Management of malignant biliary diseases by the use of peroral and percutaneous cholangioscopy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The single-operator digital cholangioscope has allowed visual access to the biliary tree and the ability to perform selective biopsies. This has significantly improved our diagnostic yield in bile-duct disorders. Cholangioscopy requires specialized equipment and expertise. It is especially challenging in altered anatomy for various reasons, including difficulty in accessing the biliary tree, difficulty in maintaining endoscope position, and difficulty in using ERCP specialized tools. In addition, the use of cholangioscopy in interventional procedures has been very limited. In this video, we demonstrate some of the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of percutaneous cholangioscopy in patients with altered anatomy of the biliary tree. METHODS: Percutaneous cholangioscopy was performed in 3 different procedures in 2 patients with altered anatomy of the biliary tree. The first was for the diagnosis of a distally located malignant biliary stricture, the second was for management of hemobilia, and the third was for biliary stent placement. RESULTS: Technical and clinical success was achieved in all 3 situations. There were no procedure-related adverse events. CONCLUSION: The use of percutaneous cholangioscopy in altered anatomy for diagnostic and therapeutic uses is safe and effective and may prove very useful in selected unusual conditions.