Complex bile duct injuries: management

Implementation of robotic and laparoscopic hepatopancreatobiliary surgery in low- and middle-income settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite numerous barriers, the application of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) conditions has been increasing globally. This study aims to review the current status of HPB MIS in LMICs.

METHODS

Relevant databases were searched, identifying 3452 publications, 38 of which met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of outcomes was carried out using "R" statistical software.

RESULTS

This study reviewed reports of application of MIS for HPB conditions in LMICs, analyzing a total of 3272 procedures. India (66.87 %) and Egypt (20.11 %) contributed majorly to the procedures reviewed. Others were from Indonesia (8.68 %), Colombia (3.06 %), Pakistan (0.67 %), Sri Lanka (0.34 %), Trinidad and Tobago (0.18 %), and Nigeria (0.09 %). India was the only LMIC with robotic HPB MIS. The majority of the procedures were biliary (74.88 %). Basic procedures accounted for 55.63 %, while 44.37 % were advanced. The overall conversion rate and prevalence of morbidity were 8 % [95 % CI: 5; 13], and 15 % [95 % CI: 9; 22], respectively. Robotics was associated with higher conversion (14 % vs 6 %, p < 0.01) but lower morbidity (10 % vs 16 %, p = 0.91), compared to laparoscopic surgery. There were 5 cases of mortality from laparoscopy.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes in this systematic review, compared to findings in other settings indicate successful implementation of HPB MIS in LMICs.

Laparoscopic repair of bile duct injuries: Feasibility and outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Bile duct injuries (BDI) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy occurs in approximately 0.6% of the cases, often being more severe and complex. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) is considered the optimal therapeutic option, with success rates ranging from 75% to 98%. Several series have demonstrated the advancements of the laparoscopic approach for resolving this condition. The objective of this study is to describe our experience in the laparoscopic repair of BDI.

METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted, including patients who underwent laparoscopic repair after BDI. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and postoperative variables were analysed using descriptive statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Eight patients with BDI underwent laparoscopic repair (out of 81 surgically repaired patients). Women comprised 75% of the sample. A complete laparoscopic repair was achieved in 75% (6) of cases. The mean age was 40.8 ± 16.61 years (range 19-65). Injuries at or above the confluence (Strasberg-Bismuth ≥ E3) occurred in 25% of cases (2). Primary repair was performed in two cases. Half of the cases underwent a Hepp-Couinaud laterolateral RYHJ, while three patients received a terminolateral RYHJ, and one underwent a bi-terminolateral RYH. The mean operative time was 260 min (range 120-360). Overall morbidity was 37.5% (3 cases): two minor complications (bile leak grade A and drainage-related bleeding) and one major complication (bile leak grade C). No mortality was recorded. The maximum follow-up period reached 26 months (range 6-26).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the feasibility of laparoscopic RYHJ in a selected group of patients, offering the benefits of a minimally invasive approach.

Post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) is still a major worrisome complication that is feared by all surgeons undergoing cholecystectomy. The overall incidence of biliary duct injuries falls between 0.2 and 1.3%. BDI classification remains an important method to define the type of injury conducted for investigation and management. Recently, a Consensus has been taken to define BDI using the ATOM classification. Early management brings better results than delayed management. The current perspective in biliary surgery is the laparoscopic role in diagnosing and managing BDI. Diagnostic laparoscopy has been conducted in various entities for diagnostic and therapeutic measures in minor and major BDIs.

METHODS

35 cases with iatrogenic BDI following cholecystectomy (after both open and laparoscopic approaches) both happened in or were referred to Alexandria Main University Hospital surgical department from January 2019 till May 2022 and were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were classified according to the ATOM classification. Management options undertaken were mentioned and compared to the timing of diagnosis, and the morbidity and mortality rates (using the Clavien-Dindo classification).

