Long-term clinical outcomes after endovascular management of ruptured pseudoaneurysm in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy

Stent-graft implantation for late postpancreatectomy hemorrhage after pancreatoduodenectomy

PURPOSE

Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. Stent-graft implantation is an emerging treatment option for PPH. This study reports the outcome of PPH treated with stent-graft implantation.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective study. Between April 2020 and December 2023, 1723 pancreatectomy cases were collected while we screened 12 cases of PPH after pancreatoduodenectomy treated with stent-graft implantation. Patients' medical and radiologic images were retrospectively reviewed. Technical and clinical success, complications, and stent-graft patency were evaluated. Continuous data are reported as means ± standard deviation when normally distributed or as median (Q1, Q3) when the data is non-normal distributed. Categorical data are reported as n (%). A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used for stent patency and patients' survival.

RESULTS

Pancreatic fistula was identified in 6 cases (50.0%), and pseudoaneurysm was identified in 3 cases (25.0%), including pancreatic fistula together with pseudoaneurysm in 1 case (8.3%). All pseudoaneurysm or contrast extravasation sites were successfully excluded with patent distal perfusion, thus technical success was achieved in all cases. The overall survival rate at 6 months and 1 year was 91.7% and 78.6%, respectively. One patient had herniation of the small intestine into the thoracic cavity, which caused a broad thoracic and abdominal infection and died during hospitalization. Rebleeding occurred at the gastroduodenal artery stump in 1 case after stent-graft implantation for the splenic artery and was successfully treated with another stent-graft implantation. Two cases of asymptomatic stent-graft occlusion were observed at 24.6 and 26.3 after the operation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

With suitable anatomy, covered stent-graft implantation is an effective and safe treatment option for PPH with various bleeding sites and causes.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Self-Expandable vs. Balloon-Expandable Stent Grafts in Visceral Artery Aneurysm Management

PURPOSE

This study assesses the efficacy and safety of self-expandable (SE) versus balloon-expandable (BE) stent grafts for managing visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs), focusing on procedural success and complication rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of VAA patients treated at our institution from April 2006 to September 2021. The study reviewed patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes, including endoleaks.

RESULTS

Among the 23 patients analyzed, splenic artery aneurysms represented 44% of cases. Fifteen patients were treated with balloon-expandable stent grafts (BE SGs), and eight patients were treated with self-expandable stent grafts (SE SGs). For saccular aneurysms, the average neck size was 10.10 ± 8.70 mm in the BE group versus 18.50 ± 3.40 mm in the SE group (p = 0.23), with an average sac size of 20.10 ± 18.9 mm in the BE group versus 15.60 ± 12.7 mm in the SE group (p = 0.16). The average sac-to-neck ratio was 1.69 ± 2.23 in the BE group versus 1.38 ± 0.33 in the SE group (p = 0.63). The BE group exhibited a significantly higher endoleak rate (60%) compared to the SE group (12.5%; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

While further investigation is needed to fully assess the outcomes of stent graft treatment for VAAs, initial data show a significantly higher endoleak rate with BE SGs compared to SE SGs. The SE SGs may offer better outcomes due to their superior ability to conform to tortuous and mobile visceral arteries.

Stent-Graft Placement for Hepatic Arterial Hemorrhage after Pancreaticobiliary Surgery: Long-Term Clinical Outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and long-term clinical outcomes of stent-graft placement to treat hepatic arterial hemorrhage after pancreaticobiliary surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Outcomes were retrospectively evaluated in 61 patients (50 men and 11 women; mean age, 63 years) who underwent stent-graft placement for delayed arterial hemorrhage (after 24 hours) after pancreaticobiliary surgery from 2006 to 2023. Bleeding sites included the gastroduodenal artery stump (n = 54), common or proper hepatic artery (n = 5), and right hepatic artery (n = 2). The stent-grafts used were Viabahn (n = 27), Comvi (n = 11), Jostent (n = 3), Covera (n = 11), and Lifestream (n = 7). Technical and clinical success and adverse events (AE) were evaluated. After stent-graft placement, overall survival (OS), hemorrhage-free survival (HFS), and stent patency were evaluated.

RESULTS

The technical and clinical success rates of stent-graft placement were 97% and 93%, respectively. The severe AE rate was 12% and was significantly higher in patients who underwent pylorus-sacrificing rather than pylorus-preserving surgery (P = .001). None of the severe AEs were associated with patient mortality. Median OS after stent-graft placement was 854 days, and median HFS was 822 days. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year stent patency rates were 87%, 84%, 79%, and 72%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent-graft placement was safe and provided long-term control of hepatic arterial hemorrhage after pancreaticobiliary surgery.

Endovascular treatment of postoperative hemorrhage after pancreatectomy: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Ruptured aneurysm is a serious complication of distal pancreatectomy (DP) or pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a Viabahn stent graft for stopping bleeding after pancreatectomy.

METHODS

Between April 2016 and June 2022, we performed 245 pancreatectomies in our institution. Six patients experienced postoperative bleeding and underwent endovascular treatment.

RESULTS

All six cases of bleeding occurred post-PD (3.7%). The bleeding was from gastroduodenal artery (GDA) pseudoaneurysms in three patients, and Viabahn stent grafts were inserted. All three patients did not show liver function abnormalities or hepatic blood flow disorders. One patient with a Viabahn stent graft experienced rebleeding, which required further management to obtain hemostasis. Of the six cases in which there was hemorrhage, one case of bleeding from the native hepatic artery could not be managed.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the Viabahn stent graft is an effective treatment option for postoperative bleeding from GDA pseudoaneurysms following PD. In most cases, using this device resulted in successful hemostasis, without observed abnormalities in hepatic function or blood flow.

Transcatheter arterial embolization of the common hepatic artery for pseudoaneurysm after a laparoscopic-assisted pancreaticoduodenectomy: A case report

Common hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy, and the possible cause is unclear. We report a case of intraperitoneal hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy who was discharged after embolization under digital subtraction angiography. We conside that this complication may be related to iatrogenic injury.

Covered stent treatment for arterial complications after pancreatic surgery: risk assessment for recurrence and peri-stent implantation management

OBJECTIVES

To explore the risk factors for recurrence of arterial complications after pancreatectomy during the period of covered stent implantation and to provide some opinions on peri-stent implantation management.

METHODS

Data on patients implanted with covered stents due to arterial complications after pancreatectomy between January 2017 and December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Technical success, clinical success, recurrence, and survival were evaluated to elucidate the practicability of covered stents. Wilson score, Random Forest, logistic regression, and Pearson's chi-square test with bootstrap aggregation were performed for determining the perioperative risk factors for recurrence.

RESULTS

Among all fifty-five patients, success stent implantation (technical success) was achieved 100%. Patients who were hemodynamically stabilized without further treatment for artery complications in situ (clinical success) accounted for 89.1%. Based on statistical analysis, pre-stent implantation pancreatic fistula was identified as a robust recurrence-related risk factor for preoperative assessment (p = 0.02, OR = 4.5, 95% CI [1.2, 16.9]; p_bootstrap = 0.02). Post-stent implantation pancreatic fistula (p = 0.01, OR 4.5, 95% CI [1.4, 14.6]; p_bootstrap < 0.05) and SMA branches or GDA stumps (p = 0.02, OR 3.4, 95% CI [1.1, 10.3]) were relevant to recurrence. The survival rate during hospitalization was 87.3%. All survivors were free from recurrence during the subsequent follow-up. Vasospasm and stent occlusion were observed as short-term and long-term complications, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A covered stent implantation is a feasible and effective treatment option for post-pancreatectomy arterial complications. Rigorous management of pancreatic fistula, timely detection of problems, sensible strategies during stent implantation, and reasonable anticoagulation therapy are necessary for a better prognosis.

KEY POINTS

• A covered stent is feasible for various artery-related complications after pancreatectomy and has an ideal therapeutic effect. • Pancreatic fistula during the perioperative period of the covered stent is an independent risk factor for recurrent arterial complications and SMA branches or GDA stumps are prone to be recurrent offending arteries. • Rigorous management of pancreatic fistula, timely detection of problems, sensible strategies during stent implantation, and reasonable anticoagulation therapy are necessary for a better prognosis.

Interventional Radiological Management and Prevention of Complications after Pancreatic Surgery: Drainage, Embolization and Islet Auto-Transplantation

Pancreatic surgery still remains burdened by high levels of morbidity and mortality with a relevant incidence of complications, even in high volume centers. This review highlights the interventional radiological management of complications after pancreatic surgery. The current literature regarding the percutaneous drainage of fluid collections due to pancreatic fistulas, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage due to biliary leaks and transcatheter embolization (or stent–graft) due to arterial bleeding is analyzed. Moreover, also, percutaneous intra-portal islet auto-transplantation for the prevention of pancreatogenic diabetes in case of extended pancreatic resection is also examined. Moreover, a topic not usually treated in other similar reviewsas percutaneous intra-portal islet auto-transplantation for the prevention of pancreatogenic diabetes in case of extended pancreatic resection is also one of our areas of focus. In islet auto-transplantation, the patient is simultaneously donor and recipient. Differently from islet allo-transplantation, it does not require immunosuppression, has no risk of rejection and is usually efficient with a small number of transplanted islets.

