Evaluating the feasibility of direct peroral cholangioscopy training with an endoscopic simulator

Direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOCS) was reported to present clinical potential, and creating a target-specific training program for biliary endoscopists who lack experience with DPOCS is an important task.

This prospective and observational study used five male domestic pigs. Optimal procedures were decided after pilot tests using an in vivo live porcine model. A total of three ERCP men were enrolled into the training program. The objective parameters, including the rate of success and complications, and the length of the procedure, were recorded for each participant.

In the training program, all the trainees successfully performed DPOCS and biopsies without significant complications. Close observation, free discussions, and the sharing of experiences helped shorten the total procedure time from 37.3 to 18.5 min.

This training program is a feasible approach to help biliary endoscopists acquire the experience for DPOCS with the ultrathin endoscope.