ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred method of treatment for symptomatic choledocholithiasis. Since its introduction there has been an increase in postoperative diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aim of this study was to assess the indications and results of ERCP following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Sixty-one patients had an ERCP following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Two broad groups were identified: Group 1 (35 patients) had filling defects (consistent with stones) noted on operative cholangiography, which were not successfully flushed or extracted at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Group 2 consisted of patients who developed problems following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Nine patients had post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain with abnormal liver function tests (LFT), four of whom had common bile duct (CBD) injuries and three had CBD stones. Eleven patients had post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain with a normal diameter common bile duct on ultrasound and normal LFT; only one had a CBD stone. Five patients with a persisting bile leak following laparoscopic cholecystectomy had an ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy. In three the leak ceased, while two required subsequent open surgery to drain bile collections and ligate the cystic duct. One patient presented with an episode of transient jaundice but had a normal ERCP. There were six post-ERCP complications; three patients had mild pancreatitis, two had a minor haemorrhage and one an asymptomatic duodenal perforation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy was most valuable for the management of retained stones and the diagnosis and management of post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain in association with abnormal LFT. The diagnostic yield was low (9%) when the LFT were normal.     

Diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder and common bile duct stones: our experience

AIM: The aim of this study was to verify the possibility to identify and treat common bile duct (CBD) stones by means of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with a reduction of postoperative complications. METHODS: We have carried out a retrospective monocenter analysis of 104 consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy performed by a single surgeon at the VII Division of General Surgery, Second University of Naples, between 2002 and 2006. Before the operation, we have performed highly selective studies like MRCP and ERCP to identify and treat CBD stones in patients affected by pancreatitis, jaundice, high liver function tests or in case of common bile duct dilation at the US examination, without intraoperative cholangiography. RESULTS: Of 104 patients with indication for a cholecystectomy, 22 patients (21.2%) presented high levels of cholestasis tests; 13 patients (12.5%) presented common bile duct dilation at the US examination (>6 mm diameter). Both groups underwent a MRCP which was positive in 8 patients (7.7%), confirming the diagnosis of common bile duct stones. For these reasons we removed CBD stones using preoperative ERCP. CONCLUSION: Preoperative ERCP and RMCP, without intraoperative cholangiography, is not associated with a significant increase in morbility/mortality associated with CBD stones before surgical treatment.     

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and cholangiography in the laparoscopic era.

OBJECTIVE: The authors reviewed the results of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and intraoperative cholangiography in a series of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The indications for preoperative and postoperative ERCP and intraoperative cholangiography as adjuncts to laparoscopic cholecystectomy are evolving. The debate regarding the use of selective or routine intraoperative cholangiography has intensified with the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: The authors reviewed the records of 343 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during a 1-year period. Historical, biochemical, and radiologic findings for the patients who underwent ERCP and intraoperative cholangiography were analyzed. RESULTS: Three hundred forty- three patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the period reviewed. Preoperative ERCP was performed in 42 patients. Twenty-seven of these patients (64%) had common bile duct (CBD) stones, which were cleared with a sphincterotomy. Intraoperative cholangiography was performed for 101 patients (29%). Three cholangiograms had false- positive results (3%), leading to two CBD explorations, in which no CBD stones were found, and one normal ERCP. Six patients underwent postoperative ERCP, three for the removal of retained CBD stones (0.9%), all of which were cleared with a sphincterotomy. Fifteen patients had gallstone pancreatitis, six of whom had CBD stones (40%) that were cleared by ERCP. There were 33 complications (10%) and no CBD injuries. CONCLUSION: The use of routine intraoperative cholangiography is discouraged in view of its low yield and the significant rate of false positive cholangiogram results.     

Prospective analysis of a scoring system to predict choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND: The management of choledocholithiasis in the laparoscopic era remains debatable. A common policy is to perform preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on patients suspected of having common bile duct (CBD) stones, using standard risk criteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively a scoring system designed to improve the accuracy of CBD stone prediction before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Known clinical, biochemical and radiological risk factors for CBD stones were analysed retrospectively in 233 patients. The presence (n = 77) or absence (n = 156) of CBD stones was determined by preoperative ERCP and/or laparoscopic cholangiography. Using multivariate analysis, the significant risk factors for CBD stones were identified and a new preoperative scoring system was developed. A score of 3 or more was taken as the cut-off point to suggest CBD stones and the need for preoperative ERCP. This scoring system was then tested prospectively in 211 consecutive patients with symptomatic gallstones requiring surgery. Patients whose bile ducts could not be demonstrated by ERCP or operative cholangiography were excluded. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients scored 3 or more (predicted ERCP rate of 29 per cent), of whom 23 (42 per cent) had proven CBD stones. Intraoperative cholangiography was successful in 87 per cent. Five patients (4 per cent) who scored less than 3 had small stones (less than 5 mm) demonstrated at operative cholangiography. The overall sensitivity and specificity of this scoring were 82 and 80 per cent respectively. CONCLUSION: Formal risk assessment of the presence of CBD stones using this scoring system is simple and may be used for preoperative selection of patients for biliary tract imaging by magnetic resonance cholangiography or ERCP.     

磁共振胰胆管成像与经内镜逆行胰胆管造影对胆胰疾病诊断价值的比较研究

目的 评价磁共振胰胆管成像(MRCP)与经内镜逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)对胆胰疾病的诊断价值.方法 对134例怀疑为胆胰管疾病病人行MRCP,并与58例ERCP比较,所有病例均经手术病理证实.结果 134例MRCP均获成功,在行ERCP中54例成功,4例失败者改行PTC检查成功.MRCP和ERCP总的诊断准确率分别为90.3%和88.9%.结论 MRCP对胆胰系统疾病中恶性梗阻所致的梗阻性黄疸诊断准确性较高,对胆总管、肝内胆管较小结石的诊断不如ERCP敏感及准确,而且不能治疗,提示MRCP和ERCP各有优越点,二者合理应用可提高胆胰系统疾病的诊断符合率.     

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography accurately detects common bile duct stones in resolving gallstone pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the optimal method to detect common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients with mild resolving gallstone pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in detecting choledocholithiasis in this group of patients. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized trial was conducted. Patients randomized to group 1 (n = 34) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). Those randomized to group 2 (n = 29) had preoperative MRCP, of these, patients with negative MRCP underwent LC and IOC, patients with positive MRCP had preoperative ERCP followed by LC. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were randomized (34 to group 1 and 29 to group 2). CBD stones were found in 5 patients in group 1. CBD exploration was performed in 2 patients, preoperative ERCP in 1, and postoperative ERCP in the other 2. MRCP showed CBD stones in 4 patients in group 2. There were two false-positive MRCPs. Four patients with a negative MRCP did not have IOC or ERCP, the remaining 21 patients with a negative MRCP had a negative IOC. The MRCP sensitivity was 100% (95% CI, 16-100%), specificity 91% (95% CI, 72-99%), positive predictive value 50% (95% CI, 7-93%), negative predictive value 100% (95% CI, 84-100%), and accuracy 92% (95% CI, 74-99%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with resolving gallstone pancreatitis and a negative MRCP do not need preoperative ERCP or IOC. Only patients with a positive MRCP will require preoperative ERCP.     

Can intraoperative cholangiography be avoided during laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Controversy exists as to whether intraoperative cholangiography should be performed routinely or selectively during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of the present study was to assess in which circumstances intraoperative cholangiography can be avoided during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. From January 1999 to June 2002, 168 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis without intraoperative cholangiography were prospectively evaluated at our Department. Inclusion criteria were established according to a preoperative diagnostic protocol, considering only those patients with normal liver function tests and ultrasound common bile duct diameters < or = 5 mm or > 5 mm, but with normal magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was carried out without intraoperative cholangiography and postoperative results and follow-up data were recorded and analysed. No major biliary injuries were encountered and no patients had residual bile duct stones after at least a one-year postoperative follow-up. A complete preoperative diagnostic work-up proved to be of fundamental importance for decreasing the incidence of residual bile duct stones. When protocol criteria are satisfied, intraoperative cholangiography may be safely omitted during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and meticulous laparoscopic technique is the main way to reduce the incidence of iatrogenic biliary lesions to a minimum.     

Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS), a new method of imaging the biliary tree and related structures, during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Method: An IOUS probe (Aloka, Tokyo, Japan) with a 7.5-MHz linear-array transducer was used during cholecystectomy in 124 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis (45 men, 79 women; mean age, 48±14 years). Results: The examination of the common bile duct (CBD) was excellent in 117 patients but unsatisfactory in 7 cases (5.6%) at the level of the head of the pancreas. In 5 patients, IOUS showed unsuspected choledocholithiasis: a subsequent intraoperational cholangiogram confirmed this. In five cases IOUS was able to help the surgeon to localize a Calot area obscured by inflammation. Postoperatively, one patient had an injury of the cystic duct stump: a nasobiliary tube resolved the bile leakage after 7 days. Another patient was submitted to postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for a choledocholithiasis recognized by a trans-cystic-tube cholangiography: the stone was suspected but not demonstrated either by laparoscopic IOUS or by intraoperative cholangiography. During the follow-up period, one patient had an episode of acute pancreatitis. ERCP showed a small stone wedged in the sphincter of Oddi. Conclusions: IOUS may be a real alternative to cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy since it is safer and offers a complete examination of the biliary tree. It has some disadvantages which can solved by additional experience.     

Common bile duct stones: the role of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative ERCP

The indications for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to demonstrate the presence of common bile duct stones has changed in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Preoperative ERCP is indicated when there is strong evidence of common bile duct stones, ie, jaundice, cholangitis, ultrasound demonstration of a common bile duct stone, and specific enzyme elevations. Preoperative ERCP is not indicated in mild gallstone pancreatitis. ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy as the only treatment regimen is successful in elderly patients with severe comorbid illness who have gallstones and common bile duct stones. Intraoperative ERCP does not play a role in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Transcystic common duct stone removal or laparoscopic choledochotomy is becoming the approach to common duct stones demonstrated by intraoperative cholangiography. Postoperative ERCP is indicated when intraoperative removal of common bile duct stones is unsuccessful. It is important to note that magnetic resonance cholangiography will play an increasing role and will reduce the indications and frequency of the use of ERCP.     

Management of major biliary complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: A total of 50 major bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy were managed by the Duke University Hepatobiliary Service from 1990-1992. The management of these complex cases is reviewed. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred method for removing the gallbladder. Bile duct injury is the most feared complication of the new procedure. METHODS: Review of videotapes, pathology, and management of the original operations were reviewed retrospectively, and the injuries categorized. Major biliary injury was defined as a recognized disruption of any part of the major extrahepatic biliary system. Biliary leakage was defined as a clinically significant biliary fistula in the absence of major biliary injury, i.e., with an intact extrahepatic biliary system. RESULTS: Thirty-eight injuries were major biliary ductal injuries and 12 patients had simple biliary leakage. Twenty-four patients had the classic type injury or some variant of the classic injury. A standard treatment approach was developed which consisted of ERCP for diagnosis, preoperative PTC with the placement of stents, CT drainage immediately after the PTC for drainage of biliary ascites, and usually Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with placement of O-rings for future biliary access if necessary. Major ductal injuries were high in the biliary system involving multiple ducts in 31 of the 38 patients. Re-operation was required in 5 of the 38 patients with particularly complex problems. CONCLUSIONS: Successful management of bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires careful understanding of the mechanisms, considerable preoperative assessment by experts, and a multidisciplinary approach.     

The use of ERCP in the management of common bile duct stones in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Summary The purpose of this study was to evaluate the indications and results of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for gallstone disease since the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In our personal series of 410 consecutive cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, we found 17 common bile duct (CBD) stones; seven were identified by preop ERCP, nine at laparoscopy by intraoperative cholangiography, and one postop by ERCP. We have performed preop ERCP in 21 patients (5.1%); CBD stones were found in seven. Our indications for preop ERCP were elevated liver function tests, dilatation of the common duct by ultrasound, or a history of jaundice/pancreatitis, and all stones were successfully removed by endoscopic sphincterotomy. At laparoscopic cholecystectomy nine patients were found to have stones; one was treated with laparoscopic methods, four with open CBD exploration, and four by postop endoscopic sphincterotomy. Post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy, five patients underwent ERCP for pain or increased liver function tests suggestive of common duct stones. One of the five was found to have stones and these were successfully removed by endoscopic sphincterotomy. ERCP is very useful as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients with suspected CBD stones. Elevated liver function tests and dilated CBD by ultrasound are the most accurate predictors of stones. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is a more effective route, at present, for stone removal than a laparoscopic approach.     

少见胆囊管变异一例分析

目的 探讨胆囊管变异对胆囊切除术前诊断及手术方案的影响.方法 回顾性分析四川大学华西医院肝脏血管外科近期收治的1例胆囊管变异病人的术前诊断及术中术后处理临床资料.结果 该例术前MRCP显示胆总管梭形扩张,怀疑胆总管内隔膜形成.经ERCP检查发现胆囊管细长,经肝总管后方在肝总管左侧与其并行低位汇合从而构成MRCP上胆总管异常改变.明确诊断后为避免胆道损伤采用开腹胆囊切除术.结论 胆囊管汇人位置、走形方向及形态变异较多,术前对于诊断有疑问的胆囊结石或非结石性胆囊炎病人联合应用MRCP及ERCP能显著提高胆囊管变异的诊断正确率.为避免胆道损伤,对于胆囊管变异者开腹胆囊切除优于腹腔镜胆囊切除术.     

Laparoscopic management of bile duct and bowel injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Accidental injuries to the bile duct and bowel are significant risks of laparoscopic surgery and sometimes require conversion to open surgery. Although some of the injuries related to laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be managed by endoscopic techniques, laparoscopic surgery is not yet sufficiently perfected. We investigated the efficacy of laparoscopic management combined with endoscopic tube or stent insertion in cases of bile duct and bowel injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted on 1,190 consecutive patients between April 1992 and June 1999. The first 70 patients underwent only preoperative intravenous infusion cholangiography (IVC), and the remaining 1,120 patients were subjected to both preoperative IVC and intraoperative cholangiography. We experienced 16 cases of bile duct injury (1.4%). Five patients with circumferential injuries of the bile duct were converted to open surgery for biliary reconstruction. The other 11 patients with partial laceration injuries of the bile duct and biliary leakage from the cystic duct underwent a laparoscopic simple closure technique. In 10 of these patients, an endoscopic tube or stent was inserted on the day after surgery to facilitate biliary decompression and drainage. Bowel injuries occurred in seven patients (0.6%). Three intestinal injuries were due to careless technique, and two duodenal injuries and two intestinal injuries were related to dense adhesions. All of these injuries were successfully repaired using laparoscopic techniques, autosuturing devices, or extracorporeal suturing via the umbilical incision. No postoperative complications were identified. We concluded that the biliary injury site could be closed with a laparoscopic technique so long as the biliary injury was not circumferential. Bowel injuries also could be repaired laparoscopically.     

