Motorized spiral enteroscopy – when things happen: troubleshooting spiral disconnection at 90 minutes into the enteroscopic procedure

In patients with a biliodigestive anastomosis after pancreatic head resection, biliary strictures are a common complication that carry the risk of stone impaction, pain, and cholangitis. Altered anatomy poses a significant challenge for endoscopists, and often standard endoscopic equipment is not adequate to the task [1] [2]. In the case where there is an extended pancreaticobiliary limb, motorized spiral enteroscopy (MSE) can be used to reach the biliodigestive anastomosis. This procedure, however, requires skilled and well-trained endoscopists, and further anesthesia with orotracheal intubation is mandatory [3] [4].

We report the first case of disconnection of a spiral overtube, which occurred in a 73-year-old woman after Whipple procedure and Braun anastomosis. MSE was being performed because of biliary stones, pain, and cholestasis ([Fig. 1]). At 90 minutes into the intervention, during intubation of the pancreaticobiliary limb, the spiral became disconnected in the distal esophagus. The endoscope was promptly removed and a 20-mm pyloric dilation balloon inserted ([Video 1]). With the balloon positioned and insufflated, the gastroscope was rotated outside of the patient anticlockwise with gentle traction, thus transferring the movement to the balloon and the spiral for mobilization into the hypopharynx. At this point, the endoscope connector had to be unplugged because of the curling of the umbilical cable. Final recovery of the spiral out of the patient therefore had to be done under fluoroscopic vision during further rotation. During the subsequent gastroscopy, extensive lacerations of the esophagus were found. A gastric tube was placed to reduce further pressure on the esophageal wall. After 2 days of follow-up the tube could be removed and enteral feeding was started and well tolerated. The patient was discharged without any lasting impairment and received an early reappointment for MSE.

Fig. 1 a, b Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showing biliary stones retained at the biliodigestive anastomosis (*) after Whipple procedure and Braun anastomosis in a 73-year-old patient.

Video 1 Recovery of a disconnected spiral overtube in the distal esophagus via balloon extraction during motorized spiral enteroscopy.

If upper gastrointestinal spiral disconnection occurs, an attempt at salvage can be made utilizing balloon extraction combined with anticlockwise rotation and gentle traction to recover the spiral. If successful, this can prevent the need for surgical intervention.

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Publication History

Article published online:
09 August 2021

• References

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