No abstract

Both short- and long-term survival was significantly better for patients operated on in HVCs. Histopathological analysis appears to be more comprehensive in HVCs.

Improved clinical success with fewer endoscopic sessions and corresponding complication rate may be achieved with CSEMS treatment compared with PS in BBS secondary to CP. In other BBS etiologies, this systematic review remains inconclusive.

Results: Cannulation of the desired duct was successful in 89.2% of 825 ERCPs with no earlier sphincterotomy. Complete stone removal was achieved in 91.3% of procedures. standard biliary sphincterotomy was performed in 73.8% and precut sphincterotomy in 12.0 % of cases. Cholangitis developed in 2.1%, bleeding in 1.9%, pancreatitis in 1.9%, perforation in 1.0% and cardio-pulmonary or miscellaneous complications in 4.2% of cases. the majority of complications could be managed conservatively. in procedures with no earlier sphincterotomy ERCP-related 30-day mortality was 0.2% (n = 2) and overall 30-day mortality was 3.3% (n = 27).Conclusions: ERCP indications and success rates, as well as morbidity and mortality were comparable to those reported earlier. although the success rate of cannulation and thereby ERCP procedures seem to be somewhat lower than in tertiary referral centres, ERCP procedures can be safely performed in a low-volume ERCP unit by concentrating procedures on a few experienced endoscopists. the success rates may be further improved with the latest cannulation techniques, used selectively in the last years of the study period.

ERCP can be safely and efficaciously performed on elderly patients. The high mortality should be taken into consideration when selecting therapeutic options.

Biodegradable self-expanding stents are an emerging alternative to standard biliary stents as the development of endoscopic insertion devices advances. The aim was to systematically review the existing literature on biodegradable biliary stents. In-vivo studies on the use of biodegradable stents in the biliary duct were systematically reviewed from 1990 to 2017. Despite extensive research on the biocompatibility of stents, the experience so far on their clinical use is limited. A few favorable reports have recently been presented on endoscopically and percutaneously inserted self-expanding biodegradable polydioxanone stents in benign biliary strictures. Another potential indication appears to be postcholecystectomy leak of the cystic duct. The main benefit of biodegradable stents is that stent removal can be avoided. The biocompatibility of the current biodegradable stent materials, most prominently polydioxanone, is well documented. In the few studies currently available, biodegradable stents are reported to be feasible and safe, also in humans. The initial results of the endoscopic use of these stents in benign biliary stricture management and for treating postcholecystectomy bile leaks are promising. Further controlled studies on long-term clinical results and cost-effectiveness are needed.

The first clinical experience of endoscopically inserted polydioxanone biodegradable biliary stents (BDBS) in the treatment of benign biliary strictures is reported. Two patients with a benign common bile duct stricture were endoscopically treated with 8-mm-bore BDBS during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Both BDBS insertions were technically successful and without adverse events. At 6 months, the stricture resolution was excellent and BDBS degradation was predicted in repeated magnetic resonance imaging. The first experience with endoscopic BDBS seems promising in the treatment of benign biliary strictures. During 6 months of follow up, BDBS seemed sufficient for remodeling and resolution of strictures. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of biodegradable biliary stents in endoscopic management of benign biliary strictures.

The short- and long-term safety of endoscopically inserted poly-dioxanone BDBSs was satisfactory. The management of cystic duct leaks and benign distal common bile duct strictures was highly successful. Episodes of mild cholangitis during stent indwelling seemed to be typical of BDBSs. The advantage of BDBSs is the avoidance of repeated endoscopy for stent removal. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02353286.).