[POSTCHOLECYSTECTOMY SYNDROME: CLASSIFICATION, THE RISK FACTORS, CRITERIA OF THE DIAGNOSIS ESTABLISHMENT, TREATMENT-DIAGNOSTIC ALGORITHM]

Own experience of surgical treatment of patients for postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCHES) in a 2010 - 2015 yrs period was enlighten. The PCHES modified classification was adduced, the immediate and remote results of the patients' treatment were analyzed, technical aspects and peculiarities of performance of some operative interventions, the risk factors for the PCHES occurrence were analyzed.

[Diagnosis of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in patients with postcholecystectomy syndrome from hepatobiliary scintigraphic findings]

OBJECTIVE

to diagnose and estimate the clinical value of postcholecystectomy sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Examinations were made in 100 postcholecystectomy patients without signs of cholestasis; of them 14 postpapillotomy patients formed a comparison group. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy using the radiotracer 99mTC-bromeside was performed for 90 minutes with cholagogue breakfast at 45 minutes. Common bile duct and duodenal functions and duodenogastric reflux (DGR) were evaluated comparing them with clinical, laboratory, and instrumental findings.

RESULTS

Two patient groups were identified according to bile outflow changes. In Group I consisting of 20 (23.2%) patients, the time of maximum accumulation (Tmax) of the radiopharmaceutical in the projection of the choledochus coincided with that in the cholagogue test (46.0 1.8 min) and in Group 2 including 66 (76.8%) patients that was shorter than in the cholagogue test (32.9 +/- 6.8 min) (p<0.05). In Group 2, Tmax was similar to that in the comparison group (30.9 +/- 7.5 min; p > 0.05) and there was no significant difference in intestinal imaging time (18.6 +/- 6.0 min versus 17.6 +/- 0.8) either, which could be indicative of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Diarrhea was observed in 73% of the patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and in 86% of the patients in the comparison group versus 10% of the patients with normal bile passage (p<0.01). Statistical data processing showed a correlation of the indicators of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction with those of duodenal evacuator function (r = 0.57; p < 0.0005) and DGR (r = 0.74; p < 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Postcholecystectomy sphincter of Oddi dysfunction assumes the greatest clinical value in patients with duodenal motor-evacuator dysfunction, which should be hepatobiliamy scintigraphic, kept in mind when choossphincter of Oddi dysfunction ing a treatment policy.

[Cholelithiasis: complications and rehabilitation]

The results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, conducted in 71 patients, suffering cholelithiasis, were analyzed. In early postoperative period an acute cholangitis have occurred in 2 (2.8%) patients, an acute pancreatitis--in 1 (1.4%), postoperative infiltrate--in 14(19.7%), suppuration of postoperative cicatrix--in 6 (8.4%); late compli- cations as a kind of postcholecystectomy syndrome was observed in 29 (40.8%) patients, and abdominal hernia--in 3 (4.2%).

[Morphological features and esophago-gastroduodenal zone microbiocenose in patients with syndrome postcholecystectomic syndrome]

Endoscopical and histological features of oesophagogastroduodenal zone, parameters of pH-metry and electrogastroenterography, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of microbiocenosis were studied in 80 female persons with postcholecystectomy syndrome more then a year after cholecystectomy. In the presence of duodenogastral reflux the most natural is the combination of distal oesophagitis, antral atrophic gastritis and duodenitis, accompanied with low level of gastric acidity, gastric hypokinesis and duodenal dyskinesis, dysbacteriosis of mucosal microflora with its quantitative increase and appearance of bacteria with expressed pathogenicity non-typical for this biotope. These data should be taken into consideration for determination of pre- and postoperative treatment tactics for patients with gallstones.

[The results of different types of cholecystectomy in elderly patients]

Treatment results of 1048 elderly patients, operated on the cholelithiasis, were analyzed. The group of minilaparotomic access cholecystectomy numbered 488 (46,6%) patients; the second group consisted of 560 (53,4%) patients, who had the traditional operation. All patients were operated on in a single hospital during 1998-2008 yy. The cholecystectomy from minilaparotomic access proved to be less traumatic and preferable for elderly patients. The rate of postoperative morbidity was 5,7%, mortality - 0,2%. The procedure, though, is subjected to the experienced surgeons.

