Article Search
검색
검색 팝업 닫기

Metrics

Help

  • 1. Aims and Scope

    Gut and Liver is an international journal of gastroenterology, focusing on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, biliary tree, pancreas, motility, and neurogastroenterology. Gut atnd Liver delivers up-to-date, authoritative papers on both clinical and research-based topics in gastroenterology. The Journal publishes original articles, case reports, brief communications, letters to the editor and invited review articles in the field of gastroenterology. The Journal is operated by internationally renowned editorial boards and designed to provide a global opportunity to promote academic developments in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology. +MORE

  • 2. Editorial Board

    Editor-in-Chief + MORE

    Editor-in-Chief
    Yong Chan Lee Professor of Medicine
    Director, Gastrointestinal Research Laboratory
    Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Univ. California San Francisco
    San Francisco, USA

    Deputy Editor

    Deputy Editor
    Jong Pil Im Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
    Robert S. Bresalier University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
    Steven H. Itzkowitz Mount Sinai Medical Center, NY, USA
  • 3. Editorial Office
  • 4. Articles
  • 5. Instructions for Authors
  • 6. File Download (PDF version)
  • 7. Ethical Standards
  • 8. Peer Review

    All papers submitted to Gut and Liver are reviewed by the editorial team before being sent out for an external peer review to rule out papers that have low priority, insufficient originality, scientific flaws, or the absence of a message of importance to the readers of the Journal. A decision about these papers will usually be made within two or three weeks.
    The remaining articles are usually sent to two reviewers. It would be very helpful if you could suggest a selection of reviewers and include their contact details. We may not always use the reviewers you recommend, but suggesting reviewers will make our reviewer database much richer; in the end, everyone will benefit. We reserve the right to return manuscripts in which no reviewers are suggested.

    The final responsibility for the decision to accept or reject lies with the editors. In many cases, papers may be rejected despite favorable reviews because of editorial policy or a lack of space. The editor retains the right to determine publication priorities, the style of the paper, and to request, if necessary, that the material submitted be shortened for publication.

Search

Search

Year

to

Article Type

Case Report

Split Viewer

Impact of a Newly Developed Short Double-Balloon Enteroscope on Stent Placement in Patients with Surgically Altered Anatomies

Koichiro Tsutsumi, Hironari Kato, Hiroyuki Okada

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan

Correspondence to: Koichiro Tsutsumi, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan, Tel: +81-86-235-7219, Fax: +81-86-225-5991, E-mail: tsutsumi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Received: September 5, 2016; Revised: October 21, 2016; Accepted: October 21, 2016

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Gut Liver 2017;11(2):306-311. https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl16441

Published online February 17, 2017, Published date March 15, 2017

Copyright © Gut and Liver.

A newly developed short double-balloon enteroscope with a working channel enlarged to a diameter of 3.2 mm is a novel innovation in stent placement for patients with surgically altered anatomies. Herein, we report three patients in whom this new scope contributed to an efficient technique and ideal treatment. In the first case, the double guidewire technique was efficient and effective for multiple stent placements. In the second case, covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement, which is the standard treatment for malignant biliary obstruction, could be performed in a technologically sound and safe manner. In the third case, SEMS placement was performed as palliative treatment for malignant afferent-loop obstruction; this procedure could be performed soundly and safely using the through-the-scope technique. The wider working channel of this new scope also facilitates a smoother accessory insertion and high suction performance, which reduces procedure time and stress on endoscopists. Furthermore, this new scope, which has advanced force transmission, adaptive bending, and a smaller turning radius, is expected to be highly successful in both diagnosis and therapy for various digestive diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomies.

Keywords: Double-balloon enteroscopy, Cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde, Stents, Gastric outlet obstruction, Technology

The short double-balloon enteroscope (DBE) is considered a useful device for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomies.1 One reason for this is that the short length of the scope allows many conventional ERCP accessories to be used, unlike the long DBE. However, the narrow working channel of the scope, with a 2.8-mm diameter, limits the procedures and treatments that can be performed.

