Intrahepatic bile duct recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma without a detectable liver tumor

INTRODUCTIONInvasion of the portal and hepatic veins by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common, but macroscopic bile duct invasion is rare. Once a tumor thrombus completely obstructs the main bile duct, it causes obstructive jaundice. This type of HCC, known as icteric-type HCC (IHCC), has a poor prognosis.PRESENTATION OF CASEA 72-year-old woman had been treated for chronic hepatitis C since 1997. In 2002, percutaneous ethanol injection therapy was performed for HCC in segment 8. HCC recurrence occurred in 2004, and she underwent transarterial embolization (TAE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). In 2006, an S8 segmentectomy was performed for re-recurrence of HCC. Three years after surgery, computed tomography (CT) revealed a tumor occupying the right anterior intrahepatic bile duct and extending into its right main branch. With a preoperative diagnosis of HCC recurrence in the bile duct, we performed a right hepatectomy and thrombectomy. Histological examination showed moderately to poorly differentiated HCC. No tumor tissue other than the intrahepatic bile duct tumor was detected in the resected liver specimen.DISCUSSIONHCC with biliary tumor thrombus is associated with a poor prognosis. In general, IHCC is difficult to diagnose and treat in the early stages. A characteristic radiological finding for this type of IHCC is the hypervascularity of the tumor thrombus.CONCLUSIONTo the best of our knowledge, this is a rare case of IHCC recurrence as a tumor thrombus without recurrence in the resected liver specimen.     

肝细胞肝癌合并胆总管癌栓的外科治疗

目的 通过对肝细胞肝癌合并胆总管癌栓手术病例临床资料的回顾性分析,探讨不同手术方式的疗效以及对远期预后的影响.方法 2008年1月-2012年12月,北京协和医院肝脏外科收治肝细胞肝癌合并胆总管癌栓行手术病例共9例,5例病例行根治性半肝切除术,3例行肝部分切除术,1例行术中射频,全部病例均行胆总管探查取栓术;术后通过数字减影血管成像技术进行随诊;全部病例术后随访时间均超过12个月.结果 全部手术病例术后黄疸指数均明显下降,根治性手术病例术后无瘤生存时间、生存时间均略优于姑息手术病例,术后再次胆道梗阻发病率也低于姑息手术病例.结论 肝细胞肝癌合并胆总管癌栓病例通过适当的手术方式可以达到切除肿瘤、解除胆道梗阻的目的,根治性半肝切除术的疗效优于肝部分切除术.     

Triple cancer of gallbladder,common bile duct and papilla of Vater: Report of a case and review of literature

Introduction and importanceSynchronous malignancies of gallbladder and biliary tree are together rare entity whose pathogenesis is yet unknown. We report the case of a triple synchronous cancer of 3 distinct location: gallbladder, common bile duct (CBD) and papilla of Vater.Case presentationAn 84-years-old woman, was admitted to our Hospital with clinics features of obstructive jaundice.Dilatation of the biliary tree and CBD without evidence of gallstones was seen at US. CT scan confirmed distal CBD obstruction.An endo-US showed a nodule of the head of pancreas infiltrating the lower CBD.Finally, hepatic-MRI displayed a gallbladder malignancy with invasion of CBD.Preoperative staging showed 3 diagnostic suspicions: carcinoma of CBD on CT, pancreatic carcinoma on endo-US and malignancy of gallbladder on MRI.A cephalic duodenopancreatectomy and radical gallbladder resection was performed.Final pathology revealed 3 distinct location of moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas: Gallbladder, CBD and Vater's papilla.Microscopic examination didn't detect any direct continuity between the 3 tumors. Metastases were identified in the pancreaticoduodenal, peri-hepatic and peri-gastric lymph nodes.Clinical discussionLiterature displayed 22 cases of synchronous malignancies of gallbladder and CBD and 1 case of triple cancer with associated Vater's papilla carcinoma.In most of these cases, an association with an anomalous pancreatic-bile duct junction was reported.Although the real incidence remain unknown, it was reported to occur in 5–10% of CBD cancers.ConclusionSuspicion of such combination of cancer should be remembered, especially when preoperative investigations don't allow a precise localization of tumor in the biliary tree.     

