Surgical revision of hepaticojejunostomy strictures after pancreatectomy

Late cholangitis after pancreatoduodenectomy: A common complication with or without anatomical biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND

Postoperative cholangitis is a common complication after pancreatoduodenectomy that can occur with or without anatomical biliary obstruction. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors of cholangitis after pancreatoduodenectomy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy in 2 Dutch tertiary pancreatic centers (2010-2019). Primary outcome was postoperative cholangitis, defined as systemic inflammation with abnormal liver tests without another focus of infection, at least 1 month after resection. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies were evaluated. Two types of postoperative cholangitis were distinguished; obstructive cholangitis (benign stenosis of the hepaticojejunostomy) and nonobstructive cholangitis. Potential risk factors were identified using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Postoperative cholangitis occurred in 93 of 900 patients (10.3%). Median time to first episode of cholangitis was 8 months (interquartile range 4-16) after pancreatoduodenectomy. Multiple episodes of cholangitis occurred in 44 patients (47.3%) and readmission was necessary in 83 patients (89.2%). No cholangitis-related mortality was observed. Obstructive cholangitis was seen in 37 patients (39.8%) and nonobstructive cholangitis in 56 patients (60.2%). Surgery was performed for cholangitis in 7 patients (7.5%) and consisted of revision of the hepaticojejunostomy or elongation of the biliary limb. Postoperative biliary leakage (odds ratio 2.56; 95% confidence interval 1.42-4.62; P = .0018) was independently associated with postoperative cholangitis.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative cholangitis unrelated to cancer recurrence was seen in 10% of patients after pancreatoduodenectomy. Nonobstructive cholangitis was more common than obstructive cholangitis. Postoperative biliary leakage was an independent risk factor.

Incidence and Mechanism of Refractory Postoperative Cholangitis After Hepatectomy with Hepaticojejunostomy

INTRODUCTION

Malignant tumors, such as hilar cholangiocarcinoma, have shown improved long-term outcomes, and measures to prevent late postoperative complications are important. Postoperative cholangitis after hepatectomy with hepaticojejunostomy (HHJ) may occur and can significantly decrease the quality of life. However, there are few reports on the incidence and pathogenesis of postoperative cholangitis after HHJ.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 71 cases post HHJ at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital from January 2010 to December 2021. Cholangitis was diagnosed using the Tokyo Guideline 2018. Cases due to tumor recurrence around the hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) were excluded. Patients with three or more episodes of cholangitis were classified as the "refractory cholangitis group" (RC group). RC group patients were divided into a "stenosis group" and "non-stenosis group" according to intrahepatic bile duct dilatation at the onset of cholangitis. Their clinical characteristics and risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Cholangitis occurred in 20 patients (28.1%), with 17 (23.9%) in the RC group. Most patients in the RC group developed their first episode within the first postoperative year. The stenosis group consisted of 6 patients, and their cholangitis was treated with repeated anastomotic dilatation and stent replacement. In the non-stenosis group, cholangitis was relatively mild and treated with antibiotics. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy for these cases showed bile congestion in the jejunum near the site of the hepaticojejunostomy.

CONCLUSION

There are two types of postoperative cholangitis, each with different pathogenesis and treatment. It is essential to assess anastomotic stenosis early and provide the necessary treatment.

Duodenojejunostomy for endoscopic management of biliary enteric anastomotic stricture inaccessible via balloon-assisted endoscopy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Stricture formation is a long-term complication of biliary enteric anastomosis (BEA). BEA stricture often causes recurrent cholangitis and lithiasis, can significantly affect quality of life, and promote the development of life-threatening complications. In this report, duodenojejunostomy and subsequent endoscopic management as an alternative surgical technique for strictures of the BEA is described.

