Introduction: A needle knife is often used to gain bile duct access when standard techniques have failed. If unsuccessful, the next step may involve either radiological- or endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary access. However, repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be an option if the patient's clinical condition permits.
Aim: To determine the success of repeat ERCP after failed use of a needle knife to gain biliary access.
Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent initial unsuccessful biliary cannulation after use of a needle knife between 2007 and 2010.
Results: Seventy five patients were identified. Of these, 51 (68%) underwent repeat ERCP, and biliary cannulation was successful in 38 (75%). The median time to repeat ERCP was 7.7 days (range 1-28 days). Complications developed in two (4%) patients. These included one case each of wire-guided perforation and mild pancreatitis, both of which were resolved by conservative management.
Conclusions: Repeat ERCP within a few days after failed use of a needle knife for biliary access is associated with acceptable success and acceptable incidence of complications, and therefore obviates the need for alternative approaches for biliary access for most patients.