Management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in the North of England： Pathology, treatment, and outcome

AIM: To assess the management and outcome of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor) in a single tertiary referral center. METHODS: The notes of all patients with a diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma referred to our unit for over an 8-year period were identified and retrospectively reviewed. Presentation, management and outcome were assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were identified. The median age was 64 years (range 34-84 years). Male to female ratio was 1:1. Eighty-nine percent of patients presented with jaundice. Most patients referred were under Bismuth classification 3a, 3b or 4. Seventy patients required biliary drainage, 65 patients required 152 percutaneous drainage procedures, and 25 had other complications. Forty-one patients had 51 endoscopic drainage procedures performed (15 failed). Of these, 36 subsequently required percutaneous drainage. The median number of drainage procedures for all patients was three, 18 patients underwent resection (24%), nine had major complications and three died post-operatively. The 5-year survival rate was 4.2% for all patients, 21% for resected patients and 0% for those who did not undergo resection (P = 0.0021). The median number of admissions after diagnosis in resected patients was two and three in non-resected patients (P<0.05). Twelve patients had external-beam radiotherapy, seven brachytherapy, and eight chemotherapy. There was no significant benefit in terms of survival (P = 0.46) or hospital admissions. CONCLUSION: Resection increases survival but carries the risk of significant morbidity and mortality. Percutaneous biliary drainage is almost always necessary and endoscopic drainage should be avoided if possible.     

Evaluation of endoscopic biliary stenting for obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To review the usefulness of endoscopic biliary stenting for obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma and identify problems that may need to be addressed.METHODS:The study population consisted of 36 patients with obstructive jaundice caused by hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)who underwent endoscopic biliary stenting(EBS)as the initial drainage procedure at our hospital.The EBS technical success rate and drainage success rate were assessed.Drainage was considered effective when the serum total bilirubin level decreased by 50%or more following the procedure compared to the pre-drainage value.Survival time after the procedure and patient background characteristics were assessed comparatively between the successful drainage group(group A)and the non-successful drainage group(group B).The EBS stent patency duration in the successful drainage group(group A)was also assessed.RESULTS:The technical success rate was 100%for both the initial endoscopic nasobiliary drainage and EBS in all patients.Single stenting was placed in 21 patients and multiple stenting in the remaining 15 patients.The drainage successful rate was 75%and the median interval to successful drainage was 40 d(2-295 d).The median survival time was 150 d in group A and 22 d in group B,with the difference between the two groups being statistically significant(P<0.0001).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to patient background characteristics,background liver condition,or tumor factors;on the other hand,the two groups showed statistically significant differences in patients without a history of hepatectomy(P=0.009)and those that received multiple stenting(P=0.036).The median duration of stent patency was 43 d in group A(2-757 d).No early complications related to the EBS technique were encountered.Late complications occurred in 13 patients(36.1%),including stent occlusion in 7,infection in 3,and distal migration in 3.CONCLUSION:EBS is recommended as the initial drainage procedure for obstructive jaundice caused by HCC,as it appears to contribute to prolongation of survival time.     

Multicenter study of endoscopic preoperative biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction

AIM: To determine the optimal method of endoscopic preoperative biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction.METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study was conducted in patients who underwent plastic stent(PS) or nasobiliary catheter(NBC) placement for resectable malignant distal biliary obstruction followed by surgery between January 2010 and March 2012. Procedurerelated adverse events, stent/catheter dysfunction(occlusion or migration of PS/NBC, developmentof cholangitis, or other conditions that required repeat endoscopic biliary intervention), and jaundice resolution(bilirubin level 3.0 mg/d L) were evaluated. Cumulative incidence of jaundice resolution and dysfunction of PS/NBC were estimated using competing risk analysis. Patient characteristics and preoperative biliary drainage were also evaluated for association with the time to jaundice resolution and PS/NBC dysfunction using competing risk regression analysis.RESULTS: In total, 419 patients were included in the study(PS, 253 and NBC, 166). Primary cancers included pancreatic cancer in 194 patients(46%), bile duct cancer in 172(41%), gallbladder cancer in three(1%), and ampullary cancer in 50(12%). The median serum total bilirubin was 7.8 mg/d L and 324 patients(77%) had ≥ 3.0 mg/d L. During the median time to surgery of 29 d [interquartile range(IQR), 30-39 d]. PS/NBC dysfunction rate was 35% for PS and 18% for NBC [Subdistribution hazard ratio(SHR) = 4.76; 95%CI: 2.44-10.0, P 0.001]; the pig-tailed tip was a risk factor for PS dysfunction. Jaundice resolution was achieved in 85% of patients and did not depend on the drainage method(PS or NBC).CONCLUSION: PS has insufficient patency for preoperative biliary drainage. Given the drawbacks of external drainage via NBC, an alternative method of internal drainage should be explored.     

Treatment of malignant biliary obstruction by combined percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage with local tumor treatment

AIM: To evaluate the utility of local tumor therapy combined with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) for malignant obstructive biliary disease. METHODS: A total of 233 patients with malignant biliary obstruction were treated in our hospital with PTBD by placement of metallic stents and/or plastic tubes. After PTBD, 49 patients accepted brachytherapy or extra-radiation therapy or arterial infusion chemotherapy. The patients were followed up with clinical and radiographic evaluation. The survival and stent patency rate were calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients underwent chemotherapy (11 cases of hepatic carcinoma, 7 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 4 cases of metastatic lymphadenopathy), and 14 patients received radiotherapy (10 cases of cholan-giocarcinoma, 4 cases of pancreatic carcinoma), and 13 patients accepted brachytherapy (7 cases of cholangio-carcinoma, 3 cases of pancreatic carcinoma, 4 cases of metastatic lymphadenopathy). The survival rate of the local tumor treatment group at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 97.96%, 95.92%, 89.80%, and 32.59% respectively, longer than that of the non treatment group. The patency rate at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 97.96%, 93.86%, 80.93%, and 56.52% respectively. The difference of patency rate was not significant between treatment group and non treatment group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that local tumor therapy could prolong the survival time of patients with malignant biliary obstruction, and may improve stent patency.     

Urgent ERCP for acute cholangitis reduces mortality and hospital stay in elderly and very elderly patients

BACKGROUND: Acute cholangitis in old people is a cause of mortality and prolonged hospital stay. We evaluated the effects of methods and timing of biliary drainage on the outcomes of acute cholangitis in elderly and very elderly patients.METHODS: We analyzed 331 patients who were older than 75 years and were diagnosed with acute calculous cholangitis. They were admitted to our hospital from 2009 to 2014. Patients' demographics, severity grading, methods and timing of biliary drainage, mortality, and hospital stay were retrospectively obtained from medical records. Clinical parameters and outcomes were compared between elderly(75-80 years, n=156) and very elderly(≥81 years, n=175) patients. We analyzed the effects of methods [none, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, or failure] and timing(urgent or early) of biliary drainage on mortality and hospital stay in these patients.RESULTS: Acute cholangitis in older patients manifested as atypical symptoms characterized as infrequent Charcot's triad(4.2%) and comorbidity in one-third of the patients. Patients were graded as mild, moderate, and severe cholangitis in 104(31.4%), 175(52.9%), and 52(15.7%), respectively. Urgent biliary drainage(≤24 hours) was performed for 80.5%(247/307) of patients. Very elderly patients tended to have more severe grades and were treated with sequential procedures of transient biliary drainage and stone removal at different sessions. Hospital stay was related to methods and timing of biliary drainage. Mortality was very low(1.5%) and not related to patient age but rather to the success or failure of biliary drainage and severity grading of the acute cholangitis.CONCLUSIONS: The methods and timing used for biliary drainage and severity of cholangitis are the major determinants of mortality and hospital stay in elderly and very elderly patients with acute cholangitis. Urgent successful ERCP is mandatory for favorable prognosis in these patients.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma with obstructive jaundice： diagnosis,treatment and prognosis

Obstructive jaundice as the main clinical feature is uncommon in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Only 1-12 % of HCC patients manifest obstructive jaundice as the initial complaint. Such cases are clinically classified as “icteric type hepatoma”, or “cholestatic type of HCC”. Identification of this group of patients is important, because surgical treatment may be beneficial. HCC may involve the biliary tract in several different ways: tumor thrombosis, hemobilia,tumor compression, and diffuse tumor infiltration. Bile duct thrombosis (BDT) is one of the main causes for obstructive jaundice, and the previously reported incidence is 1.2-9 %.BDT might be benign, malignant, or a combination of both.Benign thrombi could be blood clots, pus, or sludge.Malignant thrombi could be primary intrabiliary malignant tumors, HCC with invasion to bile ducts, or metastatic cancer with bile duct invasion. The common clinical features of this type of HCC include: high level of serum AFP, history of cholangitis with dilation of intrahepatic bile duct; aggravating jaundice and rapidly developing into liver dysfunction. It is usually difficult to make diagnosis before operation, because of the low incidence rate, ignorant of this disease, and the difficulty for the imaging diagnosis to find the BDT preoperatively. Despite recent remarkable improvements in the imaging tools for diagnosis of HCC, such cases are still incorrecty diagnosed as cholangiocarcinoma or choledocholithiases. Ultrasonography (US) and CT are help fulin showing hepatic tumors and dilated intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic ducts containing dense material correspondingto tumor diebris. Direct cholangiography including percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)remains the standard procedure to delineate the presence and level of biliary obstruction. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is superior to ERCP in interpreting the cause and depicting the anatomical extent of the perihilar obstructive jaundice, and is particularly distinctive in cases associated with tight biliary stenosis and along segmental biliary stricture. Choledochoscopy and bile duct brushing cytology could be alternative useful techniques in the differentiating obstructions due to intraluminal mass,infiltrating ductal lesions or extrinsic mass compression applicable before and after duct exploration. Jaundice is not necessarily a contraindication for surgery. Most patients will have satisfactory palliation and occasional cure if appropriate procedures are selected and carried out safely, which can result in long-term resolution of symptoms and occasional long-term survival. However, the prognosis of icteric type HCC is generally dismal, but is better than those HCC patients who have jaundice caused by hepatic insufficiency.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage as an alternative to percutaneous drainage and surgical bypass

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography had been a treatment modality of choice for both benign and malignant biliary tract obstruction for more than half century, with a very high clinical success rate and low complications. But in certain circumstances, such as advanced and locally advanced pancreatobiliary malignancies(pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, ampullary tumor) and tight benign strictures, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) fails. Up to this point, the only alternative interventions for these conditions were percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage or surgery. Endoscopic ultrasound guided interventions was introduced for a couple decades with the better visualization and achievement of the pancreatobiliary tract. And it’s still in the process of ongoing development. The inventions of new techniques and accessories lead to more feasibility of high-ended procedures. Endoscopic ultrasound guided biliary drainage was a novel treatment modality for the patient who failed ERCP with the less invasive technique comparing to surgical bypass. The technical and clinical success was high with acceptable complications. Regarded the ability to drain the biliary tract internally without an exploratory laparotomy, this treatment modality became a very interesting procedures for many endosonographers, worldwide, in a short period. We have reviewed the literature and suggest that endoscopic ultrasoundguided biliary drainage is also an option, and one with a high probability of success, for biliary drainage in the patients who failed conventional endoscopic drainage.     

outcomes of preoperative endoscopic nasobiliary drainage and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM To compare the outcomes of preoperative endoscopic nasobiliary drainage(ENBD) and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage(ERBD) in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD). METHODS Data from 153 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage prior to PD between January 2009 and July 2016 were analyzed. we compared the clinical data, procedure-related complications of endoscopic biliary drainage(EBD) and postoperative complications of PD between the ENBD and ERBD groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses with odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence intervals(95%CIs) were used to identify the risk factors for deep abdominal infection after PD.RESULTS One hundred and two(66.7%) patients underwent ENBD, and 51(33.3%) patients underwent ERBD. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was less frequently performed in the ENBD group than in the ERBD group(P = 0.039); the EBD duration in the ENBD group was shorter than that in the ERBD group(P = 0.036). After EBD, the levels of total bilirubin(TB) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) were obviously decreased in both groups, and the decreases of TB and ALT in the ERBD group were greater than those in the ENBD group(P = 0.004 and P = 0.000, respectively). However,the rate of EBD procedure-related cholangitis was significantly higher in the ERBD group than in the ENBD group(P = 0.007). The postoperative complications of PD as graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification system were not significantly different between the two groups(P = 0.864). However, the incidence of deep abdominal infection after PD was significantly lower in the ENBD group than in the ERBD group(P = 0.019). Male gender(OR = 3.92; 95%CI: 1.63-9.47; P = 0.002), soft pancreas texture(OR = 3.60; 95%CI: 1.37-9.49; P = 0.009), length of biliary stricture(≥ 1.5 cm)(OR = 5.20; 95%CI: 2.23-12.16; P = 0.000) and ERBD method(OR = 4.08; 95%CI: 1.69-9.87; P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for deep abdominal infection after PD.CONCLUSION ENBD is an optimal method for patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction prior to PD. ERBD is superior to ENBD in terms of patient tolerance and the effect of biliary drainage but is associated with an increased risk of EBD procedure-related cholangitis and deep abdominal infection after PD.     

