Palliative treatment with self-expandable metallic stents in patients with advanced type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a percutaneous versus endoscopic approach

Palliative treatment with radiation-emitting metallic stents in unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Background

The emerging data for stenting in combination with brachytherapy in unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma are encouraging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiation-emitting metallic stents (REMS) for unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Patients and methods

Consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous placement with REMS or uncovered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) for unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma between September 2011 and April 2016 were identified into this retrospective study. Data on patient demographics and overall survival, functional success, stent patency and complications were collected at the authors’ hospital.

Results

A total of 59 patients were included: 33 (55.9%) in the REMS group and 26 (44.1%) in the SEMS group. The median overall survival was 338 days in the REMS group and 141 days in the SEMS group (p<0.001). The median stent patency time was 385 days for REMS and 142 days for SEMS (p<0.001). The functional success rate (87.9% vs 84.6%, p=0.722) and incidence of overall complications (27.3% vs 26.9%, p=0.999) did not differ in the two groups.

Conclusions

Placement with REMS is safe and effective in palliation for unresectable Bismuth type III or IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and seems to prolong survival as well as patency of stent in these patients.

Cholangiocarcinoma: Current Knowledge and New Developments

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary malignancy. Although it is more common in Asia, its incidence in Europe and North America has significantly increased in recent decades. The prognosis of CCA is dismal. Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment, but the majority of patients present with advanced stage disease, and recurrence after resection is common. Over the last two decades, our understanding of the molecular biology of this malignancy has increased tremendously, diagnostic techniques have evolved, and novel therapeutic approaches have been established. This review discusses the changing epidemiologic trends and provides an overview of newly identified etiologic risk factors for CCA. Furthermore, the molecular pathogenesis is discussed as well as the influence of etiology and biliary location on the mutational landscape of CCA. This review provides an overview of the diagnostic evaluation of CCA and its staging systems. Finally, new therapeutic options are critically reviewed, and future therapeutic strategies discussed.

Clinical features and outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with bile duct invasion

Background/Aims

Little is known about the treatment or outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with bile duct invasion.

Methods

A total of 247 consecutive HCC patients with bile duct invasion at initial diagnosis were retrospectively included.

Results

The majority of patients had Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C HCC (66.8%). Portal vein tumor thrombosis was present in 166 (67.2%) patients. Median survival was 4.1 months. Various modalities of treatment were initially employed including surgical resection (10.9%), repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) (42.5%), and conservative management (42.9%). Among the patients with obstructive jaundice (n=88), successful biliary drainage was associated with better overall survival rate. Among the patients with BCLC stage C, overall survival differed depending on the initial treatment for HCC; surgical resection, TACE, systemic chemotherapy, and conservative management showed overall survival rates of 11.5, 6.0 ,2.4, and 1.6 months, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, surgical resection and repeated TACE were significant prognostic factors for HCC patients with bile duct invasion (hazard ratios 0.47 and 0.39, Ps <0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The survival of HCC patients with bile duct invasion at initial diagnosis is generally poor. However, aggressive treatments for HCC such as resection or biliary drainage may be beneficial therapeutic options for patients with preserved liver function.

The safety and efficacy of percutaneous intraductal radiofrequency ablation in unresectable malignant biliary obstruction: A single-institution experience

Background

Patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction have limited life expectancy because of limited stent patency and tumor progression. The aim of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining intraductal RFA with biliary metal stent placement for patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

Methods

Patients who received percutaneous intraductal RFA and biliary stent placement for malignant biliary obstruction between 2013 and 2015 were identified. Outcomes were stent patency, technique and clinical success rate, overall survival (OS) and complication rates. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to examine the association of various factors with stent patency and OS. Complications and laboratory abnormalities were recorded.

Results

Fifty patients were treated with percutaneous RFA and stent placement. The rates of technical success and clinical success were 98% and 92%, respectively. The median stent patency was 7.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3, 8.7) months and OS was 5.0 (95% CI: 4.0, 6.0) months. On univariable analysis, previously cholangitis was an independent poor prognosis factor for recurrent biliary obstruction. OS was improved in patients who received more than one intervention compared to those who received only one intervention (log-rank P = 0.007), and in those treated without versus those treated with sequential chemotherapy (log-rank P = 0.017). On multivariable analysis, the occurrence of more than one intervention (P = 0.019) had independent prognostic significance for OS.

Conclusion

Percutaneous RFA and stent placement is a technically safe and feasible therapeutic option for the palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. The long-term efficacy and safety of the procedure is promising, but further study is required via randomized and prospective trials.

Comparison of intraluminal radiofrequency ablation and stents vs. stents alone in the management of malignant biliary obstruction

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the added benefit of adding intraluminal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to biliary metal stent placement for patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO).

METHODS

From November 2013 to December 2015, 89 patients with MBO who had undergone percutaneous intraluminal RFA and stent placement (RFA-stent group, n = 50) or stent placement only (stent group, n = 39) were included. Outcomes were compared according to the type of tumour: cholangiocarcinoma or non-cholangiocarcinoma.

RESULTS

Primary and secondary stent patency (PSP, SSP) were significantly higher for the RFA-stent group than the stent group (PSP: 7.0 months vs. 5.0 months, p = 0.006; SSP: 10.0 months vs. 5.6 months, p < 0.001), with overall survival being comparable (5.0 months vs. 4.7 months, p = 0.068). In subgroup analysis, RFA-stent showed significant PSP benefits compared to stent alone in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (7.4 months vs. 4.3 months; p = 0.009), but with comparable outcomes in patients with non-cholangiocarcinoma (6.3 months vs. 5.2 months; p = 0.266). The SSP was improved in both subgroups (cholangiocarcinoma, 12.6 months vs. 5.0 months, p < 0.001; non-cholangiocarcinoma, 10.3 months vs. 5.5 months, p = 0.013). Technical success and clinical success were not significantly different between the two groups. The rate of complication was higher for the RFA-stent group, but tolerable when compared to the stent group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although survival was comparable between the groups, RFA-stent confers therapeutic benefits to patients with MBO in terms of stent patency compared to stent placement alone, especially in those with cholangiocarcinoma.

Percutaneous biliary approach as a successful rescue procedure after failed endoscopic therapy for drainage in advanced hilar tumors

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Palliative endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage is used for unresectable advanced hilar cancer (HC). The best option for drainage in Bismuth type III or IV HC has not been established. The aims of this study are to identify factors predictive of endoscopic stenting failure and evaluate the effectiveness of rescue percutaneous stenting in patients with advanced HC.

