Efficacy of percutaneous treatment of biliary tract calculi using the holmium:YAG laser

Background Few Western studies have focused on percutaneous techniques using percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopy (PTHC) and holmium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (YAG) laser to ablate biliary calculi in patients unable or unwilling to undergo endoscopic or surgical removal of the calculi. The authors report the efficacy of the holmium:YAG laser in clearing complex biliary calculi using percutaneous access techniques. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed 13 non-Asian patients with complex secondary biliary calculi treated percutaneously using holmium:YAG laser. Percutaneous access was accomplished via left, right, or bilateral hepatic ducts and upsized for passage of a 7-Fr video choledochoscope. Lithotripsy was performed under choledochoscopic vision using a holmium:YAG laser with 200- or 365-μm fibers generating 0.6 to 1.0 joules at 8 to 15 Hz. Patients underwent treatment until stone clearance was confirmed by PTHC. Downsizing and subsequent removal of percutaneous catheters completed the treatment course. Results Seven men and six women with an average age of 69 years underwent treatment. All the patients had their biliary tract stones cleared successfully. Of the 13 patients, 3 were treated solely as outpatients. The average length of percutaneous access was 108 days. At this writing, one patient still has a catheter in place. The average number of holmium:YAG laser treatments required for stone clearance was 1.6, with no patients requiring more than 3 treatments. Of the 13 patients, 8 underwent a single holmium:YAG laser treatment to clear their calculi. Prior unsuccessful attempts at endoscopic removal of the calculi had been experienced by 7 of the 13 patients. Five patients underwent percutaneous access and subsequent stone removal as their sole therapy for biliary stones. Five patients were cleared of their calculi after percutaneous laser ablation of large stones and percutaneous basket retrieval of the remaining stone fragments. There was one complication of pain requiring admission, and no deaths. Conclusions The use of PTHC with holmium:YAG laser ablation is safe and efficacious, but requires prolonged biliary access and often multiple procedures to ensure clearance of all calculi.     

复杂性肝内胆管结石的外科治疗

目的　总结复杂性肝内胆管结石的外科治疗方法及效果。 方法　 总结分析１９９２ ～１９９８ 年外科治疗复杂性肝内多段胆管结石并多处胆管狭窄３５ 例的手术方法,总结显露与切开肝内狭窄段胆管、取出结石、解除狭窄的经验和体会。 结果　３５ 例无手术死亡,术后近期并发感染、胆漏、肝功能不全或消化道出血共７ 例,均治愈;残留结石９ 例,术后经胆道镜取净结石７ 例。随访６ 个月至５ 年６ 个月２４ 例,优良２１ 例（８８ ％ ） ,好转２ 例（８ ％ ） ,无效１ 例（４ ％ ） 。 结论　复杂肝内胆管结石外科治疗的关键是显露和切开肝内各叶段胆管的狭窄段,取出结石、建立通畅的胆流通道。经肝门区或肝方叶可以显露和切开肝门胆管、左右肝管和左内叶、右前叶胆管,经肝膈面切开肝实质进路,可以显露和切开右肝内各叶段胆管。     

胆道镜联合钬激光碎石治疗肝内胆管结石的临床体会

目的:探讨腹腔镜下胆道镜联合钬激光治疗肝内胆管结石的效果及临床价值。方法:回顾分析2008年6月至2012年6月124例胆道结石患者的临床资料,其中60例行腹腔镜下胆道镜联合钬激光碎石术(观察组),64例行传统开腹手术,术中配合胆道镜取石,未使用钬激光(对照组)。结果:观察组中58例(96.7%)结石完全取净,手术时间平均(98.93±10.66)min,平均住院(8.3±1.7)d,术后残余结石2例,经T管窦道胆道镜再次取石成功。对照组中38例(59.4%)取净结石,手术时间平均(122.8±13.43)min,平均住院(13.98±1.49)d;残余结石26例,术后经T管窦道胆道镜再次取石,其中6例经2次取石,3次、4次取石及再次开腹手术各2例。两组患者手术时间及住院时间差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),术后胆道出血、肝功能异常、腹水等并发症发生率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:腹腔镜下胆道镜联合钬激光治疗肝内胆管结石具有患者创伤小、康复快、碎石确切、安全有效等优点,为治疗肝内胆管结石开辟了新的治疗途径。     

