Endoscopic sphincterotomy in the management of biliary leakage after partial hepatectomy.

We present the case of a 22 year-old man with biliary leakage caused by partial hepatectomy. He was successfully treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy alone.     

内镜治疗术后胆漏和继发胆管狭窄

目的 探讨内镜治疗手术后并发胆漏和继发胆管狭窄的方法及效果。方法 胆漏患 者均先行内镜下十二指肠乳头切开,行鼻胆管引流术,继续保留原有胆道、腹腔引流。待胆道、腹腔引 流停止1-2周证实胆漏愈合后拔管,伴有胆道狭窄的患者在拔除鼻胆引流管后置入塑料内支架,持 续扩张2-3个月。结果 22例胆漏患者鼻胆引流3-4周后胆漏处均闭合,13例胆管狭窄置入内支 架者,10例支架取出后狭窄解除,2例合并肝总管狭窄者经重新置入双支架3个月后效果良好,1例 左肝管狭窄伴结石者,再置入单支架,术后仍有胆道感染症状反复出现。结论 内镜治疗可列为手术 后胆漏或继发胆管狭窄治疗的首选方法。     

Endoscopic management of biliary ascariasis

Cholangitis and pancreatitis have resulted from migration of Ascaris lumbricoides up the biliary tree. We report our experience with the endoscopic management of 11 patients who presented with cholangitis and pancreatitis. Successful endoscopic worm extraction with or without sphincterotomy was achieved for worms located in the biliary tree but endoscopic worm extraction from the pancreas was technically difficult. Anthelminthic therapy is indicated to eradicate the gut infestation and prevent recurrent disease.     

Endoscopic treatment of biliary leakage with n-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate

BACKGROUND: Biliary leakage is a problematic complication of hepatobiliary surgery. A novel alternative method is described that can obviate the need for reoperation for refractory biliary fistula. METHODS: Nine patients with large biliary leaks unresponsive to endoscopic drainage underwent N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue occlusion at ERCP. RESULTS: In 7 patients, occlusion was successful with prompt control of the fistula in a single session, averting reoperation. In 1 patient there was a partial response and in another the treatment was unsuccessful. No procedure-related complication occurred over a median follow-up of 35 months (range: 1.6-160 months). CONCLUSION: N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue occlusion is a safe and effective endoscopic method for control of refractory bile leaks that eliminates the need for surgical reintervention.     

ERCP在手术后胆漏中的诊治作用

目的探讨ERCP对肝胆术后胆漏诊断及治疗作用。方法对2003年1月至2008年12月接受ERCP诊治的120例肝胆术后胆漏患者进行回顾性分析。结果120例胆漏患者中,诊断肝外胆漏（Ⅰ型）71例、肝内胆管漏（Ⅱ型）39例、胆囊管漏（Ⅲ型）10例。其中76例行内镜下鼻胆管引流术（ENBD）,35例行胆管内支架引流术（ERBD）,3例行ERBD＋ENBD,2例单纯行经内镜乳头括约肌切开术（EST）,1例放置可回收金属支架行金属支架引流（EMBE）,3例内镜治疗失败。共完整随访98例,占81．7％（98／120）,其中有效治愈胆漏85例,有效治愈率为86．7％（85／98）,平均胆漏愈合时问为（18．2±7．0）d。各型胆漏中,Ⅲ型胆漏有效治愈率最高,为100．0％,且该型胆漏愈合时间最短,为（8．2±3．5）d;在Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型胆漏中,对应非肝移植术后胆漏有效治愈率明显高于肝移植术后（P〈0．01）,且愈合时间明显变短（P〈0．01）。结论ERCP是诊治肝胆术后胆漏的一种安全、有效的手段,具有重要的临床价值,可作为肝胆术后胆漏诊治的首选方法,对于Ⅲ型胆漏治疗效果尤佳。     

Endoscopic management of hilar biliary strictures

Hilar biliary strictures are caused by various benign and malignant conditions. It is difficult to differentiate benign and malignant strictures. Postcholecystectomy benign biliary strictures are frequently encountered. Endoscopic management of these strictures is challenging. An endoscopic method has been advocated that involves placement of increasing number of stents at regular intervals to resolve the stricture. Malignant hilar strictures are mostly unresectable at the time of diagnosis and only palliation is possible.Endoscopic palliation is preferred over surgery or radiological intervention. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography is quite important in the management of these strictures. Metal stents are superior to plastic stents. The opinion is divided over the issue of unilateral or bilateral stenting.Minimal contrast or no contrast technique has been advocated during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography of these patients. The role of intraluminal brachytherapy, intraductal ablation devices, photodynamic therapy, and endoscopic ultrasound still remains to be defined.     

