Double-balloon enteroscopy for choledochojejunal anastomotic stenosis after hepato-biliary-pancreatic operation

Abstract

Background and aim: There have been few reports on the success rate of balloon dilation and stent deployment using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography by double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE-ERCP) or on the follow-up period after stent removal in patients with a reconstructed digestive tract and stenosis of choledochojejunal anastomosis. The present study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of DBE-ERCP in patients with a reconstructed digestive tract and stenosis of choledochojejunal anastomosis.

Methods: Forty-four patients with stenosis of choledochojejunal anastomosis underwent DBE-ERCP at Okayama University Hospital between April 2008 and January 2012 (107 procedures). Rates of reaching choledochojejunal anastomosis, stent deployment, and restenosis after stent removal were retrospectively evaluated.

Results: Insertion of DBE into the choledochojejunal anastomotic site succeeded in 38 of 44 patients (86.4%), and anastomotic dilation and stent deployment succeeded in 36 of 44 patients (81.8%). In 32 of 44 patients (72.7%), their anastomotic stenoses were improved, and they achieved stent removal. After stent removal, restenosis of choledochojejunal anastomosis was detected in seven of 32 patients; however, the resolution of restenosis was achieved in all seven of those patients.

Conclusion: Dilation of choledochojejunal anastomosis combined with stent deployment using DBE-ERCP seems to be a viable first-line treatment for patients with stenosis of choledochojejunal anastomosis.

Keywords: choledochojejunal anastomotic stenosis; dilation; double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE); endoscopic biliary stenting; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).