Published online Aug 16, 2016. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v4.i8.213
Peer-review started: February 27, 2016
First decision: April 15, 2016
Revised: May 2, 2016
Accepted: May 31, 2016
Article in press: June 2, 2016
Published online: August 16, 2016
Processing time: 169 Days and 4.1 Hours
AIM: To examine whether it is possible to prevent the occurrence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis in patients experiencing difficulties with selective biliary duct cannulation by pancreatic duct stenting using a loop-tipped guidewire.
METHODS: Procedure success rate, frequency of unintended insertion of the guidewire into side branches of the pancreatic duct, and incidence of procedural accidents were examined using a loop-tipped guidewire (Group A, 20 patients), and a conventional straight-type guidewire (Group B, 20 patients).
RESULTS: The success rate of the procedure was 100% in both groups. Unintended insertion of the guidewire into a side branch of the pancreatic duct occurred 0.056 ± 0.23 (0-1) times in Group A and 2.3 ± 1.84 (0-5) times in Group B; thus, unintended insertion of the guidewire into a side branch of the pancreatic duct was seen significantly less frequently in Group A. There were no procedural accidents in Group A, whereas pancreatitis occurred in one Group B patient; however, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. The serum amylase level after ERCP was 257.15 ± 136.4 (88-628) IU/L in Group A, and 552.05 ± 534.57 (101-2389) IU/L in Group B, showing a significantly lower value in Group A. Hyperamylasemia was found in two patients (10%) in Group A, and nine (45%) in Group B, showing a significantly lower value in Group A.
CONCLUSION: The results suggest that in patients who experience difficulties with biliary cannulation, the use of a loop-tipped guidewire for pancreatic duct stenting may assist with the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis, and thereby to a reduction of the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis or hyperamylasemia.
Core tip: The results suggest that a loop-tipped guidewire inserted in the pancreatic duct during stenting in patients who experience difficulties with selective biliary duct cannulation has the potential to assist with prevention of unintended insertion of the guidewire into side branches of the pancreatic duct, and thereby contribute to a reduced risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis or hyperamylasemia.