Late Complications After Endoscopic Sphincterotomy

Association between Cholecystectomy and the Incidence of Pancreaticobiliary Cancer after Endoscopic Choledocholithiasis Management

(1) Background: Previous studies have raised concerns about a potential increase in pancreaticobiliary cancer risk after cholecystectomy, but few studies have focused on patients who undergo cholecystectomy after receiving endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for choledocholithiasis. This study aims to clarify cancer risks in these patients, who usually require cholecystectomy, to reduce recurrent biliary events. (2) Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study linked to the National Health Insurance Research Database, the Cancer Registry Database, and the Death Registry Records to evaluate the risk of pancreaticobiliary cancers. All patients who underwent first-time therapeutic ERCP for choledocholithiasis from 2011 to 2017 in Taiwan were included. We collected the data of 13,413 patients who received cholecystectomy after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and used propensity score matching to obtain the data of 13,330 patients in both the cholecystectomy and non-cholecystectomy groups with similar age, gender, and known pancreaticobiliary cancer risk factors. Pancreaticobiliary cancer incidences were further compared. (3) Results: In the cholecystectomy group, 60 patients had cholangiocarcinoma, 61 patients had pancreatic cancer, and 15 patients had ampullary cancer. In the non-cholecystectomy group, 168 cases had cholangiocarcinoma, 101 patients had pancreatic cancer, and 49 patients had ampullary cancer. The incidence rates of cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and ampullary cancer were 1.19, 1.21, and 0.3 per 1000 person-years in the cholecystectomy group, all significantly lower than 3.52 (p < 0.0001), 2.11 (p = 0.0007), and 1.02 (p < 0.0001) per 1000 person-years, respectively, in the non-cholecystectomy group. (4) Conclusions: In patients receiving ERCP for choledocholithiasis, cholecystectomy is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing pancreaticobiliary cancer.

Primary suture for patients of bile duct stones after laparoscopic biliary tract exploration: a retrospective cohort study

There are still many physicians who are reluctant to use primary biliary suture in Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for fear of more complications. We compare and analyze the clinical effectiveness of bile duct primary suture with three laparoscopic ports and indwelling T-tube drainage (with four laparoscopic ports) in patients with choledocholithiasis after LCBDE. Clinical data of 135 patients with common bile duct (CBD) stone were compared, including general conditions, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, hospitalization costs, postoperative follow-up and other indicators. Forty-eight patients underwent primary suture of bile duct (group A) and 87 were treated with external T-tube drainage (group B). There were no significant differences between the two groups neither relating to the age, gender, BMI, diameter of CBD, number of stones, preoperative bilirubin value, number of previous surgeries in preoperative, nor the operation time, residual stones, the number of cases converted from laparoscopic conversion to laparotomy. The postoperative complications like fever, bleeding, incision infection, bile duct stricture has no differences between two group. The incidence of bile leakage (p = 0.008) and postoperative electrolyte disturbance (p = 0.001) were slightly lower in group A. There were fewer postoperative complications in group A vs group B (p = 0.04). Patients in group A experienced shorter postoperative hospital stay (p < 0.001), earlier postoperative extubation (p < 0.001), lower total hospitalization costs (p = 0.03), and earlier postoperative recovery (p = 0.000). Primary suture of CBD is a safe and effective method for some patients after LCBDE.

Predictors for stone recurrence after a successful common bile duct surgical exploration for choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND

Recurrence after common bile duct stone (CBDS) clearance is the major long-term drawback of their management. Its prevalence is significant, and it occurs after all primary therapeutic alternatives. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors associated with stone recurrence after surgical common bile duct exploration (CBDE).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study based on patients undergoing CBDE between 2000 and 2018 was conducted. Uni- and multivariate hierarchical regression analyses were performed to assess the independent predictive factors associated with recurrent CBDS in patients with initially successful surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 365 patients underwent successful surgical procedures. After a median follow-up of 43.2 (IQR 84) months, 31 (8.4%) patients were diagnosed with CBD stone recurrence. The median time to recurrence was 30.3 (IQR 38) months. The only variable associated with CBDS recurrence was preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy (HR 2.436, 95% CI: 1.031-5.751, P = 0.042)).

CONCLUSION

Patients who undergo preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy and then cholecystectomy with successful common bile duct clearance may be at increased risk for recurrent stone disease compared to those who go straight to surgery.

A nomogram for predicting stones recurrence in patients with bile duct stones undergoing laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Increased Risk of Pyogenic Liver Abscess after Endoscopic Sphincterotomy for Treatment of Choledocholithiasis

Background and Aim

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) abolished the barrier between the hepatobiliary system and duodenum and might be at risk of pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). We aimed to identify the association factors of PLA in patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures for treatment of choledocholithiasis.

