Objectives

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy is difficult to be performed using routine tools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of cap-assisted routine adult colonoscope (CARAC) for ERCP in these patients.

Methods

Sixteen consecutive patients with indications of ERCP who had previously undergone total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction at two tertiary care endoscopy centers were identified. All ERCP procedures were carried out by using CARAC. The success rate of reaching the papilla, biliary cannulation and procedure-related adverse events were analyzed.

Results

The papilla was successful reached in 11 (68.8%) of the 16 cases, and biliary cannulation was subsequently reached in eight (72.7%) of the 11 cases. The procedures succeeded in three patients by using a percutaneous–endoscopic rendezvous procedure after failed cannulation. Overall clinical success was achieved in 11 (68.8%) of 16 patients. Procedure-related mild acute pancreatitis was observed in 25.0% (4/16) of the cases and mild cholangitis in 18.8% (3/16). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

CARAC for therapeutic ERCP is safe and effective in treating patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy.