Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for chronic pancreatitis.

Introduction: There is still uncertainty regarding the efficacy and optimal modalities of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. The aims of the present study were to assess the safety and the efficacy of ESWL, either alone or followed by therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (adjuvant ERCP) and to determine predictive factors of efficacy, in a real-life setting.

Patients And Methods: This study included all consecutive patients who underwent an ESWL in a single University Hospital between 2001 and 2012.

Prediction of drainage effectiveness during endoscopic stenting of malignant hilar strictures: the role of liver volume assessment.

Background: The optimal endoscopic approach to the drainage of malignant hilar strictures remains controversial, especially with regard to the extent of desirable drainage and unilateral or bilateral stenting.

Objective: To identify useful criteria for predicting successful endoscopic drainage.

Design And Setting: Retrospective 2-center study in the greater Paris area in France.

[Duodenal duplication revealed by acute pancreatitis: endoscopic treatment].

We report the case of a 17 year old man who presented with several episodes of acute pancreatitis due to a duodenal duplication. This was successfully treated by an incision by sphincterotome during interventional duodenoscopy. The patient is symptom free without recurrence 20 months after endoscopic treatment.

Endoscopic management of post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy biliary strictures. Long-term outcome in a multicenter study.

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the long term results of long-lasting endoscopic stenting for benign biliary strictures related to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Additional biological and morphological data were collected from these patients during follow-up.

Methods: Patients undergoing ERCP for post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy biliary stricture in one of the three participating centers between 1990 and December 2001 were identified.

Reliability, cost-effectiveness, and safety of reuse of ancillary devices for ERCP.

Background: The choice between reusable and single-use devices for ERCP depends on various medical and economic criteria. This study evaluated the reliability and the safety (risk of cross-contamination) of reusable devices. A cost analysis of the use of reusable devices also was conducted.

Nifedipine for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis: a prospective, double-blind randomized study.

Background: Pancreatitis is the most common complication of ERCP. Calcium channel inhibitors have been shown to prevent the development of experimental pancreatitis. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled trial was to determine whether the calcium channel blocker nifedipine prevents post-ERCP pancreatitis.