Poorly expandable common bile duct with stones on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

AIM: To describe characteristics of a poorly expandable (PE) common bile duct (CBD) with stones on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography.METHODS: A PE bile duct was characterized by a rigid and relatively narrowed distal CBD with retrograde dilatation of the non-PE segment. Between 2003 and 2006, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) images and chart reviews of 1213 patients with newly diagnosed CBD stones were obtained from the computer database of Therapeutic Endoscopic Center in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Patients with characteristic PE bile duct on ERC were identified from the database. Data of the patients as well as the safety and technical success of therapeutic ERC were collected and analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with CBD stones and characteristic PE segments were enrolled in this study. The median patient age was 45 years (range, 20 to 92 years); 66.7% of the patients were men. The diameters of the widest non-PE CBD segment, the PE segment, and the largest stone were 14.3 ± 4.9 mm, 5.8 ± 1.6 mm, and 11.2 ± 4.7 mm, respectively. The length of the PE segment was 39.7 ± 15.4 mm (range, 12.3 mm to 70.9 mm). To remove the CBD stone(s) completely, mechanical lithotripsy was required in 25 (83.3%) patients even though the stone size was not as large as were the difficult stones that have been described in the literature. The stone size and stone/PE segment diameter ratio were associated with the need for lithotripsy. Post-ERC complications occurred in 4 cases: pancreatitis in 1, cholangitis in 2, and an impacted Dormia basket with cholangitis in 1. Two (6.7%) of the 28 patients developed recurrent CBD stones at follow-up (50 ± 14 mo) and were successfully managed with therapeutic ERC.CONCLUSION: Patients with a PE duct frequently require mechanical lithotripsy for stones extraction. To retrieve stones successfully and avoid complications, these patients should be identified during ERC.     

内镜十二指肠乳头切开术治疗十二指肠乳头旁憩室合并胆总管结石

目的 探讨内镜乳头括约肌切开术(EST)对十二指肠乳头旁憩室合并胆总管结石治疗的方法及价值.方法 我院2005年1月至2009年4月282例EST病例,其中38例为十二指肠乳头旁憩室合并胆总管结石患者,回顾性分析十二指肠憩室对这些病例的ERCP成功率、EST及其并发症的影响.结果 该组38例十二指肠乳头旁憩室合并胆总管...     

Using cholecystokinin to facilitate endoscopic clearance of large common bile duct stones

AIM:To evaluate the effect of cholecystokinin(CCK)during extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy(ESWL)in the clearance of common bile duct(CBD)stones in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).METHODS:Between January 2007 and September2012,patients with large CBD stones who were treated with ESWL and ERCP were identified retrospectively.Patients were randomized in equal numbers to cholecystokinin(CCK)and no CCK groups.For each CCK case,a dose(3 ng/kg per min for 10 min)of sulfated octapeptide of CCK-8 was administered intravenously near the beginning of ESWL.ERCP was performed 4 h after a session of ESWL.The clearance rate of the CBD was assessed between the two groups.RESULTS:A total of 148 consecutive cases(CCK group:74,no CCK group:74)were tallied.Overall there were 234 ESWLs and 228 ERCPs in the 148 cases.The use of CCK showed a significantly higher rate of successful stone removal in the first ESWL/ERCP procedure(71.6%vs 55.4%,P=0.035),but resulted in similar outcomes in the second(42.8%vs 39.4%)and third(41.7%vs 40.0%)sessions,as well as total stone clearance(90.5%vs 83.8%).The use of mechanical lithotripsy was reduced in the CCK group(6.8%vs17.6%,P=0.023),and extremely large stone(≥30mm)removal was higher in the CCK group(72.7%vs41.7%,P=0.038).CONCLUSION:CCK during ESWL can aid with the clearance of CBD stones in the first ESWL/ERCP session.Mechanical lithotripsy usage was reduced and the extremely large stone(≥30 mm)clearance rate can be raised.     

Single-session minimally invasive management of common bile duct stones

Up to 18% of patients submitted to cholecystectomy had concomitant common bile duct stones. To avoid serious complications, these stones should be removed. There is no consensus about the ideal management strategy for such patients. Traditionally, open surgery was offered but with the advent of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) minimally invasive approach had nearly replaced laparotomy because of its well-known advantages. Minimally invasive approach could be done in either two-session (preoperative ERCP followed by LC or LC followed by postoperative ERCP) or single-session (laparoscopic common bile duct exploration or LC with intraoperative ERCP). Most recent studies have found that both options are equivalent regarding safety and efficacy but the single-session approach is associated with shorter hospital stay, fewer procedures per patient, and less cost. Consequently, single-session option should be offered to patients with cholecysto-choledocholithiaisis provided that local resources and expertise do exist. However, the management strategy should be tailored according to many variables, such as available resources, experience, patient characteristics, clinical presentations, and surgical pathology.     

