Endoscopic pancreatic stenting following pancreatic papilla dilation without pancreatic sphincterotomy

This study prospectively evaluated the efficacy, safety, and outcome of endoscopic pancreatic stenting (EPS) following pancreatic papilla dilation by dilating catheters instead of pancreatic sphincterotomy in selected patients with pancreatitis. The approach was in nine women and six men, aged 19 to 55, with pancreatic pain. A guide wire was pushed into the pancreatic duct after its deep cannulating. The, pancreatic papilla dilation was performed using 4.6F to 10F dilating catheters, and a pancreatic stent was inserted. With a mean 18 months follow-up, pancreatic pain improved in 14 to 15 patients and complete pseudocyst resolution occurred in seven of eight patients. This experience indicates that EPS after pancreatic papilla dilation, without sphincterotomy, is a safe and effective procedure for pancreatic pain relief and pseudocyst resolution in selected pancreatitis patients.