Influence of effective liver drainage volume on overall survival in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction: a multicenter study / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To investigate the influence of liver drainage volume on overall survival time in patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction.Methods:Data of 633 patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction (BismuthⅡ-Ⅳ) who underwent endoscopic stent drainage in 3 endoscopy centers from January 2002 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Main observation indicators included clinical success rate, stent patency, overall survival, the effective liver drainage volume, and complication incidence.Results:The clinical success rates of patients with liver drainage volume <30%, 30%-50%, and >50% were 56.8% (25/44), 77.3% (201/260) and 84.2% (277/329) respectively. The incidences of early cholangitis were 31.8% (14/44), 18.8% (49/260) and 16.1% (53/329). The median stent patency time was 4.5 (95% CI: 1.8-7.2) months, 5.6 (95% CI: 5.0-6.2) months and 6.6 (95% CI: 5.2-8.0) months. The overall survival time was 2.4 (95% CI: 1.8-3.0) months, 4.0 (95% CI: 3.4-4.6) months and 4.9 (95% CI:4.4-5.4) months, respectively. The clinical success rate ( χ 2=8.28, P=0.012), median stent patency period ( χ 2=18.87, P=0.015) and overall survival time ( χ 2=6.93, P=0.024) of 30%-50% liver drainage volume group were significantly higher than those of <30% group. Further multivariate cox regression analysis showed that the disease type (hepatocellular carcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.50, 95% CI:1.18-1.91, P=0.001; gallbladder carcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.45, 95% CI:1.14-1.85, P=0.002; metastatic cholangiocarcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.48, 95% CI:1.08-2.04, P=0.015), bilirubin level >200 μmol/L ( HR=1.35, 95% CI:1.14-1.60, P<0.001),metal stents ( HR=0.67, 95% CI:0.56-0.79, P<0.001), liver drainage volume (volume 30%-50% VS <30%: HR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.90, P=0.010; volume>50% VS <30%: HR=0.58, 95% CI:0.41-0.81, P=0.002) and anti-tumor therapy ( HR=0.51, 95% CI:0.42-0.61, P<0.001) were independent predictors for overall survival time of patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction. Conclusion:When endoscopic stent drainage is performed for patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction, at least 30% liver volume is required for better overall survival. In addition, the use of metal stent drainage and anti-tumor therapy may increase survival benefits.

