Prospective Evaluation of Transpancreatic Sphincterotomy Comparing to Needle-knife Precut in Difficult Biliary Cannulation: Short-and Long-term Outcomes

Abstract

Background/Aims: Transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) can be an alternative approach of biliary access in difficult cannulation cases. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of TPS compared to needle-knife precut (NKP), considering the late consequences of both techniques. Methods: A total of 122 enrolled patients have been divided into three groups based on the applied secondary cannulation techniques. Selective cannulation success, ERCP procedure findings, and immediate adverse events were compared between groups. We investigated the long-term outcomes during six-month after the procedure. Results: Successful selective cannulation was achieved in 92.9% with TPS similarly to other groups. The mean procedure time was shorter in the TPS group without significant difference. Using TPS did not affect the rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) with less frequent post-ERCP bleeding and perforation after TPS compared to NKP, without significant difference. Patients who received TPS, NKP, or both had no symptoms related to papillary stenosis or chronic pancreatitis during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Using TPS was useful to achieve success cannulation in difficult cases with an acceptable PEP rate. Furthermore, it was associated with reducing bleeding and perforation rates comparing with NKP and no differences related to the long term consequences within the follow-up period.