The advent of the first electric driven EUS-guided 17 gauge core needle biopsy - A pilot study on subepithelial lesions.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This pilot study aimed to evaluate safety and tissue sampling from subepithelial lesions (SEL) in the upper gastrointestinal tract with a novel electric motor driven endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided 17-gauge (G) size core needle biopsy (CNB) instrument. METHODS: An investigator-led prospective open label, performance and safety control study, including seven patients (female n = 4, median 71 y, range 28-75) with a determined SEL (median size 30 mm, range 17-150 mm) in the upper digestive tract (stomach n = 6, duodenum n = 1) were eligible and later followed up 14 days after index procedure. All investigations were completed according to protocol with three FNB 22-G passes with four fanning strokes and two EndoDrill® 17-G passes with three fanning strokes. RESULTS: Quality of samples as 'visible pieces' (>5 mm): FNB (n = 5/7) (fragmented/blood imbibed n = 1, poor tissue quantity n = 1) compared with 17-G CNB (n = 7/7). Histological result which led to final diagnosis (leiomyoma n = 2, adenocarcinoma n = 1, schwannoma n = 1, neuroendocrine tumour n = 1, desmoid tumour n = 1 and gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) n = 1) could be obtained with the 17-G CNB instrument in all seven patients. FNB technique reached correct diagnosis in six patients. No serious adverse event were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: By using an electric driven 17-G biopsy device, a true cylinder of core tissue can be obtained in one single puncture from the area of interest reducing the need for a second sampling. The absolute benefit of EUS-guided CNB is that the sample can be handled and histologically prepared in the same manner as standard percutaneous core needle sample, e.g., breast and prostate cancer.

Single-operator peroral pancreatoscopy in the preoperative diagnostics of suspected main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms: efficacy and novel insights on complications.

BACKGROUND: Distinguishing intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) from other pancreatic cystic lesions is essential since IPMNs carry the risk of becoming malignant. Differentiating the main pancreatic duct involving IPMNs (MD-IPMNs) through conventional imaging is deficient. Single-operator peroral pancreatoscopy (SOPP) represents a promising method offering additional information on suspected lesions in the pancreatic main duct (MD). We aimed to determine the role of SOPP in the preoperative diagnostics of suspected MD-IPMNs and identify factors contributing to SOPP-related complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this primarily retrospective study, SOPPs were performed at three high-volume centers on suspected MD-IPMNs. Primary outcome was the clinical impact of SOPP to subsequent patient care. Additionally, we documented post-SOPP complications and analyzed several assumed patient- and procedure-related risk factors. RESULTS: One hundred and one (101) SOPPs were performed. Subsequent clinical management was affected due to the findings in 86 (85%) cases. Surgery was planned for 29 (29%) patients. A condition other than IPMN explaining MD dilatation was found in 28 (28%) cases. In 35 (35%) cases, follow-up with MRI was continued. Post-SOPP pancreatitis occurred in 20 (20%) patients and one of them was fatal. A decrease in odds of post-SOPP pancreatitis was seen as the MD diameter increases (OR 0.714 for 1.0 mm increase in MD diameter, CI 95% 0.514-0.993, p = 0.045). Furthermore, a correlation between lower MD diameter values and higher severity post-SOPP pancreatitis was seen (TJT = 599, SE = 116.6, z = - 2.31; p = 0.020). History of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was a confirmed risk factor for post-SOPP pancreatitis. Conclusions between complications and other risk factors could not be drawn. CONCLUSION: SOPP aids clinical decision-making in suspected MD-IPMNs. Risk for post-SOPP pancreatitis is not negligible compared to non-invasive imaging methods. The risk for pancreatitis decreases as the diameter of the MD increases.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in ERCP with failed cannulation.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with failed biliary cannulation is associated with a high rate of adverse events, but the role of prophylactic antibiotics remains unclear. The primary aim was to investigate if prophylactically administered antibiotics affect the frequency of overall adverse complications in patients where biliary cannulation fails during ERCP. The secondary aim was to investigate if specific infectious complications, also were affected by the antibiotic prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed data from 96,818 ERCPs (2006-2018), from the Swedish National Quality Registry of Cholecystectomy and ERCP (GallRiks), excluding ERCPs with successful cannulation (n = 88,743), missing data (n = 2,014), or on-going antibiotic therapy (n = 1,062). RESULTS: In total 4,996 procedures were included, 2,124 received (42.5%) and 2,872 (57.5%) did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis. There were fewer overall complications in the group receiving prophylaxis (13.6% vs. 17.1%, p < .001), which corresponded to a 24% adjusted odds reduction in the multivariable analysis (odds ratio [OR] 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65-0.89). In the prophylaxis group, there was a lower overall rate of infectious complications (2.1% vs. 3.2%; p = .038; OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.47-0.98) and abscesses (0.8% vs. 1.4%; p = .040; OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.31-0.96). However, no significant differences were seen in the rate of cholangitis (1.3% vs. 1.7%; p = .182; OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.46-1.18). CONCLUSION: This national quality registry study of ERCPs with failed cannulation showed a significant reduction in overall and infectious complications when prophylactic antibiotics were administered.