[Effectiveness of duspatalin therapy in the treatment and prevention of post-cholecystectomy syndrome]

Results of evaluation of the efficiency of myotropic spasmolytic Duspatalin during long-term therapy and preventive treatment of functional post-cholecystectomy syndrome are presented. The influence of the treatment on manifestations of clinical symptoms, quality of a life estimated based on a visual-analog scale, and intestinal microbiocenosis (changes in the activity of short-chain fatty acids) are discussed.

[Clinique--pathogenetic features of postcholecystectomy syndrome in children]

Years of experience observing children with GSD made possible to determine the clinical course and to clarify some of mechanisms of postcholecystectomical syndrome formation in children. Material and methods. There were observed 148 children who underwent cholecystectomy at the age of 3 to 15 years. There were 44 boys and 104 girls. Diagnosis refined was conducting by ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging. Degree of biliary insufficiency was assessed based on dynamic of gepatobilliarscintigraphy. The clinical picture of disease was assessed according to age and sex of the child.

RESULTS

We described the clinical course and pathogenetic mechanisms of postcholecystectomical syndrome in children in the age aspect. Based on the results of our research, were found ways of correction of postcholecystectomical syndrome in children with cholelithiasis.

[Post-cholecystectomy syndrome: the modern view of the problem]

The authors summarize and systematize literature data and their own observations concerning post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCES), the reasons for and the mechanisms of its development, its clinical variants etc. The authors suggest the following PCES forms should be distinguished: functional ("egenuine") forms, which develop due to gall bladder removal and the loss of its functions, and organic ("conditional") PCES forms, which develop as a consequence ofaflawy surgery and/or preoperative complications of chronic calculous cholecystitis, which dominate in the postoperative clinical picture and are mistakenly considered cholecystectomy consequences. An original operational classification of PCES is adduced; possibilities provided by contemporary instrumental and laboratory techniques of differential diagnostics are considered; differential treatment and prophylaxis of PCES are described.

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

Biliary-like pain alone, or associated with a transient increase in liver or pancreatic enzyme, may be the clinical manifestations of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Since it is not always possible to dissociate functional conditions from subtle structural changes, the term sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is used to define motility abnormalities caused by 'sphincter of Oddi stenosis' and 'sphincter of Oddi dyskinesia'. Both sphincter of Oddi stenosis and sphincter of Oddi dyskinesia may account for obstruction to flow through the sphincter of Oddi and may thus induce retention of bile in the biliary tree and pancreatic juice in the pancreatic duct. Most of the clinical information concerning sphincter of Oddi dysfunction refers to post-cholecystectomy patients who have been arbitrarily classified according to clinical presentation, laboratory results and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography findings in: (a) biliary type I, (b) biliary type II, and (c) biliary type III. Prevalence of biliary-type of pain has been reported to vary from 1 to 1.5% in unselected postcholecystectomy people, to 14% in a selected group of patients complaining of postcholecystectomy symptoms. The frequency of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, as shown by manometry, differs in the different clinical subgroups: 65-95% in biliary group I, mainly due to sphincter of Oddi stenosis; 50-63% in biliary type II, and 12-28% in biliary type III. In patients with idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction varies from 39 to 90%. Diagnostic work-up of postcholecystectomy patients for suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction includes liver biochemistry and pancreatic enzymes, plus negative findings of structural abnormalities. Usually, this would include transabdominal ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Depending on the available resources, endoscopic ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiography may precede endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in specific clinical conditions. Quantitative evaluation of bile transit from the hepatic hilum to the duodenum at choledochoscintigraphy appears valuable in the decision to undertake sphincter of Oddi manometry or to treat. Sphincterotomy is the standard treatment for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. In biliary type I patients, the indication for endoscopic sphincterotomy is straightforward without the need of any additional investigation. Slow bile transit in biliary type II is an indication to undergo endoscopic sphincterotomy without sphincter of Oddi manometry. Slow bile transit in biliary type III patients is an indication to perform sphincter of Oddi manometry. Diagnostic work-up of patients with gallbladder in situ is part of the same diagnostic algorithm that has initially excluded the presence of a gallbladder dysfunction.

