Initial experience with a new peroral electronic pancreatoscope with an accessory channel

A peroral electronic pancreatoscope was previously developed to improve visualization of the pancreatic duct, but this instrument had no accessory channel.

A new peroral electronic pancreatoscope (2.6-mm external diameter) with an accessory channel (0.5 mm) was developed. Peroral pancreatoscopy or cholangioscopy was performed with this new instrument in 11 patients with various pancreatobiliary diseases. The clinical utility of the new peroral electronic pancreatoscope was assessed, and visualization with this new instrument was compared with that of the prototype.

The resolution of the two instrument systems was nearly equal, with that provided by the new peroral electronic pancreatoscope being slightly better. The new peroral electronic pancreatoscope was inserted successfully into the pancreatic or bile duct in 9 of the 11 patients (82%). Observation of a predetermined target and juice collection with direct visualization was successful in 8 of the 9 patients (89%).

The new peroral electronic pancreatoscope with an accessory channel was useful for clinical diagnosis of various pancreatobiliary diseases. Visualization is excellent. Pancreatic juice and other samples can be collected under direct visualization.