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Background Biliary sphincter disorders after liver transplantation (LT) are poorly described. We aim to describe the presence and outcome of patients with papillary stenosis (PS) and functional biliary sphincter disorders (FBSDs) after LT according to the updated Rome IV criteria. Methods We reviewed all endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) performed in LT recipients between January 2003 and December 2019. Information on clinical and endoscopic findings was obtained from electronic health records and endoscopy databases. Laboratory and clinical findings were collected at the time of ERCP and 1 month after ERCP. Results Among the 1,307 LT recipients, 336 underwent 849 ERCPs. Thirteen (1.0%) patients met the updated Rome IV criteria for PS [former sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) type I] and 14 patients (1.0%) met the Rome IV criteria for FBSD (former SOD type II). Biliary sphincterotomy was performed in 13 PS and 10 FBSD cases. One month after sphincterotomy, bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase levels decreased in 85%, 61%, and 92% of those in the PS group (P = 0.019, 0.087, and 0.003, respectively) and in 50%, 70%, and 80% of those in the FBSD group (P = 0.721, 0.013, and 0.093, respectively). All the 14 patients initially suspected of having a FBSD turned out to have a different diagnosis during the follow-up. Conclusions PS after LT is uncommon and occurs in only 1% of LT recipients. Our data do not support the presence of an FBSD after LT. Sphincterotomy is a safe and effective procedure in LT recipients with PS.

Background and study aims Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EBS) related-bleeding is a common adverse event related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Traditionally, endoscopic modalities such as epinephrine injection, cauterization, and balloon tamponade have been used for management. Recently, use of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) to manage EBS-related bleeding has gained popularity. However, data regarding its use are limited to small case series. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FCSEMS placement for the treatment of EBS-related bleeding. Patients and methods All patients referred to our center from October 2014 to November 2019 who had an FCSEMS placed for EBS-related bleeding were included. FCSEMS was placed either for primary control of bleeding or after failure of other traditional endoscopic hemostasis techniques at the discretion of the endoscopist. Data was collected regarding patient demographics, procedural characteristics, clinical and technical success rates of FCSEMS, as well as adverse events. Results A total of 97 patients underwent placement of FCSEMS for EBS-related bleeding, of which 76.3 % had immediate bleeding and 23.7 % had delayed bleeding. Mean age was 67.2 years and 47.4 % were males. Seven patients who had immediate EBS-related bleeding at index ERCP underwent other endoscopic therapies prior to placement of FCSEMS for rebleeding. The technical success rate for FCSEMS placement was 100 % and the rebleeding rate was 6.2 %. Four patients with FCSEMS placement developed pancreatitis and four had stent migration. Conclusions Our findings suggest that FCSEMS is a highly effective treatment modality for managing EBS-related bleeding and has an acceptable safety profile.

Highlights • Biliary endoclip migration (ECM) may present as many as 22 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. • Diagnosis of ECM should always be considered after cholecystectomy in patients presenting with abdominal pain. • Increased attentiveness to the placement location and judicious limitation of the use of endoclips is advised., Introduction Although formerly considered a rarity, biliary endoclip-related complications are being diagnosed with increasing frequencies. Among these, migration of endoclip into the common bile duct (CBD) is a rare encounter that usually presents in the first two years after surgery. Presentation of case This case demonstrates a late biliary endoclip migration after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Discussion An 82-year-old male patient, with a history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy 22 years ago, presented with two-day history of severe upper abdominal pain. Routine hemogram and serum chemistry were remarkable for slightly raised alanine aminotransferase and C-reactive protein. A computed tomographic (CT) scan demonstrated a new metallic density within the CBD when compared to a previous CT scan 14 months earlier. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiography confirmed a metal endoclip within the mid-CBD contained within a choledochal stone. Balloon extraction of the endoclip and stone was successfully performed. The patient was discharged 2 days later, and remained symptom free for 1 year. Conclusion To our knowledge, a latency of 22 years between cholecystectomy and clip migration has never been reported before. In cases of post-cholecystectomy abdominal pain the awareness of the surgeon should always be drawn to a clinical suspicion of endoclip migration into the CBD that can be easily remedied. Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy with endoclip/stone removal is the therapeutic procedure of choice which usually circumvents the need for surgical extraction.

This Cochrane Protocol has been withdrawn for publication as the authors are unable to complete the review and topic was deemed to be of low priority. The Cochrane Gut Editorial Team is withdrawing the protocol in agreement with the authors. There are no current plans to republish it in the future.

Anatomical variations of the hepatic artery have been described as responsible for the onset of jaundice or stone formation. We present three cases of intrahepatic stones secondary to a compression of the proximal common bile duct (CBD) by the right hepatic artery (RHA). Three consecutive patients (males, mean age 65 years) with symptoms of cholangitis and intra-hepatic stones admitted between October 2017 and June 2018 with a final diagnosis of CBD compression from the RHA. The three patients underwent ERCP and biliary sphincterotomy with extraction of intra-hepatic stones; after stone removal cholangiograhy showed CBD compression just below the main hepatic confluence which was confirmed to be secondary to RHA compression on subsequent MRI. The patients remained asymptomatic after 12 months mean follow-up. Compression of the CBD by the RHA might be responsible for intra-hepatic stone formation. Endoscopic treatment is feasible and effective on short-term follow-up.

Background and study aims Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered one of the most technically demanding endoscopic procedures. Still, limited data are available on simulators in ERCP training. Recently, the Boškoski-Costamagna ERCP Trainer was validated as a realistic training model by our study group. As an extension to this model, a novel synthetic papilla has been designed allowing to train biliary sphincterotomy. We aimed to determine the face validity of this synthetic papilla and its didactic value for training sphincterotomy. Methods Expert participants, each with more a than 2500 ERCPs lifetime experience, were invited to perform a biliary sphincterotomy and fill out a questionnaire on the realism of the procedure and the didactic value. Results A total of 40 ERCP experts were included, originating from 16 different countries. Experts’ opinion on realism of performing a biliary sphincterotomy was rated with a median of 7 on a 10-point Likert scale, resemblance of the performed maneuvers 8 and tactile feedback 7. When asked if the cutting was perceived as realistic, experts rated a 6 and the cutting result was rated 8. The potential of the cutting papilla as a training tool for novices was rated 4 on a 4-point scale and there was a high agreement among the experts to include the papilla in the training of novices (rating 4). Conclusion This is the first synthetic papilla available for training sphincterotomy on the Boškoski-Costamagna ERCP Trainer and it demonstrates good face validity. ERCP experts highly agree on its didactic value and added value in the training curriculum of novice endoscopists.

Background Transpancreatic biliary sphincterotomy (TPBS) is an advanced cannulation method for accessing common bile duct (CBD) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). If CBD cannulation is difficult, an endoscopist can open the septum between the pancreatic and biliary duct with a sphincterotome to gain access. Long-term results of this procedure are unclear. We wanted to evaluate the short- and long-term complications of TPBS on patients with native papilla and benign indication for ERCP. Patients and Methods ERCPs performed in Helsinki University Hospital between 2007 and 2013 were reviewed. The study group comprised 143 consecutive patients with TPBS and 140 controls (CG). Data were collected from patient records and a phone survey was performed as a follow-up ≥ 4 years after the index ERCP. Results Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) developed in seven patients (4.9%) in TPBS and one patient (0.7%) in CG (p = 0.067). The rates of other acute complications were similar between the groups. ERCP ended with no access to CBD in four cases (2.8%) in TPBS. The median length of follow-up was 6 years in TPBS and 7 years in CG. During this period, three patients (2.1%) in TPBS and six patients (4.3%) in CG suffered from acute pancreatitis (AP) (p = 0.238). One (0.7%) patient in CG and none in TPBS developed chronic pancreatitis (CP). Abdominal pain was suffered by ten patients (6.9%) in TPBS and twelve patients (8.6%) in CG daily, whereas by six patients (4.2%) in TPBS and twelve patients (8.6%) in CG weekly. Conclusion TPBS is a useful procedure, with acceptable complication rates. No significant difference occurred between the groups when evaluating the short-term or long-term complications with a follow-up period of four to 10 years. Additionally, no significant differences occurred in upper abdominal pain, episodes of AP, or development of CP.

Introduction Anastomotic biliary strictures (ABS) have been reported in approximately 13% of patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Without treatment these can lead to progressive graft failure. Endoscopic management of these strictures with temporary fully covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) offers a non-surgical option for their management. This retrospective case series describes the outcomes of ABS managed using SEMS at our centre. Unit standard practice is to reserve endoscopic management for early ABS and undertake a biliary sphincterotomy to reduce pancreatitis risk. Methods The electronic records of all patients who underwent both OLT and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) between January 2013 and March 2020 were reviewed. Patients were selected from this group if they were found to have an ABS as diagnosed by biochemical liver function test derangement and corresponding characteristic radiological findings. Demographic data, technical aspects of the procedure, success rate, and complications were recorded. Results A total of 36 transplant recipients were diagnosed with ABS. This group underwent a total of 45 ERCP procedures. The median time from transplant to ABS diagnosis was 6 months (interquartile range (IQR) 2 – 22 months). There was a balloon dilatation prior to stent placement in 13 procedures (29%). There was a sphincterotomy either at the time of stent placement or during a preceding procedure in 33 cases (92%). There were ten cases of pancreatitis (22%), four cases of cholangitis (9%) and two of bile leak (4%). There were eight cases of pancreatitis in the group of 33 who had undergone sphincterotomy (24%) and two cases of pancreatitis in the group of three who had not (67%). There was one case of bleeding following sphincterotomy (3%) that occurred immediately and did not require transfusion. The median time to stent removal was 105 days (IQR 67 – 125). Only one case (3%) required surgical biliary reconstruction. The avoidance of the need for biliary reconstruction was regarded as the key outcome for successful endoscopic management of ABS and this was achieved in 35 cases (97%). Conclusion Early ABS following OLT were effectively managed using endoscopically placed biliary stents in the majority of cases. The rate of pancreatitis was lower in the sphincterotomy group. These data support the practice of temporary SEMS placement for early ABS and sphincterotomy to reduce pancreatitis risk.

The question of when and how to drain a malignant biliary obstruction (MBO), both intrinsic or extrinsic, remains a controversial point among endoscopists. An important factor that influences the decision to drain an MBO or not is if the patient is a surgical candidate or not and, in the former case, if the patients must undergo neoadiuvant chemotherapy or not. Other questions arising during biliary drainage in MBO patients is which type of stent should be chosen, plastic or metal, and if endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy must be performed or not when a stent is placed. The present review attempts to answer these questions and summarizes the optimal approach toward patients with MBO based on the available evidence.

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has changed through the years with an increasingly therapeutic purpose in patients with biliary disease. In this context, endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is a fundamental procedure.

With the advent of minimally invasive surgery, the limits of surgery have been stretched by questioning the more usual, established 2-stage approach for choledocholithiasis with an initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy in favor of the single-stage laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to compare the related benefits, difficulties, and outcomes of these 2 methods at a single institution.A retrospective analysis of 128 patients satisfying the inclusion criteria was divided into 2 groups (n = 68 for the group with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and n = 60 for the group with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography/laparoscopic cholecystectomy) between 2014 and 2017. Patient data including age, sex, duration of the operation, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay were reviewed.The group with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with laparoscopic cholecystectomy had 24 men and 44 women (mean age 52 years), and the group with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography/laparoscopic cholecystectomy had 16 men and 44 women (mean age 47 years). Statistically significant results were found in the clearance range (100% in the group with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus 75% in the group with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography/laparoscopic cholecystectomy), a shorter total duration of hospitalization for the group with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4.1 days vs 8.4 days) (P.05), but a great incidence of biliary leakage in the group with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Duration of surgery was not different between the 2 groups.Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a single-stage procedure that has many advantages over endoscopic retrograde cholangiography/laparoscopic cholecystectomy if appropriate experience and when expertise is available.

Objective Late complications after endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EST) include stone recurrence, but no definite risk factors for recurrence have been established. This study was performed to identify the predictors of recurrence and evaluate the clinical outcomes of EST for common bile duct stones. Methods In total, 345 eligible patients who successfully underwent EST were evaluated and followed up. Statistical analysis was performed on patients with recurrence or who had undergone at least 6 months of reliable follow-up to detect the risk factors for recurrence. Results A total of 57 patients (16.52%) developed recurrence of common bile duct stones. The median length of time until recurrence was 10.25 months (range, 6–54.4 months). Univariate analyses showed that the following factors were associated with recurrence: cholecystectomy prior to EST, prior biliary tract surgery, periampullary diverticulum, diameter of the common bile duct (>15 vs. ≤15 mm), quantity of stones, complete stone removal at the first session, and lithotripsy. Multivariate analysis identified two independent risk factors for recurrence: previous biliary tract surgery and lithotripsy. Conclusions EST for common bile duct stones is safe as indicated by patients’ long-term outcomes. Patients with a history of biliary surgery or lithotripsy are more prone to recurrence.

Background and study aims Ampullary impaction of an entrapped stone-basket complex is not an infrequent yet challenging event during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of “post-cut” for the management of such scenarios. Patients and methods Patients with impacted biliary stone with an entrapped basket during ERCP at West China Hospital, Chengdu, China, from October 2004 to August 2014 were included in this retrospective study. Adequate biliary sphincterotomy was performed in all cases before attempted stone basket removal. Using free hand needle knife techniques, the authors extended the sphincterotomy along the long axis of the distal common bile duct to manage the biliary stone-basket impaction. In comparison with “pre-cut”, the authors coined the term “post-cut” referring to this technique. The feasibility, safety, and potential complications of post-cut were analysed. Results “Post-cut” was performed in consecutive 10 cases of impacted biliary stone within an entrapped extraction basket. The size of the removed stone ranged from 6 mm to 13 mm. The length of post-cut is 2 mm to 4 mm. The impacted basket was easily retrieved in all patients without complications, including bleeding, perforation, and pancreatitis . Conclusion “Post-cut” is a feasible, effective, and safe endoscopic technique when impaction of a biliary stone with an entrapped extraction basket develops.

Background and aims Given the limited data on the safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with liver cirrhosis, we attempted to evaluate this question using a large national database. Methods We conducted a matched case – control study using the 2010 National Inpatient Sample database in which four non-cirrhotic controls were matched randomly for every cirrhotic patient from the same 10-year age group. We compared adverse events and safety of inpatient ERCP between patients with (n = 3228) and without liver cirrhosis (controls, n = 12 912). Results Of the 3228 cirrhotic patients, 2603 (80.6 %) had decompensated and 625 (19.4 %) had compensated disease. Post-procedure bleeding (2.1 % vs. 1.2 %, P Conclusions Cirrhosis (both compensated and decompensated), performing therapeutic ERCPs and biliary sphincterotomy increase the risk of post-procedure bleeding. Performing ERCPs in large and medium sized hospitals may improve outcomes.

Introduction Branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) require follow-up to detect worrisome features (WF). Data are missing about endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (PS) for symptomatic IPMN. Patients and methods This was a retrospective multicenter study in four expert centers. Patients treated with endoscopic PS for symptomatic (painful) BD-IPMN without WF were included. Age, sex, follow-up time, characteristics of IPMNs and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs), and indications for surgery were recorded. Results In total, 21 patients were included (median age 68 years, range 45 – 87 years). The median number of cysts was 2 (range 1 – 10), located in the head (59 %), body/tail (17 %), or multifocal (24 %). ERCP including PS was completed in all of the cases, with biliary sphincterotomy in 33 %. Clinical efficacy after one session was 81 % (17/21). Among the failures, one had a second successful PS and three were operated. The final efficacy was 86 % (18/21). Seven patients were operated after a mean of 19 months: four for WF, three for pain. The histopathology showed four low grade dysplasia, one high grade dysplasia, and two no dysplasia. No adenocarcinoma occurred during a follow-up of 99 months (range 14 – 276 months). Conclusions Endoscopic PS for symptomatic IPMN without WF is effective in more than 80 % of cases, without increasing the risk for adenocarcinoma.

To review the current literature focusing on the indications, efficacy, and safety of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) and endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in the treatment of bile duct stones. • EPBD without EST is associated with a higher risk of post-procedural pancreatitis and lower rate of stone clearance than EST alone. • EPBD without EST should be at least 2 min in duration, and placement of a pancreatic stent and other measures to reduce pancreatitis risk should be considered. • EPBD without EST is most useful to reduce risk of bleeding in patients with coagulopathy. • EPLBD combined with EST can be used as an alternative or adjunct to mechanical lithotripsy in the removal of large or difficult bile duct stones. • EPLBD combined with EST results in fewer complications than EST alone for removal of bile duct stones.

Background Population aging and comorbidity are leading to an increase in patients unfit for cholecystectomy. Aims To evaluate whether endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy after a first episode of acute gallstone pancreatitis reduces the risk of pancreatitis recurrence and gallstone-related events in non-surgical candidates. Methods Retrospective study of patients admitted for a first episode of acute gallstone pancreatitis rejected for cholecystectomy between 2013–2018. The role of endoscopic sphincterotomy was evaluated by adjusting for age, severity of pancreatitis, and presence of choledocholithiasis. Results We included 247 patients (mean age 80 ± 12 years; Charlson index: 5; severity of pancreatitis: 72% mild). Sphincterotomy was performed in 23.9%. Recurrence of pancreatitis occurred in 17.4% patients (median follow-up: 426 days). The one-year cumulative incidence of a new episode of pancreatitis was 1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2–12%) and 23% (95% CI: 17–31%) in patients with and without sphincterotomy, respectively (p = 0.006). In multivariate analysis, sphincterotomy showed a protective role for recurrence of pancreatitis (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.08–0.92, p = 0.037) and for any gallstone-related event (HR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.21–0.98, p = 0.043). Conclusions Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy reduced the risk of gallstone pancreatitis recurrence and other biliary-related disorders in patients with a first episode of pancreatitis non-candidates for cholecystectomy.

The first and often most important step in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is successful deep cannulation of the desired duct, which in most cases is the common bile duct (CBD). While it remains the first step, cannulation of the CBD can be the most challenging, even in the most experienced hands. Yet the importance of obtaining deep access to the CBD is essential for undertaking any diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Failure to achieve deep biliary access therefore occurs in 5% to 10% of cases even in expert, tertiary care centers. Failure to gain deep biliary access of a native papilla using standard techniques requires an alternative technique. The use of a needle-knife sphincterotome to undertake precut sphincterotomy was first described by Siegel in 1980.2 The term access papillotomy more accurately describes the technique, but in this chapter we will use the more popularized term of precut papillotomy. This technique remains the Achilles heel of many endoscopists and is often reserved for “experts” as it is considered by many to be complex and increase the risk of ERCP-related adverse events. Unlike traditional biliary sphincterotomy, performing a precut papillotomy is often not a planned intervention, but it is vital to understand when, where, and how to perform. This chapter focuses on precut techniques, equipment used, outcomes, and adverse events. Indications, contraindications, and evidence will be presented to support our recommendations.

Recurrent pancreatitis occurs in 10–30% of patients after an initial attack. The risk for recurrence is highest in those with alcohol and idiopathic etiologies. A careful, multitiered diagnostic evaluation should be deployed to eliminate noxious, metabolic, iatrogenic/medication, and neoplastic etiologies for pancreatitis before considering endoscopic therapy. Patients with idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis (IRAP) that are candidates for endoscopic therapy represent a select group. Either findings are later revealed on advanced, noninvasive imaging that indicate endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as a directed therapy or an etiology remains elusive after advanced imaging and empiric biliary sphincterotomy may be performed after a careful risk/benefit discussion with the patient. The literature that defines the role for diagnostic modalities such as ERCP for recurrent pancreatitis is mature. However, literature that supports therapuetic ERCP for managing non-biliary recurrent pancreatitis is largely based on heterogeneous case series and has disadvantages of variable study design, follow-up and definitions for outcomes.

Background/Aims The reproducibility of sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) measurements and results of SOM after sphincterotomy has not been studied sufficiently. The aim of our study is to evaluate the reproducibility of SOM and completeness of sphincter ablation. Methods The recently published Evaluating Predictors and Interventions in sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (EPISOD) study included 214 subjects with post-cholecystectomy pain, and fit the criteria of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction type III. They were randomized into 3 arms, irrespective of manometric findings: sham (no sphincterotomy), biliary sphincterotomy, and dual (biliary and pancreatic). Thirty-eight subjects had both biliary and pancreatic manometries performed twice, at baseline and at repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography after 1–11 months. Sham arm was examined to assess the reproducibility of manometry, and the treatment arms to assess whether the sphincterotomies were complete (elevated pressures were normalized). Results Biliary and pancreatic measurements were reproduced in 7/14 (50%) untreated subjects. All 12 patients with initially elevated biliary pressures in biliary and dual sphincterotomy groups normalized after biliary sphincterotomy. However, 2 of 8 subjects with elevated pancreatic pressures in the dual sphincterotomy group remained abnormal after pancreatic sphincterotomy. Paradoxically, normal biliary pressures became abnormal in 1 of 15 subjects after biliary sphincterotomy, and normal pancreatic pressures became abnormal in 5 of 15 patients after biliary sphincterotomy, and in 1 of 9 after pancreatic sphincterotomy. Conclusions Our data suggest that SOM measurements are poorly reproducible, and question whether we could adequately perform pancreatic sphincterotomy.

Highlights • Choledocholithiasis may present as many as 33 years after a patient has undergone a cholecystectomy. • Potential etiologies of choledocholithiasis after cholecystectomy include surgical clip migration, remnant cystic duct lithiasis, and primary choledocholithiasis. • Choledocholithiasis is rare after a patient has undergone a cholecystectomy, but must be ruled out nevertheless., Introduction Choledocholithiasis after cholecystectomy is rare and often attributed to surgical clip migration and subsequent nidus formation. Presentation of case This case demonstrates choledocholithiasis following cholecystectomy with a latency period of 33 years. Discussion The patient presented with pain of the right upper quadrant (RUQ). Subsequent abdominal-pelvic CT imaging revealed dilation of the common bile duct. Further Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography was indicative of choledocholithiasis. Additional findings included a long cystic duct remnant and surgical clips in the RUQ. Conclusion The patient underwent biliary sphincterotomy and sludge and stone fragments were swept from the biliary tree. To our knowledge, a latency of 33 years between cholecystectomy and choledocholithiasis has never been reported before, at least not in a patient without coexisting duodenal diverticulum, a condition associated with lithiasis of the common bile duct. Our case raises discussion of potential etiologies for such long latency, including surgical clip migration, remnant cystic duct lithiasis, and primary choledocholithiasis; and further details the incidence of such long latency periods following cholecystectomy

Biliary strictures represent some of the most frequent complications encountered after orthotopic liver transplantation. They comprise an array of biliary abnormalities with variations in anatomical location, clinical presentation, and different pathogenesis. Magnetic resonance cholangiography represents the most accurate noninvasive imaging test that can provide detailed imaging of the whole biliary system-below and above the anastomosis. It is of particular value in those harboring complex hilar or intrahepatic strictures, offering a detailed roadmap for planning therapeutic procedures. Endoscopic therapy of biliary strictures usually requires biliary sphincterotomy plus balloon dilation and stent placement. However, endoscopic management of nonanastomotic biliary strictures is much more complex and challenging as compared with anastomotic biliary strictures. The present article is a narrative review presenting the results of endoscopic treatment of biliary strictures occurring after liver transplantation, describing the different strategies based on the nature of the stricture and summarizing their outcomes.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is currently the treatment of choice for symptomatic choledocholithiasis in pregnant patients. We aimed to present our experience with pregnant patients who underwent nonradiation ERCP and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new technique. A retrospective analysis of nonradiation ERCP in 22 pregnant patients with symptomatic choledocholithiasis between January 2002 and December 2013 was performed. The bile aspiration technique with wire-guided sphincterotome was used to confirm selective biliary cannulation. Transpapillary pancreatic septotomy was performed in cases with difficult biliary cannulation (n = 3). After endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation was performed with a 6- or 8-mm dilation balloon in all patients to reduce the risk of recurrent cholangitis because of residual or additional stones. Stones were extracted by balloon sweeping after dilation. All patients were followed for 6 months after the ERCP procedure. Biliary cannulation was achieved in all patients. Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation was performed with a 6-mm balloon in 17 patients and an 8-mm balloon in five patients. The stones were extracted in 18 of the 22 patients by balloon sweeping, but no stones were extracted in the remaining four patients. There were two cases of mild post-ERCP pancreatitis. All patients delivered at term, and none experienced recurrence of choledocholithiasis and/or cholangitis during the 6-month follow-up. Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy plus endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in nonradiation ERCP is a safe and effective treatment method for symptomatic choledocholithiasis during pregnancy.