The surgical treatment of isolated left-sided hepatolithiasis: a 22-year experience

Biliary Tract Exploration After Laparoscopic Left-sided Hepatectomy: A Comparative Study of Left Hepatic Duct Orifice Versus Common Bile Duct Approach

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic left-sided hepatectomy (LLH) and additional biliary tract exploration are effective methods to treat left-sided hepatolithiasis (LSH) combined with extrahepatic bile duct stones. Although biliary tract exploration through common bile duct (CBD) incision has been widely accepted, the safety and effectiveness of the left hepatic duct (LHD) orifice approach after LLH is still in debate.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-four patients with LSH who underwent LLH and biliary tract exploration in our institution from April 2014 to September 2021 were enrolled in the retrospectively study. They were divided into 3 groups: LHD group (n=67), CBD/T-tube group (n=58), and CBD/PC group (n=19). Patients' demographic characteristics, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

LHD group exhibited a shorter operative time (202.8±42.2 vs. 232.7±47.5 min, P=0.000), time to first bowel movement (2.3±0.5 vs. 2.9±0.7 d, P=0.000) and postoperative hospital stay (7.5±2.1 vs. 9.8±5.2 d, P=0.001) compared with the CBD/T-tube group. The lithotomy time in the LHD group was significantly longer than that in the CBD/T-tube group (33.6±7.3 vs. 29.0±6.3 min, P=0.000) and CBD/PC group (33.6±7.3 vs. 28.7±3.7, P=0.006). Intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion rate, initial stone clearance rate, and stone recurrence rate all had no significant differences between the 3 groups (all P>0.05). LHD group showed less rate of electrolyte imbalance than that of the CBD/T-tube group (3.0% vs. 19.0%, P=0.004) but it was equivalent to the CBD/PC group (P>0.05). The type of biliary tract exploration (odds ratio: 5.43, 95% confidence interval: 0.04-0.95, P=0.032) as independent predictors of electrolyte imbalance. No reoperation and mortality occurred in the 3 groups. The conversion rate was comparable among 3 groups (1.5% vs. 1.7% vs. 0, all P>0.05). No significant difference in stone recurrence rate was seen (1.5% vs. 3.4% vs. 0, all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Biliary tract exploration through LHD orifice after LLH is a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with LSH, with an advantage over the T-tube drainage in the field of operative time, the incidence of electrolyte imbalance, recovery of gastrointestinal function, and postoperative hospital stay.

Biliary tract exploration via left hepatic duct stump versus the common bile duct incision in left-sided hepatolithiasis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Left lateral hepatic resection is the preferred surgical approach for treating left hepatolithiasis. However, it is not clear whether cholangioscopy via left hepatic duct (LHD) orifice can replace conventional common bile duct (CBD) approach during laparoscopic procedures.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search by screening medical databases, then compared perioperative outcomes and occurrence of recurrent stones between LHD and CBD approaches.

RESULTS

A total of five studies, comprising 345 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. The reported operative times, intra-operative blood loss and incidence of post-operative complications were comparable between the approaches. Pooled results revealed a positive correlation between LHD approach with shorter length of hospital stay (standard mean difference = -1.36; 95% confidence interval: -2.10, -0.61; P < 0.001). Additionally, bile duct exploration via LHD orifice was associated with similar rate of recurrent stones and cholangitis across both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that biliary tract exploration via LHD stump can be safely performed in left-sided hepatolithiasis. Additionally, the LHD approach was associated with comparable intra-operative outcomes and shorter post-operative hospitalization relative to CBD approach, and does not increase incidence of stone recurrence.

Application of Laparoscopic Technique in the Treatment of Hepatolithiasis

Hepatolithiasis is commonly encountered in Southeastern and East Asian countries, and its incidence is increasing in Western countries. For symptomatic hepatolithiasis or asymptomatic hepatolithiasis with signs of liver atrophy or malignancy, surgical intervention is needed, especially when peroral cholangioscopy and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy are not suitable or fail to be performed. Currently, laparoscopic surgery is gradually replacing traditional open surgery and becoming a better option. Various types of laparoscopic surgeries, including laparoscopic hepatectomy, laparoscopic biliary exploration through the common bile duct or the hepatic duct stump, and robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery, have been developed for the treatment of simple hepatolithiasis, hepatolithiasis concomitant with choledocholithiasis, recurrent hepatolithiasis, and complicated hepatolithiasis. The related clinical experience is gradually accumulating. In this review, the laparoscopic applications and their advantages will be summarized. In most cases, the laparoscopic technique could provide the advantages of less trauma, reduced blood loss, and faster postoperative recovery.

Risk of malignancy in Caroli disease and syndrome: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Congenital intrahepatic bile duct dilatation without fibrosis is called Caroli disease (CD), and is called Caroli syndrome (CS) when it has fibrotic and cirrhotic liver morphology. The development of intrahepatic carcinoma is described in both conditions, but the reported incidence varies extensively. Potential risk factors for the malignant transformation were not described. Furthermore, conservative or surgical treatment is performed depending on the extent of cystic malformation, hepatic dysfunction and structural hepatic changes, but little is known about which treatment should be offered to patients with CD or CS and cancer.

AIM

To further investigate the malignant transformation in these conditions.

METHODS

A systematic review of the current literature until January 2019 was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A search using Medline (PubMed) was performed using a combination of Medical Subject Headings terms “caroli disease”, “caroli syndrome”, “tumor”, “malignant”, and “cholangiocarcinoma”. Only human studies published in English were used for this systematic review. The following parameters were extracted from each article: year of publication, type of study, number of patients, incidence of malignant tumor, duration of symptoms, age, sex, diagnostics, identification of tumor, surgical therapy, survival and tumor recurrence.

RESULTS

Twelve retrospective studies reporting the courses of 561 patients (53% females) were included in this systematic review. With a mean age of 41.6 years old (range 23 to 56 years old), patients were younger than other populations undergoing liver surgery. Depending on the size of the study population the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma varied from 2.7% to 37.5% with an overall incidence of 6.6%. There were only few detailed reports about preoperative diagnostic work-up, but a multimodal work-up including ultrasound of the liver, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was used in most studies. Disease duration was variable with up to several years. Most patients had episodes of cholangitis, sepsis, fever or abdominal pain. Tumor detection was an incidental finding of the surgical specimen in most cases because it is currently often impossible to detect tumor manifestation during preoperative diagnostics. Liver resection or liver transplantation was performed depending on the extent of the biliary pathology and additional alterations of the liver structure or function. No postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was reported, but chemotherapy was administered in selected cases of tumor recurrence. Overall survival rates after one year were low at 36% and a high recurrence rate of up to 75% during the observation period.

CONCLUSION

Only few retrospective studies reported a low tumor incidence. Despite the high rate of mortality and tumor recurrence, definite surgical treatment should be offered as soon as possible.

Biliary tract exploration through a common bile duct incision or left hepatic duct stump in laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy for left side hepatolithiasis: which is better?: A single-center retrospective case-control study

Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy (LLH) followed by biliary tract exploration is used to treat left-sided hepatolithiasis (LSH). The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 2 methods of biliary tract exploration in LLH:biliary tract exploration through a common bile duct (CBD) incision (with T-tube drainage) or through the left hepatic duct (LHD) stump (without T-tube drainage).LSH patients (113 patients) were recruited retrospectively in our hospital from December 2008 to January 2016. To compare different methods of biliary tract exploration during LLH, the patients were divided into 2 groups: 41 patients underwent biliary tract exploration through the LHD stump (LHD group), and 72 patients underwent biliary tract exploration through a CBD incision (CBD group). Baseline characteristics, surgical outcomes, surgery-related complications, postoperative hospital stay (PHS) and long-term results were compared between the 2 groups.There was no unplanned reoperation in the 2 groups. One patient in the CBD group had a residual stone, which was removed by choledochoscopy 2 months postoperation. Two patients in the LHD group and 3 patients in the CBD group had bile leakage and were cured with abdominal drainage. There were no significant differences in the total operation time, incidence of residual stones and bile leakage between the 2 groups (P > .05). The PHS and the incidence of hypokalemia or hyponatremia in the LHD group were significantly lower than those in the CBD group (P < .05). T-tube-related complications occurred in 13.9% (10/72) of the CBD patients. The mean follow-up period was 37.2 ± 13.8 months. There were no significant differences in the incidence of recurrence stones or cholangitis (P > .05) between the 2 groups.Exploration of the biliary tract through the LHD stump without T-tube drainage is safe with satisfactory short- and long-term results for selected LSH patients.

Biliary exploration via the left hepatic duct orifice versus the common bile duct in left-sided hepatolithiasis patients with a history of biliary tract surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Hepatectomy and additional common bile duct exploration are required for the treatment of left-sided hepatolithiasis (LSH).

METHODS

Eligible LSH patients (n = 62) scheduled for open left lateral segmentectomy or left hemihepatectomy with intraoperative biliary exploration via the left hepatic duct orifice (LHD group, n = 35) or the common bile duct (CBD group, n = 27) were retrospectively studied. T-tube insertion was performed on selected patients. Primary outcome measures included overall operative time, length of hospital stay, intraoperative complications, residual stones, and postoperative bile leaks.

RESULTS

There were no residual stones observed in the 2 groups. Ten patients in the CBD group received T-tube placement, whereas no patients in the LHD group received T-tube placement. There were more patients in the CBD group suffered intraoperative complications and postoperative bile leakage than LHD group (P < .05). The LHD group had a significantly shorter operative time and hospitalization than the CBD group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

For left-sided hepatolithiasis patients with a history of biliary tract surgery, LHD cholangioscopy is an accessible technique that simplifies the operation procedure by avoiding choledochotomy and subsequent T-tube insertion, which results in lower complication rates as well as shorter operative duration and length of hospitalization.

Risk Factors for Cholangiocarcinoma After Initial Hepatectomy for Intrahepatic Stones

BACKGROUND

Aggressive hepatectomy is effective in treating intrahepatic stones and may minimize the deleterious consequences of subsequent cholangiocarcinoma (S-CCA). The risk factors of S-CCA after different methods of hepatectomy may vary with the resection scope of stone-affected segments.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 981 patients of primary intrahepatic stones with elective hepatectomy from January 2000 to December 2010. The clinical characteristics of patients in the S-CCA group (n = 55) and the control group (n = 926) were compared. The uniformity between extent of liver resection (ELR) with stone-affected segments (SAS) was segmented into 2 varieties: ELR = SAS with ELR < SAS according to the different hepatic resection scopes. Cox regression model with forward selection was used to identify the risk factors of S-CCA.