Methods

This study was based on the Chung Gung Research Database (CGRD) between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2018. Those who had an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision (ICD9 and ICD10) codes of choledocholithiasis and received ERCP were enrolled. After strict exclusions, 11,697 patients were further divided into the endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) group (n=7,111) and other ERCP group (n=4,586) for analysis.

Results

Patients receiving ES had significantly higher rates of PLA than those of the other ERCP group (5-year cumulative incidence 2.4% versus 1.7%; 10-year cumulative incidence 3.9% versus 3.2%, log-rank p=0.0177). Aging, male gender, surgery for hepato-pancreato-biliary system and hepatobiliary malignancy were significant association factors of PLA. On multivariate analysis, the ES increased the risk of PLA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=1.49; 95% CI=1.12-1.98; p=0.0058) but decreased the risks for acute pancreatitis (aHR=0.72; 95% CI=0.60-0.85; p=0.0002) and cholangitis (aHR= 0.91; 95% CI=0.84-0.99; p=0.0259). There was no significant difference about recurrent choledocholithiasis between groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a significant risk of PLA after patients receiving ES compared with the other ERCP group. We should also carefully monitor the association factors of PLA after ERCP treatment of choledocholithiasis including aging, male gender, surgery for the hepato-pancreato-biliary system and hepatobiliary malignancy.

Endoscopic endoclip papilloplasty preserves sphincter of oddi function

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) can destroy sphincter of Oddi (SO) structure and function. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of endoscopic endoclip papilloplasty (EEPP) in restoring SO function after EST.

METHODS

Seven 26-week-old domestic pigs were divided into control and EEPP groups. Necropsy and haematoxylin-eosin staining plus anti-α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining of papilla and sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) were conducted in animals at three independent time points.

RESULTS

EST and EEPP were safely performed in all 7 pigs without serious adverse events. For primary outcome, compared to the controls, EEPP generated smaller dilation and less inflammation. Fibrous repair of the papilla was observed at 24 weeks after EEPP. For secondary outcome, in the control group, SO basal pressure (17.25 ± 18.14 to 5.50 ± 0.71 mmHg), SO contraction amplitude (46.00 ± 19.20 to 34.50 ± 48.79 mmHg), peak (4.50 ± 4.04 to 1.50 ± 2.12) and frequency (3.05 ± 3.29 to 1.41 ± 2.19/min) were reduced after EST. Further reductions to almost 0 of these SOM parameters were observed 3 weeks later, including common bile duct pressure and SO contraction period. In contrast, in the EEPP group, these manometric data were recovered to pre-EST levels, including CBD pressure (11.5 ± 7.31 vs 11 ± 2.16 mmHg), SO pressure (17.50 ± 17.75 vs 18.20 ± 21.39 mmHg) and SO contraction amplitude (53.67 ± 21.54 vs 60.00 ± 36.08 mmHg). However, no significant differences were observed between control and EEPP groups by Student t test.

CONCLUSIONS

In this porcine study, EEPP accelerated and improved papillary healing after EST, further preserved SO function.

Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for the patients with difficult biliary stones: 8 years of experiences at a single institution and literature review

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has gained wide popularity for the treatment of choledocholithiasis. However, it remains unclear whether LCBDE is a better alternative option for the patients with difficult biliary stones. Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore the safety and efficacy of LCBDE for these patients by retrospectively analyzing our data and combing with literature review.

METHODS

Between September 2011 and February 2019, 1064 consecutive patients who underwent LCBDE at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital were reviewed. The clinical data of patients with difficult biliary stones were selected and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Of these patients, 334 cases were confirmed with difficult biliary stones, and the overall complete stone clearance rate was 98.8% (330/334). 34 cases (10.2%) were performed with laser lithotripsy. A total of 296 patients (88.6%) underwent primary closure of common bile duct, and T-tube drainage was indwelled in 38 patients (11.4%). No bile duct injury, bleeding, perforation and surgery-related deaths were observed. The overall morbidity rate was 6.6%. 16 cases (4.8%) occurred in bile leakage with primary closure procedure, and all of them were managed successfully with conservative therapy. The median follow-up period was 9 months with stone recurrence occurring in 9 patients (2.7%). There was no evidence of bile duct stricture in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study suggests that LCBED is a considerable safe and effective option for the patients with difficult biliary stones. A randomized clinical trial is needed to further evaluate the benefit of LCBDE in this subgroup.

