Iatrogenic bile duct injuries: Etiology, diagnosis and management

Early or Delayed Intervention for Bile Duct Injuries following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy? A Dilemma Looking for an Answer

Background. To evaluate the effect of timing of management and intervention on outcomes of bile duct injury. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 92 patients between 1991 and 2011. Data concerned patient's demographic characteristics, type of injury (according to Strasberg classification), time to referral, diagnostic procedures, timing of surgical management, and final outcome. The endpoint was the comparison of postoperative morbidity (stricture, recurrent cholangitis, required interventions/dilations, and redo reconstruction) and mortality between early (less than 2 weeks) and late (over 12 weeks) surgical reconstruction. Results. Three patients were treated conservatively, two patients were treated with percutaneous drainage, and 13 patients underwent PTC or ERCP. In total 74 patients were operated on in our unit. 58 of them underwent surgical reconstruction by end-to-side Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, 11 underwent primary bile duct repair, and the remaining 5 underwent more complex procedures. Of the 56 patients, 34 patients were submitted to early reconstruction, while 22 patients were submitted to late reconstruction. After a median follow-up of 93 months, there were two deaths associated with BDI after LC. Outcomes after early repairs were equal to outcomes after late repairs when performed by specialists. Conclusions. Early repair after BDI results in equal outcomes compared with late repair. BDI patients should be referred to centers of expertise and experience.

Self-expandable biodegradable biliary stents in porcine model

BACKGROUND

Treatment or prevention of a benign biliary tree stricture is an unresolved problem. A novel self-expandable biodegradable polydioxanon biliary stent in a porcine model was studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This new stent was used in 23 pigs. Feasibility and safety of surgical stenting, time of biodegradation, and histologic reaction in 2, 8, 13, and 20 wk of a follow-up were studied. All stents were inserted into a common bile duct through a duodenal papilla following small dilatation. After surgical evaluation of abdominal cavities, the pigs were sacrificed to remove common bile ducts with the stents. All bile ducts were assessed by macroscopic and histopathologic examination.

RESULTS

Self-expansion was correct in all cases. Neither bile duct obstruction nor postsurgical complications were observed. Macroscopic evaluation indicated lightening of the stent color in 2 wk, a partial disintegration in 8 wk, and a complete absorption in 13 and 20 wk. Histologic evaluation in general substantiated a mild-to-moderate inflammatory reaction in the lamina propria during the whole follow up and had no clinical consequences. No cholangitis, necrosis, abscess, or excessive fibroplasia was found in a hepatoduodenal ligament.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that polydioxanon biodegradable self-expanding stents seem to be useful for biliary system implantation, offer a good biocompatibility, and completely degrade within 13 wk.

End-to-end ductal anastomosis in biliary reconstruction: indications and limitations

End-to-end ductal anastomosis is a physiologic biliary reconstruction that is commonly used in liver transplantation and less frequently in the surgical treatment of iatrogenic bile duct injuries. Currently, end-to-end ductal anastomosis is the biliary reconstruction of choice for liver transplantation in most adult patients. In recent years, it has also been performed for liver transplantation in children and in select patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. The procedure is also performed in some patients with iatrogenic bile duct injuries, as it establishes physiologic bile flow. Proper digestion and absorption as well as postoperative endoscopic access are possible in patients who undergo end-to-end ductal anastomosis. It allows endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in patients following surgery. This anastomosis is technically simple and associated with fewer early postoperative complications than the Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy; however, end-to-end ductal anastomosis is not possible to perform in all patients. This review discusses the indications for and limitations of this biliary reconstruction, the technique used in liver transplantation and surgical repair of injured bile ducts, suture types and use of a T-tube.

Progressive balloon dilatation following hepaticojejunostomy improves outcome of bile duct stricture after iatrogenic biliary injury

Background

Iatrogenic biliary stricture (IBS) is a disastrous complication of cholecystectomy. Although the endoscopic treatments are well accepted as initial attempts for IBS, surgical hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) is often necessary for a considerable proportion of patients. However, the anastomotic stricture after HJ also occurs.

Methods

In the present study, a new procedure, progressive balloon dilation following HJ (HJPBD), was designed and utilized in the IBS treatment. We retrospectively compared HJPBD with the traditional HJ in term of the outcomes when used for IBS treatment.

Results

Between January 1997 and December 2009, 112 patients with IBS attributed to cholecystectomy enrolled in our hospital were treated with surgical reconstruction with either HJ (n=58) or HJPBD (n=54). Of the 58 patients in HJ group, 48 patients (82.8%) had a successful outcome, while 52 out of 54 patients (96.3%) in HJPBD group achieved success. The successful surgical reconstruction rates were significantly different between these two groups, with a further improved outcome in patient undergone progressive balloon dilation following HJ. Additionally, 8 of the 10 failure cases in HJ group were successfully rescued by HJPBD procedure.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the new procedure of HJPBD could be successfully applied to IBS patients, and significantly improve the outcome of IBS reconstruction.

Quality-of-life assessment in the treatment of iatrogenic bile duct injuries: hepaticojejunostomy versus end-to-end biliary reconstructions

BACKGROUND

Assessment and comparison of quality of life (QOL) in patients treated for iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) or end-to-end ductal anastomosis (EE).

METHODS

The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36v2 (SF-36v2) Health Survey and the Karnofsky score were used. Comparative analysis of QOL was performed in 41 patients following reconstructive surgery for IBDI between 1990 and 2005: 22 - HJ and 21 - EE.

RESULTS

Seven of eight values were comparable in both analysed groups: role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional and mental health index. Physical functioning was significantly better in patients following EE (P = 0.04). Physical component summary (P = 0.11) and mental component summary (P = 0.92) in both groups were comparable. QOL according to the Karnofsky scale was comparable in both groups (P = 0.294).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical functioning was significantly better in patients after EE. Other values of QOF according to the SF-36v2 and the Karnofsky score were comparable in both groups.

Repair of bile duct defect with degradable stent and autologous tissue in a porcine model

AIM: To introduce and evaluate a new method to repair bile duct defect with a degradable stent and autologous tissues.

METHODS: Eight Ba-Ma mini-pigs were used in this study. Experimental models with common bile duct (CBD) defect (0.5-1.0 cm segment of CBD resected) were established and then CBD was reconstructed by duct to duct anastomosis with a novel degradable stent made of poly [sebacic acid-co-(1,3-propanediol)-co-(1,2-propanediol)]. In addition, a vascularized greater omentum was placed around the stent and both ends of CBD. Cholangiography via gall bladder was performed for each pig at postoperative months 1 and 3 to rule out stent translocation and bile duct stricture. Complete blood count was examined pre- and post-operatively to estimate the inflammatory reaction. Liver enzymes and serum bilirubin were examined pre- and post-operatively to evaluate the liver function. Five pigs were sacrificed at month 3 to evaluate the healing of anastomosis. The other three pigs were raised for one year for long-term observation.

RESULTS: All the animals underwent surgery successfully. There was no intraoperative mortality and no bile leakage during the observation period. The white blood cell counts were only slightly increased on day 14 and month 3 postoperatively compared with that before operation, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.652). The plasma level of alanine aminotransferase on day 14 and month 3 postoperatively was also not significantly elevated compared with that before operation (P = 0.810). Nevertheless, the plasma level of γ-glutamyl transferase was increased after operation in both groups (P = 0.004), especially 2 wk after operation. The level of serum total bilirubin after operation was not significantly elevated compared with that before operation (P = 0.227), so did the serum direct bilirubin (P = 0.759). By cholangiography via gall bladder, we found that the stent maintained its integrity of shape and was still in situ at month 1, and it disappeared completely at month 3. No severe CBD dilation and stricture were observed at both months 1 and 3. No pig died during the 3-mo postoperative observation period. No sign of necrosis, bile duct stricture, bile leakage or abdominal abscess was found at reoperation at month 3 postoperatively. Pigs had neither fragments of stent nor stones formed in the CBD. Collagen deposit was observed in the anastomosis by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson’s trichrome stains. No severe cholestasis was observed in liver parenchyma by HE staining. Intestinal obstruction was found in a pig 4 mo after operation, and no bile leakage, bile duct stricture or biliary obstruction were observed in laparotomy. No sign of bile duct stricture or bile leakage was observed in the other two pigs.

CONCLUSION: The novel method for repairing bile duct defect yielded a good short-term effect without postoperative bile duct stricture. However, the long-term effect should be further studied.

Bilio-entero-gastrostomy: prospective assessment of a modified biliary reconstruction with facilitated future endoscopic access

Background

Hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) is the classical reconstruction for benign biliary stricture. Endoscopic management of anastomotic complications after hepaticojejunostomy is extremely difficult. In this work we assess a modified biliary reconstruction in the form of bilio-entero-gastrostomy (BEG) regarding the feasibility of endoscopic access to HJ and management of its stenosis if encountered.

