Single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with surgically altered anatomy: a technical review

Article information

Clin Endosc. 2023;56(6):716-725
Publication date (electronic) : 2023 April 17
doi : https://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2023.023
Department of Gastroenterology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
Correspondence: Yuki Tanisaka Department of Gastroenterology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1, Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan E-mail: tanisaka1205@gmail.com
Received 2023 January 4; Revised 2023 January 27; Accepted 2023 January 28.

Abstract

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is technically challenging. For example, scope insertion, selective cannulation, and intended procedures, such as stone extraction or stent placement, can be difficult. Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted ERCP has been used to effectively and safely address these technical issues in clinical practice. However, the small working channel limits its therapeutic potential. To address this shortcoming, a short-type SBE (short SBE) with a working length of 152 cm and a channel of 3.2 mm diameter has recently been introduced. Short SBE facilitates the use of larger accessories to complete certain procedures, such as stone extraction or self-expandable metallic stent placement. Despite the development in the SBE endoscope, various steps have to be overcome to successfully perform such procedure. To improve success, the challenging factors of each procedure must be identified. At the same time, endoscopists need to be mindful of adverse events, such as perforation, which can arise due to adhesions specific to the surgically altered anatomy. This review discussed technical tips regarding SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy to increase success and reduce the risk of adverse events associated with ERCP.

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a well-established procedure that has been in use for a long time. The success rate of ERCP-related procedures in patients with normal anatomy is 95%.1 In contrast, ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) is difficult to complete. Patients with SAA includes those who have had a Roux-en-Y gastrectomy (including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass), hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y (in which all of the stomach is preserved), pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Billroth II gastrectomy. In these patients, various challenges have to be resolved to complete the intended procedure. First, the path to the target site (e.g., papilla or hepaticojejunal anastomosis) is longer compared to normal anatomy, especially for Roux-en-Y anastomosis. Second, selective biliary cannulation in patients with an intact papilla is difficult as the papilla is observed as an inverse image and often located in a tangential direction. Moreover, the completion of selected procedures, such as stone extraction (including endoscopic sphincterotomy [EST]) and self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement, can be exceptionally challenging. In the last two decades, the success rate of selected procedures in patients with SAA, especially those involving the papilla or a hepaticojejunal anastomosis, using conventional endoscopes, such as duodenoscope and pediatric colonoscope, have not been satisfactory.2-4 In failed cases, surgery or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) has been necessary.

Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) was first introduced clinically in 2001.5 Since then, DBE and single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted ERCPs have become the preferable approaches for patients with SAA (Fig. 1A).6-9 Importantly, balloon enteroscopy facilitates scope insertion towards the target site. The latest systematic review and meta-analysis regarding SBE-assisted ERCP reported a pooled total procedure success rate of 75.8%.10 However, the scopes used in SBE-assisted ERCP usually have a working length of 200 cm and a channel of 2.8 mm in diameter and only a few ERCP-accessories have been available. To overcome these limitations, a short-type DBE and SBE (short SBE) with a working length of 152 cm and a channel of 3.2 mm in diameter has been introduced (Fig. 1B). Short SBE can be used with many of accessories needed in procedures, such as stone extraction or SEMS placement.11-13 The reported total procedural success rate of short SBE-assisted ERCP ranged between 70.4% to 85.9% (Table 1).14-17 A recent multi-center study of short SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with SAA reported a total procedural success and adverse event rate of 74.9% and 7.7%, respectively.18 The same study identified several factors associated with procedural failure, including Roux-en-Y anastomosis and malignant cases.18

Fig. 1.

Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE). (A) A conventional SBE with a 200 cm working length and a 2.8 mm working channel in diameter. (B) A short SBE with a 152 cm working length and a 3.2 mm working channel in diameter.

Outcomes of short single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy

ERCP in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy is considered possible using the side-viewing and conventional forward-viewing endoscopes. However, there is a reported 10% of scope insertion failure cases using these scopes due to the long and angulated afferent loop. Hence, the use of SBE in difficult cases can provide unique advantages, even in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy.19,20

As more and more endoscopists perform balloon endoscopy (BE)-assisted ERCP, it is important to elucidate technical tips to ensure better outcomes and prevent serious adverse events, such as intestinal perforation. This review discussed the technical tips for performing SBE-assisted ERCP in patients with SAA.

