Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiodrainage Research Articles

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography: An effective option for endo-biliary radiofrequency ablation before stent insertion in unresectable biliary cancer?

Biliary cancer is a highly aggressive disease that is typically diagnosed at advanced stages when surgical removal is no longer an option. In these cases, palliative care and mechanical widening of the blocked biliary system are preferred. The insertion of a stent is often necessary to prevent the recurrence of blockages caused by cancer progression. Prior to stent placement, endo-biliary radiofrequency ablation (EB-RFA) appears to result in longer-lasting stent effectiveness without increasing the risk of severe complications. However, its impact on overall survival is not yet clear. Additionally, while endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is the most common method for performing EB-RFA, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage seems to be a safe and potentially more efficient alternative, particularly for long, angulated, or significantly narrowed bile ducts.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage is a safe and effective procedure for patients with malignant biliary obstruction and stage 3 chronic kidney disease

ObjectivesThis study aimed to validate the efficacy and safety of contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (CEUS-PTCD) as a biliary drainage procedure in patients with malignant biliary obstruction and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD3). Materials and methodsBetween January 2019 and December 2023, 634 patients who underwent CEUS-PTCD were retrospectively enrolled in this study. During the procedure, imaging parameters such as the maximum diameter of the dilated bile duct, presence of ascites, detailed findings from CEUS, and clinical outcomes were meticulously recorded. Laboratory results, including serum bilirubin levels, liver function tests, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were evaluated in one day before and three days after procedure. The aforementioned parameters were compared using the paired-sample t test and the Wilcoxon test. ResultsA total of 66 (10.41 %) patients with malignant biliary obstruction and CKD3 were included in the final analysis (median age: 66, range: 30–89 years, 46 males and 20 females). Procedure records indicated that 23 patients (34.8 %) had a maximum biliary duct dilation diameter of ≤ 4 mm, while 5 patients (7.6 %) exhibited mild ascites. Additionally, 24 patients (36.4 %) had ultrasound contrast agent entry into both the biliary duct and bloodstream. All patients successfully achieved external bile drainage following CEUS-PTCD, with no significant complications observed during or after the intervention. Post-procedure, there was a statistically significant reduction in all previously elevated serum bilirubin and liver enzyme levels (P-values were less than 0.05). Furthermore, no statistically significant alterations in eGFR were observed prior to or following CEUS-PTCD across all patients (P = 0.295), including comparisons between groups with and without the ultrasound contrast agent into the bloodstream (P = 0.254). ConclusionCEUS-PTCD is a safe and effective biliary drainage procedure for patients with malignant biliary obstruction and CKD3.

Efficacy of Double-Lumen Biliary-Enteric Tube in Enteral Nutrition for Patients with Malignant Obstructive Jaundice

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a double-lumen biliary-enteric tube (DBET) for enteral nutrition (EN) in individuals with malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a prospectively maintained single-center database, including patients with MOJ. In the intervention group, DBET placement was performed concurrently with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage and biliary stenting, followed by postoperative EN (DBET-EN). In the control group, deep vein catheterization was undertaken after endoscopic biliary stenting, and parenteral nutrition (PN) was provided. A multivariable generalized linear model was used to assess the association between DBET-EN and 6-month mortality. Results A total of 74 patients were included in this study, comprising 28 patients in the intervention group (DBET-EN group) and 46 patients in the control group (PN group). Within the 6-month follow-up, 5 patients (17.9%) in the DBET-EN group and 20 (43.5%) in the PN group died. The multivariable generalized linear model demonstrated a significantly reduced 6-month mortality in the DBET-EN group compared to the PN group (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08–0.81, P = 0.020). Secondary outcomes indicated that patients in the DBET-EN group had lower 9-month mortality rates and longer tube retention durations compared to the PN group (all adjusted P < 0.05). Postoperative liver function improved similarly in both groups. At 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively, patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) scores and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) scores were significantly higher in the DBET-EN group than in the PN group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The implementation of DBET for EN in patients in the advanced stage of MOJ proved to be a minimally invasive and safe intervention. It significantly improved patients’ nutritional status and quality of life while reducing mortality.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic biliary radiofrequency ablation in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic nasobiliary drainage are the most common clinical procedures for jaundice control in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice, yet the safety and effect of endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (EB-RFA) combined PTCD is rarely reported, in this article, we report our experience of EB-RFA combined PTCD in such patients. To retrospectively study the efficacy and safety of EB-RFA combined PTCD in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice. Patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice treated with EB-RFA under PTCD were selected, the bile ducts of the right posterior lobe was selected as the target bile ducts in all cases. The general conditions of all patients, preoperative tumour markers, total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and glutamyl transferase (GGT) before and on the 7th day after the procedure, as well as perioperative complications, stent patency time and patient survival were recorded. All patients successfully completed the operation, TBIL and DBIL decreased significantly in all patients at the 7th postoperative day (P = 0.009 and 0.006, respectively); the values of ALB, ALP and GGT also decreased compared with the preoperative period, but the difference was not statistically significant. Perioperative biliary bleeding occurred in 2 patients, which was improved after transfusion of blood and other conservative treatments, pancreatitis appeared in 1 patient after the operation, no serious complication and death happened after operation. Except for 3 patients with loss of visits, the stent patency rate of the remaining 14 patients was 100% 71% and 29% at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th postoperative months respectively, with a median survival of 4 months. EB-RFA under PTCD in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice has a satisfactory therapeutic effect and high safety, which is worthy of further clinical practice.

