Malignant biliary obstruction: treatment with self-expandable metallic stents

In a 3-year period, 57 self-expandable metallic biliary stents (Wallstent) were successfully placed in 49 patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Thirty-three of our patients have died. In this group follow-up was 1–12 months with a mean of 4.5 months and stent patency was 1–12 months with a mean of 4.3 months. Sixteen patients are still alive. In this group, follow-up was 2–26 months with a mean of 8.4 months and stent patency was 1–18 months with a mean of 6.8 months. In 4 patients a secondary stent was used due to malpositioning during deployment. In 1 patient bilateral drainage was achieved with two stents. Four patients required 5 reinterventions due to reocclusion, with a reocclusion rate of 9.4 %; 3 of them were treated with secondary metallic stents, 1 with a conventional stent and the remaining 1 with balloon dilatation. Thirty-day mortality rate was 8.1 % and procedure-related mortality was 2 %. Major and minor complication rates were 10 % and 22 %, respectively. Self-expandable metallic stents provide good palliation in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Correspondence to: M. N. Özmen     

Percutaneous Placement of Self-expandable Metallic Biliary Stents in Malignant Extrahepatic Strictures: Indications of Transpapillary and Suprapapillary Methods

Objective

To compare the efficacy of suprapapillary and transpapillary methods of transhepatic biliary metallic stent placement in malignant biliary strictures and to specify the indications of each method applied.

Materials and Methods

Stents were placed in 59 patients. Strictures were categorized as type A (within 3 cm of the ampulla, n = 27), type B (over 3 cm from ampulla, n = 7), type C (within 3 cm of the bending portion, n = 9), or type D (over 3 cm above the bending portion, n=16). The stenting method was suprapapillary in 34 cases and transpapillary in 25. The rates of initial and long-term patency and of early recurrence were compared.

Results

Initial patency rates for the suprapapillary and transpapillary methods were 1/7 (14.3%) and 20/20 (100%) respectively for type A (p < 0.0001), 4/5 (80.0%) and 2/2 for type B, 3/7 (42.9%) and 2/2 for type C, and 15/16 (93.8%) and 0/0 for type D. Early recurrence rates were 7/30 (23.3%) using the suprapapillary method and 4/29 (13.8%) using the transpapillary method (p = 0.51). The long-term patency rate did not differ significantly according to either type (p = 0.37) or method (p = 0.62).

Conclusion

For good initial patency, the transpapillary method is recommended for strictures of the distal extrahepatic duct near the ampulla and just above the bending portion. Long-term patency is not influenced by the stenting method employed.     

胆管癌性阻塞内支架术后再狭窄的介入治疗

目的　探讨胆管癌性阻塞内支架术后再狭窄的介入治疗方法及其疗效。方法　 12例胆管癌性阻塞性黄疸内支架术后胆管再狭窄患者 ,采用经皮经肝穿刺胆道引流术 (PTCD)加金属内支架置入术或结合局部持续性灌注化疗术及化疗性栓塞术 ,共使用 12枚金属内支架。结果　 12例采用经皮经肝穿刺置入金属胆道内支架均获得成功 ,均一次性置入支架。术后总胆红素、丙氨酸转氨酶、谷酰转肽酶、碱性磷酸酶均有明显下降。术后 12例患者黄疸消退满意。 3例黄疸消退 ,置入内支架术后 4周在DSA下行局部持续性灌注化疗术及化疗性栓塞术。结论　经皮胆管内金属支架再置入术是姑息性治疗胆管癌性阻塞性黄疸内支架术后胆管再狭窄的安全、有效方法 ,结合局部持续性动脉灌注化疗及化疗性栓塞术 ,能提高患者的生命质量及延长生存期     

Treatment of malignant biliary obstruction by percutaneous transhepatic insertion of expandable metallic stents

A group of 55 patients with jaundice secondary to malignant biliary obstruction were treated with percutaneous transhepatic insertion of self-expandable metal stents (Wallstents). Obstruction was caused by pancreatic carcinoma in 22 patients, cholangiocarcinoma in 21 patients, and other malignancies in 12 patients. A total of 16 patients were treated for hilar obstruction, 35 patients for obstruction of the bile duct below the hilum, and 4 patients for obstruction in a bilioenteric anastomosis. Stent insertion was performed as a two-step procedure in 37 patients, but as a one-step procedure in 18 patients. Adequate bile drainage was achieved in all patients. Procedure-related complications occured in 9 % of cases. After 24 months of observation time 46 patients had died (mean survival 4.6 months). The 30-day mortality rate was 5.5 %. A total of 14 patients (25.5 %) developed recurrent jaundice after an average of 5.3 (0–13) months. Percutaneous insertion of Wallstents ensures good palliation, is relatively safe, and may be performed as a one-step procedure. Correspondence to: P. Hannesson     

