Background/Aims: Altered anatomy is a challenge in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for patients with Billroth II anastomosis. In this study, we investigated the overall success and role of endoscopist experience. Methods: Data of patients who underwent ERCP between 2014 and 2018 after a previous Billroth II operation were retrieved retrospectively from 2 tertiary ERCP centers. The procedures were performed by 2 endoscopists with different levels of experience. Clinical success was defined as extraction of the stone, placement of a stent through a malignant stricture, and clinical and laboratory improvements in patients. Results: Seventy-five patients were included. The technical success rate was 83% for the experienced endoscopist and 75% for the inexperienced endoscopist (p=0.46). The mean (±standard deviation) procedure time was 23.8±5.7 min for the experienced endoscopist and 40.68±6.07 min for the inexperienced endoscopist (p<0.001). In total, 3 perforations (4%) were found. The rate of afferent loop perforation was 6.25% (1/16) for the inexperienced endoscopist and 0% (0/59) for the experienced endoscopist (p=0.053). Conclusions ERCP in patients who had undergone Billroth II gastrectomy was time consuming for the inexperienced endoscopist who should beware of the unique adverse events related to ERCP in patients with altered anatomy.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has been accepted as a reliable tool in diagnosing and staging intra-abdominal tumors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the performance of EUS-FNA in the evaluation of liver masses and its impact on patient management and procedure-related complications retrospectively. Methods: Data of patients who underwent EUS-FNA biopsies due to liver masses between November 2017 and July 2018 were retrieved retrospectively. Biopsies were performed using 22-G needles. The demographics, EUS-FNA results, sensitivity and specificity of the procedure, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and specimen sufficiency rates were assessed. Results: A total of 25 patients (10 females) were included in the study. The mean age was 62.73±15.2 years. The mean size of the masses was 34.50±16.04 mm. The technical success rate was 88%. During the EUS-FNA procedure, each patient had only one pass with 94.45% of aspirate sufficiency rate and 86.3% of biopsy sufficiency rate. The diagnostic accuracy rate was 86.3%. There were no complications. Conclusions For the evaluation of liver masses, EUS-FNA using a 22-G needle with even one pass had high aspiration and biopsy success rates accompanied with high diagnostic accuracy rates.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has been accepted as a reliable tool in diagnosing and staging intra-abdominal tumors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the performance of EUS-FNA in the evaluation of liver masses and its impact on patient management and procedure-related complications retrospectively. Methods: Data of patients who underwent EUS-FNA biopsies due to liver masses between November 2017 and July 2018 were retrieved retrospectively. Biopsies were performed using 22-G needles. The demographics, EUS-FNA results, sensitivity and specificity of the procedure, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and specimen sufficiency rates were assessed. Results: A total of 25 patients (10 females) were included in the study. The mean age was 62.73±15.2 years. The mean size of the masses was 34.50±16.04 mm. The technical success rate was 88%. During the EUS-FNA procedure, each patient had only one pass with 94.45% of aspirate sufficiency rate and 86.3% of biopsy sufficiency rate. The diagnostic accuracy rate was 86.3%. There were no complications. Conclusions For the evaluation of liver masses, EUS-FNA using a 22-G needle with even one pass had high aspiration and biopsy success rates accompanied with high diagnostic accuracy rates.