术前胆道引流对低位恶性胆道梗阻患者行胰十二指肠切除术后的影响

目的 评价术前胆道引流(PBD)对低位恶性胆道梗阻性黄接受胰十二指肠切除术(PD)后的并发症、死亡率及住院时间的影响.方法 回顾性总结分析2001年1月至2010年12月期间接受PD术的71例低位恶性胆道梗阻患者的临床资料.术前胆道引流方法包括经皮肝穿刺胆道引流(PTCD)、逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)及胆囊造瘘术,71例中行PBD患者19例(26.8%),未行PBD患者52例(73.2%).结果 PBD组总胆红素(TBIL)在引流前为(424.9±129.9)μmol/L,引流后下降为(77.7±48.6)μmol/L,差异具有统计学意义(t=11.1,P＜0.001).PBD组直接胆红素(DBIL)在引流前为(300.7±98.1)μmol/L,引流后下降为(60.0±34.5)μmol/L,差异具有统计学意义(t=10.7,P＜0.001).PBD组谷丙转氨酶(ALT)在引流前为(227.9±275.8)U/L,引流后下降为(90.3±66.5)U/L,差异具有统计学意义(t=2.5,P=0.023).PBD组术中输血量为(589±93)ml,非PBD组为(603±71)ml,差异无统计学意义(t=-110,P=0.913).PBD组术后并发症发生率为52.6%(10/19),非PBD组为55.8%(29/52),差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).PBD组术后住院时间为(33±3)d,非PBD组为(25±2)d,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 对黄疸较重、肝功能严重受损的患者,行PBD可有效改善患者的一般状况,但并未降低PD术后并发症发生率及死亡率,也未减少术后的住院时间.     

Effectiveness of endoscopic biliary drainage for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma associated with obstructive jaundice

Endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with obstructive jaundice remains controversial because of the short survival of these patients. To evaluate the effectiveness of this procedure, we retrospectively studied 18 patients who had unresectable HCC with obstructive jaundice and underwent EBD with poly-ethylene stents, over a 10-year period. Nine patients with tumor thrombus involving the first branches of the portal vein or portal trunk (Vp3) formed group A and the other 9 (Vp0–Vp2) formed group B. The serum albumin level and serum total bililubin level differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005, Student's t-test), but prothrombin time did not. The obstructive jaundice was mainly caused by direct tumor invasion in 6 patients from group A and 3 from group B, by blood clots and/or tumor fragments in 2 patients from group A and 3 from group B, by the tumor protruding into the common hepatic duct in 2 patients from group B, and by tumor compression of the common bile duct in 1 patient from each group. Drainage was successful in 4 patients (44%) from group A and in all 9 patients (100%) from group B. Among the 5 patients with unsuccessful drainage in group A, 4 had obstruction of both the left and right hepatic ducts and 3 had multiple tumors in both lobes. The mean survival time (mean ± SD) after EBD was 47 ± 44 days in group A and 181 ± 70 days in group B. In group A, the average survival time was only 85 days in the 4 patients with successful drainage. However, an improvement in the quality of life after EBD was observed in one-third of the Vp3 patients and in all of the Vp0–Vp2 patients. In summary, satisfactory palliation is possible with successful EBD, but this is difficult in most patients with Vp3 portal thrombus, direct tumor invasion involving both hepatic ducts, and multiple tumors in both lobes. It is important to determine the site, extent, and nature of the obstruction, as well as liver function and the presence of portal thrombus, before performing EBD. Received: May 28, 2000 / Accepted: October 20, 2000     

Surgical bypass versus metallic stent for unresectable pancreatic cancer

With the development of interventional radiology and endoscopy, the practice of inserting expandable metallic stents for malignant jaundice has become widespread. Many studies have compared surgical bypass with polyethylene stents, or metallic stents with polyethylene stents. However, few data are available on the comparison of surgical bypass and metallic stents. The aim of this study was to compare the patient's postprocedure course and the cost performance of surgical bypass and metallic stents in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. The parameters analyzed were the rates of procedural and therapeutic success, duration of hospital stay, prevalence of early and late complications, cost performance, and prognosis. The rates of procedural and therapeutic success were excellent with both palliative treatments. With surgical bypass, there was a low prevalence of late complications, but duodenal obstruction sometimes occurred in patients without gastric bypass. With metallic stents, there was shorter hospitalization and lower cost, but a higher prevalence of late complications. Stent occlusion tended to occur in patients with uncovered metallic stents. There was no difference in the prognosis between the two palliative treatments. Thus, in consideration of the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer, in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, insertion of covered metallic stents would be preferable to surgical bypass, because of the subsequent short hospitalization and the low cost. On the other hand, in patients with a relatively long expected prognosis, or in those with existing duodenal obstruction, biliary bypass with gastrojejunostomy may provide an advantage.     

A patient with unresectable advanced pancreatic cancer achieving long-term survival with Gemcitabine chemotherapy

A 68-year-old female visited a local clinic with epigastralgia. A routine laboratory test revealed jaundice and liver dysfunction. She was referred to this hospital. Abdominal computed tomography （CT） and endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography （ERCP） revealed that the density of the entire pancreas had decreased, and showed dilatation of the common bile duct （CBD） and the main pancreatic duct （MPD）. Pancreatic cancer was diagnosed by cytological examination analyzing the pancreatic juice obtained by ERCP. When jaundice had decreased the tumor was observed via laparotomy. No ascites, liver metastasis, or peritoneal dissemination was observed. The entire pancreas was a hard mass, and a needle biopsy was obtained from the head, body and tail of the pancreas. These biopsies diagnosed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Hepaticojejunostomy was thus performed, and postoperative progress was good. Chemotherapy with 1000 mg/body per week of gemcitabine was administered beginning 15 d postoperatively. However, the patient suffered relatively severe side effects, and it was necessary to change the dosing schedule of gemcitabine. Abdominal CT revealed a complete response （CR） after 3 treatments. Therefore, weekly chemotherapy was stopped and was changed to monthly administration. To date, for 4 years after chemotherapy, the tumor has not reappeared.     

Evaluation of endoscopic biliary stenting for obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To review the usefulness of endoscopic biliary stenting for obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma and identify problems that may need to be addressed.METHODS:The study population consisted of 36 patients with obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)who underwent endoscopic biliary stenting(EBS)as the initial drainage procedure at our hospital.The EBS technical success rate and drainage success rate were assessed.Drainage was considered effective when the serum total bilirubin level decreased by 50%or more following the procedure compared to the pre-drainage value.Survival time after the procedure and patient background characteristics were assessed comparatively between the successful drainage group(group A)and the non-successful drainage group(group B).The EBS stent patency duration in the successful drainage group(group A)was also assessed.RESULTS:The technical success rate was 100%for both the initial endoscopic nasobiliary drainage and EBS in all patients.Single stenting was placed in 21 patients and multiple stenting in the remaining 15 patients.The drainage successful rate was 75%and the median interval to successful drainage was 40 d(2-295 d).The median survival time was 150 d in group A and 22 d in group B,with the difference between the two groups being statistically significant(P<0.0001).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to patient background characteristics,background liver condition,or tumor factors;on the other hand,the two groups showed statistically significant differences in patients without a history of hepatectomy(P=0.009)and those that received multiple stenting(P=0.036).The median duration of stent patency was 43 d in group A(2-757 d).No early complications related to the EBS technique were encountered.Late complications occurred in 13 patients(36.1%),including stent occlusion in 7,infection in 3,and distal migration in 3.CONCLUSION:EBS is recommended as the initial drainage procedure for obstructive jaundice caused by HCC,as it appears to contribute to prolongation of survival time.     

Stenting and interventional radiology for obstructive jaundice in patients with unresectable biliary tract carcinomas

Together with biliary drainage, which is an appropriate procedure for unresectable biliary cancer, biliary stent placement is used to improve symptoms associated with jaundice. Owing to investigations comparing percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), surgical drainage, and endoscopic drainage, many types of stents are now available that can be placed endoscopically. The stents used are classified roughly as plastic stents and metal stents. Compared with plastic stents, metal stents are of large diameter, and have long-term patency (although they are expensive). For this reason, the use of metal stents is preferred for patients who are expected to survive for more than 6 months, whereas for patients who are likely to survive for less than 6 months, the use of plastic stents is not considered to be improper. Obstruction in a metal stent is caused by a tumor that grows within the stent through the mesh interstices. To overcome such problems, a covered metal stent was developed, and these stents are now used in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction. However, this type of stent has been reported to have several shortcomings, such as being associated with the development of acute cholecystitis and stent migration. In spite of these shortcomings, evidence is expected to demonstrate its superiority over other types of stent.     

胆汁内外引流术对梗阻性黄疸大鼠肝脏Kupffer细胞CD14表达的影响

目的探讨胆汁内外引流术对梗阻性黄疸大鼠肝脏Kupffer细胞CD14表达的影响。方法将60只成年SD雄性大鼠随机分为4组,梗阻性黄疸组(OJ组)、胆汁内引流术组(ID组)、胆汁外引流术组(ED组)及假手术组(SH组)并分别建立模型;采用免疫组织化学染色及半定量分析的方法测定各组大鼠肝脏Kupffer细胞CD14的表达情况。结果 OJ组大鼠肝脏Kupffer细胞CD14表达明显强于SH组(P0.01),ID组与OJ组比较表达明显降低(P0.01),ED组与OJ组比较无显著性差异(P=0.5907)。结论梗阻性黄疸时胆汁内引流术在改善Kupffer细胞CD14表达方面优于胆汁外引流术,提示胆汁内引流术优于外引流术的机制可能与肝脏Kupffer细胞CD14表达过程有关。     

超声内镜引导下胆汁引流治疗ERCP治疗失败的恶性梗阻性黄疸患者疗效初步研究

目的 探讨采用超声内镜引导下胆汁引流术(EUS-BD)和经皮肝胆管引流术(PTBD)再治疗经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)治疗失败的恶性梗阻性黄疸患者的有效性及安全性。方法 2013年1月～2018年12月我院收治的经ERCP治疗失败的恶性梗阻性黄疸患者75例,术前经B超、CT或MRCP等影像学检查证实存在恶性胆管梗阻,其中胰腺癌15例、壶腹部癌12例、胆管癌27例、胆囊癌9例、胃肠道恶性肿瘤侵犯11例和非霍奇金淋巴瘤1例。其中40例接受EUS-BD治疗,35例接受PTBD治疗。结果 在40例EUS-BD治疗患者中,采用超声内镜引导下对接技术完成治疗16例(40.0%),在超声内镜引导下顺行技术完成治疗24例(60.0%),其中37例(92.5%)操作成功,在35例PTBD治疗患者中,28例(80.0%)操作成功,EUS-BD治疗患者操作时间为治疗后,EUS-BD治疗患者血清总胆红素水平为(138.7±50.2)μmol/L,显著低于PTBD治疗患者的(162.4±60.2)μmol/L,而血清白蛋白水平为(34.8±3.7)g/L,显著高于PTBD治疗患者的(32.1±4.6)g/L,P<0.05];EUS-BD治疗患者术后并发症发生率为7.5%(3/40),其中胆道出血2例(5.0%),急性胆管炎1例(2.5%),PTBD治疗患者术后并发症发生率为22.9%(8/35,P<0.05),其中胆道出血3例(8.6%),肝包膜下出血1例(2.9%),胆汁性腹膜炎1例(2.9%),胆漏1例(2.9%),胆道感染2例(5.7%)。结论 在ERCP治疗失败的恶性胆道梗阻患者,可选择EUS-BD或PTBD进行补救治疗,或许可消退黄疸,暂时减轻病情。     

Preoperative biliary drainage (stenting) for treatment of obstructive jaundice

The role of preoperative biliary drainage in malignant obstructive jaundice has been controversial. Laboratory studies suggest that relief of jaundice prior to major pancreatic resection would be associated with improved morbidity and mortality. However, clinical experience has not supported the laboratory results. Obstructive jaundice can be relieved preoperatively via an endoprosthesis introduced either percutaneously or endoscopically. Cohort studies have not shown any clinical benefit and in some the endoprostheses have been implicated in postoperative complications. The only randomized study has shown no benefit in preoperative drainage, but one recent study has confirmed that endoscopic drainage, whilst not conferring an advantage, did no harm. Hence, whilst preoperative drainage is not recommended, if for any reason operation needs to be delayed, endoscopic drainage via an endoprosthesis can be used without fear of adversely influencing the outcome.     

