Associated vascular injury in patients with bile duct injury during cholecystectomy

Cholecystectomy remains one of the most commonly performed procedures in general surgery. Although the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of bile duct (BD) injuries have been well described, studies characterizing associated vascular injuries are limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the frequency and management of associated vascular and BD injury after cholecystectomy. A total of 50 patients were referred to a tertiary institution for BD injuries from 1996 to 2010. Thirty-nine (78%) of the patients were female with the mean age of 49 years (range, 14 to 86 years). Seventy-five per cent of the injuries were Strasberg Type E. Nine patients (18%) had associated vascular injuries. Six patients had injuries to the right hepatic artery; in one patient, both the right and left hepatic arteries were damaged. Five patients had right portal vein injuries; three of these subsequently died. In conclusion, as a result of the high incidence of associated vascular injury, a thin-collimation CT angiogram and/or mesenteric angiogram with portal venous imaging should be considered as part of the preoperative evaluation in patients with BD injury.

Suspected bile duct injuries and appropriate early referral can reduce chances of litigation

Bile duct injury following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most feared complications related to performing a cholecystectomy. Early identification and repair can be life saving for patients with bile duct injuries. Since the early 1990s, laparoscopic cholecystecomy (LC) has replaced open cholecystectomy as the preferred treatment of symptomatic cholethiasis, biliary dyskinesia, and cholecystitis. LC has decreased the length of hospital stay and post-operative pain and resulted in a subsequent faster return to normal daily activities; nonetheless, LC has a higher incidence in bile duct injury as compared to open cholecystectomy. Nearly all studies report the incidence of bile duct injury following open cholecystectomy between 0.1% and 0.2%. In comparison, LC has a reported incidence of bile duct injury between 0.4% and 0.7%. The aim of this article is to review our initial experience with work-up and repair of bile duct injuries following LC performed at outside facilities and referred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) for definitive therapy. We will also review the classification of these injuries, preferred methods of diagnosis, and benefits of early treatment as well as factors that frequently lead to litigation following bile duct injury.

[Combined injury of biliary ducts and vessels during cholecystectomy: peculiarities of clinical course and surgical tactics]

The results of treatment of 56 patients, in whom in 1984-2010 yrs, while performing cholecystectomy, a biliary duct injury have occurred, were analyzed, including 26 (main group)--with combined injury of biliary ducts and brunches of common hepatic artery, 30 (control group)--with isolated complete biliary ducts. High hepaticojejunostomy have constituted the main method of operation in a control group. In the main group in 2 patients there were attempts made to restore the arterial blood flow with subsequent performance of reconstructive intervention on biliary ducts. In 16 (61.5%) patients, due to adequate collateral blood supply presence, the bile outflow was restored using hepaticojejunostomy formation, and in 8 (30.8%)--hepatic resection of various volume was needed, because of hepatic abscesses formation. The results of treatment of patients in these groups have differed not essentially, while applying differentiated approach (positive results were achieved in 93.3 and 84.6% of patients, accordingly). So, in patients with combined injury of biliary ducts and branches of hepatic artery, while performance of cholecystectomy, it is necessary to apply multimodal tactics of treatment, taking into account the peculiarities of clinical course.

Post-cholecystectomy biliary injuries: one center experience

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries (BDIs) represent a challenge in diagnosis and management.

METHODOLOGY

From March 1995 to August 2009, 274 patients with post-cholecystectomy BDIs were managed at our center. All patients were subjected to laboratory tests, sonography, ERCP and MRCP. The management varied according to the type of injury.

RESULTS

Seventy-one (25.9%) LC and 203 (74.1%) OC were performed; 8(2.9%) were detected intraoperatively; 270 patients were referred from other hospitals. From those discovered intraoperatively, 7 had hepatico-jejunostomy and one died from severe peritonitis; 11 (4%) presented with generalized and 112 (40.9%) with localized peritonitis. The leak site was the cystic duct (57 cases), accessory duct in the liver bed (5 cases), right hepatic duct (4 cases) and lateral tear in the CBD (12 cases). Endoscopic stenting was performed for all of them. The remaining 34 patients had a completely ligated distal duct and therefore had hepatico-jejunostomy Roux loop; 143 patients (52.2%) presented with early (79 cases) and late (64 cases) jaundice; 126 cases had hepatico-jejunostomy. The remaining 17 patients were treated by balloon dilatation.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic stenting can manage cases with cystic or accessory duct leak while, hepatico-jejunostomy Roux loop represents the golden procedure for management of transected or ligated CBD.

Biliary complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The reported prevalence of biliary tract disruption following laparoscopic cholecystectomy has ranged from 0% to 7% in early reports. Bile leaks are the most common biliary complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Total 530 patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy from January 2004 to November 2006 at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital were studied for biliary complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

We reviewed 500 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed at our institution and found 13 cases of bile extravasation and/or biloma formation and/or bile duct injuries (prevalence, 2.6%). One bile duct transection was acutely recognized and treated with hepaticojejunostomy. Three lateral bile duct injuries were also acutely recognized, two of them were managed with primary repair of CBD without T tube and the other was managed with repair and T-tube drainage. Two patients had postoperative generalized biliary peritonitis, one of whom was undergone exploratory laparotomy and found to have lateral injury on CBD which was managed with repair and T-tube drainage, whereas the other was undergone diagnostic laparoscopy with clipping of duct of Lushka. Two patients presented within seven days with biloma, one was treated with percutaneous drainage alone, the other treated with percutanous drainage was found to be complete transection of CBD on subsequent ERCP and managed with late hepaticojejunostomy. One patient with continued bile leak from surgical drainage tube for more than one week was managed with ERCP, diagnosed to be bile leak from duct of Lushka, managed by sphincterotomy and bile duct stenting. One patient presented with obstructive jaundice 6 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy was found to have Bismuth type II bile duct stricture and was undergone hepaticojejunostomy. The remaining three had bile leak from surgical drainage which resolved within one week without further complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy appears to be associated with a higher incidence of bile duct injury than previous reports of open cholecystectomy. Possible explanations include variant anatomy plus failure to obtain an operative cholangiogram, inadequate dissection, injudicious use of cautery or clip placement, inherent limitations of the procedure, or the learning curve associated with a new technology.