CASE PRESENTATION

Case 1: An 84-year-old man who underwent left hepatic trisectionectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma 6 years prior presented with fever and jaundice. Computed tomography (CT) revealed intrahepatic lithiasis. The patient was diagnosed with postoperative cholangitis secondary to intrahepatic lithiasis. Balloon-assisted endoscopy could not reach the anastomotic site, and stent insertion failed. A biliary access route was hence created via duodenojejunostomy. After the jejunal limb and duodenal bulb were identified, duodenojejunostomy was performed using a side-to-side continuous layer-to-layer suture. The patient was discharged without serious complications. Endoscopic management through duodenojejunostomy was successfully performed, and intrahepatic stones were completely removed. Case 2: A 75-year-old man who underwent bile duct resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma 6 years prior was diagnosed with postoperative cholangitis due to intrahepatic lithiasis. Removal of the intrahepatic stones was attempted using balloon-assisted endoscopy; however, the endoscope could not reach the anastomotic site. The patient underwent duodenojejunostomy and subsequent endoscopic management. The patient was discharged without complications. Two weeks after the operation, the patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography through the duodenojejunostomy and the intrahepatic lithiasis was removed.

CONCLUSIONS

Duodenojejunostomy allows easy endoscopic access to a BEA. Duodenojejunostomy and subsequent endoscopic management may be an alternative treatment option in patients with BEA strictures that are inaccessible via balloon-assisted endoscopy.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and long-term prognosis of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a premalignant neoplasm that can involve both the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Owing to the low incidence and confusing nomenclature, its clinicopathological features remain controversial. Additionally, only a few studies have reported on the long-term prognosis of IPNB to date. Therefore, the present study aimed to clarify the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of IPNB.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with IPNB treated at our hospital between August 2000 and October 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A database of demographic characteristics, test results, surgical details, pathological findings, and follow-up information was constructed for analysis. Patients were divided into intrahepatic and extrahepatic groups, and dysplasia and invasive carcinoma groups for comparison. Differences between study groups were analyzed using the χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. Cumulative survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

In total, 43 patients (21 men and 22 women) with IPNB were included in the study. The median age at diagnosis was 62 (54-69) years. Thirty-eight patients underwent surgery. The mean operation time was (269.5 ± 94.9) min. Five patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for biopsy. Twenty-one and 22 patients had intrahepatic and extrahepatic lesions, respectively. The extrahepatic group had more patients with intraluminal masses (p = 0.021) and abnormal bilirubin levels (p = 0.001), but fewer patients with hepatolithiasis (p = 0.021). The operation time was longer in patients with extrahepatic lesions (p = 0.002). Twenty patients had dysplasia and 23 had invasive carcinoma. The invasive carcinoma group had a longer operation time than the dysplasia group (p = 0.004). As of March 2022, 39 patients were followed up, with a mean follow-up time of (56.2 ± 38.2) months. Fifteen patients survived without tumors, two survived with tumors, and 22 patients died. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year cumulative overall survival rates were 86.9%, 65.8%, 49.8%, and 32.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

IPNB is a rare bile duct disease that occurs mainly in patients with advanced age. Surgery is the primary treatment strategy. Intrahepatic and extrahepatic lesions, as well as dysplasia and invasive carcinoma have their own unique characteristics. The long-term prognosis of IPNB is generally poor.

Outcome of percutaneous transhepatic biliary interventions in the management of biliary enteric anastomotic strictures with hepatolithiasis

AIM

To evaluate percutaneous transhepatic biliary interventions (PTBI) using the ADDFREE (Access-Drain-Dilate-Flush-REpeat periodically-Evaluate and remove) technique and its outcomes in patients with biliary enteric anastomotic strictures (BEAS) and hepatolithiasis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of patients having hepatolithiasis with BEAS who underwent PTBI with a therapeutic intent (from January 2010 to January 2021) was performed. The technical and clinical successes of PTBI were analysed. Technical success was divided into duct access, crossing of BEAS, stricture resolution, and calculi clearance. Improvement of liver function tests, resolution of leucocytosis and presenting complaints were considered as clinical success. The patients were followed-up for a minimum duration of 6-months.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients received PTBI in form of the ADDFREE technique. Hepatolithiasis was bilobar (44.4%), unilobar in multiple ducts (unilobar-m; 27.8%) and unilobar in a single duct (unilobar-s; 27.8%) along with anastomotic stricture. The average number of sessions of stone clearance for bilobar, unilobar-m, and unilobar-s was 4.4 (±1.6), 3.6 (±2.4), and 1.5 (±0.5), respectively. Clinical success was observed in 14 (77.8%), while one patient had recurrence of calculi and received repeat treatment. Bile culture was positive for bacterial organisms in 17 (94.4%) patients. No major complication were seen while minor complication were seen in five patients consisting of self-limiting haemobilia (n=1), per-catheter bile leak (n=2) and aggravation of cholangitis (n=2).

CONCLUSION

PTBI, consisting of bile duct access, cholangioplasty, and calculi clearance, is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of patients having hepatolithiasis secondary to BEAS.

Long-term outcomes of patients with multifocal intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm following pancreatectomy

BACKGROUND

The decision to perform surgery is complicated by the presence of multifocal (MF) intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), which are characterized by two or more cysts located in different areas of the pancreas.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to establish a suitable treatment strategy and surgical indications in patients with MF-IPMNs.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study included patients with IPMNs who underwent pancreatic resection from 2006 to 2020. Patients with distant metastasis and patients with IPMNs of the main pancreatic duct were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

After excluding 22 patients, 194 patients were included. One hundred thirteen patients (58.2%) had unifocal IPMNs, while 81 patients (41.8%) had MF-IPMNs. There were no significant differences in the 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate (92.3% vs. 92.4%, p = 0.976) and the 5-year disease-free survival rate (88.6% vs. 86.5%, p = 0.461). The multivariate analysis identified high-risk stigmata, invasive carcinoma, and lymph node metastasis as independent predictors of DSS. The presence of cystic lesions in the pancreatic remnant was not a predictor of survival. Even in the MF-IPMN group, there were no significant differences in DSS when stratified by procedure (total pancreatectomy vs. segmental pancreatectomy, p = 0.268) or presence of cystic lesions in the pancreatic remnant (p = 0.476). The multivariate analysis identified lymph node metastasis as an independent predictor of DSS in the MF-IPMN group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with MF-IPMNs, each cyst should be evaluated individually for the presence of features associated with malignancy.

The clinical features of late postoperative cholangitis following pancreaticoduodenectomy brought on by conditions other than cancer recurrence: a single-center retrospective study

Background

Postoperative cholangitis is a late complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of post-PD cholangitis (PPDC) and explore its optimal treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 210 patients who underwent PD at our institute between 2009 and 2018. Patients who underwent follow-up for less than 1 year or had cholangitis caused by cancer recurrence were excluded from the analysis. Diagnostic criteria for cholangitis and its severity were determined based on the classification of acute cholangitis provided by the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines (TG18).

Results

PPDC occurred in 19 (11%) of the 176 included patients. Of these 19 patients, nine experienced more than one episode of cholangitis (total episodes, 36). For 14 patients (74%), the first episode of PPDC occurred within two years after surgery. Based on the TG18, 21 episodes were mild and 15 episodes were moderate; none were severe. Blood culture test results were positive for 16 of 24 episodes. Most patients were hospitalized and treated with intravenous antibiotics (median, seven days). The blood test values improved promptly after treatment was started. Four patients with recurrent cholangitis underwent endoscopic examination, and three of them had anastomotic stenosis of the hepaticojejunostomy. The univariate and multivariate analyses did not indicate any significant predictive factors for PPDC development.

Conclusion

Mild and moderate PPDC occurred and improved with short-term antimicrobial treatment. Temporary reflux into the intrahepatic bile ducts may have been the cause of PPDC while anastomotic stenosis may be involved in recurrent cases.

Robotic Revision of Hepaticojejunostomy for Benign Biliary Stricture

Surgical revision of biliary enteric anastomoses (BEA) can be a challenging undertaking and a robotic platform may provide advantages that address many of the technical obstacles. We present our technical approach and outcomes for patients undergoing robotic revision of BEA for benign strictures. A retrospective review was performed for robot-assisted benign BEA revision at our institution. Operative details, perioperative metrics, and outcomes are reported. Four patients underwent anastomotic revision following previously failed non-operative management. There were no intraoperative complications, mean length of stay was 4-days, and all patients experienced resolution of presenting clinical signs and symptoms. No patients required reoperation and there was no mortality. Postoperative outcomes were consistent with findings reported for other interventional modalities. Based on our experience we conclude robotic intervention in this context is safe and improves the technical feasibility of this complex procedure.