Application value of different metal stents placement position in endoscopic drainage of malig-nant hilar bile duct obstruction: a multicenter study / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of different metal stents place-ment position in endoscopic drainage of malignant hilar bile duct obstruction.Methods:The retro-spective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 300 patients with malignant hilar bile duct obstruction who were admitted to 3 medical centers, including 216 patients in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, 48 patients in the Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 36 patients in the First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, from January 2012 to January 2019 were collected. There were 164 males and 136 females, aged (67±12)years. All patients were determined to be unresectable by multidisciplinary consultation and underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Observation indicators: (1) clinicopathological features of patients; (2) follow-up; (3) analysis of influencing factors for patency time of metal biliary stents and overall survival time of patients. Follow-up was conducted using outpatient examination and telephone interview to detect patency of metal biliary stents and survival of patients up to July 2019 or death of patients. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the rank sum test. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and draw survival curves, and Log-Rank test was used to conduct survival analysis. COX regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Factors with P<0.1 in univariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis. Results:(1) Clinicopathological features of patients. Of the 300 patients, 163 cases underwent endoscopic drainage with at least one metal biliary stent' distal portion crossing the duodenal main papilla (hereinafter referred to as crossing papilla), and 137 cases underwent endoscopic drainage with no metal biliary stent' distal portion crossing the duodenal main papilla (hereinafter referred to as no crossing papilla). Age, disease type (hilar cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangio-carcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma, metastatic cholangiocarcinoma), metal biliary stents type (unilateral metal biliary stent, bilateral metal biliary stents) of patients with crossing papilla were (68±13)years, 95, 8, 11, 31, 18, 63, 100, respectively. The above indicators of patients with no crossing papilla were (64±12)years, 63, 22, 20, 23, 9, 126, 11, respectively. There were significant differences in the above indicators between patients with crossing papilla and patients with no crossing papilla ( t=2.70, χ2=17.69, 90.79, P<0.05). (2) Follow-up. All the 300 patients were followed up for 5.4(3.1,9.3)months. The patency time of metal biliary stents was 9.0(8.2,9.8)months and 6.4(4.8,8.0)months of patients with crossing papilla and patients with no crossing papilla, showing a significant difference between them ( χ2=8.23, P<0.05). The overall survival time was 5.5(4.2,6.8)months and 5.5(4.3,6.8)months of patients with crossing papilla and patients with no crossing papilla, showing no significant difference between them ( χ2=0.28, P>0.05). (3) Analysis of influencing factors for patency time of metal biliary stents and overall survival time of patients. Results of univariate analysis showed that type of metal biliary stents and the placement position of metal biliary stents were related factors affecting the patency time of metal biliary stents [ hazard ratio( HR)=0.44, 0.60, 95% confidence intervals as 0.30?0.64, 0.42?0.85, P<0.05]. Results of multi-variate analysis showed that bilateral metal biliary stents was an independent protective factor for the patency time of metal biliary stents ( HR=0.46, 95% confidence interval as 0.29?0.72, P<0.05). Results of univariate analysis showed that disease type (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma versus hilar cholangiocarcinoma), preoperative serum total bilirubin, type of metal biliary stents, anti-tumor therapy were related factors affecting the overall survival time of patients ( HR=1.05, 1.43, 0.72, 0.61, 95% confidence intervals as 0.70?1.57, 1.12?1.83, 0.55?0.92, 0.47?0.81, P<0.05). Results of multi-variate analysis showed that age >60 years, disease type as hepatocellular carcinoma, preoperative serum total bilirubin >200 μmol/L were independent risk factors for the overall survival time of patients ( HR=1.35, 1.98, 1.46, 95% confidence intervals as 1.02?1.79, 1.40?2.80, 1.13?1.89, P<0.05), and bilateral metal biliary stents, anti-tumor therapy were independent protective factors for the overall survival time of patients ( HR=0.68, 0.60, 95% confidence intervals as 0.53?0.89, 0.45?0.80, P<0.05). Conclusions:Endoscopic drainage with or without metal biliary stents' distal portion crossing the duodenal main papilla is safe and feasible for patients with malignant hilar bile duct obstruction. Bilateral metal biliary stents is an independent protective factor for the patency time of metal biliary stents. Age >60 years, disease type as hepatocellular carcinoma, preoperative serum total bilirubin >200 μmol/L are independent risk factors for the overall survival time of patients, and bilateral metal biliary stents, anti-tumor therapy are independent protective factors for the overall survival time of patients.

Derivación biliodigestiva guiada por ultrasonografía endoscópica en el paciente con adenocarcinoma de páncreas y obstrucción de la vía biliar estadio IV: reporte de caso / Biliodigestive shunt guided by endoscopic ultrasonography in patient with stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma and obstruction of the bile duct. A case report

Resumen La endosonografía endoscópica es una alternativa que sirve como guía para la realización de derivaciones biliodigestivas en los casos en los que la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) ha fallado. Se han descrito técnicas como la coledocoduodenostomía o coledocoantrostomía guiadas por ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE). Se describe el caso de una paciente de 72 años con adenocarcinoma de páncreas, compromiso portal y de paredes duodenales, en quien se usó la CPRE para intentar una derivación paliativa y fue fallida, por lo cual se realizó la colocación de un stent metálico guiado por endosonografía endoscópica, con adecuada respuesta clínica al tratamiento. En conclusión, el procedimiento es seguro y la endosonografía es una vía alterna efectiva en los casos de CPRE fallidas para lograr derivaciones biliares en casos de obstrucción de la vía biliar de origen maligno.

Abstract Endoscopic endosonography is an alternative to guide biliodigestive shunting in cases where endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has failed. Techniques such as choledoduodenostomy or choledochoantrostomy guided by endoscopic ultrasonography have been described. This is the case of a 72-year-old patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, portal vein and duodenal wall involvement, in whom ERCP to try a palliative shunt failed. Therefore, a metal stent was placed using endoscopic endosonography, with adequate clinical response to the procedure and treatment. It is concluded that the procedure is safe and that endosonography is an effective alternative in cases of ERCP failure to achieve biliary bypass in cases of malignant biliary obstruction.

Clinical Analysis of Biliary Drainage of Biliary Obstruction Diseases Under Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography / 胃肠病学

Background: There are many biliary drainage methods for the treatment of biliary obstruction diseases, and the application of endoscopic biliary drainage has been increased gradually. Aims: To compare the effect and complications of different endoscopic biliary drainage for the treatment of biliary obstruction diseases. Methods: A total of 75 patients with biliary obstruction diseases received endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from February 2012 to December 2017 at the People's Hospital of Xuancheng City were enrolled. The patients were divided into nasobiliary drainage group and biliary stenting group. The success rate, effect, complication of drainage were compared between the two groups, and the cause of biliary re-obstruction after ERCP was analyzed. Results: Before treatment, TBIL, DBIL levels were significantly increased in biliary stenting group than in nasobiliary drainage group (P<0.01). After the treatment, no significant difference in success rate of drainage was found between the two groups. No significant differences in TBIL, DBIL before and after treatment were found between the two groups. After the treatment, ALT, AST, GGT was significantly decreased, and AMS was significantly increased in nasobiliary drainage group (P<0.05); while ALT, GGT, AMS were significantly decreased in biliary stenting group (P<0.05). No significantly difference in incidence of complication was found between the two groups. The causes of biliary re-obstruction after ERCP were mainly bile mud or sedimentary calculus, massive stone, tumor invasion. Conclusions: The nasobiliary drainage and biliary stenting drainage can both improve liver function, and relieve the clinical symptoms of biliary obstruction. No significant difference in drainage effect and complication are found between the two drainage methods.

Anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation: It is not Achilles' heel anymore!

Biliary-tract complications, such as biliary strictures, anastomotic leaks, choledocholithiasis, and biliary casts, can occur after liver transplantation (LT). Of these complications, biliary strictures are regarded as an Achilles' heel. Recently, treatment of anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS) has transitioned from conventional surgical revision to a nonsurgical treatment modality. Endoscopic serial balloon dilatation and/or multiple plastic stent replacements are highly effective and are now regarded as the first-line treatments. However, if the patient has undergone anastomosis by means of a hepaticojejunostomy, percutaneous treatment is performed. With recent technological advances and the rendezvous method, the clinical success rates of endoscopic and percutaneous ABS treatments have increased, but these methods fail in some patients who have total obstruction of anastomotic stricture. For these patients, magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) has been suggested as an alternative method. Animal and human studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of MCA, and advancements in these nonsurgical methods have increased the clinical success rate of ABS. This review focuses on ABSs that develop after LT and discusses the clinical results of various nonsurgical methods and future directions.

Combined use of a two-channel endoscope and a flexible tip catheter for difficult biliary cannulation

A 69-year-old woman with jaundice was referred to our hospital. After a final diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis, we performed transpapillary biliary drainage with a covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS). Three months later, we also placed an uncovered duodenal stent for duodenal stricture in a side-to-end fashion. Another month later, for biliary SEMS obstruction, we attempted a transpapillary approach. A duodenoscope was advanced and a guidewire was passed through the mesh of the duodenal stent into the bile duct with a flexible tip catheter, but the catheter was not. Thus, we exchanged the duodenoscope for a forward-viewing two-channel endoscope and used the left working channel with a flexible tip catheter. By adjusting the axis, we finally succeeded biliary cannulation and accomplished balloon cleaning for recanalization of the SEMS. This is the first case with successful biliary cannulation by combined use of a two-channel endoscope and a flexible tip catheter.

Application of percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage in the treatment of bile duct obstruction with malignant hilar bile duct carcinoma / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To analyze the therapeutic effect of percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) in the treatment of bile duct obstruction in patients with malignant hilar bile duct carcinoma,and to discuss the clinical application and practical value of PTCD.Methods A total of 55 patients with malignant biliary obstruction were divided into the PTCD group (30 cases who recieved percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage) and the control group (25 cases who recieved endoscopic stent implantation).Observed the preoperative and postoperative biochemical indexes of PTCD group,including serum total bilirubin (TB),serum direct bilirubin (DB),serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum glutamic acid amino turn shift of aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and serum alkaline phosphatase(AKP).Compared the effect rate and postoperative survival time of the two groups through postoperative follow-up.Results The TB,DB,ALT,AST and APK of PTCD group one week after operation changed obviously compared with the relative index before opreation with statistically significant differences (P<0.05), which indicated a significant improvement of biochemical indicators.The treatment efficiency of the PTCD group and the control group were 83.3% and 64.0% respectively, and survival time of the two groups were(7.5±2.6)months and(4.8±2.8)months respectively.Results of the PTCD group was significantly better than that of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion All the patients with PTCD get better biochemical indicators and longer postoperative survival time,and the interventional therapy PTCD can be used as an effective clinical treatment method for bile duct obstruction with malignant hilar bile duct carcinoma.

A Case of Biliary Obstruction Caused by Liver Cyst / 대한소화기학회지

Most cystic lesions of the liver are found incidentally in imaging studies because they are not symptomatic, and generally do not require treatment. Rarely, however, symptomatic hepatic cysts may develop complications and require treatment. Here, we describe a case of a 77-year-old woman who developed biliary obstruction with abdominal pain due to compression of the bile duct by a simple hepatic cyst. We confirmed the diagnosis based on symptoms and imaging studies. The patient's symptoms improved after simple cyst ablation by sclerotherapy.

Portal biliopathy treated with endoscopic biliary stenting

Portal biliopathy is defined as abnormalities in the extra- and intrahepatic ducts and gallbladder of patients with portal hypertension. This condition is associated with extrahepatic venous obstruction and dilatation of the venous plexus of the common bile duct, resulting in mural irregularities and compression of the biliary tree. Most patients with portal biliopathy remain asymptomatic, but approximately 10% of them advance to symptomatic abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography are currently used as diagnostic tools because they are noninvasive and can be used to assess the regularity, length, and degree of bile duct narrowing. Management of portal biliopathy is aimed at biliary decompression and reducing the portal pressure. Portal biliopathy has rarely been reported in Korea. We present a symptomatic case of portal biliopathy that was complicated by cholangitis and successfully treated with biliary endoscopic procedures.

Pre-operative evaluation of three-dimensional spiral CT cholangiography in patients with bile duct obstruction / 国际外科学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the preoperative evaluation of three-dimensional spiral CTcholangiography(SCTC) in patients with bile duct obstruction.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 60patients with bile duct obstruction from May 2008 to April 2011,who were treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography( ERCP),then SCTC was performed through endoscopic nasobiliary drainage( EN-BD) tube,and the bile duct tree image of SCTC of bile duct obstruction was evaluated.ResultsIn 60 cases of bile duct obstruction who performed three-dimensional SCTC,the left and right hepatic bile ducts,the hepatic bile duct and the common bile duct were visible in 100％ patients,cholecyst bile duct was visible in 80％ patients,and three-dimensional SCTC can tell the position of cholecyst duct and the place where the cholecyst bile duct enters into the common bile duct.ConclusionThree-dimensional SCTC can show the shape of bile duct tree,especially the cholecyst duct,and has some guidance values in judging the structure of the bile duct tree and the shape of cholecyst bile duct during operation.

Assessment of endoscopic drainage with biliary double stents for advanced malignant hilar biliary obstruction / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effects of endoscopic biliary double stents for advanced malignant hilar biliary obstruction.Methods From January 2007 to December 2010,double stents was attempted in 28 patients (15 men and 13 women,median age 66.4 years (44-88 years),including 9 with Bismuth Ⅱ,8 with type Ⅲa,5 with type Ⅲb and 6 with type Ⅳ.A total of 23 consecutive patients ( 11 men and 12 women,median age 65.8 years (42-83 years) with malignant hilar obstruction undergoing a therapy with single stent were recruited as the control group,including 7 with Bismuth Ⅱ,5 with Ⅲa,6 with Ⅲlb and 5 with Ⅳ.The rates of successful drainage,complications,mean survival time of patients and the average duration of biliary stent patency were compared between the two groups.Results Successful rate of cannulation was both 100％ in the two groups.Successful rate of drainage and complications of double stent group were 96.4％ (27/28) and 17.9％ (5/28),and these two variables of single stent group were 87.0％ (20/23) and 13.0％ (3/23),which were not significantly different (P ＞0.05).23 patients (82.1％ ) in double stent and 19 ( 82.6％ ) in single stent group were followed up.The average duration of stent patency and mean survival time of double stent group were ( 129 ±48.5) d and ( 187 ±94.5) d,which were superior to those of the single stent group,i.e.( 102 ±37.8) d and ( 103 ±98.5) d.Conclusion Double stenting is an effective therapy for malignant hilar obstruction of Bismuth Ⅱ and above.It is superior to single stent method in the mean duration of patency and mean survival time.

Endoscopic palliative treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of endoscopy for palliative treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods A typical case of un-resectable advanced pancreatic cancer was reviewed, who underwent obstruction of upper gastrointestinal tract, obstructive jaundice and alimentary tract hemorrhage subsequently. The patient received multiple placement of intestinal tract stents, common bile duct stents and hemostatic treatment endoscopically. Because of the obstruction of upper gastrointestinal tract, jejunalostomy and retrograde endoscopy through the orificium fistulae were performed to place bile duct stents. Results The patient survived for 10 months with good life quality after diagnosis, obstruction of upper gastrointestinal tract, obstructive jaundice and alimentary tract hemorrhage were cured and didn't recur till death.Conclusion Therapeutic endoscopy, safe and effective, is the first choice for advanced pancreatic cancer complicated with obstruction of digestive tract (including gastrointestinal tract, bile duct and pancreatic duct).

A five year review of pancreatitis among Filipino children

BACKGROUND: Pancreatitis is uncommon in childhood and there is presently no study among Filipino children. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical features and outcome of pancreatitis among Filipino children. METHOD: Review of medical records of all patients diagnosed to have pancreatitis based on standard criteria from 2005 to 2009. RESULTS: A total of 23 children (mean age: 12 years; 13 male, 10 female) were included, 21 with acute and two with chronic pancreatitis. Twenty one (91%) presented with abdominal pain and two with jaundice. Nine had idiopathic pancreatitis. In 14 patients, the etiology was identified: bile duct obstruction (7), trauma (2), drugs (2), infection (2) and hypertriglyceridemia (1). Only four of 20 patients with ultrasound examination showed an enlarged pancreas. Complications were pseudocyst formation (6), pancreatic abscess (4), diabetes mellitus (2) and hypocalcemia (1). Of the 23 patients, eight required surgery: pancreatic debridement (4), choledochal cyst excision (2), cholecystectomy (1) and Whipple's procedure (1). All pseudocyst resolved spontaneously. One patient with pancreatic tumor declined surgery and another with pancreatitis due to choledochal cyst died of sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, severe abdominal pain was the most frequent presenting symptom of childhood pancreatitis. Sixty percent had an identifiable cause for pancreatitis. A favorable outcome was observed.

Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib attenuates hepatic injury in the bile duct-ligated rats / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To assess the protective effect of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib on rat liver subjected to bile duct obstruction. Methods Thirty rats were divided randomly into three groups, which were sham-operation group (SO group), bile duct ligation control group (Con group) and bortezomib group (Bor group). All rats in the Con group underwent ligation of the common bile duct, and rats in the Bor group were given bortezomib intrabominally at-1 d, 4 d post-ligation of the common bile duct. All the rats were sacrificed at 7 d post-surgery. ALT, TB and TBA levels were determined. The expression of NF-κB p65 was assessed using immunohistological staining. RT-PCR was employed to detect TNF-α mRNA levels in liver samples. Results There was no significance in the levels of TB and TBA between Con and Bor groups. The ALT revel in the Bor group [(92.4±21.4)μmol/L]was significantly lower than that in the Con group [(145.7 ±33.5) μmol/L], P＜0.05. The positive staining rate of NF-κB p65 subunit in the Bor group showed significant lower value (11.6% ±2.7 % ) compared to that in the Con group (15.5 %±4.3 % ), P＜0.05. The expression ratio of TNF-α mRNA in the Bor group was 1.0± 0. 2, which also significantly lower than that in the Con group (1.3±0.4), P＜0. 05. Conclusion These data suggest that the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib reduces rat hepatocyte injury in the bile duct ligation by mechanisms associated with the inhibition of NF-κB as well as the attenuation of inflammation.

Diagnostic Dilemma in an Unusual Case of Common Bile Duct Obstruction

Biliary obstructions are rarely caused by a foreign body and have received sparse attention. We present an unusual case with pruritis and abdominal pain caused by impacted full length surgical gauze within the common bile duct. The patient had previously undergone an open cholecystectomy. Radiological investigations were inconclusive and suggestive of either a calculus or a cholangiocarcinoma. Surgical exploration revealed full length surgical gauze within the common bile duct. Because imaging modalities are often non-determinant, the possibility of biliary tract obstruction from a foreign body should be borne in mind for patients with unusual presentations, especially those who have previously undergone surgery.

Clinical manifestation and management of acute cholangitis severe type with different types of obstruction / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical manifestation and management of acute cholangitis severe type (ACST) with different typos of obstruction. Methods From January 1997 to December 2006, 164 consecutive patients with ACST had been admitted to Chengdu First People's Hospital. All patients were divided into extrahepatic type group (n=122), intrahepatic type group (n=18) and mixed type group (n=24) accord-ing to the types of obstruction. Clinical manifestation and therapeutic outcome of the 3 groups were analyzed using chi-square test, continuity correction test or Fisher exact test. Results There was no significant difference in clinical manifestation between patients with extrahepatic type and those with mixed type (P>0.05). The incidence of jaundice and abdominal pain in patients with intrahepatic type is significantly lower than those with extrahepatic type (P<0.05). The incidences of distention in consciousness and response to initial medical treat-ment were higher than those with extrahepatic type (P<0.05). The total mortality rate was 9.8% (16/164). Of all patients, 123 received open surgery. There was no significant difference in morbidity and mortality in patients with intrahepatic type and mixed type (χ~2=0.172,0.789; 1.769, 1.948, P>0.05). In emergency operation, the incidence of biliary high pressure and postoperative vital sign improvement rates were significant higher in patients with extrahepatic type than the other 2 types (P<0.05). The morbidity and mortality of patients who received emergency operation were higher than non-emergency operation (P<0.05). Conclusions The clinical manifestation of ACST is different between intrahepatic obstructive type and the other 2 types. There is no signi-ficant difference in morbidity and mortality among the 3 types of obstruction. The morbidity and mortality are high in patients who received emergency operation. Proper management of surgical timing is helpful in decreasing the morbidity and motality of ACST.

The Usefulness of 64-Multidetector CT Cholangiography for Diagnosis of Distal Common Bile Duct Obstruction: Comparison with Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 64-multidetector CT (MDCT) cholangiography for determining the causes of distal common bile duct (CBD) obstruction. METHODS: Two hundred fifty consecutive patients underwent 64-MDCT for diagnosing the clinical and biochemical signs of bile duct obstruction. The causes of bile duct obstruction were assessed by the pre- and post-enhanced axial and coronal multiplanar reformation images of 64-MDCT. The results were compared with ERCP, biopsy and surgery. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of MDCT for CBD stones were 96.1% and 84.9%, respectively. In seven patients, The CBD stones in 7 patients could not be detected on MDCT. Eleven patients with stones in the distal CBD, as detected on MDCT, had no stones seen on ERCP. For malignant obstruction, the sensitivity and specificity of MDCT were 97.0% and 98.6%, respectively. Three patients who were diagnosed with periampullary cancers on MDCT were disclosed to have severe papillitis on ERCP. One patient who was diagnosed with CBD stone by MDCT was disclosed to have ampullary cancer. The overall accuracy of MDCT for determining the causes of biliary obstruction was 90.5%. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT cholangiography is a non-invasive method with relatively high sensitivity and high specificity for diagnosing the causes of distal CBD obstruction.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangioscopic Intervention in the Management of Complete Membranous Occlusion of Bilioenteric Anastomosis: Report of Two Cases

Postoperative biliary stricture is a relatively rare but serious complication of biliary surgery. Although Rouxen-Y hepaticojejunostomy or choledochojejunostomy are well-established and fundamental therapeutic approaches, their postoperative morbidity and mortality rates have been reported to be up to 33% and 13%, respectively. Recent studies suggest that percutaneous transhepatic intervention is an effective and less invasive therapeutic modality compared with traditional surgical treatment. Compared with fluoroscopic intervention, percutaneous with cholangioscopy may be more useful in biliary strictures, as it can provide visual information regarding the stricture site. We recently experienced two cases complete membranous occlusion of the bilioenteric anastomosis and successfully treated both patients using percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy.

Clinical Significance of White Bile (Bilirubin-Free Bile) in Malignant Bile Duct Obstruction / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: White bile is colorless, translucent fluid found occasionally in malignant bile duct obstruction (MBO). Little information is available on the cause and effect of white bile. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical significance of white bile in MBO. METHODS: Bile was aspirated during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in consecutive patients with MBO. White bile was defined as bile bilirubin or=1.5 mg/dL in the bile. Two groups were compared prospectively for the duration of jaundice, itching, cholangitis, level of obstruction, and decremental rate of bilirubin after the insertion of 7 Fr endoscopic nasobiliary drainage until the insertion of metal stent or 10 Fr plastic stent. RESULTS: Among 60 patients with MBO, 16 (26.7%) had white bile. WBC count in blood was higher (9,456/mm3 vs. 7,400/mm3, p=0.029) and cholangitis was more common (11/16 vs. 7/44, p=0.000) in white than yellow bile group. Proximal portion of MBO had no communication with GB in 9/16 patients with white bile group and 17/44 patients with yellow bile group (p>0.05). Mean survival of the inoperable 35 patients was 242 days in yellow bile and 227 days in white bile group (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: White bile in MBO was not rare and was associated with cholangitis. Gallbladder did not seem to play a role in the formation of white bile. Further study for the pathogenesis and prognosis of white bile in MBO will be necessary.

The application of 16-slice CT cholangiography with MPR technique in biliary obstruction / 重庆医科大学学报

Objective:evaluate the diagnostic use of 16-slice CT cholangiography with multiplanar reformation(MPR)for the assessment of patients with biliary obstruction.Methods:16-slice CT cholangiography with the MPR technique was performed in 60 patients who were thought to have biliary obstruction.No cholangiographic contrast agent was administered.MRCP in 24 patients,Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)in 16 patients,and 28 patients underwent biopsy or surgery.The findings on 16-slice CT cholangiography were compared with those of MRCP,ERCP,biopsy or surgery.the surgical-pathological result was regarded as gold standard.Results:The findings were as follows:choledocholithiasi(sn=34),malignant stricture(n=14),benign stricture(n=2),and cholelithiasi(sn=1).A small common bile duct stone in one patient could not be detected by 16-slice CT cholangiography.Two patients with initial diagnoses of small common bile duct stone by 16-slice CT cholangiography were disclosed to have malignant bile ductstricture by reference examination.The accuracy of 16-slice CT cholangiography for the diagnoses of bile duct stones and bile duct stricture were 91.1% and 88.9% respectively.Conclusion:16-slice CT cholangiography with the MPR technique is a fast and non-invasive technique with relatively high accuracy for the diagnoses of the causes of biliary obstruction.