Morfología de las lesiones iatrogénicas de la vía biliar: aspectos diagnósticos y terapéuticos / Morphology of iatrogenic lesions of the bile duct: diagnostic and therapeutic options

RESUMEN: Las lesiones iatrogénicas de las vías biliares (LIVB), en el curso de una colecistectomía laparoscópica (CL), son complicaciones que causan resultados inesperados para cirujanos un incremento en los riesgos de los pacientes (morbilidad y mortalidad), afectando su calidad de vida. Asimismo, causan situaciones difíciles desde el punto de vista técnico para el cirujano que debe repararlas desde un punto de vista técnico. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue resumir la información referente a las LIVB y describir su morfología y opciones diagnóstico-terapéuticas.

SUMMARY: Iatrogenic Bile duct injuries (IBDI), during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CL), are complications that cause unexpected results for surgeons, an increment in patient risks (morbidity and mortality), and affect the patient´s quality of life. At the same time, they create difficult situations for the repairing surgeon from a technical point of view. The aim of this manuscript was to summarize the information regarding IBDI and to describe its morphology and diagnostic-therapeutic options.

Morphometric study of extra-hepatic biliary pathways: study in human corpses / Estudio morfométrico de las vías biliares extrahepáticas: estudio en cadáveres humanos

SUMMARY: Adverse events (AE) contribute significantly to postoperative morbidities and comorbidities. Many AEs occur due to a lack of anatomical knowledge and its variants. Latrogenic bile duct injuries, for instance, represent a serious surgical complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Anatomical knowledge for the identification and adequate drainage of all ducts is relevant and fundamental in order to avoid future errors. The objective of the study was to morphometrically analyze the bile ducts in adult human corpses. 13 livers were extracted from adult human corpses to obtain the ducts: choledochal, common hepatic and cystic. After morphological analysis, duct measurements (length and diameter) were continued using a digital caliper. The data obtained were tabulated in SPSS 21 program, performing descriptive analysis with mean and standard deviation. The averages of bile ducts were 61.05 (± 16.43) mm in length and 3.86 (± 0.72) mm in diameter. The cystic duct length and diameter averages were 33.59 (± 12.29) mm and 3.40 (± 0.79) mm, respectively. The common hepatic ducts had an average of 30.02 (± 7.19) mm in length and 3.74 (± 1.18) mm in diameter. The analyzed samples presented different values ?? from those already described in the literature, where the length of the cystic ducts was greater, while the length of the common hepatic ducts was numerically smaller. This work is very significant, as the morphometric variability of the bile ducts allows for varying morphological situations that can compromise the hepatobiliar physiology.

RESUMEN: Los eventos adversos (EA) contribuyen significativamente a las morbilidades y comorbilidades postoperatorias. Muchos EA se deben a la falta de conocimiento de la anatomía y sus variaciones. Por ejemplo, las lesiones iatrogénicas de las vías biliares representan una complicación quirúrgica grave de la colecistectomía laparoscópica. El conocimiento anatómico para la identificación y drenaje adecuado de todos los conductos es relevante y fundamental para evitar futuros errores. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar morfométricamente las vías biliares en cadáveres humanos adultos. Se extrajeron 13 hígados de cadáveres humanos adultos y se retiraron los conductos: colédoco, hepático común y cístico. Después del análisis morfológico, se continuó con las mediciones de los conductos (longitud y diámetro) utilizando un calibrador digital. Los datos fueron tabulados en el programa SPSS 21, mediante análisis descriptivos con media y desviación estándar. Los promedios de las vías biliares fueron de 61,05 (± 16,43) mm de longitud y 3,86 (± 0,72) mm de diámetro. Los promedios de longitud y diámetro del conducto cístico fueron 33,59 (± 12,29) mm y 3,40 (± 0,79) mm, respectivamente. Los conductos hepáticos comunes tenían un promedio de 30,02 (± 7,19) mm de longitud y 3,74 (± 1,18) mm de diámetro. Las muestras analizadas presentaron valores diferentes a los ya descritos en la literatura, donde la longitud de los conductos císticos era mayor, mientras que la longitud de los conductos hepáticos comunes fue numéricamente menor. Este trabajo es significativo, debido a que la variabilidad morfométrica de las vías biliares y permite identificar situaciones morfológicas que pueden comprometer la fisiología hapatobiliar.

