Left Bile Duct Research Articles

The Interplay Between Biliary Occlusion and Liver Regeneration: Repeated Regeneration Stimuli Restore Biliary Drainage by Promoting Hepatobiliary Remodeling in a Rat Model.

Background and AimsPatients with malignant biliary obstruction do not seem to benefit from “two-stage hepatectomy” due to an impairment of liver regeneration. We designed a novel model of “repeated regeneration stimuli” in rats mimicking a “two-stage hepatectomy” with selective or complete biliary occlusion mimicking Klatskin tumors III° or IV°. Using this new model, we wanted to investigate (1) the impact of preexistent cholestasis of different extent on the time course of liver regeneration and (2) the dynamics of hepatobiliary remodeling under regeneration conditions.Materials and MethodsRats were subjected to a sequence of three operations: surgical induction of biliary occlusion, followed by “repeated regeneration stimuli” consisting of ligation of the left branch of the portal vein (supplying 70% of the liver volume, sPVL) as first stage and a 70%-hepatectomy (70%PHx) as second stage. Biliary occlusion (1st procedure) was induced by ligating and transection of either the common (100%, tBDT) or the left bile duct (70%, sBDT). A sham operation without ligating the bile duct was performed as control (0%, Sham). Two weeks later, on day 14 (POD14), the sPVL (2nd procedure) was performed. Another week later (POD 21), the 70%PHx (3rd procedure) took place and animals were observed for 1 week (POD 28). The first experiment (n = 45 rats) was dedicated to investigating liver regeneration (hypertrophy/atrophy), proliferative activity and hepatobiliary histomorphology (2D-histology: HE, BrdU) in the future liver remnant (FLR). The second experiment (n = 25 rats) was performed to study the dynamics of hepatobiliary remodeling in livers with different regenerative pressure (tBDT only POD21 vs. tBDT only POD 28 vs. tBDT + sPVL vs. tBDT + 70%PHx vs. tBDT + sPVL + 70%PHx) using μCT scans of explanted livers.ResultsEffect of biliary occlusionTotal biliary occlusion (tBDT) led to a 2.4-fold increase in whole liver volume due to severe biliary proliferation within 14 days. In contrast, partial biliary occlusion (sBDT) caused only a volume gain of the obstructed liver lobes due to biliary proliferates, resulting in a minor increase of total liver volume (1.7-fold) without an increase in bilirubin levels.Liver regeneration and atrophyAs expected, sPVL caused substantial volume gain (tBDT: 3-fold; sBDT: 2.8-fold; Sham 2.8-fold) of FLR and a substantial volume loss (tBDT: 0.9-fold; sBDT: 0.6-fold; Sham: 0.4-fold) of the portally deprived “future resected lobes” compared to the preoperative liver volume. The subsequent 70%PHx promoted a further volume gain of the FLR in all groups (tBDT: 4-fold; sBDT: 3-fold; Sham 3-fold compared to original volume) until POD 28. Hepatobiliary remodeling: After tBDT, we identified histologically three phases of hepatobiliary remodeling in the FLR. Following tBDT, biliary proliferates developed, replacing about 15% of the hepatocellular tissue. After sPVL we found incomplete restoration of the hepatocellular tissue with a visible reduction of the biliary proliferates. The 70%PHx led to an almost complete recovery of the hepatocellular tissue in the FLR with a nearly normal liver architecture. In contrast, after sBDT and Sham we observed a near normal liver morphology in the FLR at all time points. CT-scanning of the explanted livers and subsequent 3D reconstruction visualized the development of extrahepatic biliary collaterals. Collaterals were detected in 0/5 cases 1 week after sPVL (first regeneration stimulus), and in even more cases (3/5) 1 week after the 70%PHx (second regeneration stimulus). Histological workup identified the typical biliary cuboid epithelium as inner lining of the collaterals and peribiliary glands.ConclusionLiver volume of the FLR increased in cholestatic rats mainly due to biliary proliferates. Application of repeated regeneration stimuli in the style of a “two-stage hepatectomy” promoted almost full restoration of hepatocellular tissue and architecture in the FLR by reestablishing biliary drainage via formation of biliary collaterals. Further exploration of the dynamics in hepatobiliary modeling using this model might help to better understand the underlying mechanism.

Right hepatic trisectionectomy combined total caudate lobectomy with non-touch technique for advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma: A surgical case report (with video).

BackgroundExtended resection such as right trisegmentectomy combined with total caudate lobectomy with non-touch technique for advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is still challenging for all Hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeons.PresentationA 45-year-old female with advanced hilar CCA involved the right intrahepatic bile ducts in continuity with the left medial sectional bile duct without PV invasion had undergone right trisegmentectomy combined with total caudate lobectomy with non-touch technique. Dissection of the hepatic peduncle by Lorta-Jacob Procedure, ligation, and resection of the right hepatic artery (RHA) and the right portal vein (PV), before that determine whether portal bifurcation's tumor infiltration or not. Mobilization of the right liver lobe, ligate all the short hepatic veins from the caudal to cranial direction, as well as the right hepatic vein (RHV) and the middle hepatic vein (MHV). Complete caudate lobectomy with right–left approach. Determine hepatic parenchyma cut, left cholangiostomy to the division of the subsegments 2,3, stitch formation of the subsegments 2,3 bile duct. Determine negative upper section of the biliary tract. The operative time was 432 min, and the blood loss was 750 ml. Postoperative recovery was uneventful without any major complications but developed intra-abdominal abscess that required percutaneous drainage.DiscussionExtended resection procedures such as extend right/left trisectionectomy, hepato-pancreaticoduodenectomy (HPD) and/or combined vascular resection are only curative treatment for advanced hilar CCA. There hadn't been any reported cases describing step-by-step right trisegmentectomy combined with total caudate lobectomy with non-touch technique with clear illustrations and videos yet.ConclusionCareful preparation with preoperative biliary drainage as well as precise evaluation of the functional capacity of the future liver remnant, as well as meticulous experience of surgeons in hepatic anatomy and non-touch resection technique are key points for success in extended resection for advanced hilar CCA.

Aggressive behavior of anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma arising from the hilar bile duct

BackgroundUndifferentiated carcinoma of the biliary tree is extremely rare, and biliary undifferentiated carcinoma mostly originates from the gallbladder. We herein present a case of anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma of the hilar bile duct and reviewed the literature.Case presentationThe patient was an 81-year-old male with obstructive jaundice. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a protruded tumor located at the hepatic hilum. Obstructive jaundice was relieved by endoscopic drainage. Endoscopic biopsy revealed carcinoma without glandular differentiation, and the patient was diagnosed with resectable hilar undifferentiated carcinoma. During the 5-week preoperative examination, the tumor increased in size from 23 to 45 mm. Left hemi-hepatectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection were performed, and there were no postoperative complications. Histological findings demonstrated that the tumor was mainly composed of non-cohesive polygonal neoplasms with pleomorphic nuclei, and was diagnosed as anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma of the common hepatic duct (T2a N0 M0 Stage II). One month after surgery, the patient was readmitted to our hospital with pyrexia due to cholangitis, and liver nodules suggestive of multiple liver metastases were detected by CT. Three months after surgery, the patient died of multiple liver metastases.ConclusionsThis is the first case report of undifferentiated cholangiocarcinoma with anaplastic features. Anaplastic undifferentiated carcinoma of the hilar bile duct showed preoperative rapid growth and early relapse despite a cancer-negative surgical margin.

Endoscopic bilateral revision after metal stent deployment for hepatic hilar obstruction using molting technique (with videos).

Background:After multiple uncovered self-expandable metal stent (UCSEMS) deployments, endoscopic revision becomes complex and potentially challenging. A novel stent delivery system with a dilation function has recently been developed in Japan. This study evaluated the technical feasibility of this device for patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHO) after multiple UCSEMS deployments.Method:Participants comprised consecutive patients with unresectable MHO who had undergone multiple UCSEMS deployments and required endoscopic revision for the right or left hepatic bile ducts, as decided by cholangiography under endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) guidance.Results:A total of 14 patients requiring endoscopic revision of right and left hepatic bile ducts were enrolled in this study. Among these 14 patients, guidewire insertion through the mesh of previously placed stents failed in 2 patients. As a result, these two patients underwent only unilateral UCSEMS deployment. Because clinical success was not obtained, transmural placement of the UCSEMS under Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) guidance to the segment of the liver not being drained was performed in those patients. The molting technique was attempted in 12 patients, proving successful in all patients. The technical success rate was therefore 92.8% (12/14). Mean procedure time was 23.2 min.Conclusion:This novel stent delivery system with a dilation function may be useful in endoscopic revision techniques for bilateral UCSEMS deployment.

Associations between MRI T1 mapping, liver stiffness, quantitative MRCP, and laboratory biomarkers in children and young adults with autoimmune liver disease

PurposeDefine relationships between quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics and clinical/laboratory data in a pediatric and young adult cohort with autoimmune liver disease (AILD).Materials and methodsThis prospective, cross-sectional study was institutional review board-approved. Patients enrolled in an institutional AILD registry were divided into groups: (1) autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) or (2) primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)/autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC). Participants underwent serum liver biochemistry testing and research MRI examinations, including 3D magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), and iron-corrected T1 mapping (cT1). MRCP + and LiverMultiScan (Perspectum Ltd., Oxford, UK) were used to post-process 3D MRCP and cT1 data. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess relationships.Results58 patients, 35 male, median age 16 years were included; 30 in the AIH group, 28 in the PSC/ASC group. After statistical adjustments for patient age, sex, presence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specific diagnosis (PSC/ASC vs. AIH), and time from diagnosis to MRI examination, left hepatic bile duct maximum diameter was a statistically significant predictor of whole liver mean cT1, cT1 interquartile range (IQR), and MRE liver stiffness (p = 0.01–0.04). Seven laboratory values were significant predictors of whole liver cT1 IQR (p < 0.0001–0.04). Eight laboratory values and right hepatic bile duct median and maximum diameter were significant predictors of liver stiffness (p < 0.0001–0.03).ConclusionsBile duct diameters and multiple laboratory biomarkers of liver disease are independent predictors of liver stiffness and cT1 IQR in pediatric patients with AILD.

Comparison of respiratory-triggered 3D MR cholangiopancreatography and breath-hold compressed-sensing 3D MR cholangiopancreatography at 1.5 T and 3 T and impact of individual factors on image quality

PurposeTo evaluate the image quality of an accelerated compressed-sensing single-breath-hold 3D magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (BH-CS-MRCP) prototype sequence compared to the standard 3D sequence with respiratory triggering (STD-MRCP) at 1.5 T and 3 T. To assess the individual factors that can affect image quality. MethodThis is a retrospective analysis. Both sequences (BH-CS-MRCP and STD-MRCP) were performed in 200 patients at 1.5 T and 200 patients at 3 T. Overall image quality and the visualization of the bilio-pancreatic ducts were rated on a 5-point scale. Image sharpness and background suppression were rated on a 4-point scale. A double reading was performed in 50 patients to assess the inter-observer reproducibility.Individual characteristics studied were gender, age, BMI, ascites, abdominal surface and breath-hold quality. ResultsAt 1.5 T, BH-CS-MRCP was inferior to STD-MRCP in terms of overall quality (p = 0.0046), background suppression (p < 0.0001), visualization of the cystic duct (p < 0.0001), the right bile duct (p = 0.0008), the left bile duct (p = 0.0152), and the main pancreatic duct (p < 0.0001). However, BH-CS-MRCP was sharper than STD-MRCP (p = 0.028).At 3 T, BH-CS-MRCP was superior to STD-MRCP for overall quality (p < 0.0001), sharpness (p < 0.0001), and visualization of the bilio-pancreatic ducts (p < 0.0001). Background signal was conversely better suppressed in STD-MRCP (p < 0.0001).At 1.5 T, the volume of ascites was inversely correlated with image quality for BH-CS-MRCP while BMI was inversely correlated with image quality for STD-MRCP.Breath-hold quality was correlated with image quality for BH-CS-MRCP at 1.5 T and 3 T. ConclusionBH-CS-MRCP is feasible in clinical routine at 1.5 and 3 T, yielding significantly better perceived image quality at 3 T but not at 1.5 T.BH-CS-MRCP appears to be influenced by ascites whereas STD-MRCP is influenced by BMI at 1.5 T.This study was approved by the Ethics Review Board for Research in Medical Imaging (IRB: CRM-2003–065).

