Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) is technically challenging, not only because of the difficulty in reaching the target site but also in performing subsequent therapeutic procedures. To overcome these challenges, balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP has been introduced into clinical practice and has been reported to be both effective and safe. Recently, short-type balloon enteroscopes, with a working length of approximately 150 cm and a 3.2-mm working channel, have been widely adopted, making procedures more efficient. These short-type scopes facilitate the use of larger accessories in various procedures, such as stone extraction or self-expandable metallic stent placement. In addition, several new technologies and devices have recently been introduced to help manage difficult cases. Despite these advancements, multiple technical hurdles remain before procedures can be successfully completed. It is important to identify the key factors that contribute to procedural difficulty in order to improve success rates. At the same time, endoscopists must remain aware of the potential for adverse events, such as perforation, which can occur due to adhesions specific to SAA. In this review, we provide technical tips for short-type single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with SAA, aimed at improving procedural success rates and reducing adverse events, while also highlighting recent advancements in technology and devices.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) using Franseen needles is reportedly useful for its high diagnostic yield. This study compared the diagnostic yield and puncturing ability of EUS-TA using 22-gauge cobalt-chromium (CO-Cr) needles with those of stainless-steel Franseen needles in patients with solid pancreatic lesions. Methods: Outcomes were compared between the 22-gauge Co-Cr Franseen needle (December 2019 to November 2020; group C) and stainless-steel needle (November 2020 to May 2022; group S). Results: A total of 155 patients (group C, 75; group S, 80) were eligible. The diagnostic accuracy was 92.0% in group C and 96.3% in group S with no significant intergroup differences (p=0.32). The rate of change in the operator (from training fellows to experts) was 20.0% (15/75) in group C and 7.5% (6/80) in group S. Stainless-steel Franseen needles showed less inter-operator difference than Co-Cr needles (p=0.03). Conclusions Both Co-Cr and stainless-steel Franseen needles showed high diagnostic ability. Stainless-steel Franseen needles are soft and flexible; therefore, the range of puncture angles can be widely adjusted, making them suitable for training fellows to complete the procedure.

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.