The Prevention of Residual Biliary Calculi

Residual calculi following cholecystectomy may be expected in approximately seven percent of cases. The vast majority of these are overlooked during operation; truly re-formed stones are rare.Calculi are missed during cholecystectomy because of failure to explore the common bile duct. This is due to (1) the presence of silent choledochal stones, and (2) reliance on negative cystic duct cholangiograms in the presence of indications for common duct exploration.Overlooking of silent stones during cholecystectomy may be prevented by routine operative cholangiography. Ideally, false-negative cystic duct cholangiograms should be eliminated by the use of fluoroscopic cholangiography.Retained calculi following duct exploration may be prevented by (a) routine biliary endoscopy and (b) completion fluoroscopic cholangiography.Re-formation of ductal calculi can probably be prevented by appropriate biliary drainage procedures performed during the initial choledochotomy. Selection of patients for primary biliary decompression remains an experimental problem.     

Electrohydraulic lithotripsy with peroral choledochoscopy.

OBJECTIVE--To determine the efficacy of peroral electrohydraulic lithotripsy performed with an extra large duodenoscope (outside diameter 14.8 mm) and a choledochoscope with a diameter of 4.1 mm (Olympus "mother and baby" endoscope system) in the removal of very large stones from the common bile duct. DESIGN--Prospective study of patients with giant stones in the common bile duct that were resistant to extraction by conventional means. SETTING--Endoscopy unit at a university hospital. PATIENTS--Four women and one man aged 48-82 (mean 66.4 years) with a total of nine stones in their common bile ducts ranging from 2.2 to 3.6 cm in diameter. INTERVENTIONS--Peroral electrohydraulic lithotripsy was performed after intravenous sedation and under antibiotic cover. Two endoscopists took part in each procedure, coordination being achieved by means of a video monitor. The procedures were performed with a Lithotron EL-23 lithotripter and a 3 French lithotripsy probe inserted through the choledochoscope under direct vision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--Complete clearance of the common bile duct confirmed by occlusion cholangiography. RESULTS--All nine stones (mean minimal diameter 2.6 cm; mean maximal diameter 3.1 cm) were successfully fragmented by electrohydraulic lithotripsy, allowing subsequent extraction with the aid of endoscopy and clearance of the common bile duct. A median of three (range two to five) sessions of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were required to achieve complete clearance of the ducts. Patients stayed a median of eight days in hospital after lithotripsy (range eight to 14). There were no complications. CONCLUSION--Peroral electrohydraulic lithotripsy offers a safe and effective alternative for the management of patients with large stones in the common bile duct.     

Grey-scale ultrasonography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in biliary tract disease.

Fifty-one patients with suspected obstructive jaundice and 14 without jaundice in whom disease of the biliary tract was suspected but infusion cholangiography had been unhelpful were examined by grey-scale ultrasonography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and the findings analysed retrospectively. Grey-scale ultrasonography distinguished between obstructive and hepatocellular jaundice in 35 out of 46 patients (76%) and indicated the site of the obstruction in 27 (58%) and the cause of the obstruction in 13 (28%). Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography distinguished between obstructive and hepatocellular jaundice in 42 of the patients (91%) and indicated the site of the obstruction in 42 (91%) and the cause in 29 (63%). In the 14 patients without jaundice percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography showed bile-duct stones in one an ampullary stenosis in three. It is concluded that grey-scale ultrasonography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography are complementary examinations and that ultrasonography should always be undertaken first as it is a non-invasive procedure that may provide the surgeon with all the diagnostic information he requires. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography should be performed when grey-scale ultrasonography has shown dilated bile ducts but failed to provide adequate diagnostic information. Cholangiography is also required when preoperative percutaneous drainage of the bile duct is contemplated. In those patients in whom grey-scale ultrasonography shows non-dilated ducts endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is probably the contract examination of choice.     