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

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

Intraoperative versus postoperative rendezvous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography to treat common bile duct stones during cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The rendezvous postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) technique has been introduced as a modification of the single-session rendezvous intraoperative ERCP procedure in the management of concurrent common bile duct stones during cholecystectomy. There are no reports on the impact of this modified technique on post-ERCP morbidity. The objective of the present study was to study and compare the rendezvous techniques in terms of procedure-associated morbidities, such as post-ERCP pancreatitis and postoperative infections. METHODS: The Swedish National Registry for Gallstone Disease and ERCP was searched for ERCP procedures cross-matched with cholecystectomies for the same patient carried out for gallstone indications between 2008 and 2014. A total of 1770 rendezvous ERCP procedures were retrieved and included in this study. The ERCP procedures were considered rendezvous intraoperative or rendezvous postoperative, depending on whether the ERCP procedure was carried out during or after completing the cholecystectomy. RESULTS: There were 1205 and 565 ERCP procedures in the rendezvous intraoperative and the rendezvous postoperative groups, respectively. The cohorts were similar in age and gender distribution. Overall complication rates were higher in the rendezvous postoperative group compared with the rendezvous intraoperative group (19.7% vs 14%, P = 0.004), involving specifically post-ERCP pancreatitis (6.4% vs 3.2% P = 0.003) and postoperative infections (4.4% vs 2.3% P = 0.028). Despite similar stone clearance rates, there were higher rates of retained stones in the rendezvous postoperative group (5.5% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Single-session rendezvous intraoperative ERCP is superior to the rendezvous postoperative ERCP technique in terms of post-ERCP pancreatitis and postoperative infections.

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.

Does next-generation sequencing of cyst fluid improve management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms?

Pancreatic cystic lesions represent a heterogeneous group of diseases ranging from benign to malignant lesions. They are increasingly being detected due to the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging. Their management is a challenge because it is often not possible to reliably discriminate between malignant and nonmalignant lesions using current imaging technology. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has the ability of both whole genome and targeted sequencing at a low cost and from a limited amount of DNA. NGS of cyst fluid aspired by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration provides a valuable tool in biomarker research and may in the future help improve diagnosis and management of pancreatic cystic lesions.

The H.O.U.S.E. classification: a novel endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complexity grading scale.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technically challenging endoscopic procedure, harboring a wide range of complexities within every single investigation. Classifications of the complexity of ERCP have been presented, but do not include modern endoscopic treatment modalities. In order to be able to target resources and compare the results of different endoscopic centers, a new complexity grading system for ERCP is warranted. This study launches a new complexity grading scale for ERCP-the H.O.U.S.E.-classification. METHODS: The medical record of every patient undergoing ERCP 2009-2011 at the Karolinska University Hospital was reviewed, regarding the complexity of the procedure, and categorized into one out of three-grades in the HOUSE classification system, and concomitantly graded according to the Cotton grading system. All ERCP-procedures were also registered in the Swedish registry for gallstone surgery and ERCP (GallRiks) and correlations between the grading systems and procedure related variables as well as outcomes were made. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2011, 2185 ERCPs were performed at the Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge. One thousand nine hundred fifty-four of those were index-ERCPs. Another 23 patients were excluded due to lack of postoperative complication registrations, leaving 1931 ERCP procedures to be analyzed. The procedure times were 40 ± 0.7, 65 ± 1.5 and 106 ± 3.2 min, respectively (HOUSE 1-3). The corresponding pancreatitis rates were 3.4, 7.0 and 6.8% and the postoperative complication rates 11.1, 15.7 and 12.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The HOUSE-classification is a novel grading scale for ERCP-complexity. The system can be implemented in clinical practice to allocate resources and allow the comparisons of results between different endoscopic centers. Further studies are warranted to further sharpen this instruments validitity and general clinical relevance.