Costs of management of bile duct injuries

BACKGROUND

Only a few studies address the financial impact of the management of bile duct injuries (BDI). This study was aimed to assess the cost of BDI sustained during cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgical repair for post cholecystectomy BDI and due for routine follow up between August 2006 and September 2007 were called for an interview.

RESULTS

47 patients were interviewed. There were 39 (83%) women and 8 (17%) men. The median direct cost was US$ 1626 (451-11,009); 73,983 (20,521-500,910). The median indirect cost was US$ 312 (26-2,708); 14,196 (1,183-123,214). Total median cost was US$ 2,045 (488-12,369); 93,046 (22,204-562,790). The median total costs of management of BDI was 9.98 times the costs of a cholecystectomy at our centre (US$ 205); (9,328) and was 8.41 times the median monthly income of the patients (US$ 243); (11,057).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results will help the hospital administrators and the insurance agencies to calculate and revise the packages and premium for cholecystectomy so that the extra cost of a possible BDI is evenly distributed.

Complications of endoscopic and radiologic investigation of biliary tract disorders

The investigation and treatment of disorders of the human biliary tree depend considerably on invasive endoscopic and radiologic procedures. These are associated with a significant risk of complications, some of which can be fatal. This review looks at these complications through the lens of 40 years of publications in the medical literature, and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of their current classification, diagnosis, and treatment.

Liver transplantation as a treatment for complicated bile duct injury

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Bile duct injury during cholecystectomy can be successfully managed by biliary reconstruction in the majority of patients. However it can also lead to potentially severe complications with unpredictable long-term results and in fact a proportion of these cases may even require liver transplantation.

METHODOLOGY

In recent years, two cases of complicated bile duct injury after the failure of traditional surgical interventions were admitted to our hospital. Both patients underwent liver transplantation successfully, and the detailed clinical data was analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Bile duct injury (Strasberg type E4) in one patient was caused by laparoscopic cholecystectomy associated with proper hepatic artery injury; after the failure of an initial Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, the patient underwent classical orthotopic liver transplantation. Bile duct injury (Strasberg type D) in the other patient was caused by abdominal trauma in his childhood. After several unsuccessful surgical interventions, the patient finally developed secondary biliary cirrhosis twelve years later. He therefore underwent a living related liver transplantation. The outcome of both patients was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplantation should be considered when bile duct injury has occurs concomitant with severe vascular injury or secondary biliary cirrhosis appears after failure of surgical intervention.

An analytical review of vasculobiliary injury in laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVES

Biliary injuries are frequently accompanied by vascular injuries, which may worsen the bile duct injury and cause liver ischemia. We performed an analytical review with the aim of defining vasculobiliary injury and setting out the important issues in this area.

METHODS

A literature search of relevant terms was performed using OvidSP. Bibliographies of papers were also searched to obtain older literature.

RESULTS

 Vasculobiliary injury was defined as: an injury to both a bile duct and a hepatic artery and/or portal vein; the bile duct injury may be caused by operative trauma, be ischaemic in origin or both, and may or may not be accompanied by various degrees of hepatic ischaemia. Right hepatic artery (RHA) vasculobiliary injury (VBI) is the most common variant. Injury to the RHA likely extends the biliary injury to a higher level than the gross observed mechanical injury. VBI results in slow hepatic infarction in about 10% of patients. Repair of the artery is rarely possible and the overall benefit unclear. Injuries involving the portal vein or common or proper hepatic arteries are much less common, but have more serious effects including rapid infarction of the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine arteriography is recommended in patients with a biliary injury if early repair is contemplated. Consideration should be given to delaying repair of a biliary injury in patients with occlusion of the RHA. Patients with injuries to the portal vein or proper or common hepatic should be emergently referred to tertiary care centers.

ENBD tube placement prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy may reduce the rate of complications in cases with predictably complicating biliary anomalies

BACKGROUND

The risk factors predisposing to bile duct injury or postoperative bile leakage associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) include the presence of an accessory hepatic duct, the anomalous cystic duct confluence, and duct of Luschka. One method to prevent bile duct injury is preoperative placement of an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube (ENBD assisted LC). The aims of this investigation are first, to report the incidence of bile duct anomalies according to the classification system proposed by Wakayama Medical University and second, to evaluate the efficacy of ENBD assisted LC with regard to prevention of intraoperative bile duct injury and postoperative bile duct injury or leakage.

METHODS

A total of 1,835 consecutive LCs performed at our institution during a recent 10-year period were reviewed.

RESULTS

Anomalous cystic duct confluence was detected in 11 cases and an accessory hepatic duct was detected in 37 cases. These anomalies were risk factors for bile duct injury in our series. However, there was no significant difference in the length of surgery, conversion rate to laparotomy, or frequency of bile duct injury or leakage between the standard LC group and ENBD assisted LC group.

CONCLUSION

A bile duct anomaly was seen in 2.6% of LC cases. Placement of an ENBD tube prior to LC in predictably complicating bile duct anomalies may have successfully decreased the incidence of complications.

[Early referrals of patients with bile duct lesion improve reconstructive surgery outcome]

Damage to the bile ducts caused during open cholecystectomy or laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains a major problem in the practice of surgery today. This is associated with a poor quality of life and increased morbidity. The incidence of bile duct damage varies with the type of damage and the type of surgery performed. Currently the incidence of bile duct damage in Puerto Rico, as a result of the removal of the gallbladder is unknown. Without doubt the seriousness of complications, high costs due to handling and suffering of both patient and family make it necessary to further research on the subject. It is for this reason that we made the following research on population, with the aim of improving the quality of care offered in the island, and in turn reduce the time of referral of patients with bile duct damage. It has been shown to decrease the time of referral improved patient outcomes.

Acetic acid sclerotherapy for treatment of a bile leak from an isolated bile duct after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Bile leak after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not uncommon, and it mainly occurs from the cystic duct stump and can be easily treated by endoscopic techniques. However, treatment for leakage from an isolated bile duct can be troublesome. We report a successful case of acetic acid sclerotherapy for bile leak from an isolated bile duct after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

[Some aspects of classification and treatment strategy of iatrogenic bile duct injury]

Iatrogenic bile duct injury continues to be an important clinical problem, resulting in serious morbidity, and occasional mortality, to patients. None of the classification system is universally accepted and worldwide used as each has its own limitation. This article reviews the various classification systems of bile duct injury. Traditionally, biliary injuries have been classified using the Bismuth's classification. This classification does not encompass the whole spectrum of injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Strasberg's classification made Bismuth's classification much more comprehensive by including various other types of extrahepatic bile duct injuries. Our own classification is simple enough, embraces the majority possible variants of bile duct injuries and convenient in clinical use.

Hemobilia

Hemobilia is an uncommon medical problem that presents in a varied fashion and is increasingly of iatrogenic origin. The diagnosis of hemobilia needs to be considered in patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly if they are jaundiced with abdominal pain in the setting of recent or previous percutaneous liver intervention or abdominal trauma. Multislice computed tomographic angiography is increasingly being used in the investigation, but transcatheter arterial embolization remains the cornerstone of managing those patients requiring intervention. The majority of patients with hemobilia will be managed supportively or with radiologic intervention; most do not require surgical intervention.

[Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 levels among patients suffering a bile duct injury during cholecystectomy]

BACKGROUND

During cholecystectomy, the bile duct may be injured. When this complication occurs, Kupffer cells are activated and produce tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL6) to phagocyte toxic products

AIM

To measure serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 among patients that suffered a bile duct injury after a cholecystectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured prior to the bile-enteric derivation and after one year of follow up, in 31 patients that had a complete bile duct obstruction after open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy and in 5 healthy controls.

RESULTS

At baseline TNF-α levels in healthy subjects and patients with bile duct injury were 0 and 43.9 ± 2.9 ng/mL, respectively (p < 0.01). At one year of follow up, TNF-á became undetectable among patients. At baseline, the values for IL-6 among healthy controls and patients were 3.0 ± 2.0 and 72.0 ± 94.7 pg/mL respectively, (p < 0,004). After one year of follow up, IL-6 levels decreased to 6.4 ± 0.3 pg/mL among patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TNF-α and IL-6 levels were elevated before bile-enteric derivation among patients with bile duct injury and became normal one year later.

Bile duct injuries in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomies

Bile duct injuries incurred during laparoscopic cholecystectomies remain a major complication in an otherwise safe surgery. These injuries are potentially avoidable with proper techniques and correct interpretation of the anatomy. The scope of the injury can range from a simple cystic duct leak to the injury of the left and right hepatic duct confluence. The key to successful outcomes from these injuries is to know when a referral to a specialized tertiary center is necessary. Evaluation and treatment of bile duct injuries is complex and often requires the expertise of an advanced endoscopist, interventional radiologist, and hepatobiliary surgeons. Before any planned intervention or operative repair, detailed evaluation of the biliary system and its associated vasculature is required. Better outcomes are achieved when patients are referred to centers specialized in biliary injury evaluation, treatment, and performing pretreatment planning early.

Bile leak in open cholecystectomy: related to gangrenous cholecystitis?

BACKGROUND

Open cholecystectomy is still required for treatment of gallbladder disease when inflammation has changed the usual anatomic landmarks and make laparoscopic cholecystectomy unsafe or technically impossible.

METHODS

In this study, we reviewed all the records of patients who underwent open or laparoscopic-converted-to-open cholecystectomy between January 2000 and August 2006.

RESULTS

A total of 3367 patients underwent cholecystectomies. Three hundred five patients underwent laparoscopic-converted-to-open, and 123 patients underwent open cholecystectomy. The incidence of bile leaks in the open cholecystectomy group was 2.6% (11/428). Twenty-four percent had gangrenous cholecystitis (102/428). Eight (8/11) of the bile leaks were associated with gangrene. All bile leaks presented within the first five days after surgery with an average of 2.9 days. All patients had bilious output through aJP drain. All leaks resolved over 10 days. Three resolved spontaneously, andeightresolved after ERCP stent.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of bile leaks in the open cholecystectomy group was high (2.6%) in our study, compared to other series published. When gangrenous cholecystitis was present, the incidence of bile leaks was 24%. The placement of a JP drain was essential for the identification of the bile leak.

Right and left partial iatrogenic injuries of the biliary tree. Therapeutic options

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injuries (BDI) have a wide array of presentation. Left partial injuries (Strasberg D) of the hepatic duct are the result of excessive traction, which dissects the hepatic hilum and provokes medial perforations without continuity loss. Right partial injuries (Strasberg A, B and C) are produced by direct damage to the hepatic duct or isolated injury to the right and accessory ducts. It is important to determine frequency, spectrum and treatment outcome of this BDI in the surgical scenario.

METHODS

Patients with BDI who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital were reviewed, right and left partial injuries were selected. Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data were analyzed.

RESULTS

In a 16-year period, 405 patients underwent surgical treatment of BDI. 31 (8%) were classified as a left partial injury (Strasberg D): 23 injuries at the common hepatic duct treated with a Hepatojejunostomy (HJ); four at the confluence level which received a HJ with neoconfluence construction; two partial injuries in the left hepatic duct underwent a selective left HJ; and two complete occlusions of the left hepatic duct, one treated with a partial hepatectomy and the last case underwent a partial HJ. Right partial injuries (Strasberg A, B or C) were identified in 21 cases (5%), their treatment was tailored according to the type of BDI (conservative, selective HJ, or hepatectomy).

CONCLUSIONS

In our series the frequency of left and right partial BDI injuries was 8% and 5%, respectively. The spectrum of analyzed injuries included four subtypes for the left partial and eight for the right partial lesions. Most BDI in the two analyzed groups presented concomitant devascularization of the extra-hepatic ducts, therefore receiving surgical treatment rather than endoscopic treatment was done.

[Iatrogenic bile ducts injuries]

AIM

To evaluate therapeutic options and outcomes of repair of iatrogenic bile duct injuries during cholecystectomy, which were solved in our institution over the past five years. The incidence of this injury is stated in the range of 0-0.4% for open cholecystectomy and 0-0.7% for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Authors present a group of ten patients who were operated on for iatrogenic bile duct injury incurred during cholecystectomy in 2005-2009. All patiens were refered from other hospitals. Three men and seven women aged 20-71 years. The bile duct injury occured twice during open procedure and during laparoscopic procedure in eight. Incomplete lesion was idenified in one case, complete lesions with tissue loss were found in nine patients. Right hepatic artery injuries were found in four patients with tissue loss injury. Nine patients required reconstruction of the biliary tract using hepaticojejunoanastomosis with Roux-Y loop.

RESULTS

The bile leak occurred in two patients after reconstruction. In one patient was required early percutaneous transhepatic drainage. The early death occurred in a patient with a complicated course, where our reconstruction of the biliary tract was already in the field of advanced biliary peritonitis as a third operation during 7 days. All other patients are monitored postoperatively at regular intervals in our clinic. They carried out clinical examinations and monitoring of liver enzymes. In the long interval from reconstruction (6-12 months) anastomotic stenosis occurred in three patients. Postoperative radiological intervention in the form of dilation of anastomosis and prolonged transient transanastomotic drainage was necessary (the duration of drainage was 6-7 months).

CONCLUSION

Iatrogenic bile duct injury is a serious condition threatening the patient's life from the progressive failure of liver function on the basis of secondary biliary cirrhosis. Due to the nature of lesions arising from laparoscopic cholecystectomy (loss tissue injuries, thermal damage to surrounding structures, the hepatic artery injuries) reconstructions are extremely difficult. For most patients reconstructive operations are the last possible surgical procedures in this area, except for liver transplantation. Hilar reconstructions have a higher probability of stenosis of the anastomosis. If they occur, there are repeated cholangitis, which pass into the secondary sclerosing cholangitis and cause secondary biliary cirrhosis, with all the consequences of disease (portal hypertension, bleeding esophageal varices). For these reasons, it is necessary for careful long-term postoperative monitoring of liver function and good interdisciplinary cooperation, especially with the intervention radiologist in management postoperatively evolving stenosis of anastomoses. It is necessary for the early identification and indication of radiological interventions in order to prevent damage to the liver parenchyma.

Effect of liver steatosis in outcome after bile duct reconstruction for iatrogenic injury

BACKGROUND

The estimated prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the overall population is 30%. Bile duct injuries associated with cholecystectomy have a constant frequency and some patients with these types of injuries have concomitant hepatic stenosis (HS). It has not been determined if HS has a negative outcome on the results of surgical bile duct repair.

METHODS

Among a cohort of patients surgically repaired for bile duct injury, we selected those from whom a liver biopsy was obtained. Patients were divided into the following groups: group I--HS, group II--without HS. The groups were compared for long-term results of the reconstruction, postoperative complications, liver function test and need for reintervention.

RESULTS

From group I we obtained 18 patients and from group II 71 patients. In 11% of the HS group and in 10% of the non-HS group anastomosis dysfunction was observed. Three cases in group I (17%) and 11 patients in group II (15.5%) needed further surgical reintervention. Complete rehabilitation was obtained in 77% of the cases in group I and 66% of patients in group II. No statistical differences were found in any features between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HS have a higher incidence of gallstone disease than the general population; hence, an increased probability of having a bile duct injury. The results of surgical reconstruction after these injuries are similar to those of patients without HS. Analyzed data showed no repercussion in outcome of patients with HS.

Reconstruction of major bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Bile duct injury (BDI) after cholecystectomy remains a serious complication with major implications for patient outcome. For most major BDIs, the recommended method of repair is a hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). We conducted a retrospective review aiming to examine the perioperative and the long-term outcome after reconstructive HJ at our institution.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 41 consecutive patients with BDI sustained during cholecystectomy and subsequently managed with a HJ. The patients were referred to a tertiary hepato-biliary centre during a 15-year period (1994-2008).

RESULTS

A total of 32 cases (78%) were reconstructed within two weeks of injury. While 14 patients (34%) suffered perioperative complications, 22 patients (54%) had a complication-free short as well as long-term outcome. Within a median follow-up period of 9.2 years, ten patients (24%) developed biliary strictures requiring percutaneous dilatation and/or further surgery. Three patients had further segmental hepatectomies and one patient developed secondary biliary cirrhosis necessitating orthotopic liver transplantation. No association was found between timing of repair or level of injury and outcome.

CONCLUSION

Early specialist repair may result in acceptable short as well as long-term outcome; however, the morbidity of reconstructive biliary surgery remains high--particularly in the context of patient expectations before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha in hepatobiliary injury induced by ammonium perfluorooctanoate in mouse liver

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) has been suggested to protect against chemically induced hepatobiliary injuries in rodents. This function could mask the potential toxicities of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) that is an emerging environmental contaminant and a weak ligand of PPARalpha. However its function has not been clarified. In this study, PFOA was found to elicit hepatocyte and bile duct injuries in Pparalpha-null mice after 4 wk treatment with PFOA ammonium salt (0, 12.5, 25, 50 micromol/kg/d, gavage). In wild-type mice, PFOA caused major hepatocellular damage dose-dependently and minor cholangiopathy observed only at 25 and 50 micromol/kg. In treated Pparalpha-null mice, PFOA produced marked fat accumulation, severe cholangiopathy, hepatocellular damage and apoptotic cells especially in bile ducts. Oxidative stress was also increased 4-fold at 50 micromol/kg and TNF-alpha mRNA was upregulated more than 3-fold at 25 micromol/kg in Pparalpha-null mice. Biliary bile acid/phospholipid ratios were higher in Pparalpha-null mice than in wild-type mice. Results from these studies suggest that PPARalpha is protective against PFOA and have a critical role in drug induced hepatobiliary injury.

[Prognostic factors in the treatment of the bile duct injuries and strictures]

To describe the prognostic factors after surgical reconstruction data. were collected prospectively on 60 patients treated at the Scientific Center of Surgery named after M.Topchubashov and N5 City Hospital with major bile duct injuries and postoperative bile duct strictures between 2000 and 2009. Of the 60 patients 21 had bile duct injuries, other 39 had postoperative strictures. In 15 of 53 patients with iatrogenic injury of bile ducts trauma was recognized and repaired intraoperatively. In 22 patients was early, in 16 patients delayed recognition of bile duct injury. Most of patients had undergone a choledocho (8) or hepaticojejunostomy (33) by Roux. External drainage of bile ducts was performed in 24 patients. Of the 60 patients undergoing surgical reconstruction, 47 hud completed treatment. Of patients who had completed treatment, 82,9% were considered to have a successful outcome (24 patients excellent, 15 patients - good results) without the need for follow-up invasive, diagnostic, or therapeutic interventional procedures. Patients with reconstruction after injury or stricture-without external drainage had a better overall outcome (92,9% successful outcome) than patients with drainage of bile ducts (68,4% successful outcome). Number of stents and length of postoperative stenting also were significant predictors of outcome. Type of operation (laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy) had nd significant influence on outcome. At the same time a successful outcome, without the need for biliary stents, was obtained in 87,5% of patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus 71,8% after open cholecystectomy.

[Intraoperative injuries of bile ducts]

125 patients with injuries of bile ducts were observed from 1988 to 2008 years. Minor injuries (ducts in the bed of the gall bladder) were registered in 64 patients. Magistral bile ducts were injured in 61 cases. Analysis revealed 3 key points of the successful treatment of of such patients: type of the injury (cut, dissection, side wound), localization of the defect (intra- and extrahepatic ducts) and participation of a highly qualified surgeon.

[Indications of hepatectomy for iatrogenic biliary injury.]

BACKGROUND

The most efficient surgical procedure to treat bile duct injuries is a Roux en Y hepatoyeyunoanastomosis (RY-HYA). A small group of patients who have undergone a RY-HTA develop cholangitis without jaundice, with proven permeability of the anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE

To describe our experience in this subgroup of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

355 patients received surgical treatment for BDI with a RY-HYA. Medical charts of patients diagnosed with segmentary cholangitis involving a single hepatic lobe were reviewed. Segmentary cholangitis with intra-hepatic abscess was diagnosed through computer tomography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography.

RESULTS

We found 10 patients with segmentary cholangitis within the 355 cases in our series. Eight of them received treatment with a right hepatectomy and two of them with a left hepatectomy. In every patient, the hepatoyeyunoanastomosis was dismantled during the reoperation, corroborating the presence of a wide and permeable anastomosis. Surgical exploration was conducted through the hepatic ducts. After the affected lobe hepatectomy a new hepatoyeyunoanastomosis was performed. Out of the 10 patients one died (mortality 10%) due to hepatic cirrhosis. In the rest of the group a satisfactory resolution of the segmentary cholangitis was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, 3% of the patients required a mayor hepatectomy for the persistent cholangitis to resolve, despite the presence of a functional bilioenteric anastomosis. Segmentary cholangitis must be suspected in patients with normal levels of direct bilirubin and abnormal liver function tests with clinical manifestations of cholangitis.

Management of bile duct injuries: a practical approach

The incidence of bile duct injury (BDI) has increased after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A BDI can occur in the hands of experienced surgeons also. It can result in serious complications and may even cause death of the patient; it also has financial and legal implications. Proper training, sound surgical technique, and conversion to an open operation can prevent a large number of injuries. An injury that is missed during the operation manifests in the postoperative period as a bile leak and external biliary fistula or during the follow up as a biliary stricture. Management of a BDI depends on the nature of the bile duct injured, type of injury, and expertise available; it may range from simple subhepatic drainage to Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Excellent results can be obtained when BDI is managed at a hepatobiliary center.

Restenotic hepaticojejunostomy secondary to laparoscopic cholecistectomy bile duct injury treated with self- modified Gianturco-Rosh stents

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered as a standard procedure for symptomatic gallstones. However, the incidence of iatrogenic bile duct injury is higher that the conventional cholecystectomy. In the present study was analyzed the results in 6 patients with iatrogenic bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy with restenotic hepaticojejunostomy treated with self-modified Gianturco-Rosch stents.

METHODOLOGY

Data were collected retrospectively on May 2000 to October 2008 on six patients with major bile duct injury secondary to cholecystectomy. All patients underwent surgical reconstruction with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and presented clinically as obstructive jaundice. Percutaneous transhepatic and/or endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, cholangioplasty by balloon dilation and biliary catheter placement were done in each patient prior to stents placement. Modified Gianturco-Rosch stents with 3cm length and 10mm diameter were used. Follow-up was obtained with direct patients contact or hospital records.

RESULTS

Metallic stents were successfully implanted in all 6 patients and the mean patency rate was 46.5 months (range = 14-101 months). One patient required percutaneous recanalization procedure for recurrent cholangitis and obstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

Gianturco-Rosch stents placement should be considered in patient with post-hepaticojejunostomy restenosis that repeat surgery is not feasible.

ERCP in the management of biliary complications after cholecystectomy

Open cholecystectomy has been associated historically with 0.2% to 0.5% risk of postoperative biliary injury. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which has become the first-line surgical treatment of calculous gallbladder disease, has been associated with a 2.5-fold to fourfold increase in the incidence of postoperative bile duct injury. The biliary endoscopist can expect to see a varied spectrum of complications after cholecystectomy by either technique, including postoperative biliary strictures, bile leaks, and retained calculi in the biliary tree. Proper diagnosis and treatment are paramount in ensuring a satisfactory outcome after bile duct injury. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become the primary modality for treatment and effectively manages most bile duct injuries.

[Value of identification of cystic duct, common bile duct, and common hepatic duct in prevention of bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore effective method to avoid iatrogenic bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

10 492 patients underwent LC from May 1996 to May 2006, 8566 of them were treated by the method to identify the cystic duct, common hepatic duct, and common bile duct during LC (tri-duct method group), and the left 1926 cases whose cystic duct failed to be exposed easily were treated with the method to identify at least two of the 4 structures (cystic lymph node, Hartmann's pouch, cystic artery, and emptiness of cystic triangle) so as to help identify the cystic duct (tri-duct plus tri-structure group). The operating time, amount of blood loss, open conversion rate, and morbidity were compared between these 2 groups.

RESULTS

No cases of bile leakage or jaundice because of accidental injury of bile duct were found. The operating time of the tri-duct plus tri-structure group was (28 +/- 12) (15 - 52) min, significantly shorter than that of the tri-duct group [(38 +/- 16) (15 - 92) min, P < 0.05]. The open conversion rate of the tri-duct plus tri-structure group was 1.8%, significantly lower than that of the tri-duct group (8.7%, P < 0.05). There were no significant difference in the amount of blood loss and morbidity between the two groups (both P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The tri-structure method can not only confirm the cystic duct correctly, thus preventing iatrogenic bile duct injury, but also shorten the operating time and reduce the open conversion ratio during LC.

Management and mid- to long-term results of early referred bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Bile duct injuries (BDI) usually need operative repair and remain as a challenge even for surgeons who specialize in hepatobiliary surgery. The objective of this study was to define the presentation, in-hospital management, and mid- to long-term outcome of BDIs during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) referred to a tertiary center in their early period.

METHODOLOGY

From January 1996 to January 2006, 31 patients with BDI sustained during or after LC were treated at our institution. Patients were referred to our center from 18 community hospitals in their first 15 postoperative days. Patients' charts were retrospectively reviewed; presentation, management, and follow-up details recorded at the primary hospitals and at our institution were documented.

RESULTS

There were 5 patients with type-A and one with type-C injury, according to Strasberg classification. The remainders had a major BDI. The mean time to referral was 3.45 (median 2) days. Treatment methods chosen after referral were as follows: drainage-observation in 2 patients (6.5%), nasobiliary drainage in 4 (12.9%), endoscopic sphincterotomy plus biliary stenting in 1 (3.2%), and surgical intervention (duct-to-duct anastomosis or biliary-enteric reconstruction) in 24 patients (77.4%). Although a success rate of 83.3% was achieved in the early period, 10 patients (32.3%) had late postoperative complications (stricture and cholangitis), and of these, 3 required endoscopic stent placement, and 7 patients underwent a biliary diversion with Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy. One out of 24 patients with long-term follow-up developed biliary cirrhosis, and one patient with malignancy expired.

CONCLUSIONS

Minor BDIs can be satisfactorily treated with endoscopic interventions. Extended lateral injuries, complete CBD transsections, and long segment stenosis usually require surgical therapy. Duct-to-duct anastomosis may be an option as the first-line therapy in selected patients after early referral, though many patients eventually require a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

[The absence of haptic perception in laparoscopic cholecystectomy--risk factor for biliary lesions]

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injuries are the main serious technical complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Each lesion is peculiar in its features as well as the surgeon's reaction when face it.