Percutaneous cholangioscopy in obstructed biliary metal stents

Purpose To reevaluate the reasons for the occlusion of self-expanding biliary metal stents, on the basis of cholangioscopic findings. Methods Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS) was performed in 15 patients with obstructed biliary Wallstents. The reason for stent insertion was a malignant obstruction in 14 patients; 1 had a benign biliary stricture. Conventional noncovered stents had been inserted in 12 patients; in 3 cases a polyurethane-covered prototype Wallstent had been used. Stent occlusions occurred after 1–55 months. PTCS was performed with a 2.3-mm endoscope through an 11 Fr sheath. Biopsies were taken via the working channel of the endoscope. Results In all patients with noncovered stents the inner surface of the stent was highly irregular with seaweed-like protrusions (biopsy-proven granulation tissue). Stent incorporation varied from absent (n=1) to subtotal (n=8), but was always incomplete, no matter how long the stent had been in place. Tumor ingrowth was histologically proven in 2 patients. One patient had a large occluding concrement at the proximal end of the stent. In patients with covered stents, the inner surface appeared more regular; however, viable granulation tissue was found inside two stents and tumor ingrowth in one of them. Conclusion PTCS showed that incorporation of the stent is virtually always incomplete. The factors contributing most to stent occlusion are the buildup of granulation tissue, bile sludge, and tumor overgrowth. Stone formation and tumor ingrowth can also be important, although less common causes of occlusion. A polyurethane stent covering could not prevent tumor ingrowth in one patient and the buildup of viable granulation tissue inside the stent in two further patients; mean stent patency in the three patients with such a stent was 3 months.     

Metallic stents in malignant biliary obstruction

Purpose Retrospective analysis of our results with metallic stent placement for malignant biliary strictures. We sought to determine parameters that influence stent patency. Methods A total of 95 Wallstents were implanted in 65 patients (38 men, 27 women; mean age, 65.1 years) with malignant biliary obstruction. Serum bilirubin levels were assessed in 48 patients; the mean value prior to intervention was 15.0 mg/dl. Results In 12 patients (21%) complications occurred as a result of percutaneous transhepatic drainage. Stent implantation was complicated in 13 patients, but was possible in all patients. A significant decrease in bilirubin level was seen in 83.3% of patients following stent implantation. Approximately 30% of patients developed recurrent jaundice after a mean 97.1 days. In 9 patients (15%) the recurrent jaundice was caused by stent occlusion due to tumor growth. The mean follow-up was 141.8 days, the mean survival 118.7 days. Patients with cholangiocarcinomas and gallbladder carcinomas had the best results. Worse results were seen in patients with pancreatic tumors and with lymph node metastases of colon and gastric cancers. Conclusions The main predictive factors for occlusion rate and survival are the type of primary tumor, tumor stage, the decrease in bilirubin level, and the general condition of the patient.     

Radiological evaluation of covered self-expandable metallic stents used for palliation in patients with malignant esophageal strictures

Purpose: To study the role of self-expandable metallic stents in malignant esophageal strictures in terms of patency, improved dysphagia score, and possible associated complications.

Material and Methods: Twenty-two patients with inoperable carcinoma of the esophagus underwent stent placement. Four different varieties of covered stents were used. Stenting was performed under fluoroscopic guidance and local pharyngeal anesthesia. During follow-up, patients were examined clinically and radiologically to assess the effectiveness of stents in relieving dysphagia, to check the stent position, patency, and possible complications.

Results: Fluoroscopic placement of the stent was successful and well tolerated in all patients without any serious complications. Accurate stent placement was possible in 95% of cases. The mean dysphagia score prior to stenting was 3.5 and poststent 1.2, with an improvement of 2.3 degrees. In two patients with associated fistulas, complete closure was seen after stent insertion. There was poor stent expansion in three patients. Significant tumor overgrowth occurred in two patients, and a second overlapping stent was deployed in one case. Three patients developed food impaction, which needed endoscopic removal of impacted food in two cases.

