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.

Pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is not associated with post sphincterotomy bleeding after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Endoscopic sphincterotomy is considered high risk for post-procedure bleeding. Sphincterotomy in patients on therapeutic anticoagulation is avoided given increased bleeding risk. There is minimal data on the risk of post-sphincterotomy bleeding (PSB) among those on prophylactic anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case control study of all inpatient endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) with a sphincterotomy at our institution between July 2016 to February 2020. Cases were divided into two groups based on administration of peri­procedural pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis. The outcomes were the rates of PSB and VTE within 30-days of the ERCP. RESULTS: A total of 369 inpatient ERCPs with a sphincterotomy were identified. 151 cases received peri­procedural pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis and 218 did not. The mean Padua score and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification were significantly greater in the prophylaxis group. PSB was statistically similar between both groups (3.3% vs. 5.5%, p=.32). VTE was statistically similar (0.7% vs. 0.5%, p=.79). Multivariate analysis did not reveal an association between PSB and peri­procedural pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Peri-procedural pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis is not associated with increased rates of PSB. These findings suggest that pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis can be safely continued in those undergoing an endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Clinical outcome of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used as a curative method for choledocholithiasis, but little is known about ERCP for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ERCP for patients with ESRD on HD and to identify the risk factors of ERCP-related bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 61 ESRD patients with choledocholithiasis who underwent ERCP were retrospectively investigated with respect to successful bile duct stone removal and procedure-related adverse events such as pancreatitis, bleeding, and cholangitis. RESULTS: For the study subjects, the overall stone removal success rate was 96.7%, and the overall ERCP-related adverse event rate was 21.3% (pancreatitis, 4.9%; bleeding, 13.1%; cholangitis, 6.6%). Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was found to be associated with hemorrhage (p=0.02), and the occurrence of hemorrhage in patients who underwent EST with or without endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) was significantly higher than that in patients who underwent EPBD alone (Odds ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 1.075-1.493, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: ERCP for ESRD patients was found to be feasible and safe. However, EST was significantly related to hemorrhagic events. EPBD reduced the risk of hemorrhage and was as effective as EST in terms of stone removal.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with minor sphincterotomy for periampullary diverticular papilla.

Background To observe the outcome of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with minor sphincterotomy (mEST) for periampullary diverticular papilla related to stone removal. Methods Patients with confirmed periampullary diverticulum (PAD) during stone removal from May 2016 to April 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The Chi-square test with Yates correction or Fisher's exact test was used for the analysis of categorical data and a normality test was applied for continuous data. Results A total of 154 consecutive patients (89 males and 65 females, aged 51-87 years) with confirmed PAD during stone removal were included in the study. Cases were divided into the conventional EST group (n = 79) and the mEST plus EPLBD group (n = 75). The number of patients with an initial treatment success was greater in the EPLBD+mEST group compared with the EST group (96% vs 86.1%, p=0.03) and the procedure time for EPLBD+mEST was shorter than that for EST alone (46.1±13.7 min vs 53.3±11.6 min, p=0.01). The rate of complications in the EPLBD+mEST group was lower than in the EST group (17.3% vs 32.9%, p=0.04). When PAD was >15 mm, the initial success rate was higher (92.6% vs 73.9%, p=0.04) and the rate of overall complications was lower (14.8% vs 41.7%, p=0.03) in the EPLBD+mEST group than those in the EST group. Although, this was similar when PAD was <15 mm. Conclusion EPLBD+mEST might be safer and more effective than conventional EST alone for stone removal in the presence of PAD.

Mini-Invasive management of concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones : where is the evidence ( Review article).

