Double common bile duct： A case report

Double common bile duct （DCBD） is a rare congenital anomaly in which two common bile ducts exist. One usually has normal drainage into the papilla duodeni major and the other usually named accessory common bile duct （ACBD） opens in different parts of upper gastrointestinal tract （stomach, duodenum, ductus pancreaticus or septum）. This anomaly is of great importance since it is often associated with biliary lithiasis, choledochal cyst, anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction （APBJ） and upper gastrointestinal tract malignancies. We recently recognized a rare case of DCBD associated with APB3 with lithiasis in better developed common bile duct. The opening site of ACBD was in the pancreatic duct. The anomaly was suspected by transabdominal ultrasonography and finally confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography （ERCP） followed by endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction. According to the literature, the existence of DCBD with the opening of ACBD in the pancreatic duct is most frequently associated with APB3 and gallbladder carcinoma. In case of DCBD, the opening site of ACBD is of greatest clinical importance because of its close implications with concomitant pathology. The adequate diagnosis of this rare anomaly is significant since the operative complications may occur in cases with DCBD which is not recognized prior to surgical treatment.     

Clinical usefulness of transpapillary removal of common bile duct stones by frequency doubled double pulse Nd：YAG laser

AIM： To study the efficacy and the safety of laser lithotripsy without direct visual control by using a balloon catheter in patients with bile duct stones that could not be extracted by standard technique.
METHODS： The seventeen patients （7 male and 10 female; mean age 67.8 years） with difficult common bile duct （CBD） stones were not amenable for conventional endoscopic maneuvers such as sphincterotomy and mechanical lithotripsy were included in this study. Laser wavelengths of 532 nm and 1064 nm as a double pulse were applied with pulse energy of 120 mJ. The laser fiber was advanced under fluoroscopic control through the ERCP balloon catheter. Laser lithotripsy was continued until the fragment size seemed to be less than 10 mm. Endoscopic extraction of the stones and fragments was performed with the use of the Dormia basket and balloon catheter.
RESULTS： Bile duct clearance was achieved in 15 of 17 patients （88%）. The mean number of treatment sessions was 1.7 ± 0.6. Endoscopic stone removal could not be achieved in 2 patients （7%）. Adverse effects were noted in three patients （hemobilia, pancreatitis, and cholangitis）.
CONCLUSION： The Frequency Doubled Double Pulse Nd：YAG （FREDDY） laser may be an effective and safe technique in treatment of difficult bile duct stones.     

Watchful waiting after endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones: cheaper and better?

Drake et al. constructed a decision model to compare, in an older population, the costs and 2-yr survival rates of elective cholecystectomy versus expectant management after endoscopic removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones. The base case analysis indicated that the expectant management strategy dominated (less expensive and more effective) the elective surgery strategy. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the two strategies likely had equivalent effectiveness and that results were sensitive to the rate of recurrent biliary symptoms. Patient preferences for the different strategies (i.e., utilities) were not included in the model but are important to elicit and consider in clinical practice.     

Increased susceptibility for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and contraceptive-induced cholestasis in carriers of the 1331T〉C polymorphism in the bile salt export pump

AIM： To study the association of three common ABCB11 and ABCC2 polymorphisms （ABCB11： 1331T〉C→V444A; ABCC2： 3563T〉A → V1188E and 4544G 〉A → C1515Y） with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy （ICP） and contraceptive-induced cholestasis （CIC）. METHODS： ABCB11 and ABCC2 genotyping data were available from four CIC patients and from 42 and 33 ICP patients, respectively. Allele-frequencies of the studied polymorphisms were compared with those in healthy pregnant controls and Caucasian individuals. Furthermore, serum bile acid levels were correlated with the presence or absence of the 1331 C allele. RESULTS： The ABCB11 1331T〉C polymorphism was significantly more frequent in cholestatic patients than in pregnant controls： C allele 76.2% （CI, 58.0-94.4） vs 51.3% （CI 35.8-66.7）, respectively （P = 0.0007）; and CC allele 57.1% （CI 36.0-78.3） vs 20% （CI 7.6-32.4）, respectively （P = 0.0065）. All four CIC patients were homozygous carriers of the C allele. In contrast, none of the studied ABCC2 polymorphism was overrepresented in ICP or CIC patients. Higher serum bile acid levels were found in carriers of the 1331CC genotype compared to carriers of the TT genotype. CONCLUSION： Our data support a role for the ABCB11 1331T〉C polymorphism as a susceptibility factor for the development of estrogen-induced cholestasis, whereas no such association was found for ABCC2. Serum bile acid and 7-glutamyl transferase levels might help to distinguish ABCB4- and ABCB11-related forms of ICP and CIC.     