Conclusion: Fluoroscopic placement of self-expandable metallic stents is a safe and effective method of palliating severe dysphagia and fistulas in patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma. However, complications such as tumor overgrowth and food impaction may require reintervention after stent placement.     

Malignant biliary obstruction treated by wallstents and strecker tantalum stents: A retrospective review

Purpose To evaluate retrospectively the role and the effectiveness of self-expandable Wallstents and balloon-expandable Strecker stents in patients with inoperable malignant obstruction of the biliary tree. Methods Fifty patients with malignant biliary obstruction were treated from August 1991 to August 1992 by percutaneous placement of 55 metallic endoprostheses (39 Wallstents, 16 Strecker stents). All patients were followed by clinical evaluation, laboratory data, and ultrasonographic examination until death. Results Wallstent placement was successful in 36 patients without procedure-related complications. One partial occlusion after 1 year was resolved by percutaneous balloon dilatation. Fourteen patients were treated with 16 Strecker stents. Stenting was unsuccessful in four cases; four occlusions (after 6 h, 48 h, 2 and 6 months) were encountered. Conclusion Wallstent endoprostheses have good results and long-term patency. There were some problems with Strecker stents during the placement and there was a higher occlusion rate.     

Metallic stents for the treatment of biliary obstruction: A report of 100 cases

The results of the first 100 patients to receive Gianturco-Rösch “Z” stents is presented along with recommendations for their use. The patient population was comprised of 57 men and 43 women, age range 17–85 years (mean 65 years). Fifty-four of the patients had benign obstruction and 46 had malignant obstruction. Of the benign lesions, 11 had sclerosing cholangitis and the remainder had postoperative strictures. Thirty-one of the malignant obstructions were secondary to cholangiocarcinoma with the majority of the others secondary to metastases from various sources. All but one had multiple systems involved. Patients with benign postoperative strictures were all initially treated with balloon angioplasty; if this failed, stents were inserted. In patients who had stents in place for greater than 1 year, the occlusion rate was 13%. The overall occlusion rate in the 43 patients was 7%. Patients with sclerosing cholangitis did less well. In those with sclerosing cholangitis secondary to intraarterial chemotherapy, the occlusion rate was 77%, and we no longer use the metallic “Z” stent in these patients. The stent was not used for malignant common duct obstruction. All patients had hilar involvement. In the patients with malignant obstruction, 17% reobstructed prior to their death. The patients with cholangiocarcinoma did well with a mean survival time of 14 months and a re-obstruction rate of 16%. All late obstructions were secondary to tumor over-growth either proximal or distal to the stents. We conclude that the “Z” stent is an effective form of treatment in patients with benign postoperative strictures and those with malignant obstruction involving the hilum. We do not recommend it as a replacement for conventional stents, but rather as an additional device that allows treatment of some of the more difficult causes of obstruction.     

Acute Duodenal Obstruction After Percutaneous Placement of Metallic Biliary Stents: Peroral Treatment with Enteral Stents

Three patients with malignant biliary obstruction were treated with placement of metallic biliary stents. Two patients had known partial duodenal stenosis but had no symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction. The patients developed symptomatic duodenal obstruction early after biliary metallic stent placement. The symptomatic duodenal obstructions were successfully treated with peroral placement of duodenal stents, which obviated the need for surgical intervention.     

Malignant biliary obstruction complicated by ascites: Closure of the transhepatic tract with cyanoacrylate glue after placement of an endoprosthesis

A new technique using cyanoacrylate glue is suggested for closing the transparenchymal tract following metallic endoprosthesis placement in a patient with malignant biliary obstruction complicated by ascites. With this technique, complications related to bile reflux through the transparenchymal tract would be avoided after transhepatic endoprosthesis placement in patients who have ascites. This technique would also be useful for avoiding bleeding following transhepatic portal venous puncture.     

