Benign biliary strictures associated with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: treatment with expandable metallic stents

Management of post-liver transplantation biliary stricture inaccessible by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A case report

BACKGROUND

One challenging scenario in the treatment of biliary stricture is that post-liver transplantation (LT) biliary strictures cannot be accessed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Here, we report such a case that was successfully treated using a novel endoscopic technique.

CASE SUMMARY

A 60-year-old man presented with obstructive jaundice caused by a post-LT biliary stricture. He underwent LT for compensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Laboratory investigations unveiled a cholestatic pattern of abnormalities in liver function and a total bilirubin level of 16 mg/dL. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a stricture extending from the right intrahepatic bile duct into the common hepatic duct. Severe postoperative deformities made accessing the ampulla of Vater with a side-viewing duodenoscope impossible. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) was performed to treat biliary obstruction. Moreover, to resolve the stricture completely, a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FC-SEMS) with a novel proximal retrievable string was deployed into the post-LT biliary stricture through the PTBD tract. Before inserting the stent through the PTBD tract, the stent with the distal string was manually inverted to ensure that the distal part with the string became the proximal part for later endoscopic removal. After 6 mo, the FC-SEMS was successfully removed without complications, as the string was pulled out using a forward-viewing gastroscope.

CONCLUSION

Deployment and endoscopic removal of an FC-SEMS with a novel proximal string through the PTBD tract may be a viable option for treating post-LT biliary strictures that are inaccessible by ERCP.

Repeated balloon dilatation with long-term biliary drainage for treatment of benign biliary-enteric anastomosis strictures: A STROBE-compliant article

Percutaneous balloon dilatation for benign biliary-enteric anastomosis stricture has been the most widely used alternative to endoscopic treatment. However, patency results from the precedent literature are inconsistent.The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of repeated balloon dilatation with long-term biliary drainage for the treatment of benign biliary-enteric anastomosis strictures.Data from patients with benign biliary-enteric anastomosis strictures who underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), repeated balloon dilatation with long-term biliary drainage (repeated-dilatation group; n = 23), or PTC and single balloon dilatation with long-term biliary drainage (single-dilatation group; n = 26) were reviewed. Postoperative complications, jaundice remission, and sustained anastomosis patency were compared between the groups.All procedures were successful. No severe intraoperative complications, such as biliary bleeding and perforation, were observed. The jaundice remission rate in the first week was similar in the 2 groups. During the 26-month follow-up period, 3 patients in the repeated-dilatation group had recurrences (mean time to recurrence: 22.84 ± 0.67 months, range: 18-26 months). In the single-dilatation group, 15 patients had recurrences (mean time to recurrence = 15.28 ± 1.63 months, range: 3-18 months). The duration of patency after dilatation was significantly better in the repeated-dilatation group (P = .01). All patients with recurrence underwent repeat PTC followed by balloon dilatation and biliary drainage.Repeated balloon dilatation and biliary drainage is an effective, minimally invasive, and safe procedure for treating benign biliary-enteric anastomosis strictures, and provides significantly higher patency rates than single dilatation.

Endoscopic or laparoscopic approach for hepatolithiasis in the era of endoscopy in China

BACKGROUND

Many endoscopic procedures have been used to treat hepatolithiasis, including as laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH), laparoscopic intrahepatic duct exploration (LIDE), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, long-term results of such treatments are rarely reported. The series aimed to evaluate the immediate outcomes and long-term results of these treatments and their optimal indications.

METHODS

From January 2002 to April 2010, a total of 124 continuous patients with hepatolithiasis were primarily treated with endoscopic surgery, including LH (LH group, n = 37), LIDE (LIDE group n = 41), and ERCP (ERCP group, n = 46) at our two institutes. These cases were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' demographic variables, operative outcomes, complete clearance rate, and cholangitis recurrence rate were analyzed.

RESULTS

Complete stone clearance was achieved in 94.6 % of LH, 78.0 % of LIDE, and 67.4 % of ERCP patients. After a median follow-up period of 5.0 years (rang 2-8 years), we observed stone recurrence in 26.6 % (33/124) of patients and recurrent cholangitis in 24.2 % (30/124) of patients. Stricture, stones in both lobes, and non-hepatectomy treatments were significant risk factors for incomplete stone clearance on multivariate analysis. In addition, recurrent cholangitis was associated with non-hepatectomy therapy, Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, residual stones, and intrahepatic bile strictures.

CONCLUSION

In this study with 2-8 years of follow-up, residual stones, biliary stricture, Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and ERCP therapy were associated with recurrent stones and/or cholangitis after treatment, indicating that the modification of Sphincter of Oddi function and maintaining its normal pressure are very important.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria radiologic management of benign and malignant biliary obstruction

The optimal treatment for patients with biliary obstruction varies depending on the underlying cause of the obstruction, the clinical condition of the patient, and anticipated long-term effects of the procedure performed. Endoscopic and image-guided procedures are usually the initial procedures performed for biliary obstructions. Various options are available for both the radiologist and endoscopist, and each should be considered for any individual patient with biliary obstruction. This article provides an overview of the current status of radiologic procedures performed in the setting of biliary obstruction and describes multiple clinical scenarios that may be treated by radiologic or other methods. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

The biodurability of covering materials for metallic stents in a bile flow phantom

BACKGROUND

Covered biliary metal stents have been introduced for the purpose of overcoming tumor ingrowth and treatment of benign biliary stricture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biodurability of three commercially available biliary metal stent covering materials [e-PTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), silicone, and polyurethane] in a bile flow phantom.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By operation of a peristaltic pump, human bile was circulated continuously in an experimental perfusion system containing covered metal stents. Each stent was removed, respectively, 1, 2, 4, and 6 months after bile exposure. We performed a gross inspection of the covered stents. The covering membrane was detached from the stent and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, we measured tensile and tear strength of the membranes.

RESULTS

Bile-staining of the membrane showed gradual progression after bile exposure; however, progress was the fastest in e-PTFE. SEM examination showed that the polyurethane surface was smooth, and the silicone surface was relatively smooth. However, e-PTFE had a rough and uneven surface. After bile exposure, there were no significant changes in polyurethane and silicone; however, biofilms and microcracks were observed in e-PTFE. In contrast to a gradual decrease of tensile/tear strength of polyurethane and silicone, those of e-PTFE showed a rapid reduction despite of the strongest baseline tensile and tear strength.

CONCLUSION

e-PTFE tended to form biofilms more frequently than polyurethane and silicone during bile exposure. e-PTFE seemed to be less durable than silicone and polyurethane, however, as clinically applicable material because of strong absolute tensile/tear strengths.

Temporary placement of stent grafts in postsurgical benign biliary strictures: a single center experience

Objective

To evaluate the effect of temporary stent graft placement in the treatment of benign anastomotic biliary strictures.

Materials and Methods

Nine patients, five women and four men, 22-64 years old (mean, 47.5 years), with chronic benign biliary anastomotic strictures, refractory to repeated balloon dilations, were treated by prolonged, temporary placement of stent-grafts. Four patients had strictures following a liver transplantation; three of them in bilio-enteric anastomoses and one in a choledocho-choledochostomy. Four of the other five patients had strictures at bilio-enteric anastomoses, which developed after complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomies and in one after a Whipple procedure for duodenal carcinoma. In eight patients, balloon-expandable stent-grafts were placed and one patient was treated by insertion of a self-expanding stent-graft.

Results

In the transplant group, treatment of patients with bilio-enteric anastomoses was unsuccessful (mean stent duration, 30 days). The patient treated for stenosis in the choledocho-choledochostomy responded well to consecutive self-expanding stent-graft placement (total placement duration, 112 days). All patients with bilio-enteric anastomoses in the non-transplant group were treated successfully with stent-grafts (mean placement duration, 37 days).

Conclusion

Treatment of benign biliary strictures with temporary placement of stent-grafts has a positive effect, but is less successful in patients with strictures developed following a liver transplant.

Significance of controlling chronic proliferative cholangitis in the treatment of hepatolithiasis

BACKGROUND

Recently, high stone recurrence and biliary restenosis rates in hepatolithiasis patients have been confirmed to be closely related to chronic proliferative cholangitis (CPC). However, the effective management of CPC has not yet been established.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A vicious cycle exists between the presence of intrahepatic calculi and CPC: both the stone itself and secondary biliary infection can stimulate persistent hyperplasia in the biliary duct wall, leading to the occurrence of CPC and biliary stricture. The recurrent attacks of CPC will, in turn, facilitate new stone formation via mucoglycoprotein production, or induced biliary stricture and cholestasis. Thus, even when the stone is completely removed and the biliary tract stenosis is corrected, residual CPC will persist and progress, with an underlying risk for postoperative stone recurrence and biliary tract restenosis. Therefore, the perfect hepatolithiasis treatment would target stone removal and correction of the biliary tract stricture, as well as control of postoperative residual CPC. In fact, CPC, the management of which has been traditionally ignored, is the key to breaking this vicious cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the subsequent treatment of residual CPC after operation or choledochoscopic lithotomy would be helpful to decrease postoperative stone recurrence and the rate of biliary restenosis. Adding such treatment would reduce the incidence of surgical reintervention and choledochoscopic lithotomy, and it would also improve the postoperative hepatolithiasis outlook.

Malignant masquerade: dilemmas in diagnosing biliary obstruction

The hepatobiliary surgeon must be as familiar with the nonmalignant processes that can affect the extrahepatic biliary tree as they are with the malignant causes. Subtleties in the patient's history, presentation, and imaging studies may prevent unnecessary extensive hepatobiliary resection. The focus of this article deals with the etiology of nonmalignant obstruction at the biliary bifurcation and hilum and the mid-bile duct. It does not focus on either choledocholithiasis or pancreatitis, the two most common causes of distal bile duct obstruction. Obstruction from pancreatic cancer is also not the focus of this discussion.

[Management of chronic pancreatitis: endoscopy or surgery?]

The indications for interventional treatment (endoscopic or surgical) of chronic pancreatitis can be classified in several major groups of lesions or symptoms: pain, consequences of fibrosis on neighboring organs (biliary, duodenal or even colic stenosis, thrombosis of the splenic vein with segmental portal hypertension), consequences of duct rupture above the obstacle (persistent symptomatic pseudocyst, refractory pancreatic ascites), and suspected cancer. Finally, surgery is indicated for patients for whom endoscopic procedures are impossible (papillae inaccessible) or too close together. Recently, two new criteria have been suggested: the number of procedures necessary for achieving the objective set, and the duration of hospitalization.

Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: from imaging to intervention

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to familiarize the reader with the sonographic, CT, MR cholangiopancreatography, and ERCP appearances of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis and to briefly review the role of interventional radiology in the management of this disease.

CONCLUSION

Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis is a complex disease, the incidence of which is increasing in Western countries. Radiologists should be aware of the role of imaging in the diagnosis of this disease and the use of imaging as a guideline for subsequent intervention.

Long-term outcome of percutaneous transhepatic therapy for benign bilioenteric anastomotic strictures

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of a percutaneous transhepatic approach in benign bilioenteric anastomoses with calibration of the stenosis to 15 F and extended internal/external drainage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between February 2000 and May 2007, the efficacy of this percutaneous transhepatic procedure was retrospectively studied in 39 patients with benign postoperative bilioenteric anastomotic strictures. The main purpose of the protocol was to repair the anastomosis by calibration of the stenosis to 15 F with a silicone drain and perform internal/external drainage for at least 1 year. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 65 months (mean, 34.4 months), and outcomes were classified according to the patient's clinical symptoms and laboratory parameters and the need for further interventions.

RESULTS

The procedure was successful in 38 of 39 patients. Four patients were lost to follow-up during or after drainage. The duration of drainage (41 internal catheters in 34 patients) ranged from 126 days to 488 days (mean, 346 d). Twenty-seven patients had positive outcomes during the mean follow-up of 34 months, and six patients had negative outcomes. The bile duct patency probability according to the Kaplan-Meier method was and 70.6% at 34 months after drain removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous treatment of benign biliary strictures with calibrated stent implantation and extended drainage has good long-term results and may be an effective alternative to surgery. Advantages over surgery are its minimal invasiveness and reduced risk of complications.

Progress in treatment of iatrogenic bile duct stenosis

The occurrence of iatrogenic biliary tract injury is rapidly increased due to the wide practice of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. How to choose the appropriate operation time and procedure, is a challenge with which clinical doctor must face. Although there are many therapies for iatrogenic biliary tract injury, no therapy is perfect. We should pay our attention to the selection of therapies for it in order to achieve its better clinical therapeutic effect.

Percutaneous treatment of benign bile duct strictures

PURPOSE

To evaluate long-term results of treatment of benign bile duct strictures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 1994 to November 2005, 21 patients (9 men, 12 women) with median age of 50.6 years (range 27-77 years) were indicated to percutaneous treatment of benign bile duct stricture. Stricture of hepatic ducts junction resulting from thermic injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy was indication for treatment in one patient, stricture of hepaticojejunostomy was indication for treatment in all other patients. Clinical symptoms (obstructive jaundice, anicteric cholestasis, cholangitis or biliary cirrhosis) have appeared from 3 months to 12 years after surgery.

RESULTS

Initial internal/external biliary drainage was successful in 20 patients out of 21. These 20 patients after successful initial drainage were treated by balloon dilatation and long-term internal/external drainage. Sixteen patients were symptoms free during the follow-up. The relapse of clinical symptoms has appeared in four patients 9, 12, 14 and 24 months after treatment. One year primary clinical success rate of treatment for benign bile duct stricture was 94%. Additional two patients are symptoms free after redilatation (15 and 45 months). One patient is still in treatment, one patient died during secondary treatment period without interrelation with biliary intervention. The secondary clinical success rate is 100%.

CONCLUSION

Benign bile duct strictures of hepatic ducts junction or biliary-enteric anastomosis are difficult to treat surgically and endoscopically inaccessible. Percutaneous treatment by balloon dilatation and long-term internal/external drainage is feasible in the majority of these patients. It is minimally invasive, safe and effective.

Long-term outcome of endoscopic metallic stenting for benign biliary stenosis associated with chronic pancreatitis

AIM: Endoscopic metal stenting (EMS) offers good results in short to medium term follow-up for bile duct stenosis associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP); however, longer follow-up is needed to determine if EMS has the potential to become the treatment of first choice.

METHODS: EMS was performed in eight patients with severe common bile duct stenosis due to CP. After the resolution of cholestasis by endoscopic naso-biliary drainage three patients were subjected to EMS while, the other five underwent EMS following plastic tube stenting. The patients were followed up for more than 5 years through periodical laboratory tests and imaging techniques.

RESULTS: EMS was successfully performed in all the patients. Two patients died due to causes unrelated to the procedure: one with an acute myocardial infarction and the other with maxillary carcinoma at 2.8 and 5.5 years after EMS, respectively. One patient died with cholangitis because of EMS clogging 3.6 years after EMS. None of these three patients had showed symptoms of cholestasis during the follow-up period. Two patients developed choledocholithiasis and two suffered from duodenal ulcers due to dislodgement of the stent between 4.8 and 7.3 years after stenting; however, they were successfully treated endoscopically. Thus, five of eight patients are alive at present after a mean follow-up period of 7.4 years.

CONCLUSION: EMS is evidently one of the very promising treatment options for bile duct stenosis associated with CP, provided the patients are closely followed up; thus setting a system for their prompt management on emergency is desirable.

Metallic Stents for Treatment of Benign Biliary Obstruction: A Long-term Study Comparing Different Stents

PURPOSE

To investigate the role of metallic stents in the treatment of benign biliary strictures and analyze the differences in primary patency associated with the various types of stents deployed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1990 and 1997, 21 patients with benign obstructive jaundice were treated with transhepatic placement of metallic stents (11 Wallstents in 10 patients, nine Palmaz stents in seven patients, and four tantalum Strecker stents in four patients). Nineteen patients presented with strictures not responding to balloon angioplasty (postsurgical, n = 13; cholangitis, n = 5; unknown, n = 1). Estimates for cumulative patency, patency rate in the different stent groups, and survival were calculated with use of life-table analysis; the log-rank test was used to compare the different stent groups. The prognostic relevance of the selected variables-stent type, stent length, etiology, and location-were modeled with respect to patency according to Weibull distribution.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 80.5 months (range, 2-116 months). The median survival time was 91 months. One patient was lost to follow-up after 3 months. Repeat intervention for recurrent obstructive jaundice was necessary in 11 patients (55%), and the median patency rate was 26 months (range, 2-96 months). The Palmaz stent was the most effective in achieving long-term patency, with a median patency duration of 36 months (range, 22-96 months), versus 9 months (range, 3-67 months) for the Wallstent and 6 months (range, 2-15 months) for the tantalum Strecker stent. The cumulative patency rate with the Palmaz stent was significantly higher than for the tantalum Strecker stent (log-rank test, P = .017) and nonsignificantly higher compared with the Wallstent (log-rank test, P = .07). Multivariate analysis showed that the type of stent (Wald test, P = .003) and stent length (Wald test, P < .0001) influenced the patency rate.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the type of stent and the stent length have a significant influence on the patency rate. In this series, the Palmaz stent was most effective in achieving long-term patency in benign biliary strictures.

