Left Hepatolithiasis Research Articles

Poland syndrome: A case of difficult weaning of ventilation after surgery

IntroductionPoland syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly that occurs in 1 in 30,000 children. It is characterised by unilateral underdevelopment or lack of the chest wall muscle that is apparent at birth. Rarely is it discovered to involve a bilateral chest muscular deficit. Poland syndrome presents in a wide variety of ways, which can often make diagnosis challenging.AimWe would like to highlight the rarity of Poland syndrome, and the challenges of post-operative recovery, primarily the ventilation.Case studyWe presented a case of a 44-year-old female with non-investigated chest wall deformity, whom required emergency surgical intervention under general anaesthesia. Post-operatively, she required prolonged ventilatory support, and was then diagnosed with Poland syndrome.Results and discussionThe patient had undergone an emergency laparotomy and left lateral hepatectomy for left hepatolithiasis with liver abscess. Post-operation, she required prolonged ventilation, with gradual weaning of oxygen. Imaging studies showed absence of left pectoralis major, thus a diagnosis of Poland syndrome. Gradually she was weaned off and had a successful post operative recovery.ConclusionsPoland syndrome is a rare congenital abnormality. In patients undergoing general anaesthesia, the normal mechanics of breathing while ventilated are absent. Their recovery is longer and requires prolonged ICU admission.

Laparoscopic anatomical left hemihepatectomy guided by middle hepatic vein in the treatment of left hepatolithiasis with a history of upper abdominal surgery.

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic anatomical left hemihepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein (MHV) for the treatment of patients with hepatolithiasis who had a history of upper abdominal surgery. Retrospective data analysis was performed on patients who underwent laparoscopic left hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis and with previous upper abdominal surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2018 to April 2022. According to the different surgical approaches, patients were divided into laparoscopic anatomical left hepatectomy guided by the MHV group (MHV-AH group) and laparoscopic traditional anatomical left hepatectomy not guided by the MHV group (non-MHV-AH group). This study included 81 patients, with 37 and 44 patients in the MHV-AH and non-MHV-AH groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the basic information between the two groups. Five cases were converted to laparotomy, and the remaining were successfully completed under laparoscopy. Compared to the non-MHV-AH group, the MHV-AH group had a slightly longer operation time (319.30min vs 273.93min, P = 0.032), lower bile leakage rate (5.4% vs 20.5%, P = 0.047), stone residual rate (2.7% vs 20.5%, P = 0.015), stone recurrence rate (5.4% vs 22.7%, P = 0.028), and cholangitis recurrence rate (2.7% vs 22.7%, P = 0.008).There were no significant differences in the results of other observation indices between the groups. Laparoscopic anatomical left hepatectomy guided by the MHV is safe and effective in the treatment of left hepatolithiasis with a history of upper abdominal surgery. It does not increase intraoperative bleeding and reduces the risk of postoperative bile leakage, residual stones, stone recurrence, and cholangitis recurrence.

Biliary tract exploration via left hepatic duct stump versus the common bile duct incision in left-sided hepatolithiasis: a meta-analysis.

Left lateral hepatic resection is the preferred surgical approach for treating left hepatolithiasis. However, it is not clear whether cholangioscopy via left hepatic duct (LHD) orifice can replace conventional common bile duct (CBD) approach during laparoscopic procedures. We performed a comprehensive literature search by screening medical databases, then compared perioperative outcomes and occurrence of recurrent stones between LHD and CBD approaches. A total of five studies, comprising 345 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. The reported operative times, intra-operative blood loss and incidence of post-operative complications were comparable between the approaches. Pooled results revealed a positive correlation between LHD approach with shorter length of hospital stay (standard mean difference=-1.36; 95% confidence interval: -2.10, -0.61; P < 0.001). Additionally, bile duct exploration via LHD orifice was associated with similar rate of recurrent stones and cholangitis across both groups. Our results demonstrated that biliary tract exploration via LHD stump can be safely performed in left-sided hepatolithiasis. Additionally, the LHD approach was associated with comparable intra-operative outcomes and shorter post-operative hospitalization relative to CBD approach, and does not increase incidence of stone recurrence.

Safety and Clinical Efficacy of Hepatectomy for Left Hepatolithiasis

The present study was aimed to explore the safety and clinical efficacy of hepatectomy for left hepatolithiasis. A total of 200 patients with hepatolithiasis were selected as the research subjects to analyze the characteristics of hepatolithiasis. The research results showed that most patients with hepatolithiasis were suffering from regional lithiasis in the left half of the liver and the excellent rate of postoperative therapeutic effects of hepatectomy reached 92.0 %. In addition, it was found through the subsequent postoperative follow-ups that among all the hepatolithiasis patients who underwent hepatectomy, 5 died of the recurrence of lithiasis or the associated causes, with the mortality rate being 2.5 %, and no patients died during the operation processes. Therefore, based on these results, it could be concluded that hepatectomy is a safe and effective treatment for hepatolithiasis with lower risk and better prognosis.

Robotic left hepatectomy with revision of hepaticojejunostomy

Laparoscopic hepatectomy and hepaticojejunostomy remain a surgical challenge despite the recent advances in minimally invasive surgery. A robotic surgical system has been developed to overcome the inherent limitations of the traditional laparoscopic approach. However, techniques of robotic hepatectomy have not been well described, and a description of robotic major hepatectomy with bilioenteric anastomosis can be found only in two previous reports. Here, we report a 33-year-old man with a history of choledochocyst resection. The patient experienced repeat cholangitis with left hepatolithiasis during follow-up. Robotic left hepatectomy and revision of hepaticojejunostomy were performed smoothly. The patient recovered uneventfully and remained symptoms-free at a follow-up of 20 months. The robotic approach is beneficial in the fine dissection of the hepatic hilum and revision of hepaticojejunostomy in this particular patient.

Surgical treatment of biliary ductal stricture complicating localized left hepatolithiasis.

To summarize the experience in the clinical treatment of biliary duct strictures complicating localized left hepatolithiasis in the last two decades. A retrospective analysis of 67 cases of biliary duct strictures complicating localized left hepatolithiasis treated in our center in the last two decades was made with regards to each patient's age, gender, results of various preoperative examinations, operative findings, treatment and postoperative courses. The incidence of left hepatic duct (LHD) stricture was 59.8% and that of a left external hepatic duct (LEHD) stricture was 84.0 % and 84.8% respectively, in which a severe degree dominated. Among the operative procedures used in the treatment of LHD strictures, plastic operation plus biliary enteric anastomosis ranks first in frequency (52.2%), with a re-stricture rate of 17.1%. Left lobectomy ranks third (19.4%) with no re-stricture. Simple plastic performance or dilation had a high occurrence rate of re-stricture and usually needed subsequent surgery. Most LEHD strictures were eradicated by lateral segmentectomy or lobectomy, whereas most LMHD strictures were just the opposite. The rate of preoperative diagnosis of LMHD by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, computed tomography or intraoperative and postoperative trans-T-tube cholangiography was much lower than that of LEHD or extrahepatic duct. Too much attention paid to LEHD disorders in the treatment of localized left hepatolithiasis potentially results in negligence or omission in LMHD disorders. Malpractice treatments of LHD strictures are important factors affecting the long term results of localized left hepatolithiasis, for which left lobectomy is usually the therapy of choice.

Selection of Appropriate Liver Resection in Left Hepatolithiasis Based on Anatomic and Clinical Study

Because of the possibility of injury to the left medial section of the bile duct (B4) and the presumed higher recurrence rate of hepatolithiasis, some surgeons have recently preferred left hepatectomy for left hepatolithiasis. We investigated the appropriate treatment for left hepatolithiasis by evaluating the anatomy and variations of the left hepatic duct system in a normal population and analyzed the clinical outcome of liver resection. We reviewed the magnetic resonance imaging results of 115 normal subjects who underwent a workup for living related liver donation. An imaginary surgical resection line was established based on the lateral margin of the umbilical portion of the liver in T2-weighted axial images. The junction of B4 with the left hepatic duct was evaluated to determine the possibility of injury during liver resection. We also analyzed the clinical outcomes of 181 patients who underwent left lateral sectionectomy or left hepatectomy. The anatomic evaluation showed that B4 joined lateral to the umbilical portion of the liver in 7.0% (8/115) of cases. In patients with left hepatolithiasis, left hepatectomy was performed in 79 patients and left lateral sectionectomy in 102. The operating time for the left lateral sectionectomy was significantly shorter than that for left hepatectomy (p=0.001). There were no significant differences in complications or recurrence of stones. Preoperative cholangiography should be performed to evaluate the anatomy of the left hepatic duct to avoid injuring B4. For most cases of left hepatolithiasis without a left hilar stricture, left lateral sectionectomy is the safest, most effective treatment.

Reducing Residual and Recurrent Stones by Hepatectomy for Hepatolithiasis

The long-term outcomes of 97 consecutive patients with hepatolithiasis, who underwent treatment from January 1971 to June 2006, were analyzed. The short-term outcomes included the rate of residual stones and complications after treatment, whereas the long-term results included the stone recurrence rate. In 22 of the 97 (22.7%) patients, residual stones were found after treatment for hepatolithiasis. The incidence of residual stones was 0% in hepatectomy patients, 48.6% in cholangioenterostomy patients (p < 0.001, compared with hepatectomy), 25.0% in T-tube drainage patients (p = 0.015, compared with hepatectomy), and 10.0% in percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy (PTCSL) patients. In 15 of the 66 (22.7%) patients who were treated for hepatolithiasis, recurrent stones were found after intervals of 5 to 24 years. The incidence of recurrent stones was 13.9% in hepatectomy patients, 28.5% in cholangioenterostomy patients, 25.0% in T-tube drainage patients, and 50.0% in PTCSL patients (p = 0.021, compared with hepatectomy). Hepatectomy appears to be the most effective treatment for selected patients with isolated left hepatolithiasis (L). In PTCSL procedures, favorable results have been obtained when the stones were completely cleared; however, the incidence of recurrent stones is high in patients after PTCSL.

