Balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for asymptomatic common bile duct stones on surgically altered anatomy: A high risk factor for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is more common in patients with asymptomatic common bile duct stones (CBDSs) and normal anatomy than in those with symptomatic CBDS; however, studies on the effect of surgically altered anatomy are lacking. We aimed to investigate whether asymptomatic CBDS in balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP cases for surgically altered anatomy also has a high incidence of PEP and analyze the risk factors for PEP.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 108 consecutive patients who underwent initial ERCP for CBDS with surgically altered anatomies and with naive papilla at Kitasato University Hospital from April 2015 to December 2022.

RESULTS

Study participants were as follows: 92 (85%) patients with symptomatic CBDS and 16 (15%) patients asymptomatic CBDS. The overall bile duct cannulation success rate was 89.8%, with PEP occurring in 7.4% of patients (symptomatic CBDS: 3.3%, asymptomatic CBDS: 31.3%). PEP incidence was significantly higher for asymptomatic CBDS (p = .0017). Multivariate analysis identified asymptomatic CBDS and precut sphincterotomy as significant risk factors for PEP.

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic CBDS may be a risk factor for PEP onset in balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP with surgically altered anatomy. Therefore, the procedure should be performed after obtaining sufficient informed consent and adequate preparation.