Total bilirubin is a useful predictor of persisting common bile duct stone in gallstone pancreatitis

Accepted guidelines for preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in gallstone pancreatitis are lacking. Our previous investigations suggested that serum total bilirubin on hospital Day 2 best predicts persisting common bile duct (CBD) stones. We aim to identify an optimal total bilirubin threshold on hospital Day 2 that would predict persisting CBD stones and guide obtaining preoperative ERCP. Prospective and retrospective data were available from 200 consecutive patients with gallstone pancreatitis at a public teaching hospital from 2003 through 2007. Charts were examined for persisting CBD stones on ERCP and/or intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients with cholangitis (n = 18) were excluded. Nineteen of the remaining 182 (10%) patients had CBD stones. Mean hospital Day 2 bilirubin was 3.7 mg/dL for patients with CBD stones versus 1.4 mg/dL for those without (P < 0.0001). Seventeen patients (9%) had total bilirubin 4 or greater on hospital Day 2. Of these, eight (4%) had CBD stones (specificity 94%). Of the 165 patients with total bilirubin less than 4, 11 (7%) had CBD stones (P < 0.0001). In gallstone pancreatitis, a serum total bilirubin level 4 mg/dL or greater on hospital Day 2 predicts persisting CBD stones with enough specificity to serve as a practical guideline for ERCP while minimizing unnecessary procedures.     

Pattern of management of common bile duct stones in the laparoscopic era: a NSW survey

Background : The management of common bile duct (CBD) stones in the laparoscopic era remains controversial with various management strategies employed by surgeons. The aim of this study was to ascertain the common practice across a single Australian state, and to see if a ‘best practice’ for CBD stone management could be established. Methods : A questionnaire was sent to 390 general surgeons in New South Wales in April 1999. Data collected included the type of practice, number of cholecystectomies performed, preoperative markers of CBD stones, indications for preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), use of operative cholangiography (OC) and the management of CBD stones found on OC. Results : The questionnaire was returned by 223 (57%) surgeons. Fifty‐four (14%) of these respondents were excluded as they did not perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy, leaving 169 (43%) respondents for analysis. The preoperative indicators for CBD stones were ranked as: jaundice > dilated CBD on ultrasound > serum bilirubin > serum alkaline phosphatase/alanine aminotransferase > previous biliary pancreatitis. Preoperative ERCP would be performed by 88% for persistent jaundice or cholangitis, 33% for elevated liver function test, 25% for dilated CBD and 24% for biliary pancreatitis. Operative cholangiography is routinely performed by 67%, selectively by 29% and never by 4%. If CBD stones are encountered 47% would attempt laparoscopic clearance via the cystic duct or choledochotomy; however, 72% replied that they would use postoperative ERCP as part of their usual strategy for the management of CBD stones. Conclusions : There was no clear common pattern for the management of suspected or proven CBD stones. There were three management issues in which there was a ‘common practice’. These were: (i) the use of preoperative ERCP for patients with persistent jaundice or cholangitis; and the routine use of (ii) OC and (iii) postoperative ERCP to clear the CBD, assuming other methods had failed.     

Partial biliary obstruction caused by chronic pancreatitis. An appraisal of indications for surgical biliary drainage.

This paper presents a retrospective review of 38 patients with intrapancreatic bile duct strictures secondary to chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. The strictures were identified by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). All patients with pancreatic cancer and gallstone pancreatitis were excluded. The mean alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin values were 344 +/- 57 IU/dl and 4.4 +/- 0.7 mg/dl, respectively. The mean stricture length was 3.9 +/- 0.5 cm, and the mean common bile duct (CBD) diameter was 1.8 +/- 0.2 cm. The degree of bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase elevation did not correlate with stricture length or the severity of bile duct dilatation. Eighteen of the 38 patients received surgical biliary drainage (BD) as part of their initial therapy, and 20 patients did not. Liver function tests, intrapancreatic stricture length, and the degree of proximal CBD dilation were comparable in these two groups. Patients not undergoing BD did well clinically as only one patient required BD over an average follow-up period of 3.8 years. In conclusion, bypass of these strictures is usually unnecessary, and most patients may be safely treated without operation.     

