Objective:To explore the influence of pancreatic stents of different lengths on the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP).Methods:Data of 299 patients with biliary tract diseases who received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and 5 Fr prophylactic pancreatic stents placement at the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2013 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the short-stent group (<5 cm, n=163) and the long-stent group (>5 cm, n=136). Baseline data, intraoperative procedures, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups and propensity score matching (PSM) was used for complementary analysis. The primary endpoint was the incidence of PEP. The risk factors for PEP in patients with prophylactic pancreatic stents placement was explored by logistic regression analysis . Results:The overall PEP incidence was 11.0% (33/299). There was no significant difference in the PEP incidence [11.7% (19/163) VS 10.3% (14/136), χ 2=0.140, P=0.708], moderate-to-severe PEP incidence [1.8% (3/163) VS 2.2% (3/136), χ 2=0.000, P=1.000], or spontaneous stent dislodgement rate within two weeks [81.7% (103/126) VS 78.4% (87/111), χ 2=0.421, P=0.516] between the two groups. After PSM, 123 patients were included in each group, and the overall PEP incidence was 8.9% (22/246). There was no significant difference in PEP incidence [8.9% (11/123) VS 8.9% (11/123), χ 2=0.000, P=1.000], moderate-to-severe PEP incidence [0.8% (1/123) VS 1.6% (2/123), χ 2=0.000, P=1.000], or spontaneous stent dislodgement rate within two weeks [80.6% (75/93) VS 78.6% (77/98), χ 2=0.126, P=0.722] between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that normal liver function ( OR=2.36, 95% CI:1.01-5.51, P=0.046) and failed bile duct cannulation ( OR=7.51, 95% CI:2.18-25.96, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for PEP in patients with biliary tract diseases who received prophylactic pancreatic stents placement. Conclusion:Longer 5 Fr pancreatic stents (>5 cm) do not further reduce the overall risk of PEP or moderate-to-severe PEP compared with 5Fr-5 cm stent. Normal liver function and failure of bile duct intubation were independent risk factors for PEP after prophylactic pancreatic stent placement in patients with biliary diseases.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after pancreaticoduodenectomy and endoscopic selection strategies.Methods:Clinical data of 34 patients treated with ERCP after pancreaticoduodenectomy at the Endoscopic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2013 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The success rates of endoscopic insertion, diagnosis, treatment and ERCP, and the incidence of adverse events were analyzed.Results:Fifty ERCP treatments were performed in 34 patients. The success rates of endoscopic insertion, diagnosis, treatment, and ERCP after pancreaticoduodenectomy were 92.0% (46/50), 93.5% (43/46), 88.4% (38/43) and 76.0% (38/50), respectively. The success rates of ERCP assisted with colonoscope and balloon-assisted enterosocpe were 76.0% (19/25) and 75.0% (18/24), respectively. There were 3 adverse events, including 1 case of anastomotic mucosa tear during surgery, 1 case of cardiopulmonary arrest and 1 case of postoperative cholangitis.Conclusion:ERCP is effective and safe after pancreaticoduodenectomy in general. ERCP assisted with colonoscope and balloon-assisted colonoscope shows similar success rate after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Objective:To investigate the influence of liver drainage volume on overall survival time in patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction.Methods:Data of 633 patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction (BismuthⅡ-Ⅳ) who underwent endoscopic stent drainage in 3 endoscopy centers from January 2002 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Main observation indicators included clinical success rate, stent patency, overall survival, the effective liver drainage volume, and complication incidence.Results:The clinical success rates of patients with liver drainage volume <30%, 30%-50%, and >50% were 56.8% (25/44), 77.3% (201/260) and 84.2% (277/329) respectively. The incidences of early cholangitis were 31.8% (14/44), 18.8% (49/260) and 16.1% (53/329). The median stent patency time was 4.5 (95% CI: 1.8-7.2) months, 5.6 (95% CI: 5.0-6.2) months and 6.6 (95% CI: 5.2-8.0) months. The overall survival time was 2.4 (95% CI: 1.8-3.0) months, 4.0 (95% CI: 3.4-4.6) months and 4.9 (95% CI:4.4-5.4) months, respectively. The clinical success rate ( χ 2=8.28, P=0.012), median stent patency period ( χ 2=18.87, P=0.015) and overall survival time ( χ 2=6.93, P=0.024) of 30%-50% liver drainage volume group were significantly higher than those of <30% group. Further multivariate cox regression analysis showed that the disease type (hepatocellular carcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.50, 95% CI:1.18-1.91, P=0.001; gallbladder carcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.45, 95% CI:1.14-1.85, P=0.002; metastatic cholangiocarcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.48, 95% CI:1.08-2.04, P=0.015), bilirubin level >200 μmol/L ( HR=1.35, 95% CI:1.14-1.60, P<0.001),metal stents ( HR=0.67, 95% CI:0.56-0.79, P<0.001), liver drainage volume (volume 30%-50% VS <30%: HR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.90, P=0.010; volume>50% VS <30%: HR=0.58, 95% CI:0.41-0.81, P=0.002) and anti-tumor therapy ( HR=0.51, 95% CI:0.42-0.61, P<0.001) were independent predictors for overall survival time of patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction. Conclusion:When endoscopic stent drainage is performed for patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction, at least 30% liver volume is required for better overall survival. In addition, the use of metal stent drainage and anti-tumor therapy may increase survival benefits.

Objective:To compare the knowledge of endoscopic screening of gastrointestinal cancers between digestive healthcare workers and new chatbots (chatGPT and new Bing).Methods:A test with twenty-three questions of endoscopic screening of gastrointestinal cancers was conducted, focusing on the appropriate age of screening, high-risk factors, the follow-up time, and the advantages and risks of digestive endoscopy. Digestive healthcare workers were invited to complete the test through electronic questionnaires. New Bing and chatGPT were used to answer each question for 10 rounds. The primary endpoint was the correct rate of all answers. The answer accuracy between digestive healthcare workers and new chatbots were compared using variance analysis, and the factors that affected the accuracy of the answers in digestive healthcare workers were explored using univariate and multivariable liner regression analysis.Results:The results of the test completed by 76 digestive healthcare workers (21 residents, 28 digestive nurses, and 27 digestive doctors) were analyzed. The accuracies were 36.4%±10.9%, 34.5%±10.2%, 52.2%± 12.6%, 46.3%±9.8% and 67.1%±9.3% in residents, digestive nurses, digestive doctors, chatGPT, and new Bing, respectively, with significant difference ( F=22.6, P<0.001). The accuracy was highest in new Bing ( P<0.001). The accuracy was comparable between chatGPT and digestive doctors (LSD- t=-1.398, P=0.166), and both higher than that of digestive nurses (LSD- t=2.956, P=0.004; LSD- t=5.955, P<0.001) and residents (LSD- t=2.402, P=0.018; LSD- t=4.951, P<0.001). Furthermore, the accuracy was comparable between digestive nurses and residents (LSD- t=-0.574, P=0.567). Compared with new Bing, digestive doctors had lower accuracy in answering questions related to adverse events of screening, follow-up recommendation of intestinal metaplasia, high risk factors and screening methods for colon cancer ( P<0.05), but higher accuracy in answering questions related to endoscopic adverse events and screening methods for esophageal cancer ( P<0.05). Multivariable liner regression analysis showed that being digestive doctors ( β=11.7, t=3.054, P=0.003) and questionnaire response time (≥7.6 min) ( β=7.8, t=2.894, P=0.005) were independent factors for the answer accuracy of digestive healthcare workers. Conclusion:Compared with digestive healthcare workers, New chatbots—new Bing has higher accuracy in answering gastrointestinal cancer screening-related questions, but performs poorly in answering questions such as adverse events of endoscopy and screening methods for esophageal cancer.