Clinical efficacy, timing, and outcomes of ERCP for management of bile duct leaks: a nationwide cohort study

Background and study aims  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can safely and effectively manage postsurgical or traumatic bile duct leaks (BDLs). Standardized guidelines are lacking regarding effective management of BDLs. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy, clinical outcomes, and complications of different ERCP techniques and intervention timing using a nationwide database. Patients and methods  We performed a retrospective analysis of the IBM Explorys database (1999-2019), a pooled, national, de-identified clinical database of over 64 million unique patients across the United States. ERCP timing after BDL was classified as emergent (< 1 day), urgent (1-3 days) or expectant (> 3 days). ERCP technique was classified into sphincterotomy, stent or combination therapy. ERCP complications were defined as pancreatitis, duodenal perforation, duodenal hemorrhage, and ascending cholangitis within 7 days of the procedure. Results  Expectant ERCP had a decreased risk of adverse events (AEs) compared to emergent and urgent ERCP ( P  = 0.004). Rehospitalization rates also were lower in expectant ERCP ( P  < 0.001). Patients with COPD were more likely to have an AE if the ERCP was performed emergently compared to expectantly ( P  = 0.002). Combination therapy had a lower rate of ERCP failure compared to placement of a biliary stent ( P  = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in rates of ERCP failure between biliary stent and sphincterotomy ( P  = 0.06) or sphincterotomy and combination therapy ( P  = 0.74). Conclusion  Our study suggests that ERCP does not need to be performed emergently or urgently for management of BDLs. Combination therapy is superior to stenting or sphincterotomy; however, future prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

Cholecystectomy reduces subsequent cholangiocarcinoma risk in choledocholithiasis patients undergoing endoscopic intervention

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma is a disease with a high mortality rate. Our previous study revealed that cholelithiasis patients who undergo endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES)/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation are at a higher risk for subsequent cholangiocarcinoma than cholelithiasis patients who undergo cholecystectomy.

AIM

To clarify the relationship between recurrent biliary events and subsequent cholangiocarcinoma risk in choledocholithiasis patients.

METHODS

From one million random cases in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database 2004–2011, we selected symptomatic choledocholithiasis patients older than 18 years who were admitted from January 2005 to December 2009 (study group). Cases for a control group were defined as individuals who had never been diagnosed with cholelithiasis, matched by sex and age in a 1:3 ratio. The study group was further divided into ES/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation, both ES/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation and cholecystectomy, and no intervention groups.

RESULTS

We included 2096 choledocholithiasis patients without previous intervention or cholangiocarcinoma. A total of 12 (2.35%), 11 (0.74%), and 1 (1.00%) subsequent cholangiocarcinoma cases were diagnosed among 511 ES/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation patients, 1485 patients with no intervention, and 100 ES/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation and cholecystectomy patients, respectively. The incidence rates of recurrent biliary event were 527.79/1000 person-years and 286.69/1000 person-years in the subsequent cholangiocarcinoma and no cholangiocarcinoma group, showing a high correlation between subsequent cholangiocarcinoma risk and recurrent biliary events.

CONCLUSION

Choledocholithiasis patients who undergo further cholecystectomy after ES/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation have decreased subsequent cholangiocarcinoma risk due to reduced recurrent biliary events.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations

Background

A history of abdominal biliary tract surgery has been identified as a relative contraindication for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), and there are very few reports about laparoscopic procedures in patients with a history of abdominal biliary tract surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 227 consecutive patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations at our institution between December 2013 and June 2019. A total of 110 consecutive patients underwent LCBDE, and 117 consecutive patients underwent open common bile duct exploration (OCBDE). Patient demographics and perioperative variables were compared between the two groups.

Results

The LCBDE group performed significantly better than the OCBDE group with respect to estimated blood loss [30 (5–700) vs. 50 (10–1800) ml; p = 0.041], remnant common bile duct (CBD) stones (17 vs. 28%; p = 0.050), postoperative hospital stay [7 (3–78) vs. 8.5 (4.5–74) days; p = 0.041], and time to oral intake [2.5 (1–7) vs. 3 (2–24) days; p = 0.015]. There were no significant differences in the operation time [170 (60–480) vs. 180 (41–330) minutes; p = 0.067]. A total of 19 patients (17%) in the LCBDE group were converted to open surgery. According to Clavien’s classification of complications, the LCBDE group had significantly fewer postoperative complications than the OCBDE group (40 vs. 57; p = 0.045). There was no mortality in either group. Multiple previous operations (≥ 2 times), a history of open surgery, and previous biliary tract surgery (including bile duct or gallbladder + bile duct other than cholecystectomy alone) were risk factors for postoperative adhesion (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, and p = 0.000, respectively).

Conclusion

LCBDE is ultimately the least invasive, safest, and the most effective treatment option for patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations and is especially suitable for those with a history of cholecystectomy, few previous operations (< 2 times), or a history of laparoscopic surgery.

Endoscopic management of postcholecystectomy biliary leak: When and how? A nationwide study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

ERCP is considered the first-line therapy for biliary duct leaks (BDLs). However, the optimal ERCP timing and endotherapy methods remain controversial. Our aim was to evaluate these factors as predictors of poor clinical outcomes after BDLs.