TECHNICAL TIPS FOR SCOPE INSERTION

Before inserting the scope, it is important to examine the patient’s past operation record to determine the reconstruction method and access of the afferent limb. In our facility, an attachment cap is placed at the tip of the scope in all cases. This cap facilitates not only scope insertion but also selective biliary cannulation. Importantly, not using the attachment cap is one of the factors attributed to total procedural failure.16 It is also useful to insert the scope under carbon dioxide; otherwise, the room air that accumulates in the small intestine can render insertion difficult. The patients are usually in the prone position to prevent pulmonary aspiration and allow confirmation of the scope position using fluoroscopy.

The principle of deep insertion using SBE is referred to as the “push and pull” method. After pushing the scope pass the corner in the small intestine, the scope is pulled to create pleats that shorten the small intestine. At the time of shortening, the balloon that is attached to the tip of the overtube is advanced. Before performing the shortening, it is better to advance the overtube as deep as possible toward the tip of scope. When advancing the overtube, the balloon should be deflated. While advancing the overtube, the scope tends to also advance, but this is not effective. To overcome this, the scope itself should be pulled while advancing the overtube (Fig. 2 and Supplementary Video 1). When performing the shortening, the balloon is inflated to fix the small intestine and the scope is pulled while the scope angle is used to hook the small intestine. Of note, this is performed without withdrawing the scope. Particularly, the pathway to the target site in patients with hepaticojejunostomy and Roux-en-Y with preserved stomach is long. Therefore, it is important to maximize the scope shortening step. Importantly, scope shortening should be performed right after a loop is made as scope shortening is more difficult if the scope keeps advancing while the loop remained. Immediately after passing through a sharp flexure is an ideal time for scope shortening. It is sometimes difficult to advance the scope when passing through a sharp flexure. Short SBE has a passive bending function which facilitates the smooth passage of the scope through the bend and advance forward.11 Changing the patient to the left lateral position or abdominal compression can effectively facilitate this procedure.

Fig. 2.

The way to advance an overtube. Scope itself should be pulled (red arrow) while advancing the overtube (pink arrow).

Identifying the afferent limb is one of the next challenges following scope insertion. The way to identify the afferent limb is different depending on the reconstruction method. Distinguishing the junction between the afferent and efferent limbs in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple or Child procedure) is easier than in patients with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis. In the majority of cases, the steep bending part is the afferent limb (Fig. 3A, B). On the other hand, in patients with a Roux-en-Y anastomosis, the anatomy is difficult because the steep bending part is not always the afferent limb. Previous studies have suggested several methods for differentiating the afferent limb, such as confirmation using intraluminal indigo carmine injection or carbon dioxide insufflation at the Roux-en-Y anastomosis.21,22 However, identification can sometimes be difficult even with these methods. To overcome this challenge, we try to confirm the disruption of the transverse folds in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy. As the afferent limb is anastomosed to the side of the slit in Roux-en-Y anastomosis, the site of the disruption can be considered the afferent limb (Fig. 3C).23 In contrast, in patients with hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y, the transverse folds are symmetric and there is no disruption, thus it is most difficult to identify the afferent limb (Fig. 3D). In such cases, confirming the shape of the scope using fluoroscopy to determine whether the tip of the scope is advancing towards the afferent or efferent limb is necessary.

Fig. 3.

Endoscopic findings. (A) A patient with Billroth II gastrectomy. The steep bending part is ordinarily the afferent limb (arrow). (B) A patient with pancreaticoduodenectomy (Child procedure). The steep bending part is ordinarily the afferent limb (arrow). (C) A patient with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy. The disruption of the transverse folds is seen, therefore the slit die of the afferent limb (arrow). (D) A hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y. There is uncertain whether it is an afferent limb or not.

When inserting the scope to the target site, intestinal perforation from the tight adhesion may arise, especially near the target site. A multi-center study reported intestinal perforation in 1.9% of patients.18 Patients with Billroth II tend to have a short afferent loop between the gastro-jejunal anastomosis and Treitz ligament, which leads to the highest risk of perforation as a strong force is applied to this segment when advancing the scope.24 Careful scope manipulation is required in such cases.

TECHNICAL TIPS FOR SELECTIVE BILIARY CANNULATION

The bile duct is located at 11 to 12 o’clock of the papilla in normal anatomy. On the contrary, it is located at 5 to 6 o’clock in patients with SAA, such as Roux-en-Y gastrectomy or Billroth II gastrectomy, because the papilla is located as an inversed image. Moreover, the method of cannulation is significantly different between DBE and SBE due to the direction of the working channel where the catheter passes through. As the catheter appears from the half past five (05:30) direction in DBE, the positioning and fixing of the papilla at a six o’clock direction on the endoscopic view is considered appropriate. In contrast, as the catheter appears from the eight o’clock direction in SBE, the positioning and fixing of the papilla at eleven o’clock direction is indicated (Fig. 4B).25 Therefore, it is important to control the view of the papilla depending on what type of scope is used for the BE-assisted ERCP. Moreover, as the SBE (also the DBE) has no elevator function, the brand-new straight catheter (without pre-grooming) should be used when performing selective biliary cannulation. The bendable catheter is also useful as it allows the direction of the bile duct to be adjusted.