应用胆胰管内窥镜经胆囊管胆道探查21例临床分析

目的探讨应用胆胰管内窥镜经胆囊管行胆道探查的临床应用价值。方法 2011年1月～2012年1月,对21例急、慢性结石性胆囊炎合并或可疑合并肝内外胆管结石者,在开腹胆囊切除术中应用德国PolyDiagnost公司组合式、软性、可旋转纤维内窥镜（外径F8）经胆囊管行胆道探查、取石。结果 2例肝内胆管结石,用套石篮顺利取出。胆总管结石14例,其中6例经胆囊管顺利取出,4例钬激光击碎结石取出,2例行胆囊管汇入胆总管处微切开取石,未成功2例,行传统胆总管切开取石T管引流。5例未见明显结石及十二指肠乳头狭窄。术后胆漏1例,无胆道残余结石等并发症发生。术后随访6～18个月,平均13个月,无结石复发。结论应用胆胰管内窥镜经胆囊管进行肝内外胆管探查,避免了胆总管切开和放置T管,提高了胆道结石诊断的准确率,是一种安全简便、创伤小、恢复快的方法。     

Biliary access loops for intrahepatic stones: results of jejunoduodenal anastomosis

Background: Patients with intrahepatic calculi require multiple interventions following successful surgical stone clearance for recurrent stones and cholangitis. The present paper describes the results of a technique of in‐continuity side‐to‐side jejunoduodenal anastomosis (JDA) that provides endoscopic access to the hepaticojejunostomy and intrahepatic ducts. This operation is compared to other techniques in a critical appraisal of various biliary access procedures described for long‐term management of intrahepatic ­calculi. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 13 patients who underwent biliary drainage procedures with access loops for intrahepatic calculi during the period March 1990 to December 2000 was performed. The postoperative course of patients and the feasibility of postoperative endoscopic access to the hepaticojejunostomy and intrahepatic ductal system in treatment of recurrent cholangitis were assessed. Nine patients underwent JDA, two underwent permanent‐access hepaticojejunostomy (PAH) and two others underwent an interposition hepaticojejunoduodenostomy (IHJ). Results: The analysis revealed no major procedure‐related complications or mortality. Endoscopic access (using forward‐viewing gastroscope) was possible in 100% of cases following JDA, and with difficulty in both cases after PAH. Endoscopic access in the two patients with IHJ failed because of technical reasons. Recurrent cholangitis was seen in seven patients (54%) ? two out of two patients in the PAH group, one out of two in the IHJ group and four out of nine in the JDA group. This required 12 endotherapy sessions (mean: 1.5 procedures per patient). Conclusion: In‐continuity side‐to‐side JDA allows easy access of conventional gastroduodenoscopes to the biliary tree for removal of recurrent/residual intrahepatic stones. The technique has advantages over other access loop procedures in the long term management of recurrent intrahepatic stones.     

Percutaneous Endoscopic Holmium Laser Lithotripsy for Management of Complicated Biliary Calculi

Background and Objectives:

Advances in endoscopic techniques have transformed the management of urolithiasis. We sought to evaluate the role of such urological interventions for the treatment of complex biliary calculi.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients (n=9) undergoing percutaneous holmium laser lithotripsy for complicated biliary calculi over a 4-year period (12/2003 to 12/2007). All previously failed standard techniques include ERCP with sphincterotomy (n=6), PTHC (n=7), or both of these. Access to the biliary system was obtained via an existing percutaneous transhepatic catheter or T-tube tracts. Endoscopic holmium laser lithotripsy was performed via a flexible cystoscope or ureteroscope. Stone clearance was confirmed intra- and postoperatively. A percutaneous transhepatic drain was left indwelling for follow-up imaging.

