Endoscopy 2016; 48(10): 929-933
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-110395
Innovations and brief communications
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Direct retrograde cholangioscopy with a new prototype double-bending cholangioscope

Torsten Beyna
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
,
Harald Farnik
2   Medizinische Klinik I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
,
Christoph Sarrazin
2   Medizinische Klinik I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
,
Christian Gerges
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
,
Horst Neuhaus
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
,
Jörg G. Albert
2   Medizinische Klinik I, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

submitted09 August 2015

accepted after revision23 May 2016

Publication Date:
19 July 2016 (online)

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Background and study aims: Direct retrograde cholangioscopy (DRC) enables high quality video imaging of the bile ducts and allows intraductal treatment with optical control. We evaluated the feasibility, success, and complications of a new third-generation prototype cholangioscope.

Patients and Methods: All consecutive patients from two tertiary endoscopy centers who had undergone DRC with the prototype were included. Indications for DRC were: evaluation of indeterminate strictures, filling defects, and complex bile duct stones. Technical success was investigated in terms of indication and treatment performed. All adverse events were recorded.

Results: DRC with the prototype was performed in 74 patients. Therapeutic interventions included laser or electrohydraulic lithotripsy and stone removal, among others. The papilla was entered in 72/74 patients (97 %). The targeted bile duct segment was reached in 62 /74 patients (84 %), with an anchoring balloon catheter needed in 21/74 (28 %). Mean investigation time was 21 minutes (15 – 27 minutes)

Conclusions: DRC using the prototype is feasible, safe, and attains access to the bile ducts in almost all patients, with less need of an anchoring balloon catheter compared with the standard technique and short investigation and fluoroscopy times.