Two-stage vs single-stage management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones

AIM: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two-stage vs single-stage management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones.METHODS: Four databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Science Citation Index up to September 2011, were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data were extracted from the studies by two independent reviewers. The primary outcomes were stone clearance from the common bile duct, postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes were conversion to other procedures, number of procedures per patient, length of hospital stay, total operative time, hospitalization charges, patient acceptance and quality of life scores.RESULTS: Seven eligible RCTs [five trials (n = 621) comparing preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)/endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) + laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with LC + laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE); two trials (n = 166) comparing postoperative ERCP/EST + LC with LC + LCBDE], composed of 787 patients in total, were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis detected no statistically significant difference between the two groups in stone clearance from the common bile duct [risk ratios (RR) = -0.10, 95% confidence intervals (CI): -0.24 to 0.04, P = 0.17], postoperative morbidity (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.10, P = 0.16), mortality (RR = 2.19, 95% CI: 0.33 to 14.67, P = 0.42), conversion to other procedures (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.54 to 2.70, P = 0.39), length of hospital stay (MD = 0.99, 95% CI: -1.59 to 3.57, P = 0.45), total operative time (MD = 12.14, 95% CI: -1.83 to 26.10, P = 0.09). Two-stage (LC + ERCP/EST) management clearly required more procedures per patient than single-stage (LC + LCBDE) management.CONCLUSION: Single-stage management is equivalent to two-stage management but requires fewer procedures. However, patient’s condition, operator’s expertise and local resources should be taken into account in making treatment decisions.     

一步法和分步法治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者疗效及并发症分析

目的 探讨一步法与分步法手术治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者的疗效.方法 2016年1月～2019年6月我院诊治的胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者152例,其中87例接受一步法手术,即行腹腔镜胆囊切除(LC)和胆总管探查取石(LCBDE)术,65例接受分步法手术,即行内镜逆行胰胆管造影/乳头括约肌切开(ERCP/EST)和LC...     

Endoscopic lithotripsy with peroral direct cholangioscopy using a conventional endoscope

Recently,peroral direct cholangioscopy(PDCS) using an ultra-slim endoscope has come into the spotlight.However,the working channel is too small to use various devices for lithotripsy.We report a case of endoscopic lithotripsy with PDCS using a conventional endoscope as a cholangioscope.Computed tomography scan on an 80-year-old female who was admitted with acute cholangitis showed two large stones in the bile duct.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was attempted first.However,mechanical lithotripsy failed because the stone was too large for the basket catheter.Finally,electric hydraulic lithotripsy with PDCS using a conventional endoscope was performed allowed the stones to be cleared completely.In conclusion,PDCS using a conventional endoscope can be an alternative solution for endoscopic lithotripsy for patients with large stones in the dilated bile duct.     

Common bile duct stones on multidetector computed tomography:Attenuation patterns and detectability

AIM:To investigate the attenuation patterns and detectability of common bile duct(CBD) stones by multidetector computed tomography(MDCT).METHODS:Between March 2010 and February 2012,191 patients with suspicion of CBD stones undergoing both MDCT and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) were enrolled and reviewed retrospectively.The attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT were classified as heavily calcified,radiopaque,less radiopaque,or undetectable.The association between the attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT and stone type consisting of pure cholesterol,mixed cholesterol,brown pigment,and black pigment and the factors related to the detectability of CBD stones by MDCT were evaluated.RESULTS:MDCT showed CBD stones in 111 of 130 patients in whom the CBD stones were demonstrated by ERCP with 85.4% sensitivity.The attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT were heavily calcified 34(26%),radiopaque 31(24%),less radiopaque 46(35%),and undetectable 19(15%).The radiopacity of CBD stones differed significantly according to stone type(P < 0.001).From the receiver operating characteristic curve,stone size was useful for the determination of CBD stone by MDCT(area under curve 0.779,P < 0.001) and appropriate cut-off stone size on MDCT was 5 mm.The factors related to detectability of CBD stones on MDCT were age,stone type,and stone size on multivariate analysis(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:The radiopacity of CBD stones on MDCT differed according to stone type.Stone type and stone size were related to the detectability by MDCT,and appropriate cut-off stone size was 5 mm.     