Covered stent placement for gastroduodenal artery stump hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy: long-term patency and risk factor of stent failure

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of covered stent placement in patients with gastroduodenal artery (GDA) stump hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and to identify risk factors of stent failure.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Covered stent was placed in total of 21 patients for GDA stump hemorrhage after PD from September 2012 to March 2021. Technical and clinical success, complications, and stent patency were retrospectively evaluated. Nine relevant variables were analyzed to determine risk factors for stent failure.

RESULTS

In 20 of 21 patients (95.2%), the GDA stump was completely excluded with covered stent placement. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in the 20 patients and rebleeding from jejunal artery occurred in one patient which was successfully embolized one day after the stent placement. There was no procedure-related complication or early mortality (<30 days). During follow-up period (median 655.5 days), stent thrombosis was found on CT in 10 patients (50.0%, 10/20) without any laboratory or CT abnormalities. One thrombosed stent migrated into the jejunum 20 months after placement. The six-month, one-year, and two-year stent patency were 81.9%, 52.9%, and 37.8%, respectively (median 620 days). The recurrence of primary malignancy was associated with stent failure (HR 5.70; 95% CI 1.18-27.76, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Covered stent placement is an effective and safe management of postoperative GDA stump hemorrhage. Stent failure occurred frequently (50%) but did not cause liver ischemia. Stent failure was associated with recurrence of primary malignancy.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

1. Covered stent placement is an effective and safe management of postoperative GDA stump hemorrhage.2. Stent failure occurred frequently (50%) but did not cause liver ischemia.3. Stent failure was associated with recurrence of primary malignancy.

Long-Term Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes after Stent-Graft Placement for the Treatment of Late-Onset Post-Pancreaticoduodenectomy Arterial Hemorrhage

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term radiologic and clinical outcomes of stent-graft placement for the treatment of post-pancreaticoduodenectomy arterial hemorrhage (PPAH) based on the imaging findings of stent-graft patency and results of liver function tests.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of nine consecutive patients who underwent stent-graft placement for PPAH between June 2012 and May 2017. We analyzed the immediate technical and clinical outcomes and liver function test results. Stent-graft patency was evaluated using serial CT angiography images.

Results

All stent-grafts were deployed in the intended position for the immediate cessation of arterial hemorrhage and preservation of hepatic arterial blood flow. Technical success was achieved in all nine patients. Eight patients survived after discharge, and one patient died on postoperative day 28. The median follow-up duration was 781 days (range: 28-1766 days). Follow-up CT angiography revealed stent-graft occlusion in all patients. However, serum aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase levels in all patients were well below those observed in hepatic infarction cases.

Conclusion

Stent-graft placement is a safe and effective treatment method for acute life-threatening PPAH. Liver function and distal hepatic arterial blood flow were maintained postoperatively despite the high incidence of stent-graft occlusion observed on follow-up CT.

Application of interventional embolization in the treatment of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical effectiveness and safety of endovascular embolization for the treatment of pseudoaneurysm secondary to previous abdominal and pelvic surgery or radiological percutaneous abdominal procedure. A retrospective review was performed on all patients with abdominal and pelvic pseudoaneurysm confirmed by CT angiography or digital subtraction angiography and treated with endovascular embolization. Different techniques of embolization with coils were applied and the outcomes, including clinical effectiveness and safety, were assessed. A total of 31 patients with a total of 32 pseudoaneurysms were included in the present study. Of these pseudoaneurysms, 23 were from the main trunks and branches of the gastroduodenal artery, 5 were from the splenic artery, 2 were from the common hepatic artery, 1 was from the right hepatic artery and 1 was from the right internal iliac artery. There were no serious complications observed and there was no occurrence of re-bleeding following embolization. The embolization of the pseudoaneurysms was successful in all patients. In conclusion, endovascular embolization is a safe and effective method for the treatment of secondary iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm in the abdomen and pelvis.

Clinical efficacy of coil embolization in treating pseudoaneurysm post-Whipple operation

The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of angiography and coil embolization for pseudoaneurysm post-pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). A total of 17 patients with gastrointestinal or abdominal hemorrhage after PD were included in the present study. Angiography was performed on the celiac artery, common hepatic artery, splenic artery, gastroduodenal artery and superior mesenteric artery to determine the size of the pseudoaneurysm, the parent artery and its collateral branches. A variety of embolization techniques have been applied to embolize pseudoaneurysm, including the sac packing technique, proximal embolization, exclusion technique and sandwich technique. Different techniques with coils were used for embolization and the clinical effects of embolization were analyzed. A total of 18 pseudoaneurysms were identified in 17 patients. In 2 patients, severe technical complications occurred, including migration of the coil and rupture of pseudoaneurysm, and one of them died, which may have been associated with this complication. No serious clinical complications were observed in the other patients. A total of 7 patients had mild clinical complications, including mild abdominal and dorsal pain, which were alleviated after symptomatic management. A total of 15 patients with definite pseudoaneurysm were successfully embolized without re-bleeding and complications. The clinical success rate was 94.1% (16/17). In conclusion, a variety of embolization techniques may be applied for the treatment of pseudoaneurysm after PD, which have high technical and clinical success rates and small trauma. It is recommended in emergency situations, but care should be taken to avoid serious technical complications.

