Timing of Surgical Repair After Bile Duct Injury Impacts Postoperative Complications but Not Anastomotic Patency

Prospective analysis of preoperative C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as predictors of postoperative complications in bile duct injury repair

The role of inflammation in the bile duct injury has been suggested. Regarding, this study aims to determine the relationship between preoperative White Blood Cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (pNLR) with post-operative short- and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing a hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) for a bile duct injury (BDI) repair. This prospective longitudinal study (R-2022-3001-127) enrolled fifty patients. pNLR, WBC, and CRP were determined from preoperative laboratory analysis. Morbidity/Mortality, Accordion and National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), primary HJ patency and actual primary patency rate were registered. Perioperative morbidity and mortality were 34% and 2%. Primary patency was 92%. Median CRP and pNLR were statistically significantly higher in patients with Accordion > 3, NSQIP any complication, and biliary complications. CRP cut-off was consistent (6.3-6.6 mg/dl) with area under curve (AUC) 0.8, in all post-operative complications. pNLR had a good AUC (0.7; 2.7-3.1 cut-off value) in any complication and biliary complications. Preoperative inflammatory biomarkers of patients who underwent a HJ for BDI repairs were associated with post-operative complications.

Textbook outcome in patients with biliary duct injury during cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic bile duct injury (BDI) during cholecystectomy is associated with a complex and heterogeneous management owing to the burden of morbidity until their definitive treatment. This study aimed to define the textbook outcomes (TOs) after BDI with the purpose to indicate the ideal treatment and to improve it management.

METHODS

We collected data from patients with an BDI between 1990 and 2022 from 27 hospitals. TO was defined as a successful conservative treatment of the iatrogenic BDI or only minor complications after BDI or patients in whom the first repair resolves the iatrogenic BDI without complications or with minor complications.

RESULTS

We included 808 patients and a total of 394 patients (46.9%) achieved TO. Overall complications in TO and non-TO groups were 11.9% and 86%, respectively (P < .001). Major complications and mortality in the non-TO group were 57.4% and 9.2%, respectively. The use of end-to-end bile duct anastomosis repair was higher in the non-TO group (23.1 vs 7.8, P < .001). Factors associated with achieving a TO were injury in a specialized center (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.01; 95% CI, 2.68-5.99; P < .001), transfer for a first repair (aOR, 5.72; 95% CI, 3.51-9.34; P < .001), conservative management (aOR, 5.00; 95% CI, 1.63-15.36; P = .005), or surgical management (aOR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.50-4.00; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

TO largely depends on where the BDI is managed and the type of injury. It allows hepatobiliary centers to identify domains of improvement of perioperative management of patients with BDI.

BILE DUCT INJURY REPAIR IN A PATIENT WITH SITUS INVERSUS TOTALIS

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) causes significant sequelae for the patient in terms of morbidity, mortality, and long-term quality of life, and should be managed in centers with expertise. Anatomical variants may contribute to a higher risk of BDI during cholecystectomy.

AIMS

To report a case of bile duct injury in a patient with situs inversus totalis.

METHODS

A 42-year-old female patient with a previous history of situs inversus totalis and a BDI was initially operated on simultaneously to the lesion ten years ago by a non-specialized surgeon. She was referred to a specialized center due to recurrent episodes of cholangitis and a cholestatic laboratory pattern. Cholangioresonance revealed a severe anastomotic stricture. Due to her young age and recurrent cholangitis, she was submitted to a redo hepaticojejunostomy with the Hepp-Couinaud technique. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BDI repair in a patient with situs inversus totalis.

RESULTS

The previous hepaticojejunostomy was undone and remade with the Hepp-Couinaud technique high in the hilar plate with a wide opening in the hepatic confluence of the bile ducts towards the left hepatic duct. The previous Roux limb was maintained. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, the drain was removed on the seventh post-operative day, and the patient is now asymptomatic, with normal bilirubin and canalicular enzymes, and no further episodes of cholestasis or cholangitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomical variants may increase the difficulty of both cholecystectomy and BDI repair. BDI repair should be performed in a specialized center by formal hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeons to assure a safe perioperative management and a good long-term outcome.

Waiting for bile duct dilation before repair of bile duct injury: a worthwhile strategy?

BACKGROUND

Hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) is the gold standard procedure for repairing major bile duct injury (BDI). Dilation status of the BD before repair has not been assessed as a risk factor for anastomotic stricture.

METHOD

This retrospective single-centre study was performed on a population of 87 patients with BDI repaired by HJ between 2007 and 2021. Dilation status was assessed preoperatively, and dilation was defined as the presence of visible peripheral intrahepatic BDs with remaining BD diameter > 8 mm. The short- and long-term outcomes of HJ were assessed according to preoperative dilation status.

RESULTS

Before final repair, the BDs were dilated (dBD) in 56.3% of patients and not dilated (ND) in 43.7%. Patients with ND at the time of repair had more severe BDI injury than those with dBD (94.7% vs. 77.6%, p = 0.026). The rate of preoperative cholangitis was lower in patients with ND than in those with dBD (10.5% vs. 44.9%, p = 0.001). The rate of short-term morbidity after HJ was 33.3% (ND vs. dBD: 38.8% vs. 26.3%, p = 0.32). Long-term anastomotic stricture rate was 5.7% with a mean follow-up period of 61.3 months. There were no differences in long-term biliary complications according to dilation status (ND vs. dBD: 12.2% vs. 10.5%, p = 1).

CONCLUSION

Dilation status of the BD before HJ for BDI seemed to have no impact on short- or long-term outcomes. Both surgical and radiological external biliary drainages after BDI appear to be acceptable options to reduce cholangitis before repair without increasing risk for long-term anastomotic stricture.

BILE: A Literature Review Based Novel Clinical Classification and Treatment Algorithm of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injuries

PURPOSES

The management of patients with iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) is a challenging field, often with dismal medico legal projections. Attempts to classify IBDI have been made repeatedly and the final results were either analytical and extensive but not useful in everyday clinical practice systems, or simple and user friendly but with limited clinical correspondence approaches. The purpose of the present review is to propose a novel, clinical classification system of IBDI by reviewing the relevant literature.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted by performing bibliographic searches in the available electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Based on the literature results, we propose a five (5) stage (A, B, C, D and E) classification system for IBDI (BILE Classification). Each stage is correlated with the recommended and most appropriate treatment. Although the proposed classification scheme is clinically oriented, the anatomical correspondence of each IBDI stage has been incorporated as well, using the Strasberg classification.

CONCLUSIONS

BILE classification represents a novel, simple, and dynamic in nature classification system of IBDI. The proposed classification focuses on the clinical consequences of IBDI and provides an action map that can appropriately guide the treatment plan.

Online calculators for predicting the risk of anastomotic stricture after hepaticojejunostomy for bile duct injury after cholecystectomy: a multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic stricture is a common underlying cause of long-term morbidity after hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) for bile duct injury (BDI) following cholecystectomy. However, there are no methods for predicting stricture risk. This study was aimed at establishing two online calculators for predicting anastomotic stricture occurrence (ASO) and stricture-free survival (SFS) in this patient population.

METHODS

The clinicopathological characteristics and follow-up information of patients who underwent HJ for BDI after cholecystectomy from a multi-institutional database were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the risk factors of ASO and SFS were performed in the training cohort. Two nomogram-based online calculators were developed and validated by internal bootstrapping resamples ( n =1000) and an external cohort.