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现代影像学技术的发展应用,有助于充分了解先天性胆管扩张症(congenitalbiliarydilatation,CBD)的类型及合并症,对制订完善的手术治疗方案有重要意义。超声、CT检查,因其无创伤性,为CBD最常用的诊断方法。其他检查方法包括磁共振胰胆管造影(MRCP)、经皮经肝胆道造影(PTC)、内镜下逆行胰胆管造影(ERCP)、术中胆道造影等,可显示整个胆道情况。     

Managing bile duct injury during and after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now the treatment of choice for gallstones, but there has been concern that bile leakage after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is more frequent than after an open cholecystectomy. We have experienced 16 patients with bile duct injury after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Five patients had a circumferential injurury to the major bile duct, and we employed a converted open technique for biliary reconstruction. The other 11 patients had partial injurury to the major bile duct, and we performed laparoscopic restoration; all 11 of these patients received endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) on the day after the operation and stenting for biliary decompression and drainage. No complications were identified and the duration of hospitalization in these patients was significantly shorter than in those who had the converted procedure. If intraoperative cholangiography is performed routinely, the presence and form of bile duct injury can be clearly identified, and the decision to restore the site of injury or to convert to the open technique for biliary reconstruction can be made immediately. Received for publication on May 26, 1998; accepted on Aug. 28, 1998     

NMR cholangiography in the diagnostic algorithm of candidates to video laparocholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: High resolution magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a non invasive imaging modality for depicting the pancreatobiliary tree. It can demonstrate dilation, stenosis and intraductal filling defects of both the biliary and the pancreatic duct. The imaging quality of high resolution MRCP is excellent. MRCP appears to be more effective and less invasive than endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to evaluate many pancreatic and biliary diseases as choledocholithiasis, malignant obstruction, incomplete or failed ERCP, postsurgical alterations of the biliary tract (as biliary-enteric anastomoses), sclerosing cholangitis, chronic pancreatitis, and congenital anomalies of the biliary and pancreatic duct. METHODS: MRCP was performed in 21 non selected patients with suspected choledocholithiasis and demonstrated the presence of stones in the biliary tract in 5 of them. In these 5 patients sequential endoscopic-laparoscopic treatment was performed and confirmed in all cases the presence of stones in the biliary tree. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (VLC) and transcystic cholangiography was attempted in the restant 16 patients. RESULTS: Laparoscopic transcystic cholangiography confirmed in all cases the response of MRCP. CONCLUSIONS: MRCP has the potential to replace ERCP in the management of patients candidate to VLC with suspected choledocholithiasis.     

Cholecystectomy without operative cholangiography. Implications for common bile duct injury and retained common bile duct stones.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the selective use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) while minimizing the use of operative cholangiography. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There has been a long-standing debate between routine and selective operative cholangiography that has resurfaced with LC. METHODS: Prospective data were collected on the first 1300 patients undergoing LC at McGill University. Preoperative indications for ERCP were recorded, radiologic findings were standardized, and technical points for a safe LC were emphasized. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients underwent 127 preoperative ERCPs. Fifty patients were found to have choledocholithiasis (3.8%), and clearance of the common bile duct (CBD) with endoscopic sphincterotomy was achieved in 45 patients. The other five patients underwent open cholecystectomy with common duct exploration. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was attempted in only 54 patients (4.2%), 6 of whom demonstrated choledocholithiasis. Forty-nine postoperative ERCPs were performed in 33 patients and stones were detected in 17 (1.3%), with a median follow-up time of 22 months. Endoscopic duct clearance was successful in all of these. The incidence of CBD injury was 0.38%, and a policy of routine operative cholangiography might only have led to earlier recognition of duct injury in one case. The rate of complication for all ERCPs was 9% and the associated median duration of the hospital stay was 4 days. The median duration of the hospital stay after open CBD exploration was 13 days. CONCLUSIONS: LC can be performed safely without routine IOC. The selective use of preoperative and postoperative ERCP will clear the CBD of stones in 92.5% of patients.     

Short-versus long-sequence MRI cholangiography for the preoperative imaging of the common bile duct in patients with cholecystolithiasis

Background This study aimed to compare an 18-s fast spin echo magnetic resonance image sequence (coronal thick-section two-dimensional breathhold) with a three-dimensional axial and coronal thin-section sequence and its secondary reconstruction, and to assess its value in the diagnosis of bile duct pathologies, particularly common bile duct stones (CBDS) before laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods This study prospectively included 72 patients. Because of protocol violations, 14 of these patients had to be excluded. Thus, 58 patients (29 Man and 29 women with a mean age of 51 years) who had cholecystolithiasis or suspected choledocholithiasis were evaluated. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) was performed for all patients with a fast sequence (18 s) and a long sequence (coronal oblique and axial respiratory triggered; 16 min). Two radiologists, blinded with respect to diagnosis, evaluated all the radiographic images. The MRCP results were confirmed for all the patients: 20 by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, 46 by intraoperative cholangiography, and 2 by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. Results According to the findings, 16 patients (28%) had CBDS, 6 patients (10%) had common bile duct stenosis, and 36 patients (62%) had a clear bile duct. With regard to CBDS, the short sequence had 100% specificity, 94% sensitivity, and an overall accuracy of 98%. Its negative predictive value was 98%, and its positive predictive value was 100%. The long sequence had a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 100%. Conclusion Because of its high sensitivity and specifity, MRCP has the potential to be the diagnostic method of choice for CBD evaluation. The short sequence is not suitable for the diagnosis of all CBD pathologies, but in cases of suspected CBDS, more than 80% of the patients could be diagnosed correctly, and the complete sequence could be dropped.     

Management of major bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the presentation, characteristics, related investigation, and treatment results of major bile duct injuries (MBDI) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 27 patients who were treated between January 1995 and December 2002 for MBDI after LC at a single unit in a tertiary center. Major bile duct injury was defined according to the Strasberg classification. All patients underwent magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to delineate the biliary anatomy and assess the level of injury. On the basis of the cholangiographic findings, all patients underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy after a waiting period of 8-12 weeks.Results: A total of 29 hepaticojejunostomies were performed in 27 patients. Seventeen patients (63%) presented with biliary fistula and ascites; 10 (27%) presented with obstructive jaundice. In 14 patients (52%) the MBDI was identified during the LC. Twenty patients (74%) had undergone one or more procedure before referral. Eight patients (30%) had E1, five patients (18.5%) had E2, nine patients (33%) had E3, and five pattients (18.5%) had E4 injury. Two patients had early anastomotic stricture, for which redo hepaticojejunostomy with access loop was performed.Conclusions: Major bile duct injury after LC commonly presents with biliary fistula and ascites. High-injuries are common after LC. Hepaticojejunostomy repair yields excellent results in these cases.Presented at the First European Endoscopic Surgery Week, at the annual meeting of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), Glasgow, Scotland 15–18 June 2003     

Prevention of iatrogenic bile duct injuries in difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomies: is the naso-biliary drain the answer?

Background  Prevention of iatrogenic injuries is of paramount importance in difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC). The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of cholangiography using a pre-inserted endoscopic naso-biliary drain (ENBD) for navigation during difficult cholecystectomies. Methods  The study design was a retrospective case analysis. In 508 patients who underwent LC in a tertiary referral university hospital from 1996 through 2007, difficult cholecystectomy was anticipated in 26 patients due to possibly aberrant biliary anatomy (four patients), unclear cystic duct anatomy during magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and/or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (three patients), and acute cholecystitis (19 patients). An ENBD was inserted during ERCP prior to LC for cholangiography (ENBDC) to facilitate safe dissection during LC. Prevalence of biliary complications was assessed as the main outcome measurement. Results  The majority (68%) of the patients who underwent ENBDC had complicated cholecystitis. Advanced technical expertise was not required for insertion of an ENBD. In retrospect, ENBDC was useful in prevention of a possible catastrophe in 69% of cases. Open conversion was necessary in five patients and biliary complications occurred in five patients only in the non-ENBD group. There were no procedure-related complications. One limitation of the study was that it was not randomized and there was no comparison with patients without ENBDC. Conclusions  ENBDC is a useful and safe tool in the prevention of iatrogenic bile duct injuries in LC.