Recurrent Choledocholithiasis Research Articles

The ABCG8 polymorphism increases the risk of gallbladder cancer in the general population and gallstones in obese patients from Poland.

Gallstone disease (GD) is common but remains asymptomatic in most cases. However, gallstones can lead to complications like choledocholithiasis or gallbladder cancer. In this study, we analyse the common genetic risk factor for GD, the p.D19H variant in the sterol transporter ABCG8, in Polish patients with gallstones and gallbladder cancer. Three adult cohorts were prospectively recruited: 65 patients with gallbladder cancer, 170 obese individuals scheduled for bariatric surgery and 72 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography due to recurrent choledocholithiasis. The control cohort consisted of 172 gallstone-free adults. The ABCG8 p.D19H (rs11887534) polymorphism was genotyped using TaqMan assays. The minor allele frequency (MAF) of the ABCG8 p.D19H polymorphism was significantly (p = .02) higher among cases with either gallstones or gallbladder cancer (MAF = 8.4%) as compared to controls (MAF = 4.0%). The highest frequency of the risk allele was detected in patients with gallbladder cancer (18.5%) and obese patients with GD (17.5%), followed by individuals with choledocholithiasis (13.9%). Notably, the p.19H variant was associated with an increased risk of developing gallbladder cancer (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.16-6.54, p = .01) and an increased risk of GD in obese individuals scheduled for bariatric surgery (OR = 2.70, 95% CI 1.05-6.49, p = .03), but did not significantly affect the risk of choledocholithiasis. The ABCG8 p.D19H common risk variant increases the risk of developing gallbladder cancer in Central Europeans and enhances the risk of gallstones in the obese. Carriers of the p.D19H variant might benefit from personalized preventive strategies, particularly regarding gallbladder cancer.

Characterization of biliary and duodenal microbiota in patients with primary and recurrent choledocholithiasis.

To explore the biliary and duodenal microbiota features associated with the formation and recurrence of choledocholithiasis (CDL). We prospectively recruited patients with primary (P-CDL, n = 29) and recurrent CDL (R-CDL, n = 27) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Duodenal mucosa (DM), bile and bile duct stones (BDS) samples were collected in P- and R-CDL patients. DM samples were also collected in 8 healthy controls (HC). The microbiota profile analysis was performed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Short-course antibiotic application before ERCP showed no significant effects in alpha and beta diversities of the biliary and duodenal microbiota in CDL. Alpha diversity showed no difference between DM and bile samples in CDL. The duodenal microbial richness and diversity was lower in both P- and R-CDL than HC. The biliary microbiota composition showed a high similarity between P- and R-CDL. Fusobacterium and Enterococcus were higher abundant in DM, bile, and BDS samples of R-CDL than P-CDL, as well as Escherichia and Klebsiella in bile samples of R-CDL. The enriched duodenal and biliary bacteria in CDL were closely associated with cholecystectomy, inflammation and liver dysfunction. The bile-associated microbiota of R-CDL expressed enhanced capacity of D-glucuronide and D-glucuronate degradation, implicating an elevated level of β-glucuronidase probably produced by enriched Escherichia and Klebsiella in bile. The duodenal microbiota was in an imbalance in CDL. The duodenal microbiota was probably the main source of the biliary microbiota and was closely related to CDL formation and recurrence. Enterococcus, Fusobacterium, Escherichia and Klebsiella might contribute to CDL recurrence. The study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html,ChiCTR2000033940). The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13755-023-00267-2.

Minimal endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by papillary balloon dilation to relieve choledocholithiasis in a 6-year-old girl with hereditary spherocytosis.

A 6-year-old girl previously diagnosed with hereditary spherocytosis was admitted to our hospital with gallstones and cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed, and fluoroscopy revealed a dilated common bile duct (CBD) without evident stones, possibly due to spontaneous excretion through the papilla of Vater. A 7-French plastic stent was inserted into the CBD. After the procedure, a marked increase in pancreatic enzyme levels was observed, and she was diagnosed with post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Stent placement could have been a cause of pancreatitis; therefore, we removed the stent. Subsequently, recovery from pancreatitis was confirmed, although she suddenly complained of abdominal pain and was diagnosed with choledocholithiasis recurrence. ERCP was repeated, and fluoroscopy revealed a dilated CBD with a stone. A minimal endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was performed to reduce the risk of PEP, and a biliary dilation balloon placed across the papilla was gradually inflated until the waist of the balloon disappeared. Stones were extracted using a retrieval balloon catheter. The abdominal pain resolved immediately, and the patient recovered without developing PEP. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a pediatric patient treated with minimal EST followed by papillary balloon dilation for choledocholithiasis.

Risk factors for recurrence of common bile duct stones after surgical treatment and effect of ursodeoxycholic acid intervention.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an accurate diagnostic method for choledocholithiasis and treatment option for stone removal. Additionally, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can dissolve cholesterol stones and prevent their development and reappearance by lowering the cholesterol concentration in bile. Despite these treatment options, there are still patients who experience stone recurrence. To analyze the risk factors for choledocholithiasis recurrence after ERCP retrograde cholangiopancreatography and the effect of UDCA intervention. The clinical data of 100 patients with choledochal stones who were hospitalized at the Yixing People's Hospital and underwent ERCP for successful stone extraction between June 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected. According to the post-ERCP treatment plan, 100 patients were classified into UDCA (n = 47) and control (n = 53) groups. We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and rate of relapse in the two patient populations. We then collected information (basic demographic data, clinical characteristics, and serum biochemical indicators) and determined the factors contributing to relapse using logistic regression analysis. Our secondary goal was to determine the effects of UDCA on liver function after ERCP. Compared to the control group, the UDCA group demonstrated a higher clinical effectiveness rate of 92.45% vs 78.72% (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in liver function indices, including total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase, between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, all liver function indices were significantly reduced. Comparing the control vs UDCA groups, the UDCA group exhibited significantly lower levels of all indices (55.39 ± 6.53 vs 77.31 ± 8.52, 32.10 ± 4.62 vs 45.39 ± 5.69, 142.32 ± 14.21 vs 189.63 ± 16.87, 112.52 ± 14.25 vs 149.36 ± 15.36, 122.61 ± 16.00 vs 171.33 ± 22.09, 96.98 ± 10.44 vs 121.35 ± 11.57, respectively, all P < 0.05). The stone recurrence rate was lower in the UDCA group (13.21%) in contrast with the control group (44.68%). Periampullary diverticula (OR: 6.00, 95%CI: 1.69-21.30), maximum stone diameter (OR: 1.69, 95%CI: 1.01-2.85), stone quantity >3 (OR: 4.23, 95%CI: 1.17-15.26), and positive bile culture (OR: 7.61, 95%CI: 2.07-27.91) were independent factors that influenced the relapse of common bile duct stones after ERCP (P < 0.05). Furthermore, postoperative UDCA was identified as a preventive factor (OR: 0.07; 95%CI: 0.08-0.09). The intervention effect of UDCA after ERCP for common bile duct stones is adequate, providing new research directions and references for the prevention and treatment of stone recurrence.

Risk Factors for Single and Multiple Recurrences for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography and Open Choledochotomy in Treating Choledocholithiasis.

There are few studies comparing recurrences between endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and open choledochotomy (OCT). To compare the effect of different surgical methods on single and multiple recurrences of choledocholithiasis. A total of 1255 patients with choledocholithiasis who underwent ERCP or OCT were retrospectively studied. The recurrence of choledocholithiasis was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test. Multivariate analyses of recurrent choledocholithiasis were performed by introducing variables with P < 0.20 in univariate analysis into the logistic regression model. A total of 204 (16.7%, 204/1225) patients relapsed. Among the 204 patients, 74.5% relapsed within three years after surgery, of whom 39.7% (81/204) had multiple relapses (≥ 2). The recurrence rate of ERCP (17.2%, 119/692) was higher than that of OCT (15.1%, 85/563), but the difference was not statistically significant. The independent risk factors for a single recurrence of choledocholithiasis were diabetes, stone number ≥ 2, maximum stone diameter ≥ 15 mm, sedentary occupation, the approach of ERCP (EST or EPBD), periampullary diverticulum, primary suture, high-fat diet (postoperative), frequency of weekly vegetable intake (< 4, postoperative), and drinking (postoperative). However, the ERCP approach (EST or EPBD), OCT approach (LCBDE), primary suture, high-fat diet (postoperative), and frequency of weekly vegetable intake (< 4, postoperative) were independent risk factors for multiple recurrences of choledocholithiasis. Patients with choledocholithiasis should be followed up regularly for one to three years after treatment. Stone number ≥ 2, diabetes mellitus, periampullary diverticulum, surgical methods, and lifestyle are all risk factors for the recurrence of choledocholithiasis. ERCP is still the preferred surgical method based on the advantages of low risk of cholangitis recurrence, less hospital stay, minimally invasive surgery, fewer postoperative complications, and easier acceptance by elderly patients. In addition to optimizing the treatment plans, postoperative lifestyle management is also vital.

Transcystic Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration for Pediatric Patients with Choledocholithiasis: A Multi-Center Study

BackgroundPatients with choledocholithiasis are often treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Upfront LC, intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC), and possible transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) could potentially avoid the need for ERCP. We hypothesized that upfront LC+IOC +/- LCBDE will decrease length of stay (LOS) and the total number of interventions for children with suspected choledocholithiasis. MethodsA multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed on pediatric patients (<18 years) between 2018 to 2022 with suspected choledocholithiasis. Demographic and clinical data were compared for upfront LC+IOC +/- LCBDE and possible postoperative ERCP (OR1st) versus preoperative ERCP prior to LC (OR2nd). Complications were defined as postoperative pancreatitis, recurrent choledocholithiasis, bleeding, or abscess. ResultsAcross four centers, 252 children with suspected choledocholithiasis were treated with OR1st (n=156) or OR2nd (n=96). There were no differences in age, gender, or body mass index. Of the LCBDE patients (72/156), 86% had definitive intraoperative management with the remaining 14% requiring postoperative ERCP. Complications were fewer and LOS was shorter with OR1st (3/156 vs. 15/96; 2.39 vs 3.84 days, p<0.05). ConclusionUpfront LC+IOC +/- LCBDE for children with choledocholithiasis is associated with fewer ERCPs, lower LOS, and decreased complications. Postoperative ERCP remains an essential adjunct for patients who fail LCBDE. Further educational efforts are needed to increase the skill level for IOC and LCBDE in pediatric patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. Level of EvidenceLevel III.

S3408 Recurrent Choledocholithiasis Secondary to Migrated Surgical Clips in Patient With Near Complete Resection of Bile Duct Following a Robotic Cholecystectomy

S3408 Recurrent Choledocholithiasis Secondary to Migrated Surgical Clips in Patient With Near Complete Resection of Bile Duct Following a Robotic Cholecystectomy

Factors Affecting Recurrent Choledocholithiasis After Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Factors Affecting Recurrent Choledocholithiasis After Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Endoscopic stenting of bile ducts for preventing mechanical jaundice recurrence in gallstone migration