On the other hand, a useful overtube-assisted technique with the long single-balloon enteroscope replaced by a conventional forward-viewing upper endoscope, which enables the use of conventional accessories after reaching the target site, was reported.2 However, the scope exchange can be difficult, especially if the overtube collapses due to an acute angulated site,3 and the diameter of the working channel of currently available upper scopes is only 2.8-mm.

A newly developed short DBE (EI-580BT; Fujifilm, Tokyo, Japan), whose working channel is enlarged to 3.2 mm in diameter (Figs 1 and 2), represents a novel innovation for patients with surgically altered anatomies. Herein, we report three patients in whom this new scope contributed to efficient technique and ideal treatment for stent placement.

1. Case 1

A 37-year-old woman who had undergone living donor liver transplantation with right lobe graft for congenital biliary atresia was admitted for cholangitis due to benign recurrent biliary obstruction. She had a history of hepaticojejunostomy as a reconstruction method. Therefore, ERCP was attempted for biliary drainage using the newly developed short DBE. Scope insertion to the bilioenteric anastomosis was successfully achieved (Fig. 3A), and cholangiogram showed benign strictures of the bile duct (B6, B7, and B8) and bilioenteric anastomotic stricture (Fig. 3B). We planned to place as many plastic stents as possible in order to achieve sufficient dilation of these strictures. First, 0.035-inch (RevoWave; Piolax, Kanagawa, Japan) and 0.025-inch (Visiglide2; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) guidewires were inserted in B7 and B6, respectively (Fig. 3C). While maintaining a 0.025-inch guidewire in B6, a 7-F plastic stent (Through Pass; Gadelius, Tokyo, Japan) was smoothly advanced using a 0.035-inch guidewire, and was placed into B7 (Fig. 3D). Secondly, the 0.035-inch guidewire was reinserted in B6, and a second 7-F plastic stent (Through Pass; Gadelius) was placed into B6 using the guidewire, still maintaining the 0.025-inch guidewire in place. Similarly, the 0.035-inch guidewire was reinserted in B8, and a third 7-F plastic stent (Through Pass; Gadelius) was placed into B8 (Fig. 3E). Finally, a fourth 7-F plastic stent (Through Pass; Gadelius) was successfully placed into B6 using the 0.025-inch guidewire that was initially inserted (Fig. 3F). No procedure-related adverse events occurred. Three months later, these four plastic stents were exchanged safely and accurately by the same methods due to persistent biliary strictures, which were improved but still present (Table 1).

2. Case 2

A 78-year-old man who had received chemotherapy for postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer in the intra-abdominal lymph nodes and lung after distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction was admitted for jaundice. Computed tomography imaging revealed distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) due to enlarged lymph nodes. Therefore, ERCP was attempted for biliary drainage using the newly developed short DBE. After insertion of the scope to the ampulla of Vater (Fig. 4A), biliary cannulation was successfully performed; a cholangiogram showed a 15-mm long distal biliary obstruction (Fig. 4B). Following endoscopic sphincterotomy using a sphincterotome (RotaCut; Medi-Globe GmbH, Achenmühle, Germany), a partially covered self-expandable metal stent (CSEMS) with a delivery system of 8.5-F diameter and 194-cm working length (Wallflex biliary RX stent; Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA; 10 mm×60 mm) was successfully deployed (Fig. 4C and D). Postprocedure, mild pancreatitis occurred, but improved immediately with conservative therapy. After resolution of jaundice, chemotherapy was resumed, and no recurrent biliary obstruction occurred for 13 months (Table 1).

3. Case 3

A 59-year-old woman who had undergone total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y due to gastric cancer was admitted for abdominal pain due to cancer recurrence. Computed tomography imaging revealed malignant afferent-loop obstruction, involving the third portion of the duodenum. Therefore, duodenal stent placement was attempted as palliative therapy using the newly developed short DBE. After reaching the lesion (Fig. 5A), small-bowel enema showed stenosis of approximately 40-mm in length (Fig. 5B). Then, an uncovered self-expandable metal stent (USEMS) (Niti-S D pyloric/duodenal uncovered stent; Taewoong Medical, Gimpo, Korea; 18-mm in diameter, 6-cm in length) with a delivery system of 9-F diameter and 220-cm working length was smoothly advanced via the through-the-scope technique, and placed correctly and safely under endoscopic view and fluoroscopic guidance using the new scope (Fig. 5C–E). Postprocedure, mild pancreatitis occurred, but improved immediately with conservative therapy. Thereafter, her symptom also improved (Table 1).

This newly developed short DBE with an enlarged working channel represents technological innovation in endoscopic stent placement for patients with surgically altered anatomies; the double guidewire technique was efficient and effective for multiple stent placement. CSEMS placement, which represents standard treatment for MBO, and USEMS placement, as palliative treatment for malignant afferent-loop obstruction, were both performed in a technologically sound and safe manner.

First, we demonstrated multiple 7-F plastic stent placements with the double guidewire technique using standard guidewires, such as 0.035-inch and 0.025-inch guidewires, employing the newly developed short DBE. The conventional short DBE with a small, 2.8-mm working channel does not allow placement of a 7-F stent while also maintaining a second standard guidewire in place. Therefore, we would need to perform biliary stenting one by one: a repeated process consisting of targeting the bile duct using a standard guidewire and placing a plastic stent within the duct. However, this impractical procedure carries a potential risk with the increasing number of stents placed: a greater number of stents would make it more difficult to identify and target the bile duct using the guidewire. Previously, we reported that a 0.018-inch guidewire was useful in the double guidewire technique as a landmark guidewire when performing partial stent-in-stent placement of metallic stents using conventional short DBE.4 However, a 0.018-inch guidewire is inadequate for biliary stenting, because of its reduced stiffness. The ability to maintain a 0.025-inch guidewire is more useful and reasonable for definitive and efficient biliary stent placement.

In the second case, we describe a patient with postoperative distal MBO due to lymph node metastases, in whom the newly developed short DBE contributed to transpapillary CSEMS placement, by through-the-scope methods. CSEMS is useful for the treatment of distal MBO, because of its long-term patency compared with USEMS.5,6 However, although successful scope insertion and cholangiogram were achieved using a conventional short DBE, a CSEMS that can be placed using the short DBE with a small working channel was unavailable; therefore, an USEMS or plastic stent must be selected for distal MBO. The availability of not only USEMS but also CSEMS is critically important from a clinical perspective, because it allows postoperative patients with distal MBO to receive the standard treatment, similar to that used in patients with normal anatomies.

Thirdly, we report a postoperative patient with malignant afferent-loop obstruction, in whom the new scope contributed to the placement of the USEMS, designed as a duodenal stent, by through-the-scope methods. Conventional DBE could never allow gastrointestinal metal stent placement for malignant gastrointestinal obstruction such as an afferent-loop obstruction, because of the narrow working channel of the scope. Therefore, one common practice is to insert the conventional DBE to the stricture and subsequently remove it, leaving the overtube; the self-expandable metal stent is then placed through the over-tube under fluoroscopic guidance.7,8 This technique is useful, but stent placement using the new scope, and the through-the-scope method, as in our case, is more ideal for achieving correct and safe stent placement.9

The wider working channel of this new scope also facilitates smoother accessory insertion and high suction performance, which can reduce procedure time and stress on endoscopists. In addition, this new scope allows for improved and easier scope insertion, by producing gradual stiffness with advanced force transmission for better stability and adaptive bending. Additionally, the smaller turning radius allows for improved viewing of the target site and a better environment for treatment. This scope is expected to be useful in improving the ability to obtain successful diagnosis and therapy for various digestive diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomies.

This newly developed short DBE brings about technological innovation in stent placement, and therefore standard, efficient, and safe treatment can be performed even in patients with surgically altered anatomies.

Fig. 1.Newly developed short double-balloon enteroscope.
Fig. 2.Distal end layout of the short double-balloon enteroscope. (A) Conventional type (EC-450BI5; Fujifilm); (B) new type (EI-580BT; Fujifilm).
Fig. 3.Multiple plastic stent placements for benign biliary strictures after hepaticojejunostomy with a double guidewire technique using the newly developed short double-balloon enteroscope. (A) The scope reached the bilioenteric anastomotic site. (B) Cholangiogram showed a biliary obstruction (arrowheads, biliary stricture). (C) 0.035-inch and 0.025-inch guidewires were inserted in B7 and B6, respectively. (D) While maintaining the 0.025-inch guidewire in B6, a 7-F plastic stent was smoothly advanced and placed into B7 using a 0.035-inch guidewire. (E) Similarly, after a second 7-F plastic stent was placed into B6 using the reinserted guidewire, the 0.035-inch guidewire was reinserted in B8, and then, a third 7-F plastic stent was placed into B8. (F) Finally, a fourth 7-F plastic stent was easily placed into B6 using the 0.025-inch guidewire that was initially inserted.
Fig. 4.Transpapillary placement of a partially covered self-expandable metal stent (CSEMS) for distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) using the newly developed short double-balloon enteroscope. (A) The scope reached the ampulla of Vater. (B) Cholangiogram showed an approximately 15-mm-long MBO. (C) After smooth advancement of the delivery system into the bile duct, placement of the CSEMS was initiated. (D) Successful transpapillary placement of the partially CSEMS for distal MBO was achieved.
Fig. 5.Metal stent placement for afferent-loop obstruction using the newly developed short double-balloon enteroscope. (A) The scope reached the obstruction site. (B) Small-bowel enema showed an afferent-loop obstruction approximately 40 mm in length. (C) Endoscopic view showing malignant intestinal stricture, through which the metal stent with a delivery system was advanced. (D) An uncovered self-expandable metal stent was placed correctly and safely using through-the-scope methods. (E) Endoscopic view 1 month after stent placement.

Summary of Three Cases Treated with a Newly Developed Short Double-Balloon Enteroscope

CaseAge, yrSexType of altered anatomyIndicationScope insertion time* (min)Stents placed for treatmentTotal procedure time (min)Clinical successComplication
137FemaleHepaticojejunostomy with Billroth-II and Braun anastomosisBenign biliary obstruction (B6, B7, B8, and BAS)5Four 7-F plastic stents35YesNone
278MaleDistal gastrectomy with Roux-en-YDistal malignant biliary obstruction22CSEMS (10 mm in diameter)103YesPancreatitis (mild)
359FemaleTotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-YMalignant afferent-loop obstruction12USEMS (18 mm in diameter)20YesPancreatitis (mild)

BAS, bilioenteric anastomotic stricture; CSEMS, covered self-expandable metal stent; USEMS, uncovered self-expandable metal stent.

*Time from scope insertion to reaching the target site;

Time from scope insertion to scope withdrawal;

Sixty minutes was required for biliary cannulation.


  1. Sakakihara, I, Kato, H, and Muro, S (2015). Double-balloon enteroscopy for choledochojejunal anastomotic stenosis after hepato-biliary-pancreatic operation. Dig Endosc. 27, 146-154.
    CrossRef
  2. Itoi, T, Ishii, K, and Sofuni, A (2010). Single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y anastomosis (with video). Am J Gastroenterol. 105, 93-99.
    CrossRef
  3. Soh, JS, Yang, DH, and Lee, SS (2015). Single balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients who underwent a gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis: six cases from a single center. Clin Endosc. 48, 452-457.
    Pubmed KoreaMed CrossRef
  4. Tsutsumi, K, Kato, H, Okada, H, and Yamamoto, K (2014). A novel technique for partial stent-in-stent placement of three metal biliary stents using a short double-balloon enteroscope. Endoscopy. 46, E417-E418.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  5. Saleem, A, Leggett, CL, Murad, MH, and Baron, TH (2011). Meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing the patency of covered and uncovered self-expandable metal stents for palliation of distal malignant bile duct obstruction. Gastrointest Endosc. 74, 321-327.e3.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  6. Kawakubo, K, Isayama, H, and Nakai, Y (2011). Efficacy and safety of covered self-expandable metal stents for management of distal malignant biliary obstruction due to lymph node metastases. Surg Endosc. 25, 3094-3100.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  7. Fujii, M, Ishiyama, S, and Saito, H (2015). Metallic stent insertion with double-balloon endoscopy for malignant afferent loop obstruction. World J Gastrointest Endosc. 7, 665-669.
    Pubmed KoreaMed
  8. Sasaki, T, Isayama, H, and Kogure, H (2014). Double-balloon enteroscope-assisted enteral stent placement for malignant afferent-loop obstruction after Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Endoscopy. 46, E541-E542.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  9. Shimatani, M, Takaoka, M, and Tokuhara, M (2016). Through-the-scope self-expanding metal stent placement using newly developed short double-balloon endoscope for the effective management of malignant afferent-loop obstruction. Endoscopy. 48, E6-E7.
    Pubmed CrossRef

Article

Case Report

Gut and Liver 2017; 11(2): 306-311

Published online March 15, 2017 https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl16441

Copyright © Gut and Liver.

Impact of a Newly Developed Short Double-Balloon Enteroscope on Stent Placement in Patients with Surgically Altered Anatomies

Koichiro Tsutsumi, Hironari Kato, Hiroyuki Okada

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan

Correspondence to:Koichiro Tsutsumi, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan, Tel: +81-86-235-7219, Fax: +81-86-225-5991, E-mail: tsutsumi@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp

Received: September 5, 2016; Revised: October 21, 2016; Accepted: October 21, 2016

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

A newly developed short double-balloon enteroscope with a working channel enlarged to a diameter of 3.2 mm is a novel innovation in stent placement for patients with surgically altered anatomies. Herein, we report three patients in whom this new scope contributed to an efficient technique and ideal treatment. In the first case, the double guidewire technique was efficient and effective for multiple stent placements. In the second case, covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement, which is the standard treatment for malignant biliary obstruction, could be performed in a technologically sound and safe manner. In the third case, SEMS placement was performed as palliative treatment for malignant afferent-loop obstruction; this procedure could be performed soundly and safely using the through-the-scope technique. The wider working channel of this new scope also facilitates a smoother accessory insertion and high suction performance, which reduces procedure time and stress on endoscopists. Furthermore, this new scope, which has advanced force transmission, adaptive bending, and a smaller turning radius, is expected to be highly successful in both diagnosis and therapy for various digestive diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomies.

Keywords: Double-balloon enteroscopy, Cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde, Stents, Gastric outlet obstruction, Technology

INTRODUCTION

The short double-balloon enteroscope (DBE) is considered a useful device for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with surgically altered anatomies.1 One reason for this is that the short length of the scope allows many conventional ERCP accessories to be used, unlike the long DBE. However, the narrow working channel of the scope, with a 2.8-mm diameter, limits the procedures and treatments that can be performed.

On the other hand, a useful overtube-assisted technique with the long single-balloon enteroscope replaced by a conventional forward-viewing upper endoscope, which enables the use of conventional accessories after reaching the target site, was reported.2 However, the scope exchange can be difficult, especially if the overtube collapses due to an acute angulated site,3 and the diameter of the working channel of currently available upper scopes is only 2.8-mm.

A newly developed short DBE (EI-580BT; Fujifilm, Tokyo, Japan), whose working channel is enlarged to 3.2 mm in diameter (Figs 1 and 2), represents a novel innovation for patients with surgically altered anatomies. Herein, we report three patients in whom this new scope contributed to efficient technique and ideal treatment for stent placement.

CASE REPORTS

1. Case 1

A 37-year-old woman who had undergone living donor liver transplantation with right lobe graft for congenital biliary atresia was admitted for cholangitis due to benign recurrent biliary obstruction. She had a history of hepaticojejunostomy as a reconstruction method. Therefore, ERCP was attempted for biliary drainage using the newly developed short DBE. Scope insertion to the bilioenteric anastomosis was successfully achieved (Fig. 3A), and cholangiogram showed benign strictures of the bile duct (B6, B7, and B8) and bilioenteric anastomotic stricture (Fig. 3B). We planned to place as many plastic stents as possible in order to achieve sufficient dilation of these strictures. First, 0.035-inch (RevoWave; Piolax, Kanagawa, Japan) and 0.025-inch (Visiglide2; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) guidewires were inserted in B7 and B6, respectively (Fig. 3C). While maintaining a 0.025-inch guidewire in B6, a 7-F plastic stent (Through Pass; Gadelius, Tokyo, Japan) was smoothly advanced using a 0.035-inch guidewire, and was placed into B7 (Fig. 3D). Secondly, the 0.035-inch guidewire was reinserted in B6, and a second 7-F plastic stent (Through Pass; Gadelius) was placed into B6 using the guidewire, still maintaining the 0.025-inch guidewire in place. Similarly, the 0.035-inch guidewire was reinserted in B8, and a third 7-F plastic stent (Through Pass; Gadelius) was placed into B8 (Fig. 3E). Finally, a fourth 7-F plastic stent (Through Pass; Gadelius) was successfully placed into B6 using the 0.025-inch guidewire that was initially inserted (Fig. 3F). No procedure-related adverse events occurred. Three months later, these four plastic stents were exchanged safely and accurately by the same methods due to persistent biliary strictures, which were improved but still present (Table 1).

2. Case 2

A 78-year-old man who had received chemotherapy for postoperative recurrence of gastric cancer in the intra-abdominal lymph nodes and lung after distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction was admitted for jaundice. Computed tomography imaging revealed distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) due to enlarged lymph nodes. Therefore, ERCP was attempted for biliary drainage using the newly developed short DBE. After insertion of the scope to the ampulla of Vater (Fig. 4A), biliary cannulation was successfully performed; a cholangiogram showed a 15-mm long distal biliary obstruction (Fig. 4B). Following endoscopic sphincterotomy using a sphincterotome (RotaCut; Medi-Globe GmbH, Achenmühle, Germany), a partially covered self-expandable metal stent (CSEMS) with a delivery system of 8.5-F diameter and 194-cm working length (Wallflex biliary RX stent; Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA; 10 mm×60 mm) was successfully deployed (Fig. 4C and D). Postprocedure, mild pancreatitis occurred, but improved immediately with conservative therapy. After resolution of jaundice, chemotherapy was resumed, and no recurrent biliary obstruction occurred for 13 months (Table 1).

3. Case 3

A 59-year-old woman who had undergone total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y due to gastric cancer was admitted for abdominal pain due to cancer recurrence. Computed tomography imaging revealed malignant afferent-loop obstruction, involving the third portion of the duodenum. Therefore, duodenal stent placement was attempted as palliative therapy using the newly developed short DBE. After reaching the lesion (Fig. 5A), small-bowel enema showed stenosis of approximately 40-mm in length (Fig. 5B). Then, an uncovered self-expandable metal stent (USEMS) (Niti-S D pyloric/duodenal uncovered stent; Taewoong Medical, Gimpo, Korea; 18-mm in diameter, 6-cm in length) with a delivery system of 9-F diameter and 220-cm working length was smoothly advanced via the through-the-scope technique, and placed correctly and safely under endoscopic view and fluoroscopic guidance using the new scope (Fig. 5C–E). Postprocedure, mild pancreatitis occurred, but improved immediately with conservative therapy. Thereafter, her symptom also improved (Table 1).

DISCUSSION

This newly developed short DBE with an enlarged working channel represents technological innovation in endoscopic stent placement for patients with surgically altered anatomies; the double guidewire technique was efficient and effective for multiple stent placement. CSEMS placement, which represents standard treatment for MBO, and USEMS placement, as palliative treatment for malignant afferent-loop obstruction, were both performed in a technologically sound and safe manner.

First, we demonstrated multiple 7-F plastic stent placements with the double guidewire technique using standard guidewires, such as 0.035-inch and 0.025-inch guidewires, employing the newly developed short DBE. The conventional short DBE with a small, 2.8-mm working channel does not allow placement of a 7-F stent while also maintaining a second standard guidewire in place. Therefore, we would need to perform biliary stenting one by one: a repeated process consisting of targeting the bile duct using a standard guidewire and placing a plastic stent within the duct. However, this impractical procedure carries a potential risk with the increasing number of stents placed: a greater number of stents would make it more difficult to identify and target the bile duct using the guidewire. Previously, we reported that a 0.018-inch guidewire was useful in the double guidewire technique as a landmark guidewire when performing partial stent-in-stent placement of metallic stents using conventional short DBE.4 However, a 0.018-inch guidewire is inadequate for biliary stenting, because of its reduced stiffness. The ability to maintain a 0.025-inch guidewire is more useful and reasonable for definitive and efficient biliary stent placement.

In the second case, we describe a patient with postoperative distal MBO due to lymph node metastases, in whom the newly developed short DBE contributed to transpapillary CSEMS placement, by through-the-scope methods. CSEMS is useful for the treatment of distal MBO, because of its long-term patency compared with USEMS.5,6 However, although successful scope insertion and cholangiogram were achieved using a conventional short DBE, a CSEMS that can be placed using the short DBE with a small working channel was unavailable; therefore, an USEMS or plastic stent must be selected for distal MBO. The availability of not only USEMS but also CSEMS is critically important from a clinical perspective, because it allows postoperative patients with distal MBO to receive the standard treatment, similar to that used in patients with normal anatomies.

Thirdly, we report a postoperative patient with malignant afferent-loop obstruction, in whom the new scope contributed to the placement of the USEMS, designed as a duodenal stent, by through-the-scope methods. Conventional DBE could never allow gastrointestinal metal stent placement for malignant gastrointestinal obstruction such as an afferent-loop obstruction, because of the narrow working channel of the scope. Therefore, one common practice is to insert the conventional DBE to the stricture and subsequently remove it, leaving the overtube; the self-expandable metal stent is then placed through the over-tube under fluoroscopic guidance.7,8 This technique is useful, but stent placement using the new scope, and the through-the-scope method, as in our case, is more ideal for achieving correct and safe stent placement.9

The wider working channel of this new scope also facilitates smoother accessory insertion and high suction performance, which can reduce procedure time and stress on endoscopists. In addition, this new scope allows for improved and easier scope insertion, by producing gradual stiffness with advanced force transmission for better stability and adaptive bending. Additionally, the smaller turning radius allows for improved viewing of the target site and a better environment for treatment. This scope is expected to be useful in improving the ability to obtain successful diagnosis and therapy for various digestive diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomies.

This newly developed short DBE brings about technological innovation in stent placement, and therefore standard, efficient, and safe treatment can be performed even in patients with surgically altered anatomies.

Fig 1.

Figure 1.Newly developed short double-balloon enteroscope.
Gut and Liver 2017; 11: 306-311https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl16441

Fig 2.

Figure 2.Distal end layout of the short double-balloon enteroscope. (A) Conventional type (EC-450BI5; Fujifilm); (B) new type (EI-580BT; Fujifilm).
Gut and Liver 2017; 11: 306-311https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl16441

Fig 3.

Figure 3.Multiple plastic stent placements for benign biliary strictures after hepaticojejunostomy with a double guidewire technique using the newly developed short double-balloon enteroscope. (A) The scope reached the bilioenteric anastomotic site. (B) Cholangiogram showed a biliary obstruction (arrowheads, biliary stricture). (C) 0.035-inch and 0.025-inch guidewires were inserted in B7 and B6, respectively. (D) While maintaining the 0.025-inch guidewire in B6, a 7-F plastic stent was smoothly advanced and placed into B7 using a 0.035-inch guidewire. (E) Similarly, after a second 7-F plastic stent was placed into B6 using the reinserted guidewire, the 0.035-inch guidewire was reinserted in B8, and then, a third 7-F plastic stent was placed into B8. (F) Finally, a fourth 7-F plastic stent was easily placed into B6 using the 0.025-inch guidewire that was initially inserted.
Gut and Liver 2017; 11: 306-311https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl16441

Fig 4.

Figure 4.Transpapillary placement of a partially covered self-expandable metal stent (CSEMS) for distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) using the newly developed short double-balloon enteroscope. (A) The scope reached the ampulla of Vater. (B) Cholangiogram showed an approximately 15-mm-long MBO. (C) After smooth advancement of the delivery system into the bile duct, placement of the CSEMS was initiated. (D) Successful transpapillary placement of the partially CSEMS for distal MBO was achieved.
Gut and Liver 2017; 11: 306-311https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl16441

Fig 5.

Figure 5.Metal stent placement for afferent-loop obstruction using the newly developed short double-balloon enteroscope. (A) The scope reached the obstruction site. (B) Small-bowel enema showed an afferent-loop obstruction approximately 40 mm in length. (C) Endoscopic view showing malignant intestinal stricture, through which the metal stent with a delivery system was advanced. (D) An uncovered self-expandable metal stent was placed correctly and safely using through-the-scope methods. (E) Endoscopic view 1 month after stent placement.
Gut and Liver 2017; 11: 306-311https://doi.org/10.5009/gnl16441

Table 1 Summary of Three Cases Treated with a Newly Developed Short Double-Balloon Enteroscope

CaseAge, yrSexType of altered anatomyIndicationScope insertion time* (min)Stents placed for treatmentTotal procedure time (min)Clinical successComplication
137FemaleHepaticojejunostomy with Billroth-II and Braun anastomosisBenign biliary obstruction (B6, B7, B8, and BAS)5Four 7-F plastic stents35YesNone
278MaleDistal gastrectomy with Roux-en-YDistal malignant biliary obstruction22CSEMS (10 mm in diameter)103YesPancreatitis (mild)
359FemaleTotal gastrectomy with Roux-en-YMalignant afferent-loop obstruction12USEMS (18 mm in diameter)20YesPancreatitis (mild)

BAS, bilioenteric anastomotic stricture; CSEMS, covered self-expandable metal stent; USEMS, uncovered self-expandable metal stent.

*Time from scope insertion to reaching the target site;

Time from scope insertion to scope withdrawal;

Sixty minutes was required for biliary cannulation.


References

  1. Sakakihara, I, Kato, H, and Muro, S (2015). Double-balloon enteroscopy for choledochojejunal anastomotic stenosis after hepato-biliary-pancreatic operation. Dig Endosc. 27, 146-154.
    CrossRef
  2. Itoi, T, Ishii, K, and Sofuni, A (2010). Single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y anastomosis (with video). Am J Gastroenterol. 105, 93-99.
    CrossRef
  3. Soh, JS, Yang, DH, and Lee, SS (2015). Single balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients who underwent a gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis: six cases from a single center. Clin Endosc. 48, 452-457.
    Pubmed KoreaMed CrossRef
  4. Tsutsumi, K, Kato, H, Okada, H, and Yamamoto, K (2014). A novel technique for partial stent-in-stent placement of three metal biliary stents using a short double-balloon enteroscope. Endoscopy. 46, E417-E418.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  5. Saleem, A, Leggett, CL, Murad, MH, and Baron, TH (2011). Meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing the patency of covered and uncovered self-expandable metal stents for palliation of distal malignant bile duct obstruction. Gastrointest Endosc. 74, 321-327.e3.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  6. Kawakubo, K, Isayama, H, and Nakai, Y (2011). Efficacy and safety of covered self-expandable metal stents for management of distal malignant biliary obstruction due to lymph node metastases. Surg Endosc. 25, 3094-3100.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  7. Fujii, M, Ishiyama, S, and Saito, H (2015). Metallic stent insertion with double-balloon endoscopy for malignant afferent loop obstruction. World J Gastrointest Endosc. 7, 665-669.
    Pubmed KoreaMed
  8. Sasaki, T, Isayama, H, and Kogure, H (2014). Double-balloon enteroscope-assisted enteral stent placement for malignant afferent-loop obstruction after Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Endoscopy. 46, E541-E542.
    Pubmed CrossRef
  9. Shimatani, M, Takaoka, M, and Tokuhara, M (2016). Through-the-scope self-expanding metal stent placement using newly developed short double-balloon endoscope for the effective management of malignant afferent-loop obstruction. Endoscopy. 48, E6-E7.
    Pubmed CrossRef
Gut and Liver

Vol.19 No.1
January, 2025

pISSN 1976-2283
eISSN 2005-1212

qrcode
qrcode

Share this article on :

  • line

Popular Keywords

Gut and LiverQR code Download
qr-code

Editorial Office