Clinical utility of single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy using a SpyGlass probe through an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography catheter.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

A single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy was developed to overcome a problem in conventional peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy. The aim of this pilot study was to clarify the clinical utility of single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy using a SpyGlass probe through an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) catheter.

METHODS

Patients undergoing ERCP with a SpyGlass probe passed through a catheter were included in this study. The SpyGlass probe was inserted into the catheter following successful cannulation, and cholangiopancreatoscopy was performed by a single operator. We retrospectively analyzed the successful visualization rate of this technique.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included in this study. SpyGlass cholangiopancreatoscopy was technically successful in all patients. Successful visualization was obtained in nine patients (60%). The median SpyGlass procedure time was 10 min. Cholangiopancreatoscopic diagnoses were as follows: bile duct carcinoma in three patients; intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma in two; and intraductal pancreatic stone, benign biliary stricture, gallbladder cholesterolosis, and gallbladder carcinoma in one each. There were no cases of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

While the low rate of successful visualization must be improved, single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy using a SpyGlass probe through an ERCP catheter is a safe and effective procedure.