Surgical Intervention for Obstructive Jaundice Due to Biliary Tumor Thrombus in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This retrospective study in eight surgically treated patients with obstructive jaundice due to biliary tumor thrombus in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was performed to evaluate the role of surgical intervention. All biliary tumor thrombi were confirmed preoperatively or intraoperatively. Only two manifested intraluminal biliary obstructions due to a primary tumor that had not been found preoperatively. The operative procedures included hepatectomy with removal of the biliary tumor thrombus (n = 3), hepatectomy combined with extrahepatic bile duct resection (n = 1), thrombectomy through a choledochotomy (n = 3), and piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation (n = 1). The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 62.5% and 37.5%, respectively. Two patients survived more than 5 years. Surgical intervention was effective in patients with obstructive jaundice due to a biliary tumor thrombus in an HCC. Thus surgery for a recurrence can prolong survival, and liver transplantation is a treatment worthy of further investigation.     

��ϸ�����ϲ����ܰ�˨�����������

??Diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma with biliary tumor thrombi YIN Xiao-yu. Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery??the First Affiliated Hospital??Sun Yat-Sen University??Guangzhou 510080, China
Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with biliary tumor thrombi is not common. Biliary tumor thrombi usually arise from the intrahepatic bile duct which is invaded by HCC, and gradually extend towards the hilar bile ducts, and even common bile duct. It eventually leads to obstructive jaundice, and hemobilia occasionally. HCC with biliary tumor thrombi sometimes can be misdiagnosed as cholangiocarcinoma. Correct diagnosis is important. Aggressive surgical resection is helpful to prolong the patient’s survival time??and improve the long-term outcome.     

肝癌合并门静脉或胆管癌栓的综合治疗

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)is poor,and tumor thrombus in the portal vein or in the bile duct is an important influencing factor.Approximately 30%of HCC patients are found to have portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT)when diagnosed,and their median survival time is about 2.7-4.0 months if they do not receive any treatment.The incidence of HCC complicated with bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT)is less than 10%,while the prognosis is dismal.Once tumor thrombus extends to the major bile ducts,obstructive jaundice and subsequent hepatic dysfunction are inevitable.The survival time of patients with HCC complicated with BDTT is less than 4 months if they only receive palliative biliary stenting.The management of HCC complicated with PVTT or BDTT is challenging with controversy at present.Different treatment approaches and their benefits for patients with HCC complicated with PVTT or BDTT are introduced in this paper.     

Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma arising in the bile duct

We report a case of ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma arising in the bile duct. A 72-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital with fever, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a round mass, measuring 25 mm in diameter, in the bile duct. The mass was causing obstructive jaundice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed a 27 mm × 21-mm round defect in the superior bile duct. These findings led to a diagnosis of bile duct tumor, and the patient underwent extrahepatic bile duct resection and biliary reconstruction. Gross examination of the tumor showed a fibrous capsule and a stalk arising from the bile duct mucosa. The tumor was diagnosed histopathologically as well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma arising in the bile duct.     

Prospective evaluation of a selective approach to cholangiography for suspected common bile duct stones

INTRODUCTION

Common bile duct (CBD) stones can cause serious morbidity or mortality, and evidence for them should be sought in all patients with symptomatic gallstones undergoing cholecystectomy. Routine intra-operative cholangiography (IOC) involves a large commitment of time and resources, so a policy of selective cholangiography was adopted. This study prospectively evaluated the policy of selective cholangiography for patients suspected of having choledocholithiasis, and aimed to identify the factors most likely to predict the presence of CBD stones positively.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 501 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for symptomatic gallstones, of whom 166 underwent IOC for suspected CBD stones, were prospectively collected. Suspicion of choledocholithiasis was based upon: (i) deranged liver function tests (past or present); (ii) history of jaundice (past or present) or acute pancreatitis; (iii) a dilated CBD or demonstration of CBD stones on imaging; or (iv) a combination of these factors. Patient demographics, intra-operative findings, complications and clinical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty-four cholangiograms were positive (39%). All indications for cholangiogram yielded positive results. Current jaundice yielded the highest positive predictive value (PPV; 86%). A dilated CBD on pre-operative imaging gave a PPV of 45% for CBD calculi; a history of pancreatitis produced a 26% PPV for CBD calculi. Patients with the presence of several factors suggestive of CBD stones yielded higher numbers of positive cholangiograms. Of the 64 patients having a laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), four (6%) required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for retained stones (94% successful surgical clearance of the common bile duct) and one (2%) for a bile leak. Of the 335 patients undergoing LC alone, three (0.9%) re-presented with a retained stone, requiring intervention. There were 12 (7%) requiring conversion to open operation.