Controversies in Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage.

In this 14th document in a series of papers entitled "Controversies in Endoscopic Ultrasound" we discuss various aspects of EUS-guided biliary drainage that are debated in the literature and in practice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is still the reference technique for therapeutic biliary access, but EUS-guided techniques for biliary access and drainage have developed into safe and highly effective alternative options. However, EUS-guided biliary drainage techniques are technically demanding procedures for which few training models are currently available. Different access routes require modifications to the basic technique and specific instruments. In experienced hands, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage is also a good alternative. Therefore, in this paper, we compare arguments for different options of biliary drainage and different technical modifications.

Design of an improved percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage tube based on MRCP imaging data

Objective: Quantified MRCP imaging data was used as a reference for design and preparation of a modified percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage (PTCD) tube. Methods: 3.0 T upper abdominal MR and MRCP imaging data of 2 300 patients treated from July 2015 to July 2020 at the Department of Radiology of the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University were screened and a total of 381 patients diagnosed with biliary duct structures were identified. Causative etiologies among these patients included pancreatic adenocarcinoma (pancreatic head), cholangiocarcinoma, ampullary carcinoma, as well as intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile duct dilation. An improved PTCD tube was designed based on MRCP quantification of left and right hepatic and common hepatic duct length. Results: In the setting of biliary obstruction caused by malignancy, the distance of the left hepatic duct from its origin to the point of left and right hepatic duct confluence was 15.9±3.8 mm, while the distance of the right hepatic duct from its origin to the point of left and right hepatic duct confluence was 12.4±3.2 mm; the length of the bile duct from its origin to the point of left and right hepatic duct confluence was 34.0±8.1 mm. The improved PTCD tube design incorporated an altered length of the drainage orifice. Conclusion: MRCP imaging of the biliary tract is effective for measuring biliary tract length in the setting of pathological dilation. Based on our biliary tract measurements, a modified PTCD tube was designed to more effectively meet drainage requirements and manage biliary obstruction caused by Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅱ and Ⅲ malignancies.

Management of complicated choledochal cyst in children: ultrasound-guided percutaneous external drainage and subsequent definitive operation

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes of the combination of ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous external drainage and subsequent definitive operation to manage complicated choledochal cyst in children.MethodsThis retrospective study included 6 children with choledochal cyst who underwent initial US-guided percutaneous external drainage and subsequent cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy between January 2021 and September 2022. Patient characteristics, laboratory findings, imaging data, treatment details, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated.ResultsMean age at presentation was 2.7 ± 2.2 (0.5–6.2) years, and 2 patients (2/6) were boys. Four patients (4/6) had a giant choledochal cyst with the widest diameter of ≥ 10 cm and underwent US-guided percutaneous biliary drainage on admission or after conservative treatments. The other 2 patients (2/6) underwent US-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage due to coagulopathy, respectively. Five patients (5/6) recovered well after US-guided percutaneous external drainage and underwent the definitive operation, whereas 1 patient (1/6) had liver fibrosis confirmed by Fibroscan and ultimately underwent liver transplantation 2 months after external drainage. The mean time from US-guided percutaneous external drainage to the definitive operation was 12 ± 9 (3–21) days. The average length of hospital stay was 24 ± 9 (16–31) days. No related complications of US-guided percutaneous external drainage occurred during hospitalization. At 10.2 ± 6.8 (1.0–18.0) months follow-up, all patients had a normal liver function and US examination.ConclusionsOur detailed analysis of this small cohort suggests that US-guided percutaneous external drainage is technically feasible for choledochal cyst with giant cysts or coagulopathy in children, which may provide suitable conditions for subsequent definitive operation with a good prognosis.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.

Multimodal Management for Refractory Biliary Stricture After Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Biliary stricture is a common complication of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) is the primary treatment of biliary stricture, which is sometimes refractory. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for biliary stricture after LDLT and present successful management for refractory biliary stricture. Data from 26 patients who underwent LDLT were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between the incidence of biliary strictures and clinical variables, including pre/intra/postoperative factors, was assessed. Univariate analysis showed that ABO incompatibility (P=.037) was a significant risk factor for biliary strictures. Case 1 was a 57-year-old woman who underwent LDLT using a left-lobe graft for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and developed a biliary stricture 1 month after surgery. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) and embolization of the portal vein and hepatic artery were performed. Thereafter, ethanol was injected into the biliary duct, and the intervention was successfully completed. Case 2 was a 54-year-old woman who underwent LDLT using a right-lobe graft and duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction for PBC. Internal plastic stent insertion by ERBD was unsuccessful due to the significantly bending bile duct. After PTCD, the gun-site technique for the posterior branch and dual hepatic vascular embolization of the anterior branch was performed. The patient was followed up without an external fistula tube. ABO incompatibility was a risk factor for refractory biliary stricture. Appropriate procedures should be chosen based on stricture types.

Risk Factors Associated with Acute Pancreatitis after Percutaneous Biliary Intervention: We Do Not Know Nearly Enough.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (PTBS) may be used as a palliative treatment for inoperable patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) to improve the prognosis and their quality of life. However, acute pancreatitis is a common and severe complication that cannot be ignored after PTCD and PTBS in patients with MBO. A few cases may develop severe pancreatitis with a higher mortality rate. In this study, we summarize the known risk factors for acute pancreatitis after percutaneous biliary interventional procedures and investigate possible risk factors to reduce its occurrence by early identifying high-risk patients and taking appropriate measures.

Efficacy and complications of inoperable malignant distal biliary obstruction treatment by metallic stents: fully covered or uncovered?

Obstructive jaundice caused by malignant distal biliary obstruction is a common clinical symptom in patients with inoperable biliary-pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided stent implantation is an effective treatment for obstructive jaundice. Internal stent drainage is more physiologic and associated with a better quality of life than external stent drainage methods such as percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage. Self-expanding metallic stents, which may be covered and uncovered, are commonly used. However, some uncertainties remain regarding the selection of metallic stents, including drainage patency time, clinical effect, stent migration, and post-operative complications such as pancreatitis, bleeding, and cholecystitis. This review aims to summarize the current progress and controversies surrounding the use of covered or uncovered metallic stents in inoperable common biliary obstruction via ERCP.

Endoscopic Management of Biliary Complications Following Hepatobiliary Surgery

Biliary complications are frequent after hepatic surgery and may greatly influence postoperative morbidity and mortality. Most of these are leaks or strictures to the bile duct, most frequently leaks after cholecystectomy and liver resection. Strictures are an important problem after liver transplantation. Patients after orthotopic liver transplantation are particularly vulnerable, as they are different from biliary complications after liver resection and must be treated very sensitively and carefully. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is an excellent procedure for treating these complications. The therapeutic properties include endoscopic sphincterotomy, insertion of prostheses and dilatations. These procedures can give success rates of up to 90% of cases. For hepatico-jejunostomies, there are alternative possibilities of intervention, such as balloon- or motor-supported antegrade enteroscopy, percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage or the increasing use of endosonographically supported procedures.

A Retrospective Study on Bile Culture and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Patients with Biliary Tract Infections.

Aim This study aimed to provide profiles of microorganisms isolated from bile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of biliary tract infections (BTIs) in our center. Methods A total of 277 patients diagnosed with BTIs at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from 2011 to 2018 were included in this study. Medical records were reviewed to obtain clinical and demographic data. Bile specimens were prepared through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD), and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGD) under aseptic conditions. In those with positive bile culture results, blood cultures were concurrently conducted. The concordance of the results between bile culture and blood culture were also analysed. Results Two hundred and sixty-seven bile cultures were positive, while 280 strains of micro-organisms were isolated. Among these, 76.8% were Gram-negative, 22.5% were Gram-positive and 0.7% were fungi. The most common microorganisms were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis. Gram-negative bacteria we tested were highly sensitive to ertapenem, imipenem, tigecycline, and amikacin. Gram-positive bacteria we tested were highly sensitive to tigecycline, teicoplanin, linezolid, vancomycin, and chloramphenicol. For the 44 patients with positive bile cultures, a blood culture was also performed. Among them, 29 cases yielded positive blood culture results. Among those cases with positive blood culture, 48.3% showed complete agreement with bile culture, 3.4% showed partial agreement, and 48.3% showed disagreement. The most common microorganisms in blood culture were the same as in bile culture. Additionally, the proportion of Staphylococcus epidermidis was significantly higher in blood culture (P < 0.05). Conclusion Our study provided a comprehensive analysis of the bacteria distribution and drug resistance profiles in patients with BTIs in northern China. Further studies should be conducted to validate our findings.

RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT DISEASES OF THE BILIARY TRACT COMPLICATED BY MECHANICAL JAUNDICE

The causes of mechanical jaundice (MJ) are benign and malignant diseases of the hepaticopancreaticoduodenal area. Literature sources indicate the development of MJ in 15-40 % of patients with gallstone disease and in the vast majority of patients with malignant neoplasms of the biliary tract. MJ of malignant etiology occurs in 40-67 % of patients.&#x0D; Aim. To study the results of the use of reconstructive surgery in patients with malignant diseases of the biliary tract complicated by mechanical jaundice.&#x0D; Materials and methods. An analysis of surgical treatment of 22 patients with malignant diseases of the biliary tract complicated by MJ in the SI “ V.T. Zatsev IGUS NAMSU ». Patients are divided into subgroups. Subgroup 1 - 11 (50 %) included patients treated with antegrade endobiliary interventions as biliary decompression. Subsequently, the reconstructive and restorative stage of surgical treatment was performed. Subgroup 2 - 11 (50 %) included patients who underwent reconstructive surgery without prior biliary decompression.&#x0D; Results of the research. After successful biliary decompression, 11 (50 %) patients underwent reconstructive surgery, which was included in 1 subgroup. The remaining 11 (50 %) patients in subgroup 2 underwent similar surgery without prior biliary decompression. In patients of subgroup 1 (n = 11 (50 %)) we performed percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage for biliary decompression and MJ resolution. After its successful implementation, the reconstructive and restorative stage of surgical treatment was performed. This reduced the number of postoperative complications from 18.2 % to 9.1 % compared with subgroup 2 of patients who underwent surgery without prior biliary decompression.&#x0D; Conclusions. Performing reconstructive and reconstructive operations in conditions of high levels of serum bilirubin, cholangitis, hepatic failure is dangerous and is accompanied by a large number of complications in the postoperative period. In patients who underwent antegrade endobiliary interventions as a previous biliary decompression, complications were noted in 2 (18.2 %) cases and mortality was 9.1 % (1 patient), which reduced the number of postoperative complications by 9.1 % and mortality by 9.1 %. This is confirmed by studies that prove the benefits of antegrade endobiliary interventions in the preparation of patients for reconstructive surgery in comparison with their performance without the use of the latter.

Biliopleural fistula following percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage and irradiation biliary stent insertion successfully treated with coil embolization: a case description.

Biliopleural fistula following percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage and irradiation biliary stent insertion successfully treated with coil embolization: a case description.

Interventional treatment of biliodigestive anastomosis leaks with a modified percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage

IntroductionBiliodigestive leaks are typically caused by an insufficiency at the surgical anastomosis. Biliodigestive anastomosis (BDA) insufficiencies can lead to bilomas, abscesses and vascular erosion in chronic conditions.Material and methodsWe performed...

THE USE OF ANTEGRADE ENDOBILIARY INTERVENTIONS IN BENIGN DISEASES OF THE BILIARY TRACT COMPLICATED BY MECHANICAL JAUNDICE