Fig. 4.

The retroflex position. (A, C) The papilla is positioned tangentially so it is difficult to perform selective biliary cannulation. (B, D) The scope is advanced while using the up-angle at the inferior duodenal angle, and adjusts to the retroflex position. Consequently, a better view of the papilla can be obtained.

The papilla is useful for locating the tangential direction of the scope, especially in patients with a Roux-en-Y gastrectomy. In such situations, the retroflex position is useful.26 As the endoscope is advanced, the retroflex position is formed by the up angle of the inferior part of the duodenal angle. As such, the scope makes a J-turn form to provide a better view of the papilla. A good view of the papilla facilitates better success in selective biliary cannulation (Fig. 4). Using multivariate analysis, a previous study determined that the retroflex position increases the likelihood of success in selective biliary cannulation among patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy.27 The success rate using the retroflex position is reportedly approximately 60%.24 The success rate depends on the duodenal space and the extent of intestinal adhesion. If forming the retroflex position seems too difficult, it should be omitted, otherwise intestinal perforation may occur.

In cases where selective biliary cannulation is difficult, cannulation using the pancreatic duct, such as the “double-guidewire method”28 may be useful, as this is similar to ERCP in normal anatomy (Fig. 5). Besides the double-guidewire method, pancreatic duct stent-assisted biliary cannulation,29 or cannulation using the double-lumen cannula30 can also be helpful. As selective biliary cannulation in patients with SAA (especially, those with a native papilla) tends to be difficult, many attempts may be required and the longer time involved could cause post-ERCP pancreatitis. Hence, for safety, it is important to abort the procedure after a certain time has lapsed. Rather than prolonging the time, reattempting the cannulation on another day is preferred. Alternatively, the rendezvous technique or direct drainage using an alternative method, such as PTBD or endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD), should be considered, depending on the patient’s condition and the procedural details.

Fig. 5.

Selective biliary cannulation using the double-guidewire method. (A, B) Pancreatic duct cannulation is performed and a guidewire is placed in the pancreatic duct. (C, D) As the bile and pancreatic duct are separated well using this method, selective biliary cannulation is achieved.

Selective biliary cannulation in patients with papilla diversion, such as hepaticojejunal anastomosis (e.g., in patients with hepaticojejunostomy, Roux-en-Y, or pancreaticoduodenectomy) is generally easy as long as the orifice of the hepaticojejunal anastomosis is found. Cannulation failure mostly occurs when the anastomotic site is not reached or found. In cases where the scope has reached the intended location, but the site is difficult to identify, the scar around the orifice can help identify the anastomotic site. Recently, a texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI)-equipped new-generation endoscopy system (EVIS X1; Olympus Marketing)31 has been developed, which facilitates the identification of such orifices.32

TECHNICAL TIPS FOR SUBSEQUENT PROCEDURES

After reaching the target site and successful cannulation, the subsequent procedures, such as stone extraction and SEMS placement, can also be challenging. Before performing these procedures, EST, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation, or endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) is required. Particularly, EST is especially difficult because the cutting direction is usually either opposite to that of standard sphincterotomy or more tangential to that direction. Moreover, there are not many dedicated devices for making a correct incision to the direction of the bile duct safely. Previously, we performed EST using a needle knife after placing a plastic stent in the bile duct to facilitate a safe cutting-direction. The incision is made while exposing the stent and checking that the incision is in the correct direction. Since 2022, we have been performing EST in patients with SAA using a new dedicated sphincterotome (CleverCut3V; KD-V410V-0720; Olympus Marketing).33 The blade of this sphincterotome can be easily adjusted towards the 5 o’clock direction, which indicates the bile duct direction in patients with SAA (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) using a dedicated sphincterotomy for patients with surgically altered anatomy. (A) The blade can be easily adjusted towards the 5 o’clock direction, which indicates the bile duct direction in patients with surgically altered anatomy. (B) Successful EST is achieved.