Methods

From October 2008 till February 2011 all patients presented to the authors with benign biliary stricture who needed bilio-enteric shunt were considered. For each patient bilio-entero-gastrostomy (BEG) of either type I, II or III was constructed. In the fourth week postoperatively, endoscopy was performed to explore the possibility to access the biliary anastomosis and perform cholangiography.

Results

BEG shunt was performed for seventeen patients, one of whom, with BEG type I, died due to myocardial infarction leaving sixteen patients with a diagnosis of postcholecystectomy biliary injury (9), inflammatory stricture with or without choledocholithiasis (5) and strictured biliary shunt (2). BEG shunts were either type I (3), type II (3) or type III (10). Endoscopic follow up revealed successful access to the anastomosis in 14 patients (87.5%), while the access failed in one type I and one type II BEG (12.5%). Mean time needed to access the anastomosis was 12.6 min (2-55 min). On a scale from 1–5, mean endoscopic difficulty score was 1.7. One patient (6.25%), with BEG type I, developed anastomotic stricture after 18 months that was successfully treated endoscopically by stenting. These preliminary results showed that, in relation to the other types, type III BEG demonstrated the tendency to be surgically simpler to perform, endoscopicall faster to access, easier and with no failure.

Conclusions

BEG, which is a modified biliary reconstruction, facilitates endoscopic access of the biliary anastomosis, offers management option for its complications, and, therefore, could be considered for biliary reconstruction of benign stricture. BEG type III tend to be surgically simpler and endoscopically faster, easier and more successful than type I and II.

Biliary complications during a decade of increased cholecystectomy rate

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury is a rare complication of cholecystectomy. The aims of this study were to analyse the mechanism and outcome of biliary complications and determine the Northern Ireland incidence of bile duct injury over the last decade.

METHODS

Annual numbers of cholecystectomies were obtained from the Northern Ireland Hospital Inpatient System database. Bile duct injury referrals to a hepatobililary unit over an 11-year period from 2000 were reviewed. Mechanism and recognition of injury, referral interval, management and outcome were analysed.

RESULTS

The annual incidence of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Northern Ireland increased from 0.038% in 1995 to 0.101% in 2009. Thirty-five patients with biliary complications from cholecystectomy were referred from 2000. The incidence of bile duct injury associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy during this period was 0.2%. Only 26% of injuries were recognised intra-operatively, only 40% were referred immediately and 91% required operative intervention.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has increased in Northern Ireland. The incidence of bile duct injuries over the last 11 years was 0.2%. Recognition and referral were delayed in most cases. The majority of injuries required operative management and long-term follow-up.

Bile duct injury following cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE

To describe the epidemiological, clinical and surgical features of patients with iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) attending the General Hospital of Fortaleza (HGF) during the period from 2005 to 2009.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of medical records of patients admitted to HGF with the diagnosis of IBDI, evaluating the following variables: gender, age, origin, conditions of cholecystectomy, type of surgery, symptoms, exams performed, surgical findings, classification of injury, treatment, complications, total duration of hospitalization and discharge conditions.

RESULTS

There were 27 confirmed cases of IBDI. Two injuries occurred during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Only one patient was diagnosed intraoperatively. The most frequent sign was jaundice after cholecystectomy. Hepato-duodenal Y-en-Roux anastomosis was the most often employed surgical technique (85.2%). Most patients were discharged from hospital in good clinical condition (88.8%), however, we found high morbidity rates for this disease, exemplified by the multiple hospitalizations and longer hospital stay (mean 31 days).

CONCLUSION

Most injuries occurred during open cholecystectomy, jaundice was the most frequent sign upon admission. There was a high hospitalization length of stay, caused by postoperative complications, which could be explained by delayed diagnosis resulting in a large delay in treatment.

Novel technique for biliary reconstruction using an isolated gastric tube with a vascularized pedicle: a live animal experimental study and the first clinical case

Background

Biliary tract reconstruction continues to be a challenging surgical problem. Multiple experimental attempts have been reported to reconstruct biliary defects with different materials and variable outcome. Our aim was to evaluate a new method for biliary reconstruction using an isolated pedicled gastric tube in a live animal trial and also to present the first clinical case.

Methods

Seven mongrel dogs underwent biliary reconstruction using gastric tube harvested, completely separated from the greater curvature, and based on a vascularized pedicle with the right gastroepiploic vessels. The tube was interposed between the common bile duct (CBD) and the duodenum. Postoperative mortality, morbidity, liver functions, gross and microscopic histological picture were assessed. The first clinical case was also presented where, in a patient with post-cholecystectomy biliary injury, an isolated pedicled gastric tube was interposed between the proximal and distal ends of the CBD.

