The novel technique of drainage stenting using a tapered sheath dilator in endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage

During endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD), there is a risk for bile leakage until stent deployment, which can result in severe peritonitis, particularly when passing a drainage stent becomes challenging despite tract dilation. There is no established method or dedicated device to optimize EUS-BD. Therefore, we have developed a novel stent deployment technique using the tapered sheath dilator. To address the safety and technical aspects of the EUS-BD technique, we retrospectively analyzed 11 consecutive patients who underwent EUS-BD using the tapered sheath dilator. The procedure involved the insertion of a guidewire, followed by mechanical dilation using the tapered sheath dilator. Subsequently, the inner catheter was removed and drainage stents (up to 6 Fr in diameter) were deployed through the outer sheath. We found a 100% technical success rate for tract dilation and stent deployment; moreover, all patients achieved clinical success. The median time for dilation was 40 s (range, 8-198), whereas the median time from dilation to stent deployment was 10 min (range, 6-19). Notably, no cases of bile leakage or peritonitis were observed. In conclusion, the use of the integrated device for tract dilation and stent delivery system might provide a safe and straightforward technique for drainage stenting during EUS-BD.

The Course of Endoscopic Treatment Success in Biliary Complications After Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Objective

Our aim was to present the results of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) between February 2015 and June 2021.

Methods

Clinical data included LDLT indications, time to perform ERCP after LDLT, number of ERCP procedures, indications for ERCP, and all treatment outcomes, including ERCP, percutaneous, and surgical interventions. We compared the obtained data with our previous study published by our team in 2018, which included 446 patients who underwent ERCP for biliary complications after LDLT between 2005 and 2015.

Results

We performed ERCP in 283 of 1506 patients with LDLT who underwent duct-to-duct anastomosis during transplantation and then developed biliary complications. Our endoscopic success rates were 60.9% and 71.0% in the previous and present studies, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the success rate of endoscopic treatment of biliary complications in patients with LDLT increases in correlation with the increasing experience of clinicians treating these patients.

Multiple cystic echinococcosis in abdominal and pelvic cavity treated by surgery with a 4-year follow-up: a case report

We report a case of a male patient who presented with multiple abdominal and pelvic echinococcosis. The patient had been diagnosed with hepatic echinococcosis for 7 years and developed intermittent distension and discomfort in the upper abdomen after an accidental fall. In recent years, the patient's abdominal distention increased gradually. Computed tomography revealed multiple hydatid cysts in the liver, spleen, abdominal cavity, and pelvic cavity. Abdominal organs were severely compressed, such that he could not eat normally except for a liquid diet. The patient underwent radical surgical resection based on the multi-disciplinary treatment (MDT) and the operation lasted 10 h, nearly 100 hydatid cysts were excised, about 18 liters of cyst fluid and cyst contents were removed, and the patient lost 20 kg of weight after surgery. The operation was successful, but there were still some postoperative complications such as hypovolemic shock, postoperative ascites, postoperative bile leakage. Treatment measures for the patient were anti-infection, antishock, clamping the abdominal drainage tube, and negative pressure abdominal puncture drainage. At follow up the patient's quality of life had been significantly improved with 15 kg weight gain compared to before.

Risk factors of postoperative bile leakage after liver resection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative bile leakage (POBL) is one of the most common complications after liver resection. However, current studies on the risk factors for POBL and their impacts on surgical outcomes need to be more consistent. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to analyze the risk factors for POBL after hepatectomy.

METHODS

We incorporated all eligible studies from Embase, PubMed, and the Web of Science database (until July 2022) into this study. RevMan and STATA software were used to analyze the extracted data.

RESULTS

A total of 39 studies, including 43,824 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. We found that gender, partial hepatectomy, repeat of hepatectomy, extended hepatectomy, abdominal drain, diabetes, Child≥B, solitary tumor, and chemotherapy are the factors of grade B and C POBL. Some recognized risk factors were considered potential risk factors for grade B and C bile leakage because no subgroup analysis was performed, like HCC, cholangiocarcinoma, major resection, posterior sectionectomy, bi-segmentectomy, S4 involved, S8 involved, central hepatectomy, and bile duct resection/reconstruction. Meanwhile, cirrhosis, benign diseases, left hepatectomy, and Segment 1 resection were not significant for grade B and C bile leakage. The influence of lateral sectionectomy, anterior sectionectomy, S1 involved, S3 involved, high-risk procedure, laparoscope, and blood loss>1000 mL on POBL of ISGLS needs further research. Meanwhile, POBL significantly influenced overall survival (OS) after liver resection.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several risk factors for POBL after hepatectomy, which could prompt the clinician to decrease POBL rates and make more beneficial decisions for patients who underwent the hepatectomy.

Surgical treatment of postoperative intractable bile leakage after liver tumor surgery in children

Aim

To summarize systematically our six-year experience in the surgical treatment of postoperative bile leakage after liver tumor surgery in children, and explore its reoperation approach and treatment effect.

Methods

The clinical data of 6 patients with postoperative bile leakage cured by surgery from January 2016 to January 2022 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Among the six pediatric patients with postoperative bile leakage cured by surgery, four were male (67%) and two were female (33%). All patients underwent complex segmentectomy. The median time to bile leakage was 14 days (range, 10 to 32), and the daily drainage volume was stable from 170 ml to 530 ml per day. After conservative treatment failed, four patients received biliary-enteric anastomosis (patients 1, 3, 4, and 6), and two patients received bilio-cholecyst anastomosis (patients 2 and 5). All six patients were successfully treated with reoperation, and five patients were alive and without recurrence, while one patient was lost to follow-up due to abandoned treatment.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that surgery is a reliable and effective treatment for postoperative intractable bile leakage in children undergoing complex segmentectomy. Bilioenteric anastomosis is the most common technique for bile leakage, and bilio-cholecyst anastomosis is a feasible and effective surgical approach. These findings have important implications for the management of postoperative complications in pediatric patients undergoing complex segmentectomy.

Subcapsular Biloma following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy: A Case Report with a Mini Review of Literature

A biloma is a loculated, extrahepatic, intra-abdominal bile collection. It is an unusual condition with an incidence of 0.3-2% and is usually a result of choledocholithiasis, iatrogenic injury or abdominal trauma causing disruption to the biliary tree. Rarely, it will occur spontaneously, resulting in spontaneous bile leak. We herein present a rare case of biloma as a complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A 54-year-old patient experienced right upper quadrant discomfort, following ERCP, endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy and stenting for choledocholithiasis. Initial abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography revealed an intrahepatic collection. Percutaneous aspiration under ultrasound guidance of yellow-green fluid confirmed the diagnosis, indicated infection and contributed to effective management. Most likely, a distal branch of the biliary tree was injured during the insertion of the guidewire through the common bile duct. Magnetic resonance image/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography contributed in the diagnosis of two seperate bilomas. Even though post ERCP biloma is an unusual complication, differential diagnosis of patients with right upper quadrant discomfort following an iatrogenic or traumatic event should always include biliary tree disruption. A combination of radiological imaging for diagnosis and minimal invasive technique to manage a biloma can prove to be successful.

Successful treatment through staged laparoscopic transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for postoperative bile leakage: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Therapeutic laparoscopic-assisted transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (LA-ERCP) is a safe and effective technique for patient who are unable to receive endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic treatment. This procedure shows a high overall success rate in managing pancreaticobiliary complications, comparable to that of ERCP.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 51-year-old man had abdominal pain for 2 days. The patient showed acute calculous cholecystitis and acute cholangitis with distal common bile duct (CBD) stones. We performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy and removed the distal CBD stones through CBD exploration.On the fourth day after the surgery, bile leakage was observed through the surgical drain.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed with postoperative bile leakage based on clinical findings.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient could not receive ERCP or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage because he had severe trismus and limb stiffness after suffering from poliomyelitis. So, we performed LA-ERCP, sphincterotomy, and biliary stent insertion. The fully covered self-expanding metal stent was implanted within the percutaneous gastrostomy site around, and 4 weeks later, the stent was removed during re-ERCP.

OUTCOMES

The patient was discharged without any complications. There were no long-term complications noted during the 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION/LESSONS

Staged LA-ERCP represents a practical strategy for managing bile leakage and offers a novel solution for patients for whom transoral and transhepatic approaches are unsuitable. As a result, clinicians must know techniques for gaining access to the biliary system, such as LA-ERCP.

Reappraisal of liver transplantation for erythropoietic protoporphyria: A deadly combination of disease recurrence and biliary complication

BACKGROUND

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare inherited disorder that causes the accumulation of protoporphyrin in the erythrocytes, skin, and liver. Severe protoporphyric hepatopathy results in liver failure, requiring both liver and bone marrow transplantation as a life-saving procedure and to correct the underlying enzymatic defect, respectively.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a 20-year-old man who underwent split liver transplantation using a right trisegment and caudate lobe graft for EPP-induced liver failure, but succumbed to a deadly combination of early relapse of EPP and subsequent, intractable, late-onset bile leakage from the cut surface of segment 4. EPP recurrence most likely created a high-risk situation for bile leakage from the non-communicating bile ducts of segment 4; therefore, this case shed light on the potential relationship between EPP recurrence and biliary complications.

CONCLUSION

Physicians should recognize the potentially rapid and life-threatening progression of protoporphyric hepatopathy that leads to liver failure. For young patients with EPP, LT and sequential BMT should thoroughly be considered by a multidisciplinary team as soon as hepatic reserve deterioration becomes evident. Split liver transplantation should preferably be avoided and appropriate post-transplant management is critical before protoporphyrin depositions to the bile duct and hepatocyte causes irreversible damage to the liver graft.

Successful procedure with additional omentopexy to suture closure of gallbladder stump in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy, a bailout surgery for cholecystitis, can result in postoperative bile leakage, so surgical ingenuity is required. An 88-year-old woman had pain at the right hypochondrium. Abdominal computed tomography showed swelling of the gallbladder and thickness of the gallbladder wall, leading to diagnosis of mild acute cholecystitis. Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage was performed to alleviate cholecystitis because the patient was taking antiplatelet medicine. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was then performed within 72 hours from the onset. The gallbladder was operatively found to be strongly fibrotic, so the procedure was switched to laparoscopic subtotal cystectomy, dissecting the gallbladder at the infundibulum-cystic duct level. The gallbladder stump was closed with barbed suture and omentopexy was added due to fragility. There was no significant postoperative bile leakage. Additional omentopexy to stump closure in laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy was thought to be useful in prevention of postoperative bile leakage.

Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors for Bile Leakage After Hepatectomy Without Biliary Reconstruction

Background and Aim: The risk factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction are controversial. This study investigated the risk factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction.

Methods: We searched databases (Embase (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) for articles published between January 1, 2000, and May 1, 2021, to evaluate the risk factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction.

Results: A total of 16 articles were included in this study, and the overall results showed that sex (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.04–1.42), diabetes (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05–1.38), left trisectionectomy (OR: 3.53, 95% CI: 2.32–5.36), central hepatectomy (OR: 3.28, 95% CI: 2.63–4.08), extended hemihepatectomy (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.55–4.22), segment I hepatectomy (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.50–4.40), intraoperative blood transfusion (OR:2.40 95%CI:1.79–3.22), anatomical hepatectomy (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.19–2.44) and intraoperative bleeding ≥1,000 ml (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 2.12–2.85) were risk factors for biliary leakage. Age >75 years, cirrhosis, underlying liver disease, left hepatectomy, right hepatectomy, benign disease, Child–Pugh class A/B, and pre-operative albumin <3.5 g/dL were not risk factors for bile leakage after hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction.

Conclusion: Comprehensive research in the literature revealed that sex, diabetes, left trisectionectomy, central hepatectomy, extended hemihepatectomy, segment I hepatectomy, intraoperative blood transfusion, anatomical hepatectomy and intraoperative bleeding ≥1,000 ml were risk factors for biliary leakage.

A Multi-Facility, Randomized, Comparative Study Examining the Efficacy of Biliary Reconstruction Under a Surgical Microscope in Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Introduction:

Postoperative biliary complications in living donor liver transplantation are often difficult to treat, and if treatment is not successful, the patient’s QOL is significantly reduced. The frequency of postoperative biliary complications is reported to be higher than that of deceased donor transplantation. In 2013, Lin et al. reported that while biliary reconstruction has traditionally used a surgical surgical loupe (2.5x–4.5x), biliary reconstruction using a surgical microscope (5x–15x) can reduce the incidence of complications. The objective of this study is to clarify the efficacy of biliary reconstruction using surgical microscope in living donor liver transplantation by a multi-facility, randomized comparative study.