METHODS

Data from 110 patients with inoperable advanced HC were retrospectively reviewed. All received bilateral self-expandable metallic stents. Patients were divided into three groups: I, successful initial endoscopic stenting; II, unsuccessful initial endoscopic stenting, followed by percutaneous stenting; and III, initial percutaneous stenting. We analyzed clinical results and radiologic tumor characteristics.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of all groups were similar, except the hospital stay was longer in group III than group I. Technical success rate was higher in groups II and III (100%) than in group I (72.4%). The functional success rate, stent patency time, patient survival time, and complication rate were similar between groups. Endoscopic stenting failed because of guide-wire passage failure (n = 12) or stent passage failure (n = 7). The only factor significantly associated with endoscopic failure was a smaller left intrahepatic duct-common bile duct angle.

CONCLUSIONS

As clinical outcomes were generally similar between approaches, percutaneous stenting is recommended for patients with Bismuth type III or IV advanced HC. Acute left intrahepatic duct-common bile duct angulation predicts endoscopic stenting failure. If endoscopic stenting fails, immediate conversion to the percutaneous approach is a necessary and effective rescue method.

Metal versus plastic stents for unresectable gallbladder cancer with hilar duct obstruction

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Metal stents usually have a longer stent patency than plastic stents for malignant biliary obstruction. However, stent patency and patient survival may differ depending on the causative disease and stent type. There are no data regarding the selection of stents for unresectable gallbladder cancer (GC) with hilar duct obstruction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of metal versus plastic stents for unresectable GC with hilar duct obstruction.

METHODS

Fifty-nine unresectable GC patients with jaundice were divided into metal stent group (MSG) and plastic stent group (PSG) depending on stent deployment. Clinical outcomes and approximate costs were assessed retrospectively.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between MSG (n = 28) and PSG (n = 31) for clinical success, early adverse events and later cholangitis. Median patency and survival were 119 and 112 days in MSG versus 93 and 118 days in PSG, respectively (P > 0.05). However, the overall cost was higher in MSG than in PSG (P = 0.00). Cox proportional hazards model analysis showed that the lower Bismuth type was associated with a longer stent patency (P = 0.046), whereas older age (P = 0.041) and lower TNM stage (P = 0.002) were associated with longer survival.

CONCLUSION

Although metal and plastic stents have similar clinical efficacy, it seems reasonable to choose plastic stents as the treatment of choice for unresectable GC when cost-effectiveness is taken into account.

[Hilar bile duct tumors: Endoscopic or percutaneous drainage? A prospective analysis]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Both the endoscopic and the percutaneous approach are widely accepted for the drainage of hilar tumors. Our primary objective was to report on the effectiveness and complications of these procedures.

METHODS

Prospective observational analysis of the endoscopic and/or percutaneous management of all hilar tumors treated at a referral hospital from October 2011 until October 2014. Group A included patients treated endoscopically and group B included patients treated with percutaneous drainage. The following variables were assessed: Effective biliary drainage rate, survival time and complications.

RESULTS

Group A comprised 40 patients and group B, 22 patients. Overall success rate in achieving effective biliary drainage was 85% in group A and 90.9% in group B (p = 0.78). Five patients required a combined approach. In group A, the rate of effective drainage in patients with Bismuth IV-type tumors was 58.3%, while it was 81.8% in patients in group B (p = 0.44). There was no difference in mean survival between both groups. For group A, complication rate was 11.5%, whereas it was 2.94% for group B (p = 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic and percutaneous biliary drainage are both effective methods for the palliative treatment of patients with hilar tumors. However, for Bismuth IV-type strictures, percutaneous drainage proved to be safer and more effective.

Endoscopic bilateral stent-in-stent placement for malignant hilar obstruction using a large cell type stent

BACKGROUND

Bilateral stent-in-stent (SIS) self-expandable metal stent placement is technically challenging for palliation of unresectable malignant hilar obstruction. In the SIS technique, the uniform large cell type biliary stent facilitates contralateral stent deployment through the mesh of the first metallic stent. This study aimed to assess the technical success and clinical effectiveness of this technique with a uniform large cell type biliary stent.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients who underwent bilateral SIS placement using a large cell type stent were reviewed retrospectively. All patients showed malignant hilar obstruction (Bismuth types II, III, IV) with different etiologies.

RESULTS

Sixteen (51.6%) patients were male. The mean age of the patients was 67.0+/-14.0 years. Most patients were diagnosed as having hilar cholangiocarcinoma (58.1%) and gallbladder cancer (29.0%). Technical success rate was 83.9%. Success was achieved more frequently in patients without masses obstructing the biliary confluence (MOC) than those with MOC (95.2% vs 60.0%, P=0.03). Functional success rate was 77.4%. Complications occurred in 29.0% of the patients. These tended to occur more frequently in patients with MOC (50.0% vs 19.0%, P=0.11). Median time to recurrent biliary obstruction was 188 days and median survival was 175 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The large cell type stent can be used efficiently for bilateral SIS placement in malignant hilar obstruction. However, the risk of technical failure increases in patients with MOC, and caution is needed to prevent complications for these patients.

Cholangiocarcinoma

Biliary tract cancer accounts for <1% of all cancers and affects chiefly an elderly population, with predominance in men. We distinguish cholangiocarcinoma (intrahepatic, hilar and distal) and gallbladder cancer, with different pathogenesis and prognosis. The treatment is based on surgery (whenever possible), radiotherapy in selected cases, and chemotherapy. The standard cytotoxic treatment for advanced/metastatic disease is represented by the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin, whereas fluoropyrimidines are generally administered in second line setting. At the present time, no biologic drug demonstrated a clear efficacy in this cancer, although the molecular characterisation could provide a promising basis for experimental treatments. A good supportive care and an early palliative care are warranted in most patients and should be delivered as a part of a global approach.

Compliance with evidence-based multidisciplinary guidelines on perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Discrepancies are often noted between management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) in regional hospitals and the eventual treatment plan in specialized centers.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to evaluate whether regional centers adhere to guideline recommendations following implementation in 2013.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from all consecutive patients with suspected PHC referred to our academic center between June 2013 and December 2015. Frequency and quality of biliary drainage and imaging at referring centers were assessed as well as the impact of inadequate initial drainage.

RESULTS

Biliary drainage was attempted at regional centers in 83 of 158 patients (52.5%), with a technical and therapeutic success rate of 79.5% and 50%, respectively, and a complication rate of 45.8%. The computed tomography protocol was not in accordance with guidelines in 52.8% of referrals. In 45 patients (54.2%) who underwent drainage in regional centers, additional drainage procedures were required after referral. Initial inadequate biliary drainage at a regional center was significantly associated with more procedures and a prolonged waiting time until surgery. A trend toward more drainage-related complications was observed among patients with inadequate initial drainage (54.7% vs. 39.0%, p = 0.061).

CONCLUSION

Despite available guidelines, suboptimal management of PHC persists in many regional centers and affects eventual treatment strategies.