RESULTS

Among 220 screened patients, 41 (18.64%) experienced anastomotic strictures after a median follow-up of 110.7 months. Using multivariate analysis, four variables, including previous repair, sepsis, HJ phase, and bile duct fistula, were identified as independent risk factors associated with both ASO and SFS. Two nomogram models and their corresponding online calculators were subsequently developed. In the training cohort, the novel calculators achieved concordance indices ( C -indices) of 0.841 and 0.763 in predicting ASO and SFS, respectively, much higher than those of the above variables. The predictive accuracy of the resulting models was also good in the internal ( C -indices: 0.867 and 0.821) and external ( C -indices: 0.852 and 0.823) validation cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

The two easy-to-use online calculators demonstrated optimal predictive performance for identifying patients at high risk for ASO and with dismal SFS. The estimation of individual risks will help guide decision-making and long-term personalized surveillance.

Post-cholecystectomy major bile duct injury: ideal time to repair based on a multicentre randomized controlled trial with promising results

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) is one of the serious complications of cholecystectomy procedures, which has a disastrous impact on long-term survival, health-related quality of life (QoL), healthcare costs as well as high rates of litigation. The standard treatment of major BDI is hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). Surgical outcomes depend on many factors, including the severity of the injury, the surgeons' experiences, the patient's condition, and the reconstruction time. The authors aimed to assess the impact of reconstruction time and abdominal sepsis control on the reconstruction success rate.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, multi-arm, parallel-group, randomized trial that included all consecutive patients treated with HJ for major post-cholecystectomy BDI from February 2014 to January 2022. Patients were randomized according to the time of reconstruction by HJ and abdominal sepsis control into group A (early reconstruction without sepsis control), group B (early reconstruction with sepsis control), and group C (delayed reconstruction). The primary outcome was successful reconstruction rate, while blood loss, HJ diameter, operative time, drainage amount, drain and stent duration, postoperative liver function tests, morbidity and mortality, number of admissions and interventions, hospital stay, total cost, and patient QoL were considered secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty one patients from three centres were randomized into three groups. Forty-four patients were excluded from the analysis, leaving 277 patients for intention to treat analysis. With univariate analysis, older age, male gender, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, conversion to open cholecystectomy, failure of intraoperative BDI recognition, Strasberg E4 classification, uncontrolled abdominal sepsis, secondary repair, end-to-side anastomosis, diameter of HJ (< 8 mm), non-stented anastomosis, and major complications were risk factors for successful reconstruction. With multivariate analysis, conversion to open cholecystectomy, uncontrolled sepsis, secondary repair, the small diameter of HJ, and non-stented anastomosis were the independent risk factors for the successful reconstruction. Also, group B patients showed decreased admission and intervention rates, decreased hospital stay, decreased total cost, and early improved patient QoL.

CONCLUSION

Early reconstruction after abdominal sepsis control can be done safely at any time with comparable results for delayed reconstruction in addition to decreased total cost and improved patient QoL.

Determinants, Costs, and Consequences of Common Bile Duct Injury Requiring Operative Repair Among Privately Insured Individuals in the United States, 2003-2020

Objective

Characterize the determinants, all-cause mortality risk, and healthcare costs associated with common bile duct injury (CBDI) following cholecystectomy in a contemporary patient population.

Background

Retrospective cohort study using nationwide patient-level commercial and Medicare Advantage claims data, 2003-2019. Beneficiaries ≥18 years who underwent cholecystectomy were identified using Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes. CBDI was defined by a second surgical procedure for repair within one year of cholecystectomy.

Methods

We estimated the association of common surgical indications and comorbidities with risk of CBDI using logistic regression; the association between CBDI and all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression; and calculated average healthcare costs associated with CBDI repair.

Results

Among 769,782 individuals with cholecystectomy, we identified 894 with CBDI (0.1%). CBDI was inversely associated with biliary colic (odds ratio [OR] = 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-0.94) and obesity (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.59-0.84), but positively associated with pancreas disease (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.92-2.43) and chronic liver disease (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.05-1.49). In fully adjusted Cox models, CBDI was associated with increased all-cause mortality risk (hazard ratio = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.38-1.79). The same-day CBDI repair was associated with the lowest mean overall costs, with the highest mean overall costs for repair within 1 to 3 months.

Conclusions

In this retrospective cohort study, calculated rates of CBDI are substantially lower than in prior large studies, perhaps reflecting quality-improvement initiatives over the past two decades. Yet, CBDI remains associated with increased all-cause mortality risks and significant healthcare costs. Patient-level characteristics may be important determinants of CBDI and warrant ongoing examination in future research.

Hepaticojejunostomy for bile duct injury: state of the art

BACKGROUND

Hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) is the gold standard procedure for the reconstruction of the bile duct in many benign and malignant situations. One of the major situation is the bile duct injury (BDI) after cholecystectomy, either for early or late repair. This procedure presents some specificities associated to a debated management of BDI.

PURPOSE

This article provides a state-of-the-art of the hepaticojejunostomy procedure focusing on bile duct injury including its indications and outcomes CONCLUSION: Performed at the right moment and respecting the technical rules, HJ provides a restoration of the biliary patency in the long term of 80 to 90%. It is the main surgical technique to repair BDI. Complications and failure of this procedure can be difficult to manage. That is why the primary repair requires an appropriate multidisciplinary approach associated with an expert high quality surgical technique.

Surgical reconstruction of major bile duct injuries: Long-term results and risk factors for restenosis

BACKGROUND

A single-institution retrospective analysis was undertaken to assess long-term results of definitive surgical reconstruction for major bile duct injuries and risk factors for restenosis.

METHODS

Patients treated between January 1995 and October 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The primary outcome measure was patency.

RESULTS

Of 417 patients referred to a tertiary center, 290 (69.5%) underwent surgical reconstruction; mostly in the form of a hepaticojejunostomy (n = 281, 96.8%). Major liver resection was undertaken in 18 patients (6.2%). There were 7 postoperative deaths (2.4%). Patency was achieved in 97.4% of primary repairs and 88.8% of re-repairs. Primary patency at three months (including postoperative deaths and stents removed afterwards) in primary repairs was significantly higher than secondary patency attained during the same period in re-repairs (89.3% vs 76.5%, p < 0.01). The actuarial primary patency was also significantly higher compared to the actuarial secondary patency 10 years after reconstruction (86.7% vs 70.4%, p = 0.001). Vascular disruption was the only independent predictor of loss of patency after reconstruction (OR 7.09, 95% CI 3.45-14.49, p < 0.001), showing interaction with injuries at or above the biliary bifurcation (OR 9.52, 95% CI 2.56-33.33, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term outcome of surgical reconstruction for major bile duct injuries was superior in primary repairs compared to re-repairs. Concomitant vascular injury was independently associated with loss of patency requiring revision.

Simultaneous early surgical repair of post-cholecystectomy major bile duct injury and complex abdominal evisceration: A case report

BACKGROUND

Major bile duct injuries (BDIs) are hazardous complications during 0.4%-0.6% of laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Major BDIs usually require surgical repair, ideally either immediately or at least six weeks after the damage. The complexity of our case lies in the coexistence of early BDI followed by 2-week biliary peritonitis with massive midline evisceration which, in combination, has over 40% mortality risk.

METHODS & CASE REPORT

We describe the case of a 65-year-old male, transferred to our tertiary HPB service on day 14 after common bile duct complete transection during cholecystectomy and postoperative laparotomy. The patient presented with biliary peritonitis along with full wound dehiscence and extensive evisceration. During emergency peritoneal wash-out surgery we deemed immediate BDI repair feasible by primary Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ), with multi-stage abdominal closure. In the following days we performed progressive abdominal wall closure in multiple sessions under general anesthesia, aided by vacuum-assisted wound closure and intraperitoneal mesh-mediated fascial traction-approximation (VAWCM) with permeable mesh. An expected late incisional hernia was eventually repaired through component separation and biological mesh.

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION

The simultaneous use of Roux-en-Y HJ and VAWCM has proven safe and effective in the treatment of BDI and 2-week biliary peritonitis with massive midline evisceration.

Timing of surgical repair of bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The surgical management of bile duct injuries (BDIs) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is challenging and the optimal timing of surgery remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the evidence behind the timing of BDI repair after LC in the literature.

AIM

To assess timing of surgical repair of BDI and postoperative complications.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library databases were systematically screened up to August 2021. Risk of bias was assessed via the Newcastle Ottawa scale. The primary outcomes of this review included the timing of BDI repair and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 439 abstracts were screened, and 24 studies were included with 15609 patients included in this review. Of the 5229 BDIs reported, 4934 (94%) were classified as major injury. Timing of bile duct repair was immediate (14%, n = 705), early (28%, n = 1367), delayed (28%, n = 1367), or late (26%, n = 1286). Standardization of definition for timing of repair was remarkably poor among studies. Definitions for immediate repair ranged from < 24 h to 6 wk after LC while early repair ranged from < 24 h to 12 wk. Likewise, delayed (> 24 h to > 12 wk after LC) and late repair (> 6 wk after LC) showed a broad overlap.

CONCLUSION

The lack of standardization among studies precludes any conclusive recommendation on optimal timing of BDI repair after LC. This finding indicates an urgent need for a standardized reporting system of BDI repair.

Management of Major Injuries to the Bile Duct at a Hepatobiliary Specialty Referral Center

INTRODUCTION

Aim is to evaluate geographical and demographic factors influencing management of bile duct injuries occurring during cholecystectomy in a tertiary hepato-pancreato-biliary center in Southeast US.

METHODS

All referrals for biliary injuries during cholecystectomy, between Jan 2017 and December 2020 were included.

RESULTS

19 patients were identified with a median age of 59 (47-65), average BMI of 30.3 (18-49), and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease of 11%, 47% and 16%, respectively. The average transfer distance was 76 miles (8-102) and median transfer time was 3 days (1-12). 16 (84%) had Strasberg E injury, with 4 (21%) having a concomitant vascular injury (3 - right hepatic artery, 1 - right portal vein). Two (10.5%) were managed non-operatively, immediate surgical repair was performed in 2 (10.5%) and 15 (78.9%) patients underwent a delayed repair with a median of 87 days (69-118) from injury to repair. Median operative time was 5 hours (4-7), blood loss was 150 mL (100-200) and hospital stay was 8 days (6-12).

DISCUSSION

Factors including distance between hospitals, delays in patient transfer due to bed availability and transportation, play a role in the decision-making towards delayed repair. The delayed repair has the benefit of medical optimization of our high-risk patients' population.

Hepatectomy after bile duct injury: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) after cholecystectomy can lead to recurrent cholangitis, even after biliary reconstruction. This necessitates hepatectomy in a minority of patients. A systematic review was conducted, summarizing the pattern of biliary injury sustained in this group and their outcomes after hepatectomy.

METHODS

A literature search included the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane libraries. Retrospective cohort studies describing outcomes for hepatectomy after BDI, and the nature of the antecedent BDI, published between 1999 and 2019, were selected.

RESULTS

Eight articles described a cohort of 2110 patients with BDI. Of these, 84 underwent hepatectomy. Complex vasculo-biliary injuries had been sustained in most cases. The mean time to hepatectomy was between 26 and 224 months after BDI. A right hepatectomy was performed in 67-89% of cases. Post hepatectomy, intra-abdominal infection (range 0-50%) and bile leaks (range 0-45%) occurred variably. Mortality occurred in three series. Nineteen percent of patients (16 of 84) developed recurrent symptoms at follow up.

CONCLUSION

Hepatectomy after bile duct injury is an uncommon procedure and represents a salvage strategy when vasculo-biliary injury happens. Liver resection leads to resolution of symptoms in the majority of the cases however postoperative bile leaks and intra-abdominal infection are common.

Long-term outcomes of delayed biliary strictures following cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Delayed biliary strictures (DBS) after cholecystectomy are uncommon and little is known of their aetiology or long-term consequences. The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical and economic impact of DBS after cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Patients who developed DBS after cholecystectomy were identified from a prospectively collected and maintained database. Risk factors for stricture development, quality of life (QoL) and long-term biliary complication rates were explored. Costs of treatment and follow up were determined. The same outcomes among patients with minor or major bile duct injury (BDI) were used as a comparison.

RESULTS

Among 44 patients, a laparoscopic converted to open procedure or post cholecystectomy bile leak affected some 18 and 12 patients respectively. Most DBS required surgical treatment (40). Over a median follow-up of 8.9 years after DBS treatment, 16 (36%) patients developed biliary complications (similar to minor, 26%, and major BDI, 40%) and 1 patient died of causes related to the biliary stricture. Costs of treating DBS and its follow up (£14,309.26 per patient), were similar to previously reported costs for major BDI (£15,784).

CONCLUSION

DBS typically occur after a technically and/or complicated cholecystectomy. Clinical, economic and QoL outcomes are similar to patients with major BDI.

Machine Learning-Based Analysis in the Management of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy: a Nationwide Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) is a challenging surgical complication. IBDI management can be guided by artificial intelligence models. Our study identified the factors associated with successful initial repair of IBDI and predicted the success of definitive repair based on patient risk levels.

METHODS

This is a retrospective multi-institution cohort of patients with IBDI after cholecystectomy conducted between 1990 and 2020. We implemented a decision tree analysis to determine the factors that contribute to successful initial repair and developed a risk-scoring model based on the Comprehensive Complication Index.

RESULTS

We analyzed 748 patients across 22 hospitals. Our decision tree model was 82.8% accurate in predicting the success of the initial repair. Non-type E (p < 0.01), treatment in specialized centers (p < 0.01), and surgical repair (p < 0.001) were associated with better prognosis. The risk-scoring model was 82.3% (79.0-85.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]) and 71.7% (63.8-78.7%, 95% CI) accurate in predicting success in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. Surgical repair, successful initial repair, and repair between 2 and 6 weeks were associated with better outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Machine learning algorithms for IBDI are a novel tool may help to improve the decision-making process and guide management of these patients.

A Novel End-to-End Biliary-to-Biliary Anastomosis Technique for Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury of Strasberg-Bismuth E1-4 Treatment: A Retrospective Study and in vivo Assessment

Background: An iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) is a severe complication that has a great impact on the physical and mental quality of life of the patients, especially for patients with postoperative benign biliary stricture. The effective measures for end-to-end biliary-to-biliary anastomosis intraoperative are essential to prevent the postoperative bile duct stricture, but also a challenge even to the most skilled biliary tract surgeon.