RESULTS

35 patients with BDI after both laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) (54.3%), and Open cholecystectomy (OC) (45.7%) (20% were converted and 25.7% were Open from the start) were classified according to ATOM classification. 45.7% were main bile duct injuries (MBDI), and 54.3% were non-main bile duct injuries (NMBDI), where only one case 2.9% was associated with vasculobiliary injury (VBI). 28% (n = 10) of the cases were diagnosed intraoperatively (Ei), 62.9% were diagnosed early postoperatively (Ep), and 8.6% were diagnosed in the late postoperative period (L). LC was associated with 84.2% of the NMBDI, and only 18.8% of the MBDI, compared to OC which was associated with 81.3% of the MBDI, and 15.8% of the NMBDI. By the Clavien-Dindo classification, 68.6% fell into Class IIIb, 20% into Class I, 5.7% into Class V (mortality rate), 2.9% into Class IIIa, and 2.9% into Class IV. The Clavien-Dindo classification and the patient's injury (type and time of detection) were compared to investigation and management options.

CONCLUSION

Management options should be defined individually according to the mode of presentation, the timing of detection of injury, and the type of injury. Early detection and management are associated with lower morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic Laparoscopy was associated with lower morbidity and better outcomes. A proper Reporting checklist should be designed to help improve the identification of injury types.

The Use of Intraoperative Cholangiography During Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review

Cholecystectomy is a widespread surgical procedure for gallbladder diseases. Evolving techniques and technologies, such as intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), enhance safety and outcomes by providing real-time biliary system visualization during surgery. This systematic review explored available data on using IOC during cholecystectomy, highlighting its effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness. To perform this systematic review, a thorough literature search was conducted using relevant keywords in electronic databases, such as PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We included studies published during the last 10 years exploring the use of IOC during cholecystectomy. The findings showed success rates of up to 90% with a median time of 21.9 minutes without complications. Most (90%) patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis underwent cholecystectomy with IOC, with unclear IOC results in 10.7% and failure in 14.7%. IOC failure factors included age, body mass index (BMI), male sex, concurrent acute cholecystitis, common bile duct (CBD) stone evidence on imaging, CBD diameter of >6 mm, total bilirubin of >4 mg/dL, abnormal liver tests, and gallstone pancreatitis. The detection of choledocholithiasis by IOC prompted trans-cystic duct exploration and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Biliary abnormalities and stone identification were observed using IOC, and routine use increased bile duct stone detection while decreasing bile duct injury and readmission rates. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of IOC for common bile duct stone detection were reported at 77%, 98%, 97.2%, 63%, and 99%, respectively. Routine IOC was projected to provide substantial quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and cost-effectiveness gains compared to selective IOC. Regarding safety, IOC was generally associated with reduced complication and open surgery conversion risks, with similar rates of CBD injury and bile leaks. These findings indicate that IOC enhances cholecystectomy outcomes through precision and decreasing complications.

Liver transplantation for iatrogenic injuries secondary to cholecystectomy: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Iatrogenic injury to the liver hilum during cholecystectomy is a severe surgical complication, with liver transplantation (LT) as the final drastic solution. The authors report the experience of our center and conduct a review of the literature on the outcomes of LT performed in this setting.

METHODS

Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from inception to 19 June 2022. Studies reporting on patients treated with LT for liver hilar injuries following cholecystectomy were included. Incidence, clinical outcomes, and survival data were synthesized through a narrative review.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven articles were identified, including 213 patients. Eleven (40.7%) articles highlighted deaths within 90-days post-LT. Post-LT mortality was reported in 28 (13.1%) patients. Severe complications (≥Clavien III) occurred in at least 25.8% ( n =55) of patients. Within larger cohorts, 1-year overall survival (OS) was 76.5-84.3%, and 5-year OS was 67.2-83.0%. The authors also highlight our own experience managing 14 patients with liver hilar injury secondary to cholecystectomy, of which two required LT.

CONCLUSION

While short-term morbidity and mortality is significant, available long-term data suggests reasonable OS in these patients following LT. Future studies are necessary to better understand the relationship between different types of liver hilar injury, transplant indication, and outcomes of LT in this setting.

Vascular injury during cholecystectomy: A multicenter critical analysis behind the drama

BACKGROUND

The management of a vascular injury during cholecystectomy is still very complicated, especially in centers not specialized in complex hepatobiliary surgery.

