SPECIALTY CONFERENCE: The Treatment of Retained Gallstones

Various techniques are available to evaluate patients suspected of having common duct stones before an operation on the biliary tract. In patients without jaundice, intravenous cholangiography with tomography may provide satisfactory visualization of the biliary system and its contents. Sonography and computerized axial tomography are useful noninvasive methods. Endoscopic retrograde and transhepatic cholangiography are invasive techniques; but, when successful, they provide the most precise preoperative information obtainable about the presence or absence of stones in the biliary system. The most appropriate diagnostic procedures must be carefully selected for each patient. Each year in 3,000 to 4,000 cases, stones are found remaining in the bile ducts after common duct exploration for the removal of stones. Retained stones can be treated by nonoperative extraction, by irrigation techniques and by surgical removal. Extraction methods probably deserve first consideration, if experienced personnel are available. The technique of irrigation of the common bile duct with cholic acid or other solutions, although limited in success, may also be tried; if these procedures fail, then reoperation is indicated.     

Direct cholangiography: its diagnostic and therapeutic role.

In the management of biliary tract disorders, direct cholangiography should be chosen over ultrasonic examination if the bile ducts are thought to be obstructed. Contrast medium can be introduced into the bile ducts either percutaneously or retrogradely via the ampulla of Vater, the choice of technique often depending on the clinical situation. Direct access to the biliary tree for diagnostic purposes has also led to advances in the treatment of mechanical disorders of the ducts.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA biopsy of bile duct and gallbladder: analysis of 53 cases

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP)-guided brushing has been the standard of practice for surveillance and detection of carcinoma in the biliary tree. Few studies have evaluated the role of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in diagnosing clinically suspected cholangiocarcinoma. The role of this method in diagnosing clinically suspected gallbladder malignancies has not been extensively evaluated in the USA. This study investigates the role of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of clinically suspected biliary tree and gallbladder malignancies in a large patient series. METHODS: EUS-FNAs were obtained from 46 bile duct and seven gallbladder lesions. On-site rapid interpretation was provided using air-dried Diff Quik stained smears. In addition, alcohol fixed Papanicoloau stained smears and Thin Prep preparations (Cytye Corp., Marlborough, MA, USA) were evaluated before providing a final cytological diagnosis. Tissue biopsies and/or clinical follow-up were used as the standards to determine operating characteristics for EUS-FNA. RESULTS: The mean ages for bile duct and gallbladder lesions were 66 years (range: 37-84 years), and 69 years (range 49-86 years), respectively. All cases diagnosed as suspicious/malignant on preliminary evaluation were confirmed on final cytological interpretation (27/27). The operating characteristics show that EUS-FNA is highly specific (100%) with sensitivity rates of 87% and 80% from clinically suspected malignancies of biliary tract and gallbladder, respectively. Sampling error in three cases and associated acute inflammation in two cases resulted in false-negative diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA of biliary tree and gallbladder carcinoma is highly specific and should be considered for evaluation of clinically suspicious lesions. Marked inflammation may result in false-negative diagnoses.     

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.     

Radiodiagnosis of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Among diseases of the hepatobiliary system, primary sclerosing cholangitis is an undetectable disorder of the biliary tract rather than a rare nosological entity, complex radiation study is of great importance in its preoperative diagnosis. Among direct methods for contrasting the biliary tract, the authors gave preference to percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography that allows the dilated biliary tract to be contrasted virtually in 100% of cases. The specific features of X-ray semiotics of primary sclerosing cholangitis were identified in 17 patients.     

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.     

Visualization of the biliary tract; preoperative and post-operative radiologic investigation

Modern operative treatment of diseases of the bile passages requires the use of x-ray visualization of the biliary tract before, after and during operation. Nearly every surgeon uses x-ray study of the biliary tract before operation and it is widespread practice to carry out such study after operations in which a tube has been placed in the bile passages. However, there is a remarkable aversion to operative cholangiography.The usual reasons for avoiding operative cholangiography are unfamiliarity, inertia, concern over complications of the technique, and the feeling that it is unnecessary or wasteful of surgeon's time and patient's money. Yet the results of operative cholangiograms compare favorably with those obtained with the more customary x-ray studies of the bile ducts carried out after operation, at a time when the information gained is much less valuable in avoiding additional operations and in contributing to a smooth and rapid convalescence.     

