A case of recurrent gall bladder cancer responding to chemotherapy with gemcitabine after endoscopic metallic biliary stent implantation

A 71-year-old male complaining of jaundice was referred to our hospital. He had undergone cholecystectomy for gall bladder cancer. Computed tomography showed the biliary duct was obstructed by recurrent gall bladder cancer at the hepatic hilum. After endoscopic metallic biliary stent implantation, gemcitabine(700 mg/m(2) day)was administered once a week for two weeks followed by a week of no treatment. After three courses of the chemotherapy, computed tomography showed that the tumor at the hepatic hilum was no longer visible and that the serum CA19-9 level was reduced to normal. Grade 2 appetite loss and grade 3 neutropenia were observed as adverse reactions to the treatment. Gemcitabine therapy after endoscopic intervention was safe and effective in this case of recurrent gall bladder cancer with obstructive jaundice.     

金属胆道支架植入联合介入化疗治疗恶性梗阻性黄疸的疗效

目的评价金属胆道支架植入联合介入化疗治疗恶性梗阻性黄疸的疗效。方法对20例接受金属胆道支架植入联合介入化疗治疗的恶性梗阻性黄疸患者,回顾性分析血清总胆红素和谷丙转氨酶的变化,以及联合介入化疗后的生存时间和生存率。结果术后两周,血清总胆红素和谷丙转氨酶较术前明显下降,术后四周,9例患者的血清总胆红素和谷丙转氨酶恢复正常。本组病例的中位生存时间为6个月,半年及一年生存率分别为60%及35%。结论对于无法外科手术治疗的恶性梗阻性黄疸患者,金属胆道支架植入联合介入化疗能明显提高其生活质量及生存率。     

The palliative role of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension (PEG-J) in an advanced pancreatic cancer patient with duodenal stenosis--a case report

Although a 64-year-old man with pancreatic cancer was referred to our hospital due to difficulty in the bile drainage, he was initially planned to have an operation at another hospital after relief of obstructive jaundice. Laboratory tests on admission revealed obstructive jaundice, pancreatitis and malnutrition (T-Bil 12.1 mg/dL, AMY 1170 IU/L, Alb 2.0 g/dL). Abdominal computed tomography (CT) detected a pancreas tumor and multiple liver metastases. Then, we determined to carry out palliative therapy. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) showed a common bile duct obstruction, and a biliary metallic stent was placed. Endoscopic examination revealed a tumorous duodenal stenosis. We performed percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension (PEG-J), which was used for both transintestinal nutrition and decompression gastrostomy. After these therapies, the patient's condition improved better in 2 weeks as such that he could have stayed away from our hospital for several days. PEG-J was useful to improve a quality of life in pancreatic cancer patient with duodenal stenosis.     

肝门部胆管癌内支架置入术后再梗阻的介入处理

 目的　探讨肝门部胆管癌内支架置入术后再梗阻的原因及其有效的治疗方法。方法　 13例内支架置入术后病人出现再梗阻症状 ,8例行CT检查 ,5例MR检查后 ,再行经皮肝穿刺胆道引流(PTCD) ,5例再次行金属内支架置入术 ,共使用 5枚金属内支架 ,6例配合动脉灌注化疗 ,使用药物有 5 FU、健择 ,每隔 3～ 5周重复 1次。结果　病人再梗阻可能的原因是肿瘤向支架近端生长 (5例 ) ,支架腔内堵塞 (9例 ) ,左侧胆管梗阻 (1例 )和胆道感染化脓 (8例 )。 13例行PTCD均获得成功。 1例病人由于肿瘤发展侵犯多支肝内胆管和严重的胆道感染于PTCD术后 15天死亡 ,5例于引流 5～ 10天后再次行金属内支架置入术 ,共使用 5枚 ,其中右侧胆道 4枚 ,左侧胆道 1枚 ,7例带管出院 ,6例于肝功能明显改善后先后行腹腔动脉灌注化疗 1～ 4次。经 30个月的随访 ,13例病人自初次PTCD术后半年、1年和 2年的生存率分别是 10 0 % ,75 %和 33.3% ,其中 1例病人带管引流 2年尚在生存 ,发生了穿刺道皮肤转移。结论　肝门部胆管癌内支架置入术后再梗阻的原因多种 ,再次PTCD引...     