CONCLUSIONS

A selective policy for intra-operative cholangiography yields acceptably high positive results. Pre-operatively, asymptomatic bile duct stones rarely present following LC; thus, routine imaging of the biliary tree for occult calculi can safely be avoided. Therefore, a rationing approach to the use of intra-operative imaging based on the pre-operative indicators presented in this paper, successfully identifies those patients with bile duct stones requiring exploration. Laparoscopic bile duct exploration, performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon, is a safe and effective method of clearing the bile duct of calculi, with minimal complications, avoiding the necessity for an additional intervention and prolonged hospital stay.     

肝细胞癌合并胆管癌栓的诊断与治疗

肝细胞癌（简称肝癌）合并胆管癌栓不常见。胆管癌栓通常是由肝癌侵入其所在部位的肝内胆管而形成并沿肝内胆管向肝门部胆管甚至胆总管生长,最终导致梗阻性黄疸或合并胆道出血。肝癌合并胆管癌栓并不是一种终末期疾病,有时会被误诊为胆管癌,及时正确诊断至关重要。积极手术切除治疗有助于延长生存时间、改善远期预后。     

Spontaneous perforation of common bile duct in a young female: An intra-operative surprise

IntroductionSpontaneous CBD perforation is one of the rare causes of acute abdomen in infants and extremely rare in adults. It is rarely suspected and correctly diagnosed preoperatively.Presentation of caseA 17 year old female presented to Emergency Department with sudden onset of pain and distention of abdomen, associated with vomiting and non-passage of flatus and stool for 3 days and features of generalized peritonitis. On exploration, a perforation of size 0.5 cm in diameter was present on the antero-lateral surface of supraduodenal part of common bile duct (CBD) below the junction of cystic duct and common hepatic duct. Cholecystectomy done and the CBD repaired over a T-tube.DiscussionSpontaneous perforation of bile duct should ideally manage with T-tube drainage of the CBD along with cholecystectomy. In case with distal obstruction of the CBD, a biliary enteric bypass should be done.ConclusionDue to the paucity of cases, the index of suspicion for this diagnosis is low. But bilious peritoneal tap, features of generalized peritonitis and absence of free gas under diaphragm in abdominal x-ray may be considered as clues for suspicion. Accordingly, Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment.     

Spontaneously removed endobiliary J stent drainage after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

Background  

Given the limitations and risks associated with current treatments for common bile duct (CBD) stones, the authors placed a spontaneously removed endobiliary J stent in the distal CBD to decompress the biliary tract and performed a primary closure of the CBD after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE).     

Mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus and bile duct tumor thrombus: A case report

IntroductionWe report the first case of mass-forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) and bile duct tumor thrombus (BDTT), where the extrahepatic bile duct was preserved with thrombectomy.Presentation of caseA 70-year-old male. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the tumor extending from the hepatic hilum to the left hepatic duct with complete obstruction of the left hepatic duct and a defect at the left portal vein. We planned to perform extended left lobectomy, lymph node dissection, extra hepatic bile duct resection and reconstruction based on the diagnosis of mass-forming ICC with left portal vein and left hepatic duct infiltration (cT3N0M0 Stage III). Intraoperative cholangiography revealed a crab claw-like filling defect at the left hepatic duct, which suggested tumor thrombus. Accordingly, we performed thrombectomy. The margin of the left hepatic duct was tumor negative, so we performed extended left lobectomy, lymph node dissection and thrombectomy. Pathologically, the tumor was diagnosed as ICC (pT4N0M0 Stage IVA, vp3, b3). Tumors in the left hepatic duct and left portal vein proved to be tumor thrombus. The postoperative course was uneventful. He is doing well without recurrence.DiscussionThrombectomy is performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombus. Furthermore, extrahepatic bile duct resection and reconstruction are recommended for ICC. In this case, intraoperative cholangiography was effective for precisely diagnosing. Thrombectomy could reduce surgical stress and prevent complications.ConclusionsThrombectomy can be a valid option for ICC with tumor thrombus, as well as for HCC.     