Valoración de la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica como medio diagnóstico/terapéutico en pacientes con íctero obstructivo / Assessment of the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as a diagnostic/therapeutic mean in patients with obstructive jaundice

RESUMEN Introducción: las enfermedades del eje pancreático/biliar son una consecuencia en la morbimortalidad del aparato digestivo, y es la causa en ocasiones de una obstrucción biliar. La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica es un método preciso para el diagnóstico de la obstrucción biliar, y se asocia con una elevada tasa de sensibilidad y especificidad. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, con el objetivo de valorar el comportamiento de la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica como medio diagnóstico y terapéutico en una muestra de 90 pacientes con dictamen presuntivo de íctero obstructivo. Resultados: predominaron las féminas en el grupo de edad superior a los 50 años. La coluria, la acolia y el íctero como representativos de una enfermedad obstructiva de las vías biliares, fueron las manifestaciones más frecuentes, corroboradas por el estudio endoscópico, donde la litiasis coledociana fue la principal causa de íctero. Conclusión: la esfinterotomía endoscópica fue el proceder terapéutico de elección, y la pancreatitis aguda postintervención fue la complicación más frecuente (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: the diseases of the pancreatic-biliary axis are a consequence in the digestive tract morbidity-mortality, and sometimes they are the cause of a biliary obstruction. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a precise method for diagnosing the biliary obstruction, and is associated to high rates of sensitivity and specificity. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was carried out with the aim of assessing the behavior of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as a therapeutic and diagnostic mean in a sample of 90 patients with presumptive report of obstructive jaundice. Results: women aged more than 50 years predominated. Choluria, acholia and jaundice, as representative of the biliary ducts obstructive disease, were the most frequent manifestations, corroborated by the endoscopic study, where choledocal lithiasis was the main cause of jaundice. Conclusions: endoscopic sphincterotomy was the elective therapeutic procedure, and post-intervention acute pancreatitis was the most frequent complication (AU).

Does age influence in endoscopic therapeutic success on the biliary tract? / A idade influencia no sucesso terapêutico endoscópico sobre a via biliar?

ABSTRACT Background: Retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) effectively treats biliary and pancreatic disorders. Its indications are limited and precise, since its misuse delays adequate treatment, increases costs and to patient´s adverse events. Aim: To compare clinical, radiological and exploratory characteristics in relation to therapeutic success in patients undergoing ERCP in relation to age. Method: 421 patients who underwent the method were retrospectively studied; those who were not able to access the duodenal papilla were excluded. The patients were divided into two age groups: <60 years (group 1) and >60 years (group 2), and the variables of gender, examination indications, radiological findings, therapeutic success, diagnosis and the occurrence of immediate adverse events were analyzed. Results: 177 patients were allocated to group 1 and 235 to group 2. The main indication found in both groups was choledocholithiasis. In group 2, the number of cases of acute cholangitis (p=0.001), biliary stenosis (p=0.002) and papilla cancer (p=0.046) was higher. In this group, urgent indication for ERCP was higher (p=0.042), as well as the diagnosis of biliary tract dilatation (p<0.001). The placement of prostheses was the most common procedure performed in both groups, but the greatest number of patients in absolute quantity occurred in group 2. In group 1, the success in catheterization and the chance of achieving clearing of the biliary tract was significantly higher in compared to group 2 (p=0.016, OR=2.1). Conclusion: The success of catheterization and complete clearance of the bile duct was significantly higher in the group of young patients.

RESUMO Racional: A colangiopancreatografia endoscópica retrógrada (CPRE) trata eficazmente afecções biliares e pancreáticas. Suas indicações são limitadas e precisas, uma vez que seu uso indevido atrasa o tratamento adequado, aumenta os custos e submete pacientes a eventos adversos. Objetivo: Comparar as características clínicas, radiológicas e exploratórias em relação ao sucesso terapêutico em pacientes submetidos à CPRE com relação à idade. Método: Foram estudados retrospectivamente 421 pacientes submetidos ao método sendo excluídos aqueles onde não foi possível ao acesso a papila duodenal. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos etários: <60 anos (grupo 1) e >60 anos (grupo 2) e analisadas as variáveis gênero, indicações do exame, achados radiológicos, sucesso terapêutico, diagnóstico e a ocorrência de eventos adversos imediatos. Resultados: 177 pacientes foram alocados no grupo 1 e 235 no grupo 2. A principal indicação encontrada em ambos os grupos foi coledocolitíase. No grupo 2, o número de casos de colangite aguda (p=0,001), estenose biliar (p=0,002) e neoplasia de papila (p=0,046) foi superior. Nesse grupo a indicação da CPRE em caráter de urgência foi superior (p=0,042), bem como o diagnóstico de dilatação da via biliar (p<0,001). A colocação de próteses foi o procedimento mais comumente realizado nos dois grupos, mas o maior número de doentes em quantidade absoluta ocorreu no grupo 2. No grupo 1, o sucesso na cateterização e a chance de conseguir o clareamento da via biliar foi significativamente superior em relação ao grupo 2 (p=0,016, OR=2,1). Conclusão: O sucesso da cateterização e o clareamento completo da via biliar foi significativamente superior no grupo de pacientes jovens.