BACKGROUND: The ideal mini-invasive management of common bile duct stones (CBDS) with concomitant gallbladder stones is debatable. This article aims to review the management of this condition during the last decade using the mini-invasive approach. METHODS: A database research in Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Google Scholar during the period between January 2009 to December 2018 was performed. The keywords used were «ERCP¼, «common bile duct exploration¼, «endoscopic sphincterotomy¼, «laparoscopic surgery¼, «laparoscopic cholecystectomy¼, «choledocholithiasis¼, «common bile duct stones¼ «meta-analysis¼ and «randomized clinical trials¼. RESULTS: There were 14 studies comparing mini-invasive procedures. There were nine meta-analysis, three reviews articles and two randomized clinical trials. We concluded to the absence of difference between the group laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with a laparoscopic exploration of CBD (LECBD) and LC with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in terms of mortality, morbidity, stones extraction success rate and duration of hospital stay. LC + ERCP is superior in terms of conversion and treatment cost. Concerning LC with a preoperative ERCP versus LC with postoperative ERCP, based on the literature data, no conclusions could be drawn. Concerning LC with LECBD versus LC with preoperative ERCP, we conclude to the absence of difference in terms of mortality, morbidity and conversion rate. Given the discordance of the results, in terms of successful extraction rate of stones, operating time and duration of hospital stay we cannot conclude to the superiority of one technique. Concerning LC with LECBD versus LC with postoperative ERCP, we conclude the absence of difference in terms of mortality, morbidity, the success rate of stones extraction, duration of hospital stays and conversion rate. Concerning LC with intraoperative ERCP versus LC with preoperative ERCP, we concluded to the absence of difference in terms of mortality, morbidity and rate of success stones extraction. The LC + intraoperative ERCP was superior in terms of hospital stay duration and conversion rate. Concerning one-stage versus two-stage treatment, we concluded to the absence of difference in terms of mortality, morbidity, the success rate of stone extraction, the conversion rate and the duration of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: One-stage or two-stages procedures are feasible and safe with equivalent efficacy. Surgeons must be aware of the different difficulties of these procedures and should be judicious in their use of different techniques.

[The role of endoscopy registries in quality health care. The first data from the Hungarian Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Registry]. / Az endoszkópos regiszterek szerepe a minoségi betegellátásban. Az új magyar Endoszkópos Retrográd Cholangiopancreatographia (ERCP) Regiszter elso eredményei.

INTRODUCTION: The continuous monitoring of quality indicators in gastrointestinal endoscopy has become an essential requirement nowadays. Most of these data cannot be extracted from the currently used free text reports, therefore a structured web-based data-collecting system was developed to record the indicators of pancreatobiliary endoscopy. AIM: A structured data-collecting system, the ERCP Registry, was initiated to monitor endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) examinations prospectively, and to verify its usability. METHOD: From January 2017, all ERCPs performed at the First Department of Medicine, University of Pécs, have been registered in the database. In the first year, the detailed data of 595 examinations were entered into the registry. After processing these data, the testing period of the registry is now finished. RESULTS: On 447 patients, 595 ERCPs were performed. The success rate of cannulation is 93.8% if all cases are considered. Difficult biliary access was noted in 32.1% of patients with native papilla, and successful cannulation was achieved in 81.0% of these cases during the first procedure. Post-ERCP pancreatitis was observed in 13 cases (2.2%), clinically significant post-papillotomy bleeding was registered in 2 cases (0.3%), while 27 patients (4.5%) developed temporary hypoxia during the procedure. 30-day follow-up was successful in 75.5% of the cases to detect late complications. All of the quality indicators determined by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) were possible to monitor with the help of the registry. Our center already complies with most of these criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous monitoring of the quality indicators of endoscopic interventions are not supported by the current hospital information system but it became possible with our registry. The ERCP Registry is a suitable tool to detect the quality of patient care and also useful for clinical research. Several endoscopy units have joined already this initiative and it is open for further centres through our web page ( https://tm-centre.org/hu/regiszterek/ercp-regiszter/ ). Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(37): 1506-1515.

A nationwide population-based study of common bile duct stone recurrence after endoscopic stone removal in Korea.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus whether patients who underwent endoscopic common bile duct (CBD) stone removal should be followed up periodically and whether patients with gallbladder (GB) stones should undergo cholecystectomy. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the recurrence rate of CBD stones and the difference in recurrence rate according to cholecystectomy. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study using the National Health Insurance database. Patients diagnosed with CBD stones and with procedure registry of endoscopic stone removal were included. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate of CBD stones. The secondary outcome was the difference in recurrence rate of CBD stones according to cholecystectomy. RESULTS: A total of 46,181 patients were identified. The mean follow-up was 4.2 years. The first CBD stone recurrence occurred in 5228 (11.3%) patients. The cumulative first recurrence rate was low. However, the second and third recurrence rates were 23.4 and 33.4%, respectively. The cumulative second and third recurrence rates were high and gradually increased with time. The recurrence rate in the non-cholecystectomy group was higher than that in the cholecystectomy group (p < 0.0001). The relative risk for CBD stone recurrence in the non-cholecystectomy group was higher in younger patients, with 3.198 in patients < 50 years, 2.371 in 50-59 years, 1.618 in 60-69 years, and 1.262 in ≥ 70 years (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Regular follow-up is not routinely recommended for patients with first-time endoscopic stone removal, but is recommended for patients with recurrent stones. Cholecystectomy is recommended for patients with GB stones who are younger than 70 years.

Risk factors associated with complications in cirrhotic patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is useful for the management of biliary tract diseases; in patients with cirrhosis, portal hypertension may increase the risk for complications from ERCP. We evaluated the outcome and risk factors related to ERCP in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 37 patients (71 procedures) with cirrhosis and portal hypertension (group 1) and 37 controls (group 2) undergoing ERCP were included. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to predict the risk factors. RESULTS: Mean Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were 9±2.1 and 17.8±6, respectively. Ascites was present in 46% of the patients, esophageal varices in 63% (large esophageal varices 43.7%), and hepatic encephalopathy in 16%. The main indication for ERCP in both groups was choledocholithiasis. Successful cannulation rate was 97% in both groups. Biliary sphincterotomy was performed more frequently in group 2 than in group 1 (60 vs. 35%, P=0.036); there was no difference in the frequency of complications related to ERCP between cirrhotics and noncirrhotics (10 vs. 8%, P=0.677). Complications in patients with cirrhosis were related to lower alkaline phosphatase and sphincterotomy rate; in the multivariable analysis only sphincterotomy was independently associated with complications [odds ratio 9.8 (1.7-56.3)]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielded a MELD score of more than 16 to best predict complications after ERCP in cirrhosis. CONCLUSION: Outcomes after ERCP in patients with cirrhosis are similar to those of noncirrhotics despite the alteration in coagulation parameters and the presence of disease-specific complications; however, a more cautious approach in patients with cirrhosis undergoing sphincterotomy and MELD of more than 16 is needed.

Is endoscopic treatment beneficial in patients with clinically suspicious of common bile duct stones but no obvious filling defects during the ERCP examination?

BACKGROUND: Sometimes, no definite filling defect could be found by cholangiogram (ERC) during the endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatiographic (ERCP) exam; even prior images had evidence of common bile duct stones (CBDS). We aimed in estimating the positive rate of extraction of CBDS who had treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy/endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EST/EPBD) with negative ERC finding. METHODS: One hundred forty-one patients with clinically suspicious of CBDS but negative ERC, who had received EST/EPBD treatments was enrolled. Potential factors for predicting CBDS, as well as the treatment-related complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Nearly half of the patients with negative ERC, had a positive stone extraction. Only patients with high probability of CBDS were significantly associated with positive stone extraction. Moreover, patients with intermediate probability of CBDS had higher rates of overall complications, including post-ERCP pancreatitis. In addition, no significant difference of post-ERCP pancreatitis was found between EST and EPBD groups in any one group of patients with the same probability of CBDS. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding patients with negative ERC, therapeutic ERCP is beneficial and safe for patients present with high probability of CBDS. Moreover, under the same probability of CBDS, there was no significance difference in post-ERCP pancreatitis between EST and EPBD.

Tendencies and outcomes in endoscopic biliary sphincterotomies among people with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus in Spain, 2003-2013.

We aimed to compare incidence and outcomes for endoscopic biliary sphincterotomies in people with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Spain (2003-2013). We collected all cases of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomies using national hospital discharge data and evaluated annual incident rates stratified by T2DM status. We analyzed trends over time for in-hospital mortality (IHM) as the primary outcome and a composite of IHM or procedure-related complications (key secondary outcome). In multivariate analyses, we tested T2DM as an independent factor of IHM and IHM or complications. We identified 126,885 endoscopic biliary sphincterotomies (23,002 [18.1%] in T2DM people). Crude incidence rates of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomies were > 3-fold higher in people with vs without T2DM (85.5/105 vs 26.9/105 population, respectively). Annual incidence rates of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomies showed 11-year relative increments of 77.5% (from 60.0 to 106.5/105) in T2DM, and 53.7% (from 21.6 to 33.2/105) in non-T2DM people (p < 0.001). We found no significant changes in mortality trends over time for the populations with or without T2DM (p = 0.15 and p = 0.21, respectively). Rates of procedural pancreatitis decreased in people without T2DM (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, older age, higher comorbidity and endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy during urgent admission were associated with a higher IHM. T2DM was associated with a lower IHM after an endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (OR = 0.82 [0.74-0.92]). Time trend multivariate analyses 2003-2013 showed significant reductions in IHM over time only in people with T2DM (OR = 0.97 [0.94-1.00]). Further studies are needed to confirm a lower IHM for endoscopic biliary sphincterotomies in people with T2DM.

Is there a safer electrosurgical current for endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with liver cirrhosis?

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sphincterotomy has a higher risk of bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. Advanced Child stage and coagulopathy are well-known risk factors. We aimed to determine the role of electrosurgical currents in the development of endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: The study was a retrospective observational study and included 19,642 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between 2004 and 2013. The incidence of endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding in cirrhotic patients who underwent sphincterotomy after 2009 with an electrosurgical generator applying alternating current in the pulse cut mode (Group 2) was compared with a historical control group who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy between 2004 and 2009 via blended current (Group 1). RESULTS: Group 1 included 15 patients (six women, nine men, mean age: 62.2 ± 12.9 years). Group 2 included 14 patients (six women, eight men, mean age: 63.6 ± 16.9 years). There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups. Endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding was observed in three patients in Group 1 (two endoscopic bleeding and one clinically significant bleeding) and none of the patients in Group 2 (p = 0.77). There were no cases of perforation or pancreatitis in both groups. One patient in Group 2 developed cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding is less frequently observed in patients with cirrhosis who underwent sphincterotomy with alternating mixed current in the pulse cut mode compared with those with blended current.

Retrospective study minimally invasive management of postoperative lithiasis of the common bile duct.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative common bile duct (CBD) lithiasis holds a significant place in the bilio-pancreatic pathology, both due to its high frequency as well as to the diagnostic and treatment issues it triggers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on a 5-year experience (2008-2012), assessed retrospectively, totalling 51 patients with postoperative lithiasis of CBD, we tried to elaborate on several recommendations for the treatment of this pathology. The recommendations were guided by the existing alternative therapeutic options and by the ideas in the literature regarding the results achieved by every manner of treatment. RESULTS: The rate of clearance of the CBD was of 93.6%,the morbidity rate was of 10.65% and the mortality rate was of 0%, which entitles us to deem the effectiveness of the minimally invasive treatment as maximum in the treatment of this pathology. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic treatment of postoperative lithiasis of the CBD proved to be possible, efficient and we believe it good to be used as a principle; open surgery should be the solution in case of failures or of contraindications to minimally invasive treatment.

Predicting native papilla biliary cannulation success using a multinational Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Quality Network.

BACKGROUND: Success in deep biliary cannulation via native ampullae of Vater is an accepted measure of competence in ERCP training and practice, yet prior studies focused on predicting adverse events alone, rather than success. Our aim is to determine factors associated with deep biliary cannulation success, with/ without precut sphincterotomy. METHODS: The ERCP Quality Network is a unique prospective database of over 10,000 procedures by over 80 endoscopists over several countries. After data cleaning, and eliminating previously stented or cut papillae, two multilevel fixed effect multivariate models were used to control for clustering within physicians, to predict biliary cannulation success, with and without allowing "precut" to assist an initially failed cannulation. RESULTS: 13018 ERCPs were performed by 85 endoscopists (March 2007 - May 2011). Conventional (without precut) and overall cannulation rates were 89.8% and 95.6%, respectively. Precut was performed in 876 (6.7%). Conventional success was more likely in outpatients (OR 1.21), but less likely in complex contexts (OR 0.59), sicker patients (ASA grade (II, III/V: OR 0.81, 0.77)), teaching cases (OR 0.53), and certain indications (strictures, active pancreatitis). Overall cannulation success (some precut-assisted) was more likely with higher volume endoscopists (> 239/year: OR 2.79), more efficient fluoroscopy practices (OR 1.72), and lower with moderate (versus deeper) sedation (OR 0.67). CONCLUSION: Biliary cannulation success appears influenced by both patient and practitioner factors. Patient- and case-specific factors have greater impact on conventional (precut-free) cannulation success, but volume influences ultimate success; both may be used to select appropriate cases and can help guide credentialing policies.

Evaluation of early precut with needle-knife in difficult biliary cannulation during ERCP.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce information on whether performing the precut procedure early rather than after several cannulation attempts is associated with different success and complication rates. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was is to compare the early precut technique with the standard one in terms of the results and complications. METHODS: The contemporary success rate and postoperative complications in 792 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cases were frequently observed during the period from June 2007 to May 2011, and 56 of these cases were carried out with precut biliary sphincterotomy after the standard sphincterotomy had failed. RESULTS: The success rate for standard sphincterotomy was 89.8%: 51 out of 56 cases were carried out with precut biliary sphincterotomy and succeeded. The total success rate was 96.3%. The difference was significant (χ2=25.62, p<0.01) compared to the success rate of first cannulation, while the difference in complication rates between precut and standard sphincterotomy was minor (9.9 vs. 12.5%, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Early precut with a needle-knife in a difficult biliary cannulation was safe and effective if performed by experienced endoscopists.

[Surgical tactics in patients with cholecystitis complicated by bilirubinemia].

Basing on experience of treatment of more than 11 000 patients there were analyzed its results in 248, who were admitted to the hospital in emergency for an acute cholecystitis and raising of a bilirubin level from 29.54 to 167.16 micromol/l. Miniinvasive tactic was applied, surgical treatment was divided on the stages: laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the common biliary duct (CBD) draining, postoperative transdrainage cholangiography (in 184 patients any calculi or other obstacles to the bile outflow were not revealed), endoscopic papillosphincterotomy--in accordance with the indications established. An acute intervention on CBD using miniaccess was needed in 4 patients only. The results were estimated as good and excellent.

Definitive management of gallstone pancreatitis in England.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate whether definitive treatment of gallstone pancreatitis (GSP) by either cholecystectomy or endoscopic sphincterotomy in England conforms with British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines and to validate these guidelines. METHODS: Hospital Episode Statistics data were used to identify patients admitted for the first time with GSP between April 2007 and April 2008. These patients were followed until April 2009 to identify any who underwent definitive treatment or were readmitted with a further bout of GSP as an emergency. RESULTS: A total of 5,454 patients were admitted with GSP between April 2007 and April 2008, of whom 1,866 (34.2%) underwent definitive treatment according to BSG guidelines, 1,471 on the index admission. Patients who underwent a cholecystectomy during the index admission were less likely to be readmitted with a further bout of GSP (1.7%) than those who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy alone (5.3%) or those who did not undergo any form of definitive treatment (13.2%). Of those patients who did not undergo definitive treatment before discharge, 2,239 received definitive treatment following discharge but only 395 (17.6%) of these had this within 2 weeks. Of the 505 patients who did not undergo definitive treatment on the index admission and who were readmitted as an emergency with GSP, 154 (30.5%) were admitted during the 2 weeks immediately following discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Following an attack of mild GSP, cholecystectomy should be offered to all patients prior to discharge. If patients are not fit for surgery, an endoscopic sphincterotomy should be performed as definitive treatment.

Treatment of common bile duct stones in Sweden 1989-2006: an observational nationwide study of a paradigm shift.

BACKGROUND: The preferred strategies for treatment of common bile duct stones have changed from choledochotomy with cholecystectomy to sphincterotomy with or without cholecystectomy. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of these treatment strategies on a nationwide level in Sweden. METHODS: All patients with hospital care for benign biliary diagnoses 1988-2006 were identified in Swedish registers. Patients with common bile duct stones and a first admission with choledochotomy and or endoscopic sphincterotomy from 1989 through 2006 comprised the study group. These patients were analyzed with respect to readmission for biliary diagnoses and acute pancreatitis. RESULTS: Incidence of open and laparoscopic choledochotomy decreased from 19.4 to 5.2, whereas endoscopic sphincterotomy increased from 5.1 to 26.1 per 100,000 inhabitants per year, respectively. Among patients treated for common bile duct stones (n = 26,815), 60.0 % underwent cholecystectomy during the first hospital admission in 1989-1994, compared to 30.1 % in 2001-2006. The treatment strategy that included endoscopic sphincterotomy was associated with more readmissions for biliary diagnoses and increased risk for acute pancreatitis than the treatment strategy with choledochotomy. However, patients treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy and concurrent cholecystectomy at the index admission had the lowest risk of readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Cholecystectomy has been increasingly separated from treatment of bile duct stones, and endoscopic sphincterotomy has superseded choledochotomy as a first alternative for bile duct clearance in Sweden. In patients fit for surgery, clearance of the common bile duct can be combined with cholecystectomy, as it probably reduces the need for biliary related readmissions.

Predictors of complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a prognostic model for early discharge.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have evaluated predictors for complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), but their relative importance is unknown. In addition, currently used blood tests to detect post-ERCP pancreatitis are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of post-ERCP complications that could discriminate between patients at highest and lowest risk of post-ERCP complications and to develop a model that is able to identify patients that can safely be discharged shortly after ERCP. METHODS: In a single-center, retrospective analysis over the period 2002-2007, predictors of post-ERCP complications were evaluated in a multivariable analysis and compared with those identified from a literature review. A prognostic model was developed based on these risk factors, which was further evaluated in a prospective patient population. RESULTS: From our retrospective analysis and literature review, we selected the eight most important risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis and cholangitis. In the prognostic model, the risk factors (precut) sphincterotomy, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, younger age, female gender, history of pancreatitis, pancreas divisum, and difficult cannulation accounted for a score of 1 each, whereas primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) accounted for a score of 2. A sum score of 4 or more in the prognostic model was associated with a high risk of developing pancreatitis and cholangitis (27%; 6/22) in the prospective patient population, whereas a sum score of 3 or less was associated with a low to intermediate risk (8%; 20/252). CONCLUSIONS: We identified specific patient- and procedure-related factors that are associated with post-ERCP complications. The prognostic model based on these factors is able to identify patients who can be safely discharged the same day after ERCP.