Percutaneous Transhepatic Biodegradable Biliary Stent Placement for Benign Biliary Strictures

AbstractThis article aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of biodegradable stents in the management of benign biliary strictures. This is a retrospective observational study that included all adult patients who had biodegradable stent placement for a benign cause of biliary stricture between July 2016 and August 2019. Nineteen patients were included. Seventeen patients had liver transplant. One patient had hepaticojejunostomy due to primary sclerosing cholangitis and one patient had iatrogenic left main bile duct occlusion. Stents were successfully deployed in all 19 patients (technical success: 100%). Patency rate was 90% (17/19) at 6 months and 80% (12/15) at 12 months. Seven patients in the study had stricture recurrence and needed reintervention with mean time to reintervention of 418 days (range: 8–1,155 days). There was one major complication due to cholangitis and sepsis, which required a treatment course with piperacillin/tazobactam for 10 days. No procedure-related pancreatitis or deaths occurred. Biodegradable stents are a safe and effective treatment option for benign biliary strictures and can achieve long-term patency without the need for reinterventions.

Are all Bismuth type IV Klatskin tumors unresectable? Impact of surgery on survival outcomes and radiologic parameters of resectability for Bismuth type IV Klatskin tumor

The Bismuth-Corlette type IV Klatskin tumor has been considered as unresectable. This study was to demonstrate survival improvement of type IV Klatksin tumor when resected, and suggest possible radiological features for R0 resectability. Data on type IV Klatskin tumor diagnosed from 2008 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with poor general condition/liver function, distant metastasis, concomitant other cancers at the initial state, and extensive vascular invasion were excluded. Survival outcomes and radiologic parameters of bile duct tumor were compared between curative-intended resection (R0, 1 resection) and non-resection groups. Demographic findings of patient with curative-intended resection (n = 48) and with non-resection (n = 111) were comparable. Both were potentially resectable at the initial state. The most common surgical procedure was the right-sided hepatectomy (60.4%). The postoperative morbidity was 22.9% and the 90-days mortality 4.2%. There was a significant difference in median survival month among the curative-intended resection, palliative treatment, and supportive care (35, 16, and 12 months respectively; p < 0.001). In right-sided hepatectomy, shorter length of the left bile duct tumor (17.89 ± 6.42, 23.74 ± 7.48; p < 0.001) and longer length of left tumor end to the umbilical point (25.59 ± 7.69, 14.52 ± 9.40; p < 0.001) and in left-sided hepatectomy, shorter length of the right anterior bile duct tumor (17.22 ± 6.07, 21.50 ± 7.46; p = 0.001) were observed in the curative-intended resection compared to the non-resection group. In patients without extensive tumor extension into adjacent tissues including major vessels, aggressive surgical resection should be considered because it warrants markedly better survival than any other treatment.

Indocyanine green fluorescence-guided laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy: efficacy of negative staining for precise parenchymal transection and bile duct resection

Purpose: ICG fluorescence imaging is useful to locate segmental boundaries for anatomical resection and to delineate biliary anatomy. Its application in laparoscopic liver surgery is being recently explored and perceived of usefulness given the lack of tactile sensation. This video documents the application of the negative ICG staining technique for an efficient fluorescence guide in pure laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy, for both precise parenchymal transection and bile duct resection. Method: The patient is affected by solitary intrahepatic recurrence of colorectal liver metastasis between Sg 3 and 4 with endobiliary thrombus dilating the left hemiliver biliary tree. The hilar approach is used to isolate the left hepatic artery and ipsilateral portal branch, and the inflow for the left hemiliver is selectively clamped. A solution of 10 mg of ICG diluted in 10 mL saline solution is administered i.v. and the camera switched to the near infrared light. Results: After 2 mins the right hemiliver becomes fluorescent and left hemiliver counterstained on the glissonian surface. The proper transection line is marked, and the transection started. Differently from the traditional vascular demarcation, the ICG fluorescence boundary remains highly visible along the deep transection planes which allows to follow a clear and clean dissection plane during all the transection time. The transection is continued up to the hilar plate until the left portal branch and ipsilateral hepatic artery are encountered, which are both secured with clips before bulldog removal it is ensured that the left hemiliver remains unperfused by ICG, and the two vessels are then interrupted. The left bile duct is identified intraparenchymally, with the endobiliary thrombus inside remaining counterstained, and it is encircled distally to its endobiliary bulging thus allowing precise bile duct section with sufficient free margin at first frozen section. The transection is carried forward up to the identification of the left hepatic vein, which is sectioned by vascular stapler, and the specimen then extracted after biliostatic and hemostatic check. Conclusion: ICG fluorescence imaging with negative staining is useful not only for segmental anatomical resections but safe and efficient technique for both precise parenchymal transection and bile duct resection during anatomical major hemihepatectomy.

