The value of endoscopic duodenal papilloplasty with titanium clip in improving post-operative complications of choledocholithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of endoscopic duodenal papillary sphincterotomy combined with balloon dilatation in the treatment of duodenal papilloplasty with titanium clip after choledocholithiasis in post-operative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five patients (69 males and 56 females) with a median age of 65 (32-81) years were included. The treatment plan was randomly divided into Group A (n = 59) and Group B (n = 66) according to the random number table. Patients in Group A were treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) combined with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD), followed by a titanium clip for duodenal papilloplasty and then indwelling nasobiliary drainage, whereas those in Group B were treated with EST combined EPLBD to remove stones and then indwelling nasobiliary drainage. RESULTS: In patients with choledocholithiasis or with anatomical changes that make stone extraction difficult, this prospective study attempted to perform duodenal papilloplasty with titanium clips after EST and EPLBD lithotripsy to compare and observe post-operative papillary healing, biliary reflux, and complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: The use of endoscopic duodenal papilloplasty with a titanium clip can improve biliary reflux after lithotripsy and reduce the incidence of post-operative cholangitis complications.

OBJETIVO: Investigar el valor de la esfinterotomía papilar duodenal endoscópica combinada con dilatación con balón en el tratamiento de la papiloplastia duodenal con clip de titanio después de coledocolitiasis en complicaciones postoperatorias. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron un total de 125 pacientes (69 hombres y 56 mujeres) con una mediana de edad de 65 (32-81) años. Los pacientes del Grupo A se trataron con esfinterotomía endoscópica (EST) combinada con dilatación papilar endoscópica con balón grande (EPLBD), seguida de clip de titanio para papiloplastia duodenal y luego drenaje nasobiliar permanente, mientras que los del Grupo B se trataron con EPLBD combinado con EST para eliminar cálculos y luego drenaje nasobiliar permanente. RESULTADOS: En pacientes con coledocolitiasis o con cambios anatómicos que dificultan la extracción de cálculos, este estudio prospectivo intentó realizar papiloplastia duodenal con clips de titanio después de litotricia EST y EPLBD para comparar y observar la cicatrización papilar postoperatoria, el reflujo biliar y las tasas de complicaciones. CONCLUSIÓN: El uso de papiloplastia duodenal endoscópica con clips de titanio puede mejorar el reflujo biliar después de la litotricia y reducir la incidencia de complicaciones de colangitis postoperatorias.

Colangitis aguda por coledocolitiasis múltiple en un paciente con COVID-19 tratada mediante colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica

Introducción: La coledocolitiasis es una enfermedad en la cual el conducto biliar común está ocupado por cálculos. La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica juega un papel importante en el tratamiento, al conseguir el aclaramiento de la vía biliar principal y restaurar el paso normal de la bilis. Objetivo: Presentar un paciente con la COVID-19 y colangitis aguda por coledocolitiasis múltiple, que se le realizó colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica. Caso clínico: Mujer de 58 años, antecedentes de cálculos en vesícula biliar, que ingresó en estado de shock séptico por posible colangitis aguda y síntomas respiratorios leves, con prueba positiva para la COVID-19. Por ultrasonido abdominal se le diagnosticó coledocolitiasis y se le realizó colangiopancreatografìa retrógrada endoscópica, se visualizaron múltiples cálculos en colédoco. Se logró el drenaje exitoso de la vía biliar principal, sin complicaciones y evolución favorable. Conclusión: La terapéutica realizada fue una buena opción, en el contexto clínico, de una paciente con la COVID-19 y colangitis aguda por litiasis coledociana.

Introduction: Choledocholithiasis is a disease in which the common bile duct is occupied by stones. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography plays an important role in the treatment where the normal passage of bile is restored. Objective: To present a patient with COVID-19 and acute cholangitis due to multiple choledocholithiasis, who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Clinical case: A 58-year-old woman, with a history of gallbladder stones, who was admitted in a state of septic shock due to possible acute cholangitis and mild respiratory symptoms, with a positive test for COVID-19. Choledocholithiasis was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed, showing multiple stones in the common bile duct. Successful drainage of the main bile duct was achieved, without complications and favorable evolution. Conclusion: The treatment performed was a good option, in the clinical context, of a patient with COVID-19 and acute cholangitis due to common bile duct stones.

