Placement of percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent using a silicone drain with channels

This report describes a method for percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting with a BLAKE Silicone Drain, and discusses the usefulness of placement of the drain connected to a J-VAC Suction Reservoir for the treatment of stenotic hepaticojejunostomy. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed under ultrasonographic guidance in a patient with stenotic hepaticojejunostomy after hepatectomy for hepatic hilum malignancy. The technique used was as follows. After dilatation of the drainage root, an 11-FF tube with several side holes was passed through the stenosis of the hepaticojejunostomy. A 10-Fr BLAKE Silicone Drain is flexible, which precludes onestep insertion. One week after insertion of the 11-Fr tube, a 0.035-inch guidewire was inserted into the tube. After removal of the 11-Fr tube, the guidewire was put into the channel of a 10-Fr BLAKE Silicone Drain. The drain was inserted into the jejunal limb through the intrahepatic bile duct and was connected to a J-VAC Suction Reservoir. Low-pressure continued suction was applied. Patients can be discharged after insertion of the 10-Fr BLAKE Silicone Drain connected to the J-VAC Suction Reservoir. Placement of a percutaneous transhepaUc biliary stent using a 10-Fr BLAKE Silicone Drain connected to a J-VAC Suction Reservoir is useful for the treatment of stenotic hepaticojejunostomy.     

Biliary stricture with hepatolithiasis as a late complication of retrograde transhepatic biliary drainage

A 63-year-old man was admitted to a community hospital complaining of fever and epigastric pain. He had undergone cholecystectomy and choledocholithotomy with retrograde transhepatic biliary drainage 7 years previously. Referred to our hospital after demonstration of hepatolithiasis by computed tomography, he underwent further imaging that showed a dilated left lateral anterior segmental bile duct (B3) with hepatolithiasis. After he underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage via the B3 segmental bile duct, cholangiography performed through the drainage catheter revealed a biliary stricture at the confluence of B3 associated with intrahepatic stones. percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy showed a stricture and a cholangioscopic biopsy specimen contained no malignant cells. After performing cholangioscopic lithotomy, an endoprosthesis was inserted and connected to a subcutaneously placed reservoir. Repeat percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy 10 months later demonstrated a decreased degree of the stricture, so the endoprosthetic catheter could be removed. Retrospective review of computed tomography images obtained just after the first operation indicated that the retrograde transhepatic biliary drainage catheter had passed close to the B3, and that intrahepatic bile duct dilation was not present. Therefore, we suspect that biliary stricture was caused by an old bile duct injury due to retrograde transhepatic biliary drainage catheter placement. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy effectively managed this stricture and associated hepatolithiasis.     

Percutaneous transhepatic insertion of metal stents with a double-pigtail catheter in afferent loop obstruction following distal gastrectomy

We report successful outcome following transhepatic insertion of metal stents with a double-pigtail catheter in a patient with afferent loop syndrome caused by recurrent gastric carcinoma. A 77-year-old man was admitted with a 2-week history of fever, right upper quadrant pain, and jaundice. His past medical history included distal gastrectomy for treatment of gastric cancer two years previously. Abdominal computed tomography revealed marked dilation of the jejunal limb and intrahepatic bile duct. We diagnosed the patient with afferent loop syndrome resulting from recurrent cancer. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed, and a catheter was placed beyond the papilla of Vater. Approximately 1300 mL of turbid jejunal contents were removed. Symptoms resolved by one day after initiation of drainage. After 1 week, a sheath introducer was inserted beyond the point of stenosis, and two metal stents were placed. A double-pigtail catheter was inserted into the metal stents to prevent migration. Good stent placement was confirmed and the drainage catheter was removed.     

