Innovative hybrid technique for bile duct exploration in the treatment of choledocholithiasis

Introduction: Common bile stone disease (CBDS) is frequent and has potentially severe complications, such as acute biliary pancreatitis and cholangitis. Unnecessary and unplanned procedures should be avoided, so before choosing the best treatment of common bile duct lithiasis it is essential to have a proper diagnose. CBDS is currently treated by therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Results: The aim of this article is to present an innovative hybrid technique for common bile duct exploration, as an option for cases where the laparoscopic approach is not resolutive, avoiding the need for conversion to open approach technique. Conclusions: The hybrid technique has the same benefits as open and laparoscopic techniques, but without increasing material costs and with good resolution in complex cases of common bile duct stones. (AU)

Comparative evaluation of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and perioperative cholangiography in patients with suspect choledocholithiasis / Avaliação comparativa da colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética e da colangiografia peroperatória na suspeita de coledocolitíase

ABSTRACT Background: Cholelithiasis is a highly prevalent condition, and choledocholitiasis is a high morbidity complication and requires accurate methods for its diagnosis. Aim: To evaluate the population of patients with suspected choledocholitiasis and check the statistical value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, ultrasonography, the laboratory and the clinic of these patients comparing them to the results obtained by perioperative cholangiography. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study, which were evaluated 76 patients with cholelithiasis and suspected choledocholithiasis. Results: It was observed that the presence of dilatation of the biliary tract or choledocholithiasis in the ultrasonography was four and eight times increased risk of perioperative cholangiography for positive choledocholithiasis, respectively. For each unit increased in serum alkaline phosphatase was 0.3% increased the risk of perioperative cholangiography for positive choledocholithiasis. In the presence of dilatation of the bile ducts in the ultrasonography was four times greater risk of positive magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis. In the presence of pancreatitis these patients had five times higher risk of positive magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis. On the positive magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography presence to choledocholithiasis was 104 times greater of positive perioperative cholangiography for choledocholithiasis. Conclusions: The magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is a method with good accuracy for propedeutic follow-up for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis, consistent with the results obtained from the perioperative cholangiography; however, it is less invasive, with less risk to the patient and promote decreased surgical time when compared with perioperative cholangiography.

RESUMO Racional: A colelitíase é afecção de alta prevalência, sendo a coledocolitíase complicação de elevada morbidade e que necessita de métodos acurados para seu diagnóstico. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil populacional de pacientes com suspeita de coledocolitíase e verificar o valor estatístico da colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética, da ultrassonografia, dos exames laboratoriais e da clínica desses pacientes e compará-los aos resultados obtidos pela colangiografia peroperatória. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo longitudinal, de coorte, retrospectivo, no qual foram avaliados 76 pacientes com diagnóstico de colelitíase e suspeita de coledocolitíase. Resultados: Observou-se que na presença de dilatação das vias biliares ou coledocolitíase na ultrassonografia havia risco quatro e oito vezes maior, respectivamente, de colangiografia peroperatória positiva para coledocolitíase. Para cada unidade de aumento na fosfatase alcalina sérica houve aumento em 0,3% no risco de colangiografia peroperatória positiva para coledocolitíase. Na presença de dilatação das vias biliares na ultrassonografia ou clínica de pancreatite havia risco quatro e cinco vezes maior, respectivamente, de colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética positiva para coledocolitíase. Na presença de colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética positiva para coledocolitíase o risco foi 104 vezes maior de colangiografia peroperatória positiva para coledocolitíase. Conclusão: A colangiopancreatografia por ressonância magnética para seguimento propedêutico tem boa acurácia para o diagnóstico de coledocolitíase, e concordante com os resultados obtidos na colangiografia peroperatória. O método é menos invasivo, com menores riscos ao paciente e com diminuição do tempo cirúrgico dispendido para realização da colangiografia peroperatória.

Clinical Observation of the Efficacy of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography on Elder Choledocholithiasis and Its Effects on the Levels of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We conducted this study to investigate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on elder choledocholithiasis and its effects on the levels of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. METHODS: Elder patients with choledocholithiasis were enrolled in this study, and according to the surgical methods, they were divided into the ERCP group and the surgical group. After treatment, we compared the efficacy of these two methods on patients, inflammatory responses indicated by the levels of TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6, and the complications. RESULTS: No statistical significance was identified in the difference of the success rate in removal between the two groups (98% vs. 94%), but indicators of the ERCP group, including the surgical duration (28.5±12.8) min, remission duration of abdominal pain (1.2±0.2) d, recession time of jaundice (2.0±0.3) d, postoperative bedridden time (1.4±0.2) d, treatment time of the anti-infection (1.5±0.2) d, length of stay in hospital (6.5±0.3) d, levels of TNF-α (2.1±0.2) μg/L, IL-1 (6.3±0.8) μg/L, IL-6 (2.8±0.3) μg/L, and the incidence rate of complications (1.8%), were all significantly lower than those in the surgical group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of choledocholithiasis, ERCP is excellent in controlling the trauma, accelerating the recovery duration, reducing the occurrence of complications and ameliorating the inflammatory responses. Thus, it is an ideal choice for choledocholithiasis.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Realizamos este estudo para investigar a eficácia clínica da colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica (ERCP) na coledocolitíase idosa e seus efeitos nos níveis de TNF-α, IL-1 e IL-6. MÉTODOS: Pacientes idosos com coledocolitíase foram matriculados neste estudo. De acordo com os métodos cirúrgicos, eles foram divididos em grupo ERCP e grupo cirúrgico. Após o tratamento, comparamos a eficácia desses dois métodos em pacientes, respostas inflamatórias indicadas pelos níveis de TNF-α, IL-1 e IL-6 e as complicações. RESULTADOS: Não houve significância estatística na diferença da taxa de sucesso na remoção entre os dois grupos (98% versus 94%), mas indicadores do grupo ERCP, incluindo a duração cirúrgica (28,5 ± 12,8) min, duração da remissão da dor abdominal (1,2 ± 0,2) d, tempo de recessão de icterícia (2,0 ± 0,3) d, tempo pós-operatório (1,4 ± 0,2) d, tempo de tratamento da infecção (1,5 ± 0,2) d, duração da internação (6,5 ± 0,3) d, níveis de TNF-α (2,1 ± 0,2) μg / L, IL-1 (6,3 ± 0,8) μg / L, IL-6 (2,8 ± 0,3) μg / L e a taxa de incidência de complicações (1,8 %) foram todos significativamente inferiores aos do grupo cirúrgico (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: No tratamento da coledocolitíase, a ERCP é excelente no controle do trauma, acelerando a duração da recuperação, reduzindo a ocorrência de complicações e melhorando as respostas inflamatórias. Assim, é uma escolha ideal para a coledocolitíase.

Neurofibroma plexiforme del colédoco: una causa rara de ictericia obstructva. Reporte de caso / Plexiform Neurofibroma in the Common Bile Duct: A Rare Cause of Obstructve Jaundice. Case Report

Paciente masculino de 68 años, con ictericia obstructva quien es llevado a sala de operaciones encontrando una lesión que ocluye el 90% de la luz del tercio medio e inferior del colédoco que es reportada como un neurofbroma plexiforme del colédoco.

Male patent, 68 years old, with obstructve jaundice. Near total obstructon of common bile duct was found during laparotomy, pathology reported a plexiform neurofbroma in the common bile duct.

Dilatación con balón de gran diámetro en el manejo de coledocolitiasis de difícil extracción: experiencia clínica / Large balloon dilation for removal of choledocholithiasis difficult to extract: clinical experience

Objetivo: Describir la experiencia clínica con la técnica de dilatación de la esfinterotomía papilar con balones de gran diámetro en pacientes con coledocolitiasis de difícil extracción. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, diseño descriptivo. Serie de Casos. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de 18 pacientes que fueron sometidos a colangiopancreatografía retrograda endoscópica (CPRE) más dilatación papilar con balón de gran diámetro (DPBGD) por presentar coledocolitiasis de gran tamaño (≥15 mm), desproporción de diámetro entre cálculo y colédoco distal y/o papila yuxtadiverticular. Se emplearon balones dilatadores CRETM entre 12 y 20mm de diámetro. Se consignaron datos como éxito del procedimiento, uso de litotricia; así como complicaciones durante el procedimiento. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 66,1 años. Hubo predominio del género femenino (66,7%). El tamaño promedio de los cálculos en vía biliar fue de 16,7 mm. Las indicaciones de DPBGD fueron: coledocolitiasis gigante (12 pacientes, 66,7%), discordancia entre el diámetro del cálculo y el colédoco distal (6 pacientes, 33,3%). El diámetro de los balones de dilatación más frecuentemente empleados fueron: 15 mm (8 pacientes, 44,4%), 18 mm (5 pacientes, 27,8%), 12 mm (3 pacientes, 16,7%) y 20 mm (2 pacientes, 11,1%). Se consiguió la extracción completa de los cálculos en 15 pacientes (83,3%). Se precisó litotricia en 4 pacientes (22,2%). Hubo 3 pacientes en los que la extracción con balón fue frustra, realizándose manejo quirúrgico. Se reportó 1 caso de pancreatitis aguda leve (5,5%). Conclusiones: Los resultados demuestran que la dilatación con balón es una alternativa segura y eficaz en el manejo de los cálculos en vía biliar de difícil extracción

