ERCP diagnostic success was achieved in 11/13 (84.6 %) of procedures. The ERCP procedural success was obtained in 11/11 (100 %) of patients (84.6 % of procedures). A mild pancreatitis occurred in a patient with native papilla. CONCLUSIONS: SBE-ERCP is feasible, efficacious and safe in patients with postsurgical Roux-en-Y anatomy and choledocholithiasis. Technical improvements may mean better outcomes

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Ceftriaxone-associated Pseudolithiasis in the Gallbladder and Bile Duct of an Elderly Patient.

A 78-year-old man had been undergoing treatment with Cefamezin for pyogenic spondylitis. Because of complication of a urinary tract infection, the medication was switched to ceftriaxone (CTRX) 2 g/day. On day 18 after starting CTRX, the patient began experiencing abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound led to the identification of calculi in the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct with a peculiar formation. We suspected CTRX-associated pseudo-cholecystolithiasis and pseudo-choledocholithiasis, although CT performed at admission had shown no such findings. Therefore, CTRX was discontinued. By day 17 after CTRX cessation, both the pseudo-cholecystolithiasis and pseudo-choledocholithiasis had disappeared.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: biliary complications are frequent after orthotopic liver transplantation and the management of these complications with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is available. The aims of the study were to analyze the experience in the endoscopic management of biliary complications after liver transplantation in a third level center. Furthermore, the factors associated with higher rates of technical and clinical success were determined. METHODS: this was an observational retrospective study of ERCPs performed in patients with biliary complications after liver transplantation between February 2012 and January 2017. The factors analyzed were: demographics, time between transplantation and ERCP, indications for ERCP, strategy of stenting (only plastic stents, only self-expandable metallic stents, plastic followed by metallic stents and metallic followed by plastic stents), technical and clinical success and complications. RESULTS: one hundred and sixty-eight endoscopies were performed in 58 patients. Thirty-three patients (56.9%) presented with early complications. The most frequent indication for ERCP was anastomotic stenosis (57.8%). Technical success in the first ERCP was achieved in 43 patients (74.1%). Early onset of biliary complications was associated with higher rates of technical success (OR: 6.49; p: 0.036). Clinical success was obtained in 36 cases (62.1%). Patients with early complications had a higher probability of having good clinical response (OR: 11.16; p: 0.033). The results were worse in patients with only plastic stents (50% of clinical success). Eleven complications were observed among 168 ERCPs (6.54%), including two pancreatitis, five bleeding events, three cholangitis and one micro-perforation. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is safe and useful in the management of biliary complications after liver transplantation. Early onset of complications is associated with better results. Some patients will need repeated procedures to obtain a good clinical response.

Coledocolitiasis en el embarazo. Reporte de caso / Choledocholithiasis in pregnancy. Case report

El embarazo es un estado donde se aumenta la litogenicidad y la estasis biliar, generando mayor incidencia en la formación de cálculos biliares. Aunque la colelitiasis por sí sola no es una urgencia quirúrgica en la paciente obstétrica, puede requerir de intervención si se presentan complicaciones, las cuales se dan hasta en un 10% de las pacientes obstétricas con colelitiasis sintomática. En este artículo se presentará un caso clínico de una paciente obstétrica que presentó colelitiasis con coledocolitiasis de alto riesgo que requirió manejo con colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica

Lithogenesis and biliary stasis increases during pregnancy. This generates a high incidence in the production of gallstones. Cholelithiasis is not usually a surgical emergency in pregnancy, but when there are complications, which can be in up to 10% of obstetric patients, these complications can require intervention. A case report is presented on an obstetric patient with cholelithiasis, and high risk of choledocholithiasis, that required intervention using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

[Various endoscopic transpapilary interventions for choledocholithiasis]. / Otsenka éffektivnosti razlichnykh éndoskopicheskikh transpapilliarnykh vmeshatel'stv po povodu krupnogo kholedokholitiaza.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of the most common endoscopic transpapillary interventions for choledocholithiasis in randomized controlled trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 90 patients with choledocholithiasis who were randomized into 3 groups: main, clinical comparison 1, clinical comparison 2. In the main group A (n=30), patients underwent endoscopic partial papillosphincterotomy combined with balloon dilatation, in the group of clinical comparison 1 (n=30) - endoscopic papillosphincterotomy, in the group of clinical comparison 2 (n=30) - endoscopic papillosphincterotomy with mechanical lithotripsy. RESULTS: The greatest number of complications (38%) was observed in the group of clinical comparison 2. Less morbidity was noted in the group of clinical comparison 1 (19%). Minimum number of complications was observed in the main group (6%). Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in groups of clinical comparison 1 and 2 as a rule, whereas only 3% of patients had this complication in the main group. Cholangitis was predominantly observed in the group of clinical comparison 2, in other groups this complication occurred in 3% of patients. Bleeding was observed only in the groups of clinical comparison 1 and 2 (10 and 13%, respectively). Loss of the lithotripter rope (3%) was detected only in the group of clinical comparison 2. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic partial papillosphincterotomy with balloon dilatation is advisable for choledocholithiasis due to minimal risk of intra- and postoperative complications.

Colangiopancreatografia endoscópica retrógrada précirúrgica no tratamento de coledocolitíase / Pre-surgical retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of choledocholithiasis

INTRODUÇÃO: A utilização da CPRE apenas para fins de diagnóstico (procedimento já incorporado pelo Sistema único de Saúde ­SUS) na avaliação das doenças biliopancreáticas tem diminuído muito, principalmente em virtude da utilização de outros métodos de menor risco. No entanto, a CPRE é muito utilizada com objetivo terapêutico, especialmente no tratamento das doenças obstrutivas das vias biliopancreáticas. O tratamento da coledocolitíase é a indicação mais frequente de CPRE terapêutica. As opções à CPRE terapêutica são a exploração cirúrgica aberta do colédoco (ECC) ou a exploração laparoscópica do colédoco (ELC). O cenário escolhido para esta avaliação foi a CPRE pré-cirúrgica em pacientes com alto risco de coledocolitíase. TECNOLOGIA: Colangiopancreatografia endoscópica retrógrada ou CPRE. PERGUNTA: Em pacientes com alto risco de coledocolitíase a CPRE é segura e eficaz comparada a exploração laparoscópica do colédoco? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: Foi realizada uma busca por revisões sistemáticas com metanálise de ensaios clínicos randomizados que comparassem CPRE pré-cirúrgica e ELC no manejo da coledocolitíase, utilizando as bases de dados Medline e Cochane Library. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi avaliada pela ferramenta AMSTAR 2. Foi selecionada como base uma revisão sistemática elaborada pela Cochrane Library. Não foram localizados estudos adicionais. A diferença nas taxas de mortalidade entre ELC (2 em 285 = 0,7%) e CPRE pré-cirúrgica (3 em 295 =1%) não foi significativa (OR 0,72; IC 95% 0,12 a 4,33). Também não houve diferença significativa para complicações entre ELC (44 em 285 = 15%) e CPRE pré-cirúrgica (37 em 295 = 13%); OR 1,28; IC95% 0,80 a 2,05). Para o desfecho falha no clareamento do ducto biliar (ELC ­ 24 em 285 = 8% e CPRE ­ 31 em 295 =11%), não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos (OR 0,79; IC de 95% [0,45 a 1,39]). A revisão sistemática apresentou alta qualidade metodológica. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: Foi realizada uma análise de custo-efetividade a partir do caso base (paciente com alto risco de coledocolitíase, sem colecistectomia prévia), na perspectiva do SUS, com horizonte temporal de 3 anos. O modelo considera duas possibilidades de tratamento (ELC ou CPRE) e a partir da estratégia escolhida o paciente segue em curso dos eventos subsequentes: sucesso ou não no clareamento do duto biliar; evolução ou não para ECC; com ou sem complicações podendo evoluir para alta hospitalar ou óbito. Obteve-se uma RCEI de R$ 3.248,79 por cada cirurgia evitada. Os custos da CPRE e da ELC foram os fatores que mais impactaram no modelo. AVALIAÇÃO DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO INCREMENTAL: o modelo foi criado para um horizonte temporal de 5 anos. Em virtude da limitação de capacidade instalada e curva de aprendizado, a população foi estimada a partir do número de procedimentos realizados no ano de 2018, e fixa ao longo dos 5 anos. A incorporação da CPRE no cenário proposto levaria a um impacto no valor de R$ 110.691.581,90 em 5 anos. CONSIDERAÇÕES: A CPRE é uma tecnologia já incorporada no Sistema Único de Saúde. Na tabela SIGTAP está cadastrada como procedimento diagnóstico, mas a descrição faculta o uso terapêutico. Dado que a CPRE não apresentou diferença na eficácia e segurança quando comparada à ELC, sugere-se que a CPRE para fins terapêuticos seja uma opção à ELC (inclusive em valores de tabela SIGTAP), no tratamento de coledocolitíase sem colecistectomia prévia, possibilitando ao médico a escolha entre os dois procedimentos. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR: incorporação da CPRE pré-cirúrgica no tratamento de coledocolitíase, sem colecistectomia prévia, como uma opção à ELC. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: A matéria esteve em consulta pública no período de 05/06/2019 à 24/06/2019 e obteve 32 contribuições, sendo uma técnico-científica. Todas as contribuições foram concordantes com a recomendação preliminar da Conitec. A contribuição técnico-científica foi alusiva à avaliação econômica, sobre os itens dos custos e seus valores. Diante disso uma nova avaliação de custo-efetividade e de impacto orçamentário foi realizada, obtendo novos valores de RCEI de ­ R$ 1.885,78 e de R$ 46.794.683,00 na análise de impacto orçamentário, em cinco anos. Também houve contribuição sobre a evidência clínica, de um artigo ainda não publicado, que corroborava com as discussões já apresentadas no parecer. Sobre as contribuições de experiência e opinião, os aspectos trazidos pelos participantes (maioria profissionais de saúde) já tinham sido abordados, reforçando o que estava apresentado no parecer. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL: Os membros do plenário da Conitec em 04 de julho de 2019 deliberaram por recomendar a incorporação da colangiopancreatografia endoscópica retrógrada pré-cirurgica no tratamento de coledocolitíase sem colecistectomia prévia. Foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 460/2019. DECISÃO: Incorporar a colangiopancreatografia endoscópica retrógrada pré-cirúrgica no tratamento de coledocolitíase sem colecistectomia prévia, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS. Dada pela Portaria nº 39, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 142, seção 1, página 147, em 25 de julho de 2019.

Balloons larger than 15 mm can increase the risk of adverse events following endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) has been widely used to facilitate the removal of difficult common bile duct stones, however, the outcomes have not yet been investigated in terms of the diameter of the balloon used. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between EPLBD using smaller (12-15 mm, S-EPLBD) and larger balloons (> 15 mm, L-EPLBD). METHODS: Six hundred seventy-two patients who underwent EPLBD with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stone removal were enrolled from May 2004 to August 2014 at four tertiary referral centers in Korea. The outcomes, including the initial success rate, the success rate without endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy, the overall success rate, and adverse events between S-EPLBD and L-EPLBD groups, were retrospectively compared. RESULTS: The initial success rate, the success rate without mechanical lithotripsy, the overall success rate, and the overall adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups. The rate of severe-to-fatal adverse events was higher in the L-EPBLD group than in the S-EPLBD group (1.6% vs 0.0%, 0.020). One case of severe bleeding and two cases of fatal perforation occurred only in the L-EPLBD group. In the multivariate analysis, the use of a > 15-mm balloon was the only significant risk factor for severe-to-fatal adverse events (>0.005, 23.8 [adjusted odds ratio], 2.6-214.4 [95% confidence interval]). CONCLUSIONS: L-EPLBD is significantly related to severe-to-fatal adverse events compared with S-EPLBD for common bile duct stone removal.

ASGE guideline on the role of endoscopy in the evaluation and management of choledocholithiasis.

Each year choledocholithiasis results in biliary obstruction, cholangitis, and pancreatitis in a significant number of patients. The primary treatment, ERCP, is minimally invasive but associated with adverse events in 6% to 15%. This American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Standard of Practice (SOP) Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the endoscopic evaluation and treatment of choledocholithiasis. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to rigorously review and synthesize the contemporary literature regarding the following topics: EUS versus MRCP for diagnosis, the role of early ERCP in gallstone pancreatitis, endoscopic papillary dilation after sphincterotomy versus sphincterotomy alone for large bile duct stones, and impact of ERCP-guided intraductal therapy for large and difficult choledocholithiasis. Comprehensive systematic reviews were also performed to assess the following: same-admission cholecystectomy for gallstone pancreatitis, clinical predictors of choledocholithiasis, optimal timing of ERCP vis-à-vis cholecystectomy, management of Mirizzi syndrome and hepatolithiasis, and biliary stent therapy for choledocholithiasis. Core clinical questions were derived using an iterative process by the ASGE SOP Committee. This body developed all recommendations founded on the certainty of the evidence, balance of risks and harms, consideration of stakeholder preferences, resource utilization, and cost-effectiveness.

Endoscopic Management of Complex Biliary Stone Disease.

Choledocholithiasis is a common disorder that is managed universally by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). For difficult or complex stones, ERCP with conventional techniques may fail to achieve biliary clearance in 10% to 15% of cases. This review summarizes the literature regarding the current available endoscopic techniques for complex stone disease, including mechanical lithotripsy, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation, cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary access.