Physician Controlled Wire Guided Cannulation of the Minor Papilla

Abstract

Objective: Cannulation of the minor papilla (MiP) can be challenging. Historically, specialty accessories and small caliber guidewires have been advocated for approaching the MiP. New short-wire ERCP platforms allow physicians to control the guidewire, and have facilitated wire-guided ductal cannulation via the major papilla. The aim of this study is to describe the efficacy and safety of MiP cannulation using standard accessories and a wire-guided technique. Methods: All patients who underwent attempted MiP cannulation by 2 endoscopists (RA, JM) at 2 tertiary care medical centers between July 2005 and November 2008 were identified using institutional databases.