AIM

To reveal the place of the human error according to accepted principles of cognitive psychology, beside other risk-factors involved in biliary accidents during LC.

METHOD

Retrospective study on 18 patients treated for severe biliary lesions during LC in 1st Surgical Clinic of "Sf. Spiridon" Hospital, Iaşi, Romania, between March 1993 and March 2008. According to Strasberg's classification the lesions were: type C (n=1; 3%), type D (n=13; 39.4%), type E1-2 (n=2; 6.1%) and type E5 (n=2; 6.1%). In the medical records we followed up the technical aspects of the procedure (section, dissection, clips) and the lesional and anatomic factors attended at the moment of LC. We also assessed the concerned surgeons experience based on the number of the LC at time of the biliary accident.

RESULTS

In our experience (10046 LC) the incidence of the biliary injuries was 0.1% only. We met four lesional and/or anatomic factors (mean) on each case with biliary lesion. Only five cases (27.7%) were detected intraoperatively, but Spearman's correlation between time of detection and surgeons experience is insignificant.

CONCLUSION

Our results, rounded with cognitive psychology data from literature, suggest the role of the absence of haptic perception during laparoscopic procedures, in the occurrence of some errors, even in circumstances with "perfect visibility".

Experimental trial of transvaginal cholecystectomy: an ex vivo analysis of the learning process for a novel single-port technique

BACKGROUND

Interest in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has expanded, and the first experiences with patients using different techniques have been reported. However, no work has addressed the learning process or the limitations of the procedures. The relation between inexperience and complications became a major concern after the introduction of laparoscopic surgery. This study investigates the learning process for a new technique using specially designed instruments in an ex vivo model before clinical application.

METHODS

Specially designed instruments and a single-port technique using the Tuebingen Trainer were used to evaluate instrument and surgeon performance (learning curve) in terms of time and errors. A total of 90 procedures performed by three surgeons were evaluated. Group and individual learning curves were plotted.

RESULTS

All the surgeons showed a reduction in both mean cholecystectomy time (subject A: 27.2 vs 16.6 min; subject B: 21.4 vs 19.22 min; subject C: 21 vs 19.7 min) and mean errors (subject A: 2.8 vs 1.6; subject B: 3.5 vs 2.6; subject C: 3.5 vs 2). A plateau was reached after approximately 15 procedures. Group learning curve analysis showed a significant reduction in time between the first group (mean, 24.97 +/- 5.8 min) and last group (mean, 19.30 +/- 3.09 min; F[1,28] = 11.83; p = 0.001) for 15 procedures, as well as reduced technical errors in the fifth group, from 3.7 +/- 1.65 to 1.6 +/- 1.04 (F[1,28] = 8.90; p < 0.01), demonstrating a learning effect. The number of optic and access port position changes were recorded, setting a standard for normal instrument performance.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the tasks of cholecystectomy can be learned safely in a reasonable number of simulations with the new instruments. Although this is a new technique, prior laparoscopic surgery experience is helpful. The technique offers an advantage over those using flexible endoscopes.

[Conversion has to be learned: bile duct injury following conversion to open cholecystectomy]

In three patients, a man aged 52 years, a woman aged 35 years and a man aged 72 years, respectively, severe bile duct injury occurred following conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy. Treatment included percutaneous transhepatic drainage, abdominal drainage and bile return via a duodenal canula, and hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-and-Y reconstruction. Bile duct injury is the most significant complication following cholecystectomy, with substantial long term morbidity. The most common treatment for gallstones is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, irrespective of the presence of risk factors for conversion and bile duct injury. Generally, when the 'critical view of safety' cannot be obtained during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, conversion to open surgery is advocated to prevent bile duct injury. Surgical residents however, now have little or no experience with the open procedure. Conversion does not always provide a better view of the anatomy and, without experience with this procedure, it may even lead to more severe bile duct injury, such as transection or resection of the duct. In the case of a difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a change of surgical strategy, such as antegrade or subtotal cholecystectomy or even drainage, may be more important than conversion per se.

[A survey of bile duct injuries sustained during laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the reasons for bile duct injury (BDI) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), and to determine the effect of multiple treatment after BDI.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed. The medical records of 110 patients diagnosed with BDI after LC from October 1993 to November 2007, in ten large hospitals in Guangdong of China, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Among 110 patients with BDI, 58 cases (52.7%) were local patients, whereas 52 cases (47.3%) were transferred from outside hospitals. Reasons for BDI following LC were: (1) Lack of experience of the LC operator (48.2%); (2) LC performed during acute cholecystitis (20.0%); (3) The structure of Calot triangle was unclear (15.5%); (4) Variable anatomical position (11.8%); (5) Intra-operation bleeding (4.5%). The commonest sites of injury were the choledochus and common hepatic duct (76.4%). Following BDI, endoscopic stenting or operative repair was performed in 106 patients. The overall success rate was 95.3% (101/106), with a mortality rate was 0.9% (1/106). Cholangitis occurred in 3.8% (4/106) cases. Choledocho-enterostomy operation was performed in almost 60.0% (63/106) cases, and the success rate was 93.7% (59/63). Endoscopic stenting or operative repair was performed immediately following BDI in 23.6% (25/106) patients, the success rate was 100%; and within 30 days in 63.2% (67/106) patients. Eighty-eight out of 106 patients who underwent repair were successful following the first operative procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors such as an un-experienced operator and unclear anatomical position were causes of BDI following LC. Early operative repair should be regarded as the treatment of choice, in patients diagnosed with BDI. Early refer to an experienced hepatobiliary operator ensures a high success rate.