Isolated Right Segmental Hepatic Duct Injury Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Purpose Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the treatment of choice for gallstones. There is an increased incidence of bile duct injuries in LC compared with the open technique. Isolated right segmental hepatic duct injury (IRSHDI) represents a challenge not only for management but also for diagnosis. We present our experience in the management of IRSHDI, with long-term follow-up after treatment by a multidisciplinary approach.Methods Twelve consecutive patients (9 women, mean age 48 years) were identified as having IRSHDI. Patients demographics, clinical presentation, management and outcome were collected for analysis. The mean follow-up was 44 months (range 2–90 months).Results Three patients had the LC immediately converted to open surgery without repair of the biliary injury before referral. Treatments before referral included endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous drainage and surgery, isolated or in combination. The median interval from LC to referral was 32 days. Eleven patients presented with biliary leak and biloma, one with obstruction of an isolated right hepatic segment. Post-referral management of the biliary lesion used a combination of ERCP stenting, percutaneous drainage and stent placement and surgery. In 6 of 12 patients ERCP was the first procedure, and in only one case was IRSHDI identified. In 6 patients, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) was performed first and an isolated right hepatic segment was demonstrated in all. The final treatment modality was endoscopic management and/or percutaneous drainage and stenting in 6 patients, and surgery in 6. The mean follow-up was 44 months. No mortality or significant morbidity was observed.Conclusion Successful management of IRSHDI after LC requires adequate identification of the lesion, and multidisciplinary treatment is necessary. Half of the patients can be treated successfully by nonsurgical procedures.     

Removal of retrievable self-expandable urethral stents: experience in 58 stents

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of removing retrievable self-expandable urethral stents using a retrieval hook wire. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the removal of 58 polyurethane or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)-covered stents was attempted in 33 patients using a retrieval hook wire. Indications for removal were elective removal (n=21), stent migration (n=19), formation of tissue hyperplasia around or inside of the stent (n=14), stent deformity (n=3), and severe pain (n=1). The mean time the stents remained in place was 64.8±42.9 days (range, 1–177 days). Fifty-six (97%) of the 58 stents were successfully removed using the retrieval hook wire despite the following difficulties; hook wire disconnection (n=2), untied drawstrings (n=3), and polyurethane membrane disruption/separation (n=4). The removal procedure using a retrieval hook wire failed in two stents (3%) which had migrated into the urinary bladder. One of the two stents with migration into the urinary bladder was removed using a snare through the cystostomy route. The overall complication rate was 14% (seven hematuria cases and one urethral tear case), and all were minor and spontaneously resolved without further treatment. In conclusion, removal of retrievable urethral stents using a retrieval hook wire was safe and effective despite some technical difficulties. It is a useful method for allowing temporary stent placement and solving various complications of stent use.     

Percutaneous hepaticoneojejunostomy and choledochocholedochal reanastomosis using metallic stents: Technical note

A new, nonsurgical approach to biliary duct reconstruction in two high-operative risk patients is presented. The first patient with an obstructed hepaticojejunostomy underwent such reconstruction by placement of Wallstent, which remained patent 9 months until death from recurrent tumor. The second patient with an inadvertently ligated common bile duct underwent a combined percutaneous transhepatic-retrograde endoscopic reconstruction with placement of a Gianturco-Rösch (GR) stent. Because of occlusion by granulation tissue 5 months later, a new GR stent covered with a silicone membrane was placed within the initial stent. Nine months after the second GR stent placement there is no evidence of obstruction.     

The role of radiology in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary complications after liver transplantation

Hepatic transplantation is now an accepted therapeutic option for selected patients with terminal liver disease. Biliary complications are, however relatively common after transplantation. We reviewed our experience with diagnostic and therapeutic biliary radiologic procedures in 151 hepatic recipients. Biliary complications were seen in 25% of patients. Interventional radiologic procedures were an integral part of the diagnostic and therapeutic management of these patients; reoperation was, nonetheless, occasionally required.     

Percutaneous transhepatic intraductal biliary sonography for lymph node staging at 12.5 MHz in malignant bile duct obstruction: Work in progress

Purpose To assess the value of intraductal ultrasound (US) for lymph node staging in malignant biliary obstruction. Methods Eighteen patients with malignant extrahepatic obstruction were imaged during percutaneous bile duct drainage with a mechanically rotating US transducer at 12.5 MHz. Detectable lymph nodes were classified as malignant when two of three criteria (hypoechoic, rounded, conspicuous margins) were fulfilled. The results were compared with histopathological data in 8 patients and follow-up CT findings in 10 patients. Results In 15 of 18 patients (83%) malignant lymph node involvement was suspected at intraductal US and in 5 of 18 patients (28%) during CT. Histopathological investigation after operation (n=8) and follow-up CT studies (n=10) revealed the presence of malignant nodal involvement in 13 of 18 (72%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of transhepatic intraductal biliary US in determining merely the presence or absence of malignant lymph nodes without specific topographic assignment were 92%, 40%, and 78%, respectively. Conclusion These preliminary results suggest that intraductal US may develop into a promising adjunctive modality during percutaneous bile duct drainage in patients with suspected malignant regional lymph node involvement.     