Results:

Mean patient age was 65.6 years (range, 38 to 92). Total stone burden ranged from 1.7 cm to 5 cm. All 9 patients had stones located in the CBD, with 2 patients also having additional stones within the hepatic ducts. All 9 patients (100%) were visually stone-free after one endoscopic procedure. No major perioperative complications occurred. Mean length of stay was 2.4 days. At a mean radiological follow-up of 5.4 months (range, 0.5 to 21), no stone recurrence was noted.

Conclusions:

Percutaneous endoscopic holmium laser lithotripsy is a minimally invasive alternative to open salvage surgery for complex biliary calculi refractory to standard approaches. This treatment is both safe and efficacious. Success depends on a multidisciplinary approach.     

Holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy for gallstones. A preliminary report

BACKGROUND: Most retained gallstones can be extracted at the time of operative exploration or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Infrequently, impaction or associated anatomic abnormalities may prevent their clearance. We assessed the efficacy of the holmium:YAG laser in managing retained biliary calculi that had proven refractory to the usual methods of extraction. METHODS: Two patients with calculi impacted in the intrapancreatic common bile duct and one patient with residual stones in a nonfunctional gallbladder were treated with holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy. Two of these patients were treated under conscious sedation, and one received a general endotracheal anesthetic. Laser energy was delivered by a 272-mm optical fiber inserted through a 7-Fr fiberoptic endoscope. The ablative effects were monitored continuously via videoscopic. RESULTS: All of the stones were cleared successfully in a single therapeutic setting. In one patient, fragments of the impacted intraductal stone were extracted with an endoscopic wire basket. In the other two patients, stone debris was completely cleared with saline irrigation. No complications developed, and all patients remained free of recurrence during a 6-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The holmium:YAG laser is a multidisciplinary instrument that is safe and effective in the fragmentation of both urinary and biliary calculi. Because it can be delivered through a small-caliber fiberoptic endoscope, it should be particularly useful to laparoscopic surgeons who manage complicated biliary tract disease.     

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in surgical emergencies.

Twelve patients, presenting with an acute abdomen of suspected biliary tract origin, had endoscopic retrograde cholangiography performed. Eight patients had either traumatic, spontaneous, or postoperative biliary tract fistulas with five leading to the peritoneal cavity, one to the colon, one to the bronchial tree, and one to the liver parenchyma from a ruptured gall-bladder. Each was confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Four patients with jaundice, following traumatic rupture of the liver, had a pathological communication between the intrahepatic biliary tracts and the hepatic vascular system. It is concluded that ERC is a reliable method for obtaining precise localization of biliary tract problems in surgical emergencies both pre- and post-operatively.     

The management of treatment-resistant biliary calculi using percutaneous endourologic techniques

Background

Complicated choledocholithiasis cannot always be managed by standard surgical, radiologic or endoscopic methods. One additional approach is to use percutaneous techniques developed by endourologists to treat renal calculi. In this report, we present our experience over the past 10 years with this novel approach.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent percutaneous, endoscopic treatment of biliary calculi at our institution between January 1997 and August 2007. Primary outcomes of interest were symptom- and stone-free rates, length of stay in hospital and complications.

Results

Nineteen patients underwent 21 percutaneous treatments for biliary calculi. All were dependent on external drainage for symptom control. The primary indications for treatment were cholangitis, retained stone, biliary colic and jaundice. Seventeen patients (89.5%) had failed prior endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or open attempts at treatment. The 2 remaining patients (10.5%) were deemed unfit for a general anesthetic. Patients had experienced a mean of 1.8 (standard deviation [SD] 1.0) prior failed attempts at stone removal. We used several treatment modalities, including holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (61.9%), electrohydraulic lithotripter (19.0%), ultrasound (9.5%), basket extraction (9.5%) and balloon dilatation of the ampulla (19.0%). Overall, treatment led to successful removal of the biliary drainage tube in 94.7% of patients and 76.2% were stone-free. We performed cholangiograms an average of 21.8 (SD 13.7) days after treatment. The average length of stay in hospital was 1.9 (SD 1.1) days. One patient experienced a perioperative acute coronary syndrome and another experienced prolonged biliary drainage. Both had successful endoscopic treatment of their calculi. There were no cases of treatment-related sepsis, and we observed no other complications.