Systematic appraisal of the role of metallic endobiliary stents in the treatment of benign bile duct stricture

OBJECTIVE

To carry out a systematic appraisal of the current status of the use of metallic endobiliary stents in the treatment of benign biliary strictures.

METHODS

A computerized search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases identified 37 studies providing detailed clinical course data on outcome of metallic endobiliary stent placement in 400 patients. Pooled data were examined for etiology of stricture, indications for stent placement, procedure-related complications, and outcome with reference to stent patency.

RESULTS

The median (range) number of patients per report was 8 (2-54) with a median recruitment period of 44 (9-126) months. The most frequent indications were postoperative biliary strictures in 123 (31%), stenosed biliary-enteric anastomoses in 79 (20%), and biliary strictures following liver transplantation in 88 (22%). During a median follow up of 31 (1-111) months, 139 (35%) stents occluded, and there are little patency data beyond 2 years after deployment, with 99 (25%) known to be patent at 3 years from stent placement.

CONCLUSIONS

These pooled data on 400 patients constitute the largest collective report to date on the use of metallic endobiliary stents for benign biliary strictures. The results show a critical lack of data on long-term patency such that at the present time, metallic endobiliary stents should not be used for benign stricture in those patients with a predicted life expectancy greater than 2 years.

Systematic appraisal of the role of metallic endobiliary stents in the treatment of benign bile duct stricture

OBJECTIVE

To carry out a systematic appraisal of the current status of the use of metallic endobiliary stents in the treatment of benign biliary strictures.

METHODS

A computerized search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases identified 37 studies providing detailed clinical course data on outcome of metallic endobiliary stent placement in 400 patients. Pooled data were examined for etiology of stricture, indications for stent placement, procedure-related complications, and outcome with reference to stent patency.

RESULTS

The median (range) number of patients per report was 8 (2-54) with a median recruitment period of 44 (9-126) months. The most frequent indications were postoperative biliary strictures in 123 (31%), stenosed biliary-enteric anastomoses in 79 (20%), and biliary strictures following liver transplantation in 88 (22%). During a median follow up of 31 (1-111) months, 139 (35%) stents occluded, and there are little patency data beyond 2 years after deployment, with 99 (25%) known to be patent at 3 years from stent placement.

CONCLUSIONS

These pooled data on 400 patients constitute the largest collective report to date on the use of metallic endobiliary stents for benign biliary strictures. The results show a critical lack of data on long-term patency such that at the present time, metallic endobiliary stents should not be used for benign stricture in those patients with a predicted life expectancy greater than 2 years.

Benign hilar biliary strictures stented with metallic stents can be resected by using an oncologic approach

BACKGROUND

Biliary metallic stents (MS) are being used increasingly to treat patients with malignant bile duct strictures. In patients with benign strictures, MS are contraindicated because these stents are considered unremovable. The aim of this study was to report the operative treatment of patients with benign biliary strictures at the hepatic confluence stented with MS.

METHODS

Five patients with a benign hilar stenosis stented with MS underwent liver resection with biliodigestive anastomoses. The operations were designed to remove all MS by a combined biliary and hepatic resection.

RESULTS

After preoperative portal vein embolization in 2 patients and percutaneous biliary drainage in 2 others, all underwent a major hepatectomy with resection of the biliary confluence and a biliodigestive anastomosis. One patient also underwent resection of the portal vein bifurcation that could not be freed from the bile duct wall. Four patients experienced postoperative complications. With a mean follow-up of 37 months (range, 31-47 months), all patients have remained symptom-free.

