Nondilated Intrahepatic Bile Ducts Research Articles

Transhepatic Cholangiostomyin in Nondilated Intrahepatic Bile Ducts

Aim. To improvethe efficiency of X-ray treatment of postoperative complications (duodenal and biliary fistulae, intraabdominal iatrogenic bile collections). Material and Methods. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was carried out in 11 patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts. Failure of duodenal stump after previous stomach resections in 5 patients, presence of external biliary fistulae after surgery on gall bladder and common biliary duct in 3 patients and severe pancreonecrosis in 3 cases led to need of antegrade transhepatic cholangiostomy. Results. Antegrade transhepatic cholangiostomy gives an ability to close duodenal fistulae in 5 patients and biliary fistulae in 3 patients with iatrogenic injury of common biliary duct. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was used in treatment of 3 patients with severe pancreonecrosis. There were 2 complications of antegrade transhepatic cholangiostomy such as hepatic subcapsular hematoma and porto-biliary fistula which were cured effectively using minimally invasive methods (percutaneous drainage of hematoma and disintegration of porto-biliary fistula by filling of intrahepatic canal). Conclusion. Antegradetranshepaticcholangiostomy in case of nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts differs from traditional technique. Often it assumes contrasting of biliary tree using any available way and demands strict compliance of manipulation technology

X-RAY SURGERY FOR EXTRAHEPATIC BILE DUCTS INJURIES

Aim. To increase efficacy of X-ray surgical treatment of fresh bile ducts injuries. Material and Methods. Antegrade X-ray surgical intervention for iatrogenic bile ducts injuries during cholecystectomy or stomach resection was performed in 12 patients. Bile duct injury has been diagnosed for 5 days after previous surgery. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was carried out in all cases including 3 patients with non-dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. Results. Biliodigestive anastomosis with temporary preservation of transhepatic cholangiostomy in postoperative period was carried out in 5 patients with full transection of common bile duct in 1.5–3 months after antegrade transhepatic cholangiostomy. Antegrade recovery of common bile duct by the methods of intervention radiology (transhepatic biliary drainage dislocation in duodenum) was performed in 5 patients. Retrograde endoscopic common bile duct stenting using plastic stent was performed in 2 patients after antegrade biliary drainage. There were no deaths after surgery in this series. Follow-up varied from 3 months to 8,5 years. Conclusion. Early (within 5 days) iatrogenic bile duct injuries and sufficient surgeon's experience suppose reconstructive surgery with preservation of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage that prevents biliodigestive anastomosis failure in postoperative period. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage should be transformed in antegrade biliodigestive stent in case of absence of technical or temporary possibility for early reconstructive surgery. Antegrade biliodigestive stenting combined with retrograde endoscopic stenting or without it should be preferred in surgical management of tangential iatrogenic bile duct injuries. Dissected common bile duct may be also restored using prolonged antegrade biliodigestive stenting.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage in Patients with Postsurgical Bile Leakage and Nondilated Intrahepatic Bile Ducts

Objective and Background: Bile leakage is a serious postoperative complication and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) may be an option when endoscopic treatment is not feasible. In this retrospective study, we established technical and clinical success rates as well as the complication rates of PTBD in a large group of patients with postoperative bile leakage. Methods: Data on all patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts who underwent a PTBD procedure for the treatment of bile leakage between January 2000 and August 2012 were retrospectively assessed. Data included type of surgery, site of bile leak, previous attempts of bile leak repair, interval between surgery and PTBD placement. Outcome measures were the technical and clinical success rates, the procedure-related complications, and mortality rate. Results: A total of 63 patients were identified; PTBD placement was technically successful in 90.5% (57/63) after one to three attempts. The clinical success rate was 69.8% (44/63). Four major complications were documented (4/63; 6.3%): liver laceration, pneumothorax, pleural empyema, and prolonged hemobilia. One minor complication involved pain. Conclusions: PTBD is an effective treatment with low complication rates for the management of postsurgical bile leaks in patients with nondilated bile ducts.

ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND‐GUIDED CHOLEDOCHODUODENOSTOMY FOR PALLIATIVE BILIARY DRAINAGE IN CASES WITH INOPERABLE PANCREAS HEAD CARCINOMA

Endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage (EBD) or stenting is the gold standard treatment for inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. When the papilla cannot be traversed because of pyloric or duodenal stenosis, or the catheter cannot be introduced, or because of previous surgery, the usual alternative method is considered to be percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). We herein report our experiences with four cases with inoperable pancreatic head carcinoma associated with obstructive jaundice treated by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD). Between September 2006 and December 2007, methods of EUS-BD were performed in four cases with inoperable pancreas head carcinoma. In three out of four cases, EBD and PTBD were unsuccessful because of previous surgery, or duodenal stenosis, or nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts. In one case, although PTBD was successful, internal drainage could not be established. EUS-BD was successful for all cases. The obstructed biliary system was successfully decompressed by the creation of a choledochoduodenal fistula and the insertion of a transduodenal biliary plastic stent. No complication was encountered in all cases. EUS-BD may have the potential of replacing PTBD in cases with inoperable pancreatic head carcinoma associated with obstructive jaundice.

Complications of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with dilated and nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) have been described as an effective technique to obtain biliary access. Between January 1996 and December 2006, a total of 419 consecutive patients with endoscopically inaccessible bile ducts underwent PTBD. The current retrospective study evaluated success and complication rates of this invasive technique. PTBD was successful in 410/419 patients (97%). The success rate was equal in patients with dilated and nondilated bile ducts ( p = 0.820). In 39/419 patients (9%) procedure related complications could be observed. Major complications occurred in 17/419 patients (4%). Patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts had significantly higher complication rates compared to patients with dilated intrahepatic bile ducts (14.5% vs. 6.9%, respectively [ p = 0.022]). Procedure related deaths were observed in 3 patients (0.7%). In conclusion, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage is an effective procedure in patients with dilated and nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts. However, patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts showed a higher risk for procedure related complications.

High‐spatial‐resolution three‐dimensional MR cholangiography using a high‐sampling‐efficiency technique (SPACE) at 3T: Comparison with the conventional constant flip angle sequence in healthy volunteers

To evaluate the image quality of high-spatial-resolution three-dimensional magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) with a high-sampling-efficiency technique (sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolutions [SPACE]) in comparison with a conventional constant flip angle (FA) sequence at 3T. Eighteen volunteers were examined on a 3T MR unit using MRC imaging performed with three different free-breathing three-dimensional T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequences: 1) SPACE (spatial resolution, 1.1x1.0x0.84 mm), 2) constant FA (1.1x1.0x0.84 mm), and 3) SPACE at a higher resolution (SPACE HR; 1.0x0.9x0.644 mm). A five-point scale was used to compare overall image quality and visualization of the third branches of the bile duct (B2, B6, and B8). Depictions of cystic duct insertion and the highest order of bile duct visible were also compared. MRC with SPACE and SPACE HR sequences produced significantly better overall image quality than the constant FA sequence. In all analyses of duct visibility, SPACE and SPACE HR sequences showed higher scores than the constant FA sequence. High-resolution three-dimensional MRC with SPACE at 3T allows high-quality imaging of the biliary tract, and has the ability to depict nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts (IHBD) in healthy volunteers.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage in the Management of Postsurgical Biliary Leaks in Patients with Nondilated Intrahepatic Bile Ducts

To assess the feasibility of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) for the treatment of postsurgical biliary leaks in patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts, its efficacy in restoring the integrity of bile ducts, and technical procedures to reduce morbidity. Seventeen patients out of 936 undergoing PTBD over a 20-year period had a noncholestatic liver and were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent surgery for cancer and suffered a postsurgical biliary leak of 345 ml/day on average; 71% were in poor condition and required permanent nutritional support. An endoscopic approach failed or was excluded due to inaccessibility of the bile ducts. Established biliary leaks and site of origin were diagnosed an average of 21 days (range 1-90 days) after surgery. In all cases percutaneous access to the biliary tree was achieved. An external (preleakage) drain was applied in 7 cases, 9 patients had an external-internal fistula bridging catheter, and 1 patient had a percutaneous hepatogastrostomy. Fistulas healed in an average of 31 days (range 3-118 days ) in 15 of 17 patients (88%) following PTBD. No major complications occurred after drainage. Post-PTBD cholangitis was observed in 6 of 17 patients (35%) and was related to biliary sludge formation occurring mostly when drainage lasted >30 days and was of the external-internal type. Median patient survival was 17.7 months and in all cases the repaired biliary leaks remained healed. PTBD is a feasible, effective, and safe procedure for the treatment of postsurgical biliary leaks. It is therefore a reliable alternative to surgical repair, which entails longer hospitalization and higher costs.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary drainage in pediatric liver transplant patients.