A patient with middle bile duct cancer who showed rapid obstruction on contrast radiographs 1 week after insertion of a non-covered stent, but this case obtained a long-term stent opening and long survival after re-insertion of a covered stent

A 73-year-old female with jaundice was referred to our department and admitted. Blood examination on admission showed an abnormal liver function and an increase in CA19-9. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed a well-delineated round mass in the middle bile duct. After admission, PTBD was performed, and a complete obstruction was observed in the middle bile duct. Cytological examination of the bile demonstrated adenocarcinoma. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of middle bile duct cancer was made. Because of delirium and frequent wandering during the night due to dementia, a radical operation was abandoned, and a non-covered stent was placed. However, since 1 week after insertion of a non-covered stent, contrast radiography showed tumor protrusion (rapid obstruction) in the stent, and a covered stent was placed in the stent. The stent was open for 486 days after stent re-insertion. PTBD was performed for re-obstruction, but she died 596 days after admission. In patients for whom surgery is impossible for reasons other than tumor factors, internal fistula construction using a metallic stent, which neither impairs QOL nor shorten survival, can be indicated.     

肝门部胆管癌伴乳腺和骨骼肌同时转移1例报告及文献综述

肝门部胆管癌曾被普遍认为生长缓慢。骨骼肌是恶性肿瘤转移最不常见的部位之一。我们报道1例肝门部胆管癌伴乳腺和骨骼肌同时转移,并做相关文献综述。一48岁女性病人,因黄疸并体重减轻入院,诊断为肝门部胆管癌Bismuth-Corlette Ⅳ,行 ERCP塑料内支架置入术加体外三维适型放疗,效果良好,2个月后肝门部肿瘤明显缩小,黄疸消退,正常生活。因经济原因拒绝手术。10个月后,发现左大腿痛性肿块和左乳无痛性包块,全身检查未发现其他部位转移灶,原发灶肿瘤无明显变化,诊断为肝门部胆管癌伴左乳腺及左股网头肌的股直肌转移,并经术后病理证实。但术后4个月起,患者再次出现黄疸,频发胆管炎,不能耐受放疗,最终死于肝功能衰竭。肝门部胆管癌并远处转移文献报道很少,病人多是局部病变广泛并全身多发转移,转移部位多是颈淋巴结、骨骼及门脉系统,但原发灶肿瘤稳定时伴乳腺和骨骼肌同时转移尚未见报道。     

A patient with bile duct cancer who showed rapid obstruction after insertion of a non covered stent, but in this case obtained a stent opening and better QOL after reinsertion of a covered stent

A 73-year-old man is presented with jaundice. Dynamic CT showed a papillary mass in the common bile duct. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography revealed a filling defect in the middle common bile duct. Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma was demonstrated from a papillary mass in the common bile duct by biopsy specimens obtained under p. ercutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy. Based on these findings, upper to middle bile duct cancer was diagnosed. An unresectable tumor was defined by involving the main portal vein and common hepatic artery at surgical exploration. A non-covered expandable metallic stent was placed 8 days after the operation. However, since contrast radiography showed tumor protrusion in the stent next day after the insertion, a covered stent was placed. Stent obstruction did not occur, and the patient was discharged from the hospital with a good quality of life. A covered stent can be more potentially and clinically effective than a non-covered stent especially for a papillary tumor in the bile duct.     

Cholangiocarcinoma developed in a patient with IgG4-related disease

A 77-year-old man with jaundice and a pancreatic head tumor was referred to our hospital in August2006.The initial laboratory tests,computed tomography(CT)scan,magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography suggested IgG4-related cholangitis and autoimmune pancreatitis.Oral prednisolone(PSL)was then administered.This treatment reduced the size of the pancreatic parenchyma,and the lower common bile duct(CBD)returned to its normal size.Thus,the oral PSL was gradually tapered to a maintenance dose.In February 2010,a CT scan and MRI showed segmental wall thickening and stenosis of the middle CBD,the progression of which led to extrahepatic obstructive jaundice.We suspected the emergence of a cholangiocarcinoma rather than the exacerbation of the IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis because the stricture of the CBD was short and localized.Then,a percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed.The biopsy specimens obtained via the percutaneous transhepatic tract indicated an abnormal glandular formation,suggesting the presence of a moderate,well-differencated adenocarcinoma.The gross examination,microscopic examination and immunohistochemical analysis of the pancreaticoduodenectomy specimen suggested that a cholangiocarcinoma developed from the IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis.     

A case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma successfully treated by hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

The patient was a 67-year-old man who had been operated for eshophageal cancer 4 years ago. He was diagnosed as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by CT after 2 years of the operation. After admission to our hospital, he was treated by hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with CDDP, levofolinate calcium (L-LV) and 5-FU with chronomodulation. After a few more months of the treatment, abdominal CT revealed that the size of hepatic tumor decreased remarkably. There were no side effects without bone marrow suppression (grade 1). It seemed that hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with chronomodulation may be an effective strategy against intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in high risk case.     

