ERCP using a conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscope for a patient with a type I duodenal stricture

Combined obstruction of the bile duct and duodenum is a common occurrence in periampullary malignancies [1] [2]. If a duodenoscope cannot be used in the case of type I duodenal strictures, endoscopic ultrasonography drainage or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage are used for treating obstructive jaundice or acute cholangitis [3]. However, depending on the hospital, these options may not be possible. Although the use of an ultraslim endoscope has been described [4], the working channel is limited. Here we report a case of successful endoscopic biliary drainage using a conventional upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscope.

A 71-year-old woman with a type I duodenal stricture due to gallbladder cancer underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for obstructive jaundice. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography had revealed gallbladder cancer and intrahepatic duct dilatation ([Fig. 1]). We attempted endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) using a duodenoscope (TJF-260V; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan); however, the scope could not pass the duodenal stricture ([Fig. 2 a, b]).

Fig. 1 Gallbladder cancer (area inside yellow dots) and intrahepatic duct dilatation, shown by contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Fig. 2 a Endoscopic view of duodenal stricture. b The duodenoscope could not pass the duodenal stricture (yellow arrows).

Therefore, we attempted ERCP using a conventional upper GI endoscope (GIF-Q260; Olympus) ([Video 1]). First, we passed through the duodenal stricture using the upper GI endoscope. This endoscope was retroflexed in the descending portion of the duodenum ([Fig. 3 a]), allowing observation of the major papilla ([Fig. 3 b]). Then, the cannulation device was inserted into the bile duct ([Fig. 3 c]), and the guidewire (GW) was advanced into the left hepatic duct. Finally, the EBD tube (7-Fr plastic stent, Flexima; Boston Scientific, Tokyo, Japan) was inserted into the left hepatic duct over the guidewire. There were no adverse events during the endoscopic procedure.

Video 1 Endoscopic biliary drainage using a conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscope.

Fig. 3 a The upper gastrointestinal endoscope was retroflexed in the descending portion of the duodenum. b Retroflexion view of the major papilla. c Cannulation of the bile duct.

In this approach, the endoscope was stabilized by retroflexion. Cannulation into the bile duct was simple, because the bile duct and the cannulation device were aligned in a straight line. As a conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscope is highly versatile, this method may be used by any endoscopist.

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Competing interests

None

• References

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• 2 Johnson CD, Ellis H. Gastric outlet obstruction now predicts malignancy. Br J Surg 1990; 77: 1023-1024
• 3 Nabi Z, Reddy DN. Endoscopic management of combined biliary and duodenal obstruction. Clin Endosc 2019; 52: 40-46
• 4 Kawakami H, Kuwatani M, Kawahata S. Peroral ultra-slim endoscopy-guided biliary drainage and stone extraction for postoperative upper gastrointestinal stenosis with a naïve papilla (with videos). J Hepatobiliary Pancreat Sci 2015; 22: 571-572