Objective: A postoperative benign biliary stricture is an extremely intractable complication that occurs following IBDI. This study aimed to introduce a novel end-to-end biliary-to-biliary anastomosis technique named fish-mouth-shaped (FMS) end-to-end biliary-to-biliary reconstruction and determine the safety and effectiveness for preventing the postoperative benign biliary stricture in both rats and humans.

Methods: In this study, 18 patients with biliary injury who underwent an FMS reconstruction procedure were retrospectively analyzed. Their general information, disease of the first hospitalization, operation method, and classification of bile duct injury (BDI) were collected. The postoperative complications were evaluated immediately perioperatively and the long-term complications were followed up at the later period of at least 5 years. An IBDI animal model using 18 male rats was developed for animal-based evaluations. A bile duct diathermy injury model was used to mimic BDI. The FMS group underwent an FMS reconstruction procedure while the control group underwent common end-to-end biliary-to-biliary anastomosis, a sham operation group was also established. The blood samples, liver, spleen, and common bile duct tissues were harvested for further assessments.

Results: In the retrospective study, there was no postoperative mortality and no patient developed cholangitis during the 5-years postoperation follow-up. In the study of IBDI animal models, compared with the control group, the FMS reconstruction procedure reduced the occurrence of benign biliary stenosis, liver function damage, and jaundice. The blood tests as well as morphological and pathological observations revealed that rats in the FMS reconstruction group had a better recovery than those in the control group.

Conclusions: An FMS reconstruction procedure is a safe and efficient BDI treatment method.

Partial segments 4/5 liver resection facilitates the repair of complicated bile duct injuries: a technical challenge and long-term outcomes

Adequate exposure with optimal anteroposterior view of the hilar plate is challenging and crucial in a surgical repair of complicated hilar bile duct injuries. A high-quality anastomosis depends on the ability to identify non-scarred, non-inflamed, non-ischemic bile ducts. This study provides operative details of the Partial Segments 4/5 Liver Resection with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (PS4/5LRHJ) and presents its long-term outcomes. 36 patients with the Strasberg type E bile duct injuries (BDIs) who underwent the PS4/5LRHJ from 2003 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes of the surgical treatments were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 46.3 years. 22 patients underwent BDI repair as index operations and 14 patients as re-repair operations. Operative times between the index operation group and the re-repair group (396.6 min vs 391.3 min, respectively, p = 0.876) and blood loss (590.6 ml vs 640 ml, respectively, p = 0.587) were not statistically different. The mean length of hospital stay was 23 days. The median follow-up duration was 73 months. Major complications developed in 10 patients (27.8%), of which intra-abdominal collection was the most common (eight patients, 22.2%). Anastomotic stricture developed in one patient (2.8%). The mortality rate was zero. The overall 10-year patency rate was 95.2%. PS4/5LRHJ offered long-term patency with acceptable morbidity in the hilar bile duct injuries and re-repair operations.

Risk factors for anastomotic stricture after hepaticojejunostomy for bile duct injury-A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

After major bile duct injury, hepaticojejunostomy can result in good long-term patency, but anastomotic stricture is a common cause of long-term morbidity. There is a need to assimilate high-level evidence to establish risk factors for development of anastomotic stricture after hepaticojejunostomy for bile duct injury.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies reporting the rate of anastomotic stricture after hepaticojejunostomy for bile duct injury was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Meta-analyses of proposed risk factors were then performed.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis included 5 factors (n = 2,155 patients, 17 studies). Concomitant vascular injury (odds ratio 4.96; 95% confidence interval 1.92-12.86; P = .001), postrepair bile leak (odds ratio: 8.03; 95% confidence interval 2.04-31.71; P = .003), and repair by nonspecialist surgeon (odds ratio 11.29; 95% confidence interval 5.21-24.47; P < .0001) increased the rate of anastomotic stricture of hepaticojejunostomy after bile duct injury. Level of injury according to the Strasberg Grade did not significantly affect the rate of anastomotic stricture (odds ratio: 0.97; 95% confidence interval 0.45-2.10; P = .93). Owing to heterogeneity of reporting, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis for the impact of timing of repair on anastomotic stricture rate.

CONCLUSION

The only modifiable risk factor, repair by a nonspecialist surgeon, demonstrates the importance of broad awareness of these data. Knowledge of these risk factors may permit risk stratification of follow-up, better informed consent, and understanding of prognosis.

2020 WSES guidelines for the detection and management of bile duct injury during cholecystectomy

Bile duct injury (BDI) is a dangerous complication of cholecystectomy, with significant postoperative sequelae for the patient in terms of morbidity, mortality, and long-term quality of life. BDIs have an estimated incidence of 0.4-1.5%, but considering the number of cholecystectomies performed worldwide, mostly by laparoscopy, surgeons must be prepared to manage this surgical challenge. Most BDIs are recognized either during the procedure or in the immediate postoperative period. However, some BDIs may be discovered later during the postoperative period, and this may translate to delayed or inappropriate treatments. Providing a specific diagnosis and a precise description of the BDI will expedite the decision-making process and increase the chance of treatment success. Subsequently, the choice and timing of the appropriate reconstructive strategy have a critical role in long-term prognosis. Currently, a wide spectrum of multidisciplinary interventions with different degrees of invasiveness is indicated for BDI management. These World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) guidelines have been produced following an exhaustive review of the current literature and an international expert panel discussion with the aim of providing evidence-based recommendations to facilitate and standardize the detection and management of BDIs during cholecystectomy. In particular, the 2020 WSES guidelines cover the following key aspects: (1) strategies to minimize the risk of BDI during cholecystectomy; (2) BDI rates in general surgery units and review of surgical practice; (3) how to classify, stage, and report BDI once detected; (4) how to manage an intraoperatively detected BDI; (5) indications for antibiotic treatment; (6) indications for clinical, biochemical, and imaging investigations for suspected BDI; and (7) how to manage a postoperatively detected BDI.

Long-term outcomes in the repair of intrahepatic iatrogenic bile duct lesions using a combined intraglissonian and extraglissonian approach

PURSPOSE

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) with intrahepatic involvement are a serious and challenging surgical complication that can have disastrous consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

We collected the patients with IBDI type (E4) between January 1991 and March 2020 in our hospital. The objective of the study was to present the long-term results of a extraglissonian approach and intraglissonian biliary reconstruction in a series of patients with intrahepatic bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy. We also detail our preoperative management and the standardization of the technique.

RESULTS

An extraglissonian approach with partial hepatic resection of the base of segments 4b and 5 and intraglissonian Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for biliary reconstruction using to several branches was performed in 10 patients with E4 Strassberg type intrahepatic lesions. Only one patient had postoperative bile leak (Clavien 3a). Surgical time was 260 min (IQR, 210-490). We left transanastomotic catheter (between 2 and 5) in situ for 3 and 6 months after surgery. The patients remained asymptomatic over a median follow-up of 169 months (IQR 129-234).

CONCLUSION

This biliary reconstruction technique obtains positive long-term outcomes in patients with severe intrahepatic lesions.