Acalculous biliary pain: new concepts for an old entity

Biliary pain is commonly reported in household surveys with the presumed cause being gallstones. When gallstones are absent or other abnormalities as a potential cause of similar pain do not exist, a different approach is necessary. Although trans-abdominal ultrasound can detect stones down to 3-5 mm, the advent of endoscopic ultrasound provides an even better definition for microlithiasis of < 3 mm. Duodenal aspiration of bile can further detect cholesterol microlithiasis or bilirubin granules, another potential source of biliary-type pain and perhaps even pancreatitis. Only in this way can acalculous gallbladder disease be clearly defined. The percentage of cholecystokinin-stimulated gallbladder emptying has been reputed to be the most sensitive diagnostic test for 'biliary dyskinesia', but abnormality of gallbladder emptying can be due to a smooth muscle defect of the gallbladder itself or heightened tone in the sphincter of Oddi. The value of surgical intervention has not been clearly established. The advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, however, has increased the number of patients with acalculous biliary disease who undergo surgery. Surgery is best done using impaired gallbladder emptying as the criterion for operation with improved outcome. Often, following cholecystectomy, biliary pain does not resolve the so-called 'post cholecystectomy syndrome'. Absence of the gallbladder as a pressure reservoir leaves the sphincter of Oddi as the prime determinant of bile duct pressure. Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction also exists in patients with an intact biliary tract and may become evident following cholecystectomy. Biliary manometry has clarified who might benefit from sphincterotomy. Choledochoscintigraphy is a non-invasive preliminary test. Advent of visceral hypersensitivity and better definition of this entity has shown, that in some of these patients with type III sphincter of Oddi, dysfunction appears to reside in duodenal hyperalgesia. It is clear that improved criteria are required to perform gallbladder emptying and better techniques to detect visceral hypersensitivity. Nonetheless, functional biliary pain in the absence of gallstone disease is a definite entity and a challenge for clinicians.

Bile duct crystals do not contribute to sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Microlithiasis has been proposed as a cause of both occult gallbladder disease and of idiopathic pancreatitis. Theoretically, microlithiasis could also cause postcholecystectomy pain by causing temporary biliary obstruction and may be more common in patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. The frequency of crystals in bile duct aspirates was assessed from patients with symptoms after cholecystectomy with and without elevated baseline sphincter of Oddi pressures.

METHODS

A prospective analysis was performed on all patients with recurrent biliary pain after cholecystectomy who presented for ERCP and manometry between January 1998 and June 2000. All patients had aspirates obtained from the common bile duct for crystal analysis by using the aspirating port of the manometry catheter before the injection of contrast. Four to 20 mL of bile was examined by microscopy for both cholesterol and bilirubinate crystals.

RESULTS

Sixty patients (83% women, mean age 44 years) were studied. Thirty-five had normal baseline biliary sphincter pressures and 25 elevated biliary baseline sphincter pressures (>40 mm Hg). Two patients in the normal pressure group and 1 in the elevated pressure group had cholesterol crystals present in their aspirate. No patient had bilirubinate crystals present. A 5% frequency of microlithiasis was identified overall.

CONCLUSIONS

Bile duct crystals occur infrequently in patients with symptoms after cholecystectomy and are found in patients with normal and abnormal biliary sphincter manometry. This study suggests that the presence of bile duct crystals, or microlithiasis, does not play a role in sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

[Correction of the gastric and duodenal motility by laser puncture in pancreatobiliary diseases]

96.7 percent of patients with affections of organs of the pancreatobiliary zone displayed motor function disorders of upper portions of the alimentary canal (AC). A characteristic sign of the pathological process in pancreatobiliary organs is decreased frequency of recordable biopotentials and qualitative changes in electrogastrogrames. Changes in qualitative characteristics of the electrogastrogram are clearly related to increase in the intraduodenal pressure recordable with the aid of the "open catheter" technique. Laseropuncture is an effective supplementary method for correction of motility disorders in the upper portions of AC in those patients presenting with affections of the pancreatobiliary organs.

Efficacy of biliary scintigraphy in suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) can pose diagnostic challenges for the physician. SOD is classified into types I, II, and III, but clinical outcome after sphincterotomy for suspected types II and III SOD has been unpredictable. Therefore, accurate diagnosis of types II and III SOD is important because of the increased risk of sphincterotomy in patients with SOD. Endoscopic sphincter of Oddi manometry (ESOM) is the gold standard for diagnosis of SOD; however, it is associated with significant morbidity and is not an appropriate screening test. Quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy (QHBS) has demonstrated good sensitivity as a screening test for SOD in patients following cholecystectomy; however, studies using this methodology are criticized for poor design and patient selection. Recent publications address these criticisms and provide evidence that QHBS and ESOM are comparable diagnostic tools after exclusion of organic biliary obstruction. QHBS can effectively replace invasive ESOM in the diagnostic algorithm of SOD.