CONCLUSIONS

Operative treatment of benign hilar strictures in patients with MS is possible if they are managed similarly as patients with hilar malignancies. This demanding procedure should be considered an alternative to liver transplantation for benign strictures treated with MS, but the procedure requires expertise in advanced hepatic resections.

Traitement de la sténose biliaire par prothèse métallique

A patient presented with a cholangiocarcinoma of the common bile duct; it was initially considered unresectable leading to the placement of the metallic stent whose upper end extended beyond the convergence of the hepatic ducts. The metallic biliary stent became obstructed and so encrusted as to be unremovable; the patient required a left hepatectomy with resection of the stent and the biliary convergence in addition to a pancreatoduodenectomy in order to resect his primary lesion This difficult situation emphasizes that, whenever there is doubt as to the resectability of a biliary lesion, the decision to place a metallic stent should be the fruit of a thorough medico-surgical discussion; where there is any doubt, a plastic stent which is more easily removable should be placed.

Laparoscopic Treatment of Intrahepatic Duct Stone

Between October 1998 and November 1999, 12 patients with IHD stones, without severe ductal stricture, adhesion due to previous exploration, intrahepatic abscess or suspicious malignancy, were in the subjects of this study. A 4-port-technique was performed, with a 4-way flexible choledochoscope, via a choledochotomy, for removal of the stones. The postoperative follow-up for recurrent stones was performed with a cholangiogram and an ultrasonogram, and the quality of life was evaluated by a questionnaire for the symptoms. The mean operating time was 288.3 (150-420) minutes. There was only one postoperative complication, but no intraoperative transfusions or perioperative mortality. Remnant stones were detected in 1 patient on the final T-tube cholangiogram, which was removed by percutaneous choledochoscopy, through the tract matured by the T-tube. There were no cholangitis or recurrent stones during the mean follow-up period of 31.4 (10-45) months. With increasing demand for minimal invasiveness, the laparoscopic treatment of IHD stones could be an effective option.

Risk factors for recurrent cholangitis after initial hepatolithiasis treatment

GOALS

To elucidate the risk factors that can affect the rate of cholangitis after hepatolithiasis treatment.

BACKGROUND

Hepatolithiasis is prevalent in East Asia and causes long-term complications. Recurrent cholangitis is one of its most serious complications and can lead to biliary stricture, liver cirrhosis, and even cholangiocarcinoma. However, little is known about the risk factors associated with cholangitis.

STUDY

The clinical records of 193 patients with hepatolithiasis who had been newly diagnosed and treated were reviewed. The mean follow-up was 56 months (1-242 months).

RESULTS

Cumulative cholangitis rates were 25.0% at 3 years and 37.0% at 5 years. By multivariate analysis, cholangitis was associated with hepatic resection (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12-0.65), residual stones (HR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.05-2.98), and recurrent stones (HR = 4.02; 95% CI: 1.31-12.36), but not Sphincter of Oddi disruption. Though biliary stricture did not in general affect the cholangitis rate, a stricture located in the common hepatic or common bile duct was associated with a higher rate of cholangitis than a stricture in the intrahepatic duct alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholangitis occurs frequently in hepatolithiasis patients with a common hepatic or common bile duct stricture, residual stones, recurrent stones, and in those that are treated by nonhepatic resection.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic treatment of patients with benign bilio-enteric anastomotic strictures

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy is a nonoperative method for accessing bilio-enteric anastomotic strictures that cannot be reached via the transpapillary route. This study evaluated the immediate and long-term results of treatment via percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy of patients with benign bilio-enteric anastomotic strictures.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 21 patients who, between October 1994 and March 2001, had undergone percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy for bilio-enteric anastomotic strictures. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 79 months (mean 33.3 months).

RESULTS

The initial technical success rate was 100%, and the short-term morbidity and mortality rates were, respectively, 14.3% and 0%. However, strictures recurred in 8 patients (38.1%) at a mean of 17.1 months (range 2-38 months). The success rate exclusive of patients with recurrent strictures was 61.9%, and the overall success rate was 81.0% when the procedures were repeated. The long-term morbidity rate was 38.1%, but most complications resolved with conservative treatment. In 17 patients (81.0%), strictures were complicated by biliary stones, and these were successfully treated via percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (stone removal rate 94.1%, recurrence rate 37.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy-based treatment of patients with benign bilio-enteric anastomotic strictures is safe and effective. This minimally invasive method frequently can be used as a substitute for surgery.