Impact of referral pattern and timing of repair on surgical outcome after reconstruction of post-cholecystectomy bile duct injury: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) after cholecystectomy remains a significant surgical challenge. No guideline exists to guide the timing of repair, while few studies compare early versus late repair BDI. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes in patients undergoing immediate, intermediate, and delayed repair of BDI.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 412 patients with BDI from March 2015 to January 2020. The patients were divided into three groups based on the time of BDI reconstruction. Group 1 underwent an immediate reconstruction (within the first 72 hours post-cholecystectomy, n = 156); group 2 underwent an intermediate reconstruction (from 4 days to 6 weeks post-cholecystectomy, n = 75), and group 3 underwent delayed reconstruction (after 6 weeks post-cholecystectomy, n = 181).

RESULTS

Patients in group 2 had significantly more early complications including anastomotic leakage and intra-abdominal collection and late complications including anastomotic stricture and secondary liver cirrhosis compared with groups 1 and 3. Favorable outcome was observed in 111 (71.2%) patients in group 1, 31 (41.3%) patients in group 2, and 157 (86.7%) patients in group 3 (P = 0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified that complete ligation of the bile duct, level E1 BDI and the use of external stent were independent factors of favorable outcome in group 1, the use of external stent was an independent factor of favorable outcome in group 2, and level E4 BDI was an independent factor of unfavorable outcome in group 3. Transected BDI and level E4 BDI were independent factors of unfavorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Favorable outcomes were more frequently observed in the immediate and delayed reconstruction of post-cholecystectomy BDI. Complete ligation of the bile duct, level E1 BDI and the use of external stent were independent factors of a favorable outcome.

Management of post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries without operative mortality at Jakarta tertiary hospital in Indonesia - A cross-sectional study

Background

Bile duct injuries (BDI) can occur after a cholecystectomy procedure performed by any surgeons. These ensured a poor experience for patients and surgeons and marred the minimally invasive surgery approach, which should have promised rapid recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the management of BDI following cholecystectomy procedure in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, as a tertiary hospital.

Method

Descriptive retrospective cross-sectional design was used on open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed between January 2008 and December 2018. This study is reported in line with STROCSS 2019 Criteria.

Result

A total of 24 patients with BDI were included, with female preponderance (62,5%) with a median age 45 (21–58) years. Sixteen post-laparoscopy cases were classified according to Strasberg classification; 6 cases were type E3, 2 cases each of type E1 and E2, and one case each of Strasberg C and D. The remaining 4 were Strasberg A. Eight post-open cases were classified based on Bismuth criteria: 4 cases of Bismuth I, 1 case of Bismuth II, and 3 cases of Bismuth III. Five cases were presented with massive biloma, 7 with jaundice, and 10 cases with biliary-pancreatic fluid production through the surgical drain. The average time of problem recognition to patient's admission was 19 (7–152) days and admission to surgery was 14 days. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 18 cases, choledocho-duodenostomy in 2 cases, and primary ligation cystic duct in 4 cases. Post-operative follow-up showed 2 patients had recurrent cholangitis, 2 superficial surgical site infection, and 2 relaparotomy due to bile anastomosis leakage and burst abdomen. The median length of hospital stay was 38 (14–53) days with zero hospital mortality. No stricture detected in long term follow-up.

Conclusion

Common bile duct was the most frequent site of BDI, and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction performed by HPB surgeons on high volume center results in a good outcome.

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The common bile duct was the most frequent site of BDI

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Reconstruction of Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy side-to-side by HPB surgeons on high volume center results in a good outcome with zero operative mortality

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One third of BDI cases referred to our center occurred after open approach. This data can be used as an information for evaluation of General Surgery Training Program in order to improve learning curve thus reduce rate of iatrogenic injury in open cholecystectomy

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Delay of treatment and reconstruction mostly in intermediate phase (2–12 weeks after event) can be advantageous for patients with optimal preoperative support.

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It is essential to evaluate the surgical difficulty appropriately and standardize treatment strategies to reduce serious complications.

Factors associated with patency loss and actuarial patency rate following post-cholecystectomy bile duct injury repair: long-term follow-up

PURPOSE

Several factors may contribute to bile duct injury (BDI) repair failure. The objective of our study was to evaluate factors that contribute to the loss of patency and influence the actuarial patency rate of BDI repairs in an 11-year period.

METHODS

Retrospective review study of patients who underwent a hepaticojejunostomy for a type E Bismuth-Strasberg BDI (2008-2019). The outcomes are the following: primary patency attained, loss of primary patency, and actuarial primary patency rate. Logistic regression for loss of patency and Cox regression for actuarial patency rate were used.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients (age 42.3 ± 15.8 years, 81% female) were studied. Most common index operation was open cholecystectomy (60.8%). Most common Bismuth-Strasberg lesion was E4 (38%). Primary patency was 93.4%. Mean follow-up was 36 ± 34 months. Ten-year actuarial patency was 53.9%. Factors associated with loss of patency were vasculobiliary injury, biliary stents, and 90-day biliary complications (univariate); number of surgeries before repair and postoperative cholangitis (univariate and multivariate) (p < 0.05). Factors that impacted actuarial patency rate were (univariate analysis) 90-day biliary complications; postoperative cholangitis and index treatment period stenosis (p < 0.05). No factors impacted actuarial patency rate in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative cholangitis is associated with loss of patency and had potentially detrimental effect on the actuarial patency rate in BDI repair.

Biliary Enteric Reconstruction After Biliary Injury: Delayed Repair Is More Costly Than Early Repair

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) during cholecystectomy requiring biliary enteric reconstruction (BER) is associated with increased risk of postoperative mortality and substantive increases in costs of care. The impact of the timing of repair on overall costs of care is poorly understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Florida State databases (2006-2015) were queried to identify patients undergoing BER within 1-y of cholecystectomy performed for benign biliary disease. Patients were then categorized by the time interval between cholecystectomy to BER: early (≤3 d), intermediate (4 d to 6 wk), or delayed (>6 wk). By repair timing strategy, 1-y outcomes were aggregated, including charges, inpatient costs, aggregate length of stay, and inpatient mortality.

RESULTS

Of 563,887 patients undergoing cholecystectomy, 1168 required a BER (0.21%) within 1-y of cholecystectomy. Early BER was performed in 560 patients (47.9%), intermediate BER in 439 patients (37.6%), and delayed BER in 169 (14.5%) patients. On multivariable analysis adjusting for patient, procedure, and facility factors, intermediate BER demonstrated an increased risk of mortality (odds ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-3.56) and increased aggregate inpatient cost (+$12,472; 95% CI: $6421-$18,524) relative to early BER. There was no notable difference in adjusted risk of inpatient mortality between the early and delayed BER cohorts (odds ratio 0.90; 95% CI: 0.32-1.25), but delayed BER was associated with increased aggregate inpatient costs (+$45,111; 95% CI: $36,813-$53,409).

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with delayed BER, early repair was associated with shorter aggregate inpatient hospitalization without increased postoperative mortality. Intermediate timing of repair is associated with increased costs and risk of mortality.

Quality-of-life after bile duct injury repaired by hepaticojejunostomy: a national cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Reports on quality-of-life (QoL) after bile duct injury (BDI) show conflicting results. The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate QoL stratified according to type of treatment.

METHODS

QoL assessment using the SF-36 (36-item short form health survey) questionnaire. Patients with post-cholecystectomy BDI needing hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) were compared to all other treatments (BDI repair) and to patients without BDI at cholecystectomy (controls).

RESULTS

Patients needing a HJ after BDI reported reduced long-term QoL irrespective of time for diagnosis and repair in both the physical (PCS; p < .001) and mental (MCS; p < .001) domain compared to both controls and patients with less severe BDI. QoL was comparable for BDI repair (n = 86) and controls (n = 192) in both PCS (p = .171) and MCS (p = .654). As a group, patients with BDI (n = 155) reported worse QoL than controls, in both the PCS (p < .001) and MCS (p = .012). Patients with a BDI detected intraoperatively (n = 124) reported better QoL than patients with a postoperative diagnosis. Patients with an immediate intraoperative repair (n = 99), including HJ, reported a better long-term QoL compared to patients subjected to a later procedure (n = 54).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with postoperative diagnosis and patients with BDIs needing biliary reconstruction with HJ both reported reduced long-term QoL.

Optimal timing for surgical reconstruction of bile duct injury: meta-analysis

Background

Major bile duct injury (BDI) after cholecystectomy generally requires surgical reconstruction by means of hepaticojejunostomy. However, there is controversy regarding the optimal timing of surgical reconstruction.

Methods

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases for studies published between 1990 and 2018 reporting on the timing of hepaticojejunostomy for BDI (PROSPERO registration CRD42018106611). The main outcomes were postoperative morbidity, postoperative mortality and anastomotic stricture. When individual patient data were available, time intervals of these studies were attuned to render these comparable with other studies. Data for comparable time intervals were pooled using a random‐effects model. In addition, data for all included studies were pooled using a generalized linear model.

Results

Some 21 studies were included, representing 2484 patients. In these studies, 15 different time intervals were used. Eight studies used the time intervals of less than 14 days (early), 14 days to 6 weeks (intermediate) and more than 6 weeks (delayed). Meta‐analysis revealed a higher risk of postoperative morbidity in the intermediate interval (early versus intermediate: risk ratio (RR) 0·73, 95 per cent c.i. 0·54 to 0·98; intermediate versus delayed: RR 1·50, 1·16 to 1·93). Stricture rate was lowest in the delayed interval group (intermediate versus delayed: RR 1·53, 1·07 to 2·20). Postoperative mortality did not differ within time intervals. The additional analysis demonstrated increased odds of postoperative morbidity for reconstruction between 2 and 6 weeks, and decreased odds of anastomotic stricture for delayed reconstruction.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis found that surgical reconstruction of BDI between 2 and 6 weeks should be avoided as this was associated with higher risk of postoperative morbidity and hepaticojejunostomy stricture.

Differences in Post-Cholecystectomy Bile Duct Injury Care: A Comparative Analysis of 2 Different Health-Care Public Institutions in a Low- and Middle-Income Country: Southeast Mexico

BACKGROUND

Mexican health system structure allows us to study the differences in bile duct injury (BDI) management. The study aimed to assess the differences in patients with complex BDI in 2 different public sector institutions using a new proposed standard terminology.

METHODS

Retrospective review (2008-2019) in 2 public institutions (IMSS/SESVER). Bismuth-Strasberg E injuries with hepaticojejunostomy were included. Data are presented in a tabular reporting system. The outcomes were percent of patients attaining primary patency, loss of primary patency, and actuarial primary patency rate.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients (IMSS: n = 37; SESVER: n = 41) without differences in demographic and preoperative assessment were studied. BDI occurred mostly in outside hospitals. Open cholecystectomy was the most common index operation in SESVER (73%, p = 0.02). IMSS had more surgeries (p = 0.007) and repair attempts (p = 0.06) prior to referral. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was more commonly used in IMSS patients. Biliary stents (45%) and cholangitis (29%) were more common in IMSS (p < 0.05). IMSS patients had longer follow-up than SESVER (p < 0.05). No differences in primary patency rates (IMSS: 89%, SESVER: 97%) and actuarial patency rates were noted.

DISCUSSION

Despite differences in referral, preoperative, and operative events, good BDI repair outcomes can be achieved. Longer follow-up is needed to monitor these outcomes.

Bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy, analysis of constant risk

Backgrounds/Aims

The bile duct injuries are the most severe complications that occur after the surgical manipulation of the bile duct. The hepaticojejunostomy remained as the best treatment. Several factors identified that affect the result. This study aimed to analyze and identify risk factors that affected the evolution of these patients.

Methods

A retrospective, observational study was conducted from February 1998 to June 2017. We included all patients with bile duct injuries who required surgical treatment.

Results

We found 79 patients. The majority had a Bismuth type III in 35.4% (n=28). The morbidity of the Hepaticojejunostomy was 19% (n=15). In short-term follow-up, the main complications were cholangitis 11.4% (n=9) and bile leak 10% (n=8). In the long-term follow-up, in 2.5% (n=2) stricture was presented. On the comparison between postoperative and preoperative parameters, biliary peritonitis after a cholecystectomy (p=0.02) was an independent predictor of postoperative morbidity (p<0.05).

Conclusions

In the treatment of bile duct injuries, different factors affect their outcomes. Our results show that infectious complications continue to affect the results of the treatment of bile duct lesions.

Early Versus Delayed Surgical Repair and Referral for Patients With Bile Duct Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to systematically review and meta-analyze the available evidence regarding the association between timing of repair or referral and clinical outcomes in bile duct injury (BDI).

BACKGROUND

Surgical repair is recommended for patients with complex BDI following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, consensus on the timing of surgery or referral to a specialist is lacking.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for eligible studies. The coprimary outcomes were repair failure in follow-up and postoperative complications. We pooled odds ratios (ORs) using random-effects models.

RESULTS

We included 32 studies. The rate of repair failure was significantly higher for early versus delayed repair [OR 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-2.37, P= 0.007], lower for early versus delayed referral (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.17-0.45, P < 0.001), but did not differ substantially for on-table versus postcholecystectomy repair (OR 2.06, 95% CI 0.89-4.73, P = 0.09). Regarding postoperative complications, early referral outperformed delayed referral (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09-0.68, P= 0.007); however, we found no significant differences between early and delayed repair (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.96-1.87, P= 0.08), or between on-table and postcholecystectomy repair (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.42-3.07, P= 0.81). At the cutoff time point of 6 weeks, early repair was associated with increased rates of repair failure (OR 4.03; P < 0.001), postoperative complications (OR 2.18; P < 0.001), and biliary stricture (OR 6.23; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with BDI, early referral and delayed repair appear to confer favorable outcomes.

Risk factors and management of different types of biliary injuries in blunt abdominal trauma: Single-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Biliary injuries after blunt abdominal traumas are uncommon and difficult to be predicted for early management. The aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors and management of biliary injuries with blunt abdominal trauma.

METHOD

Patients with blunt liver trauma in the period between 2009 to May 2019 were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups for comparison; a group of liver parenchymal injury and group with traumatic biliary injuries (TBI).

