Utility of the Novel SpyGlassTM DS II System and Laser Lithotripsy for Choledocholithiasis in Pregnancy

Abstract

<b><i>Background and Aim:</i></b> Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is considered a safe therapeutic modality even in pregnant women; however, adequate care needs to be taken. The utility of the SpyGlass^TM DS II system in choledocholithiasis among pregnant women is unexplored. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent<b><i></i></b>ERCP for choledocholithiasis in the absence of fluoroscopy using the SpyGlass DS II system from October 2019 to November 2020. Depending on the size and location of the stones, we used laser lithotripsy (LL) for large impacted stones, the balloon extraction technique for multiple stones, and the SpyGlass retrieval basket for single solitary stones. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 10 (100% female) patients with a mean (±SD) age of 29.5 (±2.5) years underwent ERCP. Abdominal pain was the commonest presenting symptom in all patients. Four (40%) patients had cholangitis and 3 (30%) had pancreatitis. The majority of the patients (9; 90%) were in the second trimester. MRCP was the commonest radiological entity, used in 9 (90%) patients. ERCP was technically successful and the stones were removed from all of the patients in a mean (±SD) time of 30 (±3.5) min. LL was used successfully in 4 (40%) patients, balloon extraction in 3 (30%) patients, and the SpyGlass retrieval basket in 3 (30%) patients. There were no pre- or post-procedural complications. All of the patients had an uneventful childbirth, after which they underwent cholecystectomy and subsequent stent removal 2 weeks later. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Use of the SpyGlass DS II system and LL during ERCP appears safe and effective for the treatment of choledocholithiasis among pregnant women.