Methods and analysis:

It is an open-label randomized controlled study in which target patients who meet the registration requirements are randomly allocated to a surgical loupe group and a microscopy group after obtaining their consent (Ratio 1:1). The primary endpoint is an incidence of biliary complications (bile leakage and anastomotic biliary stricture) with Clavien-Dindo class III or higher within 52 weeks following surgery. The secondary endpoint is length of time required for biliary reconstruction using a surgical microscope.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study protocol was approved by the institutional review board of Nagasaki University Hospital (No. 20122102-2). The study is registered in UMIN-CTR as UMIN000042011. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented at medical meetings.

Highlights

Fibrin Sealant for Prevention of Bile Leakage After Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Incision: Outcome of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: There are several methods used to extract common bile duct (CBD) stones encountered during cholecystectomy. Intraoperative cholangiotomy, cholangioscopy, and laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) are techniques that allow removal of stones from the CBD during the index procedure. However, bile leakage following CBD exploration is a common problem. The aim of this study was to assess whether fibrin sealant applied to the duct incision is safe. Methods: Patients planned for laparoscopic gallstone surgery at the Department of Surgery, Enköping Hospital, were included in the study. In cases where perioperative cholangiography showed CBD stones, LCBDE was performed through a longitudinal incision in the CBD. Randomization between closure of the incision with polyglactin sutures or with fibrin sealant was performed. After all the stones had been removed and the incision closed according to the allocation, an abdominal drain was placed close to the incision. A T tube was placed in the CBD or a straight tube into cystic duct for eventual postoperative cholangiogram. The patient and the surgeon assessing the postoperative course were blinded to the randomized allocation. Results: Altogether 51 patients were included from December 2012 to July 2016. Mean operative time was 188 minutes in the fibrin sealant group and 214 minutes in the suture group (P = .159). There was no significant difference between groups in bile flow in the abdominal drainage tube or in the CBD drain during the three first postoperative days. The time to removal of the abdominal drain did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: Although the present study lacks the statistical power to prove a benefit from fibrin sealant, it indicates that closure of the incision may be an option to reduce the risk for leakage. Further studies are required to confirm this. The study was retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov September 5, 2015 (NCT02545153).

Strict Surgical Repair for Bile Leakage Following the Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy

Background: The optimal bile leakage management strategy in the pediatric population following the initial Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is still a matter of discussion today. Here, we assessed the roles of bile leakage management and surgical implementation on outcomes for patients with bile leakage.

Materials and Methods: A revised protocol for bile leakage management with restricted surgical intervention was implemented at Chongqing Children’s Hospital on March 15, 2013 and Sanxia Hospital on April 20, 2013. We performed a retrospective, historical control analysis for the protocol implementation to compare the short- and long-term outcomes using the corresponding statistical methods.

Results: There was a total of 84 patients included in the analysis, including 46 patients in the pre-protocol group and 38 patients in the post-protocol group. No statistical differences for the demographic features were found between the two groups. There was a decrease in redo surgeries in the post-protocol cohort compared to those in the pre-protocol cohort (odds ratio [OR] = 4.48 [95% CI, 1.57–12.77]; p = 0.003). Furthermore, patients in the post-protocol group were less likely to be associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR = 3.72 [95% CI, 1.11–12.49]; p = 0.024) compared to patients in the pre-protocol group, respectively. There was no mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions: A restrictive surgical intervention strategy can effectively reduce the rate of redo surgery and exhibited promising outcomes for bile leakage in terms of postoperative recovery and hospitalization costs.

Risk factors for bile leakage: Latest analysis of 10 102 hepatectomies for hepatocellular carcinoma from the Japanese national clinical database

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for bile leakage in hepatic resections without biliary reconstructions using the large Japanese national clinical database (NCD).

