Survival benefit of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for malignant biliary tract obstruction-a prospective study comparing external and internal drainage techniques

Comparison of unilateral and bilateral percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for management of malignant hilar biliary obstruction: Effects on inflammation and outcomes

PURPOSE

This retrospective study aimed to compare the effects of unilateral and bilateral percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) procedures on inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO).

METHODS

The study included 102 patients with MHBO who underwent PTBD at our institution. Patients were divided into unilateral (n = 46) and bilateral (n = 56) groups based on the drainage method. Demographic information and laboratory parameters were collected, and inflammatory markers were measured at baseline and follow-up intervals (24 h, 1 week, and 1 month). Statistical analyses were conducted to compare clinical and laboratory outcomes between the two groups.

RESULTS

In both groups all types of bilirubin levels showed significant decreaese after succesful cathetarization of at least one biliary duct and obervation of biliary drainage in all patients. Both unilateral and bilateral PTBD groups showed significant improvements in hepatic and cholestatic enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), coagulation parameters (INR, APTT), and CRP levels over time (p < 0.05). However, most inflammatory markers, including CRP and procalcitonin, showed no significant differences between the two groups. Notably, only unilateral group exhibited significant improvements in platelet and lymphocyte counts from baseline to 1 month (p = 0.05 and p = 0.028, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative association between CRP and albumin in the unilateral group (r = -0.713, p < 0.001), whereas the bilateral group showed a positive correlation between CRP and procalcitonin (r = 0.783, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that there were no significant differences between unilateral and bilateral PTBD in recovery of hyperbilirubinemia. However, some inflammatory markers were adversely affected in the bilateral group. Based on these findings, unilateral PTBD may suffice as a first-line approach in patients with MHBO due to its less invasive nature and lower cost. Bilateral drainage should be reserved for cases where sufficient bilirubin reduction cannot be achieved.

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Recent years have witnessed significant advances in the imaging, molecular profiling, and systemic treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Despite this progress, the early detection, precise classification, and effective management of CCA remain challenging. Owing to recent developments and the significant differences in CCA subtypes, EASL commissioned a panel of experts to draft evidence-based recommendations on the management of extrahepatic CCA, comprising distal and perihilar CCA. Particular attention is given to the need for accurate classification systems, the integration of emerging molecular insights, and practical strategies for diagnosis and treatment that reflect real-world clinical scenarios.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage is a safe and effective procedure for patients with malignant biliary obstruction and stage 3 chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to validate the efficacy and safety of contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (CEUS-PTCD) as a biliary drainage procedure in patients with malignant biliary obstruction and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD3).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2019 and December 2023, 634 patients who underwent CEUS-PTCD were retrospectively enrolled in this study. During the procedure, imaging parameters such as the maximum diameter of the dilated bile duct, presence of ascites, detailed findings from CEUS, and clinical outcomes were meticulously recorded. Laboratory results, including serum bilirubin levels, liver function tests, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were evaluated in one day before and three days after procedure. The aforementioned parameters were compared using the paired-sample t test and the Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

A total of 66 (10.41 %) patients with malignant biliary obstruction and CKD3 were included in the final analysis (median age: 66, range: 30-89 years, 46 males and 20 females). Procedure records indicated that 23 patients (34.8 %) had a maximum biliary duct dilation diameter of ≤ 4 mm, while 5 patients (7.6 %) exhibited mild ascites. Additionally, 24 patients (36.4 %) had ultrasound contrast agent entry into both the biliary duct and bloodstream. All patients successfully achieved external bile drainage following CEUS-PTCD, with no significant complications observed during or after the intervention. Post-procedure, there was a statistically significant reduction in all previously elevated serum bilirubin and liver enzyme levels (P-values were less than 0.05). Furthermore, no statistically significant alterations in eGFR were observed prior to or following CEUS-PTCD across all patients (P = 0.295), including comparisons between groups with and without the ultrasound contrast agent into the bloodstream (P = 0.254).

CONCLUSION

CEUS-PTCD is a safe and effective biliary drainage procedure for patients with malignant biliary obstruction and CKD3.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage/percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent implantation for treatment of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with obstructive jaundice

Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor originating from the extrahepatic bile duct including the hilar region to the lower bile duct of the common bile duct. With the development of interventional techniques and medical materials, percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent implantation (PTBS) has become the main treatment to relieve biliary obstruction. However, the occurrence of postoperative complications seriously affects the prognosis of patients, and the combination of biliary stenting with local treatment has been found to significantly prolong the time to biliary patency. This article reviews the progress of PTCD/PTBS in the treatment of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with obstructive jaundice, evaluates its clinical efficacy, and points out the current problems and posible solutions to provide more reference for subsequent related studies.

Research Priorities in Percutaneous Image and Endoscopy Guided Interventions for Biliary and Gallbladder Diseases: Proceedings from the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation Multidisciplinary Research Consensus Panel

Recent technological advancements including the introduction of disposable endoscopes have enhanced the role of interventional radiology (IR) in the management of biliary/gallbladder diseases. There are unanswered questions in this growing field. The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation convened a virtual Research Consensus Panel consisting of a multidisciplinary group of experts, to develop a prioritized research agenda regarding percutaneous image and endoscopy guided procedures for biliary and gallbladder diseases. The panelists discussed current data, opportunities for IR and future efforts to maximize IR's ability and scope. A recurring theme throughout the discussions was to find ways to reduce the total duration of percutaneous drains and to improve the patients' quality of life. Following the presentations and discussions, research priorities were ranked based on their clinical relevance and impact. The research ideas ranked top three were as follows: 1- Percutaneous multimodality management of benign anastomotic biliary strictures (Laser vs endobiliary ablation vs cholangioplasty vs drain upsize protocol alone); 2- Ablation of intraductal cholangiocarcinoma with and without stenting; and 3- Cholecystoscopy/choledochoscopy and lithotripsy in non-surgical patients with calculous cholecystitis. Collaborative retrospective and prospective research studies are essential to answer these questions and to improve the management protocols for patients with biliary/gallbladder diseases.