Conocimientos vigentes en torno a las lesiones iatrogénicas de vías biliares / Updated knowledge about iatrogenic injuries of the biliary ducts

Con la llamada era laparoscópica, lejos de disminuir la incidencia de las lesiones iatrogénicas de las vías biliares, se ha producido un aumento de ésta y se han añadido otras que no se presentaban en la cirugía convencional y por lo general son más graves y complejas por su localización más proximal, su frecuente asociación con lesión vascular y por el mecanismo térmico involucrado. Estas lesiones trascienden el orden científico, para constituir un problema socioeconómico, pues además de lacerar el prestigio de los cirujanos y de las instituciones médicas donde laboran, y de encarecer los servicios de salud que se brindan a la población, pueden determinar incapacidad laboral en los enfermos y ocasionar la pérdida de vidas humanas en edades productivas. Se evidencian insuficiencias en la identificación y reparación oportunas de dichas lesiones, así como escasos reportes en la bibliografía médica sobre este tema. Con esta revisión se pretende profundizar en los diversos aspectos cognoscitivos actuales relacionados con esta lamentable complicación quirúrgica y fundamentalmente para su prevención(AU)

With the so called laparoscopic age, far from a decrease in the incidence of iatrogenic injuries of the biliary ducts, an increase has taken place, and others have been added that are not commonly present in conventional surgery and which are generally more serious and complex for their more proximal localization, their frequent association with vascular injury, and for the involved thermal mechanism. These injuries go beyond the scientific scope, and become a socioeconomic problem, since they not only damage the surgeon prestige and that of medical institutions where they work, or make healthcare services provided to the population more difficult based on the expenses, but also determine disability in ill patients and produce the loss of humans lives at productive ages. Inadequacies are shown in the identification and opportune repair of these injuries, as well as few reports in the medical literature about this topic. With this review, it is sought to deepen in the diverse updated cognitive aspects related to this regrettable surgical complication, and mainly for its prevention(AU)

La vía biliar intrahepática: clasificación anátomo-quirúrgica con base colangiográfica / Intrahepatic biliary ducts: anatomic and surgical classification after cholangiographic findings

Las variaciones en la constitución de la vía biliar son muy frecuentes. Su conocimiento adquiere importancia en distintos procedimientos quirúrgicos, como la colocación de un drenaje en la vía biliar o una colecistectomía. Sin embargo, el cirujano a menudo la visualiza por primera vez durante el acto quirúrgico, y debe lidiar con clasificaciones complejas para poder comprenderlas. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una clasificación sencilla y de rápida interpretación. Se analizaron 100 estudios colangiográficos y se realizaron 10 disecciones cadavéricas, como apoyo al estudio colangiográfico. A partir de los resultados obtenidos, se propuso la siguiente clasificación: Conducto hepático derecho "típico", cuando éste reúne la bilis de toda la porción hepática derecha, o "dividido", cuando sus ramas desembocan separadamente en la vía biliar principal. Conducto hepático izquierdo "típico" o "dividido", siguiendo el mismo criterio. Conducto hepático "central", cuando las secciones parasagitales de ambas porciones hepáticas, derecha e izquierda, se reúnen en un solo conducto. Respecto a la confluencia de los conductos biliares, puede clasificarse en "típica" precisamente cuando ambos conductos hepáticos también lo son, "triple confluencia" cuando uno o ambos conductos hepáticos se encuentran divididos y todos ellos confluyen en un punto, o "escalonada" cuando uno de ellos se encuentra dividido y la confluencia se realiza a distinta altura, en ocasiones con algún conducto segmentario. Creemos que esta clasificación resulta de fácil aplicación por su sencillez, permitiendo identificar todas las estructuras de la vía biliar rápidamente aún sin contar con estudios previos, colaborando de esta manera en una cirugía más segura.

