Esophageal intubation with duodenoscope in the presence of pharyngeal pouch by a guidewire and catheter-guided technique.

Esophageal perforation can occur during blind intubation with a side-viewing duodenoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) in patients with pharyngeal or esophageal anomalies. We describe a case of difficult intubation during an ERCP due to an asymptomatic and unsuspected pharyngeal pouch (Zenker's diverticulum). The side-viewing duodenoscope was withdrawn once resistance was encountered during intubation, and a forward-viewing gastroscope was inserted carefully under direct vision to evaluate the upper esophagus. After the diagnosis was made, intubation of the duodenoscope was performed by exchanging scopes over a guidewire. Subsequent ERCP with sphincterectomy and stone removal was uneventful. We caution that a side-viewing duodenoscope should be withdrawn once resistance is encountered during blind intubation during ERCP. Our technique minimizes patient discomfort and is rapid and easy to perform. In addition, no extra device such as an overtube is required.