Robotic-Assisted Left Hepatectomy: A Video Technique

The robotic liver surgery is gaining momentum and several centers worldwide reported their promising results in terms of shorter recovery, less post-operative pain when compared to the open counterpart. Despite the benefits in terms of better ergonomic, enhanced visualization and microsuturing capabilities in comparison to the laparoscopic surgery, this approach is still confined to high selected centers and the reproducibility of the results published are still questioned. Herein, we report our surgical technique for a robotic-assisted left hepatectomy in a step-by-step fashion. The patient is located in left-side up supine position and four robotic and one laparoscopic trocarts are inserted. After the mobilization of the liver, a meticolous intraoperative ultrasound is performed with the aim to assess the tumor location and its relationship with main vascular structures. The hepatic hylum is dissected and both left hepatic artery and portal vein are clipped and divided. The Pringle maneuver is not routinely performed. The parenchymal transection is performed employing the "clamp-crush" technique and the sharp technique. The left bile duct is controlled intraparenchymally. The left hepatic vein is transected by a robotic stapler (white load). The transection surface is inspected to check for potential bile leaks and finally a fibrin glue is over it. A drain is place close to the liver remnant. (video article https://www.revistachirurgia.ro/pdfs/video/Robotic-Assisted-Hepatectomy-2280.mp4).

The CHOP Study – Cholestatic Influence on Portal Vein Embolization (PVE) Induced Future Liver Remnant (FLR) Hypertrophy – A Maastricht Aachen Analysis

Introduction: Experimentally induced hepatocellular bile salt accumulation impairs liver function and regeneration. Portal Vein Embolisation (PVE) is the current standard to induce FLR hypertrophy. The impact of cholestasis on PVE-induced FLR hypertrophy however remains unclear. We hypothesized that cholestasis impairs PVE induced FLR hypertrophy and compared PVE hypertrophic response between patients with and without cholestasis. Methods: Patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma or colorectal liver metasases, who had undergone PVE before a major hemihepatectomy in Uniklinik RWTH Aachen or Maastricht University Medical Center between 2016 and 2019, were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory variables were recorded and volume of segment 2 and 3 on pre- and post-embolization CT-scans were assessed. Diameters of left and right hepatic bile ducts was measured on pre-embolization scans. Bilirubin was used as a clinical marker of cholestasis. The degree of hypertrophy (DH) as a percentage and kinetic growth rate (KGR) as percentage/week were used to assess the increase of the liver volume. Results: In this study,142 patients were enrolled. Sequential pre- and post-CT-scans were available for 53 patients (32 for CRLM, 21 for pCCA). Liver segment II and III volumes increased significantly after PVE in both groups (P < 0.001). pCCA patients with cholangitis (n=4) had an almost blunted DH (P = 0.042). DH and KGR did not differ (P = 0.719 and P = 0.968, respectively) between drained and undrained pCCA patients. Higher initial bilirubin level before biliary drainage was correlated with less PVE-induced DH (ρ=-0.727, P = 0.007). The bilirubin level and bile duct diameter before PVE was not associated with DH and KGR. Conclusion: Initial bilirubin levels before biliary drainage were negatively correlated with PVE-induced liver hypertrophy in patients with pCCA. Biliary duct diameter and bilirubin level right before PVE seems less of influence on PVE induced hypertrophy.

Cerrahi için yüksek riskli bir hastada akut kolesistitin endoskopik transpapiller drenajı

Akut kolesistit, safra taşlarının sık görülen komplikasyonlarından birisidir. Akut kolesistit için genellikle kolesistektomi önerilir. En sık tercih edilen yöntem laparoskopik kolesistektomidir. Ancak ameliyatın kontrendike olduğu durumlarda endoskopik transpapiller safra kesesi drenajı alternatif bir yöntem olarak kabul edilir. 86 yaşında kadın hasta, acil servise, sağ üst kadran ağrısı ve ateş yüksekliği yakınmalarıyla başvurduğunda çekilen abdomen tomografisinde taşlı kolesistit saptandı. Hasta kolesistit, kolanjit ve biliyer sepsis ön tanılarıyla yatırılarak acil endoskopik retrograd kolanjiyografi yapıldı. Safra kesesine 10 Fr 10 cm double pigtail plastik stent ve sağ ve sol ana safra kanalına uzanacak şeklide iki adet 10 Fr double pigtail stent yerleştirildi. İşlem sonrası klinik takiplerinde hasta hızlıca düzeldi ve post-operatif 1 hafta sonra taburcu edildi. Safra kesesinin endoskopik drenajı, transpapiller yoldan veya transmural yoldan endoskopik ultrasonografi ile yapılabilir. Prosedür teknik olarak başarılı olduğunda, transpapiller drenaj, akut kolesistitli hastaların %90’ından fazlasında etkili tedavi sağlar. Endoskopik drenaj yöntemleri kolesistektomi riski yüksek olan hastalarda teknik olarak uygulanabilir, güvenli ve etkili tekniklerdir.

Laparoscopic Left Lateral Monosegmentectomy in Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation Using Real-Time ICG Fluorescence In Situ Reduction

BackgroundNowadays, laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy has been acknowledged as a standard practice in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (PLDLT).1, 2 We here report the first case of laparoscopic left lateral monosegmentectomy (L-LLM) in PLDLT using real-time ICG fluorescence in situ reduction in China. MethodA 35-year-old father volunteered for living donation to his daughter who diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension after Kasai operation due to biliary atresia. Preoperative liver function was normal. Liver dynamic CT showed a left lateral graft volume of 387.5cm3 with a graft to recipient weight ratio (GRWR) of 4.45%. Ratio of the maximum thickness of the left lateral segment to the anteroposterior diameter of the recipient’s abdominal cavity was 1.09. The estimated segment II volume was 245.3cm3 and GRWR was 2.82%. L-LLM was scheduled.3 No anatomic variation was seen. ResultsThe transection was divided into two stages. Stage I: Separating the left lateral section along the right side of sickle ligament. Stage II: Anatomic in situ reduction of segment III by using real-time ICG fluorescence. The left bile duct was transected above the bifurcation by ICG fluorescence cholangiography. The total operation time was 200 min without transfusion. The final graft weight was 225.2g with GRWR of 2.59%. The donor was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day 4, while the graft function recovered to normal in recipient without any graft-related complication. ConclusionL-LLM with in situ reduction is feasible in PLDLT by using real-time ICG fluorescence in experienced transplant center.

EFFICACY OF TARGET THERAPY WITH CRIZOTINIB IN A PATIENT WITH ALK-POSITIVE ADVANCED GASTRIC CANCER

Although many currently known molecular targets are characterized by organ specificity, they can be found in various types of tumors. Molecular diagnostic techniques can be used to help select patients who are most likely to benefit from target therapy. Case presentation . We describe the case of a 38-year-old patient with advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination. On december 11, 2014, the patient underwent palliative subtotal gastrectomy followed by 18 cycles of chemotherapy (xelOx) and radiotherapy. On February 2, 2017, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiostomy of the left lobe bile duct was performed. in May 2017, the stent was inserted into the common bile duct due to bile duct stenosis. three months later, disease progression (multiple liver metastases) occurred, and chemotherapy with paclitaxel was given in a weekly schedule. therapy with crizotinib was administered 3 months after determining the alK mutation. the duration of treatment was 8 months with satisfactory tolerability. Conclusion. target therapy with krizotinib seems to be an effective treatment for alK-positive tumors.

