Suprapapillary needleknife fistulotomy: a safe and effective method for accessing the biliary system

Suprapapillary needleknife fistulotomy is performed when standard biliary cannulation methods have failed. However, its role is controversial, with conflicting reports on its use. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of needleknife fistulotomy after failure of conventional cannulation techniques.

All patients who underwent needleknife fistulotomy were identified from a single tertiary referral center database prospectively maintained from 1997 to 2007.

A total of 2,603 patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) over the 10-year period. Fistulotomy was performed for 352 patients (13.5%), with 317 of these patients (90.1%) experiencing successful biliary cannulation. With the use of fistulotomy, the total cannulation success rate increased from 79.0 to 91.2% (P < 0.0001). Endoscopic management of choledocholithiasis and hepatobiliary malignancy increased from 48.9 to 55.1% (P < 0.001), and from 12.0 to 16.0% (P < 0.001) for all cases. The complication rate was significantly higher for the patients who underwent fistulotomy than for those who did not (4.8% vs. 2.1%; P < 0.001), which can be explained by a higher rate of mild bleeding in the fistulotomy group. However, no significant difference in pancreatitis or perforation between the two groups was observed. In addition, no fatalities occurred after fistulotomy.

Suprapapillary needleknife fistulotomy is an effective method for accessing the biliary system after failed standard cannulation. Despite a higher rate of mild bleeding, fistulotomy was not associated with an increased risk of serious complications.