Endoscopic versus Percutaneous Biliary Drainage in Palliation of Advanced Malignant Hilar Obstruction: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background. Palliation in advanced unresectable hilar malignancies can be achieved by endoscopic (EBD) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). It is unclear if one approach is superior to the other in this group of patients. Aims. Compare clinical outcomes of EBD versus PTBD. Methods. (i) Study Selection Criterion. Studies using PTBD and EBD for palliation of advanced unresectable hilar malignancies. (ii) Data Collection and Extraction. Articles were searched in Medline, PubMed, and Ovid journals. (iii) Statistical Method. Fixed and random effects models were used to calculate the pooled proportions. Results. Initial search identified 786 reference articles, in which 62 articles were selected and reviewed. Data was extracted from nine studies (N = 546) that met the inclusion criterion. The pooled odds ratio for successful biliary drainage in PTBD versus EBD was 2.53 (95% CI = 1.57 to 4.08). Odds ratio for overall adverse effects in PTBD versus EBD groups was 0.81 (95% CI = 0.52 to 1.26). Odds ratio for 30-day mortality rate in PTBD group versus EBD group was 0.84 (95% CI = 0.37 to 1.91). Conclusions. In patients with advanced unresectable hilar malignancies, palliation with PTBD seems to be superior to EBD. PTBD is comparable to EBD in regard to overall adverse effects and 30-day mortality.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Stent Implantation for Obstructive Jaundice of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: A Prospective Study on Predictors of Stent Patency and Survival in 92 Patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate prognostic factors for stent patency and survival in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) who underwent percutaneous biliary stent placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study followed 92 consecutive patients with pCCA who underwent metal stent placement between January 2013 and July 2014. Of the total number of patients, 11 had ascites, and 36 had biliary obstruction for > 1 month at the time of stent placement. Cumulative patency and survival rates were assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves, and independent predictors were calculated with Cox regression. A new formula was developed to predict patient survival.

RESULTS

Tumor size was significantly associated with stent patency (hazard ratio = 2.425; 95% confidence interval, 1.134-5.168). Independent predictors of survival included lymph node metastasis, intrahepatic mass lesion, cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), ascites, and duration of jaundice. A new equation was developed to assess risk: R = 7 × (duration of biliary obstruction-0 if < 30 d, 1 if > 30 d) + 7 × (CA19-9-0 if < 500, 1 if > 500) + 7 × (ascites-0 if none present, 1 if ascites present) + 10 × (lymph node metastasis-0 if no metastasis, 1 if metastasis present) + 9 (intrahepatic mass lesion-0 if absent, 1 if present). Among patients who developed stent occlusion, patients who underwent recanalization of the occluded stent had longer survival compared with patients who did not undergo recanalization (109 d vs 29 d, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prognostic factors for survival after percutaneous stent placement in patients with pCCA were tumor stage, duration of jaundice, CA19-9, and ascites. Tumor size affected stent patency. Prognosis for patients with reintervention after occlusion of the stent improved.

Malignant biliary obstruction: From palliation to treatment

Malignant obstruction of the bile duct from cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, or other tumors is a common problem which may cause debilitating symptoms and increase the risk of subsequent surgery. The optimal treatment - including the decision whether to treat prior to resection - depends on the type of malignancy, as well as the stage of disease. Preoperative biliary drainage is generally discouraged due to the risk of infectious complications, though some situations may benefit. Patients who require neoadjuvant therapy will require decompression for the prolonged period until attempted surgical cure. For pancreatic cancer patients, self-expanding metallic stents are superior to plastic stents for achieving lasting decompression without stent occlusion. For cholangiocarcinoma patients, treatment with percutaneous methods or nasobiliary drainage may be superior to endoscopic stent placement, with less risk of infectious complications or failure. For patients of either malignancy who have advanced disease with palliative goals only, the choice of stent for endoscopic decompression depends on estimated survival, with plastic stents favored for survival of < 4 mo. New endoscopic techniques may actually extend stent patency and patient survival for these patients by achieving local control of the obstructing tumor. Both photodynamic therapy and radiofrequency ablation may play a role in extending survival of patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

Percutaneous "Y" biliary stent placement in palliative treatment of type 4 malignant hilar stricture

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the technical and clinical efficacy of percutaneous bilateral biliary stent-in-stent (SIS) deployment technique with a "Y" configuration using open-cell-design stents in type 4 Klatskin tumor patients.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation ten patients with type IV Bismuth malignant hilar stricture (MHS) treated with percutaneous bilateral "Y" SIS deployment technique placement followed in our institution between March of 2012 and November of 2014.

RESULTS

Bilateral SIS deployment was technically successful in all patients. One patient (10%) had major complications (episode of cholangitis); one patient (10%) had minor complications, including self-limiting hemobilia. Successful internal drainage was achieved in nine (90%) patients. Stent occlusion by tumor overgrowth and sludge formation occurred in two patient (20%). The median survival and stent patency time were 298 and 315 days respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous bilateral metal stenting using a Y-stent is a valid option for the palliative treatment of type 4 Bismuth MHS, improving quality patient' life.

Drainage-related Complications in Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage: An Analysis Over 10 Years

BACKGROUND

Procedure-related complications of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) have been well documented in the literature. However, relatively restricted data are available concerning drainage-related complication rates in long-term PTBD therapy. The present retrospective study evaluated the extent and the nature of drainage complications during PTBD therapy and associated risk factors for these complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between June 1997 and May 2007, a total of 385 patients with PTBD were identified by analyzing the PTBD database and hospital charts, with a total of 2468 percutaneous biliary drainages being identified.

RESULTS

Among the identified patients, 243 (63%) had malignant and 142 (37%) had benign bile duct strictures. At least 1 drainage-related complication was observed in 40% of the patients. With respect to the total number of drains, prosthesis complications occurred in 23%. Occlusion, dislocation, and cholangitis were the most common complications observed during PTBD therapy. Risk factors for cholangitis and occlusion were malignant disease, prior occurrence of complications, and bilateral drainage. Proximal stenosis of the biliary system was close to significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Drainage-related complications are a major problem in PTBD therapy. The risk factors for occlusion and cholangitis discovered in this study can help to refine individual strategies to reduce the rate of these drainage complications.

Stenting in Malignant Biliary Obstruction

Decompression of the biliary system in patients with malignant biliary obstruction has been widely accepted and implemented as part of the care. Despite a wealth of literature, there remains a significant amount of uncertainty as to which approach would be most appropriate in different clinical settings. This review covers stenting of the biliary system in cases of resectable or palliative malignant biliary obstruction, potential candidates for biliary drainage, technical aspects of the procedure, as well as management of biliary stent dysfunction. Furthermore, periprocedural considerations including proper mapping of the location of obstruction and the use of antibiotics are addressed.

Percutaneous biliary stenting combined with radiotherapy as a treatment for unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is often unresectable at the time of the initial diagnosis, and the provision of a definite palliative benefit is important in patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety of percutaneous biliary stenting and to analyze whether percutaneous biliary stenting combined with radiotherapy (RT) prolonged the stent patency and survival time of patients. In total, the cases of 38 patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma that underwent percutaneous biliary stenting at the Navy General Hospital were retrospectively reviewed in the present study. Uncovered metallic stenting (UMS) combined with RT was administered to 25 patients, and UMS alone was administered to 13 patients. The records of early complications subsequent to percutaneous biliary stenting were collected, and the stent patency and survival times of patients were analyzed and compared between the two groups. The technical success rate of the procedure was 100% and the successful drainage rate was 86.8%. The overall early complication rate was 15.8% and the procedure-associated mortality rate was 2.6%. The median stent patency was 326 days in the UMS+RT group and 196 days in the UMS group (P=0.022). The UMS+RT group (median, 367 days) demonstrated a longer survival time compared with the UMS group (median, 267 days; P=0.025). Percutaneous biliary stenting offers a safe and effective method for the palliative treatment of patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma, and percutaneous biliary stenting combined with RT may prolong stent patency and patient survival time.

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma: expert consensus statement

An American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA)-sponsored consensus meeting of expert panellists met on 15 January 2014 to review current evidence on the management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in order to establish practice guidelines and to agree consensus statements. It was established that the treatment of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to optimize the chances for both durable survival and effective palliation. An adequate diagnostic and staging work-up includes high-quality cross-sectional imaging; however, pathologic confirmation is not required prior to resection or initiation of a liver transplant trimodal treatment protocol. The ideal treatment for suitable patients with resectable hilar malignancy is resection of the intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, as well as resection of the involved ipsilateral liver. Preoperative biliary drainage is best achieved with percutaneous transhepatic approaches and may be indicated for patients with cholangitis, malnutrition or hepatic insufficiency. Portal vein embolization is a safe and effective strategy for increasing the future liver remnant (FLR) and is particularly useful for patients with an FLR of <30%. Selected patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma should be evaluated for a standard trimodal protocol incorporating external beam and endoluminal radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy and liver transplantation. Post-resection chemoradiation should be offered to patients who show high-risk features on surgical pathology. Chemoradiation is also recommended for patients with locally advanced, unresectable hilar cancers. For patients with locally recurrent or metastatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma, first-line chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin is recommended based on multiple Phase II trials and a large randomized controlled trial including a heterogeneous population of patients with biliary cancers.

Efficacy of Endoscopic Over 3-branched Partial Stent-in-Stent Drainage Using Self-expandable Metallic Stents in Patients With Unresectable Hilar Biliary Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The treatment of biliary stricture is crucially important for continuing stable chemotherapy for unresectable biliary carcinoma; however, there is no consensus regarding the use of hilar biliary drainage. In this study, we examined the efficacy of endoscopic over 3-branched biliary drainage using self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) in patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary stricture (HBS).

METHODS

A total of 77 patients with unresectable HBS treated with a SEMS and chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. There were 59 patients with cholangiocarcinoma and 18 patients with gallbladder carcinoma. The patients were divided into 2 groups (4- or 3-branched group and 2- or 1-branched group) and compared with respect to the duration of stent patency and overall survival.

RESULTS

A comparison of the patients' baseline characteristics showed no significant differences between the 4- or 3-branched group and the 2- or 1-branched group. Neither the duration of patency nor survival time exhibited significant differences between the 2 groups, although, among the patients achieving disease control , the duration of patency period and survival time of the 4- or 3-branched group were significantly higher than those observed in the 2- or 1-branched group (P=0.0231 and 0.0466).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of endoscopic over 3-branched biliary drainage with a SEMS may improve the duration of patency in patients with HBS.

Advances in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy of the bile ducts that carries high morbidity and mortality. Patients with CCA typically present with obstructive jaundice, and associated complications of CCA include cholangitis and biliary sepsis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable treatment modality for patients with CCA, as it enables internal drainage of blocked bile ducts and hepatic segments by using plastic or metal stents. While there remains debate as to if bilateral (or multi-segmental) hepatic drainage is required and/or superior to unilateral drainage, the underlying tenant of draining any persistently opacified bile ducts is paramount to good ERCP practice and good clinical outcomes. Endoscopic therapy for malignant biliary strictures from CCA has advanced to include ablative therapies via ERCP-directed photodynamic therapy (PDT) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). While ERCP techniques cannot cure CCA, advancements in the field of ERCP have enabled us to improve upon the quality of life of patients with inoperable and incurable disease. ERCP-directed PDT has been used in lieu of brachytherapy to provide neoadjuvant local tumor control in patients with CCA who are awaiting liver transplantation. Lastly, mounting evidence suggests that palliative ERCP-directed PDT, and probably ERCP-directed RFA as well, offer a survival advantage to patients with this difficult-to-treat malignancy.

Biliary stenting for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma: A population-based study of long-term outcomes and hospital costs in Taiwan

Few studies have compared percutaneous biliary stenting (PBS) and endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS) in terms of long-term effects on cholangiocarcinoma (CC), and few have systematically evaluated outcome associations in Taiwan. This study aimed to compare long-term outcomes between two treatments for unresectable CC: PBS and EBS. After propensity score matching (PSM) to reduce the effect of selection bias, 1002 CC patients were included in this analysis: 501 in the PBS group and 501 in the EBS group. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to construct the survival curve for all CC patients, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate assessment of outcome predictors. After PSM, group comparisons revealed a significantly longer length of stay in the PBS group compared to the EBS group (25 days vs. 19 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Hospital costs were also significantly higher in the PBS group than in the EBS group (US$126,575 vs. US$89,326, respectively; p < 0.001). The median survival time was 3.7 months in all CC patients, 3.5 months in the PBS group, and 4.0 months in the EBS group. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 17.6%, 6.1%, and 3.2% in all CC patients; 16.6%, 4.8%, and 3.2% in the PBS group; and 18.6%, 7.27%, and 3% in the EBS group, respectively. The most important predictor of survival is extrahepatic CC. Medical professionals and healthcare providers should carefully consider the use of EBS for initial treatment of obstructive jaundice in patients with unresectable CC.

Cholangiocarcinoma and malignant bile duct obstruction: A review of last decades advances in therapeutic endoscopy

In the last decades many advances have been achieved in endoscopy, in the diagnosis and therapy of cholangiocarcinoma, however blood test, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scan may fail to detect neoplastic disease at early stage, thus the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma is achieved usually at unresectable stage. In the last decades the role of endoscopy has moved from a diagnostic role to an invaluable therapeutic tool for patients affected by malignant bile duct obstruction. One of the major issues for cholangiocarcinoma is bile ducts occlusion, leading to jaundice, cholangitis and hepatic failure. Currently, endoscopy has a key role in the work up of cholangiocarcinoma, both in patients amenable to surgical intervention as well as in those unfit for surgery or not amenable to immediate surgical curative resection owing to locally advanced or advanced disease, with palliative intention. Endoscopy allows successful biliary drainage and stenting in more than 90% of patients with malignant bile duct obstruction, and allows rapid reduction of jaundice decreasing the risk of biliary sepsis. When biliary drainage and stenting cannot be achieved with endoscopy alone, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage represents an effective alternative method affording successful biliary drainage in more than 80% of cases. The purpose of this review is to focus on the currently available endoscopic management options in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary metal stent for malignant hilar obstruction: results and predictive factors for efficacy in 159 patients from a single center

AIM

To investigate and compare the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (PTBS) using a one- or two-stage procedure and determine the predictive factors for the efficacious treatment of malignant hilar obstruction (MHO).

METHODS

159 consecutive patients with MHO who underwent PTBS were enrolled between January 2010 and June 2013. Patients were classified into one- or two-stage groups. Independent predictors of therapeutic success were evaluated using a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

108 patients were treated with one-stage PTBS and 51 patients were treated with two-stage PTBS. The stents were technically successful in all patients. Successful drainage was achieved in 114 patients (71.4 %). A total of 42 early major complications were observed. Re-interventions were attempted in 23 patients during follow-up. The cumulative primary patency rates at 3, 6, and 12 months were 88, 71, and 48 %, respectively. Stent placement using a one- or two-stage procedure did not significantly affect therapeutic success, early major complications, median stent patency, or survival. A stent placed across the duodenal papilla was an independent predictor of therapeutic success (odds ratio = 0.262, 95 % confidence interval [0.107-0.642]). Patients with stents across papilla had a lower rate of cholangitis compared with patients who had a stent above papilla (7.1 vs. 20.3 %, respectively, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with MHO who underwent one-stage PTBS showed similar efficacy and safety outcomes compared with those who underwent two-stage PTBS. Stent placement across the duodenal papilla was associated with a higher therapeutic success rate.

Update on Pancreatobiliary Stents: Stent Placement in Advanced Hilar Tumors

Palliative drainage is the main treatment option for inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma to improve symptoms, which include cholangitis, pruritus, high-grade jaundice, and abdominal pain. Although there is no consensus on the optimal method for biliary drainage due to the paucity of large-scale randomized control studies, several important aspects of any optimal method have been studied. In this review article, we discuss the liver volume to be drained, stent type, techniques to insert self-expanding metal stents, and approaches for proper and effective biliary drainage based on previous studies and personal experience.

Biliary drainage strategy of unresectable malignant hilar strictures by computed tomography volumetry

AIM: To identify criteria for predicting successful drainage of unresectable malignant hilar biliary strictures (UMHBS) because no ideal strategy currently exists.

METHODS: We examined 78 patients with UMHBS who underwent biliary drainage. Drainage was considered effective when the serum bilirubin level decreased by ≥ 50% from the value before stent placement within 2 wk after drainage, without additional intervention. Complications that occurred within 7 d after stent placement were considered as early complications. Before drainage, the liver volume of each section (lateral and medial sections of the left liver and anterior and posterior sections of the right liver) was measured using computed tomography (CT) volumetry. Drained liver volume was calculated based on the volume of each liver section and the type of bile duct stricture (according to the Bismuth classification). Tumor volume, which was calculated by using CT volumetry, was excluded from the volume of each section. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify the optimal cutoff values for drained liver volume. In addition, factors associated with the effectiveness of drainage and early complications were evaluated.

RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that drained liver volume [odds ratio (OR) = 2.92, 95%CI: 1.648-5.197; P < 0.001] and impaired liver function (with decompensated liver cirrhosis) (OR = 0.06, 95%CI: 0.009-0.426; P = 0.005) were independent factors contributing to the effectiveness of drainage. ROC analysis for effective drainage showed cutoff values of 33% of liver volume for patients with preserved liver function (with normal liver or compensated liver cirrhosis) and 50% for patients with impaired liver function (with decompensated liver cirrhosis). The sensitivity and specificity of these cutoff values were 82% and 80% for preserved liver function, and 100% and 67% for impaired liver function, respectively. Among patients who met these criteria, the rate of effective drainage among those with preserved liver function and impaired liver function was 90% and 80%, respectively. The rates of effective drainage in both groups were significantly higher than in those who did not fulfill these criteria (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). Drainage-associated cholangitis occurred in 9 patients (12%). A smaller drained liver volume was associated with drainage-associated cholangitis (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Liver volume drainage ≥ 33% in patients with preserved liver function and ≥ 50% in patients with impaired liver function correlates with effective biliary drainage in UMHBS.

An Update to Hepatobiliary Stents

Endoscopic stent placement is a common primary management therapy for benign and malignant biliary strictures. However, continuous use of stents is limited by occlusion and migration. Stent technology has evolved significantly over the past two decades to reduce these problems. The purpose of this article is to review current guidelines in managing malignant and benign biliary obstructions, current endoscopic techniques for stent placement, and emerging stent technology. What began as a simple plastic stent technology has evolved significantly to include uncovered, partially covered, and fully covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) as well as magnetic, bioabsorbable, drug-eluting, and antireflux stents.(1).

Preoperative drainage for malignant biliary strictures: is it time for self-expanding metallic stents?

Palliation of jaundice improves the general health of the patient and, therefore, surgical outcomes. Because of the complexity and location of strictures, especially proximally, drainage has been accompanied by increased morbidity due to sepsis. Another concern is the provocation of an inflammatory and fibrotic reaction around the area of stent placement. Preoperative biliary drainage with self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) insertion can be achieved via a percutaneous method or through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. A recently published multicenter randomized Dutch study has shown increased morbidity with preoperative biliary drainage. A Cochrane meta-analysis has also shown a significantly increased complication rate with preoperative drainage. However, few of these studies have used a SEMS, which allows better biliary drainage. No randomized controlled trials have compared preoperative deployment of SEMS versus conventional plastic stents. The outcomes of biliary drainage also depend on the location of the obstruction, namely the difficulty with proximal compared to distal strictures. Pathophysiologically, palliation of jaundice will benefit all patients awaiting surgery. However, preoperative drainage often results in increased morbidity because of procedure-related sepsis. The use of SEMS may change the outcome of preoperative biliary drainage dramatically.

Comparison of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and endoscopic biliary drainage in the management of malignant biliary tract obstruction: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To compare percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) for management of malignant biliary tract obstruction (MBTO).

METHODS

PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane database were searched to 31 December 2013. Main outcome measurements were therapeutic success rate, 30-day mortality rate, overall complications, cholangitis, and pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Eight studies (five retrospective and three randomized controlled trials) were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 692 participants. Combined odds ratio (OR) = 2.18 revealed no significant difference in therapeutic success between PTBD and EBD (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.73-6.47, P = 0.162). However, after excluding two studies that appeared to be outliers, PTBD exhibited a better therapeutic success rate than EBD (pooled OR = 4.45, 95% CI = 2.68-7.40, P < 0.001). Patients who underwent PTBD were 0.55 times as likely to have cholangitis as those who underwent EBD, whereas the overall complication rate, pancreatitis rate, and 30-day mortality were similar between the two procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

PTBD may be associated with a better therapeutic success rate and lower incidence of cholangitis than EBD, but the overall complication rate, pancreatitis rate, and 30-day mortality of the two procedures are similar.

Endoscopic prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is not an uncommon adverse event but may be an avoidable complication. Although pancreatitis of severe grade is reported in 0.1%-0.5% of ERCP patients, a serious clinical course may be lethal. For prevention of severe PEP, patient risk stratification, appropriate selection of patients using noninvasive diagnostic imaging methods such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and avoidance of unnecessary invasive procedures, are important measures to be taken before any procedure. Pharmacological prevention is also commonly attempted but is usually ineffective. No ideal agent has not yet been found and the available data conflict. Currently, rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to prevent PEP in high-risk patients, but additional studies using larger numbers of subjects are necessary to confirm any prophylactic effect. In this review, we focus on endoscopic procedures seeking to prevent or decrease the severity of PEP. Among various cannulation methods, wire-guided cannulation, precut fistulotomy, and transpancreatic septostomy are reviewed. Prophylactic pancreatic stent placement, which is the best-known prophylactic method, is reviewed with reference to the ideal stent type, adequate duration of stent placement, and stent-related complications. Finally, we comment on other treatment alternatives, and make the point that further advances in EUS-guided techniques may afford useful PEP prophylaxis.

Bilateral metallic stenting in malignant hilar obstruction

Endoscopic palliative biliary drainage is considered as a gold standard treatment in advanced or inoperable hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Also, metal stents are preferred over plastic stents in patients with >3 months life expectancy. However, the endoscopic intervention of advanced hilar obstruction is often more challenging and complex than that of distal malignant biliary obstructions. In this literature review, we describe the issues commonly encountered during endoscopic unilateral (single) versus bilateral (multiple) biliary stenting for malignant hilar obstruction. Also, we provide technical guidance to improve the technical success rates and patient outcomes, focusing on bilateral metallic stenting techniques such as stent-in-stent or side-by-side deployment.

Endoscopic stenting in bile duct cancer increases liver volume

BACKGROUND

Objective evaluation tools for assessing the effectiveness of stenting in palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction are not satisfactory. Effects of biliary stenting on liver volume change have never been studied.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to use volumetry to analyze liver volume changes after endoscopic stenting in bile duct cancer according to the location and number of stents.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients with a diagnosis of hilar or distal bile duct cancer and who underwent biliary metal stenting.

INTERVENTIONS

ERCP with self-expandable metal stent placement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Liver volume change after biliary stenting and its comparison according to the location (hilar vs distal common bile duct) and number (hilar bilateral vs hilar unilateral).

RESULTS

There were 60 patients; 31 were treated for hilar bile duct cancer (13 for bilateral stent and 18 for unilateral stent) and 29 for distal bile duct cancer. Overall mean follow-up duration was 11.7 ± 4.9 weeks. Liver volume increased 17.4 ± 24.1%. The rate of liver growth was rapid during the early period from 4 to 8 weeks. Stenting in hilar bile duct cancer tended to increase liver volume more than distal biliary stents (22.5% vs 11.9%, P = .091). In hilar bile duct cancer, unilateral and bilateral stents showed similar liver volume increases (20.1% and 25.8%, respectively; P = .512).

LIMITATIONS

Single center, retrospective.

CONCLUSIONS

Biliary stenting markedly increased liver volume in both hilar and distal bile duct cancer. Our data suggest that liver volume assessment could be a useful tool for evaluating stent efficacy.

Palliation: Hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Hilar cholangiocarcinomas are common tumors of the bile duct that are often unresectable at presentation. Palliation, therefore, remains the goal in the majority of these patients. Palliative treatment is particularly indicated in the presence of cholangitis and pruritus but is often also offered for high-grade jaundice and abdominal pain. Endoscopic drainage by placing stents at endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is usually the preferred modality of palliation. However, for advanced disease, percutaneous stenting has been shown to be superior to endoscopic stenting. Endosonography-guided biliary drainage is emerging as an alternative technique, particularly when ERCP is not possible or fails. Metal stents are usually preferred over plastic stents, both for ERCP and for percutaneous biliary drainage. There is no consensus as to whether it is necessary to place multiple stents within advanced hilar blocks or whether unilateral stenting would suffice. However, recent data have suggested that, contrary to previous belief, it is useful to drain more than 50% of the liver volume for favorable long-term results. In the presence of cholangitis, it is beneficial to drain all of the obstructed biliary segments. Surgical bypass plays a limited role in palliation and is offered primarily as a segment III bypass if, during a laparotomy for resection, the tumor is found to be unresectable. Photodynamic therapy and, more recently, radiofrequency ablation have been used as adjuvant therapies to improve the results of biliary stenting. The exact technique to be used for palliation is guided by the extent of the biliary involvement (Bismuth class) and the availability of local expertise.

Percutaneous transhepatic and endoscopic biliary drainage for malignant biliary tract obstruction: a meta-analysis

Background

Various malignant tumors can obstruct the extrahepatic biliary tract. Two major techniques for restoring bile flow in this circumstance are endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD).We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness and safety of the two techniques.

Methods

Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library database were searched for articles published between January 1980 and December 2013. The outcome measures were therapeutic success rate (primary), 30-day mortality rate and overall complications.

Results

Of 264 screened articles, 3 randomized controlled trials comprising an aggregate total of 183 cancer patients were included in the meta-analysis. Our analysis showed no significant difference in restoration of bile flow between patients treated with EBD and those treated with PTBD (odds ratio (OR) = 2.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.32 to 17.16, P = 0.401). However, the result of sensitivity analysis indicated that the study conducted by Speer et al. influenced the pooled estimates. After the Speer et al. study was excluded, the therapeutic success rate of patients treated with PTBD was significantly greater than that of those who underwent EBD (OR = 5.48, 95% CI: 2.26 to 13.28, P < 0.001). The 30-day mortality and complication rates were similar in the EBD and PTBD groups.

Conclusions

The results of our meta-analysis indicate that PTBD had a higher therapeutic success rate than EBD in the treatment of malignancy-induced biliary obstruction. The mortality and complication rates of the two techniques were similar.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1477-7819-12-272) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Clinical usefulness of endoscopic palliation in patients with biliary obstruction caused by hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

A total of 111 jaundiced patients underwent attempted EBD for relief of HCC-related biliary stricture at our hospital over a 5-year period and all were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis.

RESULTS

After an endoscopic attempt at drainage, 46 (41.4%) of the 111 patients achieved a favorable response. Biliary cannulation failed in 5 patients. Child-Pugh class C, portal vein thrombosis and severe hyperbilirubinemia were negatively correlated with a favorable EBD response. In the ITT population, 40 (87.0%) of the favorable responders received further treatment for HCC, >2 (3.1%) of the unfavorable responders (p < 0.001). The median survival time for ITT patients with and without a favorable response to EBD was 8.7 and 1.3 months, respectively (p < 0.001). Cox's model showed that a favorable EBD response was an independent predictor of longer survival (hazard ratio 0.20, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For HCC patients with tumor-related biliary obstruction, predictors of effective endoscopic palliation of cholestasis were relatively mild hyperbilirubinemia and preserved liver function and intact portal vein flow. A favorable EBD response was associated with longer survival outcomes.

Adverse events in older patients undergoing ERCP: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Biliary and pancreatic diseases are common in the elderly; however, few studies have addressed the occurrence of adverse events in elderly patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Our objective was to determine the incidence rates of specific adverse events in this group and calculate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for selected comparison groups.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Bibliographical searches were conducted in Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases. The studies included documented the incidence of adverse events (perforation, pancreatitis, bleeding, cholangitis, cardiopulmonary adverse events, mortality) in patients aged ≥ 65 who underwent ERCP. Pooled incidence rates were calculated for each reported adverse event and IRRs were determined for available comparison groups. A parallel analysis was performed in patients aged ≥ 80 and ≥ 90.

RESULTS

Our literature search yielded 7429 articles, of which 69 studies met our inclusion criteria. Pooled incidence rates for adverse events (per 1000 ERCPs) in patients aged ≥ 65 were as follows: perforation 3.8 (95 %CI 1.8 - 7.0), pancreatitis 13.1 (95 %CI 11.0 - 15.5), bleeding 7.7 (95 %CI 5.7 - 10.1), cholangitis 16.1 (95 %CI 11.7 - 21.7), cardiopulmonary events 3.7 (95 %CI 1.5 - 7.6), and death 7.1 (95 %CI 5.2 - 9.4). Patients ≥ 65 had lower rates of pancreatitis (IRR 0.3, 95 %CI 0.3 - 0.4) compared with younger patients. Octogenarians had higher rates of death (IRR 2.4, 95 %CI 1.3 - 4.5) compared with younger patients, whereas nonagenarians had increased rates of bleeding (IRR 2.4, 95 %CI 1.1 - 5.2), cardiopulmonary events (IRR 3.7, 95 %CI 1.0 - 13.9), and death (IRR 3.8, 95 %CI 1.0 - 14.4). Conclusions ERCP appears to be safe in elderly patients, except in the very elderly who are at higher risk of some adverse events. These data on adverse event rates can help to inform clinical decision-making, the consent process, and comparative effectiveness analyses.

Biliary stenting for cholangiocarcinoma: An update

Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) is the most common malignant tumor of the biliary tree. This devastating malignancy presents late, and is notoriously difficult to diagnose, thus resulting a high mortality. The majority of cholangiocarcinoma patients present with an unresectable disease, and survive less than 12 mo following diagnosis. Biliary stent placement is an effective palliative therapy for malignant biliary obstruction, which can significantly improve the quality of life, and extend the survival time of patients. Different biliary stent placement methods would closely affect the prognosis of patients. The purpose of this article is to review the treatment efficacy, insertion paths and types of biliary stents. This paper also covers emerging biliary stents including drug stents, and biliary stent combination local therapy.

Outcomes of metallic biliary stent insertion in patients with malignant bilobar obstruction

PURPOSE

To assess clinical outcomes of metal stent insertion in patients with bilobar bile duct obstruction by malignant tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records of 120 consecutive patients who underwent placement of metallic stents for palliation of malignant bilobar biliary obstruction between 1995 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Single-duct stent insertion was performed in 44 patients with one liver lobe that accounted for more than 70% of total liver volume or only one patent lobar portal vein (group 1). Bilobar stent insertion was performed in 60 patients with approximately equal lobe sizes, patent lobar portal veins, or cholangitis at presentation (group 2). In 16 patients with discontiguous right anterior and posterior segmental ducts (group 3), three stents were deployed in the left lobar and right anterior and posterior segmental ducts. Overall survival, primary patency, and patient morbidity rates following stent insertion were assessed.

RESULTS

No significant differences in mean overall survival (group 1, 7.3 mo; group 2, 10.3 mo; group 3, 6.5 mo; P = .21) or mean primary stent patency (group 1, 4.2 mo; group 2, 5.9 mo; group 3, 3.5 mo; P = .17) were demonstrated. However, patients in group 3 were significantly more likely to require hospitalizations for cholangitis and additional invasive procedures for recurrent biliary obstruction than patients in groups 1 and 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilobar and bilobar metal stent insertion led to similar outcomes when treatment decision was based on relative liver lobe volumes, lobar portal vein patency, and presence of cholangitis on presentation.

Bilateral and unilateral stenting for malignant hilar obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Stents are used for palliating inoperable malignant bile duct hilar obstruction. It is not clear if bilateral stenting provides any advantage over unilateral stenting in these patients. Compare bilateral and unilateral stenting in malignant hilar obstruction.

STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies using stents for palliation in patients with malignant hilar obstruction were selected.

DATA COLLECTION AND EXTRACTION

Articles were searched in MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid journals, CINAH, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, OLDMEDLINE, MEDLINE nonindexed citations, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Database of Systematic Reviews. Two reviewers independently searched and extracted data. Any differences were resolved by mutual agreement.

STATISTICAL METHODS

Pooled proportions were calculated using both the Mantel-Haenszel method (fixed effects model) and DerSimonian-Laird method (random effects model). The heterogeneity among studies was tested using Cochran's Q test based upon inverse variance weights. The initial search identified 1,640 reference articles, of which 169 were selected and reviewed. Thirteen studies (n = 340) for bilateral metallic stents, eight studies (n = 575) for unilateral metallic stents, eight studies (n = 367) for bilateral plastic stenting, and seven studies (n = 850) for unilateral plastic stenting which met the inclusion criteria were included in this analysis. Pooled data are shown in Tables 1 and 2. The pooled estimates by the fixed and random effect models were similar. The p for chi-squared heterogeneity for all the pooled accuracy estimates was >0.10. Bilateral metal stenting seems to have lower odds of overall complications when compared to unilateral metallic stenting. Bilateral metal stents seem to have higher odds of lowering bilirubin than unilateral metal stents, but the 30-day mortality was no different. For metal stents, bilateral metal stents are superior in palliating symptoms due to hyperbilirubinemia. Unilateral plastic stenting seems to have similar odds of overall complications, cholangitis, and 30-day mortality when compared to bilateral plastic stenting for malignant hilar strictures. In patients with malignant hilar stricture, unilateral plastic stenting is comparable to bilateral plastic stenting for adverse events.

Novel endoscopic approaches in the diagnosis and management of biliary strictures

Indeterminate bilary strictures present the clinician with a wide differential diagnosis. Histological confirmation is usually required for treatment, but tissue acquisition remains challenging. Novel developments in endoscopic technology, such as single operator cholangioscopy and confocal endomicroscopy, have led to improvements in diagnostic accuracy in recent years. In patients with non-resectable malignant biliary obstruction, effective biliary decompression improves symptoms and enables patients to undergo palliative therapies. Improvements in endoscopic techniques, biliary stents and the development of local ablative techniques have led to further improvements in stent patency and survival in these patients. In this article, we review emerging diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for the endoscopic management of indeterminate biliary strictures.

Laparoscopic staging in hilar cholangiocarcinoma: Is it still justified?

Radical resection remains the only potential curative therapy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA). The aim of staging laparoscopic (SL) is to identify patients with previously undetected advanced disease who will not benefit from surgical palliation and therefore avoid unnecessary laparotomies. The accuracy of non-invasive imaging techniques has significantly improved during the last years. As a consequence, the diagnostic yield of SL of biliary tract malignancy should have decreased proportionally. At the same time, some authors have recently questioned the value of laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) as a complement of SL. In this setting, the precise role of SL and LUS in the preoperative workup of HCCA remains unclear. As it seems undoubtedly clear that its efficacy has decreased in the last decades, there is a general consensus that the universal use of SL shouldn't be recommended anymore; SL should be performed only in selected patients with higher risk of holding unresectable disease (T2/T3 or Bismuth type 3/4 and patients with suspicion of metastases). It would also be recommended in patients with potentially resectable disease who would need preoperative invasive procedures. Finally, SL should be performed preceding laparotomy in one session. Further studies on the benefit of SL and LUS in this subset of HCCA patients are warranted.

Low rate of active treatment of patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

The results of surgical resection and palliative chemotherapy use in hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) have been well publicised but the proportion of patients able to undergo these treatments and the comparative outcomes in a population of patients with HC are less well known.

METHODS

Patients with HC were identified by review of all patients undergoing percutaneous cholangiography over a nine-year period (2002-2010) in a tertiary facility. The treatment undertaken and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, 68 patients were identified (37 female) with a median age of 70 years. Forty-five (66%) were treated solely by insertion of a metal stent (median survival 4.73 months) and nine (13%) also received palliative chemotherapy (median survival 13.7 months). Persisting jaundice after stent insertion was noted in 18 of 35 patients (51%) tested within one month of death. Fourteen patients (21%) underwent surgical resection (median survival 20.2 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing surgical resection had significantly longer survival than those receiving only a palliative stent but not compared with those also receiving palliative chemotherapy, with short-term follow-up. Only a third of patients, however, receive active treatment (surgery or chemotherapy) and improvements in long-term biliary palliation are needed.

A simple system to predict perihilar cholangiocarcinoma resectability

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to retrospectively validate a new system to predict perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) resectability. We hypothesized that when the left lateral section (segments II-III) duct confluence (LLC) is free, the left lateral section might be preserved for curative resection. When the LLC is invaded, vascular invasion is frequent and radical resection might often be impossible without complex vascular reconstruction.

METHOD

Radiological files of patients operated for PHC at our institution were reviewed and PHC was classified depending on whether LLC was invaded (type X) or free (type Y). Peroperative findings and follow-up were then matched with our XY classification.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients were included, 28 (78 %) type Y and nine (22 %) type X PHCs. Hepatic artery (HA) invasion was present in 14 % of type Y and 100 % of type X PHCs (P < 0.001). Left HA was never involved in type Y and always involved in type X. Portal vein invasion was present in 25 and 78 % of type Y and type X PHC, respectively (P = 0.014). Complete resection rates without HA in type Y and X patients were 89 % (84 % R0 and 16 % R1) and 33 % (37.5 % R0 and 12.5 % R1), respectively (P = 0.01). Sensitivity, specificity, and precision of the XY classification to predict resectability were 84, 67, and 84 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

XY classification for PHCs suggests that in type Y (free LLC), the tumor is most often resectable, while in type X (LLC involved), the tumor is only resectable using complex vascular reconstructions.

Photosan-II loaded hollow silica nanoparticles: preparation and its effect in killing for QBC939 cells

BACKGROUND

Nanoparticles have been explored recently as an efficient means to deliver photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. However, it is largely unknown if polyhematoporphyrin (C34H38N4NaO5, Photosan-II, PS) or other photosensitizers can be efficiently delivered by hollow silica nanoparticles (HSNP).

METHODS

Polyhematoporphyrin (C34H38N4NaO5, Photosan-II, PS) was loaded into hollow silica nanoparticles (HSNP) by one-step wet chemical-based synthetic route. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and polydispersive index (PDI) were used for measurement of the particles size and size distribution. Transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscopy were used for the microstructure, morphological and chemical composition analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry spectra and fluorescence emission spectrum were obtained. The photobiological activity of the PS-loaded HSNP was evaluated on human cholangiocarcinoma QBC939 cells. The cellular viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptotic and necrotic cells were measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

DLS measurements showed that the size of the particles is in the range of 25-90 nm. PDI of the PS-loaded HSNP is 0.121 ± 0.01, indicating that samples have excellent quality with narrow size distribution to monomodal systems. In MTT assay, PS-loaded HSNP and free PS of the same concentration killed about 95.3% ± 2.0% and 55.7% ± 1.9% of QBC939 cells, respectively. The flow cytometry demonstrated that the laser induced cell death with PS-loaded HSNP was much more severe than that of free PS (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Photosan-II-loaded hollow silica nanoparticles not only can quickly deliver Photosan-II into cells but also can reach a more high concentration than free Photosan-II. HSNP is a desirable vehicle and the release system that shows promises for photodynamic therapy use, which not only improve the aqueous solubility, stability and transport efficiency of PS, but also increase its photodynamic efficacy compared to free PS.

Otaru consensus on biliary stenting for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction

Biliary stenting for unresectable malignant biliary strictures is widely accepted and is routinely done as an effective palliation therapy. However, a consensus among experts is still far from being reached on the selection of stents, placement procedures etc. In 2012, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy reported guidelines for biliary stenting. At the Endoscopic Forum Japan 2012, a consensus meeting was held to examine seven statements that had been prepared based on these guidelines.Herein, we report the contents and the results of the examination of three of these statements on biliary stenting for hilar strictures.