Common bile duct pressure after open intraoperative instrumentation in patients with uncomplicated choledocholithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Common bile duct pressure (CBDP) after surgical exploration has not been fully detailed. The objective was to describe the changes of CBDP after open surgical exploration in patients with choledocholithiasis, considering clinical scenarios in remote locations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A before-after study was designed. Patients with choledocholithiasis who required an open cholecystectomy with exploration of bile ducts were included in the study. Open cholecystectomy was performed and perioperative T-tube CBDP was registered immediately after the procedure and weekly thereafter, with a 6 week follow-up. Control T-tube cholangiogram was performed at week 6 to exclude residual stones. Data were analyzed with T test for paired samples. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included (age range, 17-69 years; 38.69 ± 17.97). Mean CBDP (cm H2O) registered were as follows: Initial = 19.5, week 1 = 16.2, week 2 = 14.3, week 3 = 13.0, week 4 = 12.1, week 5 = 11.1, and week 6 = 9.7. There were significant differences shown when comparing week 2 (p = 0.05), week 3 (p = 0.036), week 4 (p = 0.023), week 5 (p = 0.010), and week 6 (p = 0.004) with the initial value. CONCLUSIONS: CBDP decreases between 2nd and 3rd post-operative weeks. The use of choledochomanometry is useful in clinical scenarios with no access to imaging or interventionism facilities as in remote populations or rural locations.

ANTECEDENTES: La presión del conducto biliar común (PCBC) después de exploración quirúrgica no ha sido totalmente detallada. El objetivo fue describir los cambios de la PCBC tras exploración por coledocolitiasis. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de antes y después, en pacientes con coledocolitiasis, que requirieron colecistectomía con exploración de vías biliares, registrando la PCBC por 6 semanas. Con colangiografía por sonda en T en la semana seis. Análisis con T de Student para muestras pareadas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 13 pacientes (rango 17-69 años; 38,69 ± 17,97). Las presiones medias del CBC fueron: Inicial = 19.5, semana 1 = 16.2, semana 2 = 14.3, semana 3 = 13.0, semana 4 = 12.1, semana 5 = 11.1 y semana 6 = 9.7. Se mostraron diferencias significativas al comparar la semana 2 (p = 0.05), la semana 3 (p = 0.036), la semana 4 (p = 0.023), la semana 5 (p = 0.010) y la semana 6 (p = 0.004) contra el valor inicial. DISCUSIÓN: La PCBC disminuye entre la segunda y la tercera semana posoperatoria. La coledocomanometría muestra ser útil en escenarios clínicos sin acceso a intervencionismo como en poblaciones remotas o localidades rurales.

Prevalence of Persistent Common Bile Duct Stones in Acute Biliary Pancreatitis Remains Stable Within the First Week of Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) is often associated with persistent common bile duct (CBD) stones. The best strategy in terms of timing of surgery is still controversial. The aim of the current study is to describe the prevalence of persistent common bile duct (CBD) stones in ABP during the first week of symptoms at a high-volume referral center. STUDY DESIGN: Single-institution retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Patients with diagnosis of ABP who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) between January 2009 and December 2019 were extracted. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-one patients were included. Cholecystectomy was performed laparoscopically in 230 (99.57%) patients. Intraoperative cholangiogram was performed in all patients. Two hundred nine (90%) patients had surgery within the first 7 days. Global prevalence of persistent CBD stones during IOC was 19.91% (95% CI 14.96-25.65). No significant association between timing to surgery and presence of CBD stones was found for the first week since the initial attack (p=0.28). Prevalence of CBD stones was significantly higher after day 7 (p=0.007 and 0.005). Positive findings in preoperative MRCP are significantly related to intraoperative CBD stones (p=0.0001). Mild postoperative complications (CD I/II) were present in 21 patients (9.09%). No difference was found in morbidity between CBD stones group and non-CBD stones group (p=0.48). We observed no severe complications nor mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mild acute biliary pancreatitis, the prevalence of persistent CBD stones does not change within the first 7 days since the onset of symptoms. This fact may have major clinical relevance when deciding the optimal therapeutic strategy in this population.