Objective:To investigate the outcome and prognostic factors associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).Methods:PSC patients admitted to Xijing Hospital from May 2009 to May 2020 were included. Data of demographics, clinical symptoms, laboratory and imaging tests, and ERCP consultations were collected to explore the population characteristics and clinical efficacy of ERCP treatment, and to follow up disease progression, transplant-free survival, and overall survival .Results:A total of 74 patients with PSC were included in this study, with a median age of 53 years, 54.1% (40/74) male. Patients combined with bile duct dominant stenosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and another autoimmune liver disease were 32.4% (24/74), 18.9% (14/74), and 17.6% (13/74), respectively, and those undergoing ERCP were 36.5% (27/74). Logistic regression analysis showed that high total bilirubin ( OR=12.33, 95% CI: 1.24-122.63, P=0.032) and bile duct dominant stenosis ( OR=24.67, 95% CI: 3.40-178.88, P=0.002) were independent high-risk factors for ERCP consultation. The operation and clinical success rates of ERCP were both 96.3% (26/27). As of the last follow-up, the proportions of patients progressing to cirrhosis, bile duct cancer, liver transplantation and death were 9.5% (7/74), 4.1% (3/74), 5.4% (4/74) and 18.9% (14/74), respectively. The five-year survival rate of the follow-up patients ( n=54) was 83.3%. The differences in transplant-free survival ( P=0.933) and overall survival ( P=0.608) between ERCP patients and non-ERCP patients were not statistically significant. Transplant-free survival of those who were companied with pruritus ( HR=5.30, 95% CI: 1.50-18.90, P=0.010) was shorter. Conclusion:PSC patients have higher proportion of IBD and less autoimmune liver disease. Higher proportion of patients with higher total bilirubin or bile duct dominant stenosis receive ERCP. While the short-term efficacy of ERCP is satisfactory, the long-term prognosis is still suboptimal. Patients with pruritus have a shorter transplant-free survival.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the endoscopic modality of choice for the treatment of biliary and pancreatic diseases. However, patients with cirrhosis, particularly those with decompensated cirrhosis, are believed to be at increased risk for complications associated with ERCP. There is a paucity of literature describing the outcomes of ERCP for patients with cirrhosis. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of ERCP for cirrhosis patients, especially adverse events, and evaluated its safety and efficacy. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of all patients at Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, Xijing Hospital affiliated to Air Force Military Medical University, Beijing Youan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, and the Fifth Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital from June 2003 to August 2019. The adverse events of inpatient ERCP for patients with ( n  = 182) and without liver cirrhosis (controls; n  = 385) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 567 patients underwent ERCP between January 2003 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. Compared to patients without cirrhosis, patients with cirrhosis were at higher risk for postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR], 4.172; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.232-7.031; P  < 0.001) such as postoperative pancreatitis (OR, 2.026; 95% CI, 1.002-4.378; P  = 0.001) and cholangitis (OR, 3.903; 95% CI, 1.001-10.038; P  = 0.036). The main indications for ERCP for patients with cirrhosis in this study included choledocholithiasis (101 cases; 55.5%), benign bile duct strictures (46 cases; 25.3%), and malignant bile duct strictures (28 cases; 15.4%). Among them, 23 patients (12.6%) underwent balloon dilation and 79 patients (43.4%) underwent sphincterotomy. Of the patients with cirrhosis, delayed bleeding occurred in ten patients (5.5%), postoperative pancreatitis occurred in 80 patients (44.0%), and postoperative cholangitis occurred in 25 patients (13.7%). An additional multivariate analysis showed that the total bilirubin (TBIL) level (OR, 4.58; 95% CI, 2.37-6.70) and Child-Pugh score of C (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.04-5.37) were risk factors for postoperative complications in patients with cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the general population of patients undergoing ERCP, patients with cirrhosis were more prone to postoperative pancreatitis and cholangitis. TBIL levels and Child-Pugh scores were risk factors for postoperative complications in patients with cirrhosis.
Humans ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Risk Factors ; Liver Cirrhosis/complications* ; Pancreatitis/etiology* ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology* ; Cholangitis

Objective:To investigate the risk factors for moderate to severe pancreatitis (PEP) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) .Methods:Data of 6 731 patients diagnosed as having biliary and pancreatic diseases with initial papilla who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from June 2010 to June 2020 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Parameters related to intubation and postoperative complications were prospectively collected. The main end point was moderate to severe PEP. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors for moderate to severe PEP.Results:The incidence of overall PEP and moderate to severe PEP in 6 731 ERCP patients with initial papilla were 5.3% ( n=359) and 1.0% ( n=68) respectively. Univariate analysis showed that female, indications of ERCP, cannulation method, cannulation time, cannulation attempts, times of inadvertent pancreatic duct cannulation and cannulation with or without trainee involvement were all associated with moderate to severe PEP ( P<0.10). Multivariate analysis showed that female ( OR=2.32, 95% CI:1.28-4.21, P=0.006), non-common bile duct stones indication ( OR=2.04, 95% CI:1.16-3.59, P=0.014), cannulation time ≥5 min ( OR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.20-4.13, P=0.011), inadvertent pancreatic duct cannulation time ≥1 ( OR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.03-3.44, P=0.040) and non-trainee involvement cannulation ( OR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.02-3.22, P=0.043) were independent risk factors for moderate to severe PEP. Conclusion:The independent risk factors for moderate to severe PEP include female, non-common bile duct stones indication, non-trainee involvement cannulation and difficult cannulation. Great importance should be attached to these factors above during the whole perioperative period of ERCP.