RESULTS

One hundred and eight patients had blunt liver trauma (46 patients with liver parenchymal injury and 62 patients with TBI). TBI were; 55 patients with bile leak, 3 patients with haemobilia, and 4 patients with late obstructive jaundice. Eight patients with major bile leak and 12 patients with minor bile leak had been resolved with a surgical drain or percutaneous pigtail drainage. Nineteen patients (34.5%) with major and minor bile leak underwent successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Sixteen patients (29.1%) underwent surgical repair for bile leak. In Multivariate analysis, the possible risk factors for prediction of biliary injuries were central liver injuries (P = 0.032), high grades liver trauma (P = 0.046), elevated serum level of bilirubin at time of admission (P = 0.019), and elevated gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) at time of admission (P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

High-grade liver trauma, central parenchymal laceration and elevated serum level of bilirubin and GGT are possible risk factors for the prediction of TBI. Bile leak after blunt trauma can be treated conservatively, while ERCP is indicated after failure of external drainage.

Minimally invasive surgery for the management of major bile duct injury due to cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the application of minimally invasive surgery in the management of cholecystectomy-related injury to the biliary tract. The aim of this analysis was to identify and combine the available evidence on the argument, with particular reference to major injuries to the main bile duct requiring biliodigestive anastomosis.

METHODS

The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science electronic databases were queried through May 2019. Inclusion criteria considered all studies reporting detailed data about patients with bile duct injury following cholecystectomy receiving minimally invasive (both laparoscopic and robotic) surgical repair. Clinical outcomes data were pooled and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies reporting on the outcomes of 218 patients were eventually included in the analysis, whereby 148 patients with type D or E injury. Of these, there were 31 patients (21%) receiving direct bile duct repair and 117 patients (79%) undergoing bilioenteric reconstruction. Among patients with major bile duct injury, postoperative morbidity was 24%, being 12% the incidence of major complications and 6% the rate of patients requiring subsequent, further surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of high-level evidences precludes the possibility to draw definitive conclusions. However, the available data derived from a growing number of centers demonstrate that minimally invasive surgery may offer its well-known advantages on postoperative outcomes also in the setting of severe iatrogenic injury to the bile ducts.

Long-term results of secondary biliary repair for cholecystectomy-related bile duct injury: results of a tertiary referral center

Background: Management of bile duct injury (BDI) after cholecystectomy is challenging. The authors analyzed their center's 49-year experience.Methods: From 1968 to 2016, 120 consecutive patients were managed in a tertiary HBP center, 105 referred from other centers (Group A), 15 from our center (Group B). Surgical strategies and long-term outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.Results: Primary cholecystectomy approach was open in 35% and laparoscopic in 65%. In Group A, intraoperative BDI diagnosis was made in 25/105 patients, including 13 via intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) which was used in 21% of cases. Median time from BDI to referral was 148 days (range 0-10,758), and 3 patients had BDI-related secondary cirrhosis. Ninety-four patients underwent secondary surgical repair, mostly a complex biliary procedure (97%). Postoperative overall and severe morbidity rates were 26% and 6%, respectively. One patient with biliary cirrhosis at referral died postoperatively from hepatic failure. Nine patients (9.6%) developed a secondary biliary stricture after a median of 54 months from repair (6-228 months). In Group B, IOC was performed in 14/15 in whom BDI were intraoperatively detected and immediately repaired. There were 13 minor and 2 major BDIs, all repaired by uncomplex procedures with uneventful postoperative course. One patient had a secondary biliary stricture after 5 months, successfully treated by temporary endoprosthesis.Conclusion: Late follow-up after primary or secondary repair of BDI is recommended to detect recurrent biliary stricture. Bile duct injuries may occur in a tertiary center, but are intraoperatively detected with routine IOC and immediately repaired resulting in satisfactory outcome.

Risk factors and management of different types of biliary injuries in blunt abdominal trauma: Single-center retrospective cohort study

Background

Biliary injuries after blunt abdominal traumas are uncommon and difficult to be predicted for early management. The aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors and management of biliary injuries with blunt abdominal trauma.

Method

Patients with blunt liver trauma in the period between 2009 to May 2019 were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups for comparison; a group of liver parenchymal injury and group with traumatic biliary injuries (TBI).

Results

One hundred and eight patients had blunt liver trauma (46 patients with liver parenchymal injury and 62 patients with TBI). TBI were; 55 patients with bile leak, 3 patients with haemobilia, and 4 patients with late obstructive jaundice. Eight patients with major bile leak and 12 patients with minor bile leak had been resolved with a surgical drain or percutaneous pigtail drainage. Nineteen patients (34.5%) with major and minor bile leak underwent successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Sixteen patients (29.1%) underwent surgical repair for bile leak. In Multivariate analysis, the possible risk factors for prediction of biliary injuries were central liver injuries (P = 0.032), high grades liver trauma (P = 0.046), elevated serum level of bilirubin at time of admission (P = 0.019), and elevated gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) at time of admission (P = 0.017).

Conclusion

High-grade liver trauma, central parenchymal laceration and elevated serum level of bilirubin and GGT are possible risk factors for the prediction of TBI. Bile leak after blunt trauma can be treated conservatively, while ERCP is indicated after failure of external drainage.

A comprehensive evaluation of the long-term clinical and economic impact of minor bile duct injury

BACKGROUND

Outcomes after Strasberg grade E bile duct injury have been widely reported. However, there are comparatively few reports of outcomes after Strasberg A to D bile duct injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the long-term clinical and economic impact of Strasberg A to D bile duct injury.

METHODS

Patients with Strasberg A to D bile duct injury were identified from a prospectively collected and maintained database. Long-term biliary complication rates, as well as treatment costs were then estimated, and compared across Strasberg injury grades.

RESULTS

A total of N = 120 patients were identified, of whom N = 49, 13, 20, and 38 had Strasberg grade A, B, C, and D bile duct injury, respectively. Surgical repair was most commonly performed in Strasberg grade D injuries (74% vs 8%-20% in lower grades, P < .001). By 5 years post bile duct injury, the estimated long-term biliary complication rate was 40% in Strasberg grade D injuries, compared with 15% in Strasberg grade A (P = .022). A significant difference in total treatment and follow-up costs was also detected (P < .001), being highest in Strasberg grade D injuries (mean £11,048/US$14,252 per patient) followed by the Strasberg grade B group (mean £10,612/US$13,689 per patient).

DISCUSSION

Strasberg grade A to D injuries lead to considerable long-term morbidity and cost. Strasberg grade D injuries are typically managed surgically and result in the highest complication rate and treatment costs. Strasberg grade B injuries lead to a similar complication rate and treatment cost but are often managed without surgery.

Fellows perspective of HPB training in Latin America

BACKGROUND

Currently, no standards for HPB training exist in Latin America. The aim of this work is to evaluate fellows' experience of HPB training and the areas of opportunity to improve.

METHODS

A 35 points survey was developed and distributed among fellows from dedicated HPB training programs in Latin America. The survey was applied by direct phone call (37%) or web based (63%), to fellows graduated between 2010 and 2014, from 7 different programs.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine fellows from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and México were considered with a response rate of 82% (32/39). Most fellows (90%) shared cases with more than one co-fellow. Scrubbing with chief residents ocurred to 60% of fellows; only 14% of fellows noted having a primary surgeon role in more than 70% of cases. Median number of major hepatectomies during training was 15 (1-100), Whipple procedures 6 (1-40), and major bile duct repair 20 (1-80). Limited funding was the main reason to avoid HPB programs outside the country of origin.

