Biliary Drainage Research Articles

Feasibility of Peroral Cholangioscopy in the Initial Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for Malignant Biliary Strictures

Background: Peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) is valuable for assessing malignant biliary strictures; however, biliary drainage prior to POCS often hinders accurate diagnosis. Objectives: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the feasibility of POCS using a newly developed cholangioscope, CHF-B290, during initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for malignant biliary strictures. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients who underwent initial ERCP for malignant biliary strictures at two institutions between January 2018 and March 2022. Patients who underwent initial ERCP with POCS were classified into the POCS group, and those without POCS were classified into the non-POCS group. To prevent post-POCS cholangitis, the original irrigation system for CHF-B290 was used in all POCS examinations. The primary endpoint was the rate of post-ERCP biliary infections, and the secondary endpoints were other ERCP-related complications, including pancreatitis, bleeding, and perforation. Results: Overall, 53 and 94 patients were included in the POCS and non-POCS groups, respectively. For the primary endpoint, the rate of post-ERCP biliary infection was not significantly different between the two groups (1.9% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.42). For the secondary endpoints, no significant differences were observed in the rates of post-ERCP pancreatitis (5.7% vs. 6.4%, p = 1.00) and other ERCP-related complications. The overall complication rate was 9.4% in the POCS group and 13% in the non-POCS group (p = 0.60). Conclusions: POCS during the initial ERCP for malignant biliary strictures is feasible.

Liver transplantation: Do not abandon T-tube drainage-a multicentric retrospective study of the ARCHET research group.

Biliary complications remain a real issue in liver transplantation (LT). Despite meta-analyses, the anastomosis technique, especially the use of biliary drain as T-Tube drain (TT) or transcystic drain, remains controversial. This study conducted by the ARCHET research group examine the incidence and types of biliary complications (BC) after LT according to the presence or absence of a biliary drain. 1485 patients with LT surgery between 2009 to 2015 in 4 LT centers were included, divided into 3 groups: no drain (ND n = 442), transcystic drain (TCD, n = 169) and TT(n = 874).The T-Tube group includes 3 techniques: transanastomotic, subanastomotic and tunneled retroperitoneal. Fistula and biliary stricture (AS) rates were studied. The risk factors of BC were investigated by multivariate analysis. The BC rate was lower in the TT group (17% TT, 25% TCD, 31% ND, p < 0.05), the complication rate Dindo-Clavien grade ≥ III is higher in the ND group (24% vs. 10% TT p < 0.05). Arterial complication has been found as a risk factor of BC with the multivariate analysis (p < 0.01, OR 1.86 [1.20-2.84]). In addition, the TT decreased by 5 the risk of AS (p < 0.05, OR 0.19 [0.12-0.28]). The fistula rate does not differ regardless of the reconstruction mode. In this study, biliary drain decreases the rate of BC. The findings confirmed the role of T-tube insertion in prevention of AS regardless of the way it is set up.

Late onset of biliopleural fistula following percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: a case report

Late onset of biliopleural fistula following percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: a case report

HPB SO49 - EUS guided biliary drainage prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy - The Leeds experience