METHODS

A total of 10 102 patients who had undergone hepatic resection involving more than one segment without biliary reconstructions for hepatocellular carcinoma during 2015-2017 were enrolled. Risk factors for bile leakage, with special reference to the type of hepatic resection, were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Bile leakage occurred in 726 patients (7.2%). Risk factors for bile leakage were as follows: male sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.58), diabetes mellitus (+) (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.39), hemoglobin <10 g/dL (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.02-1.93), albumin <3.5 g/dL (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.03-1.63), central bisectionectomy (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.81-5.13), left trisectionectomy (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.10-6.15), right anterior sectionectomy (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.58-2.72), and S5 or S8 segmentectomy (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.00-1.77).

CONCLUSION

Central bisectionectomy, left trisectionectomy, and right anterior sectionectomy are high-risk types of hepatic resection for bile leakage.

Treatment strategy for isolated bile leakage after hepatectomy: Literature review

Isolated bile leakage (IBL) after hepatectomy is intractable, and various treatment methods for it have been reported. This review aimed to clarify the treatment strategy for IBL by summarizing studies on IBL after hepatectomy without extrahepatic bile duct resection. Thirty-three cases of IBL were reported. The incidence of IBL is very low, accounting for 0.1%-1% of all hepatectomy cases. The risk factors for IBL are unclear; however, several reports mention that biliary anomaly is associated with a high risk of IBL, with preoperative and intraoperative confirmation of biliary tree anatomy being the most important preventive strategy. Treatment methods for IBL include liver resection, bilioenteric anastomosis, endoscopic treatment, bile duct ablation, percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PTPE), transcatheter arterial embolization, and use of fibrin glue. The therapeutic methods should be chosen depending on remnant liver function, amount of bile leakage, and the liver volume causing the bile leakage. When there is bile leakage from less than one segment, non-surgical treatment is recommended, whereas when there is bile leakage from one or more segments, surgical treatment can be recommended. Nevertheless, recently, non-surgical treatment such as PTPE, PTPE with bile duct ablation, and endoscopic methods have been considered as effective treatment approaches.

Gd-EOB-DTP-enhanced MRC in the preoperative percutaneous management of intra and extrahepatic biliary leakages: does it matter?

Postoperative bile leakage is a common complication of abdominal surgical procedures and a precise localization of is important to choose the best management. Many techniques are available to correctly identify bile leaks, including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), being the latter the best to clearly depict "active" bile leakages. This paper presents the state of the art algorithm in the detection of biliary leakages in order to plan a percutaneous biliary drainage focusing on widely available and safe contrast agent, the Gb-EOB-DPA. We consider its pharmacokinetic properties and impact in biliary imaging explain current debates to optimize image quality. We report common sites of leakage after surgery with special considerations in cirrhotic liver to show what interventional radiologists should look to easily detect bile leaks.

Impact of Ultrasonic Scalpels for Liver Parenchymal Transection on Postoperative Bleeding and Bile Leakage

BACKGROUND/AIM

Novel techniques for liver parenchymal transection have emerged and they are available to the hepatobiliary surgeon. The aim of our study was to compare two types of ultrasonic scalpels (Lotus and Harmonic) and examine how they perform either alone or in combination with the SonaStar ultrasonic surgical aspiration system regarding postoperative bleeding and bile leakage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent liver resections in our Department was reviewed. One hundred and two patients with solid liver lesions underwent liver resection by a senior hepatobiliary surgeon in our department during a period of 51 months. They were divided into four groups according to the devices that were used for liver parenchymal transection.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into the following groups: group 1: Lotus, 32 patients (31.4%); group 2: Lotus+SonaStar, 27 patients (26.5%); group 3: Harmonic, 27 patients (26.5%); group 4: Harmonic+SonaStar, 16 patients (15.7%). There were 5 cases of postoperative bleeding and 9 cases of postoperative bile leakage. No significant difference was found concerning postoperative bleeding (group 1: 2/32; 6.3%, group 2: 2/27; 7.4%, group 3: 0/27; 0%, group 4: 1/16; 6.3%) (p=0.577). Furthermore, no actual difference was detected in terms of postoperative bile leakage (group 1: 2/32; 6.3%, group 2: 3/27; 11.1%, group 3: 3/27; 11.1%, group 4: 1/16; 6.3%) (p=0.866).

CONCLUSION

Both Lotus and Harmonic ultrasonic scalpels provide adequate and similar results concerning postoperative hemorrhage and cholorrhea.

Impact of Ultrasonic Scalpels for Liver Parenchymal Transection on Postoperative Bleeding and Bile Leakage

BACKGROUND/AIM

Novel techniques for liver parenchymal transection have emerged and they are available to the hepatobiliary surgeon. The aim of our study was to compare two types of ultrasonic scalpels (Lotus and Harmonic) and examine how they perform either alone or in combination with the SonaStar ultrasonic surgical aspiration system regarding postoperative bleeding and bile leakage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent liver resections in our Department was reviewed. One hundred and two patients with solid liver lesions underwent liver resection by a senior hepatobiliary surgeon in our department during a period of 51 months. They were divided into four groups according to the devices that were used for liver parenchymal transection.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into the following groups: group 1: Lotus, 32 patients (31.4%); group 2: Lotus+SonaStar, 27 patients (26.5%); group 3: Harmonic, 27 patients (26.5%); group 4: Harmonic+SonaStar, 16 patients (15.7%). There were 5 cases of postoperative bleeding and 9 cases of postoperative bile leakage. No significant difference was found concerning postoperative bleeding (group 1: 2/32; 6.3%, group 2: 2/27; 7.4%, group 3: 0/27; 0%, group 4: 1/16; 6.3%) (p=0.577). Furthermore, no actual difference was detected in terms of postoperative bile leakage (group 1: 2/32; 6.3%, group 2: 3/27; 11.1%, group 3: 3/27; 11.1%, group 4: 1/16; 6.3%) (p=0.866).

CONCLUSION

Both Lotus and Harmonic ultrasonic scalpels provide adequate and similar results concerning postoperative hemorrhage and cholorrhea.

Risk factors and a simple model for predicting bile leakage after radical hepatectomy in patients with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis

Postoperative bile leakage (BL) is a major complication of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for BL and to establish a simple scoring system for predicting BL.A total of 152 patients with HAE were included in the study between May 2004 and December 2016. The patient's baseline data, laboratory blood tests, imaging features, and surgical management were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to screen for factors to predict BL. The cutoff values for those factors and predictive value of a model were determined by receiver operative characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.BL was detected in 22 of the 152 patients. Univariate analyses showed significant differences in the lesion diameter, levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and direct bilirubin (DBIL), inferior vena cava invasion, surface area of hepatectomy, blood loss and history of percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage between patients with and without BL. On multivariate analyses, DBIL > 7.1 μmol/L, LDH > 194 U/L, lesion diameter > 12 cm and a larger surface area of hepatectomy were independent predictors of BL. The resulting area under the ROC of the scoring model was 0.724 (95% CI, 0.646-0.793).The lesion diameter, DBIL, larger surface area of hepatectomy, and elevated LDH were the important factors affecting the occurrence of BL after surgery. The risk score model will help the clinician to assess BL before surgery. More studies are needed to confirm the scoring model and risk factors.

Solid Organ Cool-tip Radiofrequency Ablation: An Experimental Study with Clinicopathological Correlations

BACKGROUND/AIM

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with internally cooled electrodes is a technique for the in situ treatment of solid tumors, inducing characteristic pathological changes with limited clinical complications. Our purpose was to assess RFA-induced histological alterations and correlate them with clinical complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a porcine model, the pathology of RFA-induced kidney, liver and spleen lesions was associated with the postoperative course and clinical complications recorded.

RESULTS

Complications and relevant histological lesions, including abscess formation, hemorrhage and bile or urinary leakage, were limited or absent. The majority of RFA-induced necrotic tissue exhibited preserved architecture, with relatively limited inflammatory reaction, associated with sealing of blood/bile vessels or urinary tubules along the periphery of the lesions.

CONCLUSION

The preserved architecture of RFA-induced necrotic tissue, its slow clearance, the relatively limited inflammation and the ability of RFA to seal blood/bile/urinary vessels are probably responsible for the minimal complications observed.