Imaging features of Vertebral Aneurysmal Bone Cyst and the clinical value of interventional embolization

The current study aimed to investigate the imaging manifestations of vertebral aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), and examine the clinical value of interventional embolization. Imaging examinations of 5 patients with pathologically confirmed spinal ABC were analysed and arterial angiography and embolization were performed prior to surgery. The cases in this cohort exhibited different degrees of intrusion into the vertebral arch and spinous and transverse processes. Lesions that protruded into the spinal canal resulted in compression of the thecal sac and spinal cord. Enlargement of arteries was detected by digital subtraction angiography and decreased significantly following embolization. Blood loss during surgery was also significantly reduced. Preoperative embolization of ABC reduces bleeding and allows for easy access to tissue, which is of great clinical value.

Clinical features and outcomes of endovascular treatment of latent pseudoaneurysmal bleeding after pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

The endovascular treatment is the first-line therapy for late massive arterial haemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of patients who experienced pseudoaneurysm (PA) bleeding after PD and treated with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and stent-graft placement (SGP).

METHODS

A total of 37 patients (TAE = 16, stent graft = 16, both = 5) had an endovascular treatment due to hepatic artery PA bleeding after PD at our institution from January 2008 to December 2018.

RESULTS

There were 35 men and two women with a mean age of 62 years (range 45-82 years). The latency of bleeding ranged from postoperative days 3 to 46 (median day 21). The most common site of bleeding was gastroduodenal artery stump (n = 22). In TAE group (n = 16), the technical success rate was 100% and the clinical success rate was 87.5%. In SGP group (n = 16), the technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 93.8%. Five patients underwent SGP and TAE simultaneously; TAE was performed to prevent endoleak. A total of three patients experienced hepatic ischaemia (TAE = 2, SGP = 1). However, there was no statistically significant difference of hepatic ischaemia occurrence between the two groups P = 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with suspected PA, urgent angiography should be considered immediately for diagnosis and treatment. The SGP can be performed first if it is technically feasible. However, TAE is also a safe and effective treatment in patients with intact portal flow, as well as those with preserved collateral pathways after hepatobiliary surgery.

Stent graft treatment for ruptured pseudoaneurysms of the splanchnic arteries after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a case report

Background

Hemorrhage due to a ruptured splanchnic pseudoaneurysm followed by the formation of a postoperative pancreatic fistula is the most severe complication of a pancreatectomy, sometimes leading to a fatal outcome. Stent graft placement to control the hemorrhage due to the pseudoaneurysm is a validated treatment option, but once the stent graft is infected, infection control is complicated. We report a case of a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the splanchnic artery after pancreaticoduodenectomy to evaluate the stent graft treatment.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old man underwent pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for suspected distal bile duct cancer. Hemorrhage from a pseudoaneurysm of the common hepatic artery due to the formation of the pancreatic fistula was detected on postoperative day 9, and a stent graft was successfully placed with the preservation of hepatic arterial blood flow. On postoperative day 12, new-onset hemorrhage from a pseudoaneurysm of the right hepatic artery developed, and a stent graft was similarly placed, but immediately occluded. Refractory pancreatic and biliary fistulas developed and required continuous drainage. On postoperative day 85, computed tomography revealed the presence of air within the latter stent graft, which indicated infection of the stent graft. The patient died due to sepsis caused by the graft infection.

Conclusion

Stent graft placement for the treatment of hemorrhage of a pseudoaneurysm secondary to a postoperative pancreatic fistula, following pancreaticoduodenectomy, is an effective treatment option as it achieves immediate hemostasis and maintains end-organ perfusion. However, stent graft infection is the most detrimental complication.

Current management strategies for visceral artery aneurysms: an overview

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAAs) are rare and affect the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery, and their branches. The natural history of VAAs is not well understood as they are often asymptomatic and found incidentally; however, they carry a risk of rupture that can result in death from hemorrhage in the peritoneal cavity, retroperitoneal space, or gastrointestinal tract. Recent advances in imaging technology and its availability allow us to diagnose all types of VAA. VAAs can be treated by open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, endovascular therapy, or a hybrid approach. However, there are still no specific indications for the treatment of VAAs, and the best strategy depends on the anatomical location of the aneurysm as well as the clinical presentation of the patient. This article reviews the literature on the etiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and anatomic characteristics of each type of VAA and discusses the current options for their treatment and management.