Endoscopic management of occluded metal biliary stents: metal versus 10F plastic stents

AIM:To compare the efficacy of self-expandable metal stents(SEMSs) with 10F plastic stents(PSs) in the endoscopic management of occluded SEMSs.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 56 patients who underwent SEMS insertion for palliation of unresectable malignant biliary obstruction between 2000 and 2007 and subsequent endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage(ERBD) with SEMS or PS for initial SEMS occlusion between 2000 and 2008.RESULTS:Subsequent ERBD with SEMS was performed in 29 patient...     

Bilateral vs unilateral placement of metal stents for inoperable highgrade hilar biliary strictures: A systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Bilateral vs unilateral biliary stenting is used for palliation in malignant biliary obstruction.No clear data is available to compare the efficacy and safety of bilateral biliary stenting over unilateral stenting.AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of bilateral vs unilateral biliary drainage in inoperable malignant hilar obstruction.METHODS PubMed,Embase,Scopus,and Cochrane databases,as well as secondary sources(bibliographic review of selected articles and major GI proceedings),were searched through January 2019.The primary outcome was the re-intervention rate.Secondary outcomes were a technical success,early and late complications,and stent malfunction rate.Pooled odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(CI)were calculated for each outcome.RESULTS A total of 9 studies were included(2 prospective Randomized Controlled Study,5 retrospective studies,and 2 abstracts),involving 782 patients with malignant hilar obstruction.Bilateral stenting had significantly lower re-intervention rate compared with unilateral drainage(OR=0.59,95%CI:0.40-0.87,P=0.009).There was no difference in the technical success rate(OR=0.7,CI:0.42-1.17,P=0.17),early complication rate(OR=1.56,CI:0.31-7.75,P=0.59),late complication rate(OR=0.91,CI:0.58-1.41,P=0.56)and stent malfunction(OR=0.69,CI:0.42-1.12,P=0.14)between bilateral and unilateral stenting for malignant hilar biliary strictures.CONCLUSION Bilateral biliary drainage had a lower re-intervention rate as compared to unilateral drainage for high grade inoperable malignant biliary strictures,with no significant difference in technical success,and early or late complication rates.     

肝门部胆管癌Bismuth分型与经内镜胆道塑料支架引流术后并发症及退黄效果之间的关系

目的:评估肝门部胆管癌Bismuth分型与经内镜胆道塑料支架引流术(ERBD)术后并发症及退黄效果之间的关系.方法:收集已确诊为肝门部胆管癌、且不能或不愿接受外科治疗的,在南昌大学第二附属医院消化科行ERBD的患者.分析各型肝门部胆管癌之间在行ERBD术后胆管炎、胰腺炎、出血发生率以及退黄效果的差异.结果:Bismut...     

Result of endoscopic biliary drainage in hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Patients with hilar obstruction usually require bilateral biliary drainage. The prognosis of patients who fail bilateral biliary drainage after contrast injection into both intrahepatic ducts is poor due to a high infection rate in the undrained segments. The incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cholangitis in those with successful bilateral biliary drainage was less, but still significant. Incomplete subsegmental intrahepatic duct drainage is suggested to be responsible for post-biliary drainage cholangitis in cases of advanced hilar tumors. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cholangitis, jaundice resolution, and stent clogging in different types of malignant biliary obstruction after biliary drainage. From our endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography database, there were 63 patients who underwent endoscopic biliary drainage between September 2000 and November 2001, for malignant biliary obstruction. Sixty-one endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies had biliary drainage performed (2 patients who failed biliary drainage were excluded). We divided our patients into 3 groups: Group 1 = Bismuth I, Group 2 = Bismuth II, and Group 3 = Bismuth III and IV. All but 2 Group 1 patients had successful biliary endoprosthesis (plastic [n = 13], metallic [n = 12], failed [n = 2]) placement into an extrahepatic duct. All patients from Group 2 (n = 10) and 20 patients from Group 3 (n = 26) had successful bilateral biliary drainage. Unilateral biliary drainage was performed in 6 patients from Group 3, each with a plastic endoprosthesis. The incidence of post-biliary drainage cholangitis (new onset of fever >38.5 degrees C with leukocytosis), jaundice resolution (normal bilirubin level), and the duration of endoprosthesis patency were compared among the 3 groups. The incidences of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography cholangitis, jaundice resolution, and the duration of endoprosthesis patency were: Group 1 (4%, 96%, and 87.2 days, respectively), Group 2 (10%, 100%, and 69.1 days, respectively) and Group 3 (57.7%, 73.1%, and 41.3 days, respectively). Of those patients who did not undergo surgery, patients from Group 3 required endoprosthesis exchange sooner than others. The outcome of biliary drainage in patients with advanced hilar tumors (Bismuth III or IV) was poorer than hilar tumor at earlier stages (Bismuth I or II).     

Treatment of unresectable hepatic hilar malignancies with self-expanding metallic stents

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study assesses the treatment of biliary obstruction in patients with hilar malignancies by metallic stents. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-one consecutive patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction at the hepatic hilum (Bismuth type II, III and IV) were treated with percutaneous transhepatic placement of self-expandable metallic endoprostheses. The endoprostheses were successfully inserted in all patients. In 12 patients all segments of the liver were drained and in 9 patients partial segments of the liver were drained. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (81%) showed relief from jaundice and could be freed of external drainage tubes. Ten patients (48%) showed no recurrent symptoms due to stent obstruction until death. Overall survival was 4.86+/-4.15 (mean+/-SD) months, stent patency was 3.76+/-3.64 months and comfort index representing a ratio of well-being was 70.5+/-38.3%. There was no significant difference in survival rate, stent patency or comfort index between the groups with complete and those with partial drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Even in patients with complicated hepatic hilar biliary occlusions, internal drainage using metallic stents can relieve jaundice and leave patients free of external tubes with a comfortable quality of life.     

Selective MRCP and CT-targeted drainage of malignant hilar biliary obstruction with self-expanding metallic stents

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic management of malignant hilar biliary obstruction is controversial with respect to optimal types of stents and extent of drainage. This study evaluated outcomes of selective MRCP and CT-targeted drainage with self-expanding metallic stents. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing attempted palliative ERCP for malignant hilar biliary obstruction were prospectively followed. Whenever possible, management strategy included evaluation and staging for potential resectability before ERCP, with primary placement of metallic stents at the first ERCP in nonsurgical candidates, and early conversion to a metallic stent when a tumor proved to be unresectable. MRCP and/or CT were used to plan selective guidewire access, opacification, and drainage only of the largest intercommunicating segmental ducts. Unilateral stent placement was intended in all cases except for selected patients with Bismuth II cholangiocarcinoma. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included. Bismuth classification was I, 10; II, 6; III, 8; and IV, 11. Tumor origin was bile duct (17), gallbladder (5), and metastatic (13). Metallic stents were placed in 27 patients as the initial stent, and in 8 after plastic stent placement. Initial stents were placed endoscopically in 33 patients and percutaneously in 2 patients in whom lumenal tumor precluded ERCP. Stent placement was unilateral in 31 patients and bilateral in 4 patients. There were no episodes of cholangitis or other complications within 30 days after any procedures. Initial metallic stents were clinically effective in 27 (77%) of the 35 patients. Additional percutaneous drainage in 3 patients who did not respond to initial stent placement did not resolve jaundice. Median patency of first metallic stents was 8.9 months for patients with primary bile duct tumors and 5.4 months for all patients, and was not related to Bismuth classification. No further intervention was needed in 25 (71%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral metallic stent placement by using MRCP and/or CT to selectively target drainage provides safe and effective palliation in most patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction.     