EUS-guided versus percutaneous biliary access in patients with obstructive jaundice due to gastric cancer

Background

Gastric cancer is sometimes complicated by obstructive jaundice. However, ERCP may be challenging in patients who have advanced gastric cancer, or recurrent gastric cancer after surgical resection that is complicated by obstructive jaundice. In such cases, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is considered. Recently, EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been developed. We conducted a retrospective study to compare the efficacy of EUS-BD and PTBD in patients with obstructive jaundice due to gastric cancer.

Percutaneous stenting and chemotherapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer: Comparison of irradiation stents vs conventional metal stents

ObjectivesPercutaneous stenting is a palliative method to relieve obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable pancreatic carcinoma. In this study, we aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of irradiation stents and conventional metal stents.MethodsA total of 32 patients who received irradiation stents or conventional metal stents to treat obstructive jaundice caused by locally advanced pancreatic cancer were included in this retrospective study. Chemotherapy using gemcitabine was performed after jaundice subsided. Stent patency, technical success, survival, and complications were compared between groups.ResultsSeventeen patients were enrolled in the irradiation stent group (ISG), and 15 patients were enrolled in the uncovered stent group (USG). Median and mean stent patency time were 9.8 months (95% CI, 7.682–11.981) and 9.506 months (95% CI, 8.0–11.012) in the ISG, respectively, vs 8.8 months (95% CI, 6.528–11.072) and 7.62 months (95% CI, 5.917–9.323) in the USG, respectively (P = 0.019). Median and mean overall survival were 10.4 months (95% CI, 8.383–12.417) and 9.953 months (95% CI, 8.408–11.498), respectively, in the ISG vs 9.7 months (95% CI, 7.901–11.499) and 8.14 months (95% CI, 6.44–9.84), respectively, in the USG (P = 0.027).ConclusionsIrradiation stents extend stent patency and overall survival compared with conventional biliary stents for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma complicated by obstructive jaundice. Irradiation stents combined with chemotherapy may be a better choice for the treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable pancreatic carcinoma.     

Influence of bile contamination for patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy after biliary drainage

BACKGROUND The influence of bile contamination on the infectious complications of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) has not been thoroughly evaluated.AIM To evaluate the effect of preoperative biliary drainage and bile contamination on the outcomes of patients who undergo PD.METHODS The database of 4101 patients who underwent PD was reviewed. Preoperative biliary drainage was performed in 1964 patients(47.9%), and bile contamination was confirmed in 606 patients(14.8%).RESULTS The incidence of postoperative infectious complications was 37.9% in patients with preoperative biliary drainage and 42.4% in patients with biliary contamination, respectively. Patients with extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma,ampulla of Vater carcinoma, and pancreatic carcinoma had a high frequency of preoperative biliary drainage(82.9%, 54.6%, and 50.8%) and bile contamination(34.3%, 26.2%, and 20.2%). Bile contamination was associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF) Grade B/C, wound infection, and catheter infection. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that biliary contamination(odds ratio 1.33, P = 0.027) was the independent risk factor for POPF Grade B/C. The three most commonly cultured microorganisms from bile(Enterococcus, Klebsiella,and Enterobacter) were identical to those isolated from organ spaces.CONCLUSION In patients undergoing PD, bile contamination is related to postoperative infectious complication including POPF Grade B/C. The management of biliary contamination should be standardised for patients who require preoperative biliary drainage for PD, as the main microorganisms are identical in both organ spaces and bile.     

Increase in serum bilirubin levels in obstructive jaundice secondary to pancreatic and periampullary malignancy--implications for timing of resectional surgery and use of biliary drainage

Background. Routine preoperative biliary drainage in cases of jaundice secondary to pancreatobiliary malignancy is associated with a significant risk of complications, failure and stent occlusion. It may be possible to avoid biliary drainage in those patients who are not deeply jaundiced. Aims. To measure presenting serum bilirubin and its rate of increase in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice. To predict the urgency with which surgery should be performed to avoid preoperative biliary drainage. Patients and methods. Prospective data collection for all pancreatic and periampullary malignancies over a period of 18 months was carried out. Serum bilirubin levels before successful drainage were recorded. Rates of increase in bilirubin and the number of days for bilirubin to reach different thresholds were calculated. Results. Of 111 patients, 66 (59%) had resectable disease on imaging investigations. Median serum bilirubin on presentation was 160 µmol/l. Median increase was 13.1 µmol/l/day or approximately 100 µmol/l/week. The predicted number of days for bilirubin levels to reach a variety of thresholds varied significantly. For a patient presenting with a serum bilirubin of 160 µmol/l, the mean number of days for it to rise to 200 µmol/l, 300 µmol/l, 400 µmol/l and 500 µmol/l was 3, 13, 22 and 31 days, respectively. Conclusions. There is a variable window of opportunity in jaundiced patients with pancreatic and periampullary malignancy during which surgery may be performed to avoid biliary drainage procedures, depending on the threshold for operating on the jaundiced patient.     