When performing stone extraction, it is important to loosen the orifice of the papilla as much as possible by performing EST, and/or EPLBD. The main way to control the force for stone extraction in patients with SAA is by withdrawing the scope. However, it is difficult to control the force and intestinal perforation may occur after the scope passes through the papilla if the papilla is not loosened. Therefore, it is highly recommended that the papilla be loosened. Several studies have evaluated the factors affecting complete stone extraction, including the failure to form the retroflex position and a common bile duct diameter of ≥14 mm.34 A larger bile duct diameter (mean, 15.9 mm) has been associated with unsuccessful stone extraction.13 As the SBE has no elevator functions, it is difficult to control the basket catheter in cases with large bile ducts and capturing the stones is also challenging. More dedicated devices for stone extraction in patients with SAA are warranted. When it seems difficult to complete stone extraction via SBE-assisted ERCP, a combination of stone extraction methods, such as adding the EUS-BD route, may be a good alternative.35,36

As the short SBE has a working channel diameter of 3.2 mm, it makes possible to place various SEMS in patients with SAA.34 Almost all SEMSs used in patients with normal anatomy can also be used for patients with SAA. However, some SEMSs have a length of approximately 180 cm, so it is impossible to place them into the hilar part across the stricture, especially in patients with a papilla and a common bile duct. On the other hand, SEMSs with a working length of 180 cm can be placed into the hilar part in patients with hepaticojejunal anastomosis (hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y or pancreaticoduodenectomy) whose common bile duct has been resected. Therefore, a SEMS with enough length to access the intended area is important. This is dependent on the anatomy when performing ERCP in patients with SAA using a short SBE. We usually place a covered SEMS in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction across the papilla after performing an EST and an uncovered SEMS in patients with hilar malignant biliary obstruction (Fig. 7). The clinical success and recurrent biliary obstruction rates in patients with SAA were similar to those in normal anatomy using SEMS.37,38 In recurrent biliary obstruction, the papilla or hepaticojejunal anastomosis is located in the deep afferent limb, thus, it is assumed that food impaction rarely occurs in patients with SAA compared to normal anatomy.37 However, afferent limb obstruction may cause recurrent biliary obstruction while the stent is still patent.

Fig. 7.

Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement in patients with surgically altered anatomy. (A–C) A patient with distal malignant biliary obstruction. Covered SEMS is placed across the papilla. (D–F) A patient with hilar malignant biliary obstruction. Two uncovered SEMS (partial stent in stent method) are placed.

FACTORS AFFECTING PROCEDURE RESULTS

It is important to be aware of factors that may lead to incomplete SBE-assisted ERCP procedures. Several reports have evaluated these factors.16-18 In particular, Roux-en-Y reconstruction, malignant biliary obstruction, and pancreatic indications were identified.

Appropriate responses to such difficult situations is paramount. First, in cases of Roux-en-Y, the difficulty associated with scope insertion increases the failure risk. In patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y, the longer Roux limbs contribute to the difficulty. In such cases, conventional SBE with a working length of 200 cm is useful. We use the 200 cm scope when scope insertion using the short SBE failed. A previous study of 27 patients with scope insertion failure using short SBE reported that 24 (88.9%) succeeded with a conventional SBE.18 Second, malignant biliary obstruction cases tend to cause strong adhesion due to cancer, so scope manipulation is difficult and procedural failure is possible. Moreover, small intestine or papilla invasion due to the cancer may further complicate the procedure. In such cases, it is difficult to complete the intended procedure by SBE-assisted ERCP. PTBD or EUS-BD could be good alternatives. Third, pancreatic indications, especially when approaching the pancreaticojejunal anastomosis, are difficult as a pancreatico-jejunal anastomosis is located deeper than a hepaticojejunal anastomosis in the afferent limb, thus, more difficult to find, especially in instances of complete obstruction. The technical success rate in these cases is approximately 70%.39 As mentioned above, the TXI-equipped new-generation endoscopy system can facilitate the identification of such orifices.32 Furthermore, the EUS-guided pancreatic duct approach should be considered, although this procedure is more difficult and may cause more severe adverse events, compared to EUS-BD procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present review, we discussed the technical tips of SBE-assisted ERCP in terms of scope insertion, selective biliary cannulation, and subsequent procedures and highlighted points for the prevention of adverse events. The study also reported on the factors that affect procedural success and the strategies for solving these difficulties. The review aimed to inform endoscopists who are performing SBE-assisted ERCP. Recently, EUS-BD has been reported as another alternative with a shorter procedure duration. However, due to the limited accessory choices, EUS-BD may cause severe adverse events, such as bile leak or stent migration into the abdominal cavity, even when performed by experienced endoscopists. In contrast, DBE- and SBE-assisted ERCPs are more predictable and safer because ERCP is a well-established procedure and many dedicated accessories are available. Furthermore, when choosing between SBE-assisted ERCP or EUS-BD, the postoperative reconstruction, patient condition, and more importantly, the endoscopist’s experience should be considered.