Introduction. One of the most common manifestations of diseases of the biliary tract are strictures or stenoses. They can have malignant, inflammatory and traumatic etiology, as well as be accompanied by mechanical jaundice syndrome.&#x0D; Aim. To study the results of the use of antegrade endobiliary interventions in benign diseases of the biliary tract complicated by mechanical jaundice.&#x0D; Materials and methods. An analysis of surgical treatment of 34 patients with benign diseases of the biliary tract complicated by mechanical jaundice (MJ) in the SI “V.T. Zatsev IGUS NAMSU». Choledocholithiasis was the cause of MF in 21 (61.8 %) cases, stricture of the LV in 6 (17.6 %) and stricture of the biliodigestive anastomosis (BDA) in 7 (20.6 %) patients. BDA strictures developed after the following operations: biliobiliostomy — 1 (14.3 %), hepaticojejunostomy — 3 (42.9 %), choledochoduodenoanastomosis — 2 (28.5 %) and hepaticoduodenostomy — 1 (14.3 %) %).&#x0D; Research results. External percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage was performed in 7 (46.7 %) patients, external-internal percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage was performed in 6 (40 %), percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy was performed in 2 (13.4 %) patients. With slightly dilated intrahepatic ducts (&lt;5 mm) cholangiodrainage was established in 3 (20 %) patients. Of these, in 3 (20.0 %) cases, a separate percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage of the right and left lobular ducts of the liver was performed. Performing percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage allows to determine the level and nature of biliary block in a minimally invasive way, to perform biliary decompression and prevention of complications after an unsuccessful attempt at endoscopic treatment.&#x0D; Conclusions. By using antegrade endobiliary interventions, we were able to reduce the risk of biliary decompression complications compared with patients who had unsuccessful attempts at endoscopic treatment from 15 (78.9 %) to 1 (6.67 %), and to reduce the number of complications after reconstructive rehabilitation. operations from 10 (52.6 %) to 1 (6.67 %) and the mortality rate from 2 (10.5 %) to 1 (6.67 %).

EUS-guided biliary interventions for benign diseases and unsuccessful ERCP - a prospective unicenter feasibility study on a large consecutive patient cohort.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard for the treatment of biliary obstruction of any etiology. However, cannulation failure of the common bile duct (CBD) by ERCP occurs in 5-10%. Alternatives after a failed ERCP are re-ERCP by an expert endoscopist, percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage (PTCD), (balloon) enteroscopy-assisted ERCP, or surgery. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage of the bile ducts (EUS-BD) is becoming the standard of care in tertiary referral centers for cases of failed ERCP in patients with malignant obstruction of the CBD. In expert hands, EUS-guided biliary drainage has excellent technical/clinical success rates and lower complication rates compared to PTCD. Despite the successful performance of EUS-BD in malignant cases, its use in benign cases is limited. The aim of this study (design, systematic prospective clinical observational study on quality assurance in daily clinical practice) was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS-BD in benign indications. Patients with cholestasis and failed ERCP were recruited from a prospective EUS-BD registry (2004-2020). One hundred and three patients with EUS-BD and benign cholestasis were extracted from the registry (nTotal = 474). Indications of EUS-BDs included surgically altered anatomy (n = 65), atypical bile duct percutaneous transhepatic cholangio orifice at the duodenal junction from the longitudinal to the horizontal segment (n = 1), papilla of Vater not reached due to the gastric outlet/duodenal stenoses (n = 6), papilla that cannot be catheterized (n = 24), and proximal bile duct stenosis (n = 7). The primary endpoint was technical and clinical success. Secondary endpoints were procedure-related complications during the hospital stay. 103 patients with EUS-BD and benign cholestasis were extracted from the registry (nTotal=474). Different transluminal access routes were used to reach the bile ducts: transgastric (n = 72/103); -duodenal (n = 16/103); -jejunal (n = 14/103); combined -duodenal and -gastric (n = 1/103). The technical success rate was 96 % (n = 99) for cholangiography. Drainage was not required in 2 patients; balloon dilatation including stone extraction was sufficient in 17 cases (16.5 %; no additional or prophylactic insertion of a drain). Transluminal drainage was achieved in n = 68/103 (66 %; even higher in patients with drain indication only) by placement of a plastic stent (n = 29), conventional biliary metal stents (n = 24), HotAXIOS stents (n = 5; Boston Scientific, Ratingen, Germany), Hanaro stents (n = 6; Olympus, Hamburg, Germany), HotAXIOS stents and plastic stents (n = 1), HotAXIOS stents and metal stents (n = 1) and metal stents and plastic stents (n = 2). Techniques for stone extraction alone (nSuccessful=17) or stent insertion (nTotal = 85; nSuccessful=85 - rate, 100 %) and final EUS-BD access pathway included: Rendezvous technique (n = 14/85; 16.5 %), antegrade internal drainage (n = 20/85; 23.5 %), choledochointestinostomy (n = 7/85; 8.2 %), antegrade internal and hepaticointestinostomy (n = 22/85; 25.9 %), hepaticointestinostomy (n = 21/85; 24.7 %), choledochointestinostomy and hepaticointestinostomy (n = 1/85; 1.2 %).The complication rate was 25 % (n = 26) - the spectrum comprised stent dislocation (n = 11), perforation (n = 1), pain (n = 2), hemorrhage (n = 6), biliary ascites/leakage (n = 3) and bilioma/liver abscess (n = 3; major complication rate, n = 12/68 - 17.6 %). Re-interventions were required in 19 patients (24 interventions in total). EUS-BD can be considered an elegant and safe alternative to PTCD or reoperation for failed ERCP to achieve the necessary drainage of the biliary system even in underlying benign diseases. An interventional EUS-based internal procedure can resolve cholestasis, avoid PTCD or reoperation, and thus improve quality of life. Due to the often complex (pathological and/or postoperative) anatomy, EUS-BD should only be performed in centers with interventional endoscopy/EUS experience including adequate abdominal surgery and interventional radiology expertise in the background. This enables adequately adapted therapeutic management in the event of challenging complications. It seems appropriate to conduct further studies with larger numbers of cases to systematize the approach and peri-interventional management and to successively develop specific equipment.

Duration of biliary decompression in patients with common bile duct diseases complicated by obstructive jaundice using antegrade endobiliary interventions

Both benign and malignant diseases of common bile ducts (CBD) become the reason of obstruction. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal duration of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) depending on the duration of obstructive jaundice (OJ) and the initial level of total serum bilirubin. The experience of using PTCD in 88 patients with diseases of CBD complicated by OJ for the period 2011-2017 were divided into three groups: the first (1) - 15 (17.1%) patients with benign diseases of CBD, the second (2) - 11 (12.5%) patients with resectable cholangiocarcinomas, and the third (3) - 62, 4%) patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinomas. Causes of OJ: choledocholithiasis in 6 (6.8%), strictures of CBD in 2 (2.3%) and cholangiocarcinomas of different localization in 73 (82.9%) patients. The optimal timing of biliary decompression was determined by PTCD, the Poisson process (poisson) was used, and more precisely as the quasipoisson distribution (quasipoisson), which reflects the process of reducing total serum bilirubin. It was determined that the fastest decrease in total bilirubin occurs in patients of group 3, enough 7-8 days to reduce total bilirubin to 50 μmol/L. In patients of group 1, the duration of biliary decompression is 10-12 days. For patients in group 2, biliary decompression requires at least 12. Using the Poisson process (poisson), or more precisely the quasi-Poisson distribution (quasipoisson), it was possible to determine the optimal duration of biliary decompression by PTCD depending on the duration of OJ and the initial level of total serum bilirubin.

Substantiation of the method for resolving obstructive jaundice in operable patients with malignant hepatopancreatobiliary tumors

The OBJECTIVE was to determine the best option for decompression of the biliary tract in patients with malignant neoplasms of the hepatopancreatobiliary zone to resolve obstructive jaundice before performing radical surgery.METHODS AND MATERIALS. The study of the results of examination and surgical treatment of 325 patients with mechanical jaundice caused by malignant tumors of the hepatopancreatobiliary zone allowed us to identify 93 (28.6 %) patients who initially underwent drainage operations on the bile ducts, and then radical surgical interventions.RESULTS. Stage I of the oncological process according to the TnM system (8 reconsideration) was determined in 16 (17.2 %) patients, stage II – in 71 (76.3 %) and stage III – in 6 (6.5 %). According to the ECOG scale, I or II scores were determined in all patients before radical surgery. Tumors of the head of the pancreas, common bile duct and large papilla of the duodenum led to the I level of biliary tract blockage in 81.7 % of patients. Tumors of the common bile duct and head of the pancreas (involving the cystic duct), tumors of the gallbladder and Klatskin (Bismuth–Corlette I) caused the II level of biliary tract blockage in 12.9 % of the examined patients. Klatskin tumor (Bismuth–Corlette II, IIIa, IIIb,) caused bile duct blockage of III level (5.4 % of patients). Pancreatoduodenal resection was performed in 85 patients, endoscopic papillectomy – 3, bile duct resection – 2 and bile duct resection in combination with liver resection – 3. The choice of a rational option for decompression of the biliary tract, taking into account the level of their blockage and the severity of the general somatic condition of patients, provides the possibility of performing radical surgery.CONCLUSION. Before performing radical surgery, obstructive jaundice in operable patients with malignant tumors of the hepatopancreatobiliary zone at the blockage of I level can be effectively and safely resolved by cholecystostomy, at the blockage of II level – endoscopic stenting, while the blockage of III level – percutaneous-transhepatic cholangiodrainage.

Risks and benefits of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis

Risks and benefits of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis