Double balloon enteroscopy for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography after Roux-en-Y reconstruction: case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic access to the biliary system can be difficult in patients with surgically altered anatomy, such as a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a relatively new procedure that enables access to the small bowel. DBE has recently been advocated as a method for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) in patients with surgical reconstructions, with the potential to perform diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. METHODS: In three patients with a hepaticojejunostomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction, the experiences using DBE to perform ERCP are described. The literature on DB-ERCP in patients with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction was reviewed. RESULTS: In all patients, the Roux limb was entered and a diagnostic cholangiography was carried out. In one patient, endoscopic therapy could be performed, consisting of balloon dilation of a stenotic biliodigestive anastomosis, repeated balloon dilation of biliary strictures and removal of bile casts. CONCLUSION: This series confirms recent data emerging from the literature that double balloon enteroscopy is a safe and feasible technique to obtain biliary access in patients with surgically altered anatomical configurations, such as those with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The diagnostic and therapeutic potential of DB-ERCP is great, and the utility of the procedure could be further improved if customised accessories become more widely available.     

Altered anatomy: Enteroscopy and ERCP procedure

Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis of the small bowel is a commonly used surgical technique. However, it excludes the afferent limb and the biliopancreatic system from conventional endoscopic access. Recent data have shown that device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) allows endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in these patients with high success rates. Both Double-balloon, short Double-balloon, Single-balloon and Spiral enteroscopy can be used for DAE-ERCP with comparable success. This review highlights the currently available literature data on DAE-ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, and discusses the clinical aspects and technical difficulties. Although DAE does increase ERCP efficacy in patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, it remains a challenging procedure which is open to further improvement.     

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography with Single-Balloon Enteroscopy Is Feasible in Patients with a Prior Roux-en-Y Anastomosis

The purpose of this study is to describe the feasibility of using single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) to perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients who had a prior Roux-en-Y (RY) anastomosis. This case series describes four patients, one with RY gastric bypass, two with RY due to bile duct injury, and one with RY after liver transplantation, who underwent ERCP with SBE. Cholangiography was successful in three of the four patients. In the procedure that was not successful, the enteroenterostomy site could not be located. The successful procedures ranged from 65–91 min in duration. Medication doses were higher than with typical ERCPs. No procedural complications occurred. SBE for ERCP is a feasible option for endoscopic access to the biliary tree in patients with prior RY anastomoses. Limitations of this technique include the time requirement, delay in identification of the enteroenterostomy site, potential learning curve, and immature technology lacking accessories.     

'Short' double-balloon enteroscope endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with a surgically altered upper gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remains a challenge for endoscopists in patients with surgically altered anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Double-balloon enteroscopes (DBEs) have revolutionized the ability to access the small bowel. The indication for its therapeutic use is expanding to include ERCP for patients who have undergone small bowel reconstruction. Most of the published experiences in DBE-assisted ERCP have used conventional double-balloon enteroscopes that are 200 cm in length, which do not permit use of the standard ERCP accessories. The authors report their experience with DBE-assisted ERCP using a ‘short’ DBE in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of patients with previous small bowel reconstruction who underwent ERCP with a ‘short’ DBE at the Centre for Therapeutic Endoscopy and Endoscopic Oncology (Toronto, Ontario) between February 2007 and November 2008 was performed.

RESULTS:

A total of 20 patients (10 men) with a mean age of 57.9 years (range 26 to 85 years) underwent 29 sessions of ERCP with a DBE. Six patients underwent Billroth II gastroenterostomy, seven patients Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, five patients Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy, one patient Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy and one patient a Whipple’s operation with choledochojejunostomy. Some patients (n=12 [60%]) underwent previous attempts at ERCP in which the papilla of Vater or bilioenteric anastomosis could not be reached with either a duodenoscope or pediatric colonoscope. All procedures were performed with a commercially available DBE (working length 152 cm, distal end diameter 9.4 mm, channel diameter 2.8 mm). The procedures were performed under conscious sedation with intravenous midazolam, fentanyl and diazepam, except in one patient in whom general anesthesia was administered. Either the papilla of Vater or bilioenteric anastomosis was reached in 25 of 29 cases (86.2%) in a mean duration of 20.8 min (range 5 min to 82 min). Bile duct cannulation was successful in 24 of 25 cases in which the papilla or bilioenteric anastomosis was reached. Therapeutic interventions were successful in 15 patients (24 procedures) including sphincterotomy (n=7), stone extraction (n=9), biliary dilation (n=8), stent placement (n=9) and stent removal (n=8). The mean total duration of the procedures was 70.7 min (range 30 min to 117 min). There were no procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSION:

DBEs enable successful diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP in patients with a surgically altered anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is a safe, feasible and less invasive therapeutic option in this group of patients. Standard ‘long’ DBEs have limitations of long working length and the need for modified ERCP accessories. ‘Short’ DBEs are equally as effective in reaching the target limb as standard ‘long’ DBEs, and overcomes some limitations of long DBEs to result in high success rates for endoscopic therapy.     

Partial stent-in-stent placement of biliary metallic stents using a short double-balloon enteroscopy

Endoscopic intervention is less invasive than percutaneous or surgical approaches and should be considered the primary drainage procedure in most cases with obstructive jaundice. Recently, therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) has been shown to be feasible and effective, even in patients with surgically altered anatomies. On the other hand, endoscopic partial stent-in-stent (PSIS) placement of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) for malignant hilar biliary obstruction in conventional ERCP has also been shown to be feasible, safe and effective. We performed PSIS placement of SEMSs for malignant hilar biliary obstruction due to liver metastasis using a short DBE in a patient with Roux-en-Y anastomosis and achieved technical and clinical success. This procedure can result in quick relief from obstructive jaundice in a single session and with short-term hospitalization, even in patients with surgically altered anatomies.     

A facilitated method for endoscopic interventions at the bile duct after Roux-en-Y reconstruction using double balloon enteroscopy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) after Roux-en-Y reconstruction and modified BII surgery or duodenopancreatectomy is considerably more difficult than ERC under normal anatomic conditions. If the common bile in the afferent loop cannot be reached by a common lateral-viewing duodenoscope because of excessive intestinal length, it has recently become possible to use double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for ERC to reach the common bile duct. Cannulating the bile duct via DBE in these postoperative settings remains one of the most difficult ERCP manipulations because of the lack of an Albarran lever and the use of extra long ERCP accessories. Here, we report on a facilitated method for endoscopic interventions at the bile duct in postoperative settings with a long afferent loop using DBE. For facilitation of interventions the enteroscope can be exchanged for a 110-cm-long conventional gastroscope after incision of the overtube in three quarters of its circumference. Care has to be taken that the pressure line for the balloon remains intact. The huge benefit of this facilitated method is the use of standard endoscopic material like guides, catheters and papillotomes.     

Passive-bending,short-type single-balloon enteroscope for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in Roux-en-Y anastomosis patients

AIM:To evaluate short-type-single-balloon enteroscope(SBE) with passive-bending,high-force transmission functions for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis.METHODS:Short-type SBE with this technology(SIF-Y0004-V01; working length,1520 mm; channel diameter,3.2 mm) was used to perform 50 ERCP procedures in 37 patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis.The rate of reaching the blind end,time required to reach the blind end,diagnostic and therapeutic success rates,and procedure time and complications were studied retrospectively and compared with the results of 34 sessions of ERCP performed using a short-type SBE without this technology(SIF-Y0004; working length,1520 mm; channel diameter,3.2 mm) in 25 patients.RESULTS:The rate of reaching the blind end was 90% with SIF-Y0004-V01 and 91% with SIF-Y0004(P = 0.59).The median time required to reach the papilla was significantly shorter with SIF-Y0004-V01 than with SIF-Y0004(16 min vs 24 min,P = 0.04).The diagnostic success rate was 93% with SIFY0004-V01 and 84% with SIF-Y0004(P = 0.17).The therapeutic success rate was 95% with SIF-Y0004-V01 and 96% with SIF-Y0004(P = 0.68).The median procedure time was 40 min with SIF-Y0004-V01 and 36 min with SIF-Y0004(P = 0.50).The incidence of hyperamylasemia was 6.0% in the SIF-Y0004-V01 group and 14.7% in the SIF-Y0004 group(P = 0.723).The incidence of pancreatitis was 0% in the SIFY0004-V01 group and 5.9% in the SIF-Y0004 group(P > 0.999).The incidence of gastrointestinal perforation was 2.0%(1/50) in the SIF-Y0004-V01 group and 2.9%(1/34) in the SIF-Y0004 group(P > 0.999).CONCLUSION:SIF-Y0004-V01 is useful for ERCP inpatients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis and may reduce the time required to reach the blind end.     

How to approach the small bowel with flexible enteroscopy

Nowadays, 5 nonsurgical flexible endoscopic techniques are available for small bowel endoscopy: push enteroscopy (PE), balloon-assisted enteroscopy using 2 balloons (double-balloon enteroscopy [DBE]) or 1 balloon (single-balloon enteroscopy [SBE]), balloon-guided enteroscopy (BGE), and spiral enteroscopy (SE). PE is a cost-saving, easy, and fast procedure for the examination of the proximal jejunum, but for a deep small bowel endoscopy, the other flexible enteroscopic techniques are required. BGE does not play a considerable role in deep small bowel endoscopy. DBE is the oldest flexible enteroscopic technique. Actually, the balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) techniques with one balloon (SBE) or two balloons (DBE) are the mainly used techniques. DBE has become established throughout the world for diagnostic and therapeutic examinations of the small bowel and is now used universally in clinical routine work. DBE is still regarded as the gold standard nonsurgical procedure for deep small bowel endoscopy, because it provides the highest rates of complete enteroscopy, which becomes increasingly useful. The recently introduced SE technique represents a promising method but still needs technical improvement. Larger prospective studies on SE and prospective studies comparing the 3 systems (DBE, SBE, SE) are awaited before conclusive assessments can be made.     

EXPERIENCES OF BILIARY INTERVENTIONS USING SHORT DOUBLE‐BALLOON ENTEROSCOPY IN PATIENTS WITH ROUX‐EN‐Y ANASTOMOSIS OR HEPATICOJEJUNOSTOMY

Background: The efficacy of double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for biliary interventions has been shown in patients with surgical anatomy. However, the use of available endoscopic retrograde cholangiography accessories during this procedure is limited because of the length of the conventional instrument (200 cm). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of short DBE for managing biliary disorders in patients with a Roux‐en‐Y gastrectomy or hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). Patients and Methods: Using a short enteroscope (152 cm) and commercially available endoscopic retrograde cholangiography accessories, biliary interventions were performed in six patients with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction or HJ anastomosis. Results: A total of 12 biliary interventions were performed; balloon dilations of the HJ anastomosis or intrahepatic ducts (four patients), nasobiliary drainages (three patients), bile duct stone removal after endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with or without small sphincterotomy (two patients), and a biliary stent placement (one patient). One patient showed retroperitoneal air following endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation, but recovered conservatively. Conclusions: Biliary interventions via DBE using a short enteroscope are feasible in patients with surgical anatomy.     

Single balloon enteroscopy for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in patients with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejuno anastomosis

AIM:To evaluate single balloon enteroscopy in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography(ERC)in patients with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunoanastomosis(HJA).METHODS:The study took place from January 2009to December 2011 and we retrospectively assessed 15patients with Roux-en-Y HJA who had signs of biliary obstruction.In total,23 ERC procedures were performed in these patients and a single balloon videoen-teroscope(Olympus SIF Q 180)was used in all of the cases.A transparent overtube was drawn over the videoenteroscope and it freely moved on the working part of the enteroscope.Its distal end was equipped with a silicone balloon that was inflated by air from an external pump at a pressure of≤5.4 kPa.The technical limitations or rather the parameters of the single balloon enteroscope(working length-200 cm,diameter of the working channel-2.8 mm,absence of Albarran bridge)showed the need for special endoscopic instrumentation.RESULTS:Cannulation success was reached in diagnostic ERC in 12 of 15 patients.ERC findings were normal in 1 of 12 patients.ERC in the remaining 11 patients showed some pathological changes.One of these(cystic bile duct dilation)was subsequently resolved surgically.Endoscopic treatment was initialized in the remaining 10 patients(5 with HJA stenosis,2 with choledocholithiasis,and 3 with both).This treatment was successful in 9 of 10 patients.The endoscopic therapeutic procedures included:balloon dilatation of HJA stenosis-11 times(7 patients);choledocholitiasis extraction-five times(5 patients);biliary plastic stent placement-six times(4 patients);and removal of biliary stents placed by us-six times(4 patients).The mean time of performing a single ERC was 72 min.The longest procedure took 110 min and the shortest took34 min.This shows that it is necessary to allow for more time in individual procedures.Furthermore,these procedures require the presence of an anesthesiologist.We did not observe any complications in these 15 patients.CONCLUSION:This method is more demanding than s     