Choledochogastric Fistula after Recurrent Acute Cholangitis Post-Cholecystectomy

This is a case of a 46 years old male presented with acute cholangitis 2 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystolithiasis. He underwent biliary drainage and common bile duct (CBD) exploration for multiple stones at 2017. A year later, he presented with a recurrent acute cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis and dilatation of left hepatic bile duct. Cholangiogram revealed that there is contract flowing to the stomach from the CBD, showing a choledochogastric fistula. Exploratory laparotomy was performed with CBD exploration with extraction of multiple stones, choledochoscopy and hepatojejunostomy. Insertion of PTC drain over a guidewire passed through a fistulous opening into the stomach. We decided on conservative management for fistula tract to heal.

Prognostic impact of the Bismuth-Corlette classification: Higher rates of local unresectability in stage IIIb hilar cholangiocarcinoma

The Bismuth-Corlette (BC) classification is used to categorize hilar cholangiocarcinoma by proximal extension along the biliary tree. As the right hepatic artery crosses just behind the left bile duct, we hypothesized that BC IIIb tumors would have a higher likelihood of local unresectability due to involvement of the contralateral artery. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma taken to the operating room for intended curative resection between April 2008 and September 2016. Cases were assigned BC stages based on preoperative imaging. Sixty-eight patients were included in the study. All underwent staging laparoscopy after which 16 cases were aborted for metastatic disease. Of the remaining 52 cases, 14 cases were explored and aborted for locally advanced disease. Thirty-eight underwent attempt at curative resection. After excluding cases aborted for metastatic disease, the chance of proceeding with resection was 55.6% for BC IIIb staged lesions compared to 80.0% of BC IIIa lesions and to 82.4% for BC I-IIIa staged lesions (P<0.05). About 44.4% of BC IIIb lesions were aborted for locally advanced disease versus 17.6% of remaining BC stages. When hilar cholangiocarcinoma is preoperatively staged as BC IIIb, surgeons should anticipate higher rates of locally unresectable disease, likely involving the right hepatic artery.

1368 Hilar Inflammation Mimicking a Klatskin Tumor

INTRODUCTION: Hilar cholangiocarcinomas or Klatskin tumors (KT) pose significant diagnostic challenges; 15% of resections for KT prove to be non-malignant. Inflammatory, infectious, and other etiologies mimic radiological features of KT. A high index of suspicion is needed to avoid hepatic resection and associated morbidities while aggressively excluding KT. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 64-year-old male who presented with jaundice, unintentional 50 lb weight loss, and fatigue was found to have bile duct dilation on ultrasound. A CT confirmed severe right and left hepatic duct dilatation with abrupt cutoff due to a 4 cm infiltrative hilar mass involving the right and left hepatic ducts, and extending into the common hepatic duct. Work-up for causes of jaundice (autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, viral hepatitis, celiac sprue, autoimmune cholangiopathy) via ANA, AMA, F-actin, IgG, IgG4, HFE mutation, TIBC, ferritin, A1AT, tTG, hepatitis serologies was negative. Over 12 weeks, 3 ERCPs failed to confirm KT via biopsies, cytology, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). A severe proximal common hepatic duct stricture was found on initial ERCP, which was dilated and stented. ERCP with Spyscope showed hepatic bifurcation stricture improvement. This stricture was biopsied and again brushed, dilated and stented. A third ERCP showed further improvement in stricture and otherwise normal intra- and extra-hepatic ducts. Dilation to 8 mm was performed without further stenting. Cytology and FISH were negative for KT. Two CT guided biopsies of the mass were also negative for KT and failed to show biliary ductal thickening or clear evidence of the prior noted hilar mass. Two MRCPs, 7 months apart, showed significant improvement of right and left bile duct confluence stricturing, felt to represent fibrous tissue and scarring. DISCUSSION: Despite improvement in cross sectional imaging, advances in interventional radiologic and endoscopic modalities, differentiation between benign and malignant hilar biliary stenoses remains a major challenge. Up to 20% of hilar resection show chronic fibrosing inflammation without evidence of KT. We aggressively pursued this concern with 3 ERCPs (cytology, FISH, biopsy with Spyscope), and 2 CT guided biopsies. CT and MR showed radiologic improvement of the mass and lack of evidence of KT. Exclusion of autoimmune disease or other etiologies allowed a diagnosis of idiopathic inflammation, thus avoiding surgery.

