EXPERIENCES OF BILIARY INTERVENTIONS USING SHORT DOUBLE‐BALLOON ENTEROSCOPY IN PATIENTS WITH ROUX‐EN‐Y ANASTOMOSIS OR HEPATICOJEJUNOSTOMY

Background: The efficacy of double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for biliary interventions has been shown in patients with surgical anatomy. However, the use of available endoscopic retrograde cholangiography accessories during this procedure is limited because of the length of the conventional instrument (200 cm). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of short DBE for managing biliary disorders in patients with a Roux‐en‐Y gastrectomy or hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). Patients and Methods: Using a short enteroscope (152 cm) and commercially available endoscopic retrograde cholangiography accessories, biliary interventions were performed in six patients with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction or HJ anastomosis. Results: A total of 12 biliary interventions were performed; balloon dilations of the HJ anastomosis or intrahepatic ducts (four patients), nasobiliary drainages (three patients), bile duct stone removal after endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with or without small sphincterotomy (two patients), and a biliary stent placement (one patient). One patient showed retroperitoneal air following endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation, but recovered conservatively. Conclusions: Biliary interventions via DBE using a short enteroscope are feasible in patients with surgical anatomy.     

Peroral cholangioscopy for non-invasive papillary cholangiocarcinoma with extensive superficial ductal spread

Papillary carcinoma arising from the extrahepatic bile duct often shows superficial ductal spread. We report herein the case of a patient with extensive superficial spread of non-invasive papillary cholangiocarcinoma, which was depicted with peroral cholangioscopy. A 65-year-old woman presented with the sudden-onset of severe epigastric pain. Ultrasonography revealed acute acalculous cholecystitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography found small protruding lesions around the confluence of the cystic duct, suggestive of a cholangiocarcinoma. As the contour of the middle and upper bile ducts it was slightly irregular on the cholangiogram, the presence of superficial ductal spread was suspected. Peroral cholangioscopy revealed small papillary lesions around the confluence of the cystic duct and fine granular mucosal lesions in the middle and upper bile ducts and the right hepatic duct, suggesting a superficially spreading tumor. A right hepatectomy with bile duct resection was performed and no residual tumor was found. Histological examination revealed a non-invasive papillary carcinoma arising from the cystic duct with extensive superficial spread. Our experience of this case and a review of the literature suggest that a fine granular or fine papillary appearance of the ductal mucosae on cholangioscopy indicates superficial spread of papillary cholangiocarcinoma, for which peroral cholangioscopy is an efficient diagnostic option.     

Mucosal dysplasia in the bile duct after choledochoduodenostomy: a case report

A 60-year-old woman who had undergone cholecystectomy, choledocholithotomy and choledochoduodenostomy 21 years previously for cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis, presented with nausea and vomiting. With a preoperative diagnosis of recurrent common bile duct stones, the extrahepatic bile duct was excised and choledochojejunostomy was performed. Histologic examination of the resected specimen disclosed chronic cholangitis, papillary epithelial hyperplasia, and mild dysplasia. Choledochoduodenostomy predisposes to reflux of duodenal contents, resulting in chronic mechanical and chemical irritation likely to induce histopathologic alterations in the bile duct mucosa. Since bile duct dysplasia induced by chronic inflammation may be a precursor of cancer, indication for choledochoduodenostomy should be specific and limited, and careful long-term follow-up is mandatory.     

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct extending superficially from the intrahepatic to extrahepatic bile duct

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) or liver is a recently noted rare disease, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Here we present a case of IPNB with an interesting morphology, which was treated by resection of the right hemiliver and extrahepatic bile duct. A 79-year-old woman was found to have a high alkaline phosphatase level and slight dilatation of the right intrahepatic bile duct on imaging studies. The right intrahepatic bile duct became dilated over a 2-year period; however, no solid mass could be detected, and tumor markers were not elevated. Hepatic resection was scheduled because a mucin-producing bile duct carcinoma of the liver was suspected. A right hemihepatectomy was conducted, and the extrahepatic bile duct was also resected after malignant cells were found in the surgical stump of the right bile duct and in the bile itself. Macroscopically, diffuse dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct was noted, but no solid component or mucin within the duct was found. Histopathological findings revealed carcinoma in situ, IPNB, in the majority of intrahepatic bile ducts, with no lymph node metastasis, and it extended continuously to the epithelium of the common bile duct. No tumor recurrence or biliary dilatation was observed at follow-up 2 years after surgery. It is important to consider malignancy in the presence of a dilated bile duct and in the absence of any cause of occlusion. Complete resection of IPNB results in a good prognosis and no recurrence.     

ERCP AFTER ROUX‐EN‐Y RECONSTRUCTION CAN BE CARRIED OUT USING AN OBLIQUE‐VIEWING ENDOSCOPE WITH AN OVERTUBE

Background: We report that an oblique‐viewing endoscope facilitates endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in Billroth II reconstruction. With this endoscope, we carried out ERCP in Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction. Methods: Fifteen patients with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction were enrolled. Eleven of these patients had undergone gastrectomy, while Whipple's operation or choledochectomy had each been carried out in two patients. Among the 11 post‐gastrectomy patients, eight had bile duct stones, and there was one case each of pancreatic abscess with chronic pancreatitis, bile duct obstruction due to gallbladder, or pancreatic cancer. The remaining four patients suffered from stenotic anastomosis of choledochojejunostomy. All procedures were carried out with an oblique‐viewing endoscope. Results: The papilla of Vater or anastomosis was reached in 10 patients. In these 10 patients, all planned procedures were completed. Endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) was carried out in three patients with bile duct stones. The remaining three patients with bile duct stones underwent sphincterotomy with tube stent placement, EPBD after sphincterotomy with biliary tube stent placement, and biliary tube stent placement, respectively. Pancreatic stent placement via the minor papilla was carried out in one patient with pancreatic abscess, and a biliary tube stent was introduced in the patient with gallbladder cancer. Two patients underwent cutting of a stenotic anastomosis with a needle knife, followed by balloon dilatation. None of the patients experienced any complications. Conclusion: The results appear to support the feasibility of using an oblique‐viewing endoscope for ERCP in Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction. Further studies including a large population of patients should be planned to confirm these results.     

A case of asymptomatic intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct without hepatolithiasis

A 65-year-old woman was found to have dilatation of the intrahepatic bile duct in the right anterior segment during a general health. Laboratory data were within normal ranges and no solid mass was detected in her abdominal computer tomography （CT） or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）. However, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） demonstrated an obstruction of the right bile duct. Intraoperative cholangiography showed stenosis of the intrahepatic bile duct in the anterior inferior segment （B5） and narrowness of the intrahepatic bile duct in the anterior superior segment （B8）, so that we strongly suspected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma （ICC）. Histologically, surgically resected liver specimens, without tumor mass by macroscopic observation, showed intraductal papillary proliferation with fibrovascular cores and intraductal spreading of carcinoma in situ throughout a considerable area, especially in bile ductules around the peripheral small portal area. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical profile of the tumor （MUC5AC＋/CK7＋） was compatible with an intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct （IPN-B）. Consequently, this case was diagnosed as IPN-B with spreading CIS, stageⅠ（pT1, pN0, P0, H1, M0）. We report a case of IPN-B with interesting histopathologicalfindings and emphasize that cholangiography is especially helpful for the diagnosis of bile duct dilatation due to infiltration of carcinoma cells.     

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct developing in a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis: A case report

We report a case of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) that developed in a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis. A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with obstructive jaundice. The liver function tests demonstrated increased serum liver enzyme levels. Computed tomography showed dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a highly echoic protruding lesion in the posterior bile duct near the right lobe of the liver. The lesion was suspected to be IPNB, but we were unable to confirm whether it was a carcinoma. A right hepatectomy was performed, and this showed that the dilated bile duct was filled with mucin and contained several yellowish papillary tumors. Histologically, the neoplastic biliary epithelium showed papillary growth in the dilated lumen. The tumor was diagnosed as IPNB, high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia secreting abundant mucin. No recurrence has been detected 3 years after surgery.     

