Dye-free wire-guided cannulation of the biliary tree during ERCP is associated with high success and low complication rates: outcomes in a single operator experience of 822 cases

J Clin Gastroenterol. 2010 Mar;44(3):e57-62. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0b013e3181aacbd1.

Abstract

Background: Deep biliary cannulation (DBC) is a prerequisite to most endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs). Numerous techniques have been described to maximize success and minimize ERCP-related complications, most notably post-ERCP pancreatitis. Dye-free cannulation by using guidewires with hydrophilic tips has been proposed as a technique with a high rate of success and a low rate of complications. We report the outcomes 822 consecutive ERCP procedures by using dye-free guidewire cannulation techniques.

Objective: To evaluate the success rate for DBC and rates of complications by using dye-free guidewire cannulation techniques.

Design: Retrospective. Consecutive ERCP procedures with intent to achieve DBC exclusively by using dye-free guidewire technique were included. Complication data on post-ERCP pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, and cholangitis were extracted.

Setting: University.

Patients: Patients undergoing biliary ERCP.

Interventions: ERCP.

Main outcome measurements: Success, complication rates.

Results: Eight hundred and twenty-two ERCPs were performed on 744 patients. Five hundred and fifty-nine (68%) procedures were performed on inpatients, 263 (32%) on outpatients. DBC was successful in 801 of 822 (97%) ERCPs. In 795 of 801 (99%) ERCPs with successful DBC procedures, DBC was achieved in a dye-free fashion. Eleven patients (1.3%) developed post-ERCP pancreatitis-all cases were mild. Guidewire perforations occurred 11 times (1.3%), none required surgery. Ten of 11 patients with known or suspected (91%) guidewire perforation achieved successful DBC on repeat ERCP by the same endoscopist by using dye-free techniques.

Limitations: Retrospective.

Conclusions: In this large retrospective case series, a high success rate of DBC was achieved by using dye-free guidewire techniques. This technique has associated lower rates of complications in comparison to those reported earlier.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biliary Tract Diseases / diagnosis
  • Biliary Tract*
  • Catheterization / adverse effects
  • Catheterization / methods*
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / adverse effects
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult