AbstractPDF
Abstract
Background: Endoscopic access to the biliary system can be difficult in patients with surgically altered anatomy, such as a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a relatively new procedure that enables access to the small bowel. DBE has recently been advocated as a method for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) in patients with surgical reconstructions, with the potential
to perform diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Methods: In three patients with a hepaticojejunostomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction, the experiences using DBE to perform ERCP are described. The literature on DB-ERCP in patients with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction was reviewed.
Results: In all patients, the Roux limb was entered and a
diagnostic cholangiography was carried out. In one patient, endoscopic therapy could be performed, consisting of balloon dilation of a stenotic biliodigestive anastomosis, repeated balloon dilation of biliary strictures and removal of bile casts.
Conclusion: This series confirms recent data emerging
from the literature that double balloon enteroscopy is a safe and feasible technique to obtain biliary access in patients with surgically altered anatomical configurations, such as those with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The diagnostic and therapeutic potential of DB-ERCP is great, and the utility of the procedure could be further improved if customised accessories become more widely available.