Abordaje laparoscópico sistemático de la coledocolitiasis / Routine laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la prevalencia conjunta de litiasis vesicular y coledociana aumenta con la edad y llega al 15% en la octava década de la vida. Su manejo continúa siendo controvertido: algunos profesionales prefieren el abordaje en un tiempo por videolaparoscopia, y otros, el abordaje en dos tiempos con endoscopia (CPRE preoperatoria) seguida de colecistectomía laparoscópica. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del manejo en un tiempo por videolaparoscopia en pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de litiasis vesicular y coledociana. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo con datos de una base de datos prospectiva, entre julio de 2008 y julio de 2018. Resultados: sobre un total de 2447 colecistectomías laparoscópicas realizadas en el citado período, 416 (17%) presentaron litiasis coledociana. El éxito global de la vía transcística en la extracción de litiasis coledociana fue del 81,2%: del 70,4% en los casos con diagnóstico prequirúrgico de colestasis extrahepática litiásica y del 92,9% en los otros diagnósticos. La morbilidad fue del 4%, sin mortalidad ni lesiones quirúrgicas de la vía biliar. Conclusión : el manejo en un tiempo por videolaparoscopia es eficaz y seguro debido al elevado éxito global de la instrumentación transcística (ITC). El diagnóstico preoperatorio de coledocolitiasis condi ciona una disminución de esa eficacia, por mayor indicación de coledocotomía, con un aumento de la morbilidad y del tiempo de internación.

ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of common bile duct stones associated with cholelithiasis increases with age and is about 15 % in the 8th decade of life but its management is still controversial. Some surgeons prefer the single-stage approach with laparoscopy while others suggest the two-stage management with preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of feasibility of single-stage laparoscopic surgery in patients with cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis. Material and methods: We conducted a retrospective study with prospectively collected data between July 2008 and July 2018. Results: Of 2447 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed during the study period, 416 presented common bile duct stones. The global success of the transcystic approach to clear common bile duct stones was 81.2%, 70.4% in the cases with preoperative diagnosis of choledocholithiasis and 92.9% for other diagnoses. The rate of complications was 4% without deaths or bile duct injuries. Conclusion: Single-stage laparoscopic surgery is an efficient and safe approach based on the high global success of transcystic exploration. The preoperative diagnosis of choledocholithiasis reduces the efficacy of the procedure due to greater indication of choledocotomy, with complications and longer length of hospital stay.

Image-Guided Surgery for Common Bile Duct Stones After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Background: The relationship between obesity with common bile duct stone (CBDS) is close and increases after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Due to the anatomical modification, direct endoscopic access is not always possible. For this reason, image-guided surgery (IGS) by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) of the common bile duct (CBD) could be a first-line approach for the treatment of post-RYGB choledocholithiasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility and safety of CBDS treatment after RYGB with IGS. Materials and Methods: We present a descriptive retrospective observational multicentric study on the treatment of choledocholithiasis in patients operated on for RYGB using IGS through a minimally invasive approach by PTBD. The diagnosis of CBDS was made according to the symptoms of the patients, supported by blood tests, and medical images. Treatment was planned in two stages: in the first step, a PTBD was performed, and in the second step the choledocholithiasis was removed. Results: Of a total of 1403 post-RYGB patients, 21 presented choledocholithiasis. Of these, n = 18 were included. Symptoms were reported in n = 15 (8 cholestatic jaundice, 7 cholangitis), whereas n = 3 were asymptomatic. Percutaneous treatment was performed in all these patients, treated with a balloon and stone basket. A hyperamylasemia without pancreatitis was observed in 3 patients. No complications or deaths associated with the procedure were reported. The average hospital stay was 8.6 days. Conclusion: IGS is an interesting option for the treatment CBDS after RYGB. For these patients, PTBD is feasible and safe.

Common Bile Duct Stones After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Same Issue, Different Ways to Deal with.

Background: Obesity is a complex chronic disease, which represents a severe and growing health issue all over the world. Bariatric surgery is an option when medical treatments failed. The average of complications is low. Common bile duct stones in a patient who underwent weight loss surgery, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, one anastomosis gastric bypass, or duodenal switch, is challenging due to the difficult access to the biliary duct. Methods: We describe the different techniques we used to perform the treatment of common bile duct stones after a gastric bypass was performed. Results: The highlights of the different treatments to solve this big issue that is common bile duct after gastric bypass are described, such as the endoscopic, the surgical, the percutaneous, and combined ones. Conclusion: There are several therapeutic options; many of them have already demonstrated excellent results. Even though there is not a gold standard technique, the total endoscopic approach performed by trained hands should be the first line of treatment. Percutaneous approach represents also a safe and effective option that can avoid reoperations in an important number of patients. However, the choice will depend on the severity of the case to face with, the availability of resources, and the experience of the team.

Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration With Primary Closure After Failed Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Without Intraoperative Cholangiography: A Case Series from a Referral Center in Bogota, Colombia.

Background: Despite the effectiveness of laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) surgery, no case series details the use and advantages of laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) without use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failure. Therefore, we present a case series regarding our success with LCBDE in managing CBD stones (CBDSs) using laparoscopic technique without IOC. Materials and Methods: We performed a descriptive retrospective observational study. Patients with CBDSs, alone or along with gallbladder stones, were treated through LCBDE with primary CBD closure after failed ERCP. Results: All patients underwent LCBDE with choledocotomy and primary duct closure. Patients with gallbladder stones underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (78%). All procedures were successful, and no conversions occurred. Surgery duration averaged 106 minutes. Intraoperative bleeding averaged 15 cc, and no mortalities occurred. No patients required additional surgery or intensive care unit admission. Hospitalization duration averaged 5 days. Conclusions: Therefore, a laparoscopic approach with primary CBD closure after failed ERCP for complex CBDSs is safe and effective.

Exploración laparoscópica de las vías biliares. Descripción de la técnica paso a paso. Video / Laparoscopic exploration of the bile ducts. Description of the technique step by step. Video

La exploración laparoscópica de las vías biliares (ELVB) constituye, hoy en día, una herramienta de gran utilidad en el tratamiento de la patología litiásica del árbol biliar, especialmente cuando técnicamente sea imposible realizar una pancreato-colangiografía retrógrada endoscópica (PCRE) o en los casos en los cuales este estudio no esté disponible. Método: Describir mediante un video nuestra técnica de ELVB paso a paso, en una paciente de 41 años quien consultó por presentar tinte ictérico en piel y mucosas, coluria e hipocolia. El ultrasonido abdominal reportó litiasis vesicular, dilatación de vías biliares intra y extra hepáticas, colédoco de 9 mm de diámetro y múltiples imágenes hiperecogénicas sugestivas de litiasis. Al no poder realizarse PCRE se decide practicar ELVB. Se realizó disección del triángulo biliocístico, identificación y ligadura proximal del conducto cístico con la finalidad de evitar la migración de cálculos a la vía biliar durante el procedimiento, coledocotomía, lavado proximal y distal de la vía biliar, exploración con catéter de Fogarty, coledocorrafia primaria, cisticotomía y colocación de catéter para colangiografía intraoperatoria, constatación de plenificación de las vías biliares sin imágenes de defecto y de adecuado paso del contraste al duodeno, colecistectomía y colocación de drenaje subhepático. Resultados: Paciente evoluciona en forma satisfactoria, egresando al tercer día de postoperatorio sin eventualidades. Discusión: La ELVB con coledocorrafia primaria ha sido descrita como una alternativa viable y efectiva para el manejo de la litiasis biliar, destacando su menor morbimortalidad cuando se compara con procedimientos endoscópicos como la PCRE(AU)

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) constitutes, nowadays, a very useful tool in the treatment of biliary tree lithiasis, especially when it is technically impossible to perform an endoscopic retrograde pancreatic cholangiography (ERCP) or in cases when this study is not available. Method: Using a video, we describe our LCBDE technique step by step, in a 41-year-old patient who consulted for presenting jaundiced skin and mucosa, coluria and hypocolia. Abdominal ultrasound reported gallstones, intra- and extra-hepatic bile duct dilation, a 9-mm diameter common bile duct (CBD) and multiple hyperechoic images suggestive of lithiasis. Since ERCP could not be performed, it was decided to practice LCBDE. Dissection of the Calot's triangle was performed, identification and proximal ligation of the cystic duct in order to avoid migration of stones to the common bile duct during the procedure, choledochotomy, proximal and distal lavage of the bile duct, exploration with a Fogarty catheter, primary closure of CBD, cysticotomy and placement of catheter for intraoperative cholangiography, verification of fullness of the bile ducts without defect images and adequate passage of contrast to the duodenum, cholecystectomy and placement of subhepatic drainage. Results: Patient progressed satisfactorily, being discharged on the third postoperative day, uneventfully. Discussion: LCBDE with primary closure of CBD has been described as a viable and effective alternative for the management of biliary stones, highlighting its lower morbidity and mortality when compared with endoscopic procedures such as ERCP(AU)