Is LigaSure a safe cystic duct sealer? An ex vivo study

BACKGROUND

To compare the efficacy and safety of both mechanical methods (clips) and electrosurgical instruments, harmonic scalpel (HS) and LigaSure (LS), for securing the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

During the study period from October 2010 to October 2012, 458 patients with gallbladder stones underwent LC. A total of 38 patients were excluded from the study for different reasons. The gallbladder was excised laparoscopically through the traditional method. The gallbladder specimens of the patients were divided into three equal groups randomly, and the distal part of the cystic duct was sealed ex vivo using ligaclips (Group A), HS (Group B), and LS (Group C). The gallbladders were then connected to a pneumatic tourniquet device and we very gradually increased the pressure with air. The bursting pressure of the cystic duct (CDBP) was measured and differences between the three groups were calculated.

RESULTS

The mean CDBP was 329.7 ± 38.8 mmHg in the ligaclip group, 358.0 ± 33.1 mmHg in the HS group, and 219.7 ± 41.2 mmHg in the LS group. A comparison of the mean CDBP between the groups indicated the superiority of HS over ligaclip and LS. CDBP was significantly higher in the ligaclips group compared with the LS group (p <0.001). HS and ligaclips were found to be safe sealers as their mean CDBP was found to be higher (>195 mmHg) than the maximum common bile duct pressure, whereas for LS the CDBP range was 150-297 mmHg, indicating that it is not safe for sealing.

CONCLUSION

HS is a safe alternative to clips. In fact, it was even safer than clips. By contrast, LS is not safe for cystic duct sealing.

Risk factors, treatment and impact on outcomes of bile leakage after hemihepatectomy

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for bile leakage after hemihepatectomy are unknown.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database review identified patients undergoing hemihepatectomy between 1 January 2009 and 30 September 2014. Patients were divided into B/C and non-B/C bile leakage groups. Risk factors for bile leakage were predicted and assessments of their impact on patients were made.

RESULTS

Bile leakage occurred in 91 of the 297 patients (30.6%); 64 cases were classified as grade B bile leakage (21.5%) and three cases as grade C bile leakage (1.0%). Multivariate analysis confirmed that elevated preoperative alanine transaminase (ALT), positive bile culture during surgery, hilar bile duct plasty, bilioenteric anastomosis and laparoscopic surgery were risk factors for B/C grade bile leakage (P < 0.05). Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) were protective factors for B/C grade bile leakage (P < 0.05). PTBD, ENBD and Kehr's T-tube drainage could reduce the drainage volume and duration of drainage after bile leakage (P < 0.05). The incidence of wound infection, abdominal infection, major complications and the Clavien classification system score in the B/C bile leakage group were higher than those in the non-B/C bile leakage group (P < 0.05). Patients in the B/C bile leakage group also required prolonged hospitalization (P < 0.05). The mortality of two groups was similar (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patient with elevated preoperative ALT, positive bile cultures during surgery, hilar bile duct plasty, bilioenteric anastomosis and laparoscopic surgery are more likely to complicate bile leakage. We should use biliary drainage such as preoperative PTBD, ENBD or intraoperative Kehr's T-tube drainage to reduce and treat bile leakage in patients with high risk of bile leakage.

A rare case of biliary leakage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy-diagnostic evaluation and nonsurgical treatment: a case report

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become a gold standard in treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis, it is associated with higher risk of intraoperative lesions and primarily lesions of biliary ducts. In small percentage of cases biliary fistulas occur, most commonly after leakage from cystic duct stump or accessory bile ducts – Luschka’s duct. We report of a patient who had episodes of abdominal pain following routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous gallbladder. Results of conducted diagnostics verify the presence of biliary fistula caused by obstruction of bile pathways by stagnant pus and microcalculi of common bile duct, with development of biloma presumably caused by pressure injection of contrast material during ERCP procedure. Endoscopic sphincterectomy via ERCP enabled healing of formed biliary fistula, whilst continuous percutaneous ultrasound guided drainage of biloma was method of choice in later treatment of our patient. It is important to note that diagnostic evaluation of biliary fistula is very challenging and that timely nonsurgical treatment is of great benefit for patient.

The efficacy of fat emulsion and normal saline for bile leakage tests during hepatic resection: A randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the use of fat emulsion and normal saline for bile leakage tests during hepatic resection.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to undergo intraoperative bile leakage tests with saline then fat emulsion (Group A), or fat emulsion then saline (Group B). All patients received both tests.