Transcystic biliary decompression after direct laparoscopic exploration of the common bile duct

Background: A purpose-designed transcystic common bile duct (CBD) decompression cannula is described for use as an alternative to T-tube insertion following laparoscopic direct CBD exploration. This permits safe primary closure of the choledochotomy. Methods: Following direct supraduodenal laparoscopic clearance of large common bile duct stones, the biliary decompression cannula is inserted percutaneously inside its peel-away sheet over a guide-wire into the CBD via the cystic duct. When in place, the cannula is secured to the cystic duct by two catgut extracorporeal Roeder knots and the choledochotomy is then closed. The terminal multiperforated S-shaped segment of the Cuschieri biliary decompression cannula prevents postoperative dislodgement. Results: Transcystic decompression of the extrahepatic biliary tract using the Cuschieri cannula has been used in 12 patients who underwent laparoscopic supraduodenal CBD exploration for large or occluding stones. There was no instance of postoperative dislodgement of the cannula and all patients had effective drainage of the common bile duct (average 300 ml bile per 24 h). The procedure was uncomplicated in all but one patient who developed self-limiting leakage from the CBD suture line in the early postoperative period. The median hospital stay after surgery was 4 days, with a range of 3 to 10 days. The cystic duct decompression cannula was capped and sealed under an occlusive dressing at the time of discharge. Removal of the cannula was carried out without any complications as a day case 11–16 days after surgery. Conclusions: Transcystic biliary decompression is safe and effective. The experience with is use indicates that compared to T-tube drainage, transcystic decompression may accelerate recovery and reduce the hospital stay in patients following laparoscopic direct exploration of the CBD. Its insertion is less technically demanding than placing a T-tube through the choledochotomy. Transcystic decompression with complete primary closure of the CBD realizes the full benefits of the single-stage management of common bile duct calculi and permits confirmation of complete stone clearance after surgery.     

Biliary stricture due to neuroma after an innocent blunt abdominal trauma

A traumatic neuroma of the biliary tract is rarely associated with biliary obstruction. However, when it arises in the common bile duct (CBD) and is associated with obstructive jaundice, it is difficult to distinguish it from bile duct cancer. We describe a patient who developed obstructive jaundice and itching, due to CBD stricture, 8 years after innocent blunt abdominal trauma. The stricture was resected and hepatico-jejunal anastomosis was performed. Histological examination revealed a traumatic neuroma and a fibrous scar around the common bile duct. Symptoms disappeared following surgical removal of the lesion. Blunt abdominal injury may cause the late onset of a fibrous scar and traumatic neuroma in the common bile duct. To our knowledge, a traumatic neuroma of the biliary tract after blunt abdominal trauma has not been reported previously. We review the clinical picture of this relatively rare problem, along with its diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment.     

腹腔镜指导下纤维胆道镜胆总管探查术的临床应用

目的讨腹腔镜指导下纤维胆道镜胆总管探查术可行性及应用价值。方法对具有胆道探查指征的患者,施行腹腔镜下胆总管切开,经此切开处置入胆道镜进行检查和治疗。探查完成后,放置T管或I期缝合胆总管。结果全组施行此术式152例,发现肝外胆管结石141例,术中结石取净率为100%;探查阴性11例。胆道镜检查和/或协助取石时间为8～35 min,平均15 min。152例微创手术均成功,无1例中转开腹,腹腔镜下胆总管Ⅰ期缝合42例,放置T管引流110例,术后3～4周拔T管,无1例结石残留;并发胆瘘2例,未发现有胆道狭窄及残石病例。术后住院时间4～7 d,平均为5 d。152例均获随访,随访时间为1～17个月,平均为8个月。经B超或MRCP证实,未发现有胆道狭窄及残石者。结论腹腔镜指导下纤维胆道镜胆总管探查术是安全、有效的方法,微创效果明显,如能在取净结石的情况下行胆总管一期缝合,微创效果尤为明显。     

Obstructive jaundice due to a textiloma mimicking a common bile duct stone

A foreign body is a rare cause of obstructive jaundice. We report a 19-year-old woman with jaundice caused by a surgical gauze in the common bile duct (CBD). Four yours earlier, she had undergone a cholecystectomy and drainage for hydatid disease of the liver. Her postoperative course was complicated by a biliary fistula that healed after 50 days. She now presented with obstructive jaundice of 2 weeks' duration. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed a signal-void mass, consistent with a CBD stone. Surgical exploration of the CBD revealed a surgical gauze as the cause of the obstruction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a surgical gauze obstructing the CBD requiring surgical removal.     

Extrahepatic biliary obstrution secondary to neuroendocrine tumor of the common hepatic duct

IntroductionPrimary neuroendocrine tumors (NET) of the extrahepatic biliary tree are a rare entity with less than 100 reported cases in the literature.Presentation of caseHere, we report a case of NET of the extrahepatic bile duct in a 64-year-old male patient presenting with painless jaundice, direct hyperbilirubinemia, and mildly elevated transaminases. Diagnostic workup with an ultrasound revealed dilation of the intrahepatic biliary ducts, without cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis. Additional cross sectional imaging identified a stricture at the confluence of the common hepatic and cystic duct junction. Given lack of additional findings presumptive diagnosis of localized klatskin’s tumor was made. The patient subsequently underwent resection of the common bile duct and roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction. Final pathologic diagnosis showed G2 well-differentiated NET of the extrahepatic bile duct, measuring 1.3 × 1.1 × 1 cm.DiscussionWhen a patient is evaluated for a primary bile duct neoplasm, differentiation between cholangiocarcinoma and an unusual bile duct tumor, such as a NET is very difficult before surgical resection and histologic review.ConclusionNET of the extrahepatic biliary tree are a rare entity. Typical presentation is with painless jaundice and other symptoms related to obstruction of the biliary tree and the diagnosis is usually made post-operatively.     

Successful Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Bronchobiliary Fistula Caused by Repeated Transcatheter Arterial Embolizations: Report of a Case

Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare but life-threatening condition. We herein describe a rescued case of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who developed BBF as a late complication of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). A 66-year-old man underwent repeated TAE for a large HCC during a 3-year period. Massive biliptysis developed after the last treatment and bronchoscopy proved the presence of BBF. Radiological studies exhibited a necrotic HCC in the right liver with a tumor thrombus protruding into the common bile duct. Localized pneumonia was also present in the right lung. A right hemihepatectomy with a bile duct tumor thrombectomy and a right lower lobectomy of the lung were performed. He is presently doing well at 6 months after surgery. Increased intraluminal pressure of the biliary system due to obstruction by the tumor thrombus is considered to have led to the rupture of the liver abscess into the bronchus, thus creating a BBF. This is the first successfully resected case of HCC associated with BBF.     

Resected cystadenoma of the common bile duct

Biliary cystadenoma in the extrahepatic bile ducts is a very rare tumor. A 62-year-old woman with jaundice was admitted to our hospital. Imaging studies revealed a 4-cm cystic lesion around the hepatic hilum, compressing the common bile duct (CBD). When laparotomy was performed, a cystic tumor was detected in the hepatic hilum, filling the lumen of the CBD. Bile duct resection that included the tumor was performed, followed by biliary reconstruction. Microscopically, the cyst wall was lined by a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells, covering an ovarian-like stroma. The degree of atypia was low and warranted the diagnosis of cystadenoma.     

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma derived from the cystic duct: A case report

IntroductionMixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs) derived from cystic duct are extremely rare.Presentation of caseAn 80-year-old woman was admitted to the department of surgery, Onomichi general hospital with abnormal liver function and jaundice. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) detected a well-enhanced papillary tumor in the cystic duct, which protruded into the common bile duct. The intrahepatic bile duct was dilated due to tumor obstruction. The entire tumor showed high intensity in T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) showed that the tumor ranged from part of communication of three ducts (cystic, common hepatic and common bile duct), to the middle of common bile duct. Biliary cytology determined a class V malignancy (adenocarcinoma). Endoscopic ultrasound determined that the tumor was primarily at the cystic duct with heterogeneous echoic pattern, which extended into the common bile duct. The preoperative diagnosis was cystic duct carcinoma (T3N0M0, StageIIIA). An extended cholecystectomy with regional lymph nodes dissection was performed. Histologically, the tumor had components of both well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma, which is classified as MANECs according to the 2010 WHO classification of endocrine tumors. Eight months after surgery, multiple liver metastases were discovered, and treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated.DisscusionWe present a rare case of MANECs derived from cystic duct. Until now, an established adjuvant systemic chemotherapy has not emerged, and curative resection, with poor long-term prognosis, remains the only treatment option.ConclusionThough standards of treatment for MANECs have not been established,multidisciplinary theraphy is necessary to improve outcome.