METHODS

This was a multi-institutional retrospective study in patients with vascular injuries during cholecystectomy from 18 centers in 4 countries. The aim of the study was to analyze the management of vascular injuries focusing on referral, time to perform the repair, and different treatments options outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were included. Twenty-nine patients underwent vascular repair (27.9%), 13 (12.5%) liver resection, and 1 liver transplant as a first treatment. Eighty-four (80.4%) vascular and biliary injuries occurred in nonspecialized centers and 45 (53.6%) were immediately transferred. Intraoperative diagnosed injuries were rare in referred patients (18% vs 84%, P = .001). The patients managed at the hospital where the injury occurred had a higher number of reoperations (64% vs 20%, P ˂ .001). The need for vascular reconstruction was associated with higher mortality (P = .04). Two of the 4 patients transplanted died.

CONCLUSION

Vascular lesions during cholecystectomy are a potentially life-threatening complication. Management of referral to specialized centers to perform multiple complex multidisciplinary procedures should be mandatory. Late vascular repair has not shown to be associated with worse results.

Standardizing Diagnostic and Surgical Approach to Management of Bile Duct Injuries After Cholecystectomy: Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Treated at a High-Volume HPB Center

BACKGROUND

Optimal diagnostic and surgical approaches for patients with bile duct injuries (BDI) remain debated. This study reviews results from a standardized approach to management of high-grade BDIs at a North American center.

DESIGN

Patients undergoing surgical repair for BDIs over a 15-year period were included. Post-operative outcomes and biliary patency rates were calculated using imaging, laboratory values, and patient interviews.

RESULTS

A total of 107 consecutive patients underwent repair for BDIs. Bismuth grade I/II injuries were identified in 46 patients (41%), grade III/IV in 41 (38%), grade V in 11 patients (10%), and 9 (10%) were unclassified. BDI anatomy was commonly identified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (75%). Concomitant arterial injuries were identified in 30 (28 with formal angiography). Fifteen had early repairs (within 4 days) and remainder interval repairs (median: 65 days). Hepp-Couinaud repair was method of choice (83%). Estimated primary biliary patency was 100% at 30 days and 87% at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

With appropriate referral to a specialist, surgical reconstruction of BDIs can have excellent outcomes, even with accompanying arterial injuries. Based on our experience, MR as first imaging modality and supplemental angiography served as the optimal diagnostic strategy. Delayed repair, using Hepp-Couinaud technique, with selective liver resection results in high long-term patency rates.

The “critical view of safety (CVS)” cannot be applied—What to do? Strategies to avoid bile duct injuries

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard procedure worldwide since the early 1990s for those patients whose gallbladder has to be removed as part of their underlying disease (NIH Consensus Statement 1992). The most common complication is iatrogenic bile duct injury, which has not improved significantly since the introduction of open laparoscopic cholecystectomy as compared with open cholecystectomy. The intraoperative injuries are mostly the result of a misinterpretation of anatomical structures due to severe inflammation or topographical variations. In order to minimize this risk, a number of improved operative techniques and behavioral measures have been formulated. Here, we present methodological and operative possibilities as well as techniques that in unclear situations can help to minimize the risk of intraoperative injuries of the biliary tract and the accompanying vascular system.

[Management of bile duct injuries]

Bile duct injuries can occur after abdominal trauma, postoperatively after cholecystectomy, liver resection or liver transplantation and also as a complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The clinical appearance of bile duct injuries is highly variable and depends primarily on the underlying cause. In addition to the high perioperative morbidity, following successful initial complication management, bile duct injuries can lead to significant long-term complications. The treatment requires close interdisciplinary cooperation between surgery, interventional gastroenterology and interventional radiology. The treatment of bile duct injuries depends primarily on the time of diagnosis (intraoperative/postoperative) as well as the extent of the injury and is discussed in this review.

Preoperative portal vein embolization followed by right hepatectomy to treat a complex common bile duct injury in a 5-year-old child

Background

Common bile duct injuries (CBDIs) remains a rare but serious complication in children undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), with an incidence of 0.44%. In severe lesions, a major liver resection may be necessary as a definitive treatment. The current principles for safe hepatectomy are mainly focused on the liver parenchyma that remains after resection. Therefore, one of the main factors related to posthepatectomy hepatic insufficiency is the quantity and quality of the future liver remnant (FLR). To achieve an optimal FLR, techniques such as portal vein embolization (PVE) are available.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 5-year-old child with a severe CBDI after LC, treated with preoperative PVE followed by a right hepatectomy as definitive treatment. No reports of liver resections and PVE are described in the literature concerning the pediatric population.

Revision Roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy for a post-cholecystectomy complex vasculobiliary injury with complete proper hepatic artery occlusion: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Complete proper hepatic arterial [PHA] occlusion due to accidental coil migration during embolization of cystic artery stump pseudoaneurysm resulting from a complex vasculobiliary injurie [CVBI] post laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC] is an extremely rare complication with less than 15 cases reported. We present a case depicting our strategy to tackle this obstacle in management of CVBI and review the relevant literature.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 35 year old lady presented on sixth postoperative day with an external biliary fistula following Roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy [RYHJ] for biliary injury during LC. She developed a leaking cystic artery pseudoaneurysm, during angioembolisation of which, one coil accidentally migrated into left hepatic artery resulting in complete PHA occlusion. Fourteen months later, cholangiogram revealed a worsening RYHJ stricture despite repeated percutaneous balloon dilatations. Multiple collaterals had developed. Revision RYHJ was fashioned to the anterior wall of biliary confluence with an extension into left duct. Minimum hilar dissection ensured preservation of collateral supply to the biliary enteric anastomosis. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The patient is doing well at 1 year follow up.

DISCUSSION

Definitive biliary enteric repair should be delayed till collateral circulation is established within the hilar plate, hepatoduodenal ligament and perihepatic/peribiliary collaterals to provide an adequate arterial blood supply to biliary confluence and extrahepatic portion of the bile duct.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of hepatic arteries should be part of investigation of all complex biliary injuries. Delayed definitive biliary enteric repair ensures a well-perfused anastomosis. Minimum hilar dissection is the key to preserve biliary and hepatic neovasculature.

A novel combined interventional radiologic and hepatobiliary surgical approach to a complex traumatic hilar biliary stricture

INTRODUCTION

Benign strictures of the biliary system are challenging and uncommon conditions requiring a multidisciplinary team for appropriate management.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The patient is a 32-year-old male that developed a hilar stricture as sequelae of a gunshot wound. Due to the complex nature of the stricture and scarring at the porta hepatis a combined interventional radiologic and surgical approach was carried out to approach the hilum of the right and left hepatic ducts. The location of this stricture was found by ultrasound guidance intraoperatively using a balloon tipped catheter placed under fluoroscopy in the interventional radiology suite prior to surgery. This allowed the surgeons to select the line of parenchymal transection for best visualization of the stricture. A left hepatectomy was performed, the internal stent located and the right hepatic duct opened tangentially to allow a side-to-side Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (a Puestow-like anastomosis).

DISCUSSION

Injury to the intrahepatic biliary ductal confluence is rarely fatal, however, the associated injuries lead to severe morbidity as seen in this example. Management of these injuries poses a considerable challenge to the surgeon and treating physicians.

CONCLUSION

Here we describe an innovative multi-disciplinary approach to the repair of this rare injury.

Bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: 11-year experience in a tertiary center

Incidence of bile duct injuries (BDI) is low but remains a dramatic complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This study aimed to assess BDI incidence and management strategies. All patients treated in our institution for BDI after LC between 2000 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients referred from others centers were excluded. Strasberg classification was used to determine the type of lesion. Thirteen patients presented iatrogenic BDI among 2,840 consecutive cholecystectomies performed (0.46%). Four cases were classified Strasberg type A, 4 type D, and 5 type E. Injury was recognized intraoperatively in 6 cases (46%). Three of these 6 required conversions to open surgery and all but one were primary sutured on a drain; the remaining patient required immediate biliodigestive anastomosis. In 7 patients, the injury was discovered postoperatively (54%). Among them, one was treated by direct closure of a cystic leak through immediate re-laparoscopy. Six underwent initially main bile duct stenting, but 4 required delayed secondary surgery (mean time 115 days), 2 to improve bile duct drainage and 2 for biliodigestive derivation. BDI incidence remains low but management depends on the time of diagnosis. BDI are complex and require tailored treatment usually in a tertiary center for a multidisciplinary approach.

