What is SpyGlass cholangioscopy used for?

SpyGlass cholangioscopy may be done to diagnose and treat various conditions of the bile ducts, liver, and pancreas with the following:

• Biopsy of indeterminate strictures (abnormal narrowing of the ducts). 
• Exclusion of a cancerous stricture.
• Diagnosing cancers of the bile ducts.
• Precise preoperative location of tumors within the bile or pancreatic ducts.
• Diagnosis and evaluation of post-transplantation biliary issues.
• Evaluation of certain infections.
• Hemobilia (bleeding from and/or into the biliary tract).

Treatment of cancers of the biliary or pancreatic ducts. 

Extraction or dissolution of biliary stones.

Diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

Pancreatic stones extraction.

Diagnosis of pancreatic duct tumors.

Potential role in autoimmune pancreatitis.

SpyGlass DS Direct Visualization System

• Launched in 2015 .
• Enables high resolution imaging and therapy during an ERCP procedure to target biopsies and fragment stones.
• May result in more efficient evaluation.
• May reduce the need for additional testing and repeat procedures compared to traditional ERCP.
• May enable patients to receive treatment sooner compared to traditional ERCP.
• Improved image quality with four times higher resolution and a 60% wider field of view.
• Fully integrated SpyScope™ DS Access and Delivery Catheter (single-use scope) eliminates probe reprocessing and image degradation over multiple uses.

Before the SpyGlass cholangioscopy, your doctor may

• Order blood tests and imaging studies.
• Ask you about any chronic health conditions.
• Ask you about any medications you are on.
• Ask about any allergies you may have.
• Explain the procedure in detail, including possible complications and address your doubts and concerns related to the procedure.
• Obtain your written consent.
• Ask you to not eat anything for at least eight to 12 hours before the procedure.

During the cholangioscopy

• You will be asked to wear a hospital gown.
• The anesthesiologist will give you a sedative and make your throat numb with a little local anesthetic.
• Your vital signs will be monitored during the procedure.
• A mouthpiece will be placed between your teeth to protect your mouth.
• You will not have any feeling of gagging or choking.
• The endoscope does not hinder or interfere with your breathing.

After the procedure

• Your vital signs will be monitored in the recovery room.
• You will stay in the recovery room until you are weaned off the effect of the sedative. 
• You may be asked to not eat anything until the next day.
• Because you will be under the effect of sedatives, you will need someone to drive you home.
• You will not have any feeling of gagging or choking.
• The endoscope does not hinder or interfere with your breathing.

What are the complications of cholangioscopy?

The complications of cholangioscopy are:

• Infections (1%)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) (0.1%).
• Injury of the bile duct (0.01%).
• Nerve damage (0.01%).
• Elevated pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase) without clinical pancreatitis (1%).
• Inflammatory syndrome (0.1%).