Variations in intrahepatic biliary ducts are frequent. Its knowledge is of great importance when facing certain procedures such as drainage or a simple cholecystectomy to avoid iatrogenic lesion or incomplete drainage of the biliary tract. Nevertheless, it is during surgery that the surgeon attempts to see it for the first time, and must deal with complex classifications in order to recognize the ducts. This paper aims to suggest an easy and quick way to interpret and simple classification. 100 cholangiograms were studied and 10 cadaveric specimens were analyzed to support radiologic findings. As a result, we propose the following classification: Right "typical" biliary duct, when all the bile produced in the right hemiliver is drained by a single duct, or "divided" when sectional ducts reach separately the main bile duct. The same applies to the left hepatic ducts, "typical" or "divided". When both paramedian sections are drained by the same duct, there is a "Central" hepatic duct The biliary confluence may be "typical", when both hepatic ducts are also typical, "triple confluence" when one or both hepatic duct are divided and reach the main bile duct in the same place, or "staggered (selved) confluence" (etagée) when one of the ducts is divided and reaches the main bile duct separately from the others. This name is even proper if a segmentary duct reaches the main bile duct. We think this classification is easy to use due to its simplicity, allowing the surgeon to quickly identify each biliary duct and get through the surgery safely.

The current status of tissue engineered biliary duct / 国际外科学杂志

Researching tissue engineered biliary duct aims to repair,replace and regenerate damaged or diseased bile duct by using the in vitro constructed tissues.In this article,we reviewed the cell sources,and scaffolds and the current status of the construction of the tissue engineered biliary duct in tissue engineering.and discussed the existing obstacles and development trends.Tissue engineered biliary duct has an intriguing perspective for the replacement therapy,but it is still at an early stage,its true value remains to be evaluated.

Correlação interobservador das alterações morfológicas das vias biliares em pacientes com esquistossomose mansoni pela colangiorressonância magnética / Evaluation of morphological changes of the biliary tree by magnetic resonance cholangiography in patients with schistosomiasis mansoni: interobserver agreement

OBJETIVO: Descrever as alterações das vias biliares pela colangiografia por ressonância magnética (CPRM) na esquistossomose hepatoesplênica e avaliar a concordância interobservador da CPRM na detecção de colangiopatia esquistossomótica. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo e transversal em 24 pacientes com a forma hepatoesplênica da esquistossomose mansoni e em 6 pacientes sadios, como grupo controle, com avaliação da via biliar pela CPRM. As alterações da via biliar consideradas foram: distorção, afilamento, estenose, dilatação e irregularidade. Foi calculada a concordância interobsevador para alteração da via biliar com o teste de McNemar e o índice kappa (κ). RESULTADOS: A concordância interobservador na caracterização de distorção e afilamento da via biliar foi quase perfeita (κ = 0,867; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95 por cento [0,512-1,0] e κ = 0,865; IC 95 por cento [0,51-1,0], respectivamente). A concordância foi substancial para a estenose (κ = 0,78; IC 95 por cento [0,424-1,0]), moderada para dilatação (κ = 0,595; IC 95 por cento [0,247-0,942]) e regular para afilamento (κ = 0,229; IC 95 por cento [0,095-0,552]). CONCLUSÃO: As alterações observadas nas vias biliares foram, em ordem decrescente de ocorrência: distorção, afilamento, estenose, dilatação e irregularidade. A concordância interobservador para sinais de colangiopatia esquistossomótica foi quase perfeita para distorção e afilamento e substancial para estenose.

OBJECTIVE: To describe changes of the biliary tree demonstrated by magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in patients with the hepatosplenic presentation of schistosomiasis mansoni, and evaluating the interobserver agreement in the detection of schistosomal cholangiopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, cross-sectional study involving 24 patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and 6 healthy patients (control group) submitted to biliary tree evaluation by MRC. The following changes of the biliary tree were considered: distortion, thinning, stenosis, dilation and irregularity. The interobserver agreement in the detection of biliary tree changes was calculated with the McNemar's test and the kappa index of agreement (κ). RESULTS: The interobserver agreement in the detection of distortion and thinning of the biliary tree was almost perfect (κ = 0.867; confidence interval [CI] 95 percent [0.512-1.0] and κ = 0.865; CI 95 percent [0.51-1.0], respectively). There was a substantial agreement for stenosis (κ = 0.78; CI 95 percent [0.424-1.0]), moderate agreement for dilation (κ = 0.595; CI 95 percent [0.247-0.942]) and mild agreement for thinning (κ = 0.229; CI 95 percent [0.095-0.552]). CONCLUSION: In a decreasing order of frequency, the changes of the biliary tree were observed: distortion, thinning, stenosis, dilation and irregularity. The interobserver agreement for signs of schistosomal cholangiopathy was almost perfect for distortion and thinning, and substantial for stenosis.