Resection of intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma with hilar bile duct and portal vein invasion--a case report

A case of resected intrahepatic bile duct cancer with hilar bile duct and portal vein invasion is presented. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed to alleviate jaundice and evaluate the biliary system. Intraductal tumor extension was determined, and an accurate histological diagnosis was made in biopsy material obtained under percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy. Preoperative surgical planning was carried out on the basis of an evaluation of the findings of ultrasonography, computed tomography, arteriography, portography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy. Curative surgery, which included right hepatic lobectomy with total caudate lobectomy and combined resection and reconstruction of the portal vein, was performed. Bilioenteric continuity was re-established by a Roux-en-Y jejunal loop. The histological diagnosis was moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma originated in the right posterior branch of the intrahepatic bile duct. Postoperative recovery was very good, and the patient has now been enjoying a good active social life for the past three years with no signs of tumor recurrence. This case report discusses the accurate diagnosis and rational surgical treatment for intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma with hilar invasion.     

Is preoperative biliary drainage necessary according to evidence‐based medicine?

Preoperative biliary drainage has been in use for a long time and is still being performed today in some institutions, but there has been a long-standing issue as to whether the necessity of this procedure has been proven medically. Many problems existed previously, such as systemic complications due to the difficulty in diagnosing and differentiating obstructive jaundice from jaundice left untreated for a long time, or surgeon-based problems such as a lack of surgical skill or undeveloped surgical techniques, or even inexperience in perioperative patient management. These problems, however, are being overcome with time, and the advantages of preoperative biliary drainage are now being questioned according to evidence-based medicine. Several recent controlled trials have clearly shown that preoperative biliary drainage is not necessary for lower bile duct obstruction, although it was noted that surgery after reduction of jaundice by percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) was very easily performed. It is important to understand that preoperative biliary drainage is unnecessary for lower bile duct obstruction, whether the technique follows a percutaneous approach, an endoscopic apporach, or stenting. Although it is still being debated, there have already been several reports regarding whether preoperative biliary drainage is necessary for upper bile duct obstruction, such as hilar bile duct carcinoma. This also needs to be clarified by randomized controlled trials. Aside from preoperative biliary drainage, the utilization of biliary drainage or stenting has been fully recognized as important for removing intrahepatic stones or choledochal stones, as well as for emergency drainage for acute cholangitis and for the treatment of unresectable malignant biliary stenosis. Additionally, percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS), using the PTCD, or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) route, plays a major role not only in the removal of biliary stones but also in the diagnosis of cases in which it is difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.     

A case of sclerosing cholangitis managed by a percutaneous approach

In 1992, a 61-year-old man who complained of recurrent episodes of fever and jaundice was diagnosed as having sclerosing cholangitis. In the three years that followed, the clinical picture progressively worsened; and, in 1995, the patient was hospitalized again for biliary obstruction. A liver transplantation was excluded because of concomitant severe coronary heart disease. A percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram showed several critical strictures of the intrahepatic biliary tree and a temporary internal-external biliary drainage was placed to relieve the obstruction. After 40 days, a two-step percutaneous biliary balloon dilation was performed followed by topical steroid treatment through the catheter. After 45 days, the catheter was removed and steroid treatment tapered orally. In the three years that followed, the patient was well. He experienced only about 1-2 episodes of ascending cholangitis per year requiring antimicrobial therapy. Laboratory analysis showed a gradual improvement in hepatic chemistry, serum bilirubin, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In our patient, the association of percutaneous balloon dilation and topical steroid treatment improved both the clinical and radiological picture, without significant side-effects. This approach should be considered a valuable and cost-effective option in primary sclerosing cholangitis, mainly for patients not eligible for liver transplantation.     

Pathophysiologic mechanisms in patients with cholangitis or obstructive jaundice: Results of a cholangiographic study

Bacterial reflux from the biliary tract to the systemic circulation is considered to be the primary etiologic factor in bacteremia and the development of sepsis. However, as the pathophysiologic features of the biliary tract that may promote such a reflux of biliary bacteria remain unclear, we investigated, using direct cholangiography, the pathophysiologic relationship between the intrahepatic bile ducts and biliary reflux into the systemic circulation after the percutaneous infusion of a contrast material containing indocyanine green (ICG) into the circulating blood. The subjects were 19 patients who underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with drainage to treat either a biliary infection or obstructive jaundice, an 8 post-T-tube control patients with normal biliary drainage. The relationship between the biliary tract pressure and ICG reflux during cholangiography was also analyzed. An ICG reflux was observed in all 19 patients who had undergone percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with drainage and in 2 of the 8 control patients. In all patients who showed positive ICG reflux, this occurred when the biliary pressure increased to 25cm H₂O. An ICG reflux was seen in the 16 patients with a positive bile culture, and in 7 of 13 patients with a negative bile culture. When we analyzed ICG reflux in relation to the morphology of the intrahepatic bile duct, we found that all 4 patients who had cholangitic hepatic abscesses also exhibited higher ICG reflux concentrations and the clinical symptoms of cholangitis. Radiologically, all 7 patients with cholangitis demonstrated many small intrahepatic branches, and they exhibited moderate ICG refluxes, whereas the 6 patients who had obstructive jaundice but no cholangitis had fewer ICG refluxes and no clinical symptoms. This study demonstrated two possible pathophysiological routes for biliary reflux: (1) via cholangitic hepatic abscesses, with entry of the bacteria directly into the circulating blood, or (2) via the small intrahepatic biliary branches, in which entry of bacteria into the systemic circulation occurs through the cholangioles.     

经皮肝穿刺胆道造影术下的胆道活组织检查诊断阻塞性黄疸

目的：探索PTC胆道活检的可行性和敏感性，指导临床治疗。方法：26例阻塞性黄疸，在行PTCD(经皮肝穿刺胆道内外引流术)减黄术中，进行PTC胆道活检。此技术通过经皮经肝穿刺通道送入8F鞘，将活检钳经鞘内送入并对病变狭窄段行胆道活检，获取多个标本，然后行组织病理学检查。结果：26例中有24例获得组织病理学诊断(敏感性92．31％)。病理报告为胆管腺癌15例，胆管鳞癌1例，胰腺癌2例，肝癌2例，胃腺癌胆总管转移1例，硬化性胆管炎1例，胆管慢性炎症1例，胆管结石1例，阴性结果2例，阳性结果率为92．31％。结论：PTC下胆道活检是一种简单易行、准确可靠的获取组织学病理检查途径。     

Biliary tuberculosis causing cicatricial stenosis after oral anti-tuberculosis therapy

A 36-year-old Philippine woman presented with dark urine and yellow sclera. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) confirmed dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts and also showed an irregular stricture of the common hepatic duct at the liver hilum. Histological examination of biopsies from the bile duct revealed epithelioid cell granulomas and caseous necrosis. Tubercle bacilli were then detected on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of the bile, giving the diagnosis of biliary tuberculosis. Although microbiological cure was confirmed, the patient developed cicatricial stenosis of the hepatic duct. She underwent repeated treatments with endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) tubes and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) tubes, and the stenosis was corrected after 6 years. We present a case of tuberculous biliary stricture, a condition that requires careful differentiation from the more common malignancies and needs long-term follow-up due to the risk of posttreatment cicatricial stenosis, although it is rare.     

Biliary tuberculosis causing cicatricial stenosis after oral anti-tuberculosis therapy

A 36-year-old Philippine woman presented with dark urine and yellow sclera. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) confirmed dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts and also showed an irregular stricture of the common hepatic duct at the liver hilum. Histological examination of biopsies from the bile duct revealed epithelioid cell granulomas and caseous necrosis. Tubercle bacilli were then detected on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of the bile, giving the diagnosis of biliary tuberculosis. Although microbiological cure was confirmed, the patient developed cicatricial stenosis of the hepatic duct. She underwent repeated treatments with endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) tubes and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) tubes, and the stenosis was corrected after 6 years. We present a case of tuberculous biliary stricture, a condition that requires careful differentiation from the more common malignancies and needs long-term follow-up due to the risk of posttreatment cicatricial stenosis, although it is rare.     

A case of biliary cast syndrome after cadaveric liver transplantation]

We experienced one fatal case of biliary cast syndrome after cadaveric liver transplantation involving both intrahepatic ducts. A 58-year-old man underwent cadaveric liver transplantation because of hepatitis B virus related liver cirrhosis and concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma. Five weeks after the liver transplantation, postoperative course was complicated by development of acute cholangitis. Subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed diffuse intrahepatic bile duct strictures without filling defects. Percutaneous liver biopsy, which was done to exclude rejection, revealed biliary cast. Successful endoscopic removal was precluded due to its diffuse involvement. Because of the deterioration of patient's condition by refractory biliary obstruction and cholangitis, retransplantation from cadaveric donor was performed. Debridement of the biliary tree after graft removal yielded a near-complete cast of the intrahepatic ductal system. Biliary cast syndrome should be suspected when jaundice or cholangitis is associated with dilated ducts on abdominal imaging studies in cadaveric liver transplantation recipients. Initial therapeutic options include removal of biliary cast after endoscopic or percutaneous cholangiography. Although endoscopic retrieval of biliary cast by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography could be employed as a first-line management, other modalities such as endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, percutaneous transhepatic drainage, or retransplantation should be considered when complete removal is not feasible and the condition of the recipient deteriorates.     

Serum endothelin-1 and hepatocyte growth factor levels in patients with obstructive jaundice.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictive peptide, is known to modulate changes in local circulation. Additionally, hepatocyte growth factor, a potent mitogen for hepatocytes, is increased in various liver diseases. The present study examined changes in serum endothelin-1 and hepatocyte growth factor levels in patients with obstructive jaundice before and after percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage. METHODOLOGY: Endothelin-1 and hepatocyte growth factor levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using sera from 16 patients with obstructive jaundice before and after percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage. RESULTS: Serum endothelin-1 levels decreased rapidly in the good bilirubin decrease group after biliary drainage. Endothelin-1 levels decreased 1 week after drainage but then increased gradually in the worse bilirubin decrease group. Serum hepatocyte growth factor levels decreased gradually after biliary drainage, and were higher in the worse bilirubin decrease group than in the good bilirubin decrease group throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that endothelin-1 may be associated with the microcirculatory disturbance in obstructive jaundice and prolonged cholestasis. Measurement of hepatocyte growth factor levels in patients with obstructive jaundice before percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage may be an early clinical predictor of the subsequent rate of decrease of the serum bilirubin concentration.     

Stenosis of the left hepatic duct with intrahepatic lithiasis: treatment by the percutaneous transhepatic approach

The authors report the case of a 78-year-old woman suffering from cholangitis secondary to intrahepatic biliary stricture and intrahepatic lithiasis. Successful management consisted of successive percutaneous transhepatic internal-external biliary drainage, balloon dilatation of the stricture and gallstone mobilisation and removal through the stricture. No complications were noted.     

经皮肝胆管穿刺置管术治疗恶性肿瘤致胆道梗阻的临床价值

目的探讨经皮肝胆管穿刺置管引流术的临床应用价值。方法在超声引导下对130例梗阻性黄疸患者进行经皮肝胆管穿刺置管引流术,观察对临床症状和黄疸的改善情况。结果130例患者穿刺置管引流术均置管成功,其中选择右肝管前支穿刺置管的一次成功率达94．0％（79／84）,左肝管外下支一次成功率为81．2％（26／32）,右肝管一次成功率为85．7％（6／7）,左肝管一次成功率为66．7％（2／3）,肝总管一次成功率为75％（3／4）。穿刺胆管内径5-20ram,平均11mm,患者临床症状明显改善,黄疸大幅下降。结论在超声引导下经皮肝胆管穿刺置管引流术具有安全、可靠、实时、准确的特点,有很高的临床应用价值,选择右肝管前支穿刺置管成功率较其他人路高。     

Peritoneal recurrence of ampullary carcinoma following curative pancreatoduodenectomy

A 72 year-old Japanese man with peritoneal recurrence of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater after curative pancreatoduodenectomy is presented. He was treated by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) for obstructive jaundice. The PTBD catheter dislodged 14 days later. He underwent emergency open peritoneal lavage and external choledochal drainage for diffuse bile peritonitis. Cytologic examination of bile obtained from the T-tube revealed malignant cells. He underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with regional lymph node dissection 2 months later for ampullary carcinoma. Pathologic examination showed a macroscopic protruding, 8 x 7 x 10 mm, papillary adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. The tumor was classified as stage II with pT2, pN0, and pM0. Eight months later, cytologic examination of ascites demonstrated adenocarcinoma cells. The patient died with peritoneal recurrence 10 months after curative pancreatoduodenectomy.     