Bile duct reconstruction following laparoscopic cholecystectomy in England

Objectives

To determine the incidence of bile duct reconstruction (BDR) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and to identify associated risk factors.

Background

Major bile duct injury (BDI) requiring reconstruction is a serious complication of cholecystectomy.

Methods

All LC and attempted LC operations in England between April 2001 and March 2013 were identified. Patients with malignancy, a stone in bile duct or those who underwent bile duct exploration were excluded. This cohort of patients was followed for 1 year to identify those who underwent BDR as a surrogate marker for major BDI. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the need for reconstruction.

Results

In total, 572,223 LC and attempted LC were performed in England between April 2001 and March 2013. Five hundred (0.09 %) of these patients underwent BDR. The risk of BDR is lower in patient that do not have acute cholecystitis [odds ratio (OR) 0.48 (95 % CI 0.30–0.76)]. The regular use of on-table cholangiography (OTC) [OR 0.69 (0.54–0.88)] and high consultant caseload >80 LC/year [OR 0.56 (0.39–0.54)] reduced the risk of BDR. Patients who underwent BDR were 10 times more likely to die within a year than those who did not require further surgery (6 vs. 0.6 %).

Conclusions

The rate of BDR following laparoscopic cholecystectomy in England is low (0.09 %). The study suggests that OTC should be used more widely and provides further evidence in support of the provision of LC services by specialised teams with an adequate caseload (>80).

Comparative analysis of iatrogenic injury of biliary tract in laparotomic and laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

Iatrogenic injury to the bile ducts is the most feared complication of cholecystectomy and several are the possibilities to occur.

Aim

To compare the cases of iatrogenic lesions of the biliary tract occurring in conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, assessing the likely causal factors, complications and postoperative follow-up.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study with analysis of records of patients undergoing conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All the patients were analyzed in two years. The only criterion for inclusion was to be operative bile duct injury, regardless of location or time of diagnosis. There were no exclusion criteria. Epidemiological data of patients, time of diagnosis of the lesion and its location were analyzed.

Results

Total of 515 patients with gallstones was operated, 320 (62.1 %) by laparotomy cholecystectomy and 195 by laparoscopic approach. The age of patients with bile duct injury ranged from 29-70 years. Among those who underwent laparotomy cholecystectomy, four cases were diagnosed (1.25 %) with lesions, corresponding to 0.77 % of the total patients. No patient had iatrogenic interventions with laparoscopic surgery.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to laparotomy, had a lower rate of bile duct injury.

Liver resection for the treatment of post-cholecystectomy biliary stricture with vascular injury

AIM

To report experience with liver resection in a select group of patients with postoperative biliary stricture associated with vascular injury.

METHODS

From a prospective database of patients treated for benign biliary strictures at our hospital, cases that underwent liver resections were reviewed. All cases were referred after one or more attempts to repair bile duct injuries following cholecystectomy (open or laparoscopic). Liver resection was indicated in patients with Strasberg E3/E4 (hilar stricture) bile duct lesions associated with vascular damage (arterial and/or portal), ipsilateral liver atrophy/abscess, recurrent attacks of cholangitis, and failure of previous hepaticojejunostomy.

RESULTS

Of 148 patients treated for benign biliary strictures, nine (6.1%) underwent liver resection; eight women and one man with a mean age of 38.6 years. Six patients had previously been submitted to open cholecystectomy and three to laparoscopic surgery. The mean number of surgical procedures before definitive treatment was 2.4. All patients had Strasberg E3/E4 injuries, and vascular injury was present in all cases. Eight patients underwent right hepatectomy and one underwent left lateral sectionectomy without mortality. Mean time of follow up was 69.1 mo and after long-term follow up, eight patients are asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

Liver resection is a good therapeutic option for patients with complex postoperative biliary stricture and vascular injury presenting with liver atrophy/abscess in which previous hepaticojejunostomy has failed.