ERCP-guided cholangioscopy using a single-use system: nationwide register-based study of its use in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Single-operator peroral cholangioscopy enables direct visualization of duct lesions, biopsy, and therapeutic interventions in the biliary and pancreatic ductal systems. The aim of this study was to address the use and outcome of this technology in wider clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A nationwide study of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures, with or without cholangioscopy, was conducted. Procedures that were registered in the Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery and ERCP (GallRiks), between 2007 and 2012 were included. The primary outcome was ERCP-specific adverse events. RESULTS: Data from 36 352 ERCP procedures were analyzed, including 408 cholangioscopy procedures. Postprocedural adverse events were more prevalent when cholangioscopy was used (19.1 % vs. 14.0 %). Pancreatitis (7.4 % vs. 3.9 %) and cholangitis (4.4 % vs. 2.7 %) were ERCP-specific adverse events that were elevated in the cholangioscopy group. However, in multivariate analysis, the risks of intraprocedural and postprocedural adverse events were significantly increased in the cholangioscopy group whereas the risks of pancreatitis and cholangitis, when adjusted for confounders, were not. CONCLUSION: The single-operator peroral cholangioscopy technique is an advanced technique for intraluminal visual inspection, and for therapeutic intervention of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. However, there is a significantly increased risk of intra- and postprocedural adverse events. Thus, this method should preferably be performed at tertiary referral centers in carefully selected patients.

Endoscopic papillectomy and KRAS expression in the treatment of adenoma in the major duodenal papilla.

OBJECTIVE: The use of endoscopic papillectomy for resecting adenomas in the major duodenal papilla is increasing. This study focuses on the following three issues: Can endoscopic papillectomy be performed as a safe diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure in biopsy-verified or suspected ampullary adenoma? Does expression of mutated KRAS in resected adenomatous tissue predict long-term outcome? What other factors may affect long-term outcome and should, therefore, be considered in decision making prior to endoscopic papillectomy? MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six prospectively collected patients who underwent endoscopic papillectomy at Karolinska University Hospital between 2005 and 2014 were analyzed. RESULTS: The rate of exact agreement between the histomorphological grading of the endoscopic biopsies and the papillectomy specimens was low (48%). Obstructive jaundice at presentation increased the risk of undetected adenocarcinoma (RR = 3.98; 95% CI = 1.46-10.85, p = 0.007). Lesions with malignancies were significantly larger (mean 30.6 mm) than those where only adenomas were found (mean 14.4 mm, p = 0.001). Mutated KRAS was detected in 9 of the 36 post-papillectomy specimens, including 4 of the 5 cases of ampullary adenocarcinoma. Eighteen cases were endoscopically cured after a mean follow-up period of 47 months (range 16-92 months). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic papillectomy is a valuable staging tool because of the limitations of endoscopic biopsy. Endoscopic papillectomy concomitantly offers a curative treatment for most patients with adenoma in the major duodenal papilla. Jaundice at presentation and large adenomas may indicate the presence of more advanced disease. Determination of mutated KRAS seems to be of limited value in predicting long-term outcome.

Single-operator pancreatoscopy is helpful in the evaluation of suspected intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Even when advanced cross-sectional imaging modalities have been employed, endoscopic evaluation of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) is often required in order to assess the final character and extent of lesions. The current study addresses the use of SpyGlass single-operator peroral pancreatoscopy in suspected IPMN. DESIGN: A prospective, non-randomized exploratory cohort study. SETTING: Single-center. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: A prospective study-cohort of 44 consecutive patients in a single tertiary referral center who underwent ERCP and peroral pancreatoscopy, was prospectively collected between July 2007 and March 2013 because of a radiological signs of IPMN. These IPMN-findings were discovered incidentally in 44% of the cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Diagnostic accuracy (specificity & sensitivity) and complications. RESULTS: The targeted region of the pancreatic duct was reached with the SpyGlass system in 41 patients (median age 65 years, 41% female). Three patients were excluded from analysis because of failed deep cannulation of the pancreatic duct. Brush cytology was taken in 88% and direct biopsies in 41%. IPMN with intermediate or high-grade dysplasia was the main final diagnosis (76%) in 22 patients who had surgery. Out of the 17 patients with a final diagnosis of MD-IPMN, 76% were correctly identified by pancreatoscopy. Of the 9 patients with a final diagnosis of BD-IPMN, the pancreatoscopy identified 78% of the cases correctly.The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis was 17%. Pancreatoscopy was found to have provided additional diagnostic information in the vast majority of the cases and to affect clinical decision-making in 76%. LIMITATIONS: Single-center study. CONCLUSIONS: Single-operator peroral pancreatoscopy contributed to the clinical evaluation of IPMN lesions and influenced decision-making concerning their clinical management. The problem of post-procedural pancreatitis needs further attention.

Difficult cannulation as defined by a prospective study of the Scandinavian Association for Digestive Endoscopy (SADE) in 907 ERCPs.

BACKGROUND: The definition of a "difficult" cannulation varies considerably in reports of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). AIMS: To define a difficult cannulation, which translates into higher risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective consecutive recording of 907 cannulations in Scandinavian centers done by experienced endoscopists. Inclusion: indication for biliary access in patients with intact papilla. Exclusion: acute non-biliary and chronic pancreatitis at time of procedure. RESULTS: The primary cannulation succeeded in 74.9%, with median values for time 0.88 min (53 s), with two attempts and with zero pancreatic passages or injections. The overall cannulation success was 97.4% and post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) rate was 5.3%. The median time for all successful cannulations was 1.55 min (range 0.02-94.2). If the primary cannulation succeeded, the pancreatitis rate was 2.8%; after secondary methods, it rose to 11.5%. Procedures lasting less than 5 min had a PEP rate of 2.6% versus 11.8% in those lasting longer. With one attempt, the PEP rate was 0.6%, with two 3.1%, with three to four 6.1%, and with five and more 11.9%. With one accidental pancreatic guide-wire passage, the risk of the PEP was 3.7%, and with two passages, it was 13.1%. CONCLUSIONS: If the increasing rate of PEP is taken as defining factor, the wire-guided cannulation of a native papilla can be considered difficult after 5 min, five attempts, and two pancreatic guide-wire passages when any of those limits is exceeded.

Rendezvous cannulation technique reduces post-ERCP pancreatitis: a prospective nationwide study of 12,718 ERCP procedures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate if intraoperative rendezvous cannulation reduces the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) because there is no universal consensus on the optimal treatment of common bile duct stones. METHODS: We performed a nationwide case-control study, nested within the cohort of ERCP procedures reported to the Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery and ERCP (GallRiks), between 2007 and 2009. Data were collected prospectively from a web-based registry of ERCP procedures that includes variables such as patient characteristics, indication, cannulation technique, diagnostic findings, therapeutic measures, and complications. The primary outcome was PEP. RESULTS: The registry included 12,718 ERCP procedures performed on patients without a history of previous ERCP. The risk of PEP when using the rendezvous technique compared with those who were cannulated by conventional means was reduced from 3.6 to 2.2% (odds ratio (OR) 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.9, P=0.02). Although a significant reduction there are overall relatively few cases with PEP and the calculated numbers needed to treat to avoid one case of PEP is as high as 71. Other factors associated with increased risk of PEP were young age, prolonged procedure time, and elective ERCP. CONCLUSIONS: Rendezvous bile duct cannulation during ERCP reduces the risk of PEP from 3.6 to 2.2% compared with conventional biliary cannulation.

The clinicopathological spectrum and management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the bile duct (IPMN-B).