Laparoscopy-Assisted Trans-Gastric Rendez-vous for the Treatment of Common Bile Duct Stones in Patients with Prior Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Common bile duct (CBD) stones in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) represent a major challenge for ERCP due to long-limb anatomy. Trans-gastric approach has been proposed but entails high ERCP-related risks. Laparoscopy assisted trans-gastric rendez-vous (LATG-RV) is a one-step procedure that may lower the risks of these patients. METHODS: We describe our initial experience in four patients with past history of RYGB and CBD stones. RESULTS: All patients underwent LATG-RV and had successful CBD stone clearance. Postoperative course was uneventful with normal amylase levels. Average procedure time was 105 min and postoperative stay 2 days. CONCLUSION: LATG-RV is a safe and effective procedure for the clearance of CBD stones in RYGB patients. It may have fewer complications and shorter operative time than regular trans-gastric ERCP.

Laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones: transpapillary stenting or external biliary drainage?

BACKGROUND: To date, the management of common bile duct stones (CBDs) is still controversial. If laparoscopic exploration is performed and biliary decompression is needed after stone removal, the placement of a laparoscopic transpapillary stent shows promising results in avoiding T-tube-related complications. METHODS: Between January 2007 and May 2012, a series of 48 patients who underwent biliary decompression after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) to treat choledocholithiasis was retrospectively analyzed. The results in patients with transpapillary stent placement (TS=35) were compared with those who had an external biliary drainage (EBD=13). RESULTS: LCBDE and TS placement was achieved either by a choledochotomy or through the cystic duct. There was no mortality in our series. Patients with an external biliary drainage (EBD) had more surgery-related complications (P<.0001) and a longer hospital stay (P=.03). Postoperative ERCP to remove the TS was successful in all cases. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic TS is a safe method in the treatment of selected patients with CBD stones that can be achieved without having to perform a choledochotomy. Because of the lower morbidity and the shorter hospital stay compared with EBD, it should be considered as a first approach whenever biliary decompression is needed after LCBDE.

Es la edad un factor que incide en las complicaciones por CPRE? / Does age influence complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)?

Introducción. Con la mejoría en las condiciones de vida, el promedio de edad es hoy en día mayor, razón por la cual cada vez tenemos que enfrentarnos a pacientes ancianos, quienes tienen una mayor incidencia de patología hepatobiliar y necesitan una CPRE. La pregunta es, si este grupo de edad tiene una mayor frecuencia de complicaciones que le dificulten el acceso a este importante examen.Métodos. Se trata de un estudio prospectivo de casos y controles de las CPRE realizado durante un periodo de 5 años (2004-2009). Las intervenciones se realizaron en el Hospital El Tunal de Bogotá-Colombia, por endoscopistas con experiencia mayor a 500 procedimientos anuales. La edad del paciente mayor o menor a 80 años fue tomada como variable de predicción y el desarrollo de pancreatitis post-CPRE, perforación, hemorragia o depresión respiratoria fueron tomadas como variables de desenlace. Resultados. Durante el periodo de 5 años se realizaron 71 (33,8%) CPRE en pacientes con 80 años o más, las cuales se parearon de forma aleatoria con 139 (66,2%) pacientes que tuvieran 79 años o menos (grupo control). La mortalidad en ambos grupos no tuvo una diferencia significativa. Murieron tres pacientes en el grupo de estudio y dos en el grupo control. Las complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento no tuvieron una diferencia global estadísticamente significativa, aunque en el grupo de ancianos hubo más perforaciones. Conclusión. Podemos señalar que los pacientes con edad mayor o igual a los 80 años tienen una tasa similar de complicaciones que los pacientes menores cuando son llevados a CPRE a pesar de tener una mayor presencia de comorbilidades como la HTA.

Introduction. As living conditions improve average ages increase daily. For this reason we see more and more older patients who have a greater incidence of hepatobiliary pathologies, and who need ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). The main question is that, if this age-group has a greater frequency of complications, it makes their access to this important examination more difficult.Methods. A five year long prospective study of ERCP cases and controls was performed from 2004 to 2009. Procedures were performed at the ‘El Tunal’ Hospital in Bogota, Colombia. They were done by specialists who perform more than 500 procedures every year. Age greater or less than 80 years old was the predictor variable used, and ERCP complications were outcome variables. These included pancreatitis, perforation, hemorrhaging and respiratory depression. Results. During the 5 year period 71 ERCPs (33.8%) were performed on patients who were over the age of 80. They were randomly paired with 139 patients (66.2%), who were under the age of 80 (control group). There were no significant differences in mortality rates between the two groups. Three patients died in the study group and two in the control group. Although there were no globally significant differences between the two groups for other complications related to the procedure, the more elderly patients showed more perforations than did the rest of patients. Conclusion. Patients over the age of 80 year have similar rates of complications as do younger patients. They may be prepared for ERCP, even though there is a risk from higher levels of comorbidities such as high blood pressure.

Papel de la ultrasonografía hepatobiliar en el diagnóstico de coledocolitiasis / Role of hepatobiliary ultrasound in the diagnosis of choledocolitiasis

Antecedentes. El síndrome ictérico es una aproximación diagnóstica que reúne distintos signos y síntomas. La colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) puede ser una opción terapéutica en esta patología, pero es un procedimiento de tipo invasivo, que tiene riesgos de morbilidad y mortalidad. Por esta razón, su realización debería ser terapéutica y no diagnóstica para lo que se requieren estudios diagnósticos previos certeros. Es importante estudiar si la ecografía hepatobiliar es adecuada para detectar signos de patología ictérica obstructiva puesto que, en nuestro medio, el ultrasonido determina la posible realización de una prueba invasiva, como es la CPRE. El objetivo del estudio es determinar la correlación existente entre los hallazgos de la vía biliar encontrados entre la ultrasonografía hepatobiliar y la CPRE realizadas en el Hospital Universitario de la Samaritana (HUS) entre el 01/03/2005 y 01/11/2007. Materiales y método. Estudio retrospectivo de concordancia de pruebas diagnósticas. Mediante un cuestionario cerrado se recolectó la información relacionada con las características del paciente, hallazgos del ultrasonido hepatobiliar y reporte de CPRE. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las personas llevadas a CPRE. Posteriormente, se calcularon los valores de sensibilidad, especificidad y cocientes de probabilidades. Para determinar el grado de concordancia entre las pruebas se usó el Índice de Kappa de Cohen (κ): Po-Pe / 1-Pe. Resultados. Durante el periodo de estudio, 457 pacientes fueron llevados a CPRE, de los cuales 271 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La ecografía hepatobiliar para el diagnostico de vía biliar dilatada tiene una sensibilidad del 66,5% (IC 95%: 60,2-72,5) y una especificidad del 65,6% (IC 95%: 46,8-81,4), con un cociente de probabilidad negativo del 49%, para el diagnóstico de coledocolitiasis una sensibilidad del 25,6% (IC 95%: 18,4-33,9) con una especificidad del 87,7% (IC 95%: 81,0-92,7)...

Background. Jaundice is a diagnostic approximation that combines different signs and symptoms. Although Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be a therapeutic option for this pathology, it is an invasive procedure with morbidity and mortality risks. Therefore, this procedure should be used therapeutically rather than in diagnosis, and other accurate diagnostic procedures should be used first. If hepatobiliary echography can be adapted to detect pathological signs of obstructive jaundice it would be important, since in our context ultrasound is used to determine the possibility of using an invasive test such as ERCP. The objective of the study was to determine what correlation existed between the hepatobiliary ultrasound and ERCP of the biliary tract in those procedures performed at University Hospital de La Samaritana (UHS) between March 1, 2005 and November 1, 2007. Materials and methods. This was a retrospective study of diagnostic test results. Information was collected using a closed-ended set of questions. This questionnaire described patient characteristics and findings from hepatobiliary ultrasound and ERCP reports. First, ERCP patients were descriptively analyzed, then sensitivities, specificities and odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Cohen’s kappa index was used (κ): Po-Pe/1-Pe) to determine the degree of agreement between the testsResults. During the study period ERCPs were performed on 457 patients of whom 271 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. For the diagnosis of biliary tract expansion hepatobiliary ultrasound’s sensitivity was 66.5% (CI 95%: 60.2 to 72.5) and its specificity was 65.6% (CI 95%: 46.8 to 81.4). Negative OR was 49%. For the diagnosis of choledocolithiasis hepatobiliary ultrasound’s sensitivity was 25.6% (CI 95%: 18.4 to 33.9) and its specificity was 87.7% (CI 95%: 81.0 to 92.7)...