VISUALIZATION OF THE BILIARY TRACT—Preoperative,Operative and Postoperative Radiologic Investigation

Modern operative treatment of diseases of the bile passages requires the use of x-ray visualization of the biliary tract before, after and during operation. Nearly every surgeon uses x-ray study of the biliary tract before operation and it is widespread practice to carry out such study after operations in which a tube has been placed in the bile passages. However, there is a remarkable aversion to operative cholangiography.The usual reasons for avoiding operative cholangiography are unfamiliarity, inertia, concern over complications of the technique, and the feeling that it is unnecessary or wasteful of surgeon''s time and patient''s money. Yet the results of operative cholangiograms compare favorably with those obtained with the more customary x-ray studies of the bile ducts carried out after operation, at a time when the information gained is much less valuable in avoiding additional operations and in contributing to a smooth and rapid convalescence.     

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).     

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.     

Novel technique for biliary reconstruction using an isolated gastric tube with a vascularized pedicle: a live animal experimental study and the first clinical case

Background

Biliary tract reconstruction continues to be a challenging surgical problem. Multiple experimental attempts have been reported to reconstruct biliary defects with different materials and variable outcome. Our aim was to evaluate a new method for biliary reconstruction using an isolated pedicled gastric tube in a live animal trial and also to present the first clinical case.

Methods

Seven mongrel dogs underwent biliary reconstruction using gastric tube harvested, completely separated from the greater curvature, and based on a vascularized pedicle with the right gastroepiploic vessels. The tube was interposed between the common bile duct (CBD) and the duodenum. Postoperative mortality, morbidity, liver functions, gross and microscopic histological picture were assessed. The first clinical case was also presented where, in a patient with post-cholecystectomy biliary injury, an isolated pedicled gastric tube was interposed between the proximal and distal ends of the CBD.

Results

One dog did not recover from anesthesia and another one died postoperatively from septic peritonitis. Five dogs survived the procedure and showed uneventful course and no cholestasis. The mean anastomotic circumference was 4.8 mm (range 4-6) for CBD anastomosis and 6.2 mm (range 5-7) for duodenal anastomosis. Histologically, anastomotic sites showed good evidence of healing. In the first clinical case, the patient showed clinical and biochemical improvement. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was feasible and assured patent biliary anastomoses.

Conclusion

In mongrel dogs, biliary reconstruction using pedicled gastric tube interposition between CBD and duodenum is feasible with satisfactory clinical results, anastomotic circumference and histological evidence of healing. The technique is also feasible in human and seems to be promising.     

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.     

Anatomic changes in the biliary tract and pancreas in patients with diabetes mellitus diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography]

Structural changes in both biliary tract and pancreas have been assessed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in 100 diabetic patients divided into subgroups depending on the type of diabetes mellitus, i.e. type I, type II and III-pancreatic. Control group included 100 randomly selected patients without diabetes mellitus in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography has been performed for various indications. Structural changes in the biliary tract and pancreas have been more frequent in diabetic patients than in the control group (47 and 75% vs 32 and 30%, respectively). Cholelithiasis has been noted in 27.8% of patients with type II diabetes mellitus and in 11.3% of patients with type I diabetes mellitus; obesity has been found in 57 and 12% of patients, respectively. Other biliary tract disorders, mainly in the form of segmental stenosis or dilatation of the common bile duct, have been more frequent in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Pancreatic disorders, assessed with the aid of Cambridge classification, have been noted in all patients with pancreatic diabetes and in 80.7% of patients with diabetes mellitus type I. Incidence of so-called doubtful and mild disorders has been more frequent (22.2 and 24.1%, respectively) in patients with diabetes mellitus type II whereas "moderate" and "severe" disorders have been significantly less frequent (7.4 and 1.9% of patients). The results indicate, that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is useful in the assessment of bile ducts structure and pancreatic exocrine activity in diabetic patients in whom disorders are more frequent.     

How the biliary tree maintains immune tolerance?

The liver is a vital organ with distinctive anatomy, histology and heterogeneous cell populations. These characteristics are of particular importance in maintaining immune homeostasis within the liver microenvironments, notably the biliary tree. Cholangiocytes are the first line of defense of the biliary tree against foreign substances, and are equipped to participate through various immunological pathways. Indeed, cholangiocytes protect against pathogens by TLRs-related signaling; maintain tolerance by expression of IRAK-M and PPARγ; limit immune response by inducing apoptosis of leukocytes; present antigen by expressing human leukocyte antigen molecules and costimulatory molecules; recruit leukocytes to the target site by expressing cytokines and chemokines. However, breach of tolerance in the biliary tree results in various cholangiopathies, exemplified by primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and biliary atresia. Lessons learned from immune tolerance of the biliary tree will provide the basis for the development of effective therapeutic approaches against autoimmune biliary tract diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cholangiocytes in Health and Disease edited by Jesus Banales, Marco Marzioni, Nicholas LaRusso and Peter Jansen.     

梗阻性黄疸患者经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术后胆道感染的病原菌分布、耐药性及影响因素分析

目的:探讨梗阻性黄疸患者经内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)术后胆道感染病原菌分布、耐药性以及导致术后胆道感染的影响因素。方法:选择2016年3月至2019年10月我院收治的310例行ERCP治疗的梗阻性黄疸患者,根据ERCP术后是否发生胆道感染将其分为感染组(50例)和未感染组(260例)。检测胆道感染患者病原菌种类及其耐药性,多元Logistic回归分析影响梗阻性黄疸患者ERCP术后胆道感染的影响因素。结果:ERCP术后胆道感染发生率为16.13%,大肠埃希菌、铜绿假单胞菌、粪肠球菌、屎肠球菌是主要致病菌,检出率分别为40.79%、13.16%、9.21%、6.58%。大肠埃希菌、铜绿假单胞菌对头孢类、氨基糖苷类抗生素耐药率高,粪肠球菌、屎肠球菌对利福平、喹诺酮类抗生素耐药率高,大肠埃希菌、铜绿假单胞菌、粪肠球菌、屎肠球菌均对利奈唑胺、亚胺培南敏感。多元Logistic回归分析结果显示,恶性病变、ERCP2次及以上、胆胰管汇流异常、术后胆管引流不畅是梗阻性黄疸患者ERCP术后胆道感染的危险因素(P0.05),术后预防性使用抗生素是保护因素(P0.05)。结论:梗阻性黄疸患者ERCP术后存在一定胆道感染风险,革兰氏阴性菌是主要致病菌,临床应注重对高危因素预防,有必要术后选择敏感抗生素预防性治疗。     

POSTOPERATIVE BILE PERITONITIS

Bile peritonitis may occur after open operations on the biliary tract or following needle biopsy of the liver.Usually it is secondary to rupture of the common duct caused by overlooked common duct stone.Sterile intraperitoneal bile collections may be tolerated fairly well for long periods.Placing drains in the abdomen after biliary tract operations helps prevent dangerous accumulations of bile.Patients with extensive bile peritonitis should be operated upon as soon as possible. Ideally, the operation should include drainage of the abdomen and repair of any underlying pathological cause, but the condition of the patient may be so poor that only drainage can be carried out at the moment.     

Value of injection hepato-lymphography during percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in patients with cholestasis

Injection hepatography (IH) was made in 278 patients with cholestasis to study the drainage function of the liver. In 208 cases. IH was performed as a test during percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTHC). The hepatic lymph pathways were imaged in 167 (60%) patients. Images of the biliary tract were obtained in 245 (88.1%) patients with cholestasis, it being not dilated in 34 (12.2%) patients. The fact that hepatolymphography may be performed during PTHC as an independent test permits verification of hepatic lymph circulatory disorders that are an index of the rate of inflammation in the organ.     

La cholécystite et la cholélithiase chez l'enfant

Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis in children would appear to be a rare surgical finding; however, the authors have encountered 15 cases. Although in approximately half the children with this condition the symptomatology is sufficient to draw attention to the biliary tract, in the other half the presence of periumbilical or right lower quadrant abdominal tenderness can easily be misleading. Only by considering the use of cholecystography will one be in a position to make a diagnosis of cholelithiasis in these latter cases.Among the possible causally associated factors in the adult, sex (female) and obesity alone may be applicable in children. Cholecystectomy with peroperative cholangiography is the treatment of choice, even though the occurrence of migratory calculi in the common bile duct is exceptional.     

An elderly man with cholestatic jaundice due to biliary hydatidosis

Hydatid disease is found throughout the world, with a higher prevalence in the Mediterranean area. In Spain, the most endemic regions are Rioja and Aragon, with rates above 10 cases/100,000 inhabitants, followed by Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y Leon (5-10 cases/100,000 inhabitants). This parasitic disease is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (EG) and the main organs affected are the liver and the lung (85 % cases). We present a case of obstructive jaundice and secondary cholangitis due to a biliary hydatidosis. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed dilatation of the entire biliary tract. The technique used for diagnosis and treatment was endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.     

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.