RESULTS

In the univariate analysis, significant differences were observed between the S-CCA and control groups concerning stone location (unilateral 43.6 and 65.2 %, bilateral 56.4 and 34.8 %), residual stones (32.7 and 11.6 %), hepaticojejunostomy (43.6 and 30.9 %), and uniformity between ELR with SAS (ELR = SAS 20.0 and 42.6 %, ELR < SAS 80.0 and 57.4 %). Residual stones [hazard ratio (HR) 2.101, P = 0.016], hepaticojejunostomy (HR 1.837, P = 0.026) and uniformity between ELR and SAS (HR 2.442, P = 0.013) were independent prognostic factors for S-CCA by a Cox regression analysis with forward selection. In the subsection of ELR = SAS group, the 5- and 10-year postoperative tumor occurrence rates of unilateral and bilateral stones group were 0.9 versus 1.9 % and 3.0 versus 4.1 %, respectively (P = 0.663, log-rank). In the other subsection of ELR < SAS group, the 5- and 10-year postoperative tumor occurrence rates of unilateral and bilateral stones group were 3.4 versus 3.9 % and 6.8 versus 13.2 %, respectively (P = 0.047, log-rank), and the 5- and 10-year postoperative tumor occurrence rates of residual stones and non-residual stones group were 5.8 versus 3.0 % and 16.0 versus 7.9 %, respectively (P = 0.015, log-rank).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent aggressive hepatectomy and had ELR = SAS had better outcomes than those with ELR < SAS. In the patients with ELR = SAS, the S-CCA rates of unilateral and bilateral stones were low and comparable. However, patients with ELR < SAS and bilateral intrahepatic or residual stones should be monitored more carefully for high-risk factors of S-CCA.

Simple resection of the lesion bile duct branch for treatment of regional hepatic bile duct stones

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of simple resections of bile duct branch lesions for the treatment of regional hepatic bile duct stones.A retrospective analysis of the clinical data from patients in our hospital from November 2008 to November 2015, who only underwent a simple resection of the lesion bile duct branch. The patients' clinical characteristics, surgical features, postoperative complications, stone clear rate, residual stone rate, and recurrence stone rate were analyzed.This study of 32 patients included 13 males and 19 females with intrahepatic bile duct stones confined to the right hepatic bile duct branch. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and postoperative hospital stay were 478.0 ± 86.5, 210.7 ± 6.6, and 10.8 ± 3.5, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 patients (18.8%), all of whom recovered with conservative management. There were no deaths during hospitalization. The intraoperative stone clearance rate was 95.8%. Three patients had a recurrence of stones at a mean of 22 months of follow-up (range, 4-36 months).Simple resection of bile duct branch lesions is safe and feasible for patients who have regional hepatic bile duct stones limited to the right hepatic bile duct branches.

Incidence of underlying biliary neoplasm in patients after major hepatectomy for preoperative benign hepatolithiasis

Backgrounds/Aims

Despite hepatolithiasis being a risk factor for biliary neoplasm including cholangiocarcinoma, the incidence of underlying biliary neoplasm is unknown in patients with preoperative benign hepatolithiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of underlying biliary neoplasm in patients who underwent major hepatectomy for preoperative benign hepatolithiasis.

Methods

Between March 2005 and December 2015, 73 patients who underwent major hepatectomy for preoperative benign hepatolithiasis were enrolled in this study. The incidence and pathological differentiation of concomitant biliary neoplasm were retrospectively determined by review of medical records. Postoperative complications after major hepatectomy were evaluated.

Results

Concomitant biliary neoplasm was pathologically confirmed in 20 patients (27.4%). Biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BIN) was detected in 12 patients (16.4%), and 1 patient (1.4%) had intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), as the premalignant lesion. Cholangiocarcinoma was pathologically confirmed in 7 patients (9.6%). Preoperative imaging of the 73 patients revealed biliary stricture at the first branch of bile duct in 31 patients (42.5%), and at the second branch of bile duct in 39 patients (53.4%). Postoperative complications developed in 14 patients (19.1%). Almost all patients recovered from complications, including intra-abdominal abscess (9.6%), bile leakage (4.1%), pleural effusion (2.7%), and wound infection (1.4%). Only 1 patient (1.4%) died from aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusions

The incidence of underlying biliary neoplasm was not negligible in the patients with hepatolithiasis, despite meticulous preoperative evaluations.

Liver Resection for Primary Intrahepatic Stones: Focus on Postoperative Infectious Complications

BACKGROUND

Primary intrahepatic lithiasis is defined by the presence of gallstones at the level of cystic dilatations of the intrahepatic biliary tree. Liver resection is considered the treatment of choice, with the purpose of removing stones and atrophic parenchyma, also reducing the risk of cholangiocarcinoma. However, in consequence of the considerable incidence of infectious complications, postoperative morbidity remains high. The current study was designed to evaluate the impact of preoperative bacterial colonization of the bile ducts on postoperative outcome.

METHODS

The clinical records of 73 patients treated with liver resection were reviewed and clinical data, operative procedures, results of bile cultures, and postoperative outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

Left hepatectomy (38 patients) and left lateral sectionectomy (19 patients) were the most frequently performed procedures. Overall morbidity was 38.3 %. A total of 133 microorganisms were isolated from bile. Multivariate analysis identified previous endoscopic or percutaneous cholangiography (p = 0.043) and preoperative cholangitis (p = 0.003) as the only two independent risk factors for postoperative infectious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative morbidity was strictly related to the preoperative biliary infection. An effective control of infections should be always pursued before liver resection for intrahepatic stones and an aggressive treatment of early signs of sepsis should be strongly emphasized.

Total laparoscopic left hepatectomy for primary hepatolithiasis: Eight-year experience in a single center

BACKGROUND

Primary hepatolithiasis is prevalent in some Asian countries. Hepatectomy is a definitive treatment for this disease. Whether laparoscopic left hepatectomy (LLH) is suitable for primary hepatolithiasis remains controversial, because LLH is more challenging technically. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of LLH for primary hepatolithiasis in a single center.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 96 consecutive patients who underwent LLH for primary hepatolithiasis in the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital from May 2005 to December 2012. In addition, 105 patients who met the same inclusion criteria for LLH but underwent open left hepatectomy (OLH) for hepatolithiasis during the same period were reviewed for comparison. The patient characteristics, operative features, postoperative course, residual stone rate, and recurrent stone rate were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the LLH group, 81 patients (84.4%) underwent total LLH and 15 (15.6%) were converted to open hepatectomy. The volume of intraoperative blood loss was less in the LLH than OLH group (383 ± 281 vs 554 ± 517 mL; P = .005). The intraoperative transfusion rate was also significantly lower in the LLH group (8.3% vs 30.5%; P < .001). There were no differences between the LLH and OLH groups in operation time, duration of postoperative hospitalization, postoperative complication rate, residual stone rate, or recurrent stone rate.

CONCLUSION

In experienced hands, total LLH is a safe, effective, and promising treatment for patients with hepatolithiasis.

Application of hepatic resection in hepatolithiasis

AIM: To investigate the value of hepatic resection in the treatment of hepatolithiasis.

METHODS: The clinical data for 130 patients with hepatolithiasis who underwent hepatectomy from June 2005 to May 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS: Left lateral hepatic lobectomy was performed in 87 patients, left hepatectomy in 19 patients, quadrate lobe resection in 9 patients, regular hepatic resection in 8 patients, partial right lobe resection with left lateral lobectomy in 3 patients, right hepatectomy with left lateral lobectomy in 1 patient, and left medial hepatic resection in 3 patients. The stone clearance rate was 87%. Fifteen patients were discovered to have cholangiocarcinoma, and 13 cases had residual stones. Postoperative complications included incision infection, bile leakage, pneumonia, and pleural effusion. One patient died of liver failure preoperatively.

CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy is a safe and effective treatment for hepatolithiasis. Adequate preoperative evaluation and reasonable surgical procedure can help reduce or avoid biliary tract reoperation.

Management of intrahepatic stones: the role of subcutaneous hepaticojejunal access loop. A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with intrahepatic stones usually present with recurrent cholangitis, biliary sepsis and intrahepatic abscesses, may develop liver atrophy and may progress to cholangiocarcinoma. Treatment of intrahepatic stones is difficult and the disease progresses in most patients even after adequate treatment. Surgical removal of stones has been the standard management but residual stones and stone recurrence occur frequently whatever the technique. Because of the need for repeated biliary instrumentation, long-term access routes involving percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy (PTCSL), hepaticocutaneousjejunostomy (HCJ) and subparietal hepaticojejunal access loop to permit stone retrieval or stricture dilatation have been developed.

PURPOSE

The aim of this work was to evaluate the outcome of subcutaneous hepaticojejunal access loop in the management of intrahepatic stones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2009 and January 2013, 42 patients with intrahepatic stones underwent surgical treatment at the Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Main Alexandria University Hospital. Demographic data, details of operative findings, follow up details, and treatment of recurrent stones were analyzed. After approval of local ethics committee, all patients included in the study were informed well about the procedure and an informed written consent was obtained from every patient before carrying the procedure.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients (17 males and 25 females) with intrahepatic stones underwent surgery with construction of a subcutaneous hepaticojejunal access loop. Stones were confined to the left lobe in 25 patients, the right lobe in 3 patients and bilobar in 14 patients. Associated extrahepatic stones were found in 33 patients. Twenty-two patients had associated intrahepatic duct strictures. Five patients with atrophy of segments II and III underwent hepatic resection at the time of access loop formation. The mean operation time was 4.9 h and mean blood loss was 440 mL. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 10 days. Wound infection was the commonest complication, occurring in 5 (12%) patients. There were no specific complications attributable to the construction of the access loop. The subcutaneous access loop was used to gain access to the biliary tree in 28 patients with residual or recurrent stones. A total of 55 procedures (range 1-5) were attempted with successful access achieved in all cases and successful stone clearance in 21 of the 28 patients, and all of them were symptom free for at least 12 months after the last procedure. Partial stone clearance was achieved in the remaining seven patients. These seven patients had different degrees of biliary strictures.

CONCLUSION

The subcutaneous access loop offers the advantage of permanent access for the successful management of retained or re-formed intrahepatic stones with minimal morbidity since it permitted easy access to intrahepatic ducts using the conventional forward-viewing endoscope or the choledochoscope, without the additional morbidity of a biliary-cutaneous fistula or transhepatic access.

Lithotomy using cholangioscopy via the left hepatic duct orifice versus the common bile duct in laparoscopic treatment of left-sided hepatolithiasis: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic hepatectomy is widely used in the surgical treatment of left-sided hepatolithiasis (LSH). Lithotomy using a cholangioscope usually is required for the treatment of concurrent right-sided hepatolithiasis or choledocholithiasis. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of gallstone elimination using cholangioscopy through the left hepatic duct (LHD) orifice versus the common bile duct (CBD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible LSH patients (n=41) were scheduled for laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy or left hemihepatectomy with intraoperative biliary exploration using cholangioscopy through the LHD orifice (LHD group, n=23) or the CBD (CBD group, n=18) at the discretion of patients. Laparoscopic T-tube insertion was performed in selected patients. Patients were regularly followed up at monthly intervals or more frequently in the presence of any symptom. The primary outcome measures included overall operative time, duration of the cholangioscopy procedure, volume of blood loss, length of hospital stay, and frequency of procedure-related complications.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable in sex, age, symptoms, site of lesion, and gallstone comorbidities (P>.05). Of the 18 patients in the CBD group, 12 (66.7%) patients had a T-tube inserted in contrast to 1 (4.5%) patient in the LHD group. The two groups were comparable in cholangioscopy duration and volume of blood loss (P>.05), whereas the LHD group had a significantly shorter operative time than the CBD group (221.4 ± 58.6 minutes versus 171.2 ± 63.5 minutes; P<.05). The postoperative duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the LHD group than in the CBD group (7.5 ± 2.2 days versus 4.2 ± 1.9 days; P<.05). No patient showed any recurrence of gallstones or cholangitis during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

As an effective and safe technique that is comparable to choledochotomy, LHD cholangioscopy is a preferred alternative to choledochotomy in the laparoscopic treatment of LSH because it offers patients shorter operative duration and length of hospitalization.

Application of hepatic lobectomy in bile duct reoperation

AIM: To investigate the application of hepatic lobectomy in bile duct reoperation and preoperative evaluation and management.

METHODS: The clinical data for 105 patients who underwent bile duct reoperation and hepatic lobectomy from November 2005 to February 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS: Left lateral hepatic lobectomy was performed in 69 patients, left hepatectomy in 18 patients, quadrate lobe resection in 8 patients (the Kasai procedure), and partial right lobe resection in 4 patients (including 1 undergoing right hepatectomy). Anatomic hepatectomy of bilateral lobes was implemented in 4 patients, including 2 undergoing resection of gallbladder bed for gallbladder carcinoma, 1 undergoing right hepatectomy with left lateral lobectomy and 1 undergoing partial right hepatic lobe resection with left lateral lobectomy. Left medial hepatic resection was performed in 2 patients. Postoperative complications included incision infection, bile leakage, pneumonia, and pleural effusion. One patient died of liver failure perioperatively.

CONCLUSION: For recurrence of intrahepatic bile duct stones and/or residual stones, lobes with stones and stenosis should be resected completely in hepatic lobectomy so as to reduce the frequency of biliary tract reoperation.

Left-sided hepatic resection for hepatolithiasis: a longitudinal study of 110 patients

BACKGROUND

Hepatolithiasis affecting the left hepatobiliary system is common in the Asia Pacific region. This aim of this study was to describe an experience with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with isolated left-sided hepatolithiasis.

METHODS

One hundred and ten patients with isolated left-sided hepatolithiasis who underwent a left-sided hepatic resection between January 1999 and February 2010 were included for further analysis. The clinical profile, cholangiograms, operative procedures and early and late results were examined.

RESULTS

Analysis of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) findings revealed left hepatic ductal anatomical details in 101 patients. Three types of left hepatic ductal variations were observed (type 1 in 90.1%, type 2 in 5.9% and type 3 in 4.0% patients). Eighty-four (76.4%) patients had the presence of strictures in the left hepatic ductal system and in 26 (23.6%) patients no strictures could be seen. Out of 84 patients with strictures, 78 could be classified (type I in 89.7% and type II in 10.3%). Of the 110 patients, 75 (68.2%) underwent a left lateral sectionectomy, 33 (30%) a left hepatectomy and 2 (1.8%) patients were treated with a left hepatectomy combined with a caudate lobe resection. Of the patients who underwent a left hepatectomy 11.4% developed a bile leak. Eight per cent of patients who underwent a left lateral sectionectomy had infective complications. During a median follow-up period of 63 (range 3-134) months, 2 (2.1%) patients were discovered to have residual stones and five (5.2%) others possessed recurrent stones.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the impact of the presence or absence of bile duct stricture on the clinical and histological profile of patients as well as their operative and the post-operative behaviour. It is concluded that hepatic resection is an appropriate treatment modality in localized left-sided hepatolithiasis.

Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy for left intrahepatic duct stones

Purpose

The feasibility of laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy for the management of intrahepatic duct (IHD) stones was evaluated.

Methods

The clinical data of 26 consecutive patients who underwent total laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy for IHD stones at Gyeongsang National University Hospital between January 2009 and June 2011 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

The mean operation time was 312.1 ± 63.4 minutes and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 11.8 ± 5.0 days. There were 2 cases of postoperative bile leakage and 3 cases of intra-abdominal fluid collection, which were successfully managed conservatively. Remnant stones were detected in 2 patients. The initial success rate of stone clearance was 92.3% (24 of 26). The remnant stones were located in the common bile duct in both cases and were removed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic sphincterotomy. Therefore, the final success rate of stone clearance was 100% (26 of 26). During a mean follow-up of 22 months (range, 7 to 36 months), there was no patient with recurrent stone.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery could be an effective treatment modality for the management of IHD stones in select patients.

Does bilioenteric anastomosis impair results of liver resection in primary intrahepatic lithiasis?

AIM: To evaluate the long-term results of liver resection for the treatment of primary intrahepatic lithiasis. Prognostic factors, especially the impact of bilioenteric anastomosis on recurrence of symptoms were assessed.

METHODS: Forty one patients with intrahepatic stones and parenchyma fibrosis/atrophy and/or biliary stenosis were submitted to liver resection. Resection was associated with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in all patients with bilateral stones and in those with unilateral disease and dilation of the extrahepatic biliary duct (> 2 cm). Late results and risk factors for recurrence of symptoms or stones were evaluated.

RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. After a mean follow-up of 50.3 mo, good late results were observed in 82.9% of patients; all patients submitted to liver resection alone and 58.8% of those submitted to liver resection and hepaticojejunostomy were free of symptoms (P = 0.0006). Patients with unilateral and bilateral disease showed good late results in 94.1% and 28.6%, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Recurrence of symptoms in patients with hepaticojejunostomy showed that this may not be the ideal solution. Further studies are needed to establish the best treatment for patients with bilateral stones or unilateral disease and a dilated extrahepatic duct.

An appraisal of anatomical and limited hepatectomy for regional hepatolithiasis

Aim. Determination of first line treatment with limited hepatectomy or Anatomical hepatectomy provides better clinical outcome. Methods. Immediate and long-term outcomes of 106 patients who underwent partial hepatectomy for RH at our institution from January 2001 to February 2005 were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical end-points included time to recovery of hepatic function, residual stones, infection of the liver remnant, bile leakage, recurrent stones, morbidity, and mortality. Results. LH was performed in 59 patients and AH in 47 patients as first-line treatment. The time of hepatic function recovery was not statistically different between the two groups (P > .05). However, Patients in AH group suffered from less residual stones (P < .05), less infection of the raw surface of liver remnant (P < .05), and less bile leakage (P < .05), with a median follow-up of 40.3 ± 0.8 months (range 3–48), and AH group suffered a less recurrent stone rate (P < .05). No difference in morbidity, and mortality rates between the two groups. Conclusion. AH is a safe and effective treatment for RH, with a fair rate of surgical complications, it should be considered as first-line treatment of RH.

Selection of appropriate liver resection in left hepatolithiasis based on anatomic and clinical study

BACKGROUND

Because of the possibility of injury to the left medial section of the bile duct (B4) and the presumed higher recurrence rate of hepatolithiasis, some surgeons have recently preferred left hepatectomy for left hepatolithiasis. We investigated the appropriate treatment for left hepatolithiasis by evaluating the anatomy and variations of the left hepatic duct system in a normal population and analyzed the clinical outcome of liver resection.

METHODS

We reviewed the magnetic resonance imaging results of 115 normal subjects who underwent a workup for living related liver donation. An imaginary surgical resection line was established based on the lateral margin of the umbilical portion of the liver in T2-weighted axial images. The junction of B4 with the left hepatic duct was evaluated to determine the possibility of injury during liver resection. We also analyzed the clinical outcomes of 181 patients who underwent left lateral sectionectomy or left hepatectomy.

RESULTS

The anatomic evaluation showed that B4 joined lateral to the umbilical portion of the liver in 7.0% (8/115) of cases. In patients with left hepatolithiasis, left hepatectomy was performed in 79 patients and left lateral sectionectomy in 102. The operating time for the left lateral sectionectomy was significantly shorter than that for left hepatectomy (p=0.001). There were no significant differences in complications or recurrence of stones.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative cholangiography should be performed to evaluate the anatomy of the left hepatic duct to avoid injuring B4. For most cases of left hepatolithiasis without a left hilar stricture, left lateral sectionectomy is the safest, most effective treatment.

Intraoperative biliary exploration through the left hepatic duct orifice during left hepatectomy in patients with left-sided hepatolithiasis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Left-sided hepatolithiasis often requires left hepatectomy and exploration of the common bile duct and right hepatic duct. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of alternative method of bile duct exploration other than choledochotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study involving 50 cases of left hepatectomy for left or bilateral intrahepatic stone was performed. Left hepatic duct (LHD) orifice was used as primary access route for biliary exploration. Choledochotomy was performed only for large common bile duct stones, variant bile duct anatomy, or intentional T-tube insertion for later removal of residual stones.

RESULTS

In 44 patients with left-sided hepatolithiasis, biliary exploration through LHD orifice was performed in 40 (90.9%); T-tube choledochotomy was required in three (9.1%). There was neither residual stone nor major surgical complication except infection, and recurrence occurred in one patient during mean follow-up of 32 months. On the other hand, T-tube choledochotomy was performed in three of six patients with bilateral hepatolithiasis (50%). Three patients had residual stones, and two of them were treated by cholangioscopy through the T-tube tract. Recurrence occurred in two patients.

CONCLUSION

We think that intraoperative biliary exploration through LHD orifice in left-sided hepatolithiasis patients is an effective approach simplifying the operation procedure by avoiding choledochotomy and subsequent T-tube insertion.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis: a feasibility and safety study in 29 patients

BACKGROUND

Hepatolithiasis is a prevalent disease in Southeast Asia. Hepatectomy was considered the best treatment for majority of cases. Laparoscopic hepatectomy is a new procedure for liver lesions that uses a minimal invasive approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis by comparing it with open hepatectomy.

METHODS

From November 2002 to March 2006 a total of 30 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital. Twenty-nine were included in this study (a converted case was excluded) and called the laparoscopic hepatectomy group (LH). During the same period 22 patients with hepatolithiasis who met the inclusion criteria for laparoscopic hepatectomy were selected for open hepatectomy and called the open group (OH). All operations were performed by the authors. There was no significant difference in preoperative data between the two groups. Data were statistically compared.

RESULTS

Compared with open hepatectomy, those who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy had a shorter postoperative hospital stay and fasting time, a lower postoperative serum aminotransferase level, and a higher postoperative serum albumin level. Stone clearance rate (intermediate rate, 89.7% vs. 86.4%; final rate, 100% vs. 96.5%), stone recurrence rate (0% vs. 4.5%), operating time, and intraoperative blood loss were similar for the two groups. Six complications occurred, two (6.8%) in LH and four (18.2%) in OH. There was no perioperative mortality in either group.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis is feasible and safe in selected patients.

Reducing residual and recurrent stones by hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis

The long-term outcomes of 97 consecutive patients with hepatolithiasis, who underwent treatment from January 1971 to June 2006, were analyzed. The short-term outcomes included the rate of residual stones and complications after treatment, whereas the long-term results included the stone recurrence rate. In 22 of the 97 (22.7%) patients, residual stones were found after treatment for hepatolithiasis. The incidence of residual stones was 0% in hepatectomy patients, 48.6% in cholangioenterostomy patients (p < 0.001, compared with hepatectomy), 25.0% in T-tube drainage patients (p = 0.015, compared with hepatectomy), and 10.0% in percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy (PTCSL) patients. In 15 of the 66 (22.7%) patients who were treated for hepatolithiasis, recurrent stones were found after intervals of 5 to 24 years. The incidence of recurrent stones was 13.9% in hepatectomy patients, 28.5% in cholangioenterostomy patients, 25.0% in T-tube drainage patients, and 50.0% in PTCSL patients (p = 0.021, compared with hepatectomy). Hepatectomy appears to be the most effective treatment for selected patients with isolated left hepatolithiasis (L). In PTCSL procedures, favorable results have been obtained when the stones were completely cleared; however, the incidence of recurrent stones is high in patients after PTCSL.

Bile leakage after hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis: risk factors and management

BACKGROUND

Bile leakage remains a major postoperative complication after liver resection. Bile leakage after hepatectomy for liver neoplasms has been well studied. However, the risk factors and management of this complication after liver resection for intrahepatic lithiasis has not been investigated.

METHODS

From January 1992 to June 2004, 312 consecutive patients with intrahepatic lithiasis underwent hepatic resections Sun Yet-san University. Perioperative risk factors pertaining to the development of bile leakage were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis. The management and outcome of these patients with bile leakage were evaluated.

RESULTS

Bile leakage developed in 23 (7.4%) of 312 patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that left hepatectomy (P=.024, odds ratio [OR]=3.695, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.185 to 11.517) and the period greater than 1 month between operative time and the latest acute cholangitis attack (P=.02, OR=4.144, 95% CI: 1.248 to 13.757) were the independent risk factors for development of bile leakage after hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis. The septic complications were higher in the patients with bile leakage than in those without bile leakage (ie, wound infection: 56.5% vs 13.5%, P=.001; subphrenic abscess: 21.7% vs 4.8%, P=.01; septicemia: 8.7% vs 0.7%, P=.029). Percutaneous drainage or combined endoscopic naso-biliary drainage was the first choice of treatment for bile leakage; 20 (87.0%) of 23 patients were treated by this method. One patient underwent re-operation for diffuse peritonitis due to withdrawal of T tube inadvertently at postoperative day 1. Two patients with bile leakage were re-operated due to uncontrollable hemobilia at postoperative day 5 and 12, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent hepatectomy at the period less than 1 month after the latest attack of acute cholangitis carry high risk for the development of bile leakage. Preoperative cholangiography to identify the aberrant hepatic duct for high risk patients and avoidance of hepatectomy at the acute phase of cholangitis are of critical importance to prevent bile leakage after hepatectomy. Percutaneous drainage is the primary and effective treatment for bile leakage.

Hepaticojejunostomy for hepatolithiasis: A critical appraisal

AIM: To evaluate the long-term outcome and surgical indications of hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) for the treatment of hepatolithiasis.

METHODS: Three hundred and fourteen elective cases with hepatolithiasis but without biliary stricture or cystic dilatation treated in the past 10 years were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into HJ group and T tube drainage group according to biliary drainage procedure. Furthermore, four subgroups were subdivided by hepatectomy as a balance factor, group A₁: hepatectomy+HJ; group A₂: choledochoctomy+HJ; group B₁: hepatectomy + choledochoctomy T tube drainage; group B₂: choledochoctomy + T tube drainage. The stone residual rate, surgical efficacy and long-term outcome were compared among different procedures.

RESULTS: There was no surgical mortality among all patients. The total hospital mortality was 1.6%. The overall stone residual rate after surgical clearance was 25.9%. There was no statistical difference between HJ group and T tube drainage group in terms of stone residual rate after surgical clearance, however, after postoperative choledochoscopic lithotripsy, the total stone residual rate of T tube drainage group was significantly lower than that of HJ group (0.5% vs 16.7%, P < 0.01). Hepatectomy + choledochoctomy tube drainage achieved the optimal therapeutic effect, only 8.2% patients suffered from an attack of cholangitis postoperatively, which was significantly lower than that of hepatectomy + HJ (8.2% vs 22.0%, P = 0.034). The major reason for postoperative cholangitis was stone residual in the HJ group (16/23, 70.0%), and stone recurrence in the T tube drainage group (34/35, 97.1%). The operative times were significantly prolonged in those undergoing HJ, and the operative morbidity of HJ was higher than those of T tube drainage.

CONCLUSION: The treatment result of HJ for hepatolithiasis is not satisfactory in this retrospective study due to high rate of stone residual and postoperative cholangitis. HJ could not drain residual stone effectively. HJ may hinder post-operative choledochoscopic lithotripsy, which is the optimal management for postoperative residual stone. The indications of HJ for hepatolithiasis should be strictly selected.