Endoscopic management of benign biliary strictures

Endoscopic management of biliary obstruction has evolved tremendously since the introduction of flexible fiberoptic endoscopes over 50 years ago. For the last several decades, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become established as the mainstay for definitively diagnosing and relieving biliary obstruction. In addition, and more recently, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has gained increasing favor as an auxiliary diagnostic and therapeutic modality in facilitating decompression of the biliary tree. Here, we provide a review of the current and continually evolving role of gastrointestinal endoscopy, including both ERCP and EUS, in the management of biliary obstruction with a focus on benign biliary strictures.     

良性胆管狭窄的内镜治疗

随着腹腔镜下胆囊切除术的不断开展,良性胆管狭窄的发生率逐渐增多.而内镜附属设备及内镜技术的不断发展,使内镜下治疗良性胆管狭窄逐渐成为一种有效的方法.此文就良性胆管狭窄的病因、诊断、插管以及内镜下治疗作一综述.     

Endoscopic management of post-cholecystectomy biliary fistula

ObjectiveBile duct injury is an uncommon but potentially serious complication in cholecystectomy. A recognized treatment for minor biliary injury is internal biliary decompression by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stent insertion. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of ERCP in the management of minor biliary injuries.MethodsA retrospective review of medical records at a tertiary referral centre identified 36 patients treated for postoperative minor biliary injuries between 2006 and 2010. Management involved establishing a controlled biliary fistula followed by ERCP to confirm the nature of the injury and decompress the bile duct with stent insertion.ResultsControlled biliary fistulae were established in all 36 patients. Resolution of the bile leak was achieved prior to ERCP in seven patients, and ERCP with stent insertion was successful in 27 of the remaining 29 patients. Resolution of the bile leak was achieved in all patients without further intervention. The median time to resolution after successful ERCP was 4 days. Two patients underwent ERCP complicated by mild pancreatitis. No other complications were seen.ConclusionsThis review confirms that postoperative minor biliary injuries can be managed by sepsis control and semi-urgent endoscopic biliary decompression.     

Benign biliary strictures: Endoscopic management

Over the past 2 decades, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stricture dilation and stent placement has gradually become the first-line treatment modality for the vast majority of benign biliary strictures (BBSs). Stricture remediation with progressive placement of multiple plastic stents with 3 months interval stent exchange during a period of one year has excellent long-term results in patients with postoperative BBSs. Covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are a reasonable alternative to multiple plastic stenting, especially in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The use of covered SEMS should be limited to carefully selected cases of postoperative BBSs. Uncovered SEMS are contraindicated for any type of BBSs. Understanding of the etiology and exclusion of malignancy is essential for optimal treatment in some types of biliary strictures, especially in the case of autoimmune cholangiopathy and primary sclerosing cholangitis.     

Endoscopic management of biliary disorders during pregnancy

BACKGROUND:Biliary interventions during pregnancy are associated with risks to both the pregnancy and developing fetus.In this report we summarize our experience with endoscopic interventions including endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)in the management of biliary disorders during pregnancy. METHODS:Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs)performed between May 2003 through January 2010(n=607)were identified from our database,and cases of interventions during pregnancy were reviewed.All procedures w...     

Endoscopic management of post-liver transplant biliary complications

Biliary complications are being increasingly encountered in post liver transplant patients because of increased volume of transplants and longer survival of these recipients. Overall management of these complications may be challenging, but with advances in endoscopic techniques, majority of such patients are being dealt with by endoscopists rather than the surgeons. Our review article discusses the recent advances in endoscopic tools and techniques that have proved endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with various interventions, like sphincterotomy, bile duct dilatation, and stent placement, to be the mainstay for management of most of these complications. We also discuss the management dilemmas in patients with surgically altered anatomy, where accessing the bile duct is challenging, and the recent strides towards making this prospect a reality.     