METHODS

Adults who underwent ERCP for BDLs after cholecystectomy were identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2000 to 2014. ERCP was classified as emergent, urgent, and expectant if it was done within 1 day, after 2 to 3 days, or >3 days after BDLs, respectively. Endotherapy was classified into sphincterotomy, stent, or combination. Post-ERCP adverse events (AEs) were defined as requiring pressor infusion, endotracheal intubation, invasive monitoring, or hemodialysis. Early endotherapy failure was defined as the need for salvage surgical or radiology-percutaneous biliary intervention after ERCP.

RESULTS

A total of 1028 patients with a median age of 56 years were included. ERCP was done emergently (19%), urgently (30%), and expectantly (51%). Endotherapy procedures were sphincterotomy (24%), biliary stent (24%), and combination (52%). Post-ERCP AEs were 11%, 10%, and 9% for emergent, urgent, and expectant ERCP, respectively (P = .577). In-hospital mortality showed a U-shape trend of 5%, 0%, and 2% for emergent, urgent, and expectant ERCP, respectively (P < .001). Combination and stent monotherapy had lower failure rates of 3% and 4%, respectively as compared with sphincterotomy monotherapy with failure rate of 11% (P < .001). When multivariate analysis was used, both combination (odds ratio, .2; 95% confidence interval, .1-.5) and stent monotherapy (odds ratio, .4; 95% confidence interval, .2-.9) were less likely to fail as compared with sphincterotomy monotherapy. There were no statistically significant differences between combination therapy and stent monotherapy in the univariate and the multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Although limited by retrospective design and the possibility of selection bias, this analysis suggests that the timing of ERCP is not a significant predictor of post-ERCP AEs after BDLs. Furthermore, combination or stent monotherapy had lower failure rates as compared with sphincterotomy monotherapy.

10 years of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: A single tertiary institution experience

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE-LC) or ERCP plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP-LC) represent minimally invasive choledocholithiasis treatments. We hypothesized that LCBDE-LC has a shorter length of stay (LOS) and lower charges than ERCP-LC.

METHODS

Charts were reviewed for all LCBDE-LC or ERCP-LC for choledocholithiasis from 2007 to 2017. Exclusions included cholangitis, concomitant procedures, or history of Roux-en-Y or biliary surgery. Groups were determined via intention-to-treat with LCBDE-LC or ERCP-LC.

RESULTS

281 subjects were identified; 157 met inclusion criteria. 89 (56%) were in the LCBDE-LC group. There were no differences in age, sex, or ASA. LOS was shorter for LCBDE-LC (3.1 vs 4.4 days, p < 0.01) although total anesthesia time was longer (292 vs 262 min, p = 0.01). There was no difference in total charges ($44,412 vs $51,353, p = 0.08). Thirty (33%) LCBDE-LC were aborted due to challenges passing the dilator or scope (33%) or clearing stones (30%). Two ERCP-LC cases required post-procedure LCBDE.

CONCLUSION

LCBDE-LC resulted in shorter LOS but had a high failure rate. Further research is needed to predict which cases suit each modality.

Risk of cholangiocarcinoma in patients undergoing therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or cholecystectomy: A population based study

BACKGROUND

Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly lethal disease that had been underestimated in the past two decades. Many risk factors are well documented for in cholangiocarcinoma, but the impacts of advanced biliary interventions, like endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES), endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD), and cholecystectomy, are inconsistent in the previous literature.

AIM

To clarify the risks of cholangiocarcinoma after ES/EPBD, cholecystectomy or no intervention for cholelithiasis using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD).

METHODS

From data of NHIRD 2004-2011 in Taiwan, we selected 7938 cholelithiasis cases as well as 23814 control group cases (matched by sex and age in a 1:3 ratio). We compared the previous risk factors of cholangiocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma rate in the cholelithiasis and control groups. The incidences of total and subsequent cholangiocarcinoma were calculated in ES/EPBD patients, cholecystectomy patients, cholelithiasis patients without intervention, and groups from the normal population.

RESULTS

In total, 537 cases underwent ES/EPBD, 1743 cases underwent cholecystectomy, and 5658 cholelithiasis cases had no intervention. Eleven (2.05%), 37 (0.65%), and 7 (0.40%) subsequent cholangiocarcinoma cases were diagnosed in the ES/EPBD, no intervention, and cholecystectomy groups, respectively, and the odds ratio for subsequent cholangiocarcinoma was 3.13 in the ES/EPBD group and 0.61 in the cholecystectomy group when compared with the no intervention group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, symptomatic cholelithiasis patients who undergo cholecystectomy can reduce the incidence of subsequent cholangiocarcinoma, while cholelithiasis patients who undergo ES/EPBD are at a great risk of subsequent cholangiocarcinoma according to our findings.