The application of intraoperative ultrasound during partial hepatectomy for the accurate detection and removal of intrahepatic bile duct stones

To evaluate the application of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) during partial hepatectomy to accurately detect and remove intrahepatic bile duct stones. Intrahepatic bile duct stones were precisely localized during surgery by using IOUS. Furthermore, guiding stone extraction, and determining the scope of liver resection and choice of surgical procedures were also evaluated using this technique. Of the 25 patients used in this study, 16 patients received a left lateral liver resection, 7 patients received a left liver resection, 1 patient had a liver resection of segments V and VI, 9 patients had common bile duct stones, and 6 patients had bile duct stones that underwent jejunal Roux-en-y anastomosis. In addition, IOUS exploration after liver resection and post-operative T-tube cholangiography showed one case with residual stones. The use of IOUS showed high diagnostic accuracy, while also rectifying the misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of bile stones in preoperative imaging. IOUS also assisted with positioning accuracy, which is very important in determining the extent of surgical resection and choice of surgical procedure. Thus, IOUS can dynamically monitor the surgical procedure, guide the operation, and inspect the outcome of operations, therefore, effectively improving the quality of operation.     

胆道微生态的研究进展

人体微生态是微生物与宿主在长期相互作用过程中形成的特殊生态系统,在人体的健康与疾病中起着重要作用。目前对消化系统微生态的研究主要集中在肠道,而胆道系统可能存在独特的微生态体系,它们与胆道系统的健康和疾病之间的关系尚不明确,研究人员探讨了胆道的微生物群与胆囊结石、胆总管结石、Oddi括约肌受损、胆总管结石复发、原发性硬化性胆管炎和胆道肿瘤等肝胆疾病的发生发展、诊断和治疗的关系。本文从健康人群、肝移植供肝者的胆道及以上疾病着手,对胆道微生态的相关研究和进展作一综述。

     

CHOLANGIOGRAPHY FOLLOWING COMMON DUCT DRAINAGE

In a series of 197 patients with extrahepatic biliary disease, 65 who had symptoms that met certain established criteria were operated upon to explore the common bile duct for stones. Stones or debris were found in 34 cases.Certain phases of the procedure used are being reevaluated.Because of unsatisfactory results with immediate cholangiograms, they were made only in selected cases in which the anticipated advantages outweighed the known disadvantages. Delayed cholangiography (10 or 12 days postoperatively) is considered a “must,” however, for determination of the presence of remaining stones. If residual stones are shown, they are removed as soon as possible.     

Gallstones

Cholesterol saturation of bile has a primary role in the pathogenesis of gallstone formation. Predisposing factors should be considered. The characteristic features of biliary colic are important to keep in mind, as well as the fact that a history of fatty food intolerance is not of value in the diagnosis of gallstones. The technique of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is useful for the diagnosis of bile duct stones in jaundiced patients and in patients with a strong clinical history, but in whom findings on oral and intravenous cholangiograms are within normal limits. Improved techniques of operative cholangiography to diminish the incidence of retained gallstones have been developed. Also, choledochoscopy provides a remarkable technique for diagnosis and choledocholithotomy. The dissolution of gallstones with chenodeoxycholic acid is an experimental procedure. This bile acid is thought to act by increasing the chenodeoxycholic acid pool size and decreasing cholesterol synthesis and secretion, thereby reversing the defects responsible for gallstone formation.     

Identification of parasite DNA in common bile duct stones by PCR and DNA sequencing

We attempted to identify parasite DNA in the biliary stones of humans via PCR and DNA sequencing. Genomic DNA was isolated from each of 15 common bile duct (CBD) stones and 5 gallbladder (GB) stones. The patients who had the CBD stones suffered from cholangitis, and the patients with GB stones showed acute cholecystitis, respectively. The 28S and 18S rDNA genes were amplified successfully from 3 and/or 1 common bile duct stone samples, and then cloned and sequenced. The 28S and 18S rDNA sequences were highly conserved among isolates. Identity of the obtained 28S D1 rDNA with that of Clonorchis sinensis was higher than 97.6%, and identity of the 18S rDNA with that of other Ascarididae was 97.9%. Almost no intra-specific variations were detected in the 28S and 18S rDNA with the exception of a few nucleotide variations, i.e., substitution and deletion. These findings suggest that C. sinensis and Ascaris lumbricoides may be related with the biliary stone formation and development.     