Objective:To compare the bile bacterial diversity in patients with different types of common bile duct stones (CBDS).Methods:A total of 45 patients with CBDS diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound, abdominal CT and (or) magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from August 2017 to January 2018 were divided into the non-stone (NS) group, the primary cholesterol stone (PCS) group, the primary pigment stone (PPS) group, and the recurrent stone (RS) group. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the microbile community structure and diversity in bile which was collected before contrast medium injection.Results:Thirty-three patients were in the non-RS group (8 in the NS group, 8 in the PCS group, and 17 in the PPS group) and 12 were in the RS group. The proportion of patients with intra-diverticular papilla [41.67% (5/12) VS 3.03% (1/33), χ2=8.27, P=0.004], loose stones [91.67% (11/12) VS 36.36% (12/33), χ2=10.77, P=0.001] and pigmental stones [100.00% (12/12) VS 51.52% (17/33), χ2=7.04, P=0.008] were significantly higher in the RS group than those in the non-RS group. There was no significant difference in other baseline data ( P>0.05). At the phylum and genus level, the bacterial abundance was similar in the RS and PPS group. Alpha and Beta diversity analysis showed that the microbial diversity was similar between the RS and PPS group, both of which were lower than those in the NS and PCS group ( P<0.05). MetaStat analysis revealed that Helicobacter pylori was the dominant bacteria in the RS group, and Proteobacteria and Escherichia coli were the dominant bacteria in both RS and PPS groups. Conclusion:Bacterial abundance of bile in the RS group is similar to that of the PPS group, but the diversity of biliary bacteria flora in the RS group and PPS group are significantly lower than those in the PCS group and NS group. Helicobacter pylori is the dominant biliary bacteria in the RS group.

Objective:To investigate the application value of different metal stents place-ment position in endoscopic drainage of malignant hilar bile duct obstruction.Methods:The retro-spective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 300 patients with malignant hilar bile duct obstruction who were admitted to 3 medical centers, including 216 patients in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, 48 patients in the Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 36 patients in the First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, from January 2012 to January 2019 were collected. There were 164 males and 136 females, aged (67±12)years. All patients were determined to be unresectable by multidisciplinary consultation and underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Observation indicators: (1) clinicopathological features of patients; (2) follow-up; (3) analysis of influencing factors for patency time of metal biliary stents and overall survival time of patients. Follow-up was conducted using outpatient examination and telephone interview to detect patency of metal biliary stents and survival of patients up to July 2019 or death of patients. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the rank sum test. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and draw survival curves, and Log-Rank test was used to conduct survival analysis. COX regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Factors with P<0.1 in univariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis. Results:(1) Clinicopathological features of patients. Of the 300 patients, 163 cases underwent endoscopic drainage with at least one metal biliary stent' distal portion crossing the duodenal main papilla (hereinafter referred to as crossing papilla), and 137 cases underwent endoscopic drainage with no metal biliary stent' distal portion crossing the duodenal main papilla (hereinafter referred to as no crossing papilla). Age, disease type (hilar cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangio-carcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma, metastatic cholangiocarcinoma), metal biliary stents type (unilateral metal biliary stent, bilateral metal biliary stents) of patients with crossing papilla were (68±13)years, 95, 8, 11, 31, 18, 63, 100, respectively. The above indicators of patients with no crossing papilla were (64±12)years, 63, 22, 20, 23, 9, 126, 11, respectively. There were significant differences in the above indicators between patients with crossing papilla and patients with no crossing papilla ( t=2.70, χ2=17.69, 90.79, P<0.05). (2) Follow-up. All the 300 patients were followed up for 5.4(3.1,9.3)months. The patency time of metal biliary stents was 9.0(8.2,9.8)months and 6.4(4.8,8.0)months of patients with crossing papilla and patients with no crossing papilla, showing a significant difference between them ( χ2=8.23, P<0.05). The overall survival time was 5.5(4.2,6.8)months and 5.5(4.3,6.8)months of patients with crossing papilla and patients with no crossing papilla, showing no significant difference between them ( χ2=0.28, P>0.05). (3) Analysis of influencing factors for patency time of metal biliary stents and overall survival time of patients. Results of univariate analysis showed that type of metal biliary stents and the placement position of metal biliary stents were related factors affecting the patency time of metal biliary stents [ hazard ratio( HR)=0.44, 0.60, 95% confidence intervals as 0.30?0.64, 0.42?0.85, P<0.05]. Results of multi-variate analysis showed that bilateral metal biliary stents was an independent protective factor for the patency time of metal biliary stents ( HR=0.46, 95% confidence interval as 0.29?0.72, P<0.05). Results of univariate analysis showed that disease type (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma versus hilar cholangiocarcinoma), preoperative serum total bilirubin, type of metal biliary stents, anti-tumor therapy were related factors affecting the overall survival time of patients ( HR=1.05, 1.43, 0.72, 0.61, 95% confidence intervals as 0.70?1.57, 1.12?1.83, 0.55?0.92, 0.47?0.81, P<0.05). Results of multi-variate analysis showed that age >60 years, disease type as hepatocellular carcinoma, preoperative serum total bilirubin >200 μmol/L were independent risk factors for the overall survival time of patients ( HR=1.35, 1.98, 1.46, 95% confidence intervals as 1.02?1.79, 1.40?2.80, 1.13?1.89, P<0.05), and bilateral metal biliary stents, anti-tumor therapy were independent protective factors for the overall survival time of patients ( HR=0.68, 0.60, 95% confidence intervals as 0.53?0.89, 0.45?0.80, P<0.05). Conclusions:Endoscopic drainage with or without metal biliary stents' distal portion crossing the duodenal main papilla is safe and feasible for patients with malignant hilar bile duct obstruction. Bilateral metal biliary stents is an independent protective factor for the patency time of metal biliary stents. Age >60 years, disease type as hepatocellular carcinoma, preoperative serum total bilirubin >200 μmol/L are independent risk factors for the overall survival time of patients, and bilateral metal biliary stents, anti-tumor therapy are independent protective factors for the overall survival time of patients.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) biliary stent implantation in patients with unresectable malignant biliary stricture (MBS) and the influencing factors of overall survival.Methods:The clinical data of 346 patients who underwent ERCP biliary stent implantation due to MBS from May 2013 to October 2016 in Xijing Digestive Disease Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital and Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University were retrospectively analyzed, and the efficacy, complications and risk factors affecting overall survival were also analyzed.Results:After ERCP biliary stent implantation, the levels of total bilirubin, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase were lower than those before surgery (all P < 0.01). The incidence of infection after operation was 14.7% (51/346), and the incidence of biliary infection was 13.0% (45/346). The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) was 4.6% (16/346). The median survival time after ERCP was 131.0 d (70.3 d, 246.5 d). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors affecting the overall survival patients included the hilar bile duct stenosis ( HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.44-2.38, P < 0.01), preoperative bilirubin level exceeding the upper limit of normal level by 5 times ( HR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.30-2.36, P < 0.01), carbohydrate antigen 199 level exceeding the upper limit of normal level by 10 times ( HR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.00-1.61, P = 0.050), vascular and organ metastasis ( HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.69, P = 0.023), and the poor jaundice decreasing level ( HR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.02-1.85, P = 0.037) . Conclusions:The ERCP biliary stent implantation is a safe and effective therapy for MBS. ERCP biliary stent implantation MBS patients with hilar bile duct stenosis, preoperative bilirubin levels more than 5 times of the upper limit of normal level, carbohydrate antigen 199 levels more than 10 times of the upper limit of normal level, vascular and organ metastasis, and poor jaundice decreasing level may have poor overall survival.