CONCLUSION

HPB training in Latin America requires more operative volume and autonomy. Financial burden is the main limitation to pursue training overseas. A multinational fellowship that takes advantage of each center may overcome differences in volume and type of cases.

Post cholecystectomy bile duct injury: early, intermediate or late repair with hepaticojejunostomy - an E-AHPBA multi-center study

BACKGROUND

Treatment of bile duct injuries (BDI) during cholecystectomy depends on the severity of injury and the timing of diagnosis. Standard of care for severe BDIs is hepaticojejunostomy. The aim of this retrospective multi-center study was to assess the optimal timing for repair of BDI with hepaticojejunostomy.

METHODS

Members of the European-African HepatoPancreatoBiliary Association were invited to report all consecutive patients with hepaticojejunostomy after BDI from January 2000 to June 2016. Patients were stratified according to the timing of biliary reconstruction with hepaticojejunostomy: early (day 0-7), intermediate (1-6 weeks) and late (6 weeks-6 months). Primary endpoint was re-intervention >90 days after the hepaticojejunostomy and secondary endpoints were severe 90-day complications and liver-related mortality.

RESULTS

In total 913 patients from 48 centers were included in the analysis. In 401 patients (44%) the bile duct injury was diagnosed intraoperatively, and 126 patients (14%) suffered from concomitant vascular injury. In multivariable analysis the timing of hepaticojejunostomy had no impact on postoperative complications, the need for re-intervention after 90 days nor liver-related mortality. The rate of re-intervention more than 90 days after the hepaticojejunostomy was significantly increased in male patients but decreased in older patients. Severe co-morbidity increased the risk for liver-related mortality (HR 3.439; CI 1.37-8.65; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

After BDI occurring during cholecystectomy, the timing of biliary reconstruction with hepaticojejunostomy did not have any impact on severe postoperative complications, the need for re-intervention or liver-related mortality. Individualised treatment after iatrogenic bile duct injury is still advisable.

A comprehensive evaluation of the long-term economic impact of major bile duct injury

BACKGROUND

Complications and litigation after bile duct injury (BDI) result in clinical and economic burden. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the long-term clinical and economic impact of major BDI.

METHOD

Patients with long-term follow-up after Strasberg E BDI were identified. Costs of treatment and litigation were the primary outcome. Relationships between these outcomes and repair factors, like timing of repair and surgeon expertise, were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 139 patients with a median follow up of 10.7 years, 40% of patients developed biliary complications. Repairs by non-specialist surgeons had significantly higher follow up and treatment costs than those by specialists (£25,814 vs. £14,269, p < 0.001). Estimated litigation costs were higher in delayed than immediate repairs (£23,295 vs. £12,864). As such, the lowest average costs per BDI are after immediate specialist repair and the highest after delayed non-specialist repair (£27,133 vs. £49,109, ×1.81 more costly, p < 0.001). Repair by a non-specialist surgeon (HR: 4.00, p < 0.001) and vascular injury (HR: 2.35, p = 0.013) were significant independent predictors of increased complication rates.

CONCLUSION

Costs of major BDI are considerable. They can be reduced by immediate on-table repair by specialist surgeons. This must therefore be considered the standard of care wherever possible.

Bile duct injury repairs: Progressive outcomes in a tertiary referral center

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy persists as a significant problem in general surgery, resulting in complex injuries, arterial damage, and post repair strictures.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis between 2 eras of bile duct injury repairs: 1987 to 2001 (n = 58) and 2002 to 2016 (n = 52) using logistic regression analyses to assess presentation, repair complexity, and outcomes.

RESULTS

No differences in demographics, incidence of cholecystitis, conversion, time to presentation, level of injury, or arterial injury were identified. The second era had an increase in patient age, transhepatic catheter use, prior repair, and utilization of complex repairs. This approach resulted in equivalent complications and mortality rates with increased resource utilization but a lesser incidence of post-repair strictures (P = .004). Regression modeling correlated strictures to prior operative repairs (OR 4.25; P = .016) and a protective effect of repairs performed in the second era (OR 0.23; P = .045).

CONCLUSION

The second era identified a decreasing trend of attempted repairs by referring surgeons but an increase in transhepatic catheters and complex repairs resulting in lesser rates of post-repair stricture. Final regression modeling confirmed increased operative experience decreased post-repair stricture reaffirming the benefits of early identification and referral of bile duct injuries to an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon at a specialty center.

Outcomes of surgery for post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries: An audit from a tertiary referral center

AIM OF THE STUDY

Bile duct injury (BDI) after cholecystectomy is a serious complication. It often requires surgical repair. The aim of this study was to report on the short and long-term outcomes of surgery for post-cholecystectomy BDI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All the patients, who underwent surgery for post-cholecystectomy BDI between August 2007 and September 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. McDonald grading system was used to assess the long-term outcome. The risk factors for unsatisfactory long-term outcome were analyzed by univariate and multivatiate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 228 patients had a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Open cholecystectomy was the major cause of BDI (61%). The median time from injury to definitive repair was 6 months. The types of BDI were as follows: E1 in 13 (5.7%), E2 in 68 (29.82%), E3 in 108 (47.36%), E4 in 28 (12.28%), and E5 in 11 (4.82%) patients respectively. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 25% and 1.31% respectively. After a median follow-up of 58 months, 90% patients had excellent to good outcome. Recurrent stricture developed in 6 (3%) patients. On multivariate analysis, long injury-repair interval and previous attempt at repair were independent predictors for unsatisfactory long-term outcome.

CONCLUSION

Surgical reconstruction affords excellent to good results for majority of the patients with post-cholecystectomy BDI. As longer delay in definitive repair and previous attempt at repair were associated with unsatisfactory long-term outcome, early referral to a specialized hepatobiliary surgery unit is recommended.

Disparities in bile duct injury care

BACKGROUND

An international group proposed a standardized terminology to report outcomes after bile duct repair. Data on this surgical complication vary depending on the center and country where patients are treated. The aim of this work is to show disparities in the care process of bile duct injury between patients from two different income-level countries, using a standard terminology of outcomes and clinical reporting.

METHODS

A retrospective review comparing primary repair and re-repaired cases performed in an upper middle-income country (UMIC) versus primary repair cases treated in a high-income country (HIC) was performed. All pertinent data included in the tabular reporting system and outcomes classification were collected. Patients' characteristics were reported by calculating descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 261 patients from UMIC (148 (56%) primary repair and 113 (44%) re-repair) were compared with 122 primary repair from HIC. Open cholecystectomy (55.4% vs 3.3%) and more E4 injuries (37.8% vs 19.7%) were found in the UMIC group. More Accordion 3 and higher complications were present in the UMIC primary and repair groups, as well as more episodes of postoperative acute cholangitis. Eleven patients were listed for liver transplant in the UMIC re-repair group. Primary patency by the end of the index treatment period was present in 217 (83%) of the full UMIC cohort. Median time to loss of primary patency was not reached in the primary repair, and was 3.8 years in the re-repair group. Patency was below HIC primary repaired cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized reporting outcomes after primary repair are applicable to re-repaired patients and are helpful to compare different populations, showing better outcomes in HIC. Measures of surgical access disparities exist among the process of bile duct injury care.