Transhepatic Cholangiography

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is a method of visualizing the biliary tree by the injection of radio-opaque medium through the abdominal wall and liver into an intrahepatic bile duct. The procedure is indicated in the immediate preoperative evaluation of patients with obstructive jaundice of unknown etiology and is usually diagnostic in these cases. It may also be of value in avoiding operation in poor-risk patients with obstructive jaundice. Biliary leak resulting in chemical peritonitis is a complication in about 5% of these procedures. Intraperitoneal hemorrhage is a complication in less than 1%. Death results from the procedure in less than 0.5% of cases. Transhepatic cholangiography during surgical operation is of value in demonstrating obstructive lesions of the bile ducts. However, preoperative percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is preferred, since it makes possible adequate preparation for technically difficult repairs and resections.     

胆道系统探查中术中超声的应用及临床价值

目的:探讨胆管系统探查中术中超声(intraoperative ultrasound,IOUS)的应用及临床价值。方法:2007年3月至2014年8月应用术中超声对胆道系统进行探查的病例资料58例,对其术前影像学表现、手术过程、术中超声所见以及术中和术后诊断进行分析,研究术中超声对胆道探查的应用价值。结果:(1)58例应用术中超声病人中,肝内外胆管结石35例、肝门部胆管癌及胆总管癌11例,急性胆囊炎8例,胃癌1例,先天性胆总管囊肿1例,胆总管炎性狭窄1例,胰腺癌1例。术中超声确认取净结石或胆总管未见明显异常34例,定位肝内胆管残余结石6例,发现胆总管内尚有结石2例,术中超声确诊胆管癌2例;另发现胆总管先天性解剖异常2例;(2)在发现胆管结石方面,与术前MRCP无显著性差异(P=0.643);与术前CT、B超比较有显著差异(P0.05),诊断率分别为B超74.3%,MRCP 91.4%,CT 77.1%,IOUS 94.3%。结论:术中超声胆道系统的探查可以在广泛的疾病中得到应用,可以对术前影像学检查起到验证和补充的作用,且在术中引导各种介入操作中起到独特作用。     

Migration of gall stones.

The factors influencing the migration of gall stones are ill understood. Altogether 331 patients undergoing cholecystectomy were studied prospectively. The diameters of the cystic and common bile ducts and of stones in the gall bladder and bile ducts were measured. Increasing pressure was applied to the freshly excised gall bladder in an attempt to evacuate stones through the cystic duct. Stones passed in 33 (60.0%) of patients with choledocholithiasis, 45 (67.2%) of patients with pancreatitis, and 7 (3.2%) of patients without either pancreatitis or choledocholithiasis. Stones migrated in 6 (3.0%) who had a normal cystic duct diameter (less than or equal to 4 mm) and in 46 (32.5%) with a duct over 4 mm diameter. Common bile duct stones were often larger than the diameter of the cystic duct and when reintroduced into the gall bladder would not migrate. The passage of debris (less than or equal to 1 mm) through the cystic duct bore no relation to the presence or absence of choledocholithiasis or a dilated cystic duct. Small stones (1-4 mm diameter) must migrate to initiate and facilitate further migration; some must increase in size in the common bile duct. Increased biliary pressure consequently dilates the duct system retrogradely, allowing larger stones to follow. Patients at risk of stone migration and thereby pancreatitis and jaundice have large ducts that can be detected by ultrasound assessment.     

Congenital Cystic Malformation of the Bile Ducts: Report of a Case and Review of Related Literature

A 20-year-old woman had a cyst of the proximal part of the common bile duct and a cyst of the left hepatic duct; these lesions were diagnosed preoperatively by intravenous cholangiography and successfully operated upon. At the time of writing, she has been followed up for one year.Congenital defects in the biliary system are rare and, in a review of the literature, only two cases were found similar to this one. It is generally accepted that these lesions are congenital, but the exact pathogenesis is unknown.Alonso-Lej, Rever and Pessagno² reviewed the literature in 1959 and found 403 authentic congenital cysts of the hepatic ducts. The most common congenital defect is a single choledochal cyst of the lower end of the common bile duct. Pain, jaundice and tumour are the main symptoms.Until the advent of intravenous cholangiography, these lesions were seldom recognized preoperatively. Means of operative repair as well as complications and prognosis are reviewed.     