Percutaneous placement of biliary metallic stents in patients with malignant hilar obstruction: unilobar versus bilobar drainage

PURPOSE: To evaluate the necessity of draining more than one hepatic duct in malignant hilar obstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred seventeen self-expandable uncovered metallic stents (144 biliary Wallstents and 73 Memotherm nitinol stents) were placed percutaneously in 138 patients with unresectable malignant hilar obstructions. The patients included 76 men and 62 women, with a median age of 76 years (range, 43-82 years). Single-duct drainage was achieved in 74 patients (54%) by placing one stent (n = 59) or by placing an additional stent inserted telescopically through the first one (n = 15) to achieve an adequate stent length for long strictures (group 1). In 64 patients (46%), to maintain two-duct drainage, two stents were inserted through dual transhepatic tracts in a "Y" configuration (n = 41; group 2Y) or a single transhepatic tract in a "T" configuration (n = 23; group 2T). RESULTS: The overall technical success rate was 100%, and early clinical response was obtained in 89% of patients. The overall rate of major complications was 5.7% and did not show a statistically significant difference among groups 1, 2Y, and 2T in Bismuth type II, III, and IV obstructions. The patency rate was not statistically significant among groups 1, 2Y, and 2T in Bismuth type II and III obstructions (P >.05). However, in Bismuth type IV obstructions, the patency rate was significantly higher in group 2Y (P =.03; Kruskal-Wallis test). CONCLUSION: There is no need to place more than one stent in Bismuth type I, II, and III hilar obstructions. In Bismuth type IV obstructions, deployment of two parallel stents through dual transhepatic tracts should be performed.     

Treatment of malignant biliary obstruction with a PTFE-covered self-expandable nitinol stent.

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to determine the technical and clinical efficacy of using a PTFE-covered self-expandable nitinol stent for the palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with common bile duct strictures caused by malignant disease were treated by placing a total of 37 nitinol PTFE stents. These stents were covered with PTFE with the exception of the last 5 mm at each end; the stent had an unconstrained diameter of 10 mm and a total length of 50-80 mm. The patient survival rate and stent patency rate were calculated by performing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The bilirubin, serum amylase and lipase levels before and after stent placement were measured and then compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The average follow-up duration was 27.9 weeks (range: 2-81 weeks). RESULTS: Placement was successful in all cases. Seventy-six percent of the patients (28/37) experienced adequate palliative drainage for the remainder of their lives. There were no immediate complications. Three patients demonstrated stent sludge occlusion that required PTBD (percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage) irrigation. Two patients experienced delayed stent migration with stone formation at 7 and 27 weeks of follow-up, respectively. Stent insertion resulted in acute elevations of the amylase and lipase levels one day after stent insertion in 11 patients in spite of performing endoscopic sphincterotomy (4/6). The bilirubin levels were significantly reduced one week after stent insertion (p < 0.01). The 30-day mortality rate was 8% (3/37), and the survival rates were 49% and 27% at 20 and 50 weeks, respectively. The primary stent patency rates were 85%, and 78% at 20 and 50 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: The PTFE-covered self-expandable nitinol stent is safe to use with acceptable complication rates. This study is similar to the previous studies with regard to comparing the patency rates and survival rates.     

老年人恶性梗阻性黄疸介入治疗回顾性分析

目的 回顾性分析老年恶性梗阻性黄疸患者的介入治疗方法及近期疗效和影响黄疸消退的因素。方法 ２９例７０岁以上患者,男１９例,女１０例,平均７４．５岁。其中肝癌６例,胆管癌９例,胆囊癌３例,胰腺癌８例,转移癌３例。梗阻部位在胆总管１３例,肝总管肝门区以上１６例。１０例单纯外引流或内个引流,１９例放置了胆道支架,所用支架６种２０枚,术后１周造影或摄片复查。术前、术后查血生化全项,分析影响黄疸消退的因素。