Biliary strictures complicating pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Biliary-enteric anastomotic strictures may complicate pancreaticoduodenectomy. Anastomotic ischaemia and reflux of gastric and enteric contents with secondary bacterobilia and cholangitis may contribute. METHODS: Four patients (3 females, 1 male) with a mean age of 50 yr (range 26-73 yr) presented 1-12 yr following pancreaticoduodenectomy with features suggestive of biliary-enteric anastomotic stricture formation. These included recurrent cholangitis, obstructive jaundice, and liver abscess. Diagnosis was confirmed by percutaneous or endoscopic cholangiography. Endoscopic and radiological management were unsuccessful, and revision surgery in the form of a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was required. RESULTS: Three patients remain asymptomatic 10-30 mo postoperatively. Jaundice recurred at 15 mo in one patient owing to re-stricture formation and the development of secondary biliary cirrhosis; a liver transplantation is being considered. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and prompt management of biliary-enteric stricture is essential if secondary biliary cirrhosis is to be avoided. Definitive therapy is best accomplished with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy that places the gastric and biliary anastomoses onto separate jejunal limbs.     

Intrahepatic biliary strictures after liver transplantation

Biliary complication has been one of the most common complications after liver transplantation. Nonanastomotic strictures and dilatations involving the intrahepatic biliary tree have been recognized as biliary complications. These lesions were reported to be associated with hepatic artery thrombosis; prolonged preservation time; ABO-incompatible organs; and immunological injury, including injuries to vascular endothelial cells (chronic rejection) and the bile duct (primary sclerosing cholangitis). However, the etiology of these lesions appeared to be mostly related to ischemic injury. Anatomical research on the arterial supply of the bile duct has provided further insights into bile duct blood supply and its surgical implications. The biliary tract is supplied with arterial blood by a vasculature called the peribiliary vascular plexus. Any injury to the peribiliary vascular plexus may contribute to ischemic death of the biliary system mucosa. At many points, the process of liver transplantation exposes the endothelial cells and peribiliary vascular plexus to ischemic injury. The majority of intrahepatic biliary strictures (IHBS) are diffuse or bilateral. A percutaneous or an endoscopic approach has been used as the initial treatment. However, a low threshold for surgical intervention (retransplantation) should be adopted, because these patients demonstrate high mortality. The aim of this article is to review the anatomy, etiology, clinical picture, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of IHBS after liver transplantation.     

Biliary Complications in One Hundred Adult Liver Transplantations

Background: Biliary complications are a common problem in liver transplantation (LT). Methods: We reviewed 100 consecutive adult LTs, including 10 retransplantations. Ten patients who survived for less than 1 month or developed hepatic artery thrombosis were excluded. Biliobiliary anastomosis was performed with a T-tube (CCT) (n = 25) or without it (CC) (n = 59), or biliodigestive anastomosis (Rouxen-Y) (n = 6) was used. Results: Biliary complications (8 anastomotic strictures and 9 bile leakages) occurred in 15 LTs. Surgical treatment was needed for seven strictures and two leakages. Complications tended to be more frequent with CCT than with CC (24% versus 12%). Biliary complications were often accompanied by cytomegalovirus disease and bacterial infections. After a median follow-up time of 5.2 years, total patient survival was 71% for all 100 LTs and 81% for those with biliary complications. Conclusions: Biliary complications are rather frequent after LTs; they are often preceded by infections but can be treated and do not cause excessive mortality. T-tubes are not to be recommended.     

Biliary strictures in the liver transplant patient

Biliary complications are the most common adverse events following liver transplantation (LT). Living donor LT have a higher rate of biliary complications compared with deceased donor LT. Multiple risk factors have been implicated in the development of biliary strictures, which could be categorized into recipient, graft, operative factors, and postoperative factors. Bile duct strictures following LT are classified as biliary anastomotic strictures or nonanastomotic strictures. Nonanastomotic strictures have a less favorable response to endoscopic management. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is the first-choice examination when a biliary complication is suspected following LT. For treating anastomotic strictures, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography directed balloon dilatation complemented with the placement of multiple plastic stents has become the standard of care and results in stricture resolution in over 90% of cases. Temporary placement of fully covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMSs) has not been demonstrated to be superior mostly because of the high migration rate of current FCSEMSs models. FCSEMS with special antimigratory design may be superior and cost-effective compared with multiple plastic stents, but need evaluation in prospective and randomized trials.     

Oral Zinc Treatment in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

ABSTRACT. Oral zinc treatment, which has been shown to increase copper excretion and to cause clinical improvement in Wilson's disease, was without detectable value in four patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.     

Biliary drainage strategy of unresectable malignant hilar strictures by computed tomography volumetry

AIM:To identify criteria for predicting successful drainage of unresectable malignant hilar biliary strictures(UMHBS) because no ideal strategy currently exists.METHODS:We examined 78 patients with UMHBS who underwent biliary drainage.Drainage was considered effective when the serum bilirubin level decreased by ≥ 50% from the value before stent placement within 2 wk after drainage, without additional intervention.Complications that occurred within 7 d after stent placement were considered as early complications.Before drainage, the liver volume of each section(lateral and medial sections of the left liver and anterior and posterior sections of the right liver) was measured using computed tomography(CT) volumetry.Drained liver volume was calculated based on the volume of each liver section and the type of bile duct stricture(according to the Bismuth classification).Tumor volume, which was calculated by using CT volumetry, was excluded from the volume of each section.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was performed to identify the optimal cutoff values for drained liver volume.In addition, factors associated with the effectiveness of drainage and early complications were evaluated.RESULTS:Multivariate analysis showed that drained liver volume [odds ratio(OR) = 2.92, 95%CI:1.648-5.197; P 0.001] and impaired liver function(with decompensated liver cirrhosis)(OR = 0.06, 95%CI:0.009-0.426; P = 0.005) were independent factors contributing to the effectiveness of drainage.ROC analysis for effective drainage showed cutoff values of 33% of liver volume for patients with preserved liver function(with normal liver or compensated livercirrhosis)and 50%for patients with impaired liver function(with decompensated liver cirrhosis).The sensitivity and specificity of these cutoff values were82%and 80%for preserved liver function,and 100%and 67%for impaired liver function,respectively.Among patients who met these criteria,the rate of effective drainage among those with preserved liver function and impaired liver function was 90%and 80%,respectively.The rates of effective drainage in both groups were significantly higher than in those who did not fulfill these criteria(P0.001 and P=0.02,respectively).Drainage-associated cholangitis occurred in 9 patients(12%).A smaller drained liver volume was associated with drainage-associated cholangitis(P0.01).CONCLUSION:Liver volume drainage≥33%in patients with preserved liver function and≥50%in patients with impaired liver function correlates with effective biliary drainage in UMHBS.     

Biliary strictures after liver transplantation: Clinical picture, correlates and outcomes

We retrospectively examined 154 adults to ascertain the frequency, site of and pre-disposing factors for biliary strictures after liver transplantation, as well as their management and clinical outcome. Twenty patients (12.5%) were identified with biliary strictures; 16 were non-anastomotic and four were anastomotic strictures. The median time from transplantation to stricture diagnosis was 17 weeks (range 3–366). Of the 16 non-anastomotic strictures, six were intrahepatic, eight hilar and two extrahepatic (donor bile duct). A control group (n = 32) of patients transplanted immediately before and after index cases was used to examine for correlates in patients with non-anastomotic strictures. At the time of diagnosis in the non-anastomotic index cases, there was a higher incidence of: (i) biliary sludge (63 vs 0%; P< 0.001); and (ii) clinical cholangitis (75 vs 0%; P< 0.001) compared with controls. Primary sclerosing cholangitis was more often the diagnosis in index patients with non-anastomotic strictures compared with controls (31 vs 9%; P<0.05). There were no differences between index patients and controls (non-anastomotic group) in ABO blood group non-identity, cold allograft ischaemia time, use of OKT3 (murine monoclonal antibody to CD³) and hepatic artery thrombosis. Of 15 patients treated with balloon dilatation, seven required stent insertion although none have required surgery. As determined by liver function tests, there was evidence of persisting graft dysfunction in index patients compared with controls (SAP 381 vs 112 U/L, P< 0.001; GGT 529 vs 80 U/L, P< 0.001), but there was no difference in survival during a median follow-up time of 16 months (range: 3–48 months) from stricture diagnosis. In conclusion, biliary strictures tend to occur within 6 months of transplantation and are an important cause of ongoing graft dysfunction. Non-anastomotic strictures were more common in patients requiring transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis.     

Liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis versus primary biliary cirrhosis: A comparison of complications and outcome

Abstract Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are the most common cholestatic disorders in adulthood requiring hepatic transplantation. Although they run similar courses, they may have different problems before and after transplantation. The aim of this study was to compare pre- and post-transplant complications and outcomes in these two similar but distinct patient groups. One hundred and seventeen adult patients underwent liver transplantation at our institution over a 6 year period, including 19 with PSC and 20 with PBC. Pre-transplant there were no significant differences in age, liver biochemistry, haematology or Child-Pugh scores between the two groups. The mean duration of disease before transplant was longer in PSC patients (11.7 vs 6.5 years; P < 0.05). The prevalence of septic cholangitis was greater in PSC (58 vs 5%; P < 0.01) as was the requirement for surgical or radiological interventional procedures, excluding cholecystectomy (53 vs 0%; P < 0.01). At transplantation, four patients with PSC had previously unrecognized cholangiocarcinoma. In the pre-transplant period these four patients had uncontrolled biliary sepsis at the time of transplant vs five of 15 PSC patients without cholangiocarcinoma. Postoperatively, PSC patients had a greater prevalence of intra-abdominal sepsis requiring surgical or radiological intervention (42 vs 5%; P < 0.05). In comparison, patients with PBC had a high prevalence of skeletal complications (30 vs 10%; P < 0.05) particularly avascular necrosis (15 vs 0%). The prevalence of chronic rejection was similar in both groups (15%). Overall survival was higher in PBC patients (85 vs 63%; P < 0.05). The prevalence of postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis requiring surgical or radiological intervention was higher in those patients with PSC who died (six of seven) compared to survivors (two of 12), (P < 0.001). Postoperative uncontrolled intra-abdominal sepsis directly contributed to more deaths in PSC patients (four of seven vs 0%). In conclusion, despite many similarities with PBC, PSC patients have higher prevalence of pre- and postoperative intra-abdominal sepsis that may contribute to poorer survival. In contrast PBC patients have excellent survival rates after a liver transplant, although bony complications are increased.     

Clinicopathologic findings of recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis after orthotopic liver transplantation

Whether primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) occurs after orthotopic liver transplantation is controversial, largely because the pre-transplant diagnosis of PSC is based on nonspecific radiological and histological findings. We reviewed clinical, radiological, and histological records of 53 patients who underwent liver transplantation for PSC between 1985 and 1998. Three patients with patent hepatic arteries and no evidence of chronic rejection had radiological and histological findings that may have been due to recurrent PSC. Bile duct stricturing in these patients proved permanent and progressive and affected both the quality of life and graft survival. The first patient, who is 110 months after transplantation, has had repeated episodes of cholangitis for the last year. The second patient underwent excision of a strictured hepatic duct 45 months after transplantation and was ultimately retransplanted 95 months after initial transplantation. The third patient underwent left hemihepatectomy of an atrophied lobe 50 months after transplantation. Although the patient population assessed in this study is limited, putative recurrent PSC in the allografts has led either to graft loss or to clinically significant hepatobiliary complications of the graft.     

Overlap syndromes of autoimmune hepatitis: what is known so far

The pattern of some autoimmune hepatitis can be difficult to classify, sometimes due to the overlap of these with primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and chronic viral hepatitis. The etiology of these variant forms remains unclear. The distinction among the overlap syndromes poses different problems both of prognosis and therapeutic approach. Presently, the utility of the scoring system devised and revised by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group regarding these cases is under discussion. Histological examination seems to be an important tool, but often the result does not help in defining a correct diagnosis. To date, the overlap syndromes can be classified at an intermediate level between cholestatic forms of autoimmune hepatitis or hepatic forms of cholestatic syndromes, but it cannot be excluded that the syndromes represent independent disorders.     

Biliary Cystadenoma of the Common Bile Duct with Secondary Biliary Cirrhosis

Abstract A case of cystadenoma of the common bile duct is described. An erroneous diagnosis made in a young woman caused secondary biliary cirrhosis with fatal outcome. The diagnosis of cirrhosis should never be established without thorough visualization of the entire biliary tract in patients with biochemical or clinical jaundice of unknown origin.     

Endoscopic Biliary Drainage for Acute Obstructive Cholangitis: Analysis of 100 Consecutive Patients

Abstract: Acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis is a life-threatening condition and prompt biliary decompression is essential if the patient is to survive. One hundred patients with acute obstructive (suppurative) cholangitis were treated by simple endoscopic cannulation for biliary drainage. Forty-eight patients had common duct stones alone, 33 patients had additional stones in the gallbladder, and 18 patients had stones in the intrahepatic ducts. Another patient had a confluence stone. Twenty-six patients had undergone endoscopic sphincterotomy. Bile duct dilatation was present in only 25 of 47 patients (53%) studied by ultrasound tomography. Biliary decompression was achieved in 98 patients. One tortuous distal bile duct and one oversized stone were the causes of failure in two patients. Forty-seven patients proved to have suppurative cholangitis. Most patients felt instant and dramatic relief of their syniptoms. Bleeding at sphinctetomy was the only complication associated with the decompression ocurring in 2 patients. Bending (2 patients) and withdrawal (2 patients) of a nasobiliary catheter, and nasal bleeding (1 patient) were the complications related to nasobiliary drainage. Two patients with suppurative cholangitis died despite successful decompression performed 3 and 5 days after the onset of cholangitis. This delay seemed responsible for their deaths. Thus the mortality rate was 2.0% for all the patients arid 4.3% for those with suppurative cholangitis. These results suggest that endoscopic cannulation, which is feasible even in the absence of bile duct dilatation, is a prompt, safe, and effective procedure for emergency biliary decompression for the treatment of acute obstructive (suppurative) cholangitis.     

Bronchobiliary fistula complicating oriental cholangiohepatitis

Bronchio biliary fistula in adults is a rare event defined by the passage of bile into the bronchus and the sputum (biloptysis).Typically these lesions occur in the congenital form, as a result of thoracoabdominal trauma, or in rare instances as a result of iatrogenic injury or long-standing biliary tract disease and obstruction. In this paper, we report a novel case of a fatal bronchobiliary fistula that developed in a 67-year-old Chinese male with Oriental cholangiohepatitis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a bronchobiliary fistula complicating the clinical management of a patient with this disease.     

Lack of Concomitant Expression of ICAM-1 and HLA-DR on Bile Duct Cells from Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

In both primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) prominent infiltrates of lymphocytes surround the bile ducts, on which an abberrant expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens has been found, suggesting that the immune system is involved in the biliary destruction. Since the lymphocytes presumably must adhere to the bile ducts to initiate a cell-to-cell-mediated destruction, we have studied the expression of the lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) together with its ligand, the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and the expression of HLA-DR, using immunoperoxidase staining of cryostat sections from patients with PBC (n = 10), PSC (n = 13), and normal healthy controls (n = 6). Most lymphocytes expressed LFA-1. ICAM-1 expression was found on hepatocytes from 9 of 10 PBC and 10 of 13 PSC patients but was not seen on hepatocytes from the controls. Hepatocytes expressing HLA-DR were only found in one patient with PBC. None of the septal bile ducts expressed ICAM-1, and only one PSC patient and three PBC patients expressed ICAM-1 on their interlobular bile ducts. The bile ducts in 22 of 23 patients, however, expressed HLA-DR. Proliferating bile ductules from two PBC patients and three PSC patients showed a concomitant expression of ICAM-1 and HLA-DR. None of the bile ducts from the controls expressed ICAM-1 or HLA-DR. Thus, since most bile ducts involved in the disease process of both PBC and PSC lack expression of ICAM-1, other adhesion molecules must be involved if a cell-to-cell-mediated destruction accounts for the biliary destruction in these two disease states. Furthermore, the lack of concomitant expression of HLA-DR and ICAM-1 on the bile ducts in PBC and PSC indicates that other regulatory mechanisms exist in the biliary epithelium than in most other epithelial cells.