三种非手术胆管引流方法治疗肝门部恶性胆道梗阻的疗效评估

目的探讨不同非手术胆管引流方法治疗肝门部恶性胆道梗阻（MHBO）的疗效和并发症发生率。方法245例MHBO患者分为3组,其中内镜治疗组86例、经皮治疗组104例、内镜与经皮联合组（联合治疗组）55例。245例患者中,BismuthⅠ型31例、Ⅱ型24例、Ⅲ型108例、Ⅳ型74例。对各组患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,并对其中具有可比性的数据进行统计学处理。结果内镜治疗组、经皮治疗组和联合治疗组减黄有效率分别为82．4％（56／68,除外18例近期并发胆管炎行PTBD者）、72．1％（75／104）和89．1％（49／55）,其中Bismuth Ⅲ型患者减黄有效率分别为78．6％（22／28,除外7例近期并发胆管炎行PTBD者）、69．8％（30／43）和90．0％（27／30）,且Ⅲ型患者中双侧引流减黄有效率89．5％（34／38）明显优于单侧引流73．0％（46／63）。内镜治疗组近期并发胆管炎19例,发生率为22．1％（19／86）,明显高于经皮治疗组的5．8％（6／104）和联合治疗组的5．5％（3／55）（P均〈0．05）。Bismuth Ⅲ型及以上患者中,内镜、经皮及联合治疗组近期胆管炎发生率分别为33．3％（18／54）、6．6％（5／76）和5．8％（3／52）,内镜治疗组明显高于其他两组（P〈0．05）。结论对于不能手术的MHBO,内镜和（或）经皮方法减黄治疗有效,但内镜治疗胆管炎发生率高;Bismuth Ⅲ型及以上患者内镜与经皮联合治疗胆管炎并发症发生率低,减黄效果好。     

Endoscopic stenting for hilar cholangiocarcinoma: efficacy of unilateral and bilateral placement of plastic and metal stents in a retrospective review of 480 patients

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Endoscopic biliary drainage of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is controversial with respect to the optimal types of stents and the extent of drainage. This study evaluated endoscopic palliation in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma using self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) and plastic stents (PS).We also compared unilateral and bilateral stent placement according to the Bismuth classification. METHODS: Data on 480 patients receiving endoscopic biliary drainage for hilar cholangiocarcinoma between September 1995 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the following outcome parameters: technical success (TS), functional success (FS), early and late complications, stent patency and survival. Patients were followed from stent insertion until death or stent occlusion. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the Bismuth classification (Group 1, type I; Group 2, type II; Group 3, type > III). RESULTS: The initial stent insertion was successful in 450 (93.8 %) patients. TS was achieved in 204 (88.3 %) patients treated with PS and in 246 (98.8 %) patients palliated with SEMS (p < 0.001). In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the FS in patients treated with SEMS (97.9 %) was significantly higher than in patients treated with PS (84.8 %) (p < 0.001). Late complications occurred in 115 (56.4 %) patients treated with PS and 60 (24.4 %) patients treated with SEMS (p < 0.001). The median duration of stent patency in weeks (w) were as follows: 20 w in patients palliated with PS and 27 w in patients treated with SEMS (p < 0.0001). In Group 2, the median duration of PS patency was 17 w and 18 w for unilateral and bilateral placement, respectively (p = 0.0004); the median duration of SEMS patency was 24 w and 29 w for unilateral and bilateral placement, respectively (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis using the Poisson regression showed that SEMS placement (B = 0.48; P < 0.01) and bilateral deployment (B = 0.24; P < 0.01) were the only independent prognostic factors associated with stent patency. CONCLUSIONS: SEMS insertion for the palliation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma offers higher technical and clinical success rates in the ITT analysis as well as lower complication rates and a superior cumulative stent patency when compared with PS placement in all Bismuth classifications. The cumulative patency of bilateral SEMS or PS stents was significantly higher than that of unilateral SEMS or PS stents, with lower occlusion rates in Bismuth II patients.Keys wordsHilar cholangiocarcinoma, Endoscopic palliation, Plastic stents, Self-expandable metal stents, Bilateral stenting.     

