EP.WE.46Stentolith as an uncommon complication of loss to follow up after endoscopic biliary stenting

Introduction Endoscopic biliary stenting is a common procedure, with indications from malignant obstruction to benign stone disease. We discuss a patient who re-presented after endoscopic stenting having been lost to follow up, with a large ‘stentolith’ requiring open CBD exploration. Case Presentation A 56-year-old female presented in 2013 with obstructive jaundice and a 2-week history of abdominal pain. She was a smoker, but otherwise had no past medical, surgical, or relevant family history. After initial workup, ERCP with sphincterotomy and pigtail stent placement was performed with interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 2014. Post-operative follow up was not arranged, the patient subsequently re-presented in 2020 with fatigue. MRCP confirmed a proximal CBD stone and linear artefact. Open exploration facilitated removal of the stone-stent complex. Discussion Complications of stenting include cholangitis, stent occlusion and migration. Stenting for failed biliary stone extraction is considered a temporary measure, with removal or exchange at three months. However, patients may be lost to follow up and return with non-specific symptoms. A rare cause is de novo formation of a gallstone calculus encasing the stent, a phenomenon termed “stentolith”. Proposed pathophysiology is through promotion of bacterial proliferation by the stent, with biofilm formation and calcium bilirubinate precipitation. Variation in formation has been described, with plastic stents developing circumferential stones, due to potential space between the wall and stent. Conclusion This highlights the importance of robust inter-disciplinary working, careful patient follow up and implementation of a mandatory registry at all hospitals for stented patients.

TP9.2.3Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Intraoperative Cholangiogram and Antegrade Biliary Stenting in Acute Gall Stone Pancreatitis: A Cohort Study

Aims To demonstrate feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), intraoperative (IOC) and antegrade biliary stenting (ABS) as compared to selective pre-operative biliary investigation and intervention in acute gallstone pancreatitis (AGP). Methods A cohort study was performed comparing patients who had IOC+/-ABS during LC versus those who had only LC in the treatment of AGP. 74 consecutive AGP patients were included in this study from January 2016 to October 2018. All patients were included in a prospective database with follow-up for one year. Results 47 (64.5%) patients underwent IOC during LC (7 required ABS insertion), with a mean age 51 years (SEM: 2.7), 72.3% were female. The median admission bilirubin was 24 (IQR:14-54). The average number of ERCP and MRCP per patient was 0.30 and 0.15 respectively. 27 (36.5%) patients underwent LC with selective pre-operative biliary investigation with a mean age 48 years (SEM: 2.9), 66.7% were female. The median admission bilirubin was 27 (IQR:14-48). The average number of ERCP and MRCP per patient was 0.41 and 0.52 respectively. Discussion In our pilot study comparing LC with IOC versus LC with selective pre-operative biliary investigation we demonstrate that, there is marked reduction in biliary investigations required in IOC group. Length of hospital admissions and rate of post-operative complications were comparable. An analytic study with a larger cohort may demonstrate further seniority of IOC.

Nasopancreatic Drainage for 4 Patients during the Early Phase of Acute Pancreatitis

We encountered 4 patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) of various etiologies and coexisting acute cholangitis who underwent endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS) and nasopancreatic drainage (NPD) via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during the early phase of AP. ERCP is performed to treat acute cholangitis even in the context of AP. However, in difficult cases, accidental contrast media injection or guidewire insertion into the pancreatic duct can happen during ERCP for the purpose of EBS. It is concerned that cannulation injury and increased pancreatic duct pressure can exacerbate existing AP. Because pancreatic guidewire-associated techniques were required for all of them due to difficult biliary cannulation, we performed a NPD catheter placement using the pancreatic guidewire to decompress the pancreatic duct to prevent further exacerbating AP. Surprisingly, all patients dramatically improved without systemic or local complications. NPD could be performed without any adverse events and did not worsen the course of AP. Early decompression of a pancreatic duct using NPD may rather improve AP that had already developed. Further prospective research is needed to confirm our observations.

Controversial issues of biliary stenting in patients with proximal biliary obstruction

The management of biliary decompression in malignant hilar carcinoma remains controversial. This review shows the most relevant aspects of endoprosthetics for proximal biliary obstruction, including necessity of stenting and morphological verification before radical surgery, selection of approach to drain etc. The main contradictions and ways to solve them are presented in this article, based on evidence researches, international and expert consensus conferences.

Radiation-Free Transabdominal Ultrasound-Guided Endoscopic Biliary Stenting in Pregnant Women with Choledocholithiasis

Background: Hepatobiliary disorders are common problems during pregnancy, causing significant morbidity and mortality in both mother and fetus. Biliary pancreatitis and cholangitis are common sequelae that warrant urgent endoscopic interventions. However, fetal radiation exposure is a major concern during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Fetal malformation, preterm labor, and intrauterine fetal death are the recognized complications of ERCP. Objectives: To evaluate the application of transabdominal ultrasound (US) guidance in endoscopic biliary stenting as a substitute for fluoroscopy and contrast injection. Methods: In this study, we reviewed the data of ten pregnant patients, who had undergone endoscopic biliary stenting under US guidance without fluoroscopy between January 2018 and October 2020. An abdominal US examination was performed to confirm that the guide wire and the stent were placed inside the common bile duct (CBD) without fluoroscopy. The CBD clearance was postponed until after delivery. Results: The mean gestational age was 12 weeks (range: 5 - 33 weeks), and the mean maternal age was 23 years (range: 19 - 33 years). All procedures were performed successfully, with biochemical and clinical improvements after endoscopy. In none of the patients, maternal or fetal complications were reported after endoscopy or at birth. Also, no cases of post-endoscopic pancreatitis were documented. Conclusions: Based on the present findings, abdominal US guidance in endoscopic biliary stenting can be a safe and effective approach.