Supplementary Material

Supplementary Video 1.

The way to advance an overtube. Scope itself should be pulled while advancing the overtube (https://doi.org/10.5946/ce-2023-023.v1).

ce-2023-023-v1.mp4

Supplementary materials related to this article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.5946/ce.2023.023.

Notes

Conflicts of Interest

The authors have no potential conflicts of interest.

Funding

None.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization: YT; Data curation: YT, AF; Formal analysis: YT; Investigation: all authors; Methodology: YT, SR; Project administration: YT, SR; Supervision: MM, SR; Validation: YT; Writing–original draft: YT; Writing–review & editing: all authors.

References

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Article information Continued

Fig. 1.

Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE). (A) A conventional SBE with a 200 cm working length and a 2.8 mm working channel in diameter. (B) A short SBE with a 152 cm working length and a 3.2 mm working channel in diameter.

Fig. 2.

The way to advance an overtube. Scope itself should be pulled (red arrow) while advancing the overtube (pink arrow).

Fig. 3.

Endoscopic findings. (A) A patient with Billroth II gastrectomy. The steep bending part is ordinarily the afferent limb (arrow). (B) A patient with pancreaticoduodenectomy (Child procedure). The steep bending part is ordinarily the afferent limb (arrow). (C) A patient with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy. The disruption of the transverse folds is seen, therefore the slit die of the afferent limb (arrow). (D) A hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y. There is uncertain whether it is an afferent limb or not.

Fig. 4.

The retroflex position. (A, C) The papilla is positioned tangentially so it is difficult to perform selective biliary cannulation. (B, D) The scope is advanced while using the up-angle at the inferior duodenal angle, and adjusts to the retroflex position. Consequently, a better view of the papilla can be obtained.

Fig. 5.

Selective biliary cannulation using the double-guidewire method. (A, B) Pancreatic duct cannulation is performed and a guidewire is placed in the pancreatic duct. (C, D) As the bile and pancreatic duct are separated well using this method, selective biliary cannulation is achieved.

Fig. 6.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) using a dedicated sphincterotomy for patients with surgically altered anatomy. (A) The blade can be easily adjusted towards the 5 o’clock direction, which indicates the bile duct direction in patients with surgically altered anatomy. (B) Successful EST is achieved.

Fig. 7.

Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement in patients with surgically altered anatomy. (A–C) A patient with distal malignant biliary obstruction. Covered SEMS is placed across the papilla. (D–F) A patient with hilar malignant biliary obstruction. Two uncovered SEMS (partial stent in stent method) are placed.

Table 1.

Outcomes of short single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy

Study Year Category Enteroscopy success Cannulation success Total procedural success
Shimatani et al.14 2014 Total 92.3 (24/26) 91.7 (22/24) 84.6 (22/26)
RYG 100 (4/4) 75.0 (3/4) 75.0 (3/4)
HJRY 75.0 (6/8) 100 (6/6) 75.0 (6/8)
PD 100 (9/9) 100 (9/9) 100 (9/9)
B-II 100 (3/3) 100 (3/3) 100 (3/3)
Others 100 (2/2) 50.0 (1/2) 50.0 (1/2)
Kawamura et al.15 2015 Total 88.9 (24/27) 83.3 (20/24) 70.4 (19/27)
RYG 86.7 (13/15) 76.9 (10/13) 60.0 (9/15)
HJRY 90.0 (9/10) 100 (9/9) 90.0 (9/10)
B-II 100 (2/2) 50.0 (1/2) 50.0 (1/2)
Yane et al.16 2017 Total 92.6 (188/203) N/A 81.8 (166/203)
RYG 95.6 (43/45) 88.9 (40/45)
HJRY 81.4 (48/59) 79.7 (47/59)
PD 97.5 (77/79) 75.9 (60/79)
B-II 100 (20/20) 95.0 (19/20)
Tanisaka et al.17 2019 Total 94.8 (181/191) 92.3 (167/181) 85.9 (164/191)
RYG 93.1 (81/87) 85.2 (69/81) 75.9 (66/87)
HJRY 88.2 (30/34) 96.7 (29/30) 85.3 (29/34)
PD 100 (39/39) 97.4 (38/39) 97.4 (38/39)
B-II 100 (31/31) 100 (31/31) 100 (31/31)

Values are presented as % (number/total number).

ERCP, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; RYG, Roux-en-Y gastrectomy; HJRY, hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y; PD, pancreaticoduodenectomy; B-II, Billroth II gastrectomy; N/A, not available.