Objective: The aim of this study was to report the initial experience of the combined use of biliary sphincterotomy plus balloon dilatation of the papilla for management of large stones. Materials and methods: Design: Retrospective, descriptive. This study included 18 patients in whom a hydrostatic dilatation of the papilla with large balloons was performed between June 2012 and April 2014. Patients had multiple large stones, tapered distal common bile duct, previous sphincterotomy, or peri/ intradiverticular papilla. CRE™ dilatation balloons with diameters ranging from 12 to 20 mm were used. Data were recorded as successful procedure, use of lithotripsy and complications during the procedure. Results: The average age was 66.1 years. There was a predominance of the female gender (66.7%). The average size of the bile duct stones was 16.7 mm. The main indications were: giant choledocholithiasis (12 patients, 66.7%) and tapered distal common bile duct (6 patients, 33.3%). The dilatation balloons diameter used were: 15 mm (8 patients, 44.4%), 18 mm (5 patients, 27.8%), 12 mm (3 patients, 16.7%) and 20 mm (2 patients, 11.1%). Complete stone clearance was achieved in 15 patients (83.3%). Lithotripsy was performed in 4 patients (22.2%). There were 3 patients in whom the removal with balloon was unsuccessful, performed surgical management. It was reported 1 case of mild acute pancreatitis (5.5%). Conclusions: The results show that endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation after sphincterotomy is a safe and effective technique for treatment of difficult bile duct stones

Colangiopancreatografía magnética: valor diagnóstico para detectar coledocolitiasis en pacientes con pancreatitis aguda leve / Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and its diagnostic value to detect choledocholithiasis in patients suffering mild acute pancreatitis

Introducción: la pancreatitis aguda (PA) es una enfermedad clínica común que puede ser desde leve hasta fatal. En el 40 por ciento de los casos es de origen biliar, y es causada por una obstrucción de la ampolla de Váter por barro biliar o por cálculos. En el diagnóstico de la pancreatitis aguda de origen biliar (PAB) se emplean métodos invasivos como la colangiopancreatografía endoscópica retrógrada (CPRE), la cual se asocia a morbilidad y mortalidad, y métodos no invasivos como la colangiopancreatografía magnética (CRM), que emerge como modalidad diagnóstica en los centros de tercer y cuarto nivel de complejidad. Métodos: se evaluaron las características diagnósticas de la CRM a través de los registros históricos de pacientes que ingresaron a un hospital universitario de nivel IV a los que se les realizó CRM y CPRE. Esta última fue considerada el método de referencia para la evaluación. Resultados: Para la CRM se determinó una sensibilidad del 97 por ciento y una especificidad del 44 por ciento para la detección de coledocolitiasis, con un valor predictivo positivo de 0,35 y un valor predictivo negativo de 0,99. Algunos de estos resultados son inferiores a los documentados en la bibliografía mundial. Conclusiones: la CRM permite obtener imágenes precisas de la vía biliar, en un ambiente seguro y sin riesgos para el paciente. Esta técnica tiene una capacidad de detección de coledocolitiasis que oscila entre el 78 y el 97 por ciento, resultado que concuerda con lo descrito en otros estudios(AU)

