Cannulation of the papilla is the indispensable step in performing endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) [1], but sometimes there are technical problems that can lead to failure [2]. In patients with gallstone pancreatitis, there is a potential difficulty for endoscopists
due to the possible presence of duodenal edema which may hide the papilla of Vater
[3]. We describe here a case of difficult cannulation, achieved by using a balloon to
reduce the duodenal folds.
A 78-year-old man was referred to the emergency room of our hospital for hyperemesis
and syncope. Blood tests revealed a slight increase in bilirubin (1.82 mg/dl), elevation
of the pancreatic enzymes (amylase 1001 U/l, lipase 1647 U/l), slight increases in
transaminases, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP),
and a normal calcemia level.
The symptoms worsened 4 days later, with increased abdominal pain referred to the
back, and the persistence of nausea and hyperemesis. We repeated a biochemical evaluation,
which showed an increase of amylase (1417 U/L) and bilirubin (3.52 mg/dl) associated
with a decrease in calcium (5.8 mg/dl). The patient had an abdominal computed tomography
(CT) scan, and the radiologist identified the typical features of severe pancreatitis
(hypodensity and enlargement of the pancreas with intraparenchymal and peripancreatic
fluid collection).
We decided to perform ERCP, to remove the stones from the biliary tree via sphincterotomy.
When we reached the duodenum, we found edema associated with enlargement of the duodenal
folds, which did not allow us to see the papilla (Figure [1]).
Figure 1 The papilla of Vater is obscured by the edematous duodenal folds.
An inflated balloon for stone extraction (Extractor XL 5147; Boston Scientific Microvasive,
Nanterre, France) was used to flatten the folds, because they were too stiff to be
moved or pulled aside in a systematic search for the papilla with the sphincterotome,
as we normally do in this kind of situation. After a few attempts, randomly inflating
the balloon against the wall in different duodenal areas, we succeeded in finding
the papilla. We then inserted a guide wire through the balloon catheter and cannulated
the papilla without changing the instrument (Figure [2]).
Figure 2 Cannulation of the papilla after the duodenal fold has been flattened somewhat with
a balloon catheter (balloon inflated).
Finally, we used the sphincterotome on the guide wire to carry out endoscopic sphincterotomy,
and then removed the stones from the biliary tree using the same balloon employed
for cannulation. The patient’s clinical picture improved rapidly, with a full recovery
after a short period of hospitalization.
This case illustrates an ingenious way for the endoscopist to reach the papilla in
the case of duodenal edema which renders other methods impractical, performed using
a universally available device, the balloon catheter. However, this cannot be regarded
as a definitive solution to the problem because a certain amount of luck is required
in addition to the endoscopist’s skilfulness.
Competing interests: Not declared
Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AR_2AB