Curative reoperation for recurrent cancer of the extrahepatic bile duct: report of two cases

Local recurrence, following a resection for cancer of the extrahepatic bile duct, is usually incurable with second curative surgery being almost impossible. To determine the feasibility and significance of second curative surgery, our experiences are presented in this study. The medical records and clinical outcomes of two patients that underwent a re-resection for recurrent cancer of the extrahepatic bile duct were retrospectively reviewed. A 50-year-old female patient that had a recurrent disease at the intrahepatic and intrapancreatic bile duct, 66 months after a segmental resection of the bile duct for common bile duct (CBD) cancer, underwent a hepatopancreatoduodenectomy. A 29-year-old female patient had a recurrent tumor mass in the distal CBD, 28 months after a right hemihepatectomy and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejenostomy for a type IIIa Klatskin tumor, and underwent a segmental resection of the bile duct. The gross type of the above two cases was a papillary tumor. There was no operative mortality or morbidity. All patients are still alive after 46 and 9 months, respectively, without recurrence after the reoperation. It is concluded that a surgical re-resection is possible in selected patients with recurrent bile duct cancer, mostly of the papillary type. A primary operation for bile duct cancer should be performed with a wide surgical margin, and secondary curative surgery should be considered whenever possible in cases of recurrence.     

An unusual growth pattern of a mucin-producing intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma involving the hepatic hilus.

The case of a mucin-producing intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma in a 73 year-old-man is presented. A tumor originating in the right posterior inferior segment of the liver was found to be invading the right posterior and anterior bile ducts, and the hepatic hilus. Extensive superficial spread was observed in the entire posterior segmental bile duct extending to the hepatic hilus. Mucin produced and excreted by the tumor was retained in the common hepatic and common bile duct. The diagnosis in this case was suggested by percutaneous transhepatic aspiration of mucinous bile, and was confirmed by utilizing the techniques of ultrasonography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, computed tomography and angiography. Curative surgery, which included right hepatic lobectomy with total caudate lobectomy and bile duct resection, was performed. Biliary continuity was maintained by left hepaticojejunostomy using a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop. The histological diagnosis was mucin-producing papillary adenocarcinoma originating in the right posterior inferior segment of the liver. Postoperative recovery was very good and the patient has now been enjoying a good active social life for the last 20 months with no signs of tumor recurrence. This case report discusses the unusual growth pattern of a mucin-producing intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma involving the hepatic hilus, and suggests rational surgical treatment.     

Tips and tricks of double‐balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (with video)

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically difficult in patients with altered gastrointestinal tract, double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) allows endoscopic access to pancreato‐biliary system in such patients. Balloon dilation of biliary stricture and extraction of bile duct stones, placement of biliary stent in patients with Roux‐en‐Y or Billroth‐II reconstruction, using DBE have been reported. However, two major technical parts are required for double‐balloon ERCP (DB‐ERCP). One is insertion of DBE and the other is an ERCP‐related procedure. The important point of DBE insertion is a sure approach to the afferent limb with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction or Braun anastomosis. Short type DBE with working length 152 cm is beneficial for DB‐ERCP because it is short enough for most biliary accessory devices. In this paper, we introduce our tips and tricks for successful DB‐ERCP.     

Factors affecting the yield of percutaneous cholangioscopic biopsy in patients with bile duct cancer

Background: This study analyzed the factors associated with the yield of percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic biopsies in patients with bile duct cancer. Methods: One‐hundred‐and‐sixteen patients who had received percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy and who had been confirmed as having bile duct cancer were enrolled in this study. Multiple targeted biopsies were taken under direct cholangioscopic view. Results: When the location of the tumor was divided into intrahepatic duct (IHD), hilar duct and common bile duct (CBD), the biopsy yield was significantly higher in IHD cancer (93.7%) than in cases of hilar cancer (69.6%) (P < 0.05). After a bile duct cancer had been classified as a nodular type (n = 31), papillary type (n = 27) or infiltrative type (n = 58) cancer upon cholangioscopic findings, the biopsy yields from nodular (96.8%) or papillary types (96.3%) were significantly higher than from infiltrative types (58.6%; P < 0.01). The positive rate for malignant cells was not influenced by the presence of tumor vessels or the number of biopsy samples taken. However, the sensitivity of the combination of cholangioscopic biopsy and tumor vessel in overall bile duct cancer, especially in the infiltrative type, was significantly increased when it was compared with that of cholangioscopic biopsies (P < 0.01) or tumor vessels alone (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Cholangioscopic biopsy provides a high positive yield of malignant cells in those patients with IHD, nodular‐type and papillary‐type cancers. The cholangioscopic classification of bile duct tumors might thus provide important clues to predict biopsy yield.     

Laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy via PTFE-covered stent successfully achieves internal drainage of common bile duct obstruction

The purpose of this study was to develop a method of laparoscopic biliary bypass utilizing a PTFE-covered biliary stent. An animal model of common bile duct obstruction was developed. Three days before the planned choledochojejunostomy, the common duct in 10 female pigs was ligated using mini-laparoscopy instrumentation (2 mm) to create an obstruction model. A laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy was then performed using intracorporal suturing (n=5) or stented (n=5) techniques. In the sutured group, a side-to-side two-layer anastomosis was performed. In the stented group, a Seldinger technique was used to deliver the stent into the abdomen through the small bowel and into the anterior wall of the common bile duct for deployment across both the duct and bowel to create an anastomosis (under fluoroscopic guidance). After the surgery, the animals were followed for 7 days, and then sacrificed to examine the anastomosis grossly and histologically. Statistical analysis was used to compare the two groups. Although the difference was not statistically significant, the mean anastomosis time in minutes was shorter for the stented group (37.8; range 15-74 minutes) than in the sutured group (52.8; range 28-70 minutes). All animals survived for 7 days after the procedure with no detectable biliary leaks or biliary obstruction at autopsy. These gross findings were confirmed by pathologic examination of the anastomoses. Laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy using a PTFE-covered metallic biliary stent can be performed to relieve common bile duct obstruction. In addition, the stent method was as safe and effective as sutured laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy.     

Mucin-producing bile duct carcinoma originating at the hepatic hilus

We describe a mucin-producing bile duct carcinoma that was resected and analyzed pathologically. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography disclosed amorphous filling defects in the dilated extrahepatic bile duct, suggesting that a large amount of mucin was excreted from the tumor. An intraductal amorphous filling defect showed shape change at different examination times. Pathology examination revealed a papillary tumor which showed mucus production, in the right hepatic duct. The cut section of the resected specimen showed a protuberant papillary lesion, measuring 14×14mm in diameter, forming a cystic mucous lake within the duct wall. Many cancer cells were also found in the mucous lake, the contents of which were strongly positive for mucin stain. The mucous lake developed laterally and communicated with the peribiliary glands, suggesting that the tumor had originated in these glands.     

A case of hilar bile duct cancer which recurred at abdominal and cervical lymph nodes 8 years after curative resection

A 40-year-old man underwent right hemihepatectomy with biliary reconstruction for hilar bile duct cancer, and the surgical margin being negative. The tumor, showing atypical intraductal growth, was solid adenocarcinoma with rich mucinous component, although it was negative for MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5AC, suggesting that the tumor was not an intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPN-B). Eight years after operation, abdominal and cervical lymph node metastases were found on computed tomography and (18)F-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography examination. Late remote recurrence after curative resection of the extrahepatic bile duct cancer is relatively rare. The recurrence in the present case maybe explained by the tumor dormancy theory.     

Common bile duct lesions - how cholangioscopy helps rule out intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct: A case report

BACKGROUNDIntraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a rare variant of bile duct tumors, characterized by an exophytic growth exhibiting a papillary mass within the bile duct lumen and it can be localized anywhere along the biliary tree, with morphological variations and occasional invasion.CASE SUMMARYWe present a patient with obstructive jaundice who was diagnosed with IPNB using cholangioscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography. Using the SpyGlass DS II technology, we were able to define tumor extension and obtain targeted Spy-byte biopsies. After multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was scheduled for surgical resection of the tumor, which was radically removed.CONCLUSIONCholangioscopy appears to be crucial for the rapid and clear diagnosis of lesions in the bile duct to achieve radical surgical resection.     

Papillary adenocarcinoma of the subvesical duct

This is, to our knowledge, the first report of papillary adenocarcinoma originating in the subvesical bile duct. A 77‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital for further evaluation of liver dysfunction. Serum liver function test results on admission included: aspartate aminotransferase, 99 IU/l; alanine aminotransferase, 149 IU/l; lactate dehydrogenase, 438 IU/l; alkaline phosphatase, 992 IU/l; leucine aminopeptidase, 320 IU/l; and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, 593 IU/l. Serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19‐9 value was high (80 U/ml). Abdominal ultrasonogram, computed tomographic scan, and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram demonstrated a mass in the common hepatic duct, and dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. A laparotomy was performed on May 14, 1997. The tumor originated in the dilated subvesical duct that joined the common hepatic duct, and projected into the common hepatic duct. The patient underwent cholecystectomy, resection of the subvesical duct and the common hepatic duct, dissection of regional pericholedochal lymph nodes, and Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy. The resected tumor presented macroscopically as a papillary mass measuring 4.0 × 2.0 cm. The pathological diagnosis was papillary adenocarcinoma. The immunostaining positivity rates for MIB‐1 and p53 protein were 49.6% and 33.8%, respectively.     

INFLAMMATORY PROTRUDING LESION IN THE INTRAHEPATIC BILIARY DUCT DIAGNOSED ON NARROW BAND IMAGING–VIDEOCHOLANGIOSCOPY

A 66‐year‐old woman who had a repeated history of cholangitis since undergoing choledocho‐jejunostomy for post‐cholecystectomy common bile duct stricture, was referred to Kyoto University Hospital for further examination of the stricture of left intrahepatic biliary duct (IHBD). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) showed obstruction of the left IHBD with slightly protruding lesion. Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) with narrow band imaging (NBI) demonstrated that a protruding lesion with papillary surface had neither tumor vessels on the surface of the tumor nor microvessel in each papillary projection. Biopsy presented only inflammation. Pathological analysis of the resected left lobe also showed only inflammatory change. NBI‐videocholangioscopy appears to be useful for diagnosing biliary disease by evaluating the tumor vessels including microvessel in papillary projection.     

Differential effects of jaundice and cirrhosis on beta-adrenoceptor signaling in three rat models of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Attenuated cardiac function has been reported in cirrhosis as well as in jaundice, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the differential effects of jaundice and cirrhosis on the heart. METHODS: Three rat models of cirrhosis were studied: chronic bile duct ligation, bile duct ligation followed by choledochojejunostomy to relieve jaundice, and a less jaundiced model induced by thioacetamide administration. Controls underwent a sham operation. Cardiac function was assessed by measuring isolated ventricular papillary muscle contractility. Cardiac beta-adrenergic receptor signaling was studied by measuring cAMP production stimulated at the receptor, G-protein, and adenylyl cyclase levels in the signaling pathway, using isoproterenol, aluminum fluoride and forskolin, respectively. RESULTS: Serum bilirubin and bile salt levels were markedly elevated in the bile duct-ligated group, moderately increased in the thioacetamide rats, and normal in the choledochojejunostomy and sham-operated controls. Papillary muscle contractile force after maximal beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation was decreased to a similar extent in all three cirrhotic models. In the bile duct-ligated and thioacetamide-induced cirrhotic rats, production of cAMP by all three drugs was significantly attenuated. However, the cAMP production in the choledochojejunostomy group was blunted only with isoproterenol and fluoride, and remained intact with forskolin stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that cirrhosis per se impairs cardiac function by attenuating the portion of the beta-adrenergic receptor signaling pathway upstream of adenylyl cyclase. Furthermore, significant jaundice and/or cholemia can inhibit adenylyl cyclase, which may contribute to blunted cardiac contractility in jaundiced patients.     

Biliary tract intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: Report of 19 cases

AIM: To gain a better understanding of biliary tract intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(BT-IPMN). METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2013, 19cases of BT-IPMN were retrospectively identified from a total of 343 biliary tract tumors resected in our single institution. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, pathology, surgical strategies, and long-term follow-up were analyzed.RESULTS: The mean age of the 19 BT-IPMN cases was 53.8 years(range: 25-74 years). The most common symptom was abdominal pain(15/19; 78.9%), followed by jaundice(7/19; 36.8%). Cholangitis was associated with most(16/19; 84.2%) of the BT-IPMN cases. Macroscopically visible mucin was detected in all 19 patients, based on original surgical reports. The most common abnormal preoperative imaging findings for BT-IPMN were bile duct dilation(19/19; 100%) and intraluminal masses(10/19; 52.6%). Thirteen(68.4%) cases involved the intrahepatic bile duct and hilum. We performed left hepatectomy in 11/19(57.9%), right hepatectomy in 2/19(10.5%), bile duct resection in 4/19(21.1%), and pancreatoduodenectomy in 1/19(5.3%) patients. One(5.3%) patient was biopsied and received a choledochojejunostomy because of multiple tumors involving the right extrahepatic and left intrahepatic bile ducts. Histology showed malignancy in 10/19(52.6%) patients. The overall median survival was 68 mo. The benign cases showed a non-significant trend towards improved survival compared to malignant cases(68 mo vs 48 mo, P = 0.347). The patient without tumor resection died of liver failure 22 mo after palliative surgery.CONCLUSION: BT-IPMN is a rare biliary entity. Complete resection of the tumor is associated with good survival, even in patients with malignant disease.