Fistulotomy-First Approach is Safe and Effective in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography: Results of a Prospective Case Series

Abstract Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of using needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) as a primary cannulation technique in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with a native papilla. Patients and Methods: This prospective feasibility study enrolled 50 patients between December 2018 and June 2019. The procedure was performed by two expert endoscopists (R.B. and L.H.). The primary outcome was the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Other variables assessed included the success rate