Effect of biliary drainage on chemotherapy in patients with biliary tract cancer: an exploratory analysis of the BT22 study

Background/purpose

Complications from biliary drainage in biliary tract cancer (BTC) may influence the relative dose intensity of chemotherapy or increase adverse events during chemotherapy. BT22 was a randomized phase II trial, the results of which were consistent with those of a phase III trial in non-Japanese that demonstrated the effectiveness of gemcitabine plus cisplatin combination therapy (GC) in BTC. The purpose of this exploratory analysis of the BT22 study was to identify the possible effects of biliary drainage on the efficacy and safety of GC or gemcitabine monotherapy (G).

Patients and Methods

The 83 BTC patients who received GC or G in BT22 were retrospectively analysed in two subgroups dependent upon whether biliary drainage was performed before study entry. Efficacy and safety of treatment (GC vs. G) were compared in these two groups.

Results

The GC arm had a higher 1-year survival rate and longer median survival time (MST) than the G arm independent of prior biliary drainage. Patients in the drainage subgroup developed cholangitis more frequently, however, the frequency of grade 3/4 adverse events did not differ between the treatment regimens with/without drainage.

Conclusions

Biliary drainage before chemotherapy did not affect the therapeutic efficacy or tolerability of chemotherapy using G or GC.     

Multicenter study of endoscopic preoperative biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction

AIM: To determine the optimal method of endoscopic preoperative biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction.METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study was conducted in patients who underwent plastic stent(PS) or nasobiliary catheter(NBC) placement for resectable malignant distal biliary obstruction followed by surgery between January 2010 and March 2012. Procedurerelated adverse events, stent/catheter dysfunction(occlusion or migration of PS/NBC, developmentof cholangitis, or other conditions that required repeat endoscopic biliary intervention), and jaundice resolution(bilirubin level 3.0 mg/d L) were evaluated. Cumulative incidence of jaundice resolution and dysfunction of PS/NBC were estimated using competing risk analysis. Patient characteristics and preoperative biliary drainage were also evaluated for association with the time to jaundice resolution and PS/NBC dysfunction using competing risk regression analysis.RESULTS: In total, 419 patients were included in the study(PS, 253 and NBC, 166). Primary cancers included pancreatic cancer in 194 patients(46%), bile duct cancer in 172(41%), gallbladder cancer in three(1%), and ampullary cancer in 50(12%). The median serum total bilirubin was 7.8 mg/d L and 324 patients(77%) had ≥ 3.0 mg/d L. During the median time to surgery of 29 d [interquartile range(IQR), 30-39 d]. PS/NBC dysfunction rate was 35% for PS and 18% for NBC [Subdistribution hazard ratio(SHR) = 4.76; 95%CI: 2.44-10.0, P 0.001]; the pig-tailed tip was a risk factor for PS dysfunction. Jaundice resolution was achieved in 85% of patients and did not depend on the drainage method(PS or NBC).CONCLUSION: PS has insufficient patency for preoperative biliary drainage. Given the drawbacks of external drainage via NBC, an alternative method of internal drainage should be explored.     

Endoscopic biliary drainage by 7 Fr or 10 Fr stent placement in patients with acute cholangitis

Background and Study Aims Endoscopic biliary drainage is an established mode of treatment for acute cholangitis. We compared the safety and efficacy of 7 Fr and 10 Fr stent placement for biliary drainage in patients with acute cholangitis. Patients and Methods We recruited 40 patients with severe cholangitis who required endoscopic biliary drainage. Patients were randomized to have either a 7 Fr or a 10 Fr straight flap stent placement during endoscopy. Outcome measures included complications related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and clinical outcome. Results Of 40 patients, 20 were randomized to the 7 Fr stent group and 20 to the 10 Fr stent group. All patients had biliary obstruction due to stones in the common bile duct. Indications for biliary drainage were: fever >100.4°F (n = 27), hypotension (n = 6), peritonism (n = 10), impaired consciousness (n = 8), and failure to improve with conservative management (n = 13). Biliary drainage was achieved in all patients. Abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, hypotension, peritonism, and altered sensorium improved after a median period of 3 days in both groups. Leukocyte counts became normal after a median time of 4 days in the 7 Fr stent group and 6 days in the 10 Fr stent group. There were no ERCP-related complications. There were no instances of occlusion or migration of stent. The success rates of biliary drainage in cholangitis were not affected by the size of stent used. Conclusions Biliary drainage by 7 Fr stent or 10 Fr stent is equally safe and effective treatment for patients with severe cholangitis.     

CT引导下一步法经皮肝穿刺胆管引流术治疗梗阻性黄疸患者疗效观察*

目的 观察在CT引导下采用一步法经皮肝穿刺胆管引流术(PTCD)治疗梗阻性黄疸患者的疗效。方法 2017年1月～2019年12月我院收治的恶性梗阻性黄疸患者60例,随机分为对照组和观察组,每组30例,分别采用在X线透视引导下或在CT引导下一步法行PTCD穿刺置管引流治疗。结果 术中,观察组穿刺一次性成功率为96.7%,显著高于对照组的43.3%(P<0.05),穿刺透视时间为(13.6±2.1)s,显著短于对照组【(32.6±4.1)s,P<0.05】,总穿刺时间为(48.9±10.3)s,显著短于对照组【(92.3±13.6)s,P<0.05】,辐射暴露剂量为(2.5±0.3)mGy,显著小于对照组【(5.8±1.1)mGy,P<0.05】;在术后2 w时,观察组血清总胆红素水平由(241.8±83.6)μmol/L降至(109.8±45.6)μmol/L,对照组由(242.4±91.2)μmol/L降至(108.4±61.9)μmol/L,两组肝功能指标变化无显著性差异(P>0.05);在术后3月末,观察组胆道感染、出血、肝脓肿和腹膜炎发生率为3.3%,显著低于对照组的26.6%(P<0.05)。 结论 在CT引导下采取一步法PTCD术治疗恶性梗阻性黄疸患者可提高穿刺效率,减少术后并发症发生率,具有较好的临床应用价值。     

External biliary drainage plus bile acid feeding is not equal to internal drainage in preserving the cellular immunity following prolonged obstructive jaundice

This study investigates the importance of intestinal bile flow in cellular immunity. Sprague-Dawley rats undergoing bile duct ligation (BDL) and sham ceiliotomy (Sham) for 14 and 21 days were investigated. Experimental animals following BDL were further divided into an external drainage (ED) group, an ED group with rat chow mixed with 2:2:1 cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, and deoxycholic acid ( ED + BF), and an internal drainage (ID) group. Fourteen days later, they were killed and analyzed for spleen lymphocytic [³H] thymidine uptake (LHU) under mitogen stimulation with phytohemagglutinin, blood biochemistry, hemogram, and liver pathology. In the 14-day BDL experiment, LHU and serum albumin level were decreased in the BDL group (P < 0.05). After drainage, they were not significantly different among sham, ED, ED + BF, and ID groups. In the 21-day BDL experiment, the red cell volume was decreased (P < 0.05). After drainage, the ED, ED + BF, and ID groups still had a significantly lower LHU than the sham group (P < 0.05). However, the ID group had higher LHU than the ED and ED + BF groups (P < 0.05). The ED + BF group had a slightly higher LHU than the ED group but not statistically significant. Liver pathology returned to normal after drainage in the 14-day BDL model. In contrast, the 21-day BDL group had prominent periportal necrosis and developed periportal fibrosis after drainage. The present study reveals the duration of BDL determines the severity of hepatic damage. In the 14-day BDL groups, all kinds of drainage completely reverse the impaired liver function and cellular immunity. In the 21-day BDL group, 14-day drainage is inadequate for recovery because irreversible pathological changes are found. The reversal of cellular immunity in ID is better and faster, because it provides a better hepatic functional, nutritional, and hematological recovery besides the presence of primarily secreted bile acids.