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Background: Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) is valuable for assessing malignant biliary strictures; however, biliary drainage prior to POCS often hinders accurate diagnosis. Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the feasibility of POCS using a newly developed cholangioscope, CHF-B290, during initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for malignant biliary strictures. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients who underwent initial ERCP for malignant biliary strictures at two institutions between January 2018 and March 2022. Patients who underwent initial ERCP with POCS were classified into the POCS group, and those without POCS were classified into the non-POCS group. To prevent post-POCS cholangitis, the original irrigation system for CHF-B290 was used in all POCS examinations. The primary endpoint was the rate of post-ERCP biliary infections, and the secondary endpoints were other ERCP-related complications, including pancreatitis, bleeding, and perforation. Results: Overall, 53 and 94 patients were included in the POCS and non-POCS groups, respectively. For the primary endpoint, the rate of post-ERCP biliary infection was not significantly different between the two groups (1.9% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.42). For the secondary endpoints, no significant differences were observed in the rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis (5.7% vs. 6.4%, p = 1.00) and other ERCP-related complications. The overall complication rate was 9.4% in the POCS group and 13% in the non-POCS group (p = 0.60). Conclusions: POCS during the initial ERCP for malignant biliary strictures is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Choledocholithiasis (CCL) is one of the most common serious health consequences of cholelithiasis. For years, evacuation of stones using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been the first-line treatment. In 10-15% of cases, gallstones cannot be removed using the above-mentioned method and auxiliary methods are necessary; these are so-called difficult gallstones. Surgical treatment is sometimes necessary. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has recommended the use of cholangioscopy, including direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOC), as one of the main treatment methods since 2015. Aim: The following article aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of direct cholangioscopy with laser lithotripsy in the treatment of CCL. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at the Department of General and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Lodz. From October 2022 to November 2023, 13 procedures of difficult gallstone evacuation from the bile duct were performed using the technique of direct cholangioscopy with laser lithotripsy. Results: Thirteen cases of difficult gallstones were retrospectively analyzed. The bile duct was intubated via the ampulla of Vater using direct cholangioscopy. The bile duct was cleared of gallstones using laser lithotripsy, followed by a Dormia basket or an extraction balloon to remove stone fragments. The procedure was performed successfully in all patients. No complications were observed. Conclusions: DPOC with laser lithotripsy seems to be an effective and safe method of clearing even very large gallstones from the bile duct. The relatively low price of tools and the resulting cost reduction may allow this procedure to become more popular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones are difficult to remove using conventional stone clearance methods such as endoscopic papillary sphincterotomy. In this guideline, we present several recommendations and relevant information on the endoscopic treatment of difficult CBD stones. For the primary treatment of large CBD stones in patients without distal bile duct stricture, we recommend limited endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation. For large CBD stones that are difficult to remove with conventional endoscopic treatment methods, we recommend electrohydraulic or laser lithotripsy under cholangioscopy. Short-term biliary stenting is recommended in patients with CBD stones that are difficult to remove by these methods. Finally, endoscopic treatment via small bowel enteroscopy or percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy may be an option in patients with surgically altered anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Disposable digital single-operator cholangioscopy (D-SOC) and direct peroral cholangioscopy (D-POC) using an ultraslim endoscope are established POC modalities for the diagnosis and treatment of various biliary diseases. We compared the usefulness of D-SOC and D-POC for the diagnosis of intraductal superficial lesions of the bile duct (ISL-Bs). Methods 38 consecutive patients with suspected biliary diseases who underwent both D-SOC and D-POC were enrolled. The primary outcome was ISL-B detection rate, and the secondary outcomes were technical success of POC and POC-guided forceps biopsy sampling (POC-FB), procedure time, visualization quality, and tissue adequacy. Results D-SOC had a higher technical success rate than D-POC but the difference was not statistically significant (100% vs. 92.1%, P = 0.25). D-POC had a marginally higher ISL-B detection rate (34.2% vs. 28.9%, P = 0.68) and significantly higher visualization quality (P = 0.03). The mean (SD) procedure time was significantly shorter with D-SOC (11.00 [1.33] vs. 19.03 [2.95] minutes, P<0.001). The technical success rate of POC-FB and tissue adequacy did not differ between the two techniques (D-SOC vs. D-POC: 81.8% vs. 84.6%, P = 0.69 and 77.8% vs. 90.9%, P = 0.57, respectively). Conclusions Both POC systems were safe and useful for the detection, characterization, and diagnosis of minute ISL-Bs. While D-SOC displayed a shorter procedure time and a tendency for higher technical success rate, D-POC provided superior visualization quality, allowing detailed observation of the surface structure and microvascular patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Strictures are the most common biliary complication after liver transplantation, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered the gold standard in its management. Failure to cross the biliary anastomosis requires a repeated attempt with ERCP, referral for percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) or surgery. We present our experience with the digital single operator cholangioscope (D‐SOC) in achieving guidewire access in a liver transplant cohort with difficult biliary strictures who have failed conventional ERCP methods. Methods: This was a retrospective study involving two adult liver transplant centers servicing the two most populated states in Australia. Deceased‐donor liver transplant recipients undergoing D‐SOC for biliary strictures who have failed conventional methods to achieve biliary access were included. Results: Between July 2017 to April 2022, eighteen patients underwent D‐SOC after failing to achieve guidewire placement through standard ERCP techniques. Thirteen out of eighteen (72%) had successful guidewire placement with index D‐SOC. Five of eighteen patients (28%) had unsuccessful guidewire placement with D‐SOC. In two of these patients, use of D‐SOC informed further endoscopic management, with one avoiding PTC and the other avoiding surgery. Two of the five patients required PTC and one patient was left unstented. Three patients developed post D‐SOC cholangitis. Conclusions: D‐SOC is effective at achieving guidewire access in post‐liver transplant patients who fail conventional ERCP techniques and should be considered in the treatment algorithm as a step before PTC and surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Сomplex choledocholithiasis remains an urgent socio-medical problem in modern medicine. This pathology is more common in patients with cholelithiasis and causes such complications as obstructive jaundice, acute and chronic pancreatitis, cholangitis, etc. Effective treatment depends on proper preoperative examination, which is quite challenging. In such cases, minimally invasive diagnostic methods play a fundamental role. Endoscopic cholangioscopy is an effective and highly informative method for diagnosis and treatment of biliary diseases including сomplex choledocholithiasis; in many cases it is the only examination technique that allows for a reliable diagnosis. The effectiveness of this technique and possibilities of its implementation by leading specialists in the Russian Federation and around the world remain important issues.Objective: To summarize available literature data on possibilities of using cholangioscopy in diagnosis and treatment of сomplex choledocholithiasis.Materials and methods: We conducted a literature review using PubMed and eLIBRARY. Our goal was to cover the most up-to-date medical articles published on the subject in the past 10 years. Studies included in our review are based on experimental and clinical data. Thus, we obtained the most reliable results that can be used in further research and practice.Results: We found that cholangioscopy has significant clinical value, which confirms its role as an important diagnostic and therapeutic approach in addition to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in treatment of complex choledocholithiasis. This technique should be further thoroughly studied.

Recurrent cholangitis, intrahepatic stones and biliary and anastomotic strictures are common complications after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. The surgically altered anatomy makes management of these complications with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography technically difficult. We present a case of recurrent cholangitis in a 25-year-old woman with a prior hepaticojejunostomy. Intrahepatic stones, biliary strictures and hepaticojejunostomy strictures were treated using a combined percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and cholangioscopy approach over several interventions. Minimally invasive, multidisciplinary approach to the management of intrahepatic biliary calculi and stricture after hepaticojejunostomy can be considered in cases where traditional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography intervention is too technically difficult.

Assessing unclear biliary strictures is challenging. We analyzed the diagnostic performance of radiology, EUS, and ERCP. All patients referred for EUS and ERCP to assess an unclear biliary stricture were prospectively included. The data from radiology, EUS, ERCP, and tissue sampling were recorded. The diagnostic modalities were analyzed separately and in combination, with a focus on PSC. Between 2013 and 2020, 78 patients were included; 31% had PSC. A cholangioscopy was not performed in this study. The final diagnosis indicated that the biliary stricture was benign in 62% of the patients and malignant in 38%. The differences among the modalities were numerical, not significant. The modalities showed an accuracy between 78 and 83% in all the patients and between 75 and 83% in the patients with PSC. The combination of radiology and EUS showed the highest sensitivity of 94% in all the patients and a sensitivity of 100% in PSC. Tissue sampling showed the highest specificity of 93% in all patients and 89% in PSC. In 22 cases with combined EUS, ERCP, and tissue sampling, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 82%, 70%, and 92%, respectively. Minor differences were observed between the intention-to-diagnose analysis and the per-protocol analysis. Adverse events were recorded in 4% of cases. The combination of EUS and ERCP with tissue sampling seems to be useful and safe for excluding malignancy in unclear biliary strictures. In cases with a reduced suspicion of malignancy, radiology with an EUS may be sufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pleurobiliary fistula was not common but sometimes it could occur after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage. This report describes the case of an 83-year-old Korean male diagnosed with a pleurobiliary fistula after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage. The patient was treated with endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage under the guidance of the peroral cholangioscopy with SpyGlass DS system. It can decompress pressure within the gallbladder. Leakage from the gallbladder into the pleura was reduced. Finally, his condition got better and he recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and timely diagnosis of biliary strictures can be challenging. Because the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy of standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography‐based tissue sampling for malignancy are suboptimal, additional endoscopic evaluation by cholangioscopy and/or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is often necessary to differentiate between malignant and benign biliary strictures to guide clinical management. While direct visualization by cholangioscopy and/or high‐resolution imaging by EUS are often the first step in the evaluation of an indeterminate biliary stricture (IDBS), tissue diagnosis by cholangioscopy‐guided biopsy and/or EUS‐guided fine‐needle tissue acquisition is the preferred modality to establish a diagnosis of malignancy. Because each modality has its own strengths and limitations, selection of cholangioscopy and EUS is best guided by the biliary stricture location and local expertise. Artificial intelligence‐assisted diagnosis, biopsy forceps with improved design, contrast‐enhanced EUS, and dedicated fine‐needle biopsy devices are recent technological advances that may further improve the diagnostic performance of cholangioscopy and EUS in patients with IDBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of biliary strictures poses a challenge due to the low sensitivity of standard diagnostic approaches, but the advent of direct single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) has revolutionized this paradigm. Our study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of DSOC and DSOC-targeted biopsies, intraductal ultrasound (IDUS), and standard brush cytology in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures (IBS). We reviewed patients who underwent advanced diagnostic evaluation for IBS at our endoscopy unit from January 2018 to December 2022, all of whom had previously undergone at least one endoscopic attempt to characterize the biliary stricture. Final diagnoses were established based on surgical pathology and/or clinical and radiological follow-up spanning at least 12 months. A total of 57 patients, with a mean age of 67.2 ± 10.0 years, were included, with a mean follow-up of 18.2 ± 18.1 months. The majority of IBS were located in the distal common bile duct (45.6%), with malignancy confirmed in 35 patients (61.4%). DSOC and IDUS demonstrated significantly higher accuracies (89.5% and 82.7%, respectively) compared to standard cytology (61.5%, p < 0.05). Both DSOC visualization and IDUS exhibited optimal diagnostic yields in differentiating IBS with an acceptable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing and evolving field of EUS and advanced hepatobiliary endoscopy has amplified traditional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and unveiled novel options for remaining unsolved hepatobiliary issues, both diagnostically and therapeutically. This conceptually appealing and fascinating integration of endoscopy within the practice of hepatology is referred to as 'endo-hepatology'. Endo-hepatology focuses on the one hand on disorders of the liver parenchyma and liver vasculature and of the hepatobiliary tract on the other hand. Applications hanging under the umbrella of endohepatology involve amongst others EUS-guided liver biopsy, EUS-guided portal pressure measurement, EUS-guided portal venous blood sampling, EUS-guided coil & glue embolization of gastric varices and spontaneous portosystemic shunts as well as ERCP in the challenging context of (decompensated cirrhosis) and intraductal cholangioscopy for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Although endoscopic proficiency however does not necessarily equal in an actual straightforward end-solution for currently persisting (complex) hepatobiliary situations. Therefore, endohepatology continues to generate high-quality data to validate and standardize procedures against currently considered (best available) "golden standards" while continuing to search and trying to provide novel minimally invasive solutions for persisting hepatological stalemate situations. In the current review, we aim to critically appraise the status and potential future directions of endo-hepatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and Aims Strictures are the most common biliary complication after liver transplantation, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered the gold standard in its management. Failure to cross the biliary anastomosis requires a repeated attempt with ERCP, referral for percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) or surgery. We present our experience with the digital single operator cholangioscope (D‐SOC) in achieving guidewire access in a liver transplant cohort with difficult biliary strictures who have failed conventional ERCP methods. Methods This was a retrospective study involving two adult liver transplant centers servicing the two most populated states in Australia. Deceased‐donor liver transplant recipients undergoing D‐SOC for biliary strictures who have failed conventional methods to achieve biliary access were included. Results Between July 2017 to April 2022, eighteen patients underwent D‐SOC after failing to achieve guidewire placement through standard ERCP techniques. Thirteen out of eighteen (72%) had successful guidewire placement with index D‐SOC. Five of eighteen patients (28%) had unsuccessful guidewire placement with D‐SOC. In two of these patients, use of D‐SOC informed further endoscopic management, with one avoiding PTC and the other avoiding surgery. Two of the five patients required PTC and one patient was left unstented. Three patients developed post D‐SOC cholangitis. Conclusions D‐SOC is effective at achieving guidewire access in post‐liver transplant patients who fail conventional ERCP techniques and should be considered in the treatment algorithm as a step before PTC and surgery.

Percutaneous endoscopy of the biliary system (cholangioscopy) and gallbladder (cholecystoscopy) has significantly impacted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to many diseases in interventional radiology, overcoming previous challenges related to scope size and rigidity. The current endoscopes offer enhanced maneuverability within narrow tubular structures such as bile ducts. Before endoscopy, reliance on 2D imaging modalities limited real-time visualization during percutaneous procedures. Percutaneous endoscopy provides 3D perspectives, enabling a better appreciation of normal structures, targeted biopsy of lesions, and accurate deployment of therapeutic interventions. This review aims to explore percutaneous endoscopic findings across various biliary and gallbladder pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occurrence of anastomotic biliary stricture (AS) remains an essential issue following hepatobiliary surgeries, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS) has great therapeutic significance in handling refractory AS for patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy after cholangio-jejunostomy. This present study aimed to investigate feasibility of PTCS procedures in AS patients for therapeutic indications. This study was a single-center, retrospective cohort study with a total number of 124 consecutive patients who received therapeutic PTCS due to AS. Clinical success rate, required number, and adverse events of therapeutic PTCS procedures as well as patients survival state were reviewed. These 124 patients previously underwent choledochojejunostomy or hepatico-jejunostomy, and there was post-surgical altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Overall, 366 therapeutic PTCS procedures were performed for these patients through applying rigid choledochoscope, and the median time of PTCS procedures was 3 (1–11). Among these patients, there were 34 cases (27.32%) accompanied by biliary strictures and 100 cases (80.65%) were also combined with biliary calculi. After therapeutic PTCS, most patients presented with relieved clinical manifestations and improved liver functions. The median time of follow-up was 26 months (2–86 months), and AS was successfully managed through PTCS procedures in 104 patients (83.87%). During the follow-up period, adverse events occurred in 81 cases (65.32%), most of which were tackled through supportive treatment. PTCS was a feasible, safe and effective therapeutic modality for refractory AS, which may be a promising alternative approach in clinical cases where the gastrointestinal anatomy was changed after cholangio-jejunostomy. • PTCS provide possibilities for patients complicated with biliary complications. • Most cases presented with changed gastrointestinal anatomy after cholangio-jejunostomy. • PTCS is a feasible, safe and effective modality for treating refractory AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A new short device for percutaneous endoscopic cholangioscopy was recently developed. However, feasibility and safety has not yet been evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess clinical success, technical success, and adverse events (AEs). Methods: This observational multicenter retrospective study included all patients who underwent percutaneous cholangioscopy using a short cholangioscope between 2020 and 2022. The clinical success, defined as the complete duct clearance or obtaining at least one cholangioscopy‐guided biopsy, was assessed. The histopathological accuracy, technical success, and the AE rate were also evaluated. Results: Fifty‐one patients (60 ± 15 years, 45.1% male) were included. The majority of patients had altered anatomy (n = 40, 78.4%), and biliary stones (n = 34, 66.7%) was the commonest indication. The technique was predominantly wire‐guided (n = 44, 86.3%) through a percutaneous sheath (n = 36, 70.6%) following a median interval of 8.5 days from percutaneous drainage. Cholangioscopy‐guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy was performed in 29 cases (56.9%), combined with a retrieval basket in eight cases (27.6%). The clinical success was 96.6%, requiring a median of one session (range 1–3). Seventeen patients (33.3%) underwent cholangioscopy‐guided biopsies. There were four (7.8%) cholangioscopy‐related AEs (cholangitis and peritonitis). Overall, the technical success and AE rates were 100% and 19.6%, respectively, in a median follow‐up of 7 months. Conclusion: Percutaneous endoscopic cholangioscopy with a new short device is effective and safe, requiring a low number of sessions to achieve duct clearance or accurate histopathological diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of cholangioscopy is undergoing rapid evolution, marked by continuous innovation. The advent of SpyGlass cholangioscopy has initiated a new chapter, transforming the practice with advancements that include single-operator procedures and the introduction of disposable cholangioscopes. Despite these strides, significant needs remain, including enhancement of optical imaging, improving maneuverability, and expansion of therapeutic channels. This article delves into the recent progress within cholangioscopy, with a particular focus on the clinical applications of the Leinzett Lan-EP-3516 cholangioscope for the management of portal biliopathy. We present a detailed case study demonstrating how this cutting-edge cholangioscope—distinguished by its various sizing options and compatibility with portable devices for immediate imaging—played an important role in the successful treatment of a distal common biliary duct stricture and choledocholithiasis. The device's cost-effectiveness and superior imaging quality signify a notable advancement in cholangioscopic technology, facilitating enhanced treatment pathways for patients with complex biliary disorders. This case exemplifies the dynamic and expanding utility of cholangioscopy in therapeutic interventions and underscores its escalating significance in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Proximal biliary plastic stent migration (PSM) remains a challenging complication. The study aims at determining the PSM rate, retrieval outcomes and factors associated with PSM. Methods: Endoscopy database was analyzed from January 2016 to January 2021 to identify 1137 patients, who underwent stent removal or repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Demography, methods of stent retrieval, outcomes and complications were noted. Logistic regression was performed to determine risk factors for PSM. Propensity score matching was done in a 1:1 manner using age, sex, comorbidities and indication to assess endoscopy-related factors. Clinical trial registration done (CTRI/2022/02/040516). Results: PSM was noted in 74 (6.5%) cases. Stent retrieval was successful in 94.59% (70/74) of cases. A balloon catheter (46/74) was commonly used. Technical failure was due to an impacted stent (2) and stent above the stricture (2). Complications were seen in 2.7% of cases. On multi-variate regression, sphincteroplasty at index ERCP (Odds ratio [OR] = 5.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.7–11.89), stent length < 10 cm (OR = 8.53, 95% CI = 3.2–22.47), 7-Fr stent (OR = 18.25, 95% CI = 6.5–50.64), dilated bile duct (mean diameter- 9.2 ± 3.94 mm) (OR = 0.384, 95% CI = 0.18–0.72) and delayed ERCP by > 3 months from index ERCP (OR = 15.28, 95% CI = 8.1–28.49). After performing propensity score matching for age, sex, comorbidities and indication to determine endoscopy-related factors, 7-Fr stent size (OR 3.495; 95% CI-1.23–9.93) and duration of indwelling stent for more than three months (OR-3.37; 95% CI-1.646–6.76) were significantly associated with proximal stent migration. Conclusion: Proximally migrated straight stents can be successfully retrieved using standard accessories. The use of 7-Fr size stent, stents indwelling for more than three months, sphincteroplasty at index ERCP, stent length < 10 cm and dilated bile duct were associated with increased risk of proximal migration of straight biliary plastic stents. After propensity score matching, the use of 7-Fr size stents and stent indwelling for over three months were endoscopy-related factors associated with proximal migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of indeterminate biliary strictures (IDBS) still represents a major challenge. Digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) could potentially overcome limits of conventional biopsy and brush sampling. The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic accuracy of visual evaluation and DSOC-guided biopsies to conventional trans-papillary sampling techniques and to evaluate the inter-observer agreement (IOA) on visual diagnosis. All consecutive patients undergoing DSOC-guided biopsy after conventional sampling techniques for IDBS during a six—year period were retrospectively evaluated. Final diagnosis was based on histological evaluation of the surgical specimen if available or a clinical follow-up of at least 6 months. For IOA, 20-second DSOC clips were retrospectively reviewed by 6 experts and 6 trainees and classified according to the Monaco Classification. Thirty-five patients underwent DSOC for IDBS in the study period; 14 patients (F = 9) with a median age of 64 years (range 53–76) met the study aim. After DSOC, strictures location was changed in three patients (additional yield of 21.4 %). Intraductal DSOC-guided biopsy were technically successful in all cases, with an adequacy of 92.8 %. No adverse events were recorded. Final diagnosis was benign disease in five cases and cholangiocarcinoma in the others. For IOA, 29 videos were evaluated with almost perfect agreement for final diagnosis (kappa 0.871; agreement 93.1, p <0.001), although overall accuracy of DSOC visual finding was 73.6 % and 64.4 % for experts and trainees, respectively. DSOC could improve diagnostic accuracy for IDBS, since it showed high sensitivity for visual finding and high specificity for DSOC guided-biopsy. Visual diagnosis seems reliable for diagnosis using the Monaco Classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic biliary stenting is a common procedure in gastroenterology that uses plastic stents for short-term bile drainage. Aims and Objectives: This study explores the occurrence and consequences of forgotten or retained biliary stents. Materials and Methods: Conducted at King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam over 8 months, the study includes 12 patients with forgotten biliary stents. Diagnostic confirmation used X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Four patients faced complications such as fractured distal pigtails and blocked stents, making retrieval challenging through standard methods like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and cholangioscopy. Results: The study involved 12 patients (median age: 48 years), with choledocholithiasis being the main reason for stent placement in 10 cases (83.3%). On average, patients showed symptoms 31.3 months after stenting, mostly presenting with cholangitis (83.3%). Stent removal was successful in 8 cases (66.6%) using ERCP, while advanced procedures like cholangioscopy or surgery were needed in the rest. No mortality was reported. Conclusion: Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study reveals a rise in neglected plastic biliary stents. Cholangitis, often with common bile duct stones, was a common complication. Standard ERCP techniques were less effective in cases with complicated stents, requiring alternative approaches like cholangioscopy or surgery. The cases emphasize the urgency of timely stent retrieval and the need to improve management protocols to prevent complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and study aim The development of a new cholangioscope, the SpyGlass™ Discover (Boston Scientific), has allowed the laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration and stone clearance. The possibility of simultaneous treatment of choledocholithiasis during early laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers the opportunity to enormously reduce the time between acute cholecystitis diagnosis and the execution of cholecystectomy with better outcomes for patients. Furthermore, an altered anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract is not an obstacle to this technique. The aim of the study was to determine whether this new procedure is feasible, safe, and effective. Patients and methods The investigation employs a retrospective case series study including all consecutive patients with a diagnosis of common bile duct stones undergoing cholecystectomy and intraoperative laparoscopic common bile duct clearance using SpyGlass™ Discover at IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo in Pavia (Italy). Eighteen patients were included from May 2022 to May 2023. Results A complete clearance of the common bile duct was obtained in 88.9% of patients. The mean postoperative length of stay was 3 days. No major complications occurred. After a median follow-up of 8 months, no recurrence of biliary events or readmissions occurred. Conclusion This procedure has proven to be feasible, safe, and effective.

Watch a video of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) is valuable for assessing malignant biliary strictures; however, biliary drainage prior to POCS often hinders accurate diagnosis. Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the feasibility of POCS using a newly developed cholangioscope, CHF-B290, during initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for malignant biliary strictures. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients who underwent initial ERCP for malignant biliary strictures at two institutions between January 2018 and March 2022. Patients who underwent initial ERCP with POCS were classified into the POCS group, and those without POCS were classified into the non-POCS group. To prevent post-POCS cholangitis, the original irrigation system for CHF-B290 was used in all POCS examinations. The primary endpoint was the rate of post-ERCP biliary infections, and the secondary endpoints were other ERCP-related complications, including pancreatitis, bleeding, and perforation. Results: Overall, 53 and 94 patients were included in the POCS and non-POCS groups, respectively. For the primary endpoint, the rate of post-ERCP biliary infection was not significantly different between the two groups (1.9% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.42). For the secondary endpoints, no significant differences were observed in the rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis (5.7% vs. 6.4%, p = 1.00) and other ERCP-related complications. The overall complication rate was 9.4% in the POCS group and 13% in the non-POCS group (p = 0.60). Conclusions: POCS during the initial ERCP for malignant biliary strictures is feasible.

Background Percutaneous cholangioscopy (PerC) offers an alternative for patients with an inaccessible biliary tree. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the performance of this technique. Methods A search in Medline, Cochrane and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was performed for studies assessing PerC up to October 2022. The primary outcome was diagnostic success, defined as successful stone identification or stricture workup. Secondary outcomes included therapeutic success (stone extraction, stenting) and complication rate. A subgroup analysis compared previous-generation and modern cholangioscopes. We performed meta-analyses using a randomeffects model and the results were reported as percentages with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Fourteen studies (682 patients) were eligible for analysis. The rate of diagnostic success was 98.7% (95%CI 97.6-99.8%; I2=31.19%) and therapeutic success was 88.6% (95%CI 82.8-94.3%; I2=74.92%). Adverse events were recorded in 17.1% (95%CI 10.7-23.5%; I2=77.56%), of which 15.9% (95%CI 9.8-21.9%; I2=75.98%) were minor and 0.6% (95%CI 0.1-1.2%; I2=0%) major. The Spyglass system showed null heterogeneity for all outcomes; compared with older-generation endoscopes it offered comparable diagnostic success, but yielded significantly superior therapeutic success (96.1%, 95%CI 90-100%; I2=0% vs. 86.4%, 95%CI 79.2-93.6%; I2=81.41%; P=0.02]. Conclusion PerC, especially using currently available cholangioscopes, is associated with high diagnostic and therapeutic success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) has been used to assess intrahepatic duct (IHD) lesions but with a limited role. A new multibending (MB) ultraslim endoscope has been designed to improve POC performance. We evaluated the usefulness of POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for the management of IHD lesions. Methods: Between March 2017 and March 2020, 22 patients underwent direct POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for IHD lesions documented by previous imaging or cholangiopancreatography. The primary outcome was technical success of POC, and secondary outcomes were technical success of POC-guided interventions, median procedure time, and POC-related adverse events. Results: The technical success rate for POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for IHD lesions was 95.5% (21/22). Free-hand insertion was successful in 95.2% (20/21). The overall technical success rate for POC-guided intervention was 100% (21/21), including nine diagnostic and 12 therapeutic procedures (eight direct stone removal and four intraductal lithotripsies). The median procedure time was 29 minutes (range, 9 to 79 minutes). There were no procedure-related adverse events. Conclusions: Direct POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope allows direct visualization of IHD lesions and may be useful for diagnosis and therapeutic management in selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Single-operator cholangioscopy (SOC) offer a diagnostic and therapeutic alternative with an improved optical resolution over conventional techniques; however, there are no standardized clinical practice guidelines for this technology. This evidence-based guideline from the Colombian Association of Digestive Endoscopy (ACED) intends to support patients, clinicians, and others in decisions about using in adults the SOC compared to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), to diagnose indeterminate biliary stricture and to manage difficult biliary stones. Methods: ACED created a multidisciplinary guideline panel balanced to minimize potential bias from conflicts of interest. Universidad de los Andes and the Colombia Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Network supported the guideline-development process, updating and performing systematic evidence reviews. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and patients. The GRADE approach was used, including GRADE Evidence-to-Decision frameworks. Results: The panel agreed on one recommendation for adult patients with indeterminate biliary strictures and one for adult patients with difficult biliary stones when comparing SOC versus ERCP. Conclusion: For adult patients with indeterminate biliary strictures, the panel made a conditional recommendation for SOC with stricture pattern characterization over ERCP with brushing and/or biopsy for sensitivity, specificity, and procedure success rate outcomes. For the adult patients with difficult biliary stones the panel made conditional recommendation for SOC over ERCP with large-balloon dilation of papilla. Additional research is required on economic estimations of SOC and knowledge translation evaluations to implement SOC intervention in local contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: While studies have demonstrated the efficacy of cholangioscopy-guided Holmium-Yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy for the treatment of refractory bile duct stones, data regarding the safety of the operating parameters for laser lithotripsy are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine safe, yet effective, energy settings for Ho:YAG laser in the ex-vivo model. Materials and Methods: This ex vivo experimental study utilized the Ho:YAG laser on porcine bile duct epithelium and human gallstones. Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy was applied in different power settings from 8 to 15 Watts (W) to six explanted porcine bile ducts. Settings that appeared safe were then utilized to fragment seventy-three human gallstones. Results: The median bile duct perforation times with the Ho:YAG laser between 8–15 W were: >60 s (8 W); 23 s (9 W); 29 s (10 W); 27 s (12 W); 12 s (14 W); and 8 s (15 W). Statistically significant differences in the median perforation times were noted between 8 W vs. 15 W, 9 W vs. 15 W, 10 W vs. 15 W, and 12 W vs. 15 W (p < 0.05). When using a 365 µm Ho:YAG laser probe at 8–12 W, the fragmentation rates on various size stones were: 100% (<1.5 cm); 80–100% (1.6–2.0 cm) and 0–32% (>2.0 cm). Optimal fragmentation was seen utilizing 12 W with high energy (2.4 J) and low frequency (5 Hz) settings. Using a larger 550 µm probe at these settings resulted in 100% fragmentation of stones larger than 2 cm. Conclusions: The Ho:YAG laser appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of large bile duct stones when used between 8–12 W in 5 s bursts in an ex vivo model utilizing porcine bile ducts and human gallstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choledocholithiasis is one of the most common indications for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in daily practice. Although the majority of stones are small and can be easily removed in a single endoscopy session, approximately 10–15% of patients have complex biliary stones, requiring additional procedures for an optimum clinical outcome. A plethora of endoscopic methods is available for the removal of difficult biliary stones, including papillary large balloon dilation, mechanical lithotripsy, and electrohydraulic and laser lithotripsy. In-depth knowledge of these techniques and the emerging literature on them is required to yield the most optimal therapeutic effects. This narrative review aims to describe the definition of difficult bile duct stones based on certain characteristics and streamline their endoscopic retrieval using various modalities to achieve higher clearance rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal endoscopy has long been a reliable backbone in the diagnosis and management of hepatobilary disorders and their complications. However, with evolving non-invasive testing, personalised medicine has reframed the utility and necessity of endoscopic screening. Conversely, the growing interest and use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and advanced endoscopy within gastrointestinal units has also opened novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for patients with various hepatobiliary diseases. The integration of "advanced endoscopy" within the practice of hepatology is nowadays referred to as "endo-hepatology". In essence, endo-hepatology consists of two pillars: one focusing primarily on disorders of the liver parenchyma, vascular disorders, and portal hypertension, which is mainly captured via EUS, while the other targets the hepatobiliary tract via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and advanced imaging. Applications under the umbrella of endo-hepatology include, amongst others, EUS-guided liver biopsy, EUS-guided portal pressure gradient measurement, coil and glue embolisation of gastric varices as well as cholangioscopy. As such endo-hepatology could become an attractive concept wherein advanced endoscopy might reinforce the medical management of patients with hepatobiliary disorders and their complications after initial basic work-up. In this review, we discuss current trends and future developments within endo-hepatology and the remaining hurdles to overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and Aims Fluoroscopy‐free endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for common bile duct stone (CBDS) clearance is usually offered only to pregnant patients. We initiated a multicenter, randomized controlled trial comparing clearance of non‐complex CBDSs using fluoroscopy‐free direct solitary cholangioscopy (DSC) to standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) to evaluate the wider applicability of the DSC‐based approach. Here we report the initial results of stone clearance and safety in roll‐in cases for the randomized controlled trial. Methods Twelve expert endoscopists at tertiary care centers in four countries prospectively enrolled 47 patients with non‐complex CBDSs for DSC‐assisted CBDS removal in an index procedure including fluoroscopy‐free cannulation. Successful CBDS clearance was first determined by DSC and subsequently validated by final occlusion cholangiogram as the ERC gold standard. Results Fully fluoroscopy‐free cannulation was successful in 42/47 (89.4%) patients. Brief fluoroscopy with minimal contrast injection was used in 4/47 (8.5%) patients during cannulation. Cannulation failed in 1/47 (2.1%) patients. Fluoroscopy‐free complete stone clearance was reached in 38/46 (82.6%) cases. Residual stones were detected in the validation ERC occlusion cholangiogram in three cases. Overall serious adverse event rate was 2.1% (95% confidence interval 0.1–11.3): postprocedural pancreatitis in one patient. Conclusions In patients with non‐complex CBDS, the fluoroscopy‐free technique is easily transferred to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography experts with acceptable rates of cannulation and stone clearance and few serious adverse events. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03421340)

Aim: demonstrate an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice caused by obstruction of the terminal part of the common bile duct by daughter echinococcal cyst.Key points. The article presents a clinical case of acute echinococcal obstruction of the terminal part of the common bile duct in a patient with a complicated course of liver echinococcosis. A 33-year-old man was hospitalized with epigastrium and right hypochondrium pains and jaundice. In 2019 the patient underwent the removal of a cyst in the 7th liver segment and cholecystectomy for liver and gallbladder echinococcal lesions. Laboratory research revealed leukocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia and an increase in the transaminases level. Transabdominal ultrasound showed signs of dilatation throughout bile ducts. Duodenoscopy revealed a fixed yellowish-white oval formation with transluent capsule, completely blocking bile and pancreatic juice outflow at the major duodenal papilla. After non-annulation endoscopic papillotomy, migration of the substrate (echinococcal cyst) into the duodenum was noted, active flow of bile and pancreatic secretions was restored. Oral transpapillary cholangioscopy was performed for a detailed bile ducts examination. It revealed no echinococcal cysts, residual parasitic structures or biliary tree lesions. The treatment was completed with pancreatic stenting. After complex treatment in the intensive care and surgery unit with complete condition stabilization, the patient was discharged with recommendations for further treatment in a specialized clinic.Conclusion. Migration of a daughter cyst from the echinococcal liver focus can cause acute blockade of the terminal part of the common bile duct and acute obstructive pancreatitis. The combination of clinical, radiological and endoscopic methods allows to diagnose and eliminate this rare complication of liver echinococcosis with subsequent successful treatment.

In all reported cases of foreign body migration or impaction in the biliary tree, there is no mention of the presence of hypereosinophilia among the laboratory findings. This could possibly be attributed to the local tissue reaction caused by the impacted foreign body. Here, we present our experience with the removal of a screw from a surgical retractor that became lodged in the common bile duct (CBD) and migrated in a patient who had previously undergone a left lateral hepatectomy for hepatic hydatidosis. The imaging was not sufficient to make a diagnosis, and the interpretation of hypereosinophilia in such a case could pose a challenge.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of three-dimensional printing model-assisted percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation (PTOBF) combined with rigid choledochoscopy for intrahepatic bile duct stones in patients with type I bile duct classification. The clinical data of 63 patients with a type I intrahepatic bile duct were reviewed from January 2019 to January 2023; 30 patients who underwent 3D printed model-assisted PTOBF combined with rigid choledochoscopy composed the experimental group and 33 patients who underwent simple PTOBF combined with rigid choledochoscopy composed the control group. Six indicators, including one-stage operation time and clearance rate, final removal rate, bleeding volume, channel size and complications, were observed and analyzed in the two groups. The one-stage and final removal rate in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P = 0.034, P = 0.014 versus control group). The time of one-stage operation, bleeding volume, and incidence of complications in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001, P = 0.039, P = 0.026 versus control group). Compared with simple PTOBF combined with rigid choledochoscopy, 3D printed model-assisted PTOBF combined with rigid choledochoscopy is a safer and more effective method for treating intrahepatic bile duct stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In all reported cases of foreign body migration or impaction in the biliary tree, there is no mention of the presence of hypereosinophilia among the laboratory findings. This could possibly be attributed to the local tissue reaction caused by the impacted foreign body. Here, we present our experience with the removal of a screw from a surgical retractor that became lodged in the common bile duct (CBD) and migrated in a patient who had previously undergone a left lateral hepatectomy for hepatic hydatidosis. The imaging was not sufficient to make a diagnosis, and the interpretation of hypereosinophilia in such a case could pose a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Simple Summary: Diagnosis and characterization of biliary strictures is challenging, even after the introduction of digital single-operator cholangioscopy (D-SOC). The endoscopist's visual impression has a suboptimal accuracy and there is a significant interobserver variability. Artificial intelligence tools for image analysis have presented important contributions in several fields of gastroenterology. Convolutional neural networks are highly efficient multi-layered deep neural networks for image analysis, with great results in several fields of medicine. Nevertheless, the role of these deep learning models in digital cholangioscopy is still in a premature phase. With this bicentric international study, the authors aimed to create a deep learning-based algorithm for digital cholangioscopy capable of distinguishing benign from malignant biliary lesions. The present model accurately detected malignant biliary lesions with an image processing rate that favors its clinical applicability. The authors believe that the use of an AI-based model may change the landscape in the digital cholangioscopy diagnostic yield. Digital single-operator cholangioscopy (D-SOC) has enhanced the ability to diagnose indeterminate biliary strictures (BSs). Pilot studies using artificial intelligence (AI) models in D-SOC demonstrated promising results. Our group aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) for the identification and morphological characterization of malignant BSs in D-SOC. A total of 84,994 images from 129 D-SOC exams in two centers (Portugal and Spain) were used for developing the CNN. Each image was categorized as either a normal/benign finding or as malignant lesion (the latter dependent on histopathological results). Additionally, the CNN was evaluated for the detection of morphologic features, including tumor vessels and papillary projections. The complete dataset was divided into training and validation datasets. The model was evaluated through its sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy and area under the receiver-operating characteristic and precision-recall curves (AUROC and AUPRC, respectively). The model achieved a 82.9% overall accuracy, 83.5% sensitivity and 82.4% specificity, with an AUROC and AUPRC of 0.92 and 0.93, respectively. The developed CNN successfully distinguished benign findings from malignant BSs. The development and application of AI tools to D-SOC has the potential to significantly augment the diagnostic yield of this exam for identifying malignant strictures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pancreatic duct (PD) stent migration is among the recognized complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with PD stent placement. Proximal stent migration poses a challenge for removal due to risks of PD damage, smaller caliber, and possible stricture. Here, we present a case of SpyGlass DS system‐assisted PD stent repositioning after failure with traditional tools.

Watch a video of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of biliary strictures poses a challenge due to the low sensitivity of standard diagnostic approaches, but the advent of direct single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) has revolutionized this paradigm. Our study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of DSOC and DSOC-targeted biopsies, intraductal ultrasound (IDUS), and standard brush cytology in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures (IBS). We reviewed patients who underwent advanced diagnostic evaluation for IBS at our endoscopy unit from January 2018 to December 2022, all of whom had previously undergone at least one endoscopic attempt to characterize the biliary stricture. Final diagnoses were established based on surgical pathology and/or clinical and radiological follow-up spanning at least 12 months. A total of 57 patients, with a mean age of 67.2 ± 10.0 years, were included, with a mean follow-up of 18.2 ± 18.1 months. The majority of IBS were located in the distal common bile duct (45.6%), with malignancy confirmed in 35 patients (61.4%). DSOC and IDUS demonstrated significantly higher accuracies (89.5% and 82.7%, respectively) compared to standard cytology (61.5%, p < 0.05). Both DSOC visualization and IDUS exhibited optimal diagnostic yields in differentiating IBS with an acceptable safety profile.