RESULTS

In group A (n = 64), saline revealed 53 leakage points in 27 patients, and fat emulsion revealed 42 additional points in a further nine patients. In group B (n = 64), fat emulsion revealed 87 leakage points in 37 patients, and saline revealed three additional points in three patients. There were no significant between-group differences in the number of leakage points detected by the first test, total number of leakage points or postoperative complications. Significantly more leakage points were detected by the second test in Group A (fat emulsion) than in Group B (saline).

CONCLUSIONS

Fat emulsion then saline identifies more leakage points after the first test than saline then fat emulsion. There is no difference in the total number of leakage points detected, regardless of which method is used first.

Biliary complications after right lobe living donor liver transplantation: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Biliary complications that developed after right lobe liver transplantation from living donors were studied in a single centre.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2010, 200 consecutive living donor right lobe liver transplantations were performed. The database was evaluated retrospectively. Biliary complications were diagnosed according to clinical, biochemical and radiological tests. The number of biliary ducts in the transplanted graft, the surgical techniques used for anastomosis, biliary strictures and bile leakage rates were analysed.

RESULTS

Of a total of 200 grafts, 117 invloved a single bile duct, 77 had two bile ducts and in six grafts there were three bile ducts. In 166 transplants, the anastomosis was performed as a single duct to duct, in 21 transplants double duct to ducts, in one transplant, three duct to ducts and in 12 transplants as a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. In all, 40 bile leakages (20%) and 17 biliary strictures (8.5%) were observed in 49 patients resulting in a total of 57 biliary complications (28.5%). Seventeen patients were re-operated (12 as a result of bile leakages and five owing to biliary strictures).

CONCLUSION

Identification of more than one biliary orifice in the graft resulted in an increase in the complication rates. In grafts containing multiple orifices, performing multiple duct-to-duct (DD) or Roux-en-Y anastomoses led to a lower number of complications.

Laparoscopic liver resection using a bipolar vessel-sealing device: LigaSure

Achieving safe outcomes when performing laparoscopic liver surgery requires that the surgical team be expert in the techniques of liver surgery and in the application of appropriate technologies and devices. No other device is capable of effectively providing hemostasis, control of bile duct branches, and dividing parenchyma in every circumstance encountered during major hepatic resections. Therefore, liver surgeons use a variety of surgical technologies and instruments based on their judgment and experience and the individual nature of the operative procedure. Vessel-sealing technology has established itself as useful in liver surgery, for both open and laparoscopic cases. This paper reviews experience with a bipolar, vessel-sealing device (LigaSure, ValleyLab, Inc., Boulder, Colorado) and its application to laparoscopic liver surgery.

Hepatic resection using a bipolar vessel sealing device: technical and histological analysis

INTRODUCTION

Blood loss and bile leakage are well-known risk factors for morbidity and mortality during liver resection. Bleeding usually occurs during parenchymal transection, and surgical technique should be considered an important factor in preventing intraoperative and postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVE

Many approaches and devices have been developed to limit bleeding and bile leakage. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a bipolar vessel sealing device allows a safe and careful liver transection without routine inflow occlusion, achieving a satisfactory hemostasis and bile stasis, thus reducing blood loss and bile leak and related complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 50 consecutive patients (24 males, 26 females, with a mean age of 57 years) underwent major and minor hepatic resections using a bipolar vessel sealing device. A clamp crushing technique followed by energy application was used to perform the parenchymal transection. Inflow occlusion was used when necessary to control blood loss but not as a routine. No other devices were applied to achieve hemostasis.

RESULTS

The instrument was effective in 45 patients and failed to achieve hemostasis in 5 cases, all of whom had a cirrhotic liver. Median blood loss was 490 ml (range 100-2500 ml) and intraoperative blood transfusions were required in eight cases (16%). Mean operative time was 178 min (range 50-315 min). Inflow occlusion was necessary in 16 (32%) patients. The postoperative complication rate was 24%, with a postoperative hemorrhage in a cirrhotic patient. There was no clinical evidence of bile leak or procedure-related abdominal abscess.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the device is a useful tool in standard liver resection, achieving good hemostasis and bile stasis in patients with normal liver parenchyma, but its use should be avoided in cirrhotic patients.