Efficacy of endoscopic and percutaneous treatments for biliary complications after cadaveric and living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous transhepatic radiologic procedures as well as ERCP-based techniques have been used to treat biliary complications after liver transplantation. However, the efficacy of these treatments has not yet been clarified, especially for complications occurring after living donor liver transplantation.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed to determine the frequency and types of the biliary complications after cadaveric donor liver transplantation and living donor liver transplantation. The success of ERCP and percutaneous transhepatic radiologic procedures was also evaluated. The choice of treatment approach, ERCP or percutaneous transhepatic radiologic procedures, depended on the type of biliary reconstruction and accessibility of the lesion.

RESULTS

Among 429 adult patients who underwent liver transplantation, 39 biliary complications developed in 25 patients (5.8%): biliary stricture (20), biliary stones (10), and bile leak (9). The frequency of biliary complications (5.8%; 6/103) after cadaveric donor liver transplantation was not significantly different compared with that after living donor liver transplantation (5.8%; 19/326). Success rates for treatment of biliary complications by means of ERCP and percutaneous transhepatic radiologic procedures were, respectively, 100% (11/11) and 78% (18/23). For endoscopically treated patients, balloon dilation alone for biliary strictures and nasobiliary tube placement alone for bile leaks resulted in complete resolution of the complication in, respectively, 67% (2/3) and 40% (2/5) without further intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Transpapillary endoscopic and percutaneous transhepatic radiologic interventions are both effective therapies for biliary complications associated with liver transplantation. They are complementary approaches that help to avoid surgery for these complications.

Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: comparison between MR cholangiography and direct cholangiography

PURPOSE

To compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiography with that of direct cholangiography for the evaluation of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis underwent MR cholangiography before surgery, and 18 of these 24 also underwent direct cholangiography. Two reviewers evaluated MR cholangiograms and direct cholangiograms and focused on identifying intrahepatic ductal dilatation, stricture, and calculi, as well as coexistent parenchymal abnormalities, on the basis of the classification of the internal lobes and segments of the liver. These observations were compared with surgical findings.

RESULTS

According to examination results in the surgical specimens, 24 patients had 46 segmental abnormalities. MR cholangiography depicted all 46 (100%) segments with ductal dilatation, 22 (96%) of 23 segments with focal ductal stricture, and 43 (98%) of 44 segments with ductal calculi. Eighteen patients who underwent direct cholangiography had 32 segmental abnormalities according to examination results in the surgical specimens. Direct cholangiography depicted 15 (47%) of 32 segments with ductal dilatation, eight (44%) of 18 segments with focal ductal stricture, and 14 (45%) of 31 segments with ductal calculi.

CONCLUSION

MR cholangiography is superior to direct cholangiography for accurate topographic evaluation of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis because it is able to depict all of the biliary tree, despite obstruction or stenosis.

Evaluation of the biodurability of polyurethane-covered stent using a flow phantom

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the biodurability of the covering material in retrievable metallic stents covered with polycarbonate polyurethane.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a peristaltic pump at a constant rate of 1 ml/min, bile was recirculated from a reservoir through a long tube containing four stents. Each of these was removed from the system every two weeks and a radial tensile strength test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. Each stent, removed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks, was compared with a control stent not exposed to bile juice.

RESULTS

Gross examination showed that stents were intact at 2 weeks, but at 4, 6 and 8 weeks cracks were observed. The size of these increased gradually in accordance with the duration of exposure, and at 8 weeks several large holes in the polyurethane membrane were evident. With regard to radial tensile strength, extension and peak load at break were 84.47% and 10.030 N/mm, 54.90% and 6.769 N/mm, 16.55% and 2.452 N/mm, 11.21% and 1.373 N/mm at 0, 2, 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy at 2 weeks revealed intermittent pitting and cracking, and examination at 4, 6 and 8 weeks showed that the size of these defects was gradually increasing.

CONCLUSION

When the polyurethane membrane was exposed to bile, biodegradation was first observed at week two and increased gradually according to the duration of exposure.