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries: management of ten patients

The bile duct injuries rose from 0.1%-0.2% to 0.4%-0.7% from the era of open cholecystectomy to the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Many classifications categorized the biliary tract injury, but none was universally accepted. In this study, 10 patients with iatrogenic major bile duct injuries were managed in Al Rahba General Hospital, UAE (April 2003 to December 2007). They were 8 females & 2 males with a mean age of 46.5 years and a mean hospital stay of 19.4 days. Four patients were initially operated upon for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and six were initially operated on elsewhere. Intraoperative bile duct injury was discovered in only 2 cases, and in 8 patients, bile duct injury was discovered in the postoperative period. Roux en Y hepaticojejunostomy was the treatment of choice for 6 patients, and 4 patients was choledochodudenostomy in one patient, left hepaticojejunostomy in another, end to end anastomosis of common bile duct over a T tube in a third patient, and removal of a clip in the last patient. There was no mortality, but in the first year postoperative follow up, 2 developed cholangitis which responded to antibiotic.

[The application of laparoscopy in biliary reconstruction and rehabilitation after transection injury of biliary duct]

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the feasibility of biliary reconstruction and rehabilitation after transection injury of biliary duct by laparoscopy.

METHODS

The clinical data of 24 cases receiving biliary reconstruction after transection injury of biliary duct by laparoscopy were analyzed retrospectively from August 2002 to April 2008, including operation indications, contraindications, related operation skills and so on. In these 24 cases, the reasons of transection of biliary duct as followed: 15 cases were pancreaticoduodenectomy, 6 cases were resection of the choledochal cyst, 1 case was resection of high cholangiocarcinoma, 1 case was cholecystectomy and 1 case was resection of gastric cancer.

RESULTS

Biliary reconstruction and rehabilitation was successfully completed in 24 cases by laparoscopy. There was 1 case of bile leakage and no duct stenosis complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Biliary reconstruction and rehabilitation by laparoscopy was feasible and safe procedure, has a high successful rate, and deserves further clinical trials in hospitals.

[Histological evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in patients with post surgical bile duct injury]

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy can produce fibrous and collagen deposit tissue. Our objective was to evaluate the liver fibrosis measured in histological tissue in patients with bile duct injury after cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Three normal liver biopsies and 21 from patients with bile duct injuries were studied. Group I: with three normal liver biopsies. Group II: with external abdominal fistula alone in six patients. Group III with complete bile duct obstruction in 15 patients. The surgical biliary enteric reconstructions were performed 8 weeks after bile duct injury in all cases. The fibrosis and collagen deposits were studied by Masson's trichrome and Sirius red stains and they were measured by a digital program.

RESULTS

Group I showed 2 % of fibrosis tissue and 1% of collagen deposit and was considered as normal. Group II showed unexpected 1 fold more liver fibrosis and 9 fold more collagen deposit in extracellular matrix macromolecule (p < 0.05, Anova) against group I. Patients in group III, had fibrous tissue increase 43 folds more and 14 collagen folds more (p < 0.0001, Bonferroni's post hoc) versus group I.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients in groups II and III showed liver fibrosis, being this more important in group III.

Biliary complications of cholecystectomy

Biliary complications occur because of causes such as obscure or variant anatomy, predisposing conditions such as fibrosis or severe inflammation, equipment failure, and surgeon factors. The aim of this study was to review the optimal surgical treatment. Analysis of 81 patients with bile duct injuries treated in a single referral unit over an 8.5-year period was done. Time of detection of biliary injury and its presentation were ascertained as well as the level of injury (Strasburg's). In 8 patients, injury was detected intraoperatively, and 41 were detected in the early postoperative period with bile leak (n = 25) or obstructive jaundice (n = 10). Those diagnosed in the delayed postoperative period (n = 32) presented with recurrent cholangitis (n = 9), obstructive jaundice (n = 16), and a cholestatic enzymatic profile (n = 1). Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy was the preferred option (n = 64). One patient died because of biliary peritonitis. Improper treatment is associated with disastrous results, but early recognition and correct management can lead to a successful outcome and good prognosis.

Intraductal chilled saline perfusion to prevent bile duct injury during percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, thermal injury sometimes occurs in the bile duct, potentially leading to a critical situation. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether bile duct injury is reduced by an intraductal chilled saline perfusion (ICSP) through a nasobiliary tube during RFA for HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The baseline incidence of bile duct injury at Gifu Municipal Hospital was 3.1% (13 patients) in 424 patients with HCC treated by percutaneous RFA. In all patients, the tumor was within 5 mm of the central bile duct on CT images. The incidence of bile duct injury was 46% among the 28 selected patients whose tumor was close to the central bile duct. To prevent complications in such high-risk patients, we placed a nasobiliary tube endoscopically before RFA, and performed ICSP during RFA. Forty consecutive patients with tumors close to the central bile duct were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

Of the 40 enrolled patients, only one had biliary injury, whereas the remaining 39 patients were able to avoid it. The incidence of biliary injury was significantly reduced in the ICSP group (1/40, 2.5%) compared to that in the control group (13/28, 46%) (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the liver function 6 months after RFA was also better preserved in the ICSP group according to Child-Pugh grading, thus resulting in a better clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

ICSP through a nasobiliary tube is a potential intervention method to prevent biliary injury by percutaneous RFA.