Aim. To study the reasons for stone migration from the gallbladder into the main bile ducts after endoscopic lithoextraction and to develop methods for preventing recurrent mechanical jaundice before performing the cholecystectomy.Material and methods. Delayed cholecystectomy was recommended for 328 patients with calculous cholecystitis and mechanical jaundice after endoscopic papillosphincterotomy, lithoextraction and restoration of adequate bile outflow. 23 patients were readmitted to hospital with recurrent mechanical jaundice caused by recurrent choledocholithiasis. All patients underwent duodenoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and lithoextraction within 12 hours after admission. The size of the gallstones, the diameter of the cystic duct, the level of its insertion into the common hepatic duct, and the length of the previously performed papillotomy were considered as possible causes of recurrent choledocholithiasis.Results. Multiple gallstones of 2–4 mm and low cystic duct insertion into the common hepatic duct were detected in all 23 patients. An increase in the diameter of the cystic duct &gt;5 mm was revealed in 18 patients. In 10 patients, the initial papillotomy was &lt;8 mm.Conclusion. The factors predisposing to recurrent mechanical jaundice due to migration of gallstones into the bile duct and indications for its stenting after lithoextraction before cholecystectomy are ultrasound signs of multiple small gallstones, low insertion the dilated cystic duct into the bile duct, and partial, non-extended papillotomy.

Recurrent Choledocholithiasis: Unveiling the Diagnostic Challenges of Profound Transaminitis Post Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND Profound transaminitis (>1000 international units per liter [IU/L]) is typically associated with ischemic and viral or toxic hepatitis. Pancreaticobiliary causes are less likely to be included in the workup, especially in patients who have undergone cholecystectomy. We present a case of recurrent choledocholithiasis in a 52-year-old woman 7 years after cholecystectomy, presenting with severe transaminitis, illustrating the diagnostic challenges of this presentation. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with acute upper abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen without contrast showed no abnormalities and mild common bile duct (CBD) dilation was noted on ultrasound (US) abdomen. Laboratory studies were significant for elevated transaminases greater than 1000 units/L and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) greater than 200 units/L. She was diagnosed with acute hepatitis of unknown etiology without undergoing further investigation of the biliary tract and was discharged after improvement with supportive therapy. She returned 4 months later with similar symptoms and laboratory findings, but with more CBD dilation and intrahepatic biliary dilation on CT and US. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed, and multiple stones and sludge were removed from the CBD. CONCLUSIONS This report has shown that pancreaticobiliary causes should be included in the workup of severe transaminitis, even in patients with a remote history of cholecystectomy. Failure to do so may subject patients to extensive, unnecessary workup and delay correct management.

Endoclip papillaplasty (ECPP) versus limited EST plus EPLBD for a decrease in recurrent choledocholithiasis: a prospective cohort study.

Limited EST plus EPLBD has been widely used for the therapy of large CBDS; however, long-term complication-relevant studies suggested that it damaged the function of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) and resulted in recurrent choledocholithiasis. Thus, we designed Endoclip papillaplasty (ECPP) and previous studies have shown that it successfully restored the function of SO. In this study, we designed a prospective cohort and aimed to verify the safety and effectiveness of ECPP. Eligible patients were divided into the ECPP group and the limited EST plus EPLBD group based on papillary morphology and the ratio of maximum size of stones to length of intramural segments of CBD. All participants in the ECPP group received endoscopy at 3weeks to retrieve the biliary stent, perform SOM, and were divided into grade A and grade B based on the healing grade of SO. All patients were followed up every 6months until recurrent choledocholithiasis, patient death, or at the 36-month follow-up end. The primary outcome was the incidence of recurrent choledocholithiasis. The secondary outcomes included mechanical lithotrip usage and adverse events. The incidences of recurrent choledocholithiasis in the ECPP group and limited EST plus EPLBD group were 13.6 and 22.1%, respectively (P = 0.204). The ECPP-A group had a lower incidence of recurrent choledocholithiasis than the limited EST plus EPLBD groups (5.1 vs. 22.1%, P = 0.020*), and certified the function of SO successfully restored in the ECPP-A group. The ECPP-A group had a decrease in recurrent choledocholithiasis, and ECPP was safe and effective for CBDS.

Comparison Study between ERCP and PTBD for Recurrent Choledocholithiasis in Patients Following Gastrectomy.

The recurrence rate of choledocholithiasis in the general population has been reported to exceed 10%. The incidence of cholelithiasis was reported to be higher in patients following gastrectomy than that in the general population. However, there is no study for recurrent choledocholithiasis incidence in patients following gastrectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the recurrence rate of choledocholithiasis and identify risk factors for recurrent choledocholithiasis in patients following gastrectomy. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with gastrectomy history who underwent choledocholithiasis removal in Kyungpook National University Hospital between January 2011 and December 2019. Choledocholithiases were treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (n = 41) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) (n = 90). The gastrectomy type was classified as subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth I (18.3%), Billroth II (45.0%), and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y (36.6%). During a median follow-up period of 31.5 (range, 6-105) months, choledocholithiasis recurrence was noted in 19 of 131 patients (14.5%). In subgroup analysis, the ERCP group (24.4%) had higher choledocholithiasis recurrence than the PTBD group (10.0%). Stone removal modality (ERCP), no use of balloon sphincteroplasty, and the presence of periampullary diverticulum were significant risk factors for recurrent choledocholithiasis. In multivariate analysis, ERCP (hazard ratio (HR), 3.597; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.264-10.204) CBD stricture (HR, 3.823; 95% CI: 1.118-13.080) and no use of balloon sphincteroplasty (HR, 4.830; 95% CI: 1.669-13.889) were risk factors for recurrent choledocholithiasis following stone removal. The incidence of CBD stones in patients who underwent gastrectomy is similar to that of the general population. ERCP, CBD stricture, and no use of balloon sphincteroplasty are potential risk factors for recurrent CBD stones following gastrectomy. When we consider PTBD disadvantages, the ERCP procedure with active use of balloon sphincteroplasty is recommended to decrease recurrent CBD stones.

Role of Biliary Stent in Recurrence of Biliary Stones and Complications After Stone Clearance in Patients Awaiting Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Trial.

The role of prophylactic biliary stenting after clearance of choledocholithiasis in patients awaiting cholecystectomy for concomitant cholelithiasis is controversial. We planned a randomized controlled trial to study the effect of prophylactic biliary stenting after achieving biliary clearance in reducing recurrence of choledocholithiasis and biliary complications in patients awaiting cholecystectomy. Patients with concomitant cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis were included, and those who had evidence of clearance of choledocholithaisis (documented on occlusion cholangiogram during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography [ERC]) were randomized to prophylactic biliary stenting or no stenting. Choledocholithaisis recurrence rate (primary outcome), biliary complications and need for repeat/emergency ERC (secondary outcomes) were compared till 3 months after clearance. Between September 2021 and July 2022, 70 patients were randomized into group A, stenting (n = 35), and group B, no stenting (n = 35). Sixty-six patients were included in the final analysis. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups. Ten (15.2%) patients had recurrence of choledocholithiasis, and it was comparable between the 2 groups (7/34 [20.6%] and 3/34 [9.4%], P = 0.306). Five patients (2 cholecystitis and 3 post-ERC pancreatitis) from the stent group while none from the no stent group developed complications, and this difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.024). None of the patients in both the groups needed emergency ERC during the follow-up. This randomized trial shows a higher complication rate with prophylactic stenting, while there is no benefit in preventing choledocholithiasis recurrence in patients waiting for cholecystectomy after biliary clearance (CTRI registration number: CTRI/2021/09/036538).

The role of Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for the management of biliary complications after living donor liver transplantation

IntroductionPost living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) biliary complications can be troublesome over the post-operative course of patients, especially those with recurrent cholangitis or choledocholithiasis. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the risks and benefits of Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) performed after LDLT as a last option to deal with post-LDLT biliary complications.MethodsRetrospectively, of the 594 adult LDLTs performed in a single medical center in Changhua, Taiwan from July 2005 to September 2021, 22 patients underwent post-LDLT RYHJ. Indications for RYHJ included choledocholithiasis formation with bile duct stricture, previous intervention failure, and other factors. Restenosis was defined if further intervention was needed to treat biliary complications after RYHJ was performed. Thereafter, patients were categorized into success group (n = 15) and restenosis group (n = 4).ResultsThe overall success rate of RYHJ in the management of post-LDLT biliary complications was 78.9% (15/19). Mean follow-up time was 33.4 months. As per our findings, four patients experienced recurrence after RYHJ (21.2%), and mean recurrence time was 12.5 months. Three cases were recorded as hospital mortality (13.6%). Outcome and risk analysis presented no significant differences between the two groups. A higher risk of recurrence tended to be related to patients with ABO incompatible (ABOi).ConclusionRYHJ served well as either a rescue but definite procedure for recurrent biliary complications or a safe and effective solution to biliary complications after LDLT. A higher risk of recurrence tended to be related to patients with ABOi; however, further research would be needed.

Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration in Patients with a Previous History of Biliary Tract Surgery.

For recurrent choledocholithiasis, abdominal adhesions in previous surgeries lead to changes in anatomical structures, and a secondary injury occurs easily when performing another operation for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), which was once considered a relative contraindication. In view of the limitations of the current surgical technique, this study summarized the surgical approaches and crucial anatomical landmarks for reoperation for LCBDE. Four general surgical approaches were proposed to expose the common bile duct, including the ligamentum teres hepatis approach, the anterior hepatic duodenal ligament approach, the right hepatic duodenal ligament approach, and the hybrid approach. Additionally, this study highlighted seven crucial anatomical landmarks: the parietal peritoneum, the gastrointestinal serosa, the ligamentum teres hepatis, the inferior margin of the liver, the gastric antrum, the duodenum, and the hepatic flexure of the colon, which were helpful to safely separate abdominal adhesions and expose the common bile duct. Moreover, to shorten the time of choledocholithotomy, a sequential method was innovatively applied for the removal of the stones in common bile duct. Mastering the above surgical approaches, including identifying crucial anatomical landmarks and adopting the sequential method will improve the safety of reoperation for LCBDE, shorten the operation time, promote the fast recovery of patients, reduce postoperative complications, and contribute to the popularization and application of this technique.

Pyogenic liver abscess following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure for choledocholithiasis

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is a condition in which there is pus accumulation in the liver. It usually develops in the context of portal pyemia, through hematogenous seeding as well as via biliary disease. PLA is a rare, but important complication following biliary instrumentation such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We report a case of a 44-year-old man who initially presented with clinical features of ascending cholangitis. Laboratory investigations revealed leukocytosis as well as hyperbilirubinemia. Diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was then confirmed with an ultrasound examination, showing a 1×1 cm stone in the common bile duct. ERCP was performed and achieved stone clearance. However, the patient returned 1 month later with similar symptoms of right upper quadrant pain, fever and jaundice. Suspecting recurrent choledocholithiasis, an emergency ERCP was performed and showed pooling of radio-opaque contrast in the extra-biliary space. There were also multiple CBD stones seen. An urgent CT Abdomen was done and revealed multiple liver abscesses in bilateral liver lobes, with the largest measuring 4.5x5.9x2.1cm. The patient was treated conservatively with Augmentin and repeat ultrasound at 4 weeks interval showed no residual liver abscess.

Refractory Choledocholithiasis Causing Endogenous Endophthalmitis: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis is caused by a breach of the blood-ocular barrier by pathogens originating from distant infective foci. Here, we report a case of endogenous endophthalmitis due to cholangitis complicated by common bile duct stones, which is a rare source of infection. CASE REPORT A 73-year-old man with type II diabetes mellitus underwent endoscopic choledocholithotripsy 20 years ago and laparoscopic cholecystectomy 18 years ago. He had choledocholith-related cholangitis 6, 5, and 1 years previously and 4 times in the last year and underwent endoscopic choledocholithotripsy each time. Three days after the last surgery, the patient developed right endogenous endophthalmitis and vitrectomy was performed. Four months later, the patient relapsed with cholangitis and required surgery for recurrent endophthalmitis. Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy was performed with curative