Introduction: acute pancreatitis is a common clinical disease that may be either mild or lethal. Forty percent of cases is of biliary origin and caused by Vater bleb obstruction by biliary mud or by gallstones. The diagnosis of acute biliary pancreatitis uses invasive methods such as retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography which is associated to higher morbidity and mortality or non-invasive ones like magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography that emerges as a diagnostic modality in the third and the fourth level centers. Methods: the diagnostic characteristics of the magnetic cholangiopancreatography were evaluated by using the historical registers of patients who were admitted to a 4th level university hospital and underwent magnetic cholangiopancreatography and retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography, being the last one considered the method of reference for the evaluation. Results: magnetic cholangiopancreatography showed 97 percent sensitivity and 44 percent specificity for the detection of choledocholithiasis, positive predictive value of 0.35 and negative predictive value of 0.99. Some of these results were lower than those documented in the international literature. Conclusions: magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography allows capturing precise images of the biliary duct in a safe environment with no risks for the patient. This technique has a detection capacity ranging 78 to 97 percent for choledocholithiasis. This result agrees with that of other studies(AU)

Audit of ERCP at Ibn Sina Hospital from 2009-2010

Surgeons are expected to deal with expect some failure of ERCP in extraction of missed CBD stones. Re-do surgery is difficult; however surgeons have to stand for it. To audit the outcome of ERCP in extraction of CBD stone for patients referred to Ibn Sina Teaching Hospital. This is prospective, hospital based study; carried in the period from January 2009 to June 2010 in Ibn Sina Teaching Hospital .A total of 119 patients referred for ERCP extraction of CBD stones were studied. Male to female ratio was 1:5. The mean age [ +/- SD] is 55.4 [ +/- 17.57]. Post cholecystectomy missed stones were 7[6%], post CDB exploration retained stones were 4[3.4%] and re-do ERCP was done in 9[7.6%] patients. Failure of stone extraction occurred in 10[25%] cases due to failure of cannulation while another 10[25%] cases had multiple impacted stones and nine [22.2%] had too big stone to be extracted. In addition, five [12.5%] cases had CBD stricture, and the procedure was not completed because of bleeding in two cases and impaction of the dormia basket in two [5%] cases. The success of redo ERCP is seven out of nine cases. Complication occurred in seven [5.88%] patients. These were bleeding in two [1.68%], cholangitis in one [0.84%] CBD and retro-peritoneal duodenal perforations in two [1.68%] and retained dormia basket in two [1.68%] cases. The mortality rate was one [0.8%] patient. ERCP, at Ibn Sina Hospital, has success rate in stone extraction in 79[66.4%] and complication rate in seven [5.88%] patients. About one third of cases attending ERCP for stone extraction were referred back for open exploration of CBD

The Ballooning Time in Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation for the Treatment of Bile Duct Stones

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) is a safe and effective method for the treatment of choledocholithiasis, but previous studies have rarely reported the appropriate ballooning time (BT). We prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of EPBD according to BT in patients undergoing bile duct stone removal. METHODS: Seventy consecutive patients with bile duct stones were randomly assigned to receive EPBD with either conventional (n = 35, 60 seconds) or short (n = 35, 20 seconds) BT. RESULTS: EPBD alone achieved complete bile duct clearance in 67 patients (long BT, n = 33, 94.3%; short BT, n = 34, 97.1%; p = 0.808). We also found no significant difference in the rate of complete duct clearance, including procedures that used mechanical lithotripsy, between the long and short BT groups (97.1% vs. 100%; p = 0.811). Mild pancreatitis was noted in four (11.4%) patients in the long BT group and two (5.7%) patients in the short BT group, but this incidence was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that EPBD using both 20-sec and 60-sec BTs is safe and effective for the treatment of bile duct stones. Short and long BTs produced comparable outcomes.

A same day approach for choledocholithiasis using endoscopic stone removal followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The timing of minimally invasive approach of choledocholithiasis, using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), is challenging. The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess the feasibility and safety of endoscopic stone removal for choledocholithiasis followed by same-day LC. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between October 2005 and February 2007, 27 patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis were treated with this approach. Of these patients, nine (33%) had either pancreatitis or cholangitis. The mean age of the patients was 56 years (range, 29-78). ERCP was performed in the endoscopic unit, whereas LC was performed in the theater Success rate and clinical outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety-three percent clinical success was achieved. Two patients required conversion to opened cholecystectomy because of uncertain anatomy. There was no 30-day postoperative mortality. Two patients (7%) had postoperative complications (post-ERCP pancreatitis and superficial surgical site infection). The mean interval between the two procedures was 122 minutes (28-325). The mean operative time of ERCP was 25 minutes (15-30) and of LC was 83 minutes (30-140). The mean length of hospital stay was four days (range, 3-6). CONCLUSION: The management of choledocholithiasis using endoscopic stone removal, followed by same day laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is safe and has good clinical outcomes.