Liver resection as the definitive treatment for unilateral non-oriental primary intrahepatic lithiasis

BACKGROUND

The current study sought to evaluate the results of liver resection as the treatment for unilateral non-oriental primary intrahepatic lithiasis (PHIL).

METHODS

Twenty-seven symptomatic patients (mean age 42 years) were submitted to liver resection; the indications were parenchymal fibrosis/atrophy in 22 and biliary stenosis in 5. Resection was associated with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in patients with a significant degree of dilation of the extrahepatic biliary duct.

RESULTS

There was no operative mortality and the morbidity rate was 7.4% (2 patients with biliary fistula). After a median follow-up of 41.2 months, the overall rate of good results was 92.6%. All patients submitted to liver resection alone presented good late results, while 80% of those with associated hepaticojejunostomy did not have complications (P = .12). Late complications were observed in 2 patients (7.4%): 1 with a liver abscess and 1 with cholangitis and recurrent stones. There was no mortality during long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection showed low incidence of complications and good long-term results. None of the patients with unilateral disease without associated extrahepatic bile duct dilation presented complications and they were considered cured. We believe that resection indications should be expanded and the procedure should be indicated as routine in patients with unilateral PHIL even in the absence of parenchymal fibrosis/atrophy or biliary stenosis.

The role of surgery in Caroli's disease

BACKGROUND

Caroli's disease is a rare congenital disorder characterized by multifocal segmental dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Whether conservative or surgical strategies should be preferred is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of surgery in the management of Caroli's disease.

STUDY DESIGN

From April 1998 until August 2005, 12 consecutive patients with Caroli's disease were treated in the Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Germany. All patients were intended to receive liver resections or liver transplantations.

RESULTS

There were seven men and five women, with a median age of 39 years (range 7 months to 70 years). Eight patients had monolobar and four patients had bilobar liver involvement. All patients had a history of recurrent cholangitis, with up to 16 unsuccessful conservative treatment attempts. Nine patients (75%) underwent liver resection and two (17%) had liver transplantation. Intraoperatively, three patients (25%) were found to have cholangiocarcinoma, of which one was unresectable. There was no mortality and only low morbidity (16%) postoperatively. After a median followup of 31 months, 11 patients are well with no recurrent symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery can offer a definite therapy, with an acceptable morbidity and virtually no mortality in localized Caroli's disease. In diffuse disease, the use of extended resections or liver transplantation can provide good longterm results.

Surgical therapy for hepatolithiasis: a Western experience

BACKGROUND

Hepatolithiasis is very common in East Asia but infrequent in Western countries, and few reports have been published in European series. In East Asia, the association between cholangiocarcinoma and hepatolithiasis is well recognized, but, on the contrary, hepatolithiasis is uncommon in Europe and the United States, and the relationship with cholangiocarcinoma is not well established. The goal of this study was to analyze the perioperative and longterm results of surgical therapy for hepatolithiasis.

STUDY DESIGN

Record review of 22 patients was done to locate immediate (operative morbidity and mortality) and longterm (stone recurrence and survival) results of patients with hepatolithiasis who underwent surgical treatment.

RESULTS

There were 19 (86.4%) hepatic resections and 10 (45.5%) hepatico-jejuno-anastomoses. Operative mortality was absent and morbidity rate was 27.3%. Right hepatectomy was predictive of postoperative complications at multivariate analysis (p = 0.04). One (4.5%) patient had an unknown associated cholangiocarcinoma at time of surgical intervention. Mean followup was 67.59 +/- 65.67 (range 12 to 215) months. None presented recurrent cholangitis during the followup period.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical therapy is a safe and effective management for hepatolithiasis. The possibility of developing cholangiocarcinoma in inveterate hepatolithiasis is real, and hepatic resection removes this risk.

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Immediate and long-term outcomes of hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perioperative and long-term results of hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Immediate and long-term outcomes of 103 consecutive patients with hepatolithiasis who underwent hepatectomy from 1989 to 2001 were analyzed. Immediate outcomes included stone clearance rate, operative morbidity, and mortality. Long-term results included stone recurrence rate and survival.

RESULTS

The immediate stone clearance rate was 90%, and the final stone clearance rate was 98% after subsequent choledochoscopic lithotripsy by cutaneous stoma or T-tube route. The operative morbidity and hospital mortality rates were 28% and 2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that right hepatectomy (P=.006) and preoperative hyperbilirubinemia (P=.038) were predictive of postoperative complications. Ten patients (10%) had associated cholangiocarcinoma (four known preoperatively) at the time of hepatectomy. With a median follow-up of 56 months (range 6-158), recurrent stones developed in eight patients and cholangiocarcinoma developed in three patients (range: 7-30 months postoperatively). Sixteen patients had died during the follow-up period, none of recurrent cholangitis. Cholangiocarcinoma was the only significant prognostic factor of long-term survival by Cox regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatectomy is a safe and effective treatment for hepatolithiasis, with a high immediate stone clearance rate and a low long-term stone recurrence rate. The presence of associated cholangiocarcinoma is the main factor compromising long-term survival in patients with hepatolithiasis.

Percutaneous hepatolithotomy: the Northwestern University experience

Obstruction of intrahepatic ducts by calculi can lead to abdominal pain, cholestasis, abscesses, and cholangitis. Patients with stones recalcitrant to extraction using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have traditionally been referred to a general surgeon for open stone extraction or hepatic lobectomy despite its great potential morbidity. Borrowing techniques, instrumentation, and experience in performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy, we describe our experience with percutaneous hepatolithotomy (PHL), a minimally invasive, safe, and effective alternative to open surgery for recalcitrant biliary stones.