Torsed hepaticoileostomy-an unusual complication of Bile Duct injury repair

We present a 42-year-old male with strictured bilioenteric anastomosis after bile duct injury repair. The patient improved after percutaneous biliary drainage and balloon dilation of the stricture. Persistent bile reflux around the catheter insertion site prompted a cholangiogram that suggested an error in the enteric limb. Surgical exploration revealed that a torsed ileal loop was used for bilioenteric anastomosis. This error was repaired surgically. The patient had immediate and long-term resolution of symptoms.

High rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients undergoing endoscopic treatment of benign biliary stricture

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Endoscopic treatment is the best option for patients with postsurgical stricture of main biliary duct. There is scarce information about the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications in this condition. The aim was to evaluate the incidence of complications and the associated risk factors in patients undergoing ERCP for postcholecystectomy biliary stricture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective analysis of patients with postsurgical stenosis of main biliary duct was carried out. Rate of post-ERCP complications was determined and the associated risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients were included. The success rate of endoscopic treatment was 92% (n=23). Two patients had recurrence of stricture with median follow-up of 23 months (range, 0.3 to 65.4 mo). Five patients (20%) developed acute pancreatitis after ERCP. No risk factors were detected in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis is high in patients with biliary stricture associated with surgical procedures.

Impact of routine intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy on bile duct injury

BACKGROUND

The role of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in the diagnosis, prevention and management of bile duct injury (BDI) remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to determine the value of routine IOC in the diagnosis and management of BDI sustained during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) at a high-volume centre.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a single-institution database was performed. Patients who underwent LC with routine IOC between October 1991 and May 2012 were included.

RESULTS

Among 11,423 consecutive LCs IOC was performed successfully in 95.7 per cent of patients. No patient had IOC-related complications. Twenty patients (0.17 per cent) sustained a BDI during LC, and the diagnosis was made during surgery in 18 patients. Most BDIs were type D according to the Strasberg classification. The sensitivity of IOC for the detection of BDI was 79 per cent; specificity was 100 per cent. All injuries diagnosed during surgery were repaired during the same surgical procedure. Two patients developed early biliary strictures that were treated by percutaneous dilatation and a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with satisfactory long-term results.

CONCLUSION

The routine use of IOC during LC in a high-volume teaching centre was associated with a low incidence of BDI, and facilitated detection and repair during the same surgical procedure with a good outcome.

Emphysematous Cholecystitis Resulting in Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis: A Rare Complication of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

A 48-year-old female developed acute emphysematous cholecystitis after an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for evaluation of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Cholecystectomy was performed 2 days later. Cultures grew Clostridium perfringens. The patient received broad-spectrum antibiotics but developed recurrent cholangitic abscesses and intra- and extra-hepatic biliary necrosis. She was managed by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drains. For next 3 years, patient had recurrent episodes of biliary obstruction, cholangitis, and sepsis, resulting in secondary biliary cirrhosis requiring a liver transplantation. Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rare complication of ERCP. Prompt diagnosis and surgical management can prevent further spread of infection to biliary tree.

Liver transplantation for "mass-forming" sclerosing cholangitis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Chronic biliary obstruction consequence of a bile duct injury may require liver transplantation (LT) in case of secondary biliary cirrhosis, intractable pruritus or reiterate episodes of cholangitis. "Mass-forming" sclerosing cholangitis leading to secondary portal vein thrombosis and pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension has not been reported so far.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the case of a patient who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for Mirizzi syndrome. The persistent bile duct obstruction due to a residual gallstone fragment was treated by a prolonged biliary stenting. Following repeated bouts of cholangitis, a fibrous centrohepatic scar developed, conglobating and obstructing the main branches of the portal vein and of the biliary tree. The patient developed secondary portal vein thrombosis and portal hypertension. After an extensive diagnostic work-up, including surgical exploration to rule out malignancy, the case was successfully managed by liver transplantation.