Increased Microfilaments in Hepatocytes and Biliary Ductular Cells in Cholestatic Liver Diseases

To assess the extent of microfilaments in cholestatic liver diseases we examined the cytoplasmic microfilaments in intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis in man by electron microscopy. Study subjects were two patients with drug-induced intrahepatic cholestasis, three patients with intrahepatic cholestasis due to viral hepatitis, four patients with extrahepatic cholestasis due to stones of the common bile duct and two patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Two biopsied specimens from patients without clinical or histological evidence of liver disease served as noncholestatic controls. The microfilaments in hepatocytes and biliary ductular cells were significantly increased in cholestasis compared with those in non-cholestatic controls. Well developed bundles of microfilaments were noted around the pericanalicular ectoplasm and seemed to be parallel to plasma membrane of the hepatocytes in cholestasis. In cholestasis, there were increased bundles of microfilaments around the periluminal region, lateral cell wall, and nucleus of biliary ductular cells. Two patterns of microfilaments bundles (fine microfilamentous network and spindle-shaped dense or clusters of microfilaments) were associated with cholestasis. The clustered form of microfilaments also seemed to be clearly associated with intracytoplasmic vacuoles containing bile salts. In conclusion, the increase of microfilaments in hepatocytes and biliary ductular cells may be the consequence of various forms of cholestasis. Further studies are needed to clarify the functional significance of increased microfilaments in cholestasis.

Causes and Management of Bile Duct Injury during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:Report of 36 Cases / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To explore the causes of bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its treatment.Methods From January 1998 to February 2007,totally 8600 cases of LC were performed in our hospital.Bile duct injury occurred in 36 of them,among which,the common hepatic duct was cut in 20 cases,the common bile duct was severed in 4 patients,the common hepatic duct was cut and freed in 4;incomplete clipping of the common hepatic duct or common bile duct occurred in 3 and 1 cases respectively;3 cases had injury to the conjunction of the cystic duct and common hepatic duct;electrical burn injury happened in 1 patient.Thirty one of the injured cases were detected during the laparoscopic surgery,while the other five were found because of jaundice or biliary leakage.The patients received bile duct repair and T tube drainage(24),T tube drainage(4),Roux-en-Y bowel biliary anastomosis(4),bile duct anastomosis(1),or removal of the titanium clips after the accidents.Results One of the patients who received bile duct anastomosis developed biliary stenosis after the T tube was withdrawn in 2 months after the surgery,Roux-en-Y bowel biliary anastomosis was thus performed 3 months later.Two patients who underwent Roux-en-Y anastomosis developed anastomotic stenosis after the operation,and thus received a second anastomosis in 11 months.These 3 patients who received totally 3 operations,were followed up for 2 to 3 years,none of them developed cholangitis or biliary stones.One patient in this series had refractory cholangitis,jaundice,and liver function impairment,and was cured after 1-year anti-inflammation and liver support therapy.In the other 32 patients,an 8-to 36-month follow-up(mean,16 months) was achieved,during which none of them showed any complications.Conclusions Bile duct injury can be due to lacking experience and knowledge of the complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy,inappropriate enrollment of the patients,inaccurate operation,misuse of the surgical instruments,or being unable to discern the Calot's triangle.Strict indications for the operation,advanced training for young doctors,and appropriate timing for conversion to an open surgery are necessary to decrease the rate of bile duct injury.

Treatment of iatrogenic bile duct trauma / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective　To study the experience in prevention and treatment of iatrogenic bile duct trauma(IBDT). Methods　A retrospective study was made on the clinical data of 118 patients with iatrogenic bile　 duct trauma admitted to the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from March 1990 to September 2000. Results　50.8%　(60/118) of patients with IBDT resulted from the wrong identification of the anatomy of the Calot' Triangle during cholecystectomy. The clinical diagnosis of IBDT depended on the clinical findings, diagnostic abdominocentesis and image examination. The diagnostic rate of ultrasonography for IBDT was 93.2%(110/118). According to the injury site of bile duct, IBDT could be divided into 6 types, the most common type of　 IBDT was resection of partical hepatic duct and part common bile duct(type Ⅲ) which occurred in 83.9%　(99/118) of the patients. The cure rate of IBCT was 100%(118/118) in this series due to the choice of operation according to the trauma type. Conclusions　The key of prevention to IBDT lies in abiding by the princible of “identifying-cut-recognazing” during cholecystectomy. The choice for surgical operative procedure should agree with the trauma type.