Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Abstract

New technological developments in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for diagnosis and treatment have been slow to progress. However, several informative study results were presented during the 2014 Digestive Disease Week (DDW; 3 - 6 May; Chicago, Illinois, USA) in specific ERCP areas, such as prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pancreatic duct stenting. Novel and interesting study results regarding preoperative stent selection for periampullary tumors, metal stents for hilar stricture or for prevention of duodenal reflux, and intraductal biliary tumor ablation using photodynamic therapy or radiofrequency ablation were discussed. Study results presented at the meeting regarding single-operator cholangioscopy using the SpyGlass system or direct peroral cholangioscopy have indicated the possibility of future development. Results using peroral pancreatoscopy and confocal laser endomicroscopy for biliary lesions, including strictures, were also presented.

Ursodeoxycholic acid combined with percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation for management of gallstones after elimination of common bile duct stones

“…Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was first introduced in 1968[ 12 ]. It was accepted quickly as a feasible diagnostic and therapeutic technique for CBD stones[ 13 , 14 ]. In the 1990s, EST was considered a feasible alternative for patients with serious comorbidity contraindicated to open surgery[ 15 , 16 ].…”

Comprehensive evaluation of endoscope performance involves balanced assessment, accurate feedback, and suggested improvements by endoscopists

“…1 Manufacturers have continuously and heavily invested in the research and development of endoscopes. 2 Each manufacturer uses various methods to conduct their research and development; however, there has been no standard evaluation method for the technical performance of endoscopes. [3][4][5] In this issue of Digestive Endoscopy, Bang et al 6 proposed a tool for assessing the performance of duodenoscopes and prospectively validated its usefulness.…”

“…For the safe and reliable performance of endoscopic techniques, acquisition and improvement of adequate skills by endoscopists, and improvement and development of devices and endoscopes are essential 1 . Manufacturers have continuously and heavily invested in the research and development of endoscopes 2 . Each manufacturer uses various methods to conduct their research and development; however, there has been no standard evaluation method for the technical performance of endoscopes 3–5 …”

Pancreatic Stenting Reduces Post-ERCP Pancreatitis and Biliary Sepsis in High-Risk Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Study

“…Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an advanced endoscopic technique for the diagnosis and treatment of bile and pancreatic duct disorders, such as gallstones, inflammatory stricture, and cancer [ 1 ]. Combined with other noninvasive diagnostic techniques such as endoscopic ultrasonography [ 2 ] and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography [ 3 ], ERCP represents an accurate diagnostic alternative.…”