Risk factors and treatment strategy for clinical hepatico-jejunostomy stenosis defined with intrahepatic bile duct dilatation after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a retrospective study

BACKGROUNDS/PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors and establish a treatment strategy for clinical hepatico-jejunostomy stenosis defined with intrahepatic bile duct dilatation after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

METHODS

The 443 patients who underwent PD from April 2006 to December 2015 were analyzed. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without clinical HJ stenosis, and risk factors for clinical HJ stenosis were analyzed. In addition, the treatment and clinical course of patients with clinical HJ stenosis were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Clinical HJ stenosis defined with intrahepatic bile duct dilatation was identified in 40 patients (9.0%). Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent risk factor for clinical HJ stenosis was the hepatic duct at surgery ≤ 8 mm. Endoscopic HJ stenosis was identified in 36 patients, and 31 patients were treated successfully with double balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography; 5 patients required re-anastomosis (n=3) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (n=2). Complete obstruction of HJ was found in 5 patients, and treatment with DB-ERC was successful in only one patient.

CONCLUSION

The independent risk factor for clinical HJ stenosis was hepatic duct diameter ≤8 mm. Most cases of endoscopic HJ stenosis were treated successfully with DB-ERC, except in patients with complete obstruction.

Video review reveals technical factors predictive of biliary stricture and cholangitis after robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Cholangitis due to anastomotic stricture of the hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), while uncommon, adversely affects postoperative quality-of-life. While prior studies have identified patient-related risk factors for these biliary complications, technical risk factors have not been systematically examined. Video review of surgical procedures has helped define technical details predictive of postoperative complications in bariatric and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery. Similarly, the present study utilized video review to identify technical factors associated with cholangitis and anastomotic biliary stricture following robotic PD.

METHODS

This was an observational study. A blinded experienced HPB surgeon reviewed videos of post-learning-curve HJs performed during robotic PD and extracted 20 technical variables. Other demographic and clinical variables were collected from a prospectively maintained database.

RESULTS

241 robotic PD videos were reviewed. 29 (12.0%) developed cholangitis and/or biliary stricture, with a median time-to-event of 189 (IQR 78-365) days. Several clinical and technical factors were independently predictive of cholangitis and/or biliary stricture: preoperative radiotherapy, small duct size (<10 mm diameter), increased distance of the HJ (>10 mm) from the hilar plate, and continuous suturing technique.

CONCLUSION

Post-hoc video review of HJ is a powerful method to predict biliary complications. Moreover, altering specific technical factors might enable surgeons to improve postoperative outcomes.

Long-Term Surgical Complications After Pancreatoduodenectomy: Incidence, Outcomes, and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

Long-term complications following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) can significantly impact quality of life and healthcare utilization. Most reports focus on short-term (within 90 days) PD outcomes; however, the incidence and risk factors for long-term complications (> 90 days) remain to be evaluated. We sought to identify the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for long-term complications post-PD.

METHODS

All PD survivors between 2010 and 2017 were identified from a single-institutional database. Long-term complications (> 90 days post-PD and not resulting from cancer recurrence), including biliary stricture, cholangitis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, small bowel obstruction, and incisional hernia, were identified. Logistic regression was used to identify perioperative predictors of long-term complications.

RESULTS

Of 906 PDs, 628 long-term survivors met criteria for analysis (mean age of 65.3 years, 47% female). Median follow-up and overall survival were 51.1 months (95% CI 47.6, 55.7) and 68.5 months (95% CI 57.9, 81.4), respectively. A total of 198 (31.5%) experienced at least one long-term complication. Complications included incisional hernia (17.7%), biliary stricture or cholangitis (8.0%), pancreatitis (5.7%), small bowel obstruction (4.3%), and peptic ulcer (3.2%). In total, 108 (17.2%) of the complications required an intervention, nearly half of which were surgical. On multivariable analysis, several predictors of long-term complications were identified: obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), postoperative wound infection, prolonged index length of stay, readmission (< 90 days), operative approach (open vs. robotic), and pylorus-preservation.

