Cap-assisted endoscopy increases ampulla of Vater visualization in high-risk patients

Abstract Background Periampullary adenocarcinoma is a major clinical problem in high-risk patients including FAP population. A recent modification for visualizing the ampulla of Vater (AV) involves attaching a cap to the tip of the forward-viewing endoscope. Our aim was to compare the rates of complete visualization of AV using this cap-assisted endoscopy (CAE) approach to standard forward-viewing endoscopy (FVE). We also determined: (i) the rates of complications and additional sedation; (ii) the mean time required for duodenal examination; and (iii) the reproducibility among endoscopists performing this procedure. Methods We performed esophagogastroduodenoscopy for AV visualization in 102 > 18 years old using FVE followed by CAE. Video recordings were blinded and randomly selected for independent expert endoscopic evaluation. Results The complete visualization rate for AV was higher in CAE (97.0%) compared to FVE (51.0%) (p