Results

One dog did not recover from anesthesia and another one died postoperatively from septic peritonitis. Five dogs survived the procedure and showed uneventful course and no cholestasis. The mean anastomotic circumference was 4.8 mm (range 4-6) for CBD anastomosis and 6.2 mm (range 5-7) for duodenal anastomosis. Histologically, anastomotic sites showed good evidence of healing. In the first clinical case, the patient showed clinical and biochemical improvement. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was feasible and assured patent biliary anastomoses.

Conclusion

In mongrel dogs, biliary reconstruction using pedicled gastric tube interposition between CBD and duodenum is feasible with satisfactory clinical results, anastomotic circumference and histological evidence of healing. The technique is also feasible in human and seems to be promising.

An end-to-end anastomosis model of guinea pig bile duct: A 6-mo observation

AIM: To establish the end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) model of guinea pig bile duct and evaluate the healing process of bile duct.

METHODS: Thirty-two male guinea pigs were randomly divided into control group, 2-, 3-, and 6-mo groups after establishment of EEA model. Histological, immunohistochemical and serologic tests as well as measurement of bile contents were performed. The bile duct diameter and the diameter ratio (DR) were measured to assess the formation of relative stricture.

RESULTS: Acute and chronic inflammatory reactions occurred throughout the healing process of bile duct. Serology test and bile content measurement showed no formation of persistent stricture in 6-mo group. The DR revealed a transient formation of relative stricture in 2-mo group in comparation to control group (2.94 ± 0.17 vs 1.89 ± 0.27, P = 0.004). However, this relative stricture was released in 6-mo group (2.14 ± 0.18, P = 0.440).

CONCLUSION: A simple and reliable EEA model of guinea pig bile duct can be established with a good reproducibility and a satisfactory survival rate.

Minimal invasive single-site surgery in colorectal procedures: Current state of the art

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive single-site (MISS) surgery has recently been applied to colorectal surgery. We aimed to assess the current state of the art and the adequacy of preliminary oncological results.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of the literature using Pubmed, Medline, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. Keywords used were "Single Port" or "Single-Incision" or "LaparoEndoscopic Single Site" or "SILS™" and "Colon" or "Colorectal" and "Surgery".

RESULTS

Twenty-nine articles on colorectal MISS surgery have been published from July 2008 to July 2010, presenting data on 149 patients. One study reported analgesic requirement. The final incision length ranged from 2.5 to 8 cm. Only two studies reported fascial incision length. There were two port site hernias in a series of 13 patients (15.38%). Two "fully laparoscopic" MISS procedures with preparation and achievement of the anastomosis completely intracorporeally are reported. Future site of ileostomy was used as the sole access for the procedures in three studies. Lymph node harvesting, resection margins and length of specimen were sufficient in oncological cases.

CONCLUSIONS

MISS colorectal surgery is a challenging procedure that seems to be safe and feasible, but the existing clinical evidence is limited. In selected cases, and especially when an ileostomy is planned, colorectal surgery may be an ideal indication for MISS surgery leading to a no-scar surgery. Despite preliminary oncological results showing the feasibility of MISS surgery, we want to stress the need to standardize the technique and carefully evaluate its application in oncosurgery under ethical committee control.

Tratamento endoscópico das lesões biliares

As técnicas cirúrgicas convencionais ofertam uma apropriada condição de cura na maioria dos pacientes com estreitamento biliar benigno. Nesta condição, no entanto, o reparo cirúrgico está associado com recorrência tardia da re-estenose em 10% a 30% dos pacientes. Neste contexto, os avanços tecnológicos na endoscopia terapêutica promoveram a possibilidade alternativa do tratamento efetivo destas obstruções benignas. Considerações em relação ao tempo de reospitalização e de procedimentos devem ser averiguados em detalhes e ponderados em relação á cirurgia. Estenoses malignas estão relacionadas á colangite, icterícia e dor e, consequentemente, com as alterações sistêmicas relacionadas com a sepsis biliar. A conduta endoscópica cria uma derivação do suco biliar para o duodeno, sendo uma verdadeira derivação biliodigestiva endoscópica e utilizando-se próteses plásticas ou metálicas. O propósito desta revisão é ofertar aos leitores a eficácia do tratamento endoscópico na estenose benigna e maligna biliopancreática.