Conclusion

Biliary calculi may be successfully treated using standard endourologic methods with high stone-free rates. This technique is generally well-tolerated even among high-risk patients.     

A new biliary access technique for the long-term endoscopic management of intrahepatic stones

Intrahepatic stone disease poses a difficult postoperative management problem due to frequent stone recurrence. Most of the methods proposed for long-term access to the intrahepatic biliary tree require multiple sessions of additional, usually invasive, procedures. An alternative method for endoscopic long-term access to the intrahepatic ducts, represented by a side-to-side anastomosis between the isolated Roux-en-Y jejunal limb of the bilioenteric bypass and the duodenum (duodenojejunostomy), was used in eight patients with retained and/or recurrent stones after surgical treatment of intrahepatic stone disease. There were no short- or long-term complications or mortality associated with the duodenojejunostomy. Postoperative endoscopic access to the intrahepatic ducts was successfully achieved in five of six patients: one with stone recurrence, one with a left hepatic duct stricture and stone recurrence and one with known retained postoperative stones. In two patients, no stones were found at endoscopy. Side-to-side duodenojejunostomy may be useful in the long-term endoscopic management of recurrent intrahepatic biliary stone disease and should be indicated whenever a bilioenteric anastomosis is performed for the treatment of bilateral intrahepatic stone disease. Introduction Received: August 16, 2001 / Accepted: February 8, 2002     

Evaluation of the results of external choledochoduodenostomy for retained, recurrent, or primary common duct stones.

Twenty-five patients were treated for retained, recurrent, or primary common duct stones by permanent drainage of the biliary tract with external choledochoduodenostomy. Twenty-one patients had common duct stones which became evident two to fifty years after the initial biliary tract procedure and which may represent stones formed in the common duct. Three recent patients had a clinical history of primary common duct stones, had stones which were soluble in chloroform-methanol solution, and had hepatic bile which was lithogenic as determined by evaluating the molar percentage of cholesterol, phospholipid, and bile salt in bile samples obtained at the time of choledochoduodenostomy. These data suggest that further stone formation is possible and that permanent bypass of the sphincter of Oddi is indicated to prevent recurrent bile duct obstruction. Long-term evaluation of the results of external choledochoduodenostomy indicates that the procedure is safe and effective in the prevention of recurrent biliary tract calculi.     

Treatment of bilateral intrahepatic stones with high duct strictures through selective central hepatic resection

Bilateral intrahepatic duct stones with strictures, more common in the Orient than elsewhere, are difficult to access surgically. The results of surgical procedures have not been generally successful and are attended by a high postoperative complication and recurrence rate. We report the treatment of 30 patients with intrahepatic calculi and high duct strictures by means of selective central hepatic resection without dissection of the major vessels at the hilum. Central hepatic resection provided satisfactory access to the primary and secondary confluences of the intrahepatic ducts, allowed removal of residual stones and ascariasis, and permitted correction of multiple strictures. Twenty-nine patients so treated were followed for a mean of 32 months after operation. No patients developed recurrent fever, biliary colic, or jaundice after the operation. The technique is therefore recommended as an effective alternative to extensive hepatic lobectomy in the treatment of the intrahepatic calculi with multiple strictures.     

胆道镜下钬激光联合液电碎石治疗肝内外胆道难治性结石

目的 探讨经胆道镜用钬激光联合液电碎石治疗肝内外胆道结石的安全性及疗效.方法 对67例胆道术后肝内外胆管结石患者接受胆道镜下钬激光联合液电碎石治疗患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析.结果 经1～7次胆道镜下钬激光联合液电碎石治疗,65例患者残石全部取尽,碎石取石成功率达97.1%,未出现并发症.结论 通过钬激光联合液电碎石后再行胆道镜取石,可大大提高肝内外胆管残留结石的清除效果,是一种安全而有效的治疗方法 .     

腹腔镜和内窥镜联合治疗复发性胆总管结石

目的 :探讨腹腔镜和内窥镜联合治疗复发性胆总管结石的方法。方法 :回顾总结经内窥镜鼻胆管引流术 (ENBD)配合实施腹腔镜胆总管探查 (LCBDE)、Ⅰ期缝合术 (内衬ENBD导管 )治疗胆道术后复发性胆管结石 2 2例的临床资料。结果 :2 1例手术成功 ,1例中转开腹 ,全部Ⅰ期缝合胆总管探查切口。术后无残石及胆瘘等并发症。手术时间 1 5 7± 31 4min ,术后住院 9 6± 1 2d。随诊 1 7例未见复发。结论 :应用腹腔镜和内窥镜联合治疗胆总管复发结石安全、可行 ,体现了微创治疗的优点 ,但分离粘连及解剖、缝合胆总管较困难 ,治疗初期应适当放宽中转开腹手术的指征     

输尿管软镜钬激光碎石治疗重复输尿管畸形合并上尿路结石5例报告

目的探讨输尿管软镜钬激光碎石治疗重复输尿管畸形合并上尿路结石的有效性和安全性。方法回顾2012年7月至2014年5月我院收治的5例采用输尿管软镜钬激光治疗的重复输尿管畸形合并上尿路结石患者的临床及随访资料,结合文献资料进行分析。男性2例,女性3例;平均年龄32.2(25~40)岁;上位肾结石1例,下位肾结石1例,输尿管上段结石2例,输尿管上段结石合并下位肾结石1例。结石大小平均1.5(1.0~2.2)cm。结果 4例患者成功碎石,1例因输尿管狭窄上鞘失败改为经皮肾镜碎石术。术后1个月结石完全排净率为75%(3/4),1例残留结石经体外冲击波碎石后结石排出。所有患者术中及术后无输尿管损伤,无明显出血、发热及尿脓毒血症发生。随访3~20个月,结石无复发,患者的肾积水均有不同程度的改善。结论输尿管软镜钬激光碎石治疗重复输尿管畸形合并上尿路结石安全、有效。     

胆道镜联合钬激光经T管窦道治疗肝内外胆管残余结石

目的:探讨胆道镜联合钬激光经T管窦道碎石治疗肝内、外胆管残余结石的临床价值和安全性。方法:回顾性分析2010年2月—2011年6月经术后T管窦道置入胆道镜联合钬激光碎石治疗300例肝内、外胆管残余结石患者的临床资料。结果:292例经胆道镜下钬激光碎石治疗结石全部取净,碎石时间4~12 min,碎石次数1~5次,13例经5次碎石;8例患者结石位于III,IV级肝管碎石未成功,带管2个月后经等离子体冲击波碎石,6例患者成功取出结石,2例患者结石未取出。碎石总数568枚,结石排净率97.3%(292/300)。术中无胆道大出血、穿孔、胆管壁灼伤、胆瘘等严重并发症发生;15例术后出现低热。268例随访6~18个月,平均10个月,未发现结石复发及残留,无胆道狭窄。结论:胆道镜联合钬激光碎石可显著提高肝内、外胆管残余结石的治疗效果,是一种简便、安全、有效的方法,值得临床应用推广。     

内镜治疗术后胆管损伤的研究

目的 探讨内镜治疗手术后并发胆漏和继发性胆管狭窄的方法和效果.方法 胆漏患者均先行内镜下十二指肠乳头切开,行鼻胆管引流术,引流腹腔感染.待胆管、腹腔引流停止1～2周证实胆漏愈合后拔管,伴有胆管狭窄的患者在拔除鼻胆管后置入塑料内支架,持续扩张2～3个月.结果 26例胆漏患者鼻胆引流3～4周后胆漏处均闭合,17例胆管狭窄置入内支架者,14例支架取出后狭窄解除,4例合并肝总管狭窄者经重新置入双支架3个月后效果良好,1例左肝管狭窄伴结石者,再置入单支架,术后仍有胆管感染症状反复出现,另1例在一年后因反复感染出现肝脓疡,药物治疗无效作肝叶切除.结论 内镜治疗可列为手术后胆漏或继发胆管狭窄治疗的首选方法.     

胆道术后肝脓肿的原因分析及诊治

目的 探讨胆道系统术后并发肝脓肿的原因和治疗.方法 9例肝内外胆管结石病人经各种胆道手术后肝脏内形成脓肿;明确诊断后,在B超引导下经皮肝穿刺引流和对脓腔进行抗菌素灌洗,2例行手术治疗.结果 5例患者脓肿愈合,2例脓腔明显缩小,另2例行手术治疗病人已治愈.结论 分析肝内脓肿形成的主要原因为(1)胆道损伤;(2)肝内胆管结石残余;(3)十二指肠液返流;(4)T管引流不畅,胆道梗阻,胆汁滞留.在B超引导下经皮肝穿刺脓肿引流及选用敏感抗菌素对脓腔进行灌洗是治疗胆道术后并发肝脓肿的有效手段.但脓液引流不畅病人应及时作有效的手术引流,并同时去除病因.     

肝移植术后胆道并发症的内镜治疗

目的:探讨内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)在治疗肝移植术后胆道并发症方面的临床疗效.方法:回顾性分析2002年8月-2012年12月采用ERCP治疗8例肝移植术后胆道并发症患者的临床资料,其中胆道狭窄5例(吻合口狭窄4例,肝内型胆道狭窄1例),胆瘘1例,胆石和胆泥形成2例.8例患者共行ERCP治疗21次,对胆道狭窄患者行括约肌切开、胆管扩张、鼻胆管引流和内支架置放术等治疗;对胆瘘患者行鼻胆管引流及塑料内支架置放术等治疗;对结石患者行括约肌切开、鼻胆管冲洗引流术及取石网篮取石等治疗.结果:ERCP手术成功率为100％ (21/21);4例吻合口狭窄、1例胆瘘和2例结石患者均治愈,1例肝内型胆道狭窄治疗未成功,建议再次肝移植;术后胆道感染的发生率为14.3％(3/21),胰腺炎发生率为19.0％ (4/21),经对症治疗后均痊愈.结论:ERCP是治疗肝移植术后胆道并发症微创、安全和有效的方法.     

Retained gallbladder/cystic duct remnant calculi as a cause of postcholecystectomy pain

Background: Pain following cholecystectomy can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. We reviewed our experience with calculi retained in gallbladder and cystic duct remnants that present with recurrent biliary symptoms. Methods: Over the last 6 years, seven patients were referred to us for the evaluation of recurrent biliary colic or jaundice. There were four men and three women ranging in age from 35 to 70 years. All seven had biliary pain similar to the symptoms that precede cholecystectomy; two of them also had also associated jaundice and one had pancreatitis. The time from cholecystectomy to onset of symptoms ranged from 14 months to 20 years (median, 8.5 Years). Four had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy and three had had an open cholecystectomy; none had an operative cholangiogram. Results: Five of seven underwent diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), which revealed obvious filling defects in the cystic duct or gallbladder remnant. The final patient was diagnosed by laparoscopic ultrasound after eight negative radiographic studies. Four patients underwent laparotomy and resection of a retained gallbladder and/or cystic duct. Two patients were treated with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL); one of them also required endoscopic biliary holmium laser lithotripsy. One patient underwent successful repeat laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There were no treatment-related complications. At a median follow-up of 11.5 months, all have achieved complete stone clearance and are asymptomatic. Conclusion: Retained gallbladder and cystic duct calculi can be a source of recurrent biliary pain, and a heightened suspicion may be required to make the diagnosis. This entity can be prevented by accurate identification of the gallbladder–cystic duct junction at cholecystectomy and by routine use of cholangiography. A variety of therapeutic options can be employed to obtain a successful outcome.