Endoscopic biliary stenting for treatment of bile leakage after hepatic resection

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Persistent bile leakage after hepatic resection may cause intraperitoneal sepsis and hepatic failure. Surgical treatment for bile leakage carries a high risk. Endoscopic treatment has only infrequently been documented. METHODOLOGY: Ten patients underwent endoscopic biliary stenting without sphincterotomy for persistent (9-138 days; median, 19 days) bile leakage after hepatic resection. Bile leakage was complicated by intraperitoneal sepsis in seven patients. RESULTS: ERCP showed bile leakage from the bile duct stump in nine patients. Stent placement was successful without complications in all 10 patients. Bile leakage disappeared within 1-17 days (mean, 5 days) in all patients. After 55-91 days, the stent was removed and ERCP confirmed disappearance of the leak. No patients have developed recurrent bile leakage for a mean of 4.1 years of follow-up after stent removal. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic biliary stenting is a safe and effective treatment for persistent bile leakage after hepatic resection. Endoscopic treatment may eliminate the need for difficult operations in high risk postoperative cases.     

Endoscopic management of biliary strictures after liver transplantation

Bile duct strictures remain a major source of morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Biliary strictures are classified as anastomotic or non-anastomotic strictures according to location and are defined by distinct clinical behaviors. Anastomotic strictures are localized and short. The outcome of endoscopic treatment for anastomotic strictures is excellent. Nonanastomotic strictures often result from ischemic and immunological events, occur earlier and are usually multiple and longer. They are characterized by a far less favorable response to endoscopic management, higher recurrence rates, graft loss and need for retransplantation. Living donor OLT patients present a unique set of challenges arising from technical factors, and stricture risk for both recipients and donors. Endoscopic treatment of living donor OLT patients is less promising. Current endoscopic strategies for biliary strictures after OLT include repeated balloon dilations and placement of multiple side-by-side plastic stents. Lifelong surveillance is required in all types of strictures. Despite improvements in incidence and long term outcomes with endoscopic management, and a reduced need for surgical treatment, the impact of strictures on patients after OLT is significant. Future considerations include new endoscopic technologies and improved stents, which could potentially allow for a decreased number of interventions, increased intervals before retreatment, and decreased reliance on percutaneous and surgical modalities. This review focuses on the role of endoscopy in biliary strictures, one of the most common biliary complications after OLT.     

Endoscopic management of biliary complications after liver transplantation

Biliary complications are common in liver transplant recipients and may develop in up to one-third of all patients. Bile leaks generally occur within the first 3 months and are frequently related to T-tube removal. The recent trend to avoid of T-tubes has probably resulted in a reduced incidence of such bile leaks. The other major biliary complications in liver transplant recipients include biliary strictures, choledocholithiasis, biliary casts and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Biliary strictures can be classified into anastomotic and non-anastomotic strictures. Anastomotic strictures are generally related to technical complications of choledochocholedochostomy, while non-anastomotic strictures are frequently related to hepatic artery thrombosis. The overwhelming majority of biliary complications choledochocholedochostomy can be managed by endoscopic means, ranging from use of plastic stents, balloon dilation or endoscopic sphincteromoty. Surgical revision may be required in rare instances such as recurrent biliary casts or large caliber leaks associated with anastomotic strictures. The purpose of this review is to review the incidence, risk factors for and pathogenesis of biliary complications after liver transplantation. The results of endoscopic management of these strictures is also described in detail and should be of interest to therapeutic endoscopists, liver transplant physicians, transplant surgeons and therapeutic endoscopists.     

Endoscopic management of biliary strictures after liver transplantation

Bile duct strictures remain a major source of morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation （OLT）. Biliary strictures are classified as anastomotic or non-anastomotic strictures according to location and are defined by distinct clinical behaviors. Anastomotic strictures are localized and short. The outcome of endoscopic treatment for anastomotic strictures is excellent. Nonanastomotic strictures often result from ischemic and immunological events, occur earlier and are usually multiple and longer. They are characterized by a far less favorable response to endoscopic management, higher recurrence rates, graft loss and need for retransplantation. Living donor OLT patients present a unique set of challenges arising from technical factors, and stricture risk for both recipients and donors. Endoscopic treatment of living donor OLT patients is less promising. Current endoscopic strategies for biliary strictures after OLT include repeated balloon dilations and placement of multiple side-by-side plastic stents. Lifelong surveillance is required in all types of strictures. Despite improvements in incidence and long term outcomes with endoscopic management, and a reduced need for surgical treatment, the impact of strictures on patients after OLT is significant. Future considerations include new endoscopic technologies and improved stents, which could potentially allow for a decreased number of interventions, increased intervals before retreatment, and decreased reliance on percutaneous and surgical modalities. Thisreview focuses on the role of endoscopy in biliary strictures, one of the most common biliary complications after OLT.