A prospective study of ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy in the diagnosis and treatment of gallstone acute pancreatitis. A rational and safe approach to management

From a consecutive series of 112 patients with acute pancreatitis, 70 patients with suspected gallstones were randomized to urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (less than 72 hours) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) if choledochal stones were present (n = 35), or to conventional treatment (n = 35). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, successful in 89% of cases, indicated choledochal stones in 11 patients, all of whom underwent successful stone retrieval by ES. Later during hospital admission, ERCP was performed in 13 more patients and choledochal calculi were extracted from two patients by ES. No complications were attributable to ERCP or ES. Two patients died of biliary pancreatitis; both had been conventionally treated and may have benefited from urgent ERCP/ES. Our experience, which extends to another 24 patients with ERCP and ten with ES during acute pancreatitis, indicates that these are safe techniques and deserve wider consideration in the management of acute pancreatitis.     

Management of choledocholithiasis in the era of laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic biliary surgery is changing the management of choledocholithiasis. Between November 1989 and December 1998, 2834 cholecystectomies were performed at two institutions. Choledocholithiasis was suspected in 420 patients on the basis of elevated preoperative laboratory and ultrasound criteria [bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and common bile duct (CBD) size]. One hundred seventeen patients had preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) because of persistent elevation in their enzymes beyond 24 to 48 hours or as an emergency. Laparoscopic intraoperative cholangiogram was attempted in 329 patients whose enzymes fell rapidly within the first 24 to 48 hours or had a failed ERCP. Eighty-one of the 329 were found to have stones. Seventy-three had laparoscopic attempt to clear the CBD, with success in 62 patients (85%). This included 41 transcystic duct and 21 direct CBD exploration. Eight patients had post-operative ERCP for retained stones. Six (0.25%) were in patients with normal preoperative enzymes. We conclude that choledocholithiasis can be suspected with preoperative laboratory and ultrasound criteria. By waiting 24 to 48 hours (except in an emergency), a good number of CBD stones will pass. With increases in laparoscopic experience, laparoscopic removal of CBD stones may replace preoperative ERCP. The small number of cases of retained or missed stones that occur with the use of selective cholangiography can be easily handled with postoperative ERCP.     

Acute biliary pancreatitis: Diagnosis and management

Acute biliary pancreatitis is a serious complication of biliary calculous disease and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis has been the focus of discussion in recent years. In addition, the exact role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis has not yet been fully defined. In this report, we evaluated a protocol of emergency ERCP (within 24 hours) for predicted severe attacks, early ERCP (within 72 hours) for predicted mild attacks, and interval LC for management of acute biliary pancreatitis. Between January 1992 and June 1995 a total of 75 patients with acute biliary pancreatitis were managed according to the protocol. Bedside ultrasonography at admission diagnosed 94% of all 64 patients with gallbladder stones, but the sensitivity of visualizing choledocholithiasis was low (19%). Forty-five (60%) of them were predicted to have a severe attack by either Ranson or glucose/urea criteria. Emergency ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) for identifiable common bile duct (CBD) or ampullary stones were performed on all patients predicted to have a severe attack within 24 hours from presentation. An early endoscopic procedure was performed on all patients predicted to have a mild attack within 72 hours from presentation. ERCP was successful in 95% of all patients, and CBD stones were detected in 52 (69%) of them. ES and stone clearance were successful in all of these 52 patients. The morbidity associated with the endoscopic procedure was 3%, and there were no deaths. All except one patient survived the attack of acute pancreatitis, resulting in an overall mortality of 1%. Interval LC was performed on 46 patients with a conversion rate of 4%. The median postoperative hospital stay after LC was 2 days, and there was no major intraoperative or postoperative morbidity or mortality. Our experience suggests that the policy of emergency ERCP for patients with predicted severe disease, early ERCP for patients with predicted mild disease, and interval LC are associated with favorable outcomes in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis. Acute biliary pancreatitis can be managed safely and effectively by a combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach.     

The role of magnetic resonance cholangiography in the management of patients with gallstone pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE: To examine the utility of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in the preoperative evaluation of patients with gallstone pancreatitis. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Gallstone pancreatitis is often associated with the presence of common bile duct (CBD) stones that may require endoscopic removal prior to planned laparoscopic cholecystectomy. No reliable clinical criteria exist, however, that can accurately predict CBD stones and the need for preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Sixty-four patients were identified with gallstone pancreatitis based on clinical presentation and imaging studies over a three-and-a-half-year period. All patients underwent MRC, and the images were evaluated for gallstones, CBD stones, cholecystitis, and pancreatitis RESULTS: Seventeen of the 64 patients (27%) with gallstone pancreatitis were found to have CBD stones confirmed by ERCP. MRC correctly predicted CBD stones in 16 of the 17 patients (sensitivity = 94%). In 1 additional patient, MRC demonstrated CBD stones not seen at ERCP, consistent with probable passage. By comparison, the sensitivities of other criteria for predicting CBD stones were (1) elevated bilirubin >or=2.0 mg/dL = 65%; (2) dilated duct on ultrasound = 55%; and (3) CBD stones on ultrasound = 27%. MRC was able to visualize gallbladder stones in 57 of 62 patients (94%) and correctly predicted acute cholecystitis in 6 of 8 patients. MRC also detected peripancreatic edema and inflammatory changes consistent with acute pancreatitis in 45 of 64 patients (70%). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that MRC can accurately identify CBD stones preoperatively in patients with gallstone pancreatitis and provide valuable information with respect to other biliary pathology, including cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis, and pancreatitis. MRC is an effective noninvasive screening tool for CBD stones, appropriately selecting candidates for preoperative ERCP and sparing others the need for an endoscopic procedure with its associated complications.     

急性胆源性胰腺炎的治疗选择

目的 探讨急性胆源性胰腺炎合并持续性胆总管结石的预测指标和治疗选择.方法 回顾分析广州医学院第三附属医院近10年内治疗134例急性胆源性胰腺炎的临床资料.结果 134例急性胆源性胰腺炎病例中,30例经胆道造影或胆总管探查确诊胆总管结石阳性.多因素分析显示,入院时B超下胆总管直径(common bile duct,CBD...     

Acute cholangitis in association with acute pancreatitis: incidence, clinical features and outcome in relation to ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) have been shown to be valuable in managing patients with acute cholangitis, their role in patients who have simultaneous acute cholangitis and acute pancreatitis is not known. We have reviewed 32 consecutive patients presenting with both conditions over ten years which represents 23.0 per cent of all cases of gallstone-related acute cholangitis and 14.4 per cent of all cases of biliary acute pancreatitis admitted during the same period. The majority of patients were elderly (median 76 years) and female (75 per cent). Five patients had previously undergone cholecystectomy. Eleven patients were clinically shocked (34 per cent) and blood cultures were positive in 9/14 cases (64 per cent). Twenty patients (63 per cent) had a predicted severe attack of acute pancreatitis (modified Glasgow criteria). Common bile duct (CBD) stones were identified in 15 of 23 patients with successful ERCP. Of these 23 patients, 9 were treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) alone, 5 by ES and surgery, 4 by surgery alone and 5 were treated conservatively. There was one death (4.3 per cent). Nine patients were managed without cholangiography; four had surgery and five were treated conservatively. There were three deaths (33 per cent; P = 0.10). Evidence of recent CBD stone passage was apparent in eight patients (25 per cent) compared with five out of eighty-seven patients (5.7 per cent) with acute cholangitis alone (P less than 0.005). The results indicate that ERCP and ES may have an important role in the management of these patients.     

急性胆源性胰腺炎的早期内镜治疗与保守治疗的对比分析

目的 探讨急性胆源性胰腺炎的早期内镜下逆行胰胆管造影检查和治疗与保守治疗的临床疗效及安全性.方法 64例急性胆源性胰腺炎患者,其中36例合并急性胆管炎患者采取急诊实施内镜下十二指肠乳头切开和取石术,28例采取保守治疗者为对照组.结果 36例胆源性胰腺炎合并胆管炎患者顺利实施ERCP;且较保守治疗组病情得到及时有效控制;同对照组相比所有患者均未出现严重并发症.结论 ERCP对于治疗急性胆源性胰腺炎合并急性胆管炎具有微创、安全、有效,是治疗急性胆源性合并急性胆管炎的有效方法之一.     

Selective use of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background : The use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy is common. The associated morbidity can be significant. The present study determines significant predictors of CBD stones and improves the selection of patients for preoperative ERCP. Methods : All preoperative ERCP for suspected CBD stones in the year 1998 were studied retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses of a number of clinical, biochemical and radiological variables were carried out to determine the best predictors of CBD stones. Results : A total of 112 patients had successful preoperative ERCP. Sixty‐one per cent of these were negative for stones and the morbidity was 9%. Univariate analysis revealed the following variables as predictors: cholangitis (P = 0.006), abnormal serum bilirubin ≥ 3 days (P = 0.002), serum alkaline phosphatase ≥ 130 U/L (P = 0.002), deranged liver function tests (P = < 0.001) and CBD diameter ≥ 8 mm (P = 0.009) with positive predictive values of 80%, 68%, 49%, 38% and 52%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed the model with the best ability to discriminate for CBD stones (P = 0.0005) was cholangitis, abnormal serum bilirubin for ≥ 3 days and CBD diameter ≥ 8 mm. The best predictors from this study had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 27%. Conclusions : The predictors of CBD stones are imprecise. Until laparoscopic exploration of CBD becomes widely available, ERCP prior to cholecystectomy will remain popular. The use of stricter selection criteria can reduce the number of negative preoperative ERCP.     

Results of emergency ERCP in the treatment of acute biliary pancreatitis

Indication for emergency ERCP (< 48 hours after onset of symptoms) with stone extraction from the common bile duct (CBD) in patients with biliary pancreatitis remains controversial. In our hospital emergency ERCP with stone extraction from CBD is part of the therapeutical concept in patients with biliary pancreatitis. The aim of the study was to elucidate retrospectively results and impact of this concept on morbidity and lethality in surgical intensive care patients. We included all patients with a documented indication for emergency ERCP. Among 4 466 patients (1. 1. 1999-31. 12. 2000) treated in the SICU, 37 (0.9 %) required an emergency ERCP due to a biliary pancreatitis. (26 females/11 males, 62.0 +/- 15.4 years). After ERCP stones were present in 32 of the 37 patients with subsequent successful endoscopic extraction in all cases but one. The mean duration from admission to ERCP was 11.6 +/- 10.1 hours. Bilirubin as well as amylase and lipase decreased after ERCP (p < 0.05). Only in one case an elevation of pancreatic enzymes over the pre-ERCP values was observed, an aggravation of pancreatitis was not seen in our series. In 5 of the 37 cases bile duct stones were not found after ERCP despite strong clinical suggestion (elevation of bilirubin and pancreatic enzymes, ultrasound). During the observational period 2 patients died, in one case possibly due to the ERCP. Emergency ERCP removed in our series the pancreatitis causing agent. Still considering the limitations of a retrospective study these positive results are stimulating us to continue with our therapeutical concept.     

Preoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy in the treatment of patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis

Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) are the most common methods for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis. We evaluated the selection criteria for preoperative ERCP examination and the results of endoscopic-laparoscopic treatment of patients with choledocholithiasis. Between January 1993 and December 1998, 1630 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis were admitted for surgical intervention. Preoperative ERCP was performed in 247 patients according to the selection criteria. The criteria to perform ERCP were dilated common bile duct (CBD; more than 8 mm), abnormal serum liver test results, and a recent history of pancreatitis. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) was performed if CBD stones were found during the procedure. LC was then carried out within 3 days after ES. Of the 247 patients selected for preoperative ERCP, CBD stones were confirmed in 146 patients (59.1%). ES was successful in 141 patients, and stone clearance was achieved in 133 patients, resulting in a 94.3% success rate. Eight patients (5.5%) had complications after endoscopic intervention, all of which resolved uneventfully. Open operative procedures were carried out in a total of 31 patients. Overall, 115 patients were successfully treated by this endoscopic laparoscopic sequence. The length of hospital stay in these groups was significantly lower than that for patients in whom an open method was employed. Preoperative ES combined with LC is a safe and effective therapy for cholecystocholedocholithiasis, and the criteria that we used for the selection of patients seem to be appropriate. Received: July 4, 2000 / Accepted: October 12, 2000     

Preoperative versus postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in mild to moderate gallstone pancreatitis: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and common bile duct (CBD) stone extraction should be performed routinely before surgery or'selectively after surgery in patients with mild to moderate gallstone pancreatitis. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The role and timing of ERCP in mild to moderate gallstone pancreatitis remains controversial. Routine preoperative ERCP identifies persisting CBD stones but carries risks of complications and may delay definitive care. Selective postoperative ERCP, performed only if a CBD stone is seen on intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), avoids unnecessary ERCP but risks unsuccessful stone extraction. METHODS: A prospective, randomized study of consecutive patients with gallstone pancreatitis was conducted. Using previously determined criteria, patients with acute cholangitis or necrotizing pancreatitis were excluded. Patients considered at high risk for persisting CBD stones (CBD size > or =8 mm on admission ultrasound, serum total bilirubin > or = 1.7 mg/dL, or serum amylase > or = 150 U/L on hospital day 4) were randomly assigned to routine preoperative ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or laparoscopic cholecystectomy with selective postoperative ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy only if a CBD stone was present on IOC. Primary end points were costs, length of hospital stay, and the combined treatment failure rates (failure of diagnostic ERCP and IOC, complications of ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy, and complications of surgery). RESULTS: One hundred fifty-four consecutive patients with gallstone pancreatitis were evaluated prospectively for study eligibility. Sixty patients met the randomization criteria. Thirty patients were randomized to routine preoperative ERCP and 29 patients to selective postoperative ERCP (1 patient refused). Age, admission laboratory values, and APACHE II and Imrie scores were similar in both groups. By protocol, ERCP was performed in all patients in the preoperative ERCP group. In the postoperative ERCP group, ERCP was necessary in only 7 of 29 patients (24%). Mean hospital stay was significantly longer in the routine preoperative ERCP group (11.7 days) than in the selective postoperative ERCP group (9.0 days). Mean total cost was higher in the preoperative ERCP group ($9,426) than in the postoperative ERCP group ($7,798). The combined treatment failure rate was 10% in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mild to moderate gallstone pancreatitis without cholangitis, selective postoperative ERCP and CBD stone extraction is associated with a shorter hospital stay, less cost, no increase in combined treatment failure rate, and significant reduction in ERCP use compared with routine preoperative ERCP.     

LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY AND MANAGEMENT OF CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS

The advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has led to a reassessment of the approach to the management of choledocholithiasis. In a consecutive series of 418 patients undergoing LC, common bile duct (CBD) stones were suspected pre-operatively in 130 patients. Forty-five of the patients (35%) were found to have CBD stones on either pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP; 20) or on operative cholangiography (OC; 25). Common bile duct stones were detected on OC in a further 12 of 288 patients (4.2%) without pre-operative suspicion of choledocholithiasis. Of the total of 57 patients with CBD stones, the duct was cleared by pre-operative ERCP and endoscopic sphincter-otomy (ES) in 15 patients. In 13 patients, two of whom had had a pre-operative ERCP and ES, duct clearance was achieved by relaxing the sphincter pharmacologically and flushing the CBD via the OC catheter. One patient had an on-table ERCP and ES with successful stone extraction during LC. Eleven patients were converted to open operation with bile duct exploration. Sixteen patients had a postoperative ERCP. In five patients the CBD stones had passed spontaneously in the time between LC and ERCP. Ten patients required ES to clear the duct of stones. One patient had a failed ERCP and is still awaiting a repeat. The remaining patient was scheduled, but did not return for follow-up ERCP. In summary, pre-operative ERCP was indicated in less than 10% of patients in this series. It was possible to deal with over one-third of CBD stones found at LC by the simple technique of pharmacological relaxation of the spincter of Oddi and flushing the duct through the cholangiogram catheter. Of the patients who required follow-up ERCP, one third had passed their CBD stones by the time of the examination and the rest required ES for stone extraction. Less than 3% of the entire series of patients were converted to open operation for exploration of the common bile duct.     

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the laparoscopic era

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach to patients with suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones remains unsettled. Options include pre- and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or laparoscopic exploration of the CBD. This retrospective study evaluates the role of ERCP in the management of suspected CBD stones, with an emphasis on indications, endoscopic findings, and outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the consecutive medical records of 99 patients (67 females and 32 males) who underwent ERCP for suspected CBD stones between March 1992 and December 1995. RESULTS: In 86 patients, ERCP was performed preoperatively. Indications for ERCP included jaundice, pancreatitis, elevated liver functions tests (LFT), and ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) scan findings. Forty one (48%) of 86 preoperative ERCP had positive findings; 37 (43%) were negative, and in 8 (9%) we failed to demonstrate the CBD. There were seven (8%) major complications: four cases of acute pancreatitis, one case of acute bleeding, and two cases of acute bleeding with perforation. There was no mortality. When pancreatitis was the only indication for ERCP, 0 of 8 patients had positive findings in comparison with 50% when pancreatitis was associated with jaundice and LFT, and 93% when US or CT scan demonstrated stones or dilation of the CBD. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that ERCP is a valuable option for management of CBD stones but should be performed selectively. Neither pancreatitis alone nor LFT alone is an indication for ERCP. The presence of CBD stones is more likely when multiple indications are present.     

"Sequential" treatment: is it the best alternative in cholecysto-choledochal lithiasis?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the treatment of choice for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. About 10-20% of patients with gallbladder stones may also present associated common bile duct stones. The management of the latter remains controversial because many different surgical strategies are available: laparoscopic treatment (laparoscopic common bile duct exploration), sequential endoscopic and laparoscopic treatment (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic sphincterotomy [ERCP/ES] prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy), inverted sequential endoscopic-laparoscopic treatment (laparoscopic cholecystectomy followed by ERCP/ES), and combined endoscopic-laparoscopic treatment (laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative ERCP/ES). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sequential endoscopic-laparoscopic treatment in patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, biochemical and radiological features of 552 patients operated on for cholelithiasis from 1991 to 2001. Common bile duct stones were suspected on the basis of increased serum levels of bilirubin, GOT, GPT, GGT, alkaline phosphatase; presence of jaundice; history of pancreatitis or cholangitis; dilated common bile duct (diameter > 8 mm) or common bile duct stones at hepatobiliary ultrasonography; presence of common bile duct stones at MR-cholangiography or at i.v. cholangiography. In patients with suspected common bile duct stones, preoperative ERCP was performed; if common bile duct stones were confirmed, ES was performed. When common bile duct stones were not suspected preoperatively, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed directly. Overall morbidity, mortality and conversion rates in the two groups were evaluated. Of 552 patients admitted for cholelithiasis, 62 (11.3%) underwent preoperative ERCP for suspected common bile duct stones. In 41 patients (66.1%) common bile duct stones were identified and ES with common bile duct stone extraction was performed in 40 patients (clearance: 97.5%). The overall morbidity was 16% (10 cases of post-ERCP acute pancreatitis); no mortality occurred. The conversion rate during subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 4.8%. In the group of patients with no suspicion of common bile duct stones, the conversion rate was 4.9%. Sequential treatment cannot be considered the best approach for patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis because of its morbidity rate and the high rate of negative preoperative ERCP findings. Combined endoscopic-laparoscopic treatment seems to present more advantages, especially in term of morbidity, hospital stay and patient compliance and may, in future, be considered the treatment of choice for patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis.     

The challenge of therapy for pancreatitis-related common bile duct stricture

: Opinions regarding the appropriate clinical management of pancreatitis-related common bile duct (CBD) stricture vary considerably. : Nineteen patients with chronic pancreatitis and proven stricture of their CBD were included in this study. Their mean duct diameter was 16 mm, bilirubin was 8.4 mg/dL, and alkaline phosphatase was 784 mlU/mL. : Five patients initially treated with endoscopic biliary stent placement are doing well at a mean follow-up of 7 months with only 1 patient requiring a biliary-enteric bypass. Four patients underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy and the other 10 patients underwent a biliary-enteric bypass. Mean bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase at 13 months after therapy were 0.9 mg/dL and 144 mlU/mL. : An endoscopically placed biliary stent will relieve obstruction due to the stricture for several months and allow the inflammatory process to follow its natural course. In patients with long-standing permanent biliary stricture, pancreatitis limited to the head of the pancreas, duodenal obstruction, or suspected pancreatic head carcinoma, pancreaticoduodenectomy is the operation of choice. Biliary-enteric bypass in association with gastric or pancreatic bypasses should be reserved for patients with severe inflammatory changes preventing a safe pancreaticoduodenectomy.     

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in management of patients recovering from acute biliary pancreatitis in the laparoscopic era

Background: Traditionally an episode of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) is an indication for direct imaging of the biliary tree. The optimal approach may vary according to local expertise, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the most common. The fact that the incidence of choledocholithiasis in patients recovering from ABP varies between 3 and 33% raises a question about the necessity of visualizing the biliary tree in all patients recovering from ABP. Methods: In order to evaluate this policy, we reviewed 48 ERCPs performed on patients recovering from ABP who were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). We checked the correlations between ERCP findings and the severity of pancreatitis, biochemistry values (which were sampled during the acute phase), and ultrasonographic (US) findings. Results: The ERCP demonstrated common bile duct (CBD) stones in 11 (22.9%) patients. US finding of a dilated CBD and maximal aspartate transaminase (AST) values higher than 90 units/l were significantly correlated with CBD stones (a relative risk [RR] of 2.95 with a 95% confidence interval [CI] for a dilated CBD and RR of 3.89 with a 95% CI of 1.18–12.80 for an AST value higher than 90 units/l). No other parameters were significantly correlated with CBD stones. Conclusion: We, therefore, recommend performing a preoperative ERCP only on patients who present with an ultrasonographic finding of CBD dilatation. The correlation to high AST is still to be proven.     

The role of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy for the treatment of type 1 biliary dysfunction (papillary stenosis) with or without biliary stones

BackgroundThis study assesses the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (ES) in the treatment of papillary stenosis (PS) with and without biliary stones.MethodsThe records of all patients who had endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (2,689 patients) from January 1, 1991, to August 1, 2010, were reviewed. There were 117 patients with PS who had ES.ResultsAll patients had biliary pain, a dilated common bile duct (CBD) with a maximum diameter of 10 to 25 mm, and elevated liver function tests. There were 46 patients who had prior cholecystectomy of whom 20 patients had CBD stones. The remaining 71 patients had no prior biliary surgery; there were no biliary stones in 14 patients. All patients were symptom free after ES with or without CBD stone retrieval.ConclusionsES is the optimal treatment for PS in patients with or without biliary stones. ES eliminates pain, corrects CBD dilation, and restores LFTs to normal.