处置困难胆总管结石1例治疗体会

采用常规取石技术仍未能取出的结石,被认为是处置"困难"的胆总管结石。现将我院收治的1例处置困难的胆总管结石患者治疗经过和治疗体会报道如下。     

Early bile duct cancer detected by direct peroral cholangioscopy with narrow-band imaging after bile duct stone removal

Cholangioscopy not only enables the direct visualization of the biliary tree, but also allows for forceps biopsy to diagnosis early cholangiocarcinoma. Recently, some reports have suggested the clinical usefulness of direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) using an ultra-slim endoscope with a standard endoscopic unit by a single operator. Enhanced endoscopy, such as narrow band imaging (NBI), can be helpful for detecting early neoplasia in the gastrointestinal tract and is easily applicable during direct POC. A 63-year-old woman with acute cholangitis had persistent bile duct dilation on the left hepatic duct after common bile duct stone removal and clinical improvement. We performed direct POC with NBI using an ultra-slim upper endoscope to examine the strictured segment. NBI examination showed an irregular surface and polypoid structure with tumor vessels. Target biopsy under direct endoscopic visualization was performed, and adenocarcinoma was documented. The patient underwent an extended left hepatectomy, and the resected specimen showed early bile duct cancer confined to the ductal mucosa.     

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for removal of bile duct stones

AIM:To investigate the efficacy and outcomes of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD)for bile duct stones in a multicenter prospective study.METHODS:Lithotomy by EPLBD was conducted in 124patients with bile duct stones≥13 mm in size or with three or more bile duct stones≥10 mm.After endoscopic sphincterotomy,the papilla was dilated using balloons 12-20 mm in diameter fitting the bile duct diameter.RESULTS:The success rate of first-time lithotomy was 86.3%(107/124)and the final lithotomy success rate was 100%(124/124).Lithotripsy was needed in10 of the 124(13.6%)patients.Adverse events due to the treatment procedure occurred in 6(4.8%)patients,all of which were mild.Performing large balloon dilation after endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with large stones or multiple stones in the bile duct is considered to ensure the safety of treatment and to reduce the need for lithotripsy.CONCLUSION:It is suggested that treatment by EPLBD for large bile duct stones may be safe and useful.     

Pancreatitis complicating mucin-hypersecreting common bile duct adenoma

Villous adenomas of the bile ducts are extremely uncommon. We describe a 58-year-old man presenting with clinical signs and laboratory findings of acute pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice. Preoperative investigation demonstrated a dilated papillary orifice with mucus exiting (fish-mouth sign) and a filling defect in the distal common bile duct. He underwent a modified Whipple operation and histological examination of the surgical specimen showed villous adenoma with rich secretion of mucus.     

Endoscopic papillary balloon intermittent dilatation and endoscopic sphincterotomy for bile duct stones

AIM: To compare the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic papillary balloon intermittent dilatation (EPBID) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in the treatment of common bile duct stones. METHODS: From March 2011 to May 2012, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed in 560 patients, 262 with common bile duct stones. A total of 206 patients with common bile duct stones were enrolled in the study and randomized to receive either EPBID with a 10-12 mm dilated balloon or EST (103 patients in each group). For both groups a conventional reticular basket or balloon was used to remove the stones. After the procedure, routine endoscopic nasobiliary drainage was performed. RESULTS: First-time stone removal was successfully performed in 94 patients in the EPBID group (91.3%) and 75 patients in the EST group (72.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of operation time between the two groups. The overall incidence of early complications in the EPBID and EST groups was 2.9% and 13.6%, respectively, with no deaths reported during the course of the study and follow-up. Multiple regression analysis showed that the success rate of stone removal was associated with stone removal method [odds ratio (OR): 5.35; 95%CI: 2.24-12.77; P=0.00], the transverse diameter of the stone (OR: 2.63; 95%CI: 1.19-5.80; P=0.02) and the presence or absence of diverticulum (OR: 2.35; 95%CI: 1.03-5.37; P=0.04). Postoperative pancreatitis was associated with the EST method of stone removal (OR: 5.00; 95%CI: 1.23-20.28; P=0.02) and whether or not pancreatography was performed (OR: 0.10; 95%CI: 0.03-0.35; P=0.00). CONCLUSION: The EPBID group had a higher success rate of stone removal with a lower incidence of pancreatitis compared with the EST group.     