BACKGROUND: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the bile duct (IPMN-B) is a rare but increasingly diagnosed clinical entity. Typical cholangioscopic findings usually include intraductal protruding papillary tumors that secrete mucus. METHODS: Clinical, radiological and histopathological data of seven consecutive patients who were found to have IPMN-B were analyzed. RESULTS: Six of the seven patients presented with obstructive jaundice/cholangitis as the presenting complaint. ERCP and other imaging were equivocal in five of these patients and peroral cholangioscopy (POCS, single-operator cholangioscopy system) was performed. This revealed mucin-producing intraductal tumors with numerous frond-like papillary projections; a macroscopic appearance consistent with IPMN-B. Preoperative biopsy revealed adenoma, with low-grade dysplasia in two patients and high-grade dysplasia in three. Three patients underwent Whipple resection; one underwent total pancreatectomy with left hepatectomy, one patient a pancreas preserving duodenectomy with common bile duct reimplantation and one patient an extended right hepatectomy. These patients were found to have IPMN-B with adenomatous changes with varying grades of dysplasia and even cholangiocarcinoma on final histopathology. One patient first underwent endoscopic papillectomy and on follow-up was found to have cholangiocarcinoma with metastases to the liver. CONCLUSION: POCS can be a key diagnostic investigation in the evaluation of patients with papillary tumors of the bile duct. IPMN-B has a heterogenous pathology and varying grades of dysplasia and even carcinoma may exist in the same patient. Surgical management should be radical and based on tumor extent.

Conservative treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disease giving rise to several complications that need to be treated accordingly. Because pancreatic surgery has significant morbidity and mortality, less invasive therapy seems to be an attractive option. AIM: This paper reviews current state-of-the-art strategies to treat chronic pancreatitis without surgery and the current guidelines for the medical therapy of chronic pancreatitis. RESULTS: Endoscopic therapy of complications of chronic pancreatitis such as pain, main pancreatic duct strictures and stones as well as pseudocysts is technically feasible and safe. The long-term outcome, however, is inferior to definitive surgical procedures such as resection or drainage. On the other hand, the medical therapy of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine insufficiency is well established and evidence based. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy may be an option to bridge for surgery and in children/young adolescents and those unfit for surgery. Pain in chronic pancreatitis as well as treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency follows established guidelines.

A 10-year study of rendezvous intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography during cholecystectomy and the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Rendezvous intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (RV-IOERC), also called guidewire-facilitated IOERC, is one of the single-stage options available for managing common bile duct stones (CBDS) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The objective of this study is to investigate procedure-related complications in IOERC patients and stone clearance. METHODS: All patients who underwent IOERC between January 2000 and December 2009 were identified from the local registry of Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge. Medical charts and ERC reports were studied, and descriptive statistics were obtained. Outcomes were procedure-related complications, especially post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), stone clearance, and mortality. RESULTS: 307 patients were identified. In 264 of the patients, the rendezvous cannulation technique was successful (86 %); in the remaining 43 patients, conventional cannulation technique was necessary. In total, PEP occurred in seven patients (2.28 %). One of the PEP patients was in the rendezvous cannulated group (0.37 %), whereas six patients developed PEP in the nonrendezvous group (13.95 %, p < 0.001). The primary stone clearance rate was 88.27 % (271/307). There was no mortality within 90 days in the series. CONCLUSIONS: IOERC with RV cannulation technique for management of CBDS during laparoscopic cholecystectomy has a low PEP rate and a high stone clearance rate, making it a safe and feasible method for removing CBDS. However, the technique requires logistics to perform IOERC in the operating theater. The present data suggest that IOERC with RV cannulation is superior to conventional cannulation with respect to risk of PEP.

How to cannulate? A survey of the Scandinavian Association for Digestive Endoscopy (SADE) in 141 endoscopists.

Cannulation of the papilla vateri represents an enigmatic first step in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP). In light of falling numbers of (diagnostic) ERCP and novel techniques, e.g. short-wire system, we were interested in the approach novice and experienced endoscopist are taking; especially, what makes a papilla difficult to cannulate and how to approach this. We devised a structured online questionnaire, sent to all endoscopists registered with SADE, the Scandinavian Association for Digestive Endoscopy. A total of 141 responded. Of those, 49 were experienced ERCP-endoscopists (>900 ERCPs). The first choice of cannulation is with a sphincterotome and a preinserted wire. Both less experienced and more experienced endoscopists agreed on the criteria to describe a papilla difficult to cannulate and both would choose the needle-knife sphincterotomy (NKS) to get access to the bile duct. The less experienced used more "upward" NKS, whereas the more experienced also used the "downward" NKS technique. This survey provides us with a database allowing now for a more differentiated view on cannulation techniques, success, and outcome in terms of pancreatitis.

Nationwide, population-based data from 11,074 ERCP procedures from the Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery and ERCP.

BACKGROUND: The Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery and ERCP (GallRiks) is the first nationwide Web-based quality registry for gallstone surgery and ERCP in the world. In this article we report data from 11,074 ERCPs performed in 2007 and 2008. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to present outcomes, safety data, and success rates of ERCPs performed in Sweden. DESIGN: Data gathering from a medical record database. PATIENTS: This study reviewed 11,074 ERCPs performed in 2007 and 2008. METHODS: In GallRiks, data concerning surgery performed for gallstone disease as well as all ERCPs are recorded. The registry is approved by the Swedish Surgical Society and is based on an Internet platform with online data registration. The online program includes 30-day follow-up information as well as the opportunity to retrieve electronic reports on demand. The present data represent 76% of all ERCPs performed in Sweden in 2007 and 95% of those performed in 2008. The database also has been validated, indicating a complete match between the medical records and the database in 97.3% of ERCP cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Cannulation success and perioperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A successful bile duct cannulation was achieved in 92% of the ERCPs performed. The presence of common bile duct stones was the predominant finding and was seen in 36.8% of examinations. Perioperative and postoperative complication rates were 2.5% and 9.8%, respectively. The rate of ERCP-induced pancreatitis was 2.7%, and the total 30-day mortality rate in the database was 5.9% but varied significantly among the different diagnostic groups. The indications for ERCP differed between high-volume and low-volume centers, indicating an adequate referral pattern of complex cases in Sweden. LIMITATIONS: GallRiks registration is voluntary and thus not 100%. This makes selection bias a possibility. CONCLUSION: ERCP is widely used at Swedish hospitals, with acceptable cannulation success rates and perioperative and postoperative complication rates similar to established standards. GallRiks is a population-based nationwide registry with good data validity and high inclusion rates regarding ERCPs.

Ten years of Swedish experience with intraductal electrohydraulic lithotripsy and laser lithotripsy for the treatment of difficult bile duct stones: an effective and safe option for octogenarians.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic procedures using electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) or intraductal laser lithotripsy (ILL) are the methods of choice for managing difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones. This retrospective study examined 10 years of Swedish experience using a mother-baby endoscopic system to assist in the fragmentation of CBD stones by EHL and ILL. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2006, 44 patients with a median age of 80 years underwent EHL or ILL at two Swedish centers after conventional endoscopic fragmentation of CBD stones had failed. Long-term follow-up assessment was conducted for 9 to 126 months (median, 53 months). RESULTS: Final stone clearance after EHL or ILL treatment with or without additional conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was achieved for 34 (77%) of 44 patients. The results for 10 patients (23%) were defined as failures. Complete or partial stone fragmentation and definitive duct clearance were achieved in one session for 23 patients (52%). A second EHL or ILL attempt made in five cases of primary failure led to definitive stone clearance in three cases. Two patients experienced perioperative complications (stone basket impaction). Mild post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred for one patient and cholangitis for two patients. During long-term follow-up evaluation, recurrent CBD stones were found in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: Peroral endoscopic EHL or ILL, under direct cholangioscopic visualization by a mother-baby endoscopic system, is an effective treatment for difficult CBD stones. The technique can be used safely even in frail and elderly patients. However, several endoscopic attempts may be required before final stone clearance is achieved. The vast majority of patients may be expected to remain symptom free for a prolonged period.

Endoscopic full-thickness biopsy, a novel method in the work up of complicated abdominal symptoms.

Gastrointestinal complaints without obvious organic causes confirmed by clinical laboratory analyses, endoscopy or radiology are often referred to functional entities. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional disorder in the gut. Careful examination of these patients may reveal other diagnoses of defined etiologies, e.g., enteric neuropathy, microscopic colitis, and primary Sjögre's syndrome. The present case describes a young patient with incapacitating gastrointestinal symptoms presumed to be IBS, who underwent endoscopic full-thickness biopsy in sigmoid colon. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative enteric neuropathy, possibly secondary to chronic ischemia.