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for removal of bile duct stones in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients

Background: Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD) for common bile duct(CBD) stones removal in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients is feasible. However, the long-term outcomes of this technique are not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the procedural and long-term outcomes of EPBD for removal of CBD stones in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients.Methods: The records of patients with previous Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy referred for CBD stones removal with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) between July 1, 2008 and September 1,2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcomes of stone clearance, ERCP-related adverse events,and stone recurrence were analyzed.Results: A total of 83 patients with previous Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy underwent ERCP in our center were reviewed. Forty-nine consecutive patients with previous Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy referred to EPBD for removal of CBD stones underwent 59 ERCP procedures were enrolled in the end. The overall successful CBD stones clearance was achieved in 42 patients(85.7%). ERCP-related adverse events was in 3 ERCP procedures(5.1%). Severe complications, including perforation and bleeding, were not observed. Six of 49 patients(12.2%) had stone recurrence after a median period of22.5 months(range 6–71 months) from the end of stone removal treatment. Female [odds ratio(OR) = 11.352; 95% confidence interval(95% CI): 1.040–123.912; P = 0.046] and previous mechanical lithotripsy(OR = 13.423; 95% CI: 1.070–168.434; P = 0.044) were significantly associated with stone recurrence.Conclusions: At long-term follow-up, EPBD for removal of CBD stones appeared to be safe and effective in Billroth Ⅱ gastrectomy patients. Female and previous mechanical lithotripsy may be risk factors for stone recurrence.     

Benign nontraumatic inflammatory stricture of mid portion of common bile duct mimicking malignant tumor： Report of two cases

Benign nontraumatic inflammatory stricture of the common bile duct (CBD) may result in obstructive jaundice, which can be misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor of the CBD preoperatively. Two cases with strictures of the mid portion of the common bile duct presenting with obstructive jaundice are reported herein. Preoperative radiological studies prompted us to confidently make the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. However, the postoperative diagnosis on histological examination of the resected lesions was chronic inflammation and fibrosis. The complications of chronic duodenal ulcer are considered as the etiology of these two disorders.     

Differentiation of malignant and benign proximal bile duct strictures： The diagnostic dilemma

AIM： To identify the criteria for the differentiation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma （HCCA） from benign strictures. METHODS： A total of 68 patients underwent resection of lesions suspicious for HCCA between 1998 and 2006. The results of laboratory investigations, imaging studies and brush cytology were collected. These findings were analyzed to obtain the final diagnosis. RESULTS： Histological examination of the resected specimens confirmed HCCA in 58 patients （85%, group Ⅰ） whereas 10 patients （15%, group Ⅱ） were diagnosed to have benign strictures. The most common presenting symptom was obstructive jaundice in 77% patients （79% group vs 60% group Ⅰ, P = 0.23）. Laboratory findings showed greater elevation of transaminase levels in group Ⅰ compared to group Ⅱ. The various imaging modalities showed vascular involvement exclusively in the malignant group （36%,P 〈 0.05）. Brush cytology was positive for malignant cells in only 50% patients in group Ⅰ whereas none in group Ⅱshowed malignant cells. CONCLUSION： Despite improvements in imaging techniques, 10 patients （15%） with a presumptive diagnosis of HCCA were ultimately found to have benign strictures. Except for vascular involvement which was associated significantly with malignancy, there were no conclusive features of malignancy on regular imaging modalities. This uncertainty should be taken into account when patients with a suspicious lesion at the liver hilum are considered for resection.     

Carcinoid tumor of the common bile duct： A rare complication of von HippeI-Lindau syndrome

Von HippeI-Lindau syndrome （VHL） is a rare autosomal-dominant, inherited familial cancer syndrome. Hemangioblastomas, pheochromocytomas and renal carcinoma are the frequent reported VHL tumors. Neuroendocrine tumors have also been described, mostly in the pancreas and rarely in the biliary trees. We report the second case of bile duct carcinoid in a 31-year-old VHL woman. She underwent right adrenalectomy for a pheochromocytoma in the past. She also had a positive family history of phenotypic expression of VHL syndrome. The patient presented with biliary colic. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography showed intraluminal bile duct mass. Surgical exploration identified a beige nodular lesion that was a carcinoid tumor on histology. This new association should be clarified by further genetic investigations.     

Ductal stones recurrence after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for difficult common bile duct stones: Predictive factors

Background & purposeExtra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) can be considered in difficult common bile duct stones (DCBDS), with a success rate greater than 90% but data on stone recurrence after ESWL are limited. We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients who underwent ESWL for DCBDS.MethodsFrom May 1992 to October 2012, patients who underwent ESWL treatment for DCBDS, not amenable to endoscopic extraction, were included. Data on long-term outcome were collected through phone interviews and medical records.ResultsA total of 201 patients with a successful clearance of DCBDS after ESWL were included. During a median follow-up period of 4.64 years, 40 patients (20%) developed a recurrence of bile duct stones. Logistic regression analysis showed that the common bile duct diameter, gallstones presence and the maximum stone size were significantly associated with recurrence.ConclusionsWe observed a recurrence rate of 20% over a median follow-up of 4 years. Gallbladder stones, stone size and a dilated common bile duct diameter are risk factors for recurrent stone formation, while ursodeoxycholic acid treatment did not influence recurrence in our population.     

鼻胆管造影对经内镜逆行胰胆管造影取石术后结石残留的诊断价值及结石残留相关因素分析

目的评价经鼻胆管造影对经内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)术后残留胆总管结石的诊断价值,分析残留结石的相关危险因素。方法回顾性分析2018年1月1日—2019年12月31日在北京大学第一医院完成ERCP取石及内镜下鼻胆管引流术后鼻胆管造影的病例资料。计数资料组间比较采用χ²检验。运用logistic回归分析结石残留的独立危险因素。结果366例患者完成ERCP取石及鼻胆管造影,27例可疑残留结石,再次ERCP证实其中25例为结石残留(残留组),另341例无残留(无残留组)。ERCP胆管取石后结石残留率为6.8%(25/366),鼻胆管造影对胆总管残留结石的阳性预测值为92.6%(25/27)。单因素分析结果显示:多发结石、胆总管直径≥1.5cm、机械碎石在两组间的差异有统计学意义(χ²值分别为5.014、7.651、9.670,P值均<0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,多发结石(OR=2.713,95%CI:1.002~7.345,P=0.049)、机械碎石(OR=9.183,95%CI:2.347~35.925,P=0.001)是结石残留的独立危险因素。结论术后鼻胆管造影是发现胆总管残留结石的有效手段。多发结石和术中使用机械碎石是结石残留的独立危险因素。     

Plasmapheresis and corticosteroid treatment for persistent jaundice after successful drainage of common bile duct stones by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

Prolonged cholestasis is a very rare complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography （ERC）. Only few cases with this complication are reported in the English literature. We report persisting cholestatic jaundice in a 73-year old man after successful therapeutic ERC for choledocholithiasis. Serologic tests for viral and autoimmune hepatitis were all negative. A second-look ERC was normal also. He denied any medication except for prophylaxis given intravenous 1 g ceftriaxon prior to the ERC procedure. After an unsuccessful trial with ursodeoxycholic acid and cholestyramine for 2 wk, this case was efficiently treated with corticosteroids and plasmapheresis. His cholestatic enzymes became normal and intense pruritis quickly resolved after this treatment which lasted during his followup period. We discussed the possible mechanisms and treatment alternatives of intrahepatic cholestasis associated with the ERC procedure.     

Percutaneous transhepatic extraction and balloon dilation for simultaneous gallbladder stones and common bile duct stones: A novel technique

AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of an innovative percutaneous transhepatic extraction and balloon dilation(PTEBD) technique for clearance of gallbladder stones in patients with concomitant stones in the common bile duct(CBD).METHODS The data from 17 consecutive patients who underwent PTEBD for clearance of gallbladder stones were retrospectively analyzed. After removal of the CBD stones by percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation(PTBD), the gallbladder stones were extracted to the CBD and pushed into the duodenum with a balloon after dilation of the sphincter of Oddi. Large stones were fragmented using a metallic basket. The patients were monitored for immediate adverse events including hemorrhage, perforation, pancreatitis, and cholangitis. During the two-year follow-up, they were monitored for stone recurrence, reflux cholangitis, and other longterm adverse events.RESULTS Gallbladder stones were successfully removed in 16(94.1%) patients. PTEBD was repeated in one patient. The mean hospitalization duration was 15.9 ± 2.2 d. Biliary duct infection and hemorrhage occurred in one(5.9%) patient. No severe adverse events, including pancreatitis or perforation of the gastrointestinal or biliary tract occurred. Neither gallbladder stone recurrence nor refluxing cholangitis had occurred two years after the procedure.CONCLUSION Sequential PTBD and PTEBD are safe and effective for patients with simultaneous gallbladder and CBD stones. These techniques provide a new therapeutic approach for certain subgroups of patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic sphincterotomy or surgery is not appropriate.     

高龄患者胆总管巨大结石的内镜治疗

目的探讨内镜对高龄患者胆总管巨大结石的可行性和疗效。方法 29例高龄胆总管巨大结石患者完善术前准备,在密切监护下经十二指肠镜先行内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP),胆总管显影发现结石,均给予内镜下括约肌切开术(EST)和机械碎石术(EML)取石。根据具体情况,留置鼻胆管引流。结果 28例取石成功,取石成功率96.6%,有11例行鼻胆管引流。乳头肌切口创面轻度渗血3例,一过性高淀粉酶血症8例,未发生严重并发症和死亡。结论 EST联合EML治疗高龄患者胆总管巨大结石安全有效,但娴熟的内镜操作技术、精心的术前准备及术中的仔细监护和处理是保证操作成功的重要条件。     

Combination of endoprostheses and oral ursodeoxycholic acid or placebo in the treatment of difficult to extract common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND: When common bile duct (CBD) stones cannot be removed after conventional endoscopic techniques or mechanical lithotripsy, biliary stenting serves for further planned endoscopic attempt of stone removal or operation. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) or placebo plus endoprostheses on stones' fragmentation or size. METHODS: Forty-one patients with difficult to extract CBD stones were prospectively studied. They were randomised to receive either a 10 Fr straight plastic stent and oral 750 mg UDCA (group A, 21 patients) or placebo (group B, 20 patients) daily for 6 months. RESULTS: A total clearance of CBD was achieved in 16 patients (76.9%) of group A and 15 patients (75%) of group B. The stones remained unchanged in size in five patients (23.8%) of group A and five patients (25%) of group B. In seven patients (33%) of group A and five patients (25%) of group B a repeated ERCP demonstrated fragmentation of CBD stones that were easily extracted. A reduction in stones' size was observed in 8 patients (38%) of group A (1.61 +/- 0.32 cm before treatment vs. 1.21 +/- 0.24 cm after treatment, p = 0.002) and 10 patients (50%) of group B (1.61 +/- 0.35 cm before vs. 1.24+/-0.22 cm after treatment, p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference on stone size reduction (p = 0.602) and fragmentation (p=0.558) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that UDCA does not seem to contribute to the reduction in stones' size or stones' fragmentation during the endoprosthetic procedure.     

Failure of endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones due to endo-clip migration following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

We report herein an extremely rare complication; namely, endo‐clip migration into the common bile duct, following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, that occurred in a 57‐year‐old man. He underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but postoperative bile leakage occurred from the cystic duct stump and he was treated by conservative drainage for 1 month. Five years later, he complained of vomiting and pain in the right hypochondrium, and he was admitted for investigations of jaundice and liver dysfunction. Computerized tomography scanning of the abdomen and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed that several calculi, with six endo‐clips as nuclei, had migrated into the biliary tract. Endoscopic removal of the calculi following endoscopic sphincterotomy, using a basket catheter, was unsuccessful, and it was therefore necessary to remove the basket catheter surgically. The mechanism of endo‐clip migration and the method for removing the endo‐clips are briefly discussed.     

Two-stage vs single-stage management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones

AIM: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two-stage vs single-stage management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones.METHODS: Four databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Science Citation Index up to September 2011, were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were extracted from the studies by two independent reviewers. The primary outcomes were stone clearance from the common bile duct, postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes were conversion to other procedures, number of procedures per patient, length of hospital stay, total operative time, hospitalization charges, patient acceptance and quality of life scores.RESULTS: Seven eligible RCTs [five trials (n = 621) comparing preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)/endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) + laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with LC + laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE); two trials (n = 166) comparing postoperative ERCP/EST + LC with LC + LCBDE], composed of 787 patients in total, were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis detected no statistically significant difference between the two groups in stone clearance from the common bile duct [risk ratios (RR) = -0.10, 95% confidence intervals (CI): -0.24 to 0.04, P = 0.17], postoperative morbidity (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.10, P = 0.16), mortality (RR = 2.19, 95% CI: 0.33 to 14.67, P = 0.42), conversion to other procedures (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.54 to 2.70, P = 0.39), length of hospital stay (MD = 0.99, 95% CI: -1.59 to 3.57, P = 0.45), total operative time (MD = 12.14, 95% CI: -1.83 to 26.10, P = 0.09). Two-stage (LC + ERCP/EST) management clearly required more procedures per patient than single-stage (LC + LCBDE) management.CONCLUSION: Single-stage management is equivalent to two-stage management but requires fewer procedures. However, patient’s condition, operator’s expertise and local resources should be taken into account in making treatment decisions.