CONCLUSION

Long-term complications occur in nearly a third of PDs and nearly one-fifth of all PDs require re-intervention. Several modifiable predictors of long-term complications were identified.

Endoscopic drainage of obstructed biliary system in altered gastrointestinal anatomy: An experience from a tertiary center in India

INTRODUCTION

With the advances in imaging and endoscopic technology, scope of endoscopic interventions in biliary obstruction associated with altered gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy has increased. We analyzed our experience on single-balloon enteroscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ERCP (SBE-ERCP) and EUS-guided hepatogastrostomy (EUS-HG) in the presence of altered GI anatomy.

METHODS

Data of 15 patients (SBE-ERCP in 12, and EUS-HG in 3) over a period of 1 year (April 2016-March 2017) and followed up for 90 to 270 days were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria were (a) age 18-80 years, (b) fit for anesthesia, (c) intact primary confluence, (d) failed percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or difficult EUS-HG (due to poor visualization of intrahepatic ducts due to pneumobilia after PTBD; SBE-ERCP was undertaken in them), and (e) cholangitis without shock. Exclusion criteria were (a) involved or separated primary biliary confluence, (b) shock, (c) unfit for anesthesia, and (d) liver metastasis in the left lobe (EUS-HG).

RESULTS

All were symptomatic with pain, jaundice, and cholangitis. The median serum bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) were 2.8 mg/dL and 273 IU/mL, respectively. SBE-ERCP in 12 and EUS-HG in 3 cases were  done successfully with observed success rate of 91.6% and 100% (3/3), respectively. Three patients had minor complications (post-procedure pain, fever, and pneumoperitoneum), which were managed conservatively.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic interventions in patients with altered GI anatomy are safe.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Cholangitis after Hepaticojejunostomy

BACKGROUND

After hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery, hepaticojejunostomy cholangitis is a rare condition; the true incidence rate of postoperative cholangitis is unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the incidence rate and timing of postoperative cholangitis after biliary-enteric anastomosis, and to evaluate risk factors and management strategies.

METHODS

Our single-center retrospective study included 583 patients who had undergone biliary-enteric anastomosis for hepatobiliary-pancreatic diseases. Demographic and treatment data were extracted from the medical records, and the association between potential risk factors and the development of postoperative cholangitis evaluated using a prospectively collected database.

RESULTS

Postoperative cholangitis developed in 45/583 patients (incidence rate, 7.7%), on average 18.3 ± 27.4 months (median = 6.9 months) after surgery. On multivariate analysis, the following factors were independently associated with postoperative cholangitis after biliary-enteric anastomosis: male sex, benign condition, and postoperative complication with a Clavien-Dindo classification grade > III. Among patients with postoperative cholangitis, a biliary stricture developed in 57.8% (26/45) of cases. Percutaneous balloon dilatation (73.1%) and endoscopic stenting (11.5%) were used as initial treatment of the stricture, with surgical revision being required in only 15.4% of cases of hepaticojejunostomy stricture.

CONCLUSION

Biliary-enteric anastomotic cholangitis after hepaticojejunostomy is a distinct disease process. Although non-operative management of postoperative cholangitis is successful in many cases, further research is required to better understand patient- and physician-related factors that predispose patients to postoperative cholangitis.

Rare, Uncommon, and Unusual Complications After Pancreaticoduodenal Resection

Complications after pancreaticoduodenal resection occur in at least 30% of patients. Most are a direct result of an intraoperative event, dissection, or anastomoses which account for the most serious morbidities, sepsis, pseudoaneurysms, and hemorrhage. Rarely, complications are due to the systemic impact of the procedure even if the procedure itself was unremarkable. Rare systemic complications after PDR (Transfusion transmitted Babesiosis, pituitary apoplexy, and TRALI) and a number of uncommon and unusual other complications are discussed. Pancreaticoduodenal resection is a significant operation with serious consequences. Decisions on selection of candidates and safe operations should be thoughtful and always in surgeons' minds.

Refractory Long-Term Cholangitis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative cholangitis is one of the major late complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and recurrent cholangitis has a negative impact on patients' quality of life. However, detailed reports are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of postoperative cholangitis after PD.