Successful removal of a stone and an expandable metallic stent from the biliary tract of a patient with acute occlusive pyogenic cholangitis

We removed a biliary stone and the metallic stent placed two years previously in a patient with benign biliary strictures. An 80-year-old woman who had been inplanted with an expandable metallic stent (EMS) to prevent obstruction by a large common bile duct stone about two years before as an emergency measure in another hospital, was afficted with acute occlusive pyogenic cholangitis (AOPC) and hospitalized in our hospital. After treating the AOPC, we successfully removed the EMS with a cholangioscope and normal biopsy forceps through the percutaneous transhepatic channel under fluoroscopy. The type of the EMS was Accufulex stent. To remove it was easier than expected. Once it started to unravel, it was removed from the common bile duct within a few minutes.

Acute (ascending) cholangitis

Cholangitis is an infection of an obstructed biliary system, most commonly due to common bile duct stones. Bacteria reach the biliary system either by ascent from the intestine or by the portal venous system. Once the biliary system is colonized, biliary stasis allows bacterial multiplication, and increased biliary pressures enable the bacteria to penetrate cellular barriers and enter the bloodstream. Patients with cholangitis are febrile, often have abdominal pain, and are jaundiced. A minority of patients present in shock with hypotension and altered mentation. There is usually a leukocytosis, and the alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels are generally elevated. Noninvasive diagnostic techniques include sonography, which is the recommended initial imaging modality. Standard CT, helical CT cholangiography, and magnetic resonance cholangiography often add important information regarding the type and level of obstruction. Endoscopic sonography is a more invasive means of obtaining high-quality imaging, and endoscopic or percutaneous cholangiography offers the opportunity to perform a therapeutic procedure at the time of diagnostic imaging. Endoscopic modalities currently are favored over percutaneous procedures because of a lower risk of complication. Treatment includes fluid resuscitation and antimicrobial agents that cover enteric flora. Biliary decompression is required when patients do not rapidly respond to conservative therapy. Definitive therapy can be performed by a surgical, percutaneous, or endoscopic route; the last is favored because it is the least invasive and has the lowest complication rate. Overall prognosis depends on the severity of the illness at the time of presentation and the cause of the biliary obstruction.

Percutaneous transhepatic placement of metallic stents in the treatment of complicated intrahepatic biliary stricture with hepatolithiasis: a preliminary report

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to study the effect of the metallic modified Gianturco-Rosch Z-stent in the management of refractory intrahepatic long-segment biliary strictures with hepatolithiasis.

METHODS

Six symptomatic patients with hepatolithiasis and coexisting intrahepatic long-segment biliary strictures, who failed to respond to the silastic external-internal biliary stenting, were selected. The metallic modified Gianturco-Rosch Z-stent was placed via percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography at the strictured site. Patients were followed regularly to evaluate for recurrence of cholangitis, stones, or strictures.

RESULTS

No complications were observed during the procedures. No recurrent strictures or formed calculi were found in these six patients during follow-up periods of 29 to 64 months. However, cholangitis and intrahepatic biliary muddy sludge occurred at 7 and 30 months in two patients after the placement of the metallic Z-stent. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy was used to clear sludge completely.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience suggests that the metallic stent is a well-tolerated and promising alternative in the management of refractory intrahepatic long-segment biliary strictures with hepatolithiasis. Though biliary sludge may develop, it can be detected and cleared early. Repeated surgery can thus be avoided.

Current Management of Recurrent Pyogenic Cholangitis

Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) is a chronic disease with multiple exacerbations requiring repeated biliary dilatation and stone removal. Even after adequate biliary drainage, most patients will have progression of intrahepatic disease. Management of patients with RPC is a multidisciplinary challenge for endoscopists, interventional radiologists, and surgeons because of the frequency and inaccessibility of strictures and stones. Complete stone clearance at any one operation is difficult. Hepaticojejunostomy with a subcutaneous afferent limb is a safe and effective way to provide access to the biliary tree for the management of patients with RPC. In our experience, trans-stomal cholangioscopic stricture dilatation followed by stone removal remains the basis of therapy in patients with RPC. By diligent surveillance, we should be able to eliminate or decrease the number of stones and prevent cholangitis and its sequelae.