New Diagnosis and Therapy Model for Ischemic-Type Biliary Lesions following Liver Transplantation—A Retrospective Cohort Study

Ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBLs) are a major cause of graft loss and mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Impaired blood supply to the bile ducts may cause focal or extensive damage, resulting in intra- or extrahepatic bile duct strictures or dilatations that can be detected by ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and cholangiography. However, the radiographic changes occur at an advanced stage, after the optimal period for therapeutic intervention. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) are the gold standard methods of detecting ITBLs, but these procedures cannot be used for continuous monitoring. Traditional methods of follow-up and diagnosis result in delayed diagnosis and treatment of ITBLs. Our center has used the early diagnosis and intervention model (EDIM) for the diagnosis and treatment of ITBLs since February 2008. This model mainly involves preventive medication to protect the epithelial cellular membrane of the bile ducts, regular testing of liver function, and weekly monitor of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) to detect ischemic changes to the bile ducts. If the liver enzyme levels become abnormal or CEUS shows low or no enhancement of the wall of the hilar bile duct during the arterial phase, early ERCP and PTCD are performed to confirm the diagnosis and to maintain biliary drainage. Compared with patients treated by the traditional model used prior to February 2008, patients in the EDIM group had a lower incidence of biliary tract infection (28.6% vs. 48.6%, P = 0.04), longer survival time of liver grafts (24±9.6 months vs. 17±12.3 months, P = 0.02), and better outcomes after treatment of ITBLs.     

INDICATIONS FOR AND RESULTS FOLLOWING EXPLORATION OF THE COMMON BILE DUCT FOR STONES

Among 100 consecutive patients who had removal or drainage of the gallbladder and exploration of the common bile duct for stones, there were no serious, immediate or late complications and there were no operative deaths. Ninety-six of the 100 patients had stones in the gallbladder, in the common duct, or in both, and 52 of these patients had one or more stones in the common duct.Ten patients died subsequently of unrelated causes. Six patients were lost to followup. Of the 84 patients whose present condition is known, 75 or 89 per cent have had a completely satisfactory result. Six more patients have minor residual symptoms, and for them the result has been classified as good. In three patients, the results were unsatisfactory. Cholangiograms taken before the removal of the T-tube showed residual stones in two patients. In each instance, the stone or stones have been subsequently passed and both patients are in excellent condition.     

Indications for and results following exploration of the common bile duct for stones

Among 100 consecutive patients who had removal or drainage of the gallbladder and exploration of the common bile duct for stones, there were no serious, immediate or late complications and there were no operative deaths. Ninety-six of the 100 patients had stones in the gallbladder, in the common duct, or in both, and 52 of these patients had one or more stones in the common duct. Ten patients died subsequently of unrelated causes. Six patients were lost to followup. Of the 84 patients whose present condition is known, 75 or 89 per cent have had a completely satisfactory result. Six more patients have minor residual symptoms, and for them the result has been classified as good. In three patients, the results were unsatisfactory. Cholangiograms taken before the removal of the T-tube showed residual stones in two patients. In each instance, the stone or stones have been subsequently passed and both patients are in excellent condition.     

钬激光在胆总管下段嵌顿结石术中的应用

目的探讨钬激光在胆总管下段嵌顿性结石手术中的应用价值。方法通过腹腔镜下胆道镜工作通道,应用钬激光,功率为0．6—0．8J／10Hz,直径为200um光导纤维,在直视下接触结石,将嵌顿结石击碎后注水冲出,或用取石篮套出。结果11例均取石碎石成功,手术时间75—205min,平均95．5min,出血80—130ml,平均89．4ml。平均住院8．2d。术后无胆道出血,胆漏。术后2W照影无结石残留,胆总管下段通畅无胆道狭窄。术后肝功能2W恢复正常6例,5例1月均恢复正常。随访3—6月未见结石复发。结论钬激光治疗胆总管下段嵌顿结石,具有创伤小、恢复快、碎石确切、操作容易、安全有效等优点,为治疗复杂性胆总管结石开辟了一条新的治疗途径。     