In children with liver transplants, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography has a critical role in evaluation and treatment of biliary complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical success and complication rates of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary drain placement in children who underwent liver transplantation. Between January 1, 1995 and July 1, 1999, 120 pediatric percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography procedures were performed in 76 patients (34 boys, 42 girls; age range, 5 months to 18 years; mean age, 5.3 years). Patients had received left lateral segment, whole-liver, or split-liver transplant grafts. Retrospective review of all pertinent radiology studies and electronic chart review were performed. A diagnostic cholangiogram was obtained in 96% (115/120) of all procedures and drainage catheter placement was successful in 89% (88/99) of attempts. In patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts, a diagnostic cholangiogram was obtained in 92% (46/50) of procedures, and drainage catheter placement was successful in 76% (19/25) of attempts. Minor complications occurred in 10.8% (13/120) of procedures and included transient hemobilia with mild drop in hematocrit level (n = 2), mild pancreatitis (n = 1), fever with bacteremia (n = 5), and fever with negative blood cultures (n = 5). Major complications occurred in 1.7% (2/120) of procedures and included sepsis (n = 1) and hemoperitoneum requiring immediate surgery (n = 1). Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary drainage can be performed with high technical success and low complication rates in pediatric liver transplant patients, even in those with nondilated intrahepatic ducts.

Percutaneous biliary drainage in patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts.

We evaluated the technical success and complications of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts. Between January 1, 1996, and August 31, 1998, 130 percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage procedures were performed on patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts. This group comprised primarily patients who had received liver transplants or who had sustained iatrogenic bile duct injuries. Access in all procedures was performed using a one-step system consisting of a 21-gauge needle and an .018-inch guidewire. The technical success and complications of the procedures were evaluated. Percutaneous biliary drainage was successful in 117 (90%) of 130 attempts. In four patients, two attempts were required to place a drainage catheter. The overall complication rate was 9%. There were seven (5%) minor complications and five major complications (4%). No procedure-related deaths occurred. Percutaneous biliary drainage can be performed with a high success rate in patients with nondilated intrahepatic ducts. The incidence and types of complications in this population were similar to those reported in patients with intrahepatic ductal dilatation.

Endoscopic nasobiliary drain placement facilitates subsequent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography

Background: Percutaneous biliary drainage is an established alternative to ERCP for managing bile duct obstruction. Although generally safe and effective, percutaneous drainage has its risks and is technically more difficult in patients with nondilated bile ducts. We report the use of nasobiliary drains and subsequent nasobiliary drain cholangiography to facilitate percutaneous biliary drainage by providing a target for accessing intrahepatic bile ducts. Methods/Results: Nine patients who were identified as requiring percutaneous biliary drainage underwent nasobiliary tube placement at completion of ERCP. Five of 9 patients had generalized intrahepatic ductal dilatation; in 4 patients, dilatation was focal or absent. Following nasobiliary drain cholangiography, percutaneous needle puncture of a bile duct was successful in all patients, in most cases with only a single puncture of the liver capsule. No procedural complications were encountered. Conclusion: Nasobiliary drain placement with subsequent nasobiliary drain cholangiography facilitates percutaneous biliary drainage and may be especially helpful in patients with nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts.

Transhepatic cholangiography in patients with suspected biliary disease and nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts

Transhepatic cholangiography (THC) was performed in 107 patients who had nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts on computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound. The cholangiogram was diagnostic in 72 patients (67%). Thirty-one (43%) of the 72 diagnostic studies were abnormal and showed poor emptying, stones, or strictures. Twenty-three (21%) complications occurred, including two deaths. Sixteen patients experienced acute pain, requiring additional narcotics. There was one case of peritonitis and pancreatitis, and two of bacteremia. We compared our success and complication rates to those of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) reported in the literature. We conclude that when a bile duct abnormality is clinically suspected, the incidence of pathology is sufficiently high to warrant direct visualization of the ducts in order to make an anatomic diagnosis, even if the intrahepatic ducts are not dilated. However, ERC has a better success rate and fewer complications than THC and it should be the initial invasive procedure.

The benefits of percutaneous cholecystostomy for decompression of selected cases of obstructive jaundice.

Eleven selected patients with obstructive jaundice underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) for decompression. Ten of these patients had the constellation of distal common duct obstruction, nondilated or minimally dilated intrahepatic ducts, and a distended gallbladder; one patient with a bleeding dyscrasia had moderately dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. All procedures were successful and effective, and 10 of 11 cholecystostomies were performed within 5-15 minutes. No specific complications occurred. The success, ease, and safety of the procedure indicate primary use of PC for biliary decompression when the intrahepatic bile ducts are minimally dilated or nondilated, because standard transhepatic biliary drainage may be difficult in these cases. Because cannulation of the cystic duct and hence internalization through the tumor may be difficult, PC may be most valuable preoperatively, or before standard percutaneous biliary drainage, or as an alternative to endoscopic drainage. This is a rapid and safe method with which to achieve biliary decompression, especially with minimally dilated or nondilated intrahepatic bile ducts.