Improved techniques for double-balloon-enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

AIM: To investigate the clinical outcome of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (DB-ERCP) in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy.METHODS: Between September 2006 and April 2011, 47 procedures of DB-ERCP were performed in 28 patients with a Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (n = 11), Billroth II gastrectomy (n = 15), or Roux-en-Y anastomosis with hepaticojejunostomy (n = 2). DB-ERCP was performed using a short-type DBE combined with several technical innovations such as using an endoscope attachment, marking by submucosal tattooing, selectively applying contrast medium, and CO₂ insufflations.RESULTS: The papilla of Vater or hepaticojejunostomy site was reached in its entirety with a 96% success rate (45/47 procedures). There were no significant differences in the success rate of reaching the blind end with a DBE among Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (96%), Billroth II reconstruction (94%), or pancreatoduodenectomy (100%), respectively (P = 0.91). The total successful rate of cannulation and contrast enhancement of the target bile duct in patients whom the blind end was reached with a DBE was 40/45 procedures (89%). Again, there were no significant differences in the success rate of cannulation and contrast enhancement of the target bile duct with a DBE among Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (88 %), Billroth II reconstruction (89%), or pancreatoduodenectomy (100%), respectively (P = 0.67). Treatment was achieved in all 40 procedures (100%) in patients whom the contrast enhancement of the bile duct was successful. Common endoscopic treatments were endoscopic biliary drainage (24 procedures) and extraction of stones (14 procedures). Biliary drainage was done by placement of plastic stents. Stones extraction was done by lithotomy with the mechanical lithotripter followed by extraction with a basket or by the balloon pull-through method. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in 14 procedures with a needle precutting knife using a guidewire. The mean total duration of the procedure was 93.6 ± 6.8 min and the mean time required to reach the papilla was 30.5 ± 3.7 min. The mean time required to reach the papilla tended to be shorter in Billroth II reconstruction (20.9 ± 5.8 min) than that in Roux-en-Y total gastrectomy (37.1 ± 4.9 min) but there was no significant difference (P = 0.09). A major complication occurred in one patient (3.5%); perforation of the long limb in a patient with Billroth II anastomosis.CONCLUSION: Short-type DBE combined with several technical innovations enabled us to perform ERCP in most patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy.     

Direct cholangioscopy combined with double-balloon enteroscope-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Double-balloon enteroscope (DBE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an effective endoscopic approach for pancreatobiliary disorders in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Endoscopic interventions via DBE in these postoperative settings remain difficult because of the lack of an elevator and the use of extra-long ERCP accessories. Here, we report the usefulness of direct cholangioscopy with an ultra-slim gastroscope during DBE-assisted ERCP. Three patients with choledocholithiasis in postoperative settings (two patients after Billroth II gastrojejunostomy and one patient after Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy) were treated. DBE was used to gain access to the papilla under carbon dioxide insufflation, and endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed with a conventional sphincterotome. For direct cholangioscopy, the enteroscope was exchanged for an ultra-slim gastroscope through an incision in the overtube, which was inserted directly into the bile duct. Direct cholangioscopy was used to extract retained bile duct stones in two cases and to confirm the complete clearance of stones in one case. Bile duct stones were eliminated with a 5-Fr basket catheter under direct visual control. No adverse events were noted in any of the three cases. Direct cholangioscopy with an ultra-slim gastroscope facilitates subsequent treatment within the bile duct. This procedure represents another potential option during DBE-assisted ERCP.     