Pain associated with phase III of the duodenal migrating motor complex in patients with postcholecystectomy biliary dyskinesia

BACKGROUND

Correlation between various gastrointestinal events and particular aspects of the migrating motor complex has been reported. This study correlates postcholecystectomy pain to variations in biliary pressure associated with the duodenal motor cycle.

METHODS

In 18 patients with postcholecystectomy pain and 10 control subjects, biliary and duodenal pressures were recorded simultaneously with microtransducers. After recording a spontaneous cycle, morphine was administered to induce a premature phase III and spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, and then cerulein was administered to stop the spasm.

RESULTS

Transient but significant elevations of biliary pressure occurred at duodenal phase III in both groups, but a greater percentage of the patients developed pain during phase III (89% vs. 20%, p<0.01). Morphine produced premature phase III and biliary pressure elevation, which were accompanied by pain more frequently in the patients than in the control subjects (78% vs. 30%, p<0.05). Biliary pressure dropped after the cerulein injection, relieving the pain in 13 of 14 patients and in 2 of 3 control subjects who had morphine-induced pain. The phase III-related pain was relieved by endoscopic sphincterotomy in 14 of 15 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The cyclic elevation of biliary pressure in coordination with phase III of the duodenal motor cycle may contribute to the development of pain in patients with postcholecystectomy biliary dyskinesia.

Video manometry of the sphincter of Oddi: a new aid for interpreting manometric tracings and excluding manometric artefacts

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic sphincter of Oddi manometry (ESOM) allows direct assessment of motor function in the sphincter of Oddi. However, variations in examination conditions and duodenal motility may have a critical effect on the results of ESOM. The aim of the present study was to develop a new method sphincter of Oddi video manometry-based on simultaneous ESOM and real-time endoscopic image analysis, and to investigate the usefulness of video manometry for detecting manometric artefacts during ESOM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven consecutive patients who had undergone cholecystectomy and were referred with a suspicion of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction were investigated. Sphincter of Oddi pressure and endoscopic images (20 frames/s) were recorded simultaneously on a Synectics PC Polygraf computer system with a time-correlated basis, and then compared.

RESULTS

On ESOM, 69 sphincter of Oddi phasic contractions were identified, with an average amplitude of 153.9+/-85.0 mm Hg and a duration of 7.9+/-1.2 seconds. Visual analysis of the real-time endoscopic images, replayed in cine loop by the computer, revealed 236 separate duodenal contractions, with an average frequency of 3.5+/-2.4/min (range: 1-12/min). On the ESOM tracing, 78% of the duodenal contractions had a corresponding pressure wave with an average duration of 2.8+/-0.4 seconds and an amplitude of 71.9+/-16.7 mm Hg. Other artefacts on the ESOM tracings, such as catheter movements, pseudocontractions, hyperventilation, or retching, were also easily recognized using simultaneous ESOM and real-time endoscopic image analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Video manometry of the sphincter of Oddi is a promising new method for improving the analysis and documentation of ESOM tracings. It has several advantages over the conventional technique, allowing visual detection of duodenal activity and enabling enhanced recognition of other manometric artefacts.

[The pathogenesis of liver functional disorders after cholecystectomy in cholelithiasis]

AIM

To study hepatic function after cholecystectomy and the role of absorptive-excretory function of the liver and hormonal factors in development of postcholecystectomy syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

106 patients long after cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis were examined for absorptive-excretory function of the liver and blood hormones (hydrocortisone, insulin, gastrin, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyrotropine). I-131-bengal-rose hepatography, dynamic hepatobiliscintigraphy with brommeside-Tc-99m, radioimmunoassay were employed.

RESULTS

Impairment, often subclinical, of hepatic absorption and excretion after cholecystectomy was found in 94% of the patients. External function of the liver after cholecystectomy was disturbed depending on the condition of its absorptive-excretory function. Hepatic dysfunctions and changes in blood hormones correlated.

CONCLUSION

Absorptive-excretory function and hormonal factors are essential in pathogenesis of postcholecystectomy syndrome.

[Propofol sedation in endoscopic manometry of Oddi's sphincter]

Endoscopic manometry of the sphincter Oddi (SO) is a sophisticated method which requires a cooperative patient. Therefore, during endoscopic manometry sufficient i.v. sedation is crucial, and additionally must no affect SO-motility. In a pilot trial SO-motility was determined in ten patients with suspected SO-dysfunction (SOD) under initial sedation with 4.8 +/- 1 mg midazolam (baseline), and 3 min after an i.v. bolus of 50 mg of propofol. In addition, endoscopic manometry was performed in 57 consecutive patients with suspected SOD from 10/94-9/95 under sedation with midazolam (6.2 +/- 1.6 mg), and from 10/95-9/96 with propofol (268 +/- 111 mg). Sedation was always performed by an independent physician according to a standardized protocol. Neither the SO-baseline pressure nor the parameters of phasic SO-motility were significantly altered by propofol (including two patients with proven SOD). Propofol causes a more rapid onset of sedation, and the time interval to obtain successful biliary cannulation was shorter than under midazolam (p < 0.05). Successful manometric recordings could be obtained in 82% of the patients under midazolam but in 96% of the patients under propofol-sedation (p < 0.05), respectively. The patient cooperation was significantly better rated (by the endoscopist) in the propofol group than in the midazolam group (p < 0.01). The blood pressure and the heart rate were not significantly affected in both groups, however, propofol caused a significant decrease of the oxygen saturation (p < 0.05). Accordingly, an apnea episode had to be mastered by mask ventilation via ambu bag in one patient under propofol-sedation (uneventful recovery). In the midazolam group flumazenil-administration was necessary in four patients. The post-procedure recovery was faster after propofol--than after midazolam-sedation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, propofol is suitable for i.v. sedation during endoscopic manometry of the spincter of Oddi.

Discordance of pressure recordings from biliary and pancreatic duct segments in patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

It remains controversial whether manometric parameters recorded from the pancreatic and biliary segment of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) differ. We therefore studied 48 consecutive patients (40 women, 43 +/- 11 years) with suspected SO dysfunction, in 33 of whom successful dual-duct SO manometry was obtained. Measures of concordance between the two duct segments were moderate for basal sphincter pressure (K = 0.31) and for contractile frequency (0.35), and were low for peak pressure (0.15) and for proportion of retrograde propagation (-0.19). There was also low concordance (-0.13) for the overall manometric diagnosis, and in 48% (CI 31-66%) of patients a conflicting diagnosis (normal/abnormal) was obtained from the two ducts. There was no evidence of a differential motor effect of CCK on either duct, nor were there significant differences in the rate of manometric abnormality according to the order of initial duct cannulation. These results indicate that, if technically feasible, dual-duct manometry of the sphincter of Oddi is required for diagnostic precision.

Small bowel dysmotility in patients with postcholecystectomy sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

Postcholecystectomy patients (N = 27) with severe recurrent biliary-like pain who had no evidence of organic disease were subdivided into those with and those without objective evidence of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) based on two separate criteria: (1) clinical criteria-elevated liver function tests and/or amylase with pain, and/or a dilated bile duct, and/or delayed drainage at ERCP (N = 14, SOD classes I and II); and (2) abnormal biliary manometry (N = 19). Prolonged (24-48 hr) ambulant recording of duodenojejunal motor activity was performed in all patients and interdigestive small bowel motor activity compared between patient subgroups and a healthy control group. Phase II motor abnormality was more frequent in patients with, compared to those without, objective clinical criteria of SOD (7/14 vs 0/13, P = 0.003). Phase III abnormality also tended to be more frequent in these patients (7/14 vs 2/13, P = 0.06). In addition, both phase III (P = 0.03) and phase II (P = 0.03) motility index (MI) was higher in patients with sphincter dyskinesia compared to controls; phase II MI was also higher in patients with sphincter stenosis (P = 0.005). Disturbances of small bowel interdigestive motor activity are more prevalent in postcholecystectomy patients with, compared to those without, objective evidence of SOD, and especially in patients with SO dyskinesia. Postcholecystectomy SOD in some patients may thus represent a component of a more generalized intestinal motor disorder.

Electrogastroenterographic examination of 22 patients before and after cholecystectomy

The object of this study was to define the pattern of gastrointestinal myoelectrical activity before and after cholecystectomy. After surgery, on the first postoperative day, the mean and maximal activities of the gastrointestinal tracts decreased significantly, but there was no significant change in the pattern and the duration of the nonreactive period. A dyskinetic effect and/or weakness of electrical activity was observed in all patients before operation, and the same pattern persisted after operation for one month. This suggests the future onset of the so-called postcholecystectomy syndrome, which may result from the fundamental pathological effect of gallstones.

Abnormal sphincter of Oddi response to cholecystokinin in postcholecystectomy syndrome patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The irritable sphincter

Standard biliary manometry, including cholecystokinin (CCK) provocation, was performed on 42 consecutive patients (36 F, 6 M, median age 45 years) with postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) who had no evidence of organic disease but who had objective clinical features suggesting sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) (classes I and II). Patients were subdivided into those with (N = 14) and without (N = 28) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using a validated symptom questionnaire based on the modified Rome criteria. Resting sphincter of Oddi (SO) motor parameters (basal pressure, contractile amplitude and frequency, and proportion of retrograde contractions), the presence of abnormal manometry, and the presence of an abnormal response to CCK were compared in the two groups. No significant differences in resting parameters of SO motor activity between patients with and without IBS were observed, and abnormal biliary manometry as a whole was not more prevalent in either group (8/13 and 18/27, respectively). An abnormal response to CCK (failure of complete inhibition of phasic contractions), however, was demonstrated in five of 12 patients with IBS compared with only one of 23 patients without IBS (P = 0.01). In patients with postcholecystectomy SOD, an abnormal response of the SO to CCK thus appears to be an important feature of the subset of patients with concomitant IBS.

[Diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in suspected Oddi's sphincter dysfunction]

Endoscopic manometry and quantitative cholescintigraphy are the diagnostic cornerstones for the detection of suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. In patients with recurrent biliary pain after cholecystectomy, endoscopic manometry proves an elevated sphincter of Oddi baseline pressure as the most common finding. The probability for the detection of an elevated baseline pressure in these patients is significantly correlated with the presence of certain clinical features (i.e. biliary pain and/or cholestasis and/or dilated bile duct and/or delayed drainage of contrast material after ERCP). Therefore, these features enable a clinical classification of patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Isolated baseline pressure elevations in the pancreatic portion of the sphincter of Oddi were reported in patients with recurrent, idiopathic, acute pancreatitis. In patients with biliary sphincter dysfunction, therapeutic relief can be expected from pharmacological therapy, but controlled studies are lacking. However, the clinical value of endoscopic sphincterotomy could be established in this field. Despite endoscopic manometry is not a prerequisite for the performance fo endoscopic sphincterotomy in every case of suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, in most patients endoscopic manometry allows the only definitive diagnosis of sphincter dysfunction. Further on, the clinical value of semi-invasive methods as alternative treatment strategies (i.e. botulinum-toxin, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, balloon dilation) for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction has to be evaluated in the future.

Pathophysiology of the sphincter of Oddi

Pathophysiology of the sphincter of Oddi--or sphincter of Oddi dysfunction--manifests as either a biliary-type pain syndrome or recurrent pancreatitis. Imaging studies are unreliable, and direct endoscopic manometry is used to diagnose this entity. Milwaukee biliary classification, in addition to manometry, helps guide therapy. Endoscopic sphincterotomy in selected patients achieves permanent relief of symptoms. Endoscopic therapy for recurrent pancreatitis is still experimental.

Post-cholecystectomy patients with "objective signs" of partial bile outflow obstruction: clinical characteristics, sphincter of Oddi manometry findings, and results of therapy

Seventeen patients, 15 women and 2 men with upper abdominal pain categorized to biliary group I suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, underwent thorough clinical evaluation including ERCP and endoscopic sphincter of Oddi manometry. All the patients were subsequently treated by endoscopic (n = 15) or surgical (n = 2) sphincterotomy. The mean age of patients studied was 62 years. They all had cholecystectomy several years previously (median, 18 years). At ERCP all patients showed a large common bile duct dilation (mean diameter, 18 mm) and delayed contrast drainage greater than 45 minutes. Sphincter of Oddi manometry, although abnormal in most patients, revealed normal sphincter of Oddi pressure in six patients (35%). Nonetheless, sphincterotomy resulted in relief of symptoms in all (mean follow-up, 28 months; range, 3 to 46 months), thus suggesting that their pain was indeed caused by the disordered sphincter of Oddi. These findings support the previous assumption that in symptomatic post-cholecystectomy patients the triad of elevated liver function tests, dilated common bile duct, and delayed contrast drainage at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography indicates a definitive sphincter of Oddi abnormality. The normal sphincter of Oddi pressures in many of these patients are probably due to a different, noncompliant type of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Because these patients invariably benefit from sphincterotomy, sphincter of Oddi manometry in this category is not only unnecessary, but it may also be misleading.