Insemination of bile duct carcinoma to the liver after insertion of percutaneous biliary endoprosthesis.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage is widely used to relieve bile duct obstruction which can be caused by bile duct or pancreas carcinomas. Although the incidence is low, insemination of carcinoma along the transhepatic catheter tract is considered to be a serious complication of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. The authors present a case of intrahepatic insemination of bile duct carcinoma along the catheter that subsequently underwent a curative resection consisting of pancreaticoduodenectomy and right hepatic lobectomy. It is suggested that a percutaneous biliary endoprosthesis through the tumor should be avoided in patients in whom a possible curative resection can be considered. External biliary drainage should only be performed in order to minimize the manipulation of the tumor in such patients.     

Insemination of bile duct carcinoma to the liver after insertion of percutaneous biliary endoprosthesis

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage is widely used to relieve bile duct obstruction which can be caused by bile duct or pancreas carcinomas. Although the incidence is low, insemination of carcinoma along the transhepatic catheter tract is considered to be a serious complication of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. The authors present a case of intrahepatic insemination of bile duct carcinoma along the catheter that subsequently underwent a curative resection consisting of pancreaticoduodenectomy and right hepatic lobectomy. It is suggested that a percutaneous biliary endoprosthesis through the tumor should be avoided in patients in whom a possible curative resection can be considered. External biliary drainage should only be performed in order to minimize the manipuIation of the tumor in such patients.     

The redox tolerance test as a measure of hepatic function in patients with obstructive jaundice

The redox tolerance test was performed before percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, in 15 patients with obstructive jaundice, and repeated 2 weeks after. Four patients without jaundice were evaluated as a control group. No difference was found in the redox tolerance index between the controls and the group with good bilirubin clearance. On the contrary, the redox tolerance index was significantly lower in the group with poor bilirubin clearance. No significant change in the redox tolerance index was revealed after percutaneous drainage. However, of four patients whose indices were smaller than 0.5 before biliary drainage, three died after developing cholangitis. The redox tolerance test is useful for evaluating hepatic function and predicting outcome in patients with obstructive jaundice.     

Bronchobiliary fistula and cholangiocarcinoma: a case report and principles of management

A 64-year-old woman was admitted with fever and cough. At admission, she had jaundice, hepatomegaly, and green-stained sputum. Computed tomography (CT) showed an intrahepatic abscess located near the dome, multiple hepatic metastases, biliary tract dilatation, and a right pleural effusion. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography demonstrated a communication between the intrahepatic biliary ducts and the bronchial tree. The patient was treated with antibiotic therapy, pleural and biliary drainages and a percutaneous drainage of the hepatic abscess.     

Pancreatoduodenectomy after hepato-biliary resection for recurrent metastatic rectal carcinoma

Intrapancreatic bile duct metastasis from rectal carcinoma is rare. A 48-year-old man underwent extended left hepatic lobectomy and caudate lobectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection for liver metastasis from a rectal carcinoma presenting with intrabiliary growth. A second recurrent tumor was successfully resected by pancreatoduodenectomy without injury to the jejunal loop for biliary reconstruction. Preservation of the previous bilio-enteric anastomosis was critical. Placing the jejunal limb of the hepaticojejunostomy through the retrogastric route was superior to placement through the common retrocolic and anteduodenal route, because the mesentery of the Roux-en Y jejunal limb did not obscure the pancreatic head. Histologic examination revealed a recurrent tumor growing into the remnant intrapancreatic bile duct. This suggested two possibilities: spontaneous shedding of cancer cells from the proximal metastasis, and implantation as a complication of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. In both these circumstances, the metastatic lesion is not systemic, but is a local disease. An aggressive surgical approach for localized recurrence of this type may improve survival.