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。     

Retrospective cohort study Lower incidence of complications in endoscopic nasobiliary drainage for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

AIM:To identify the most effective endoscopic biliary drainage technique for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.METHODS:In total,118 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent endoscopic management[endoscopic nasobiliary drainage(ENBD)or endoscopic biliary stenting]as a temporary drainage in our institution between 2009 and 2014.We retrospectively evaluated all complications from initial endoscopic drainage to surgery or palliative treatment.The risk factors for biliary reintervention,post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(post-ERCP)pancreatitis,and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD)were also analyzed using patient-and procedure-related characteristics.The risk factors for bilateral drainage were examined in a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent initial unilateral drainage.RESULTS:In total,137 complications were observed in92(78%)patients.Biliary reintervention was required in 83(70%)patients.ENBD was significantly associated with a low risk of biliary reintervention[odds ratio(OR)=0.26,95%CI:0.08-0.76,P=0.012].Post-ERCP pancreatitis was observed in 19(16%)patients.An absence of endoscopic sphincterotomy was significantly associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis(OR=3.46,95%CI:1.19-10.87,P=0.023).PTBD was required in 16(14%)patients,and Bismuth type III or IV cholangiocarcinoma was a significant risk factor(OR=7.88,95%CI:1.33-155.0,P=0.010).Of 102 patients with initial unilateral drainage,49(48%)required bilateral drainage.Endoscopic sphincterotomy(OR=3.24,95%CI:1.27-8.78,P=0.004)and Bismuth II,III,or IV cholangiocarcinoma(OR=34.69,95%CI:4.88-736.7,P0.001)were significant risk factors for bilateral drainage.CONCLUSION:The endoscopic management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is challenging.ENBD should be selected as a temporary drainage method because of its low risk of complications.     

Lower incidence of complications in endoscopic nasobiliary drainage for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

AIM: To identify the most effective endoscopic biliary drainage technique for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: In total, 118 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent endoscopic management [endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) or endoscopic biliary stenting] as a temporary drainage in our institution between 2009 and 2014. We retrospectively evaluated all complications from initial endoscopic drainage to surgery or palliative treatment. The risk factors for biliary reintervention, post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (post-ERCP) pancreatitis, and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) were also analyzed using patient- and procedure-related characteristics. The risk factors for bilateral drainage were examined in a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent initial unilateral drainage. RESULTS: In total, 137 complications were observed in 92 (78%) patients. Biliary reintervention was required in 83 (70%) patients. ENBD was significantly associated with a low risk of biliary reintervention [odds ratio (OR) = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.08-0.76, P = 0.012]. Post-ERCP pancreatitis was observed in 19 (16%) patients. An absence of endoscopic sphincterotomy was significantly associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis (OR = 3.46, 95%CI: 1.19-10.87, P = 0.023). PTBD was required in 16 (14%) patients, and Bismuth type III or IV cholangiocarcinoma was a significant risk factor (OR = 7.88, 95%CI: 1.33-155.0, P = 0.010). Of 102 patients with initial unilateral drainage, 49 (48%) required bilateral drainage. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (OR = 3.24, 95%CI: 1.27-8.78, P = 0.004) and Bismuth II, III, or IV cholangiocarcinoma (OR = 34.69, 95%CI: 4.88-736.7, P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for bilateral drainage. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is challenging. ENBD should be selected as a temporary drainage method because of its low risk of complications.     

Endoscopic palliation of patients with biliary obstruction caused by nonresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma: efficacy of self-expandable metallic Wallstents

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an endoscopically inserted self-expandable metal stent for treatment of biliary obstruction caused by nonresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: Data on all patients with nonresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma receiving self-expandable metal stents between January 1990 and April 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with pseudo Klatskin tumors (metastases in the liver hilum) and gallbladder carcinoma were excluded. Early complications (within 30 days of stent placement), early and late stent occlusion, stent patency, and biliary reintervention rates were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-two Wallstents were inserted in 36 patients, with 7, 13, and 16 having, respectively, Bismuth type I/II, III, and IV lesions. Insertion was successful in 35 of 36 (97%) patients. Complications occurred within the first 30 days after insertion in 5 patients (14%) but did not require biliary reintervention. Thirty-day mortality was 6% (2 deaths). There were 3 early (9%) and 8 late (23%) stent occlusions, bringing the total to 11 patients (31%) who required biliary reintervention after Wallstent insertion. Median Wallstent patency and patient survival were, respectively, 169 days (95% CI [154, 184]) and 147 days (95% CI [106, 188]), with no difference between patients with Bismuth I/II, III, IV type tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Wallstent insertion is safe and feasible, and achieves successful palliation without the need for further biliary reintervention in the majority (69%) of patients with nonresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma.