Abstract
Aims To investigate the role of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) with endoscopic biliary
drainage (EBD) in acute severe obstructive cholangitis management by performing a
meta-analysis of controlled trials.
Method We searched PubMed and Embase for controlled studies that compared endoscopic drainage
with ES versus Non-ES in acute obstructive cholangitis. Two reviewers selected the
studies and extracted the data. Disagreement was addressed by a third reviewer. Heterogeneity
of the studies was analyzed by Cochran’s Q statistics. A Mantel–Haenszel risk ratio
was calculated utilizing a random effects model.
Results Four controlled studies met our inclusion criteria with 392 participants (201 ES,
191 Non-ES). The outcomes were drainage insertion success rate, drainage effectiveness,
post drainage pancreatitis, bleeding, procedure duration, perforation, cholecystitis,
and 30-day mortality. Drainage insertion success rate was identical in both groups
(RR: 1.00, 95 %CI% 0.96 – 1.04). Effective drainage was not significantly different
(RR: 1.11, 95 %CI 0.73 – 1.7). There was no significant difference in the incidence
of pancreatitis post EBD between the ES and Non-ES groups at 3 % and 4 %, respectively
(RR: 0.73, 95 %CI 0.24 – 2.27). However, there was a significant increase in post
EBD bleeding with ES compared to Non-ES (RR: 8.58, 95 %CI 2.03 – 36.34). Thirty-day
mortality was similar between ES and Non-ES groups at 0.7 % and 1 %, respectively
(RR: 0.5, 95 %CI 0.05 – 5.28).
Conclusion Our findings show that EBD without ES is an effective drainage technique and carries
less risk for post procedure bleeding. Patients who are critically ill and have coagulopathy
should be spared from undergoing ES in the acute phase.