Abstract Background Biliary obstruction is a common manifestation of biliary tract cancer. Decompression is indicated if patients develop systemic illness due to the obstruction or to facilitate chemotherapy. Stent insertion via ERCP is the current first line decompressive technique, although in certain situations such as duodenal/ampullary obstruction, is not always feasible. When ERCP has failed, our centre has implemented using lumen apposing metallic stents (LAMS) delivered by the HOT AXIOS™ system to create a draining choledochoduodenostomy. Our aim is to report on our experience of carrying out pancreaticoduodenectomy after biliary drainage has been achieved with this technique. Method All patients who underwent biliary drainage with a LAMS and then surgical resection of a biliary tract cancer were identified from a prospective database. Both procedures were carried out at St James’s Hospital, Leeds, between June 2018 and May 2024 by expert gastroenterology and pancreatic surgical consultants. Procedural and inpatient notes were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcomes were the assessment of technical feasibility of pancreaticoduodenectomy and of perioperative complications, classified by the Clavien-Dindo (CD) system. Secondary outcomes were the safe and clinically effective (defined as &amp;gt;50% reduction of serum bilirubin within 7 days) application of LAMS. Results Thirteen patients were identified with a median age of 69 (51-81), twelve requiring drainage due to jaundice and one due to cholangitis. Duration to resection was median 68 days (12-377). Surgical resection was successful in all thirteen patients, in seven cases the surgeons commented on fibrosis due to the stent, with one qualifying that this was no more than a conventional biliary stent. Postoperatively five patients had no complications, one CD grade 1, five CD grade 2 and one CD grade 5. There were no significant post endoscopic complications and 10 patients demonstrated clinical effectiveness of the LAMS. Conclusion ERCP is the current first line method of drainage in malignant biliary obstruction. Technical success is reliant on unimpeded access to the bile duct. The HOT AXIOSÔ system circumvents this reliance by delivering a LAMS in a single stage forming a draining choledochoduodenostomy. Our centre’s experience suggests that it is a safe and effective method of biliary drainage which does not impede surgical resection. Additionally, it is not associated with the risk of post procedural pancreatitis. Our experience justifies further large-scale studies into this technique with consideration for its use not only when ERCP is not possible.

HPB SO28 - Pre-operative Biliary Drainage in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma and its Effect on Surgical Oncological Outcomes

Abstract Background Pre-operative biliary drainage (PBD) in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been associated with a significantly increased risk of serious complications. This retrospective study investigated if PBD has a significant effect on lymphovascular (LVI) or perineural (PNI) invasion compared to direct surgery (DS). Method Data was collected retrospectively from patients undergoing PD for PDAC from 01/01/2014 to 30/12/2022. Patients were grouped according to whether they received any form of PBD or not. Patients’ T and N stage, as well as lymph node ratio (LNR), R status, Mortality, disease free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were recorded. The primary outcome measure was lymph node ratio. Results A total of 87 patients were identified (48 PBD group vs 39 DS group), with a mean age of 68. The median LNR was 0.2 in PBD vs 0.21 in DS Group (p=0.87). There was no significant difference in median DFS (310 days PBD vs 285 DS p=0.94) or median OS (513 days PBD vs 515 DS p=0.39). PBD was not associated with a greater incidence of LVI (67% PBD vs 69% DS p=0.8), or PNI (94% PBD vs 97% p=0.41). PBD did not have a significant effect on resection margin status (p=0.75). Conclusion Despite evidence in the literature on its effects on the rate of complications, PBD has not been shown to have an effect on LVI or PNI, disease progression, nor overall survival in our patient group.

HPB SO58 - Reporting outcomes on the management of complex benign biliary pathology referred into a tertiary Hepatobiliary centre

Abstract Background Gallstone disease represents a significant portion of acute general surgery workload. Complex biliary pathology is a common cause of referrals to tertiary hepatobiliary (HPB) centres, however, there is a paucity in the literature regarding criteria for referrals and the outcomes from the management of these cases. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of patients referred to a tertiary HPB centre in an acute setting from secondary care hospitals for management of benign biliary pathology. Method Patients who were transferred to the HPB unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary from secondary care hospitals in the North West of England between September 2022 and May 2024 for benign biliary pathology were included. Patients were identified from the electronic emergency transfer centre. Data was collected on the reason for referral and management at the HPB unit. Outcomes were reported as: admission to intensive care (ITU), length of stay in hospital, in-hospital mortality, Clavien-Dindo grading of surgical complications and re-admission to hospital. Data was retrospectively collected from electronic patient records. Results Twenty-three patients were included. The most common reasons for transfer included: biliary drainage for choledocholithiasis where endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was not feasible at the referring hospital (8/23); Mirizzi syndrome (4/23); emergency general surgery not offered at the referring hospital (3/23) and perforated gallbladder (2/23). Ten patients were managed surgically, five patients had ERCPs, four patients had radiological interventions and four were managed conservatively. Two patients were admitted to ITU, one patient died within admission and a second patient managed conservatively was re-admitted within 30 days. Post-operative morbidity rate was 30%. The median hospital stay was 12 days (2, 50). Conclusion Our data demonstrates that complex biliary pathology that has been referred into a tertiary HPB unit from secondary care hospitals has been managed safely, with low rates of morbidity and mortality. Patients who underwent cholecystectomies that were deemed to be high risk had a 0% mortality rate. This study adds to the body of evidence that centralisation of specialist services with a multi-disciplinary approach has led to better patient outcomes.

HPB SO03 - Preoperative biliary drainage prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head malignancy: Guidelines versus the reality

Abstract Background British guidelines currently advise against routine preoperative biliary stenting (PBS) unless patients have cholangitis or organ failure secondary to biliary obstruction. If stenting is required, self-expanding metal stents are advocated. Using a large multicentre cohort, this study aimed to investigate the proportion of patients who underwent PBS prior to pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and describe the approach used. Method Data were extracted from the Recurrence After Whipple’s (RAW) study, a multicentre retrospective cohort study of outcomes of PD performed for histologically confirmed pancreatic head malignancy (29 centres from 8 countries, n=1484). Patients who underwent PBS were identified and the details surrounding this were obtained. Results 1482 patients had data on use of PBS. 427 didn't undergo PBS, 1055 underwent attempted PBS. Of the latter, 989 had a stent placed successfully, 38 had PBS failed , and 28 had an external biliary drain . when PBS performed, Among 857 were primary endoscopically placed , 75 had percutaneously placed PBS having failed endoscopy , and 50 had a primary percutaneously placed PBS . 755 patients known stent material ( 66% were plastic, 34% metal). In 671 who had data regarding cytology from PBS known, 48% had cytology suggestive/diagnostic of malignancy, 25% had inadequate histology, and 28% did not send a cytology sample. Conclusion Despite guidelines advising against routine PBS, over two thirds of PD patients in our study underwent stenting. Despite guidelines advocating metal stents when PBS is necessary, two thirds of the stents deployed were plastic. Stent cytology has a low sensitivity for pancreatic head malignancy.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy for biliary drainage in hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study from Japan

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy for biliary drainage in hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study from Japan

Ideal outcome post-pancreatoduodenectomy: a comprehensive healthcare system analysis.

Indicators, such as mortality and complications, are commonly used to measure the quality of care. However, a more comprehensive assessment of surgical quality is captured using composite outcome measures such as Textbook Outcome (TO), Optimal Pancreatic Surgery, and a newer 'Ideal Outcome' (IO) measure. We reviewed our institutional experience to assess the impact of demographics, comorbidities, and operative variables on IO after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). A retrospective study was conducted on PD patients at Northwell Health between 2009 and 2023. IO was determined by the absence of six adverse outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, Clavien-Dindo ≥ III complications, clinically-relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, reoperation, hospital stay > 75th percentile, and readmission within 30 days. Logistic regression analyzed the effects of various factors on achieving IO. Of the 578 patients who underwent PD, 248 (42.91%) achieved the IO. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with increased odds of achieving IO included neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05-1.62) and the presence of neuroendocrine tumors (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.35-8.41). Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14-0.80) and older age (≥ 70 years) (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32-0.74) were associated with decreased odds of achieving IO. Patients with IO had significantly improved survival on Kaplan-Meier log-rank test (p = 0.001) as well as adjusted Cox analysis (HR 0.62 95% CI: 0.39-0.97). IO may offer a comprehensive metric for assessing PD outcomes, highlighting the impact of age, chemotherapy, biliary drainage, and tumor types. These findings suggest targeted interventions and quality improvements could enhance PD outcomes by addressing modifiable factors and refining clinical strategies.

Clinical Results of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage With Different Hepatic Access and Methods in the Treatment of Obstructive Jaundice.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a common procedure for biliary obstruction jaundice caused by biliary tract obstruction. PTBD can be performed using external or external-internal methods, by the right or left lobe approach. However, differences in both the method used and the hepatic approach may affect success rates and complications. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the outcomes and complications of PTBD and compare them according to different methods and hepatic approaches. Patients who underwent PTBD procedures in our interventional radiology department due to benign or malignant pathologies between March 2021 and March 2024 were included in the study. The diagnoses of the patients, and total and direct bilirubin values before and after the procedure were recorded. The clinical results and the complications of PTBD were compared statistically according to the hepatic approach and method. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant factors associated with PTBD success and complications. Sixty patients were included in our study (32 men, 28 women; mean age: 67.14±13.61y). The most common indication was malignant bile duct obstruction (90%). The obstruction was mostly at the level of the common bile duct (46.7%). The success rate of PTBD was the highest with the left-side external biliary drainage approach (left-side external biliary drainage, 81.2%; right-side internal-external biliary drainage, 77.8%; right-side external biliary drainage, 69.2%; P=0.596). The complication rate was higher for right-side access (right side 15.9%, left side 12.5%, P=0.744). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PTBD success in females was 5 times higher than in males [Exp(B): 5.000, β: 1.609, P<0.05]. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that methods used, entry lobes, and entry levels did not significantly affect PTBD success and complication incidence (P>0.05). All approaches and methods used during PTBD were associated with low complications and high success rates. Nevertheless, external biliary drainage with right hepatic access has the lowest clinical success rate and a higher complication rate than the left-lobe approach. We observed that left-sided external biliary drainage was the most successful method and had fewer complications.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with cholestasis following liver transplantation.

Biliary strictures are among the most common complications following liver transplantation (LT). If endoscopic retrograde cholangiography fails, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) may serve as an alternative approach. Description of clinical important short- and long-term outcomes as well as outcome prediction following PTBD after LT are scarce. We analyzed outcomes of 56 liver-transplanted adults with biliary complications receiving a PTBD. We described the safety and longitudinal laboratory changes. We analyzed as endpoints, incidence of biliary complications, need for surgical biliary revision/re-LT and overall-survival at 12- and 60-months. We used simple comparison tests accordingly and performed competing risk analysis and multivariate competing risk regression as well as log-rank test and cox proportional hazard regression for further analysis. PTBD procedures had a high technical success rate (98%) and tolerable safety profile. Multiple laboratory indicators improved during follow-up (37 patients with complete biochemical follow-up). Incidence of subsequent biliary complications was highly dependent on the nature of present biliary strictures (Anastomotic stricture (AS): adjusted SHR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09-0.78, p = 0.016). Need for surgical biliary revision/re-LT remained below 15%. 12-month survival was significantly better, if drainage into the small intestine was achieved at first attempt compared to completely external drainage (internal: 92.9 vs. external: 67.9%, p = 0.018). Patients with AS had a numerically higher long-term-survival and higher C-reactive-protein (CRP) and lower body-mass-index (BMI) at baseline were significantly associated with inferior short- and long-term-survival. PTBD for biliary complications following LT had a high technical success and a tolerable safety profile. Incidence of subsequent biliary complications was highly dependent on the nature of biliary strictures and increased mortality was found in patients with higher CRP, lower BMI and failure of initial PTBD internalization.

Iatrogenic vascular complications of non-vascular percutaneous abdominal procedures.

The purpose of this paper is to compile and present all of the reported vascular complications that resulted from common non-vascular abdominal procedures in the literature. Non-vascular procedures include, though are not limited to, percutaneous abscess/fluid collection drainage (PAD), percutaneous nephrostomy (PN), paracentesis, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC)/percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD), percutaneous biliary stone removal, and percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PG)/percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy (PG-J). By gathering this information, radiologists performing these procedures can be aware of the associated vascular injuries, as well astake steps to minimize risks. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database to catalog relevant articles, published in the year 2000 onward, in which an iatrogenic vascular complication occurred from the following non-vascular abdominal procedures: PAD, PN, paracentesis, PTC/PBD, percutaneous biliary stone removal, and PG/PG-J.Biopsy and tumorablation were deferred from this article. 214 studies met criteria for analysis. 28 patients died as a result of vascular complications from the analyzed non-vascular abdominal procedures. Vascular complications from paracentesis were responsible for 19 patient deaths, followed by four deaths from PTC/PBD, three from biliary stone removal, and two from PG. Despite non-vascular percutaneous abdominal procedures being minimally invasive, vascular complications still canarise and be quite serious, even resulting in death. Through the presentation of vascular complications associated with these procedures, interventionalists can improve patient care by understanding the steps that can be taken to minimize these risks and to reduce complication rates.

Plastic stents for palliative biliary drainage: we have come full circle

Plastic stents for palliative biliary drainage: we have come full circle

Pancreaticogastrostomy: A Safe and Effective Reconstruction Method After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Short Observational Study

Background: Pancreaticoduodenal resection is usually performed in patients with a localised small carcinoma in the head of the pancreas, at the lower end of the common bile duct or at the ampulla and occasionally for chronic pancreatitis.The mortality following pancreaticoduodenal resection has fallen and is now below 5% 1-6 .However, leakage from the anastomosis between pancreas and the jejunum has been and remains, one of the most worrying complications of the operation. The data from papers published in the last 8 years show that the incidence of pancreatic leak is 14% and the mortality of this complication 24%3,4,6-16 .Pancreaticogastrostomy is a potentially safer alternative to pancreaticojejunostomy in the reconstruction following Whipple's operation. Aim: The aim of the study was to observe pancreaticogastrostomy is a potentially safer alternative to pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Surgery in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, for One year (August 2021 to July 2022). Patients with a localised small carcinoma in the head of the pancreas, at the lower end of the common bile duct or at the ampulla, and occasionally for chronic pancreatitis admitted in the department of surgery were approached for inclusion in the study. Total 41 patients were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed written consent was taken from each patient. All patients underwent pancreaticogastrostomy. Detail clinical and demographic history was taken along with thorough physical examination relevant investigations. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and post operatively at discharge, 1 month and 3 months. Outcome was assessed post operatively. Collected data were checked and analysed in SPSS 23. Results: Two patients died within 30 days of the operation (mortality 4.9%), one from perioperative haemorrhage and another from septicaemia due to a biliary infection, which may have resulted from preoperative transhepatic biliary drainage. Both operations were carried out for carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. One patient developed a biliary leak which closed in 6 days. A postoperative pancreatic leak occurred in one patient with carcinoma of the ampulla; the fistula closed after 5 mdays, and did not delay his discharge from hospital. This patient remains well 36 months after operation, although he has now developed mild diabetes.One other patient developed diabetes mellitus postoperatively. This woman had evidence of obstructive pancreatitis at operation. She died 6 months later of recurrent carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. One patient with chronic pancreatitis has uncontrolled steatorrhoea, with up to four bowel movements a day. Four other patients take regular pancreatic supplements together with H2 receptor antagonists in order to maintain normal defaecation. There has been no case of stomal ulceration. None of the patients were lost to follow-up. The median survival for patients operated on for carcinoma of the head of the pancreas was 13 months, and for patients with carcinoma of the bile duct, 14 months. Median survival of patients with ampullary carcinoma was 38 months. Conclusion: Seventy two percent of patients had good outcome after Pancreaticogastrostomy(PG). Significant relief in symptoms of pain were noted after PG. Further larger study is recommended to validate this findings. J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2023; 15(1): 66-72

Role of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for managing bile lake formation after Kasai portoenterostomy.

Bile lake (BL) formation following Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) can complicate the prognosis of biliary atresia (BA). Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) performed under fluoroscopic/ultrasonographic (US) guidance is discussed for the management of BL. A retrospective review of 64 BA patients treated by KPE (open = 31, laparoscopic = 33) at a single center (2004-2023) identified 9 BL cases (9/64; 14.1%). PTBD was indicated for jaundice or cholangitis refractory to antibiotic therapy. All BL were asymptomatic, diagnosed after an episode of postoperative cholangitis. KPE type was not correlated with BL incidence; 2/31 (6.5%) for open and 7/33 (21.2%) for laparoscopic; p = 0.15. Median onset was postoperative day 273 (IQR: 170-920). One case resolved with antibiotics while another case required early liver transplantation (LTx) due to advanced hepatic dysfunction unrelated to BL. All remaining cases (7/9) had PTBD at a median of 14.3months (IQR: 7.3-34.7) post-KPE, with successful resolution in 6/7; one case required two PTBD procedures. Post-PTBD biliary peritonitis (n = 3) was resolved by abdominal lavage (laparoscopic = 2; open = 1). Screening for BL is advisable in all postoperative BA patients especially when cholangitis occurs. Although the risk for biliary peritonitis warrants caution, PTBD seems a viable option for managing BL formation after KPE.

Transhepatic Cholangiography and Biliary Drainage: Basic Concepts and Technique

AbstractPercutaneous transhepatic biliary procedures are essential for managing a variety of hepatobiliary conditions, particularly when endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is not feasible or has failed, or when patients are unstable. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the indications, contraindications, and procedural steps for biliary puncture, focusing on techniques such as percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and percutaneous cholecystostomy. We also address strategies for accessing minimally dilated biliary systems and performing bedside PTBD. The article highlights the increasing demand for these interventions due to rising incidences of biliary diseases such as gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma, as well as complications arising from previous surgeries. Furthermore, we discuss common and life-threatening complications associated with these procedures, including biliary leaks, hemorrhage, and sepsis, and provide guidance on effective management strategies. Understanding these procedures and their potential complications is crucial for optimizing patient care and outcomes in complex biliary conditions.

A Complex Case of Extrahepatic Biliary Obstruction: Syphilitic abdominal lymphadenitis

Abstract Introduction/Objective Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by spirochete Treponema pallidum, can vary widely in presentation. Infective lymphadenitis due to syphilis have been reported before in cervical and inguinal lymph nodes.Here we present an interesting case of syphilitic lymphadenitis with unusual presentation and location. Methods/Case Report A 30-year-old male with no past medical history presented with epigastric pain, fever, jaundice, weight loss, and night sweats. Computed tomography imaging revealed a 4.1 cm solid mass at the porta hepatis with involvement of perihepatic lymph nodes, raising suspicion of malignancy. All serological tumor markers were negative. The patient underwent ERCP with biliary drainage to relieve obstructive jaundice. Bile duct brushing and liver biopsy at that time were non-diagnostic. Later the patient underwent laparoscopic lymph node excision. Histological examination of the lymph node showed intact follicular architecture with an increase in plasma cells and sinus histiocytes, without evidence of carcinoma or lymphoma cells. Flow cytometry on the lymph node showed polytypic B-cells and antigenically normal T-cells with CD4: CD8 ratio of 0.5 showing relatively excess of CD8 positive cytotoxic cells. Positive staining for Treponema pallidum with appropriate control highlighted micro-organisms suggestive of secondary syphilitic infection. This evidence was later supported by positive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test. He subsequently tested positive for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion In summary, appropriate histologic and serological testing lead to timely diagnosis in this case. This case contributes to the limited literature on syphilitic lymphadenitis and reports the first documented case of isolated intra- abdominal lymph node involvement.

A retrospective comparative study of biliary drainage using balloon endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound for malignant obstruction in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

Endoscopic biliary drainage for malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) in patients with surgically altered anatomy is challenging, and technical difficulty could differ by the anatomy. Balloon endoscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (BE-ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) are both emerging procedures, and we conducted the single-center, retrospective study to compare clinical outcomes of BE-ERCP and EUS-BD for MBO. Consecutive patients with surgically altered anatomy who underwent BE-ERCP or EUS-BD for MBO were retrospectively studies. Technical and clinical success rates, adverse events (AEs), and time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO) were compared. Patient characteristics were comparable between BE-ERCP (n = 118) and EUS-BD (n = 32), other than more patients with hepaticojejunostomy in the BE-ERCP group (66% vs. 44%, P = 0.03). Technical success rate was significantly higher in the EUS-BD group (70% vs. 94%, P = 0.005), but clinical success rates (84% vs. 90%, P = 0.55), early AE (14% vs. 22%, P = 0.29) and late AE rates (42% vs. 38%, P = 0.84), and RBO rates (31% vs. 34%, P = 0.67) were comparable between the groups. TRBO was 170 and 206days in the BE-ERCP and EUS-BD group (P = 0.37). In the subgroup analysis of patients with the intact papilla, the technical success rate of BE-ERCP was as low as 55%, compared to 94% in EUS-BD (P = 0.003). EUS-BD was associated with higher technical success rate than BE-ERCP for MBO in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

Analysis of the efficacy of Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography Drainage (PTCD) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of Malignant Obstructive Jaundice (MOJ) in palliative drainage and preoperative biliary drainage: a single-center retrospective study

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography drainage (PTCD) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in palliative drainage and preoperative biliary drainage for treating malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ).MethodsA total of 520 patients with MOJ who underwent PTCD or ERCP were enrolled and classified into palliative drainage group and preoperative biliary drainage group. Baseline characteristics, liver function, blood routine, complications were compared among the groups.ResultsThe technical success rates for PTCD and ERCP in palliative group were 97.1% and 85.9%. In palliative drainage group, PTCD had higher levels of total bilirubin (TB) reduction (53.0 (30.0,97.0) vs. 36.8 (17.9,65.0), p < 0.001) and direct bilirubin (DB) reduction (42.0 (22.0,78.5) vs. 28.0 (12.0,50.8), p = 0.001) than ERCP. However, PTCD was associated with higher rates of drainage tube displacement (20 cases, 11.8%), while ERCP had a higher incidence of biliary infection (39 cases, 22.8%) and pancreatitis (7 cases, 4.1%). In preoperative drainage group, PTCD achieved a 50% reduction in total bilirubin faster than ERCP (7.1 days vs. 10.5 days). And the time from palliation of jaundice to surgery was 24.2 days in PTCD group and 35.7 days in ERCP group, a statistically significant difference (Student’s t test, p = 0.017).ConclusionBoth PTCD and ERCP could improve liver function for MOJ patients. PTCD seems to offer better outcomes in jaundice reduction and liver function improvement in palliative drainage, but requires careful postoperative management. In preoperative biliary drainage, PTCD may be a better preoperative bridge to improve liver function and control infection.

Harnessing magnetic forces: Discovery and development of biliary strictures treatment with compression anastomosis

Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) is emerging as a promising alternative that uses magnetic force to create an anastomosis bypassing the stenosis in biliary strictures (BSs) where techniques such as percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stent placement are inadequate in the presence of complete obstruction or severe stenosis. MCA offers potential benefits such as less operative trauma, shorter hospital stay and lower complication rates. By placing magnets proximal and distal to the stenosis, necrosis of fibrotic tissue occurs, creating a new anastomosis. Investigating the role of MCA in the treatment of BS is crucial because of its potential to revolutionize care, improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. It offers an alternative for patients who are not suitable for conventional surgery. A comprehensive review of the principles, techniques, outcomes and applications of MCA is essential to inform clinicians, researchers and policy makers and to guide future research and clinical practice to optimize patient care for BSs.