塑料胆道支架引流术治疗复杂性胆总管结石的临床研究

目的:探讨内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)下塑料胆道支架引流术治疗复杂性胆总管结石的临床疗效和安全性。方法:回顾性分析2011年9月至2013年9月在我院经ERCP下胆道支架引流术治疗的32例复杂性胆总管结石患者的临床病例资料。结果:32例患者塑料胆道支架引流术全部成功,平均手术时间15-30分钟。术后,2例发生高淀粉酶血症,经禁食72小时后恢复正常,无穿孔、消化道大出血等ERCP严重并发症发生。术后1周,患者腹痛、发热消失,转氨酶及胆红素水平明显下降,平均住院时间6-15天。3个月复查B超,发现结石缩小19例,结石碎裂1例,支架脱落1例。术后7天、术后3个月的肝功能指标与术前比较均显著改善,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:ERCP下塑料胆道支架引流术是一种复杂性胆总管结石安全有效的治疗方法,具有创伤小、风险较低、操作时间短、患者易耐受及手术成功率高等优点。     

Common bile duct obstruction caused by the hydatid daughter cysts

Echinococcosis is a human parasitary disease. In 2002, 29 new cases of liver echinococcosis were recorded in Croatia. Liver is the most common site of hydatid cysts. Nine patients with echinoccocal liver disease were operated in our department in 2002. Here we present a case where a patient with verified hydatid cyst in the left liver lobe developed high fever, jaundice, nausea, vomiting and pain in the upper abdomen. The symptoms were initially ascribed to the acute cholangitis. After unsuccessful antibiotic treatment, computerized tomography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were performed, demonstrating daughter cysts in the common bile duct. During ERCP, papilotomy was made and daughter cysts were extracted. Hydatid cyst was surgically removed, and a communication between the cyst and left hepatic duct was noted during surgery. Pericystectomy, choledochotomy, removal of remaining daughter cysts from the common bile duct, and sutures of left hepatic duct were performed. The patient recovered fully after the surgery. One of the possible complications of the liver hydatid cysts is the communication between cyst and the biliary tree. Such communications are usually asymptomatic, but symptoms can also mimic acute cholangitis and jaundice, which may lead to the misdiagnosis of the patient's condition.     

CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS-Correlation of Preoperative with Operative and Postoperative Data to Enhance Diagnostic Insight

One hundred cases of common bile duct explorations were reviewed in an attempt to obtain information that might give insight into the diagnosis and definitive treatment of choledocholithiasis. Fifty of the hundred patients had common duct stones. Correlations were made between the incidence of choledocholithiasis as proved at operation, and the following factors: Kind and number of choledochal exploratory criteria used, the clinical diagnosis of common duct stones, and the pathologic features of gallbladders removed. The incidence of stones was statistically related to aging. The most frequent choledochal exploratory criteria were common duct dilatation or thickening (63 cases) and history of jaundice (50 cases). The most reliable single criterion in "diagnosing" common duct stones was palpable common or hepatic duct stones, the diagnosis having been correct in 15 of 17 such cases. The most reliable combination of criteria was a history of jaundice, plus palpable stones, with correct diagnosis in all such cases. The clinical diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was correct in only 17 per cent of cases. The correlation of the incidence of common duct stones with the degree of gallbladder disease-that is, acute or chronic-did not provide information that might be helpful in diagnosing choledocholithiasis. The incidence of proven retained common duct stones was 3 per cent, the non-fatal postoperative complication rate was 21 per cent and operative mortality was 1 per cent.     

Ultrasonography of the bile ducts after cholecystectomy]

The paper is concerned with the results of multiprojectional ultrasound investigation of the biliferous system in 68 patients at varying time after cholecystectomy. In most cases (77.9%) signs of dilated biliary ducts were undetectable. Dilatation of the hepaticodoch was most frequently determined by choledolithiasis, stricture or stenosing papillitis, rarely--by pancreatic head cancer. Investigation of the biliary ducts in patients after cholecystectomy should be started with ultrasound tomography; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or i.v. cholangiography and dynamic cholescintigraphy were indicated after the detection of the signs of dilated ducts (the anteroposterior diameter of the common hepatic duct was over 6 mm).