Resection for a Recurrent Mucus-Producing Cholangiocarcinoma After Surgery: a Case Report

Introduction Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a variant of bile duct carcinoma characterized by intraductal growth. There are few case reports and papers discussing treatment policy and prognosis for cases of postoperative relapse. Case Presentation The case subject was a female in her 40s. Due to IPNB with the primary tumor in hepatic left lobe, the patient underwent hepatic left lobe, caudate lobe, and bile duct resection, and biliary tract reconstruction at another institution. Four years later, near the cholangiojejunostomy, a localized recurrence was indicated. Though systemic metastasis was examined with CT, FDG-PET, distant metastasis was not confirmed. As it was believed that resection of the recurrent focal could lead to a long-term survival, the recurrent focal was resected. The resected specimen was a cystic mass with a film, and in a pathologic examination, lymph node tissue was not confirmed in the specimen, while intracystic papilloma of attached liver tissue without continuity was confirmed. The patient has not seen a relapse for 5 years and 5 months after the second surgery. Conclusion In a case of localized recurrence after the IPNB surgery, resection should be actively considered.

A case of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct that developed 38\u2009years after choledochoduodenostomy with invasive adenocarcinoma and lymph node metastasis

BackgroundIntraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a bile duct neoplasm characterized as a precursor lesion of cholangiocarcinoma. An invasive component is present in approximately 40 to 80% of reported cases and lymph node metastasis is sometimes detected. We experienced a rare case of IPNB with invasive adenocarcinoma and lymph node metastasis that developed 38 years after choledochoduodenostomy.Case presentationA 72-year-old man presented to our hospital for liver dysfunction. The patient had a past medical history of choledochoduodenostomy for a bile duct stone 38 years previously and short bowel syndrome because of strangulation ileus 32 years previously.Ultrasonography and abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a left intrahepatic bile duct dilation and a papillary mass in the left hepatic duct. Positron emission tomography (PET) CT showed abnormal accumulation in the left hepatic duct and in the hepatic hilar lymph node. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram showed a filling defect in the left bile duct, and a cytological examination revealed the presence of atypical cells.We diagnosed cholangiocarcinoma (derived from IPNB) with lymph node metastasis and performed extended left hepatectomy, caudate lobectomy, and lymph node dissection without extrahepatic bile duct resection.Histopathological findings showed papillary adenoma and partially invasive poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in the bile duct. Additionally, the hepatic hilar lymph node was positive.ConclusionsThe tumor was diagnosed as IPNB with invasive adenocarcinoma and lymph node metastasis. Biliary tract cancer that develops after choledochoduodenostomy is extremely rare, and only 17 cases (including IPNB) have been reported in the literature.

Occupational cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed 18\u2009years after the end of exposure to 1,2-dichloropropane and dichloromethane at a printing company: a case report

BackgroundCholangiocarcinoma due to exposure to 1.2-dichloropropane (DCP) or dichloromethane (DCM) is classified as occupational cholangiocarcinoma. We report a case of occupational cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed 18 years after the end of exposure to organic solvents at a printing company.Case presentationA 41-year-old man presented to our hospital with jaundice and anorexia. He had previously worked for 6 years at a printing company where an outbreak of occupational cholangiocarcinoma occurred and was exposed to high concentrations of organic solvents during his employment. Computed tomography demonstrated lower bile duct obstruction by the bulky nodal metastasis at the hepatoduodenal ligament with upstream biliary dilatation, an intraductal papillary tumor in the dilated left superior lateral bile duct (B2), and enlargement of the periaortic nodes. Clinical diagnosis of an unresectable invasive intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) with extensive nodal metastasis was made. Although chemotherapy and laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy were performed for the duodenal obstruction, the patient died due to rupture of the tumor. Pathological examination of the autopsy specimen revealed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma at the stromal site along Glisson’s sheath in segment 3, an IPNB lesion without invasion in B2, and biliary intraepithelial neoplasia and chronic bile duct injury at various sites in the large bile ducts. The bulky lymph node (poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with partial squamous cell differentiation) invaded the bile duct and duodenum.ConclusionsWe report a case of occupational cholangiocarcinoma that developed 18 years after the end of exposure to DCP and DCM. Long-term follow-up is required to carefully survey development of cholangiocarcinoma in workers with an occupational history of exposure to organic solvents.