Intrahepatic Stones Research Articles

Transluminal intrahepatic bile duct stone removal using a novel spiral basket catheter via the endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy route (with video).

Recently, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biliary drainage has been developed as an alternative biliary drainage technique for failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or inaccessible papilla. Among the various EUS-guided biliary drainage procedures, EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) can be performed in patients with surgically altered anatomy. More recently, various transluminal treatments have been described after EUS-HGS, such as antegrade stone removal. In patients with hepaticojejunostomy strictures, stone extraction into the intestine might be challenging even after performing hepaticojejunostomy stricture dilation using a balloon catheter. In such cases, transluminal stone removal is considered an alternative method. With transluminal stone removal, a small stone that escapes from the conventional basket or from a balloon catheter could migrate into the branch bile ducts. The novel spiral basket catheter available in Japan. The wires form a helix shape, wherein each wire is wound counterclockwise, and the winding pitch becomes gradually tighter from the proximal portion to the tip. As the winding pitch is smaller and the wires are in closer contact with the bile duct wall as compared with conventional basket catheter, small bile duct stones can be easily captured by simply pulling back the catheter while the basket is open. In addition, even during withdrawal inside the bile duct, a high retrieval performance is assured by the special design that maintains the opening width on the top end. Therefore, transluminal stone removal using this novel basket catheter might be clinically useful, although further prospective evaluation of a larger number of cases is needed.

Intrahepatic stones

The question of intrahepatic stones is rather poorly covered in the literature, but meanwhile it has both theoretical and, in part, of no small practical importance.

Hepatolithiasis – how we dealt

Presence of bile duct stones within the intrahepatic bile ducts, proximal to confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts is known as hepatolithiasis. Rare disease in western world but seen in East Asian Countries and Pacific. The disease can occur with or without concomitant presence of cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis. Two subjects were admitted from surgery out-patient department, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Pune. A 15-year-old male with progressive Jaundice since 6 months and pain in abdomen. On investigations - he was found to be a beta thalassemia, with USG and MRCP warranting multiple intrahepatic stones, proximal and distal CBD calculus. Another patient was a 18-year-old male from same family presented with similar complains. ERCP guided CBD stone extraction was tried but failed. Selective CBD cannulation done on 4th attempt. But still CBD clearance could not be achieved. Decision to go for CBD exploration and cholecystectomy. Intra operatively complete clearance of stones in both intrahepatic ducts, confluence, proximal and distal CBD. Ampullary stone not cleared so Roux en Y hepaticojejunostomy was done. Post-surgery uneventful, follow up no jaundice, MRCP after 4 weeks no residual stone. Two years follow up - no evidence of new stones in Intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary system. Hepatolithiasis a rare disease with chances of recurrence, the newer treatments available are management via percutaneous approaches and newer modalities for obstructive jaundice in young. PTCSL, POCSL for intra hepatic stones and transduodenal sphincteroplasty for multiple recurrent CBD stones. As these treatments are not available we were forced to operate.

Hepatolithiasis long term complication of choledochal cyst resection: Rase report

Choledochal cysts (CCs) are uncommon with an incidence that ranges from 1 in 100,000-150,000 in Western populations, to 1-1,000 in some Asian populations. The cyst can become complicated with stone disease, pancreatitis, cholangitis and malignancy of the biliary tree; therefore it has to be treated by operative resection of the bile duct, cholecystectomy, and biliodigestive reconstruction, irrespective of the age at presentation. In the long term follow up, postoperative intrahepatic stone and cholangitis present serious complications. Hepatolithiasis is likely to develop secondary to a postoperative anastomotic stricture. We present a case report of a 23-year-old male with recurrent episodes of cholangitis and a past surgical history of complete choledocal cyst excision with bilioenteric anastomosis 16 years ago with no long term follow up. The diagnosis of anastomotic stenosis and hepatolithiasis was confirmed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Percutaneous treatment was not possible. Patient was taken to surgery where 28 bile stones were removed from choledoco, common hepatic and left hepatic duct. Intraoperative choledochoscopy confirmed stone clearance from the intrahepatic and extrahepatic ductal system. Biopsy was taken and a hepaticojejunostomy according to Hepp-Couinaud performed. Biopsy reported negative for malignancy. Patient was discharged with no postoperative complications. Close follow-up after CCs surgical treatment is important, moreover, these patients have a need for long term follow up to detect hepatolithiasis as soon as possible. Combined surgical procedure (stone extraction, on-table choledochoscopy and bilio-enteric drainage) is an acceptable option for hepatolithiasis.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in the era of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: A prospective comparative analysis in preoperative evaluation of benign biliary stricture

Background and AimAccurate anatomical delineation is the key before definitive repair for benign biliary stricture (BBS). The role of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) as a road map is less studied in the era of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).MethodsA prospective observational study, performed between July 2012 and December 2013. All patients of post‐cholecystectomy BBS were evaluated with MRCP and PTC prior to definitive repair. Findings of MRCP and PTC were compared with intraoperative details.ResultsThirty patients with BBS were included in the study. MRCP was performed in all but PTC was amenable in 28 of 30 (93.3%) patients. PTC was comparable to MRCP in diagnosing stricture type (96.4% vs 89.3%), intrahepatic stones (75% vs 75%), and biliary anomalies (95.6% vs 100%). Additionally, PTC revealed internal biliary fistula in 4 (85.7% vs 61.4%; P value 0.04). PTC‐related minor complications were noted in 2 (7.1%) patients.ConclusionPTC is comparable to MRCP in diagnosing the stricture type, intrahepatic biliary stones, and biliary anomalies. Though comparable to MRCP, the authors could not reveal any additional information that could change the course of management in BBS.

Value of multidisciplinary team (MDT) in minimally invasive treatment of complex intrahepatic bile duct stones.

This study aimed to investigate the value of multidisciplinary team (MDT) management in minimally invasive treatment of complex intrahepatic bile duct stones (IHDs) by laparoscopy, choledochoscopy and percutaneous choledochoscopy. The characteristics, perioperative index, complication rate and minimally invasive rate of patients in MDT group (n = 75) and non-MDT group (n = 70) were compared. The members of MDT include doctors in ultrasound, imaging, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. The results showed that minimally invasive surgery reduced the incidence of postoperative residual stones, OR (95% CI) = 0.365 (0.141-0.940) (p = 0.037). MDT reduced the operation time, OR (95% CI) = 0.406 (0.207-0.796) (p = 0.009). Minimally invasive surgery significantly reduced intraoperative bleeding, OR (95% CI) = 0.267 (0.133-0.534) (p < 0.001). Minimally invasive surgery also reduced hospitalization time, OR (95% CI) = 0.295 (0.142-0.611) (p = 0.001). The stone clearance rates of MDT group and non-MDT group were 81.33% and 81.43% respectively. In the MDT group, the operative time was less than that in the non-MDT group (p = 0.010); the intraoperative bleeding volume was significantly less than that in the non-MDT group (p < 0.001); the hospitalization time was less than that in the non-MDT group (p = 0.001). Minimally invasive operation rate:48 cases (64.00%) in MDT group were significantly higher than 17 cases (24.29%) in non-MDT group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, minimally invasive procedures can be selected more through MDT. MDT can shorten the operation time, and minimally invasive surgery can reduce the incidence of residual stones, reduce intraoperative bleeding, and may shorten hospital stay. Therefore, MDT management model can provide personalized and minimally invasive surgical protocol for patients with complex IHD, which has high application value.

Successful Treatment With Baricitinib in a Patient With Refractory Eosinophilic Fasciitis.

<h3>BACKGROUND</h3> Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) has been used since the mid-1980s to fragment bile duct stones which cannot be removed endoscopically. Early machines required general anaesthesia and immersion in a waterbath. <h3>AIMS</h3> To investigate the effectiveness of the third generation Storz Modulith SL20 lithotriptor in fragmenting bile duct stones that could not be cleared by mechanical lithotripsy. <h3>METHODS</h3> Eighty three patients with retained bile duct stones were treated. All patients received intravenous benzodiazepine sedation and pethidine analgesia. Stones were targeted by fluoroscopy following injection of contrast via a nasobiliary drain or T tube. Residual fragments were cleared at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Complete stone clearance was achieved in 69 (83%) patients and in 18 of 24 patients (75%) who required more than one ESWL treatment. Stone clearance was achieved in all nine patients (100%) with intrahepatic stones and also in nine patients (100%) referred following surgical exploration of the bile duct. Complications included six cases of cholangitis and one perinephric haematoma which resolved spontaneously. <h3>CONCLUSION</h3> Using the Storz Modulith, 83% of refractory bile duct calculi were cleared with a low rate of complications. These results confirm that ESWL is an excellent alternative to surgery in those patients in whom endoscopic techniques have failed.

Double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography can make a reliable diagnosis and good prognosis for postoperative complications of congenital biliary dilatation

Bile duct and anastomotic strictures and intrahepatic stones are common postoperative complications of congenital biliary dilatation (CBD). We performed double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DBERC) for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes after radical surgery. We focused on the effectiveness of DBERC for the treatment of postoperative complications of CBD patients. Bile duct and anastomotic strictures and intrahepatic stones are common postoperative complications of congenital biliary dilatation (CBD). We performed double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DBERC) for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes after radical surgery. We focused on the effectiveness of DBERC for the treatment of postoperative complications of CBD patients. This retrospective study included 28 patients who underwent DBERC (44 procedures) after radical surgery for CBD between January 2011 and December 2019. Strictures were diagnosed as “bile duct strictures” if endoscopy confirmed the presence of bile duct mucosa between the stenotic and anastomotic regions, and as “anastomotic strictures” if the mucosa was absent. The median patient age was 4 (range 0–67) years at the time of primary surgery for CBD and 27.5 (range 8–76) years at the time of DBERC. All anastomotic strictures could be treated with only by 1–2 courses of balloon dilatation of DBERC, while many bile duct strictures (41.2%) needed ≥ 3 treatments, especially those who underwent operative bile duct plasty as the first treatment (83.3%). Although the study was limited by the short follow-up period after DBERC treatment, DBERC is recommended as the first-line treatment for hepatolithiasis associated with biliary and anastomotic strictures in CBD patients, and it can be safely performed multiple times.

Drip-infusion-cholangiographic Computed Tomography-guided Endoscopic Removal of an Intrahepatic Stone.

Drip-infusion-cholangiographic Computed Tomography-guided Endoscopic Removal of an Intrahepatic Stone.

407 Incidental Focal Intrahepatic Duct Dilatation (FIDD) – A Finding That Mandates Further Investigation That May Include Liver Resection

Abstract Background The increasing use of imaging has led to incidental findings in the liver. The Western experience of managing focal intrahepatic duct dilatation (FIDD) is not well recorded. We present our experience based on a large prospectively maintained database at a tertiary hepatobiliary surgical unit. Method Patients with liver resection for FIDD between January 2003-December 2019 were retrospectively identified from the liver unit database. The demographics, symptomatology, blood test results, imaging, type of liver resection, morbidity, mortality, and histology of resected specimens were recorded. Results 9 patients had FIDD among 994 liver resections performed (0.9%). 6 patients were asymptomatic, 2 upper abdominal pain and 1 recurrent gram-negative sepsis. Liver function tests were normal in all patients. Two patients had cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), 4 intrahepatic stones, 1 intraductal papillary neoplasm of bile duct (IPN –B) and 2 benign strictures. Conclusions FIDD is rare in the Western population. Most patients are asymptomatic with an incidental finding of FIDD on cross-sectional imaging. Differentiating benign and malignant pathology is difficult warranting liver resection in fit patients to resolve the diagnosis. Liver resection is safe and can be potentially curative in patients with a neoplasm, which can occur in 30% of patients with FIDD.

Leptin Influence Cholelithiasis Formation by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism.

Bile acid metabolism is a contributing factor that promotes cholelithiasis. Recent studies have suggested novel roles of leptin in the formation of gallbladder stones (GS); however, no evidence confirmed the function of leptin in the formation of primary intrahepatic bile duct stones (PIBDS) . In the current study, the liver tissues of patients with GS and PIBDS were collected to check the mRNA and protein expression levels of BSEP. L02 cells stimulated with leptin were served for the expression of OB-Rb, AMPKα2, and BSEP by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The results showed that the level of serum leptin was higher in the GS group than in the control and PIBDS groups. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of OB-Rb, p-AMPKa2, and BSEP decreased significantly in the GS and PIBDS groups. In vitro, compared with the control cells, the protein levels of OB-Rb, p-AMPKa2, and BSEP increased in the L02 cells cultured with leptin. However, these enhancements disappeared when the cells were co-cultured with leptin plus Compound C. The present results suggest that cholelithiasis, especially the formation of PIBDS, was connected with leptin, which could regulate bile acid metabolism through the OB-Rb/AMPKa2/BSEP signaling pathway.

Analysis of clinicopathological features of intrahepatic bile duct stones and its related occult cholangiocarcinoma

目的： 探讨肝内胆管结石相关的隐匿性胆管细胞癌的临床病理特征及治疗和预后情况。 方法： 收集湖南省人民医院2014—2019年诊断的28例肝内胆管结石相关的隐匿性胆管细胞癌患者的临床信息，分析其组织学形态、免疫表型特征及治疗和预后情况。 结果： 患者男性9例，女性19例，平均年龄59岁。临床、影像、大体检查均未见占位性病变。镜下观察，所有病例均可见高级别胆管上皮内肿瘤，其中13例可见浸润癌，浸润灶直径从0.2~1.2 cm不等。免疫组织化学显示癌胚抗原（CEA）及p53在高级别胆管上皮内肿瘤及浸润癌中均为阳性，Ki-67呈核阳性表达，在浸润癌区域阳性率5%~10%。25例随访1~51个月，6例死亡，余19例无复发和转移。 结论： 肝内胆管结石合并隐匿性胆管细胞癌是临床、影像及病理都易漏诊的病例，需要提高对其的临床及病理特征的认识，但其预后及治疗尚需更多病例进一步研究。.

A prognostic model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative intent resection based on Bayesian network

Objective: To examine a survival prognostic model applicable for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) based on Bayesian network. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of ICC patients who underwent curative intent resection in ten Chinese hepatobiliary surgery centers from January 2010 to December 2018 were collected.A total of 516 patients were included in the study.There were 266 males and 250 females.The median age(M(QR)) was 58(14) years.One hundred and sixteen cases (22.5%) with intrahepatic bile duct stones,and 143 cases (27.7%) with chronic viral hepatitis.The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.The univariate and multivariate analysis were implemented respectively using the Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model.One-year survival prediction models based on tree augmented naive Bayesian (TAN) and naïve Bayesian algorithm were established by Bayesialab software according to different variables,a nomogram model was also developed based on the independent predictors.The receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the prediction effect of the models. Results: The overall median survival time was 25.0 months,and the 1-,3-and 5-year cumulative survival rates was 76.6%,37.9%,and 21.0%,respectively.Univariate analysis showed that gender,preoperative jaundice,pathological differentiation,vascular invasion,microvascular invasion,liver capsule invasion,T staging,N staging,margin,intrahepatic bile duct stones,carcinoembryonic antigen,and CA19-9 affected the prognosis(χ2=5.858-54.974, all P<0.05).The Cox multivariate model showed that gender,pathological differentiation,liver capsule invasion,T stage,N stage,intrahepatic bile duct stones,and CA19-9 were the independent predictive factors(all P<0.05). The AUC of the TAN model based on all 19 clinicopathological factors was 74.5%,and the AUC of the TAN model based on the 12 prognostic factors derived from univariate analysis was 74.0%,the AUC of the naïve Bayesian model based on 7 independent prognostic risk factors was 79.5%,the AUC and C-index of the nomogram survival prediction model based on 7 independent prognostic risk factors were 78.8% and 0.73,respectively. Conclusion: The Bayesian network model may provide a relatively accurate prognostic prediction for ICC patients after curative intent resection and performed superior to the nomogram model.

Percutaneous cholangioscopy with short Spyscope combined with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in case of difficult intrahepatic bile duct stone.

Watch a video of this article

Cracking Difficult Biliary Stones.

Apart from difficult biliary cannulation, biliary stone removal is considered one of the hurdles in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Generally, simple common bile duct (CBD) stones can be removed either with an extraction balloon or a basket. However, there are difficult stones that cannot be removed using these standard methods. The most difficult stones are large CBD stones and impacted stones in a tapering CBD. A few decades ago, mechanical lithotripsy was usually required to manage these stones. At present, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) of the biliary orifice has become the gold standard for large CBD stones up to 1.5 cm. EPLBD can reduce the procedural time by shortening the stone removal process. It can also save the cost of the devices, especially multiple baskets, used in mechanical lithotripsy. Unfortunately, very large CBD stones, stones impacted in a tapering CBD, and some intrahepatic duct stones still require lithotripsy. Peroral cholangioscopy provides direct visualization of the stone, which helps the endoscopist perform a probe-based lithotripsy either with an electrohydraulic probe or a laser probe. This technique can facilitate the management of difficult CBD stones with a high success rate and save procedural time without significant technical complications.

Treatment of Complex Whole Liver Intrahepatic Ductal Stones Using a Patented Stone-Clearance Sheath Combined with Nephroscopic Holmium Laser Lithotripsy

Purpose: To investigate the clinical efficacy of nephroscopic laser lithotripsy with the aid of a patented suctioning sheath in treating complicated whole-liver dispersed intrahepatic ductal stones. Methods: From September 2013 to September 2017, 150 patients who were diagnosed with whole-liver dispersed intrahepatic ductal stones were included in this study and were divided into two groups randomly. The control group consists of 75 patients who were treated by traditional surgery combined with choledochoscopic laser lithotripsy. The observation group consists of the other 75 patients who were treated by traditional surgery combined with nephroscopic laser lithotripsy with the aid of the patented sheath. Related treatment outcome parameters were compared. Results: There were no significant differences in first surgery operative time, first surgery bleeding amount, complication and stone clearance rates (P&gt;0.05). However, the second surgery operative time was (63.58±9.84) min while the complication rate was 7.5% in the observation group, significantly less than that of control group (P&lt;0.05). There were significantly higher first-stage and second stage sinus ductal stone clearance rates and final stone clearance rate in the observation group compared to that of control group (P&lt;0.05), while operative times, hospitalization duration and cost, and one year stone recurrent rate were significantly lower (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The efficacy of using the patented stone-clearance sheath combined with nephroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy was significant, warrants more extensive clinical adoption.

EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy for management of cholangitis, hepatolithiasis, and anastomotic stricture after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Video 1EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy for management of cholangitis, hepatolithiasis, and anastomotic stricture after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.

Improved wire-guided basket for intrahepatic stone extraction in a patient after pancreatoduodenectomy.

Improved wire-guided basket for intrahepatic stone extraction in a patient after pancreatoduodenectomy.

A new strategy of laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein combined with transhepatic duct lithotomy for complex hemihepatolithiasis: A propensity score matching study

BackgroundThere have been no studies on laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein combined with transhepatic duct lithotripsy for the treatment of complex hemihepatolithiasis. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein combined with transhepatic duct lithotomy to treat complex hemihepatolithiasis. MethodsThe clinical data for patients who underwent laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy for complex intrahepatic bile duct stones with or without common bile duct stones from January 2016 to June 2020 were prospectively collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to surgical approach: laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein (middle hepatic vein group) or laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy not guided by the middle hepatic vein (nonmiddle hepatic vein group). The safety and short-term and long-term efficacy outcomes of the 2 groups were compared with 1:1 propensity score matching. ResultsWith only a slightly longer operative time (P = .006), the initial and final stone residual rates in the middle hepatic vein group (n = 70) were significantly lower than those in the nonmiddle hepatic vein group (n = 70) (P = .002, P = .009). The bile leakage rate and stone recurrence rate were also significantly lower (P = .001, P = .001). ConclusionLaparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein is safe and effective for treating intrahepatic bile duct stones and can decrease the stone residual rate, reduce the bile leakage rate and stone recurrence rate, and accelerate early recovery. However, owing to the complicated technical requirements for surgeons and anesthesiologists, use of the procedure is limited to large and experienced medical centers.

Hepatobiliary morbidities detected by ultrasonography in Opisthorchis viverrini-infected patients before and after praziquantel treatment: a five-year follow up study

Infection of the liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) is an important public health problem in northeast Thailand and adjacent countries, where people have a habit of eating raw or undercooked fish. A community case-control study was carried out with 8,936 participants from 89 villages, in Khon Kaen province, Thailand. There were 3,359 OV-infected participants all of whom underwent ultrasonography of upper abdomen for the evaluation of hepatobiliary morbidity. The participants with advanced periductal fibrosis (APF) by ultrasound (n = 785) were invited to undergo annual follow-up ultrasonography for five years after praziquantel treatment. The sonographer was blinded with respect to status of OV infection at each visit. The study findings revealed variability in the study population profile of the hepatobiliary morbidities before and after praziquantel treatment over the follow up interval. At the end of the study, 32 (30.8%) out of 104 participants showed no relapse of APF whereas, by contrast, 39 (37.5%) participants showed relapse or persistent APF since the outset of the study (≥ two consecutive visits). The APF in most follow-up visits was significantly associated with male sex, with intrahepatic duct stones, with the width of the gallbladder “pre” minus “post” fatty meal, and with the ratio of left lobe of the liver to aorta. Five cases of suspected cholangiocarcinoma were observed over the five years of follow-up. This long-term ultrasound follow-up study demonstrates a significant incidence of persistent APF in over one-third of opisthorchiasis cases after praziquantel treatment, findings that support the prospect of ongoing cholangiocarcinogenesis long after successful elimination of liver fluke infection among the population.