EFFICACY OF A NEW METAL TIP CANNULA FOR SELECTIVE ERC

Abstract

We evaluated the efficacy of a new metal tip ERCP cannula for patients with biliary diseases in whom cholangiography was failed. The cannula had a metal ball tip(2 mm indiarneter)with a side hole(0.6mm in diameter)deflected at 60 degree upper angulation. Of 143 patients undergoing ERCP by using a conventional cannula, cholangiography was failed in 10 cases. Employing the metal tip cannula, cholangiography was achieved in 8 of 10 failed cases(80%: new cannula versus 0%: conventional cannula: p<0.0004, Fisher's exact test). A success rate of cholangiogram was increased from 93.0% to 98.6% No complications were observed during and after the procedure. The new metal tip cannula is safe and effective for cholangiography.