Current status of single-balloon enteroscopy: Insertability and clinical applications

The single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) system was launched in 2007, proposed as a simpler method than double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). Controversy surrounds whether the SBE system has the same insertability as DBE. However, many methods have been proposed to improve the depth of insertion with the SBE system, involving several techniques and endoscopic accessories. SBE is used for investigating not only small bowel diseases, but also diseases of the pancreatobiliary and colonic structures. SBE is a necessary advancement for many endoscopic procedures and applications in modern clinical practice. In our review, we summarized the current literature concerning the insertability of SBE and described the technical aspects of improving the rate of deep insertion in SBE procedures. In addition, the recent applications of SBE to diseases besides those of the small bowel are described.     

Application of single balloon enteroscopy-assisted therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis: Experience of multi-disciplinary collaboration

BACKGROUND Bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis is one of the most complicated approaches for reconstructing the gastrointestinal tract, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) is technically challenging in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis. The optimal endoscopic strategies for such cases remain unknown.AIM To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of single balloon enteroscopy-assisted(SBE-assisted) therapeutic ERCP in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis based on multi-disciplinary collaboration between endoscopists and surgeons as well as report the experience from China.METHODS This is a single center retrospective study. All of the SBE-assisted therapeutic ERCP procedures were performed by the collaboration between endoscopists and surgeons. The operation time, success rate, and complication rate were calculated.RESULTS Forty-six patients received a total of 64 SBE-assisted therapeutic ERCP procedures, with successful scope intubation in 60(93.8%) cases and successful diagnosis in 59(92.2%). All successfully diagnosed cases received successful therapy. None of the cases had perforation or bleeding during or after operation,and no post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred.CONCLUSION Based on multi-disciplinary collaboration, SBE-assisted therapeutic ERCP in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis is relatively safe and effective and has a high success rate.     

ERCP using double-balloon endoscopes in patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis

Introduction

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and associated procedures are difficult to perform in patients with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Therefore, at present, at many institutions, ERCP is not generally performed for those with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis.

Methods

However, double-balloon endoscopes (DBEs) have dramatically changed this situation.

Results

The use of a DBE enables an endoscopic approach into the deeply situated small intestine, which has been difficult with a conventional endoscope. Therefore, ERCP for patients with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis has been attempted using a DBE, and good results have been reported.

Conclusion

The development of DBEs has created the possibility of performing ERCP for patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction in whom an endoscopic approach has conventionally been believed to be difficult.     

Poorly expandable common bile duct with stones on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

AIM: To describe characteristics of a poorly expandable (PE) common bile duct (CBD) with stones on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.METHODS: A PE bile duct was characterized by a rigid and relatively narrowed distal CBD with retrograde dilatation of the non-PE segment. Between 2003 and 2006, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) images and chart reviews of 1213 patients with newly diagnosed CBD stones were obtained from the computer database of Therapeutic Endoscopic Center in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Patients with characteristic PE bile duct on ERC were identified from the database. Data of the patients as well as the safety and technical success of therapeutic ERC were collected and analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with CBD stones and characteristic PE segments were enrolled in this study. The median patient age was 45 years (range, 20 to 92 years); 66.7% of the patients were men. The diameters of the widest non-PE CBD segment, the PE segment, and the largest stone were 14.3 ± 4.9 mm, 5.8 ± 1.6 mm, and 11.2 ± 4.7 mm, respectively. The length of the PE segment was 39.7 ± 15.4 mm (range, 12.3 mm to 70.9 mm). To remove the CBD stone(s) completely, mechanical lithotripsy was required in 25 (83.3%) patients even though the stone size was not as large as were the difficult stones that have been described in the literature. The stone size and stone/PE segment diameter ratio were associated with the need for lithotripsy. Post-ERC complications occurred in 4 cases: pancreatitis in 1, cholangitis in 2, and an impacted Dormia basket with cholangitis in 1. Two (6.7%) of the 28 patients developed recurrent CBD stones at follow-up (50 ± 14 mo) and were successfully managed with therapeutic ERC.CONCLUSION: Patients with a PE duct frequently require mechanical lithotripsy for stones extraction. To retrieve stones successfully and avoid complications, these patients should be identified during ERC.     

Double-balloon endoscopy: past, present, and future

Double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) was developed as a new technique for visualization of and intervention in the entire small intestine. In DBE, the intestinal walls are held apart by a balloon attached to the distal end of a soft overtube. DBE has been reported worldwide to be very useful for not only diagnosis but also endoscopic therapy. Biopsy samples of small intestinal tumors can be obtained using DBE, and the appropriate treatment can be selected before a surgical procedure. For inflammatory diseases, DBE can reveal the localization of ulcers in the lumen (on the mesenteric or antimesenteric side), which is important for differential diagnosis. Some endoscopic therapies such as hemostatic procedures, polypectomy, and dilation therapy for benign strictures can be performed in the same manner as in the large intestine. DBE may also be suitable for colonoscopy for difficult insertion cases and therapeutic procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection. Furthermore, a double-balloon endoscope can be selectively inserted into the afferent loop to perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, allowing various kinds of endoscopic treatments for biliary diseases to be successfully performed. Endoscopic therapy in the small intestine, whose wall is very thin, should be performed with special care to avoid complications such as bleeding and perforation. In the future, improvement is expected in terms of maneuverability, therapeutic capability, and imaging technology such as the addition of a magnifying function and flexible spectral imaging color enhancement. We anticipate that DBE will contribute to the establishment of medical science of the small intestine and to research elucidating the mechanisms of small intestinal diseases.     

DIRECT CHOLANGIOSCOPY USING A DOUBLE‐BALLOON ENTEROSCOPE: CHOLEDOCHOJEJUNOSTOMY WITH INTRADUCTAL BILIARY CARCINOMA

A 75‐year‐old man who underwent choledochojejunostomy for gallstones 30 years ago was hospitalized for general malaise. Abdominal computed tomography revealed marked dilation of the intrahepatic bile duct in the right lobe and an image of a hypervascular tumor. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography using double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE) showed a filling defect that was localized to the right hepatic bile duct. Furthermore, the scope was able to readily pass through the anastomosed site of the choledochojejunostomy and, therefore, we observed the interior of the bile duct using the same scope. We obtained an image showing a whitish, papillary‐like tumor, and a biopsy of the tumor rendered the pathology of intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma. Direct cholangioscopy using DBE is a useful diagnostic tool, particularly in patients with a past history of choledochojejunostomy.     

ULTRATHIN ENDOSCOPE‐ASSISTED ERCP FOR INACCESSIBLE PERIDIVERTICULAR PAPILLA BY A SINGLE‐BALLOON ENTEROSCOPE IN A PATIENT WITH ROUX‐EN‐Y ANASTOMOSIS

We describe a case of successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using an ultrathin endoscope for inaccessible peridiverticular papilla by a single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in a patient with Roux‐en Y (R‐Y). A 73‐year‐old man who had total gastrectomy with R‐Y for gastric cancer was admitted for acute cholangitis. Although the SBE could be advanced to the end of the afferent loop, we could not identify a major papilla, although a duodenal diverticula could be observed. The enteroscope was replaced with an ultrathin endoscope. The ultrathin endoscope allowed the papilla to be detected distal to the side of the diverticula. After pre‐cutting, the ultraslim endoscope was replaced with a conventional forward‐viewing endoscope. Eventually, the stones were completely removed using a balloon catheter and basket without procedure‐related complication.     

单气囊小肠镜在小肠疾病诊治中的价值

目的评价单气囊小肠镜(Single balloon enteroscope,SBE)在小肠疾病诊断和治疗中的安全性及临床价值。 方法对2012年1月1日～2014年6月1日期间在我院行SBE检查的患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,总结检查完成情况、操作时间、内镜诊断以及并发症发生情况等。 结果138例患者共行157次SBE检查。经口检查77例次;经肛检查80例次;经口联合经肛检查14例。共99例发现病变,疾病检出率为71.7%(99/138)。经口进镜检查平均用时45.5 min,经肛进镜检查平均用时50.3 min。所有患者检查过程中生命体征处于安全范围,无心脑血管并发症发生,无剧烈腹痛及出血、穿孔等并发症出现。 结论SBE可以安全,高效的完成小肠疾病的诊治,相信随着临床经验的积累,SBE会在小肠疾病的诊断中发挥更大的作用。