Indication and procedure for treatment of hepatolithiasis.

Because of its complicated clinicopathologic features, hepatolithiasis is difficult to treat, and there is no established method of treating patients with intrahepatic stones. Retrospective case-control study. Second Department of Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan (January 1, 1971-December 31, 2000). Eighty-nine patients treated for hepatolithiasis (43 male; median age, 56.9 years). The rate of residual stones and complications after the treatments of hepatolithiasis. Between 1971 and 1985, 17 patients (41%) had stones located in the left or right intrahepatic duct, and 25 patients (60%) had stones located in the bilateral intrahepatic duct. From 1986 through 2000, 32 patients (68%) had stones located in the left or right intrahepatic duct, and 15 patients (32%) had stones located in the bilateral intrahepatic duct (P =.009). The rate of residual stones after surgical and nonsurgical treatment was 41% (17 of 42 patients) in 1971 through 1985, but decreased to 11% (5 of 47 patients) in 1986 through 2000 (P =.001). The rate of residual stones after cholangioenterostomy or T-tube insertion was 43.8% (21 of 48 patients), but the rate of residual stones after hepatectomy or percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy (PTCSL) was 2.4% (1 of 41 patients, P<.001). In cases treated by PTCSL, we used a holmium (Ho):YAG laser in 3 cases since 1999. To our knowledge, there have been no reports describing the use of Ho:YAG lasers to treat hepatolithiasis. Also, board-shaped stones can be sufficiently pulverized without inducing hemorrhage from the bile duct wall. According to the current therapeutic strategy for hepatolithiasis, hepatectomy seems to be the most effective treatment for selected patients with isolated left hepatolithiasis if other surgical procedures cannot remove all the related lesions. In addition, PTCSL seems to be performed first in isolated right hepatolithiasis and bilateral lobe type hepatolithiasis. In PTCSL procedures, favorable results have been obtained using the Ho:YAG laser for fracturing intrahepatic stones.

The surgical treatment of isolated left-sided hepatolithiasis: A 22-year experience

Background. Various therapeutic methods are used in isolated left hepatolithiasis (ILH), and long-term results are not as satisfactory as they should be. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 128 patients with ILH who were treated in our center over the last 22 years was undertaken to address patient age, gender, preoperative evaluation, operative findings, treatment modalities, and postoperative courses. Results. Sixty of the 128 patients were male and 68 were female, with a mean age of 42 years (range, 16–72 years). Among these patients, most (81%) had stones in both left external hepatic duct (LEHD) and left medial hepatic duct; in contrast 13 patients (10%) had stones only in the LEHD, and 7 patients (6%) had stones only in the left hepatic duct. Concomitant strictures were present in the left hepatic duct, left medial hepatic duct, and LEHD in 60%, 76%, and 82%, respectively, most of which were severe. When compared with left lateral segmentectomy, left hepatic lobectomy had a lower rate of residual stones (4% vs 22%; P <.01). Residual/recurrent stones and ductal strictures were the 2 most common causes that affected the long-term results. Before June 1996, left lateral segmentectomy was performed more frequently than left hepatic lobectomy (59% vs 12%; P <.01); after June 1996, left hepatic lobectomy was performed more frequently (77% vs 13%; P <.01). Although there were no differences in length of operation, intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative complications, residual stones were more common after left lateral segmentectomy. Conclusions. Left hepatic lobectomy appears to be the most effective treatment for selected patients with ILH, if other operative procedures cannot remove all the related lesions, which include stones, dilation, stricture, or potential cholangiocarcinoma. (Surgery 2000;127:493–7.)

Ductal dilatation and stenting make routine hepatectomy unnecessary for left hepatolithiasis with intrahepatic biliary stricture

Hepatolithiasis with intrahepatic biliary strictures, more common in Southeast Asia than elsewhere, remains a difficult problem to manage. Hepatic resection has recently been advocated as one of the treatment modalities for hepatolithiasis; however, this procedure is not without risk. This study was designed to achieve complete clearance of the stones, eliminate bile stasis, and avoid the potential risks of hepatic resection in the patient with hepatolithiasis and intrahepatic biliary stricture. In this prospective clinical trial 13 patients with retained left hepatolithiasis and intrahepatic biliary strictures were included. All the patients met the following criteria: (1) initial surgical procedure for hepatolithiasis, (2) normal gross findings of the left liver, and (3) no obvious clinical evidence of an associated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. After the operation they underwent matured T-tube tract ductal dilatation with percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy tube stenting. Choledochoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy was used in five patients after dilatation when impacted or large stones were encountered. Complete clearance of the stones was achieved in these 13 patients. One patient had fevers develop after ductal dilatation, and another patient had mild hemobilia after electrohydraulic lithotripsy. Both recovered uneventfully with conservative treatment. These successfully treated patients remain well, with a mean follow-up period of 20 months. Postoperative matured T-tube tract ductal dilatation and stenting, combined with endoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy when indicated, is an effective and safe alternative to hepatic resection for selected left hepatolithiasis with intrahepatic biliary stricture.