METHODS

Between January 2007 and December 2013, 155 consecutive patients underwent PD. Of these, 113 patients were included in this study. Cholangitis was diagnosed according to the criteria in the revised Tokyo Guidelines 2013, and repeated cholangitis with three or more episodes was defined as 'refractory cholangitis'. Data from patients with refractory cholangitis were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Refractory cholangitis was observed in 21 patients (18.6%). Of these, 17 patients experienced cholangitis within 1 year after PD, and 10 patients had biliary strictures. These patients required an average of two interventional or endoscopic treatments for stricture dilatation, which led to remission. The 2-year cumulative incidence rate for refractory cholangitis was 18.9% (95% CI 11.65-26.15). Multivariate analysis revealed five risk factors for developing refractory cholangitis: benign disease (odds ratio [OR] 18.52; P = 0.001), long operation time (OR 18.73; P = 0.002), elevated C-reactive protein (OR 6.55; P = 0.014), elevated alkaline phosphatase (OR 6.03; P = 0.018), and the presence of pneumobilia (OR 28.81; P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative refractory cholangitis after PD usually developed within a year. Almost half of the patients had biliary strictures, and aggressive dilatation might be effective to achieve remission in these patients.

Incidence of hepaticojejunostomy stricture after hepaticojejunostomy

BACKGROUND

Operations requiring biliary-enteric anastomosis are uncommon, and the true incidence of postoperative stricture is unknown. Our goal was to determine the timing, incidence, and management of stricture after biliary-enteric anastomosis.

METHODS

We used 5% Medicare claims data (1996-2011) to identify patients ≥66 years who underwent an operation requiring a biliary-enteric anastomosis. A cumulative incidence curve was used to describe timing of stricture diagnosis. The use of imaging and intervention was evaluated. A Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to identify factors associated with stricture.

RESULTS

A total of 3,374 patients underwent an operation requiring either a hepaticojejunostomy (54.33%; N = 1,833) or choledochojejunostomy (45.67%; N = 1,541); 2-year survival was 57.0%. Overall, 403 (11.9%) patients developed a stricture. The cumulative incidence of stricture was 12.5% at 2 years. Mean time to stricture diagnosis was 16.8 ± 21.6 months (median = 8.5 months); 23% of patients with a stricture required hospitalization for cholangitis (N = 94). Only 18 (4.5%) patients with a stricture required reoperation. Younger age (hazard ratio 0.98; 95% confidence interval 0.98-0.99) was associated with a decreased likelihood of stricture formation; presence of an endostent (hazard ratio 1.66; 95% confidence interval 1.35-2.04) predicted stricture formation.

CONCLUSION

Biliary-enteric anastomotic strictures occur with significant frequency after a biliary-enteric anastomosis. Although many patients are managed nonoperatively, stricture diagnosis remains burdensome.

Cholangitis in the postoperative course after biliodigestive anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Hepatobiliary surgery with biliodigestive anastomosis (BDA) results in a loss of the sphincter of Oddi with consecutive ascension of bacteria into the bile system which may cause cholangitis in the postoperative course.

METHODS

Patients who received reconstruction with a BDA after hepatobiliary surgery were analyzed retrospectively for their postoperative course of disease depending on intraoperatively obtained bile cultures and antibiotic prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Two hundred forty-three patients were included in the analysis, 49.4 % of whom had received endoscopic stenting before the operation. Stenting was significantly associated with the presence of drug-resistant bacteria in the intraoperatively obtained bile sample (p < 0.001, OR = 4.09). Of all patients, 14.4 % developed postoperative cholangitis. This was significantly associated with the postoperative length of stay in the intensive care unit (p = 0.002, OR = 1.035). The highest incidence of postoperative cholangitis was found in patients with cholangiocellular carcinoma (n = 12, p = 0.046, OR = 2.178). Patients were more likely to harbor strains with resistance against the antibiotic that was given intraoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The risk for the presence of drug-resistant bacteria is increased by preoperative stenting of the common bile duct. Bile culture by intraoperative swabs can be altered by the perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis as it induces microbiological selection in the common bile duct.