Remains of the day:Biliary complications related to single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy

AIM:To assesse the rate of bile duct injuries(BDI)and overall biliary complications during single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy(SPLC)compared to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy(CLC).METHODS:SPLC has recently been proposed as an innovative surgical approach for gallbladder surgery.So far,its safety with respect to bile duct injuries has not been specifically evaluated.A systematic review of the literature published between January 1990 and November 2012 was performed.Randomized controlled trials(RCT)comparing SPLC versus CLC reporting BDI rate and overall biliary complications were included.The quality of RCT was assessed using the Jadad score.Analysis was made by performing a meta-analysis,using Review Manager 5.2.This study was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.A retrospective study including all retrospective reports on SPLC was also performed alongside.RESULTS:From 496 publications,11 RCT including 898patients were selected for meta-analysis.No studies were rated as high quality(Jadad score≥4).Operative indications included benign gallbladder disease operated in an elective setting in all studies,excluding all emergency cases and acute cholecystitis.The median follow-up was 1 mo(range 0.03-18 mo).The incidence of BDI was 0.4%for SPLC and 0%for CLC;the difference was not statistically different(P=0.36).The incidence of overall biliary complication was 1.6%for SPLC and 0.5%for CLC,the difference did not reached statistically significance(P=0.21,95%CI:0.66-15).Sixty non-randomized trials including 3599 patients were also analysed.The incidence of BDI reported then was 0.7%.CONCLUSION:The safety of SPLC cannot be assumed,based on the current evidence.Hence,this new technology cannot be recommended as standard technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

胆管端端吻合治疗腹腔镜胆囊切除术中胆总管横断伤的诊治体会

目的探讨胆管端端吻合治疗腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)中胆总管横断伤的可行性。方法回顾性分析9例LC术中胆总管横断后及时中转开腹行胆管端端吻合术的患者的资料,其中2例为大部横断,7例完全横断,8例术中发现随即中转开腹手术,1例术后次日发现再次开腹治疗。结果 9例患者均顺利完成手术,术后常规留置T管6个月,2例出现术后胆管狭窄,经内窥镜胆道球囊扩张解除狭窄,无胆瘘、出血等严重并发症的发生。结论 LC术中横断胆管后及时中转开腹行胆管端端吻合是有效的治疗方法。     

Increased Risk of Cancer after Cholecystectomy: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea including 123,295 Patients

Background/AimsContradictory findings on the association between cholecystectomy and cancer have been reported. We aimed to investigate the risk of all types of cancers or site-specific cancers in patients who underwent cholecystectomy using a nationwide dataset.MethodsSubjects who underwent cholecystectomy from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2014, who were older than 20 years and who underwent an initial baseline health check-up within 2 years were enrolled. Those who were diagnosed with any type of cancer before the enrollment or within 1 year after enrollment were excluded. Ultimately, patients (n=123,295) who underwent cholecystectomy and age/sex matched population (n=123,295) were identified from the database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for cancer were estimated, and Cox regression analysis was performed.ResultsThe incidence of cancer in the cholecystectomy group was 9.56 per 1,000 person-years and that in the control group was 7.95 per 1,000 person-years. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy showed an increased risk of total cancer (adjusted HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.24; p<0.001), particularly leukemia and malignancies of the colon, liver, pancreas, biliary tract, thyroid, pharynx, and oral cavity. In the subgroup analysis according to sex, the risk of developing cancers in the pancreas, biliary tract, thyroid, lungs and stomach was higher in men than in women.ConclusionsPhysicians should pay more attention to the possibility of the occurrence of secondary cancers among patients who undergo cholecystectomy.     

Effect of Cholecystectomy on Gastric and Esophageal Bile Reflux in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Epidemiologic data have shown that cholecystectomy is associated with a moderately increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The study objective was to evaluate the role of refluxed bile. A total of 696 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms were included in the study, of whom 55 had a history of cholecystectomy (CHE). Bilirubin exposure was measured in percent time above absorbance 0.25 in the stomach and above 0.14 in the esophagus. Total gastric and esophageal bilirubin exposure was similar in both groups. Supine gastric bile reflux was slightly increased after cholecystectomy (30.6 ± 30.2 vs. CHE: 37.1 ± 29.5, P < 0.05). In patients with erosive esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus, there were differences in total gastric exposure (24.3 ± 22.6 vs. CHE: 36.7 ± 26.8, P < 0.05) but not in esophageal exposure. Cholecystectomy slightly augments bile reflux into the stomach without detectable differences in the esophagus. Therefore, increased esophageal bile reflux following cholecystectomy as a potential cause for the associated cancer risk could not be substantiated.     

Prevention of Bile Leak after Liver Surgery: A Fool-proof Method

Background/Aim:

Bile leak is not uncommon after liver surgeries. There is no adequate method described to prevent this morbid complication.

Materials and Methods:

At the end of the liver procedure, transcystic normal saline was injected under pressure with distal clamping. Leaking saline on the cut surface of the liver was sutured. The process was repeated till no leaking was observed. A suction drain was kept for any bile leak.

Results:

Open liver resection and hydatid cyst surgery cases were included. There were 24 cases, with 13 males and 11 females. The age range was from 4 to 80 years, with a mean of 48 years (SD ± 17.7). The number of leak sites that could be sutured were 0-4 (mean of 2.3 ± 0.5). None had bile leak postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Transcystic injection under pressure with distal clamping demonstrates the leak sites. Suturing them prevents the postoperative bile leak.     

晚期壶腹周围癌的胆胰管双支架治疗

目的探讨晚期壶腹周围癌患者胆管和胰管双支架治疗的临床价值。方法36例经病理学和（或）临床诊断为晚期壶腹周围癌患者,影像学表现为胰管和胆管均有狭窄,经内镜先在胰管内置入Teflon塑料支架,然后胆道内置可膨胀式金属支架,不成功者改经皮经肝胆管内置入金属支架进行引流。观察支架置放前后患者的血清肝生化指标、胰酶水平和临床表现。结果36例置入胰管塑料支架均顺利,29例内镜置人金属胆道支架成功,7例（2例Billroth1I术后）因导丝插入胆管困难改为经皮经肝胆管内支架置入。支架置放后肝ALT、AST、ALP、r-谷氨酰转肽酶以及总胆红素、直接胆红素均有明显的下降;15例出现血淀粉酶和血脂肪酶的升高,但经过治疗后均恢复正常;腹痛缓解率82．4％（28／34）,腹泻改善有效率达88．2％（15／17）。结论胆、胰管联合支架可以解除壶腹周围癌患者的胆、胰管恶性狭窄与梗阻,安全有效。     

Duodenogastric Bile Reflux in Patients with Gastric Ulcer

The duodenogastric bile reflux rate in 33 patients with gastric ulcer is compared with the rates in 33 non-ulcer patients. Duodenogastric bile reflux was measured by a non-invasive isotope method using ^99mTc-diethyliminodiacetic acid. Reflux occurred significantly oftener in the ulcer patients (27 of 33) than in the non-ulcer patients (14 of 33) (p < 0.01) but did not differ significantly in quantity between these two groups. The results suggest that the magnitude of bile reflux cannot be used to distinguish between ulcer patients and non-ulcer patients.     

Incidence and Significance of Biliary Stricture in Chronic Pancreatitis Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Obstructing Pancreatic Duct Stones

Background/AimsThis study assessed the significance of biliary stricture in symptomatic chronic pancreatitis patients requiring extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove obstructing pancreatic calculi.MethodsA total of 97 patients underwent ESWL followed by ERCP to remove pancreatic calculi between October 2014 and October 2017 at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Significant biliary stricture (SBS) was defined as a stricture with upstream dilation on computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography scans accompanied by cholestasis and/or cholangitis. SBS was initially managed by either a plastic stent or fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (fcSEMS). If the stricture did not resolve, the stent was replaced with either multiple plastic stents or another fcSEMS. Data were collected by retrospectively reviewing the medical records.ResultsBiliary strictures were noted in approximately one-third of patients (34/97, 35%) undergoing ESWL for pancreatic calculi. Approximately one-third of the biliary strictures (11/34, 32%) were SBS. Pseudocysts were more frequently found in those with SBS (36% vs 8%, p=0.02), and all pseudocysts in the SBS group were located in the pancreatic head. The initial stricture resolution rates with fcSEMSs and plastic prostheses were 75% and 29%, respectively. The overall success rate for stricture resolution was 73% (8/11), and the recurrence rate after initial stricture resolution was 25% (2/8).ConclusionsAlthough periductal fibrosis is the main mechanism underlying biliary stricture development in chronic pancreatitis, inflammation induced by obstructing pancreatic calculi, including pseudocysts, is an important contributing factor to SBS formation during the acute phase.     

Liver resection for the treatment of post-cholecystectomy biliary stricture with vascular injury

AIM:To report experience with liver resection in a select group of patients with postoperative biliary stricture associated with vascular injury.METHODS:From a prospective database of patients treated for benign biliary strictures at our hospital,cases that underwent liver resections were reviewed.All cases were referred after one or more attempts to repair bile duct injuries following cholecystectomy(open or laparoscopic).Liver resection was indicated in patients with Strasberg E3/E4(hilar stricture)bile duct lesions associated with vascular damage(arterial and/or portal),ipsilateral liver atrophy/abscess,recurrent attacks of cholangitis,and failure of previous hepaticojejunostomy.RESULTS:Of 148 patients treated for benign biliary strictures,nine(6.1%)underwent liver resection;eight women and one man with a mean age of 38.6 years.Six patients had previously been submitted to open cholecystectomy and three to laparoscopic surgery.The mean number of surgical procedures before definitive treatment was 2.4.All patients had Strasberg E3/E4injuries,and vascular injury was present in all cases.Eight patients underwent right hepatectomy and one underwent left lateral sectionectomy without mortality.Mean time of follow up was 69.1 mo and after longterm follow up,eight patients are asymptomatic.CONCLUSION:Liver resection is a good therapeutic option for patients with complex postoperative biliary stricture and vascular injury presenting with liver atrophy/abscess in which previous hepaticojejunostomy has failed.     

胆管狭窄患者塑料支架移位致十二指肠损伤的危险因素研究

目的　研究胆管狭窄患者置入胆管塑料支架后发生移位致十二指肠损伤的危险因素。方法　回顾性分析2017年1月—2021年12月在杭州市第一人民医院行胆管塑料支架置入术的1 408例胆管狭窄患者（2 607例次操作）的病例资料。统计术后出现胆管支架移位致十二指肠损伤的情况,将2 607例次操作分为移位损伤组（n=23例次）和非移位损伤组（n=2 584例次）两组,比较移位损伤组和非移位损伤组在基线资料和手术情况方面的差异,利用logistic回归分析探究胆管狭窄患者置入胆管塑料支架后支架移位致十二指肠损伤的独立危险因素。结果　1 408例胆管狭窄患者先后置入塑料支架2 607例次,共发生23例次支架移位导致的十二指肠损伤。logistic回归分析提示,胃肠手术史（OR=4.278,95%CI：1.332~13.737,P=0.015）、经内镜乳头括约肌切开术（endoscopic sphincterotomy, EST）手术史（OR=8.128,95%CI：2.382~27.738,P=0.001）、高位胆管狭窄（OR=4.457,95%CI：1.722~11.539,P=0.002）、使用长度≥7 cm的塑料支架（OR=4.701,95%CI：1.708~12.938,P=0.003）和圣诞树型支架（OR=6.890,95%CI：1.540~30.830,P=0.012）是胆管塑料支架移位致十二指肠损伤的独立危险因素。结论　高位胆管狭窄、使用长度≥7 cm的塑料支架和圣诞树型支架、有胃肠手术史及EST手术史会增加胆管狭窄患者置入塑料支架后支架移位致十二指肠损伤的危险。     

Secretion of Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide in Patients with Bile Duct Obstruction

Background: The usefulness of the rapid urease test (RUT) in diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection after peptic ulcer surgery is unknown. Methods: Patients who had undergone peptic ulcer surgery were offered endoscopic examination if they presented with dyspepsia or gastrointestinal bleeding. Biopsy specimens were taken for RUT and histology from the corpus and the stoma in patients who had undergone partial gastrectomy or from the corpus and the antrum in patients who had undergone vagotomy. Histologic examination using haematoxylin and eosin stain and Warthin-Starry stain were used as the gold standard. Results: Ninety patients were studied (69 had partial gastrectomy and 21 had vagotomy). Forty-three patients (32 in the partial gastrectomy group and 11 in the vagotomy group) were positive for H. pylori by histology. The respective sensitivity of RUT was 59% (stoma) and 75% (corpus) in the partial gastrectomy group (P = 0.36) and 55% (antrum) and 73% (corpus) in the vagotomy group (P = 0.51). Conclusions: RUT is not sensitive for detecting H. pylori after acid reduction surgery.     

Bile Acid Malabsorption in Patients with Chronic Diarrhoea

The presence of bile acid malabsorption was studied in 24 patients with chronic diarrhoea without established cause despite extensive investigations. Bile acid absorption was evaluated with the ⁷⁵Se-homocholic acid taurine (SeHCAT) test. A therapeutic trial of cholestyramine was performed in 11 patients. Fourteen of the patients (58%) showed evidence of bile acid malabsorption. Of the 11 patients who were treated with cholestyramine, 3 had no improvement of their diarrhoea and also had a normal SeHCAT test result. Of the other eight patients, who also had pathologic SeHCAT test result, five improved on treatment, whereas three had no change of their diarrhoea. Seven of the 24 patients had a previous history of cholecystectomy. Four of them showed bile acid malabsorption; three of these were treated with cholestyramine and responded favourably. The results suggest that bile acid malabsorption may be common in chronic diarrhoea patients but may not always be the primary cause of diarrhoea.     

Biliary Stricture after Adult Right-Lobe Living-Donor Liver Transplantation with Duct-to-Duct Anastomosis: Long-Term Outcome and Its Related Factors after Endoscopic Treatment

Background/Aims

Biliary stricture is the most common and important complication after right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation (RL-LDLT) with duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis. This study evaluated the efficacy and long-term outcome of endoscopic treatment for biliary stricture after LDLT, with the aim of identifying the factors that influence the outcome.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty-nine adults received RL-LDLTs with duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis between January 2000 and May 2008 at Kangnam St. Mary''s Hospital. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) was performed in 113 patients who had biliary stricture after LDLT. We evaluated the incidence of post-LDLT biliary stricture and the long-term outcome of endoscopic treatment for biliary stricture. The factors related to the outcome were analyzed.

Results

Biliary strictures developed in 121 (35.7%) patients, 95 (78.5%) of them within 1 year of surgery. The mean number of ERCs performed per patient was 3.2 (range, 1 to 11). The serum biochemical markers decreased significantly after ERC (p<0.001). Stent insertion or stricture dilatation during ERC was successful in 90 (79.6%) patients. After a median follow-up period of 33 months from the first successful treatment with ERC, 48 (42.5%) patients achieved treatment success and 12 (10.6%) patients remained under treatment. The factors related to the outcome of endoscopic treatment were nonanastomotic stricture and stenosis of the hepatic artery (p=0.016).

Conclusions

Endoscopic treatment is efficacious and has an acceptable long-term outcome in the management of biliary strictures related to RL-LDLT with duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis. Nonanastomotic stricture and stenosis of the hepatic artery are correlated with a worse outcome of endoscopic treatment.     

114例胆道感染患者胆汁细菌培养分析

目的了解胆道感染患者胆汁中主要致病菌的分布及其耐药情况。方法对我院2001年7月~2005年12月间收治的114例胆道感染患者胆汁细菌培养阳性的125株致病菌的分布情况及耐药情况作回顾性分析。结果125株胆汁培养阳性致病菌中革兰氏阴性杆菌86株(占68.8%),革兰氏阳性菌32株(占25.6%),真菌7株(占5.6%)。革兰氏阴性杆菌对亚胺培南/西司他丁的敏感率为100%,其次是丁胺卡那霉素(95.3%)。革兰氏阳性菌对万古霉素的敏感率为100%,丁胺卡那霉素93.8%敏感。结论胆道感染以革兰氏阴性菌为主,丁胺卡那霉素可作为治疗胆道感染的首选用药。     

Mucin gene expression in bile of patients with and without gallstone disease, collected by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

AIM： To investigate the pattern of mucin expression and concentration in bile obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography （ERC） in relation to gallstone disease.METHODS： Bile samples obtained at ERC from 29 consecutive patients, 17 with and 12 without gallstone disease were evaluated for mucin content by gel filtration on a Sepharose CL-4B column. Dot blot analysis for bile mucin apoproteins was performed with antibodies to Mucin 1 （MUC1）, MUC2, MUC3, MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC6. Staining intensity score （0-3） was used as a measure of antigen expression.RESULTS： MUCl, MUC2, MUC3, MUCSAC, MUC5B and MUC6 were demonstrated in 34.4%, 34.4%, 51.7%, 51.7%, 55.1% and 27.5% of bile samples, respectively.The staining intensity scores were 0.62 ± 0.94, 0.58 ± 0.90, 0.79 ± 0.97, 1.06 ± 1.22, 1.20 ± 2.26 and 0.41 ± 0.73, respectively. Mean mucin concentration measured in bile by the Sepharose CL-4B method was 22.8 ± 24.0 mg/mL （range 3.4-89.0 mg/mL）. Mean protein concentration was 8.1 ± 4.8 mg/mL （range 1.7-23.2 mg/mL）.CONCLUSION： High levels of MUC3, MUC5AC and MUC5B are expressed in bile aspirated during ERC examination. A specific pattern of mucin gene expression or change in mucin concentration was not found in gallstone disease.     

Bile Acid Malabsorption in Patients with Chronic Diarrhoea: Clinical Value of SeHCAT Test

Background: Bile acid malabsorption (BAM), a cause of chronic diarrhoea, can be diagnosed by the SeHCAT test. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of SeHCAT testing by assessing the extent of BAM and describing the clinical characteristics in a group of patients with chronic diarrhoea. Clinical outcome after treatment with cholestyramine was also evaluated. Methods: During a 5-year period (1997-2001) the SeHCAT test was performed in 135 patients in whom a primary programme for diagnostic evaluation of chronic diarrhoea had not revealed a cause. File data from 133 patients could be evaluated. Results: In 44% of patients, bile acid absorption was normal with SeHCAT retention &#83 15%. Impaired SeHCAT retention was found in 56%. All patients with ileocaecal resections had retention values <10%. Patients with microscopic colitis presented with BAM in 39%. Only one patient with idiopathic BAM presented with steatorrhoea as opposed to 11 patients with type 1 and 3 BAM. Patients with idiopathic BAM and/or SeHCAT retention values <5% had the best response to treatment with cholestyramine. Conclusions: The SeHCAT test is of value in evaluation of patients with chronic diarrhoea as a second-line investigation with a high diagnostic yield. The only a priori parameter to predict BAM was the existence of ileocaecal resections. The result of the SeHCAT test seems to predict the benefit of treatment with cholestyramine.     

Analysis of Pancreaticobiliary Ductal Union Based on Intraoperative Cholangiography in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: In order to diagnose pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM), it is necessary to perform direct fluoroscopic examinations of the biliary tract system. For patients with benign biliary diseases, these examinations are performed only in selected cases, because they are generally invasive. We investigated whether intraoperative cholangiography was practicable in evaluating the presence of PBM in patients with benign biliary diseases who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Method: Between March 1998 and February 2001, intraoperative cholangiography (IOCG), which is one of the direct fluoroscopic examinations, was attempted in all 100 patients who underwent LC. Results: IOCG was completed successfully in 98 patients (98.0%). No complications associated with IOCG occurred. In 13 (13.3%) of 98 patients, IOCG showed reflux of contrast medium into the pancreatic duct through a common channel. 'A long common channel' was observed in 8 cases (8.2%), suggesting the presence of PBM. Conclusion: These results suggest that IOCG in LC may be a practicable method for detecting the presence of PBM.     

The Diagnostic Value of Fasting Serum Total Bile Acid Concentration in Patients with Suspected Liver Disease

To assess the diagnostic value of fasting serum total bile acids (STBA) in liver disease, STBA together with serum bilirubin (BIL), serum alkaline phosphatase (AP), and serum aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) were measured in 66 consecutive patients who had a liver biopsy. Twenty-four of the patients who had normal liver histology all had normal STBA values (< 8 μmol/l). In the remaining 42 patients with abnormal liver histology STBA values were elevated in 21, corresponding to a sensitivity of 0.50. The same figures for BIL, AP, and ASAT were 0.52, 0.76, and 0.79, respectively. The predictive values of elevated (PV_pos) and normal (PV_neg) STBA for disclosing or excluding liver disease, respectively, were not better than the figures for BIL, AP, and ASAT. None of the tests were suited for distinguishing among various liver diseases. It is concluded that STBA had no diagnostic advantage as compared with the commonly used liver function tests BIL, AP, and ASAT.