A patient with obstructive jaundice due to recurrence after gastric cancer surgery responding remarkably to FLP combination therapy

The patient was a 67-year-old man who had undergone distal gastrectomy because of early gastric cancer without lymph node metastasis two years earlier. The postoperative course was uneventful, but he was admitted again to our hospital because of abrupt jaundice. A CT scan of the abdomen showed obstructive jaundice due to the enlargement of the lymph nodes around the hepatoduodenal ligament, pancreas head, portal vein, and celiac axis. After percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage (PTCD), 5 cycles of FLP combination therapy (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, cisplatin) were performed. Consequently, the tumor marker level returned to the normal range and the shrinkage of the metastatic lymph nodes was remarkable. A reopening of the biliary tract was attained, so the PTCD tube could be removed. As an outpatient without recurrence he has received oral administration of uracil plus tegafur. The FLP combination therapy was effective for obstructive jaundice due to intraperitoneal lymph node recurrence of the gastric cancer.     

Application of metallic stents for both inferior vena cava and biliary obstruction by lymph node involvement in a patient with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma

The authors experienced a case with obstruction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the common bile duct due to a recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. In order to improve severe edema of the lower extremities and obstructive jaundice, IVC metallic stent as well as biliary stent were applied. A Luminexx stent of 8 cm in length was placed in the bile duct via subcutaneous route after biliary drainage. A spiral zigzag stent of 8 cm in length was also inserted into the IVC through the femoral vein following balloon dilatation of the obstructed portion. Subsequently, jaundice and edema were dramatically improved in a short period of time, which resulted in patient discharge from the hospital. Although the patient died of the cancer in 2 months, the quality of life was well maintained until death.     

Palliative management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Around 80% of the patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma are candidates for palliative management due to extensive co-morbidity for major surgery, metastases or advanced loco-regional disease. The primary aim of treatment is to provide biliary drainage with long-term relief from pruritis, cholangitis, pain and jaundice. Endoscopically placed self-expanding metallic biliary stent has low procedure-related complications and is probably the modality of choice for patients with unresectable tumour on preoperative assessment. Percutaneous biliary drainage has comparable results and is an alternative when endoscopic expertise is not available or has failed or there are multiple isolated segments with cholangitis. Surgical cholangiojejunostomy provides lasting biliary drainage but has limitations of associated morbidity and mortality. In the absence of high-quality studies, comparing these modalities the choice of biliary drainage procedure should be guided by the available local expertise. Other modalities of treatment like radiotherapy, chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy currently remain investigational.     

Evaluation of biliary stenting therapy for malignant biliary stricture at our hospital

The clinical results of biliary stenting therapy for non-resectable malignant biliary stricture were assessed for patency periods and survival periods in consideration of the types of stents and disease. The subjects were 51 patients with non-resectable malignant biliary stricture due to disease of the pancreas and biliary tract treated at our hospital between April 2001 and March 2005. No significant differences were observed in the patency periods and survival periods among the various types of stents. In regard to the type of disease, the survival period for biliary tract cancer was longer (616 +/- 246 days) than those for other diseases. There was no difference in the number of times of stenting among the various stents, and jaundice was effectively reduced. No patients in our series died of failure to reduce jaundice. We therefore considered it necessary to choose a proper stent indwelling route and a stent type according to stricture site, disease type and PS (performance status) at the time of stenting. The usefulness of the biliary stenting therapy for non-resectable malignant biliary stricture was suggested.     

An effective treatment by chemoradiation therapy after stent insertion for advanced esophageal cancer with esophago-pulmonary fistula--report of a case

We report the case of a 56-year-old male who was diagnosed as advanced esophageal cancer with esophago-pulmonary fistula and lung abscess. He received radiation therapy in combination with chemotherapy using cisplatin and 5-FU after insertion of a self-expanding metallic stent. He had sufficient food intake during the chemoradiotherapy (CRT). CRT was very effective for not only primary tumor but also lymph node metastasis, with resulting partial response.We could not detect any relapses and metastases for 8 months after CRT. The CRT after insertion of self-expanding metallic stent is one of the useful and palliative treatments for advance esophageal cancer with esophago-pulmonary fistula.     

Two cases of advanced pancreatic cancer responding to gemcitabine with long survival of 2 years

Gemcitabine (GEM) is currently considered a standard drug for advanced pancreatic cancer and widely used for patients with this carcinoma. We report on 2 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer who were able to survive for more than 2 years after GEM treatments. Case 1 was a 82-year-old woman with invasion to celiac artery and who was inoperable. During GEM administration, she had no symptoms and the tumor did not progress. However, because of the toxicities of heart failure, GEM administration was stopped after she took a total of 16,800 mg. After GEM administration was stopped, symptoms appeared and the tumor progressed. Case 2 was a 39-year-old man with obstructive jaundice with liver and lymph node metastases. He was treated with metallic stent in order to reduce cholestasis. During GEM administration, he had no symptoms and the tumor did not progress. As an adverse event, rash occurred after he took a total of 51,800 mg. GEM administration was then stopped. This patient sometimes developed cholestasis due to tumor ingrowths and sludge and was treated successful by endoscopy. GEM has shown to improve survival and show a clinically beneficial response in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. However, toxic events can be expected to occur with long term GEM administration. We consider that management of complications such as obstructive jaundice is very important in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.     

恶性梗阻性黄疸的介入治疗

目的 :探讨介入治疗恶性梗阻性黄疸的临床价值。方法 :31例恶性梗阻性黄疸患者先行PTCD( 17例 )及金属支架置入术 ( 14例 ) ,1周后行肝动脉灌注化疗或栓塞治疗。结果 :31例PTCD或胆道内支架置入后 ,血清总胆红素下降。 2例患者 2个月内死于与本治疗无关的原因。 2例支架再狭窄。所有病例均获随访 ,平均生存 9个月 ,最长 2 6个月。结论 :介入治疗恶性梗阻性黄疸是一种有效的方法 ;介入治疗可以延长恶性梗阻性黄疸患者的生存时间。     

A case of malignant gastric outlet stenosis palliated with self-expandable metallic stent and responding to TS-1, an oral fluorouracil derivative

We report a case of advanced gastric cancer with antral stenosis that responded to an oral anticancer agent, TS-1, after metallic stent insertion. A 59 year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal distension and vomiting after meals. The diagnosis was advanced gastric cancer with antral stenosis and multiple liver metastases. FP therapy (CDDP 80 mg/m2 day 1 div, 5-FU 700 mg/m2 day 1-5 continuous div) was administered. Although endoscopic findings showed improvement after the first course, the condition of the patient did not improve. We therefore inserted a self-expandable metallic stent into the antral stenosis. After implantation, the patient was able to have regular meals, leave the hospital and return to work. TS-1 (120 mg daily), an oral fluorouracil derivative, was administered in the outpatient setting. A partial response (PR) was obtained after 2 courses with regression of multiple liver metastases and the primary tumor.     

Major Hepatic Resection for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma without Preoperative Biliary Drainage.

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer in western countries but very high incidence in the northeast of Thailand. The only chance to cure is surgical resection. Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) for improving liver function to decrease perioperative morbidity and mortality is claimed to be beneficial. To determine whether liver resection with hilar resection is a safe procedure in obstructive jaundice patients caused by hilar cholangiocarcinoma, the records of 30 consecutive patients undergoing surgery between May 1999 and May 2002 at Srinagarind hospital, Khon Kaen University, were retrospectively analyzed. Two patients died during hospitalization, an operative mortality of 6.7%. Survival was 33% at 1 year, 12% at 2 years,10% at 3 years and 6.7% at 4 years. In our experience, it is safe in most patients with obstructive jaundice due to hilar cholangiocarcinoma to perform liver resection without preoperative biliary drainage (PBD).     

Percutaneous transhepatic hybrid biliary endoprostheses using both plastic and metallic stents for palliative treatment of malignant common bile duct obstruction

To evaluate clinical safety and efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic hybrid biliary prostheses for palliative treatment in patients with common bile duct obstruction caused by advanced malignancies. A total of 13 consecutive patients was treated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary endoprostheses concurrently using both plastic and metallic stents. Serum total bilirubin levels before and after stent placement were evaluated. The technical success rate, the period with no obstructive jaundice, patient survival and complications were also assessed. Median bilirubin levels decreased from 3.8 mg/dL before to 1.2 mg/dL after stent placement, and this difference was statistically significant. The median no‐jaundice period after bile duct stent placement was 6.0 months (range: 2–11 months), and overall survival time was 7.0 months. Of the 13 patients, nine did not have recurrent jaundice by the time of death, whereas four (31%) had recurrent jaundice. A second intervention was performed in these four patients. A new plastic stent was placed and jaundice did not recur up to the time of death. No serious complications such as cholangitis, pancreatitis or bile duct perforation developed. Percutaneous transhepatic hybrid biliary endoprostheses using both plastic and metallic stents can be useful as non‐invasive palliative treatment to relieve jaundice in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice.     

A case of delayed colonic perforation after metallic stent placement for advanced descending colon cancer during bevacizumab-based chemotherapy

A 73-year-old man with advanced descending colon cancer and peritoneal metastases underwent a self-expandable metallic stent placement under fluoroscopic guidance on October 2007. The stent placement was successful without early complication. After 6 courses of FOLFOX4 followed by 7 courses of FOLFIRI, he received Bevacizumab-based chemotherapy from August 2008. In April 2009, he was admitted to our hospital with severe abdominal pain due to perforation of descending colon. Although emergent surgery was performed, he developed DIC and died on the 21 postoperative days. This case suggests that metallic stent placement for colorectal cancer cases might increase the risk of bowel perforation during Bevacizumab-based chemotherapy.