DISCUSSION

Mass-forming sclerosis of the bile duct and biliary bifurcation may develop as a consequence of chronic biliary obstruction and prolonged stenting. Secondary portal vein thrombosis and pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension represents an unusual complication, mimicking Klatskin tumor.

CONCLUSION

A timely and proper management of post-cholecystectomy complications is of mainstay importance. Early referral to a specialized hepato-biliary center is strongly advised.

Intraoperative management and repair of bile duct injuries sustained during 10,123 laparoscopic cholecystectomies in a high-volume referral center

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) remains the most serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The best strategy in terms of timing of repair is still controversial. The purpose of the current study is to review the experience in the intraoperative repair of bile duct injuries sustained during LC at a high-volume referral center.

STUDY DESIGN

Single-institution retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Patients with diagnosis of BDI sustained during LC between October 1991 and November 2010 were extracted.

RESULTS

Among 10,123 LC performed during the study period, 19 patients had a BDI sustained during the procedure. Intraoperative cholangiography was routinely used. Bile duct injury was diagnosed intraoperatively in 17 patients (89.4%). Mean age was 56.4 years (range 18 to 81 years) and 15 patients were women (88%). According to the Strasberg classification of BDI, there were 3 type C lesions, 12 type D lesions, and 2 type E2 lesions. There were no associated vascular injuries. Twelve cases (71%) were converted to open surgery. The repairs included 10 primary biliary closures, 4 Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomies, 2 end to end anastomosis, and 1 laparoscopic transpapillary drainage. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (29.4%). During the follow-up period, early biliary strictures developed in 2 patients (11.7%) and were treated by percutaneous dilation and a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with satisfactory long-term results.

CONCLUSIONS

The current series represents one of the largest single-center experiences in terms of intraoperative repair of BDI sustained during LC. The results suggest that a high level of intraoperative diagnosis is possible, where intraoperative cholangiography is a useful tool. The intraoperative repair of BDI sustained during LC by experienced hepatobiliary surgeons either by open or laparoscopic approach appears of paramount importance to assure optimal results.

Timing and risk factors of hepatectomy in the management of complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Complex bile duct injury (BDI) is a serious condition requiring hepatectomy in some instances. The present study was to analyse the factors that led to hepatectomy for patients with BDI after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

The medical records of patients referred to our department from April 1998 to September 2007 for management of BDI following LC were reviewed, and patients who underwent hepatectomy were identified. The type of BDI, indication for liver resection, interval between LC and liver surgery, histology of the liver specimen, postoperative morbidity and long-term results were analysed.

RESULTS

Hepatectomy was performed in 10 of 76 patients (13.2%), with BDI either as isolated damage or in combination with vascular injury (VI). Proximal BDI (defined as disruption of the biliary confluence) and injury to the right hepatic artery were found to be independent risk factors of hepatectomy, with odds ratios of 16 and 45, respectively. Five patients required early liver resection (within 5 weeks post-LC) to control sepsis caused by confluent liver necrosis or bile duct necrosis. In five patients, hepatectomy was indicated during long-term follow-up (over 4 months post-LC) to effectively manage recurrent cholangitis and liver atrophy. Despite of high postoperative morbidity (60%) and even mortality (10%), the long-term results (median follow-up of 34 months) were satisfactory, with either no or only transitory symptoms in 67% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Hepatectomy may inevitably be necessary to manage early or late complications after LC. Proximal BDI and VI were the two independent risk factors of hepatectomy in this series.

Treatment of Major Laparoscopic Bile Duct Injury: A Long-Term Follow-up Result

The goal of this study is to present the multiple institutions experience comparing the outcome of management between initial laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) surgeon and specialist as well as the outcome of different operative procedures to major bile duct injury (BDI) after LC. We have retrospectively collected data of 77 cases of perioperatively detected major BDI in LC at 15 general surgical institutions from 1997 to 2007. We classified 42 cases treated by an experienced biliary surgeon as Group A and 35 cases treated by the initial LC surgeon as Group B. Forty-eight cases were treated with duct-to-duct anastomosis as Group C and 29 cases were treated with Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy as Group D. The median duration of follow-up was 62 months. The outcome of groups was compared. In Group A, 7 of 42 (16.7%) patients developed a failure. Two of seven (28.6%) patients were treated by a secondary operation. In Group B, 24 of 35 (68.6%) patients developed a failure. Seventeen of 24 (70.8%) patients were treated by a secondary operation. One of 35 (2.85%) patients died. The significant differences were observed in failure and secondary operations (16.7 vs 68.6%, P < 0.01 and 28.6 vs 70.8%, P < 0.01). There is no significant difference Group C and Group D in failure rate (28.5 vs 11.7%, P > 0.05). A multiple institutional cooperative methodology between the local surgical institution and tertiary care centers provided a good way to limit further operations, failure. The reconstructive strategy is important and should be selected according to the type of injury and the diagnosed status of major BDI.

Bile duct injury following cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Transition from a low: to a high-volume centre for bile duct repair: changes in technique and improved outcome

BACKGROUND

Improvements in bile duct injury repairs have been shown in centres with specialized surgeons. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the temporal change in the pattern of referral, technical variation associated with repair and long-term outcome of bile duct injuries at a tertiary referral centre in Mexico City.

METHODS

A retrospective case note review was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: group I (GI) 1990 to 2004 and group II (GII) 2005-2008, and appropriate statistical analysis undertaken.

RESULTS

Over a 20-year period, 312 patients with iatrogenic bile duct injuries required surgical treatment (GI = 169, GII = 140 patients). All injuries were reconstructed using a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. The proportion of patients who had undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy increased from 24% to 36% (P = 0.017) over the two time periods. In the second time period there was an increase in segment IV and V partial resections (P = 0.020), a reduction in the use of transanastomotic stents (42% to 2%, P = 0.001) and an increase in the proportion of patients requiring a neoconfluence (2% to 11%, P = 0.003). In the second time period, the number of patients requiring a hepatectomy during repair (2% to 1%, P = 0.001), a portoenterostomy (16% to 9%, P = 0.060) or a double-barrel hepatico-jejunostomy (5% to 1%, P = 0.045) significantly decreased. During follow-up, patients in the second time period had a reduction in the incidence of post-operative cholangitis (11% to 6%, P = 0.310) and the frequency of post-operative anastomotic stenoses (13% to 5%, P = 0.010). Mortality remained low throughout the series but was absent in the second group.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in technique and growing experience of the multidisciplinary team improved operative and long-term results of bile duct injury repair.

Surgical management of segmental and sectoral bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a challenging situation

BACKGROUND

Injury to a segmental or sectoral bile duct is a rare event in laparoscopic cholecystectomy; its diagnosis and management may be difficult.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April 1998 and December 2006, 73 patients referred to the author's tertiary center for management of postcholecystectomy biliary complications were studied. The patients with segmental/sectoral bile duct injury were divided into two groups: injury to a duct which drains at least one Couinaud segment (type 1) or injury to a minor biliary radical in the gallbladder fossa (type 2). Beside the management of concomitant vascular or other biliary injury, type 1 segmental/sectoral duct injury was repaired by biliary-enteric anastomosis and type 2 by oversewing.

RESULTS

Ten out of 73 referred patients had segmental/sectoral duct injuries (eight type 1, two type 2). Despite multiple radiological imaging and endoscopic procedures, in seven patients, the lesion was identified only by precise surgical dissection. The median length of hospital treatment was 26 (range 9-47) days. One patient died due to sepsis before any definitive treatment. During the mean follow-up of 43 (range 27-111) months, seven patients remained asymptomatic while two patients developed biliary anastomotic strictures requiring intervention.

CONCLUSION

Segmental/sectoral duct injury is difficult to be assessed by conventional radiological diagnostics and should be taken into consideration in every case of bile leakage. Surgical treatment, adapted to the type of lesion, generally results in a favorable outcome.