Ampulla dilation with different sized balloons to remove common bile duct stones

AIM:To assess the outcomes of ampulla dilation with different sized balloons to remove common bile duct (CBD) stones.METHODS:Patients (n=208) were divided into five groups based on the largest CBD stone size of < 5,6-8,8-12,12-14,and > 14 mm.Patients underwent limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) alone or limited EST followed by endoscopic papillary balloon dilation with 8,10,12 and 14 mm balloons,such that the size of each balloon did not exceed the size of the CBD.Short-and long-term outcomes,such as post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis,perforation,bleeding,and pneumobilia were compared among the five groups.RESULTS:The overall rate of successful stone removal in all groups was 100%,and all patients were cured.Eight (3.85%) patients had post-ERCP pancreatitis,none had perforations,and 6 (2.9%) had bleeding re-quiring transfusion.There were no significant differences in early complication rates among the five groups.We observed significant correlations between increased balloon size and the short-and long-term rates of postERCP pneumobilia.Post-ERCP pancreatitis and bleeding correlated significantly with age,with post-ERCP pancreatitis occurring more frequently in patients aged < 60 years,and bleeding occurring more frequently in patients aged > 70 years.We observed a significant correlation between patient age and the diameter of the largest CBD stone,with stones > 12 mm occurring more frequently in patients > 60 years old.CONCLUSION:Choosing a balloon size based on the largest stone diameter is safe and effective for removing CBD stones.Balloon size should not exceed 15 mm.     

Technical tips for peroral transluminal cholangioscopy using novel single‐operator cholangioscope (with videos)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold‐standard modality for diagnosis and therapy of bilio‐pancreatic disease. In particular, peroral cholangiography (POCS) is a useful modality not only for diagnosing biliary disease, but also for therapeutic procedures such as electrohydraulic lithotripsy. The SPY‐DS single‐operator cholangioscope has recently become available, and offers favorable visualization, a wide view, suction function and a larger accessory working channel. However, if the duodenoscope cannot be advanced into the ampulla of Vater for reasons such as surgical anatomy, POCS cannot be performed. On the other hand, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) has been developed as an alternative endoscopic ultrasound‐guided approach to the biliary tract. Peroral transluminal cholangioscopy (PTLC) using SPY‐DS is a novel approach. Because transluminal interventional procedures under endoscopic ultrasound guidance have recently been developed, our technique may have clinical impact for selected cases.     

Outcome of simple use of mechanical lithotripsy of difficult common bile duct stones

AIM: The usual bile duct stone may be removed by means of Dormia basket or balloon catheter, and results are quite good. However, the degree of difficulty is increased when stones are larger. Studies on the subject reported many cases where mechanical lithotripsy is combined with a second technique, e.g. electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL), where stones are crushed using baby-mother scope electric shock. The extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or laser lithotripsy also yields an excellent success rate of greater than 90%. However, the equipment for these techniques are very expensive; hence we opted for the simple mechanical lithotripsy and evaluated its performance. METHODS: During the period from August 1996 to December 2002, Mackay Memorial Hospital treated 304 patients suffering from difficult bile duct stones (stone>1.5 cm or stones that could not be removed by the ordinary Dormia basket or balloon catheter). These patients underwent endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) procedure, and stones were removed by means of the Olympus BML-4Q lithotripsy. A follow-up was conducted on the post-treatment conditions and complications of the patients. RESULTS: Out of the 304 patients, bile duct stones were successfully removed from 272 patients, a success rate of about 90%. The procedure failed in 32 patients, for whom surgery was needed. Out of the 272 successfully treated patients, 8 developed cholangitis, 21 developed pancreatitis, and 10 patients had delayed bleeding, and no patient died. Among these 272 successful removal cases, successful bile duct stone removal was achieved after the first lithotripsy in 211 patients, whereas 61 patients underwent multiple sessions of lithotripsy. As for the 61 patients that underwent multiple sessions of mechanical lithotripsy, 6 (9.8%) had post-procedure cholangitis, 12 (19.6%) had pancreatitis, and 9 patients (14.7%) had delayed bleeding. Compared with the 211 patients undergoing a single session of mechanical lithotripsy, 3 (1.4%) had cholangitis, 1 (0.4%) had delayed bleeding, and 7 patients (3.3%) had pancreatitis. Statistical deviation was present in post-procedure cholangitis, delayed bleeding, and pancreatitis of both groups. CONCLUSION: Mechanical bile stone lithotripsy on difficult bile duct stones could produce around 90% successful rate. Moreover, complications are minimal. This finding further confirms the significance of mechanical lithotripsy in the treatment of patients with difficult bile duct stones.