Single-Operator Wire-Guided Cannulation Technique Enables Easier Cannulation of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Background The single-operator wire-guided cannulation technique in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been rarely reported. Aims This study was undertaken to determine the safety and efficiency of a single-operator wire-guided cannulation technique. Methods Four hundred sixty-five consecutive patients referred for ERCP were included in this prospective study and randomly divided into two groups. A new single-operator wire-guided cannulation technique was performed by the same experienced endoscopist, with experienced assistants (group A) and inexperienced ones (group B). The number of attempts at cannulation, cannulation time, success rate, and procedure-related complications were compared between the two groups. Results Successful cannulation was achieved in 460 out of the 465 patients (98.92 %). The incidences of post-ERCP pancreatitis, bleeding, infection, and perforation were 5.16, 0.64, 1.08, and 0 %, respectively. There were no severe complications or death. The cannulation time, number of attempts at cannulation and complications were not significantly different between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusions The single-operator wire-guided cannulation technique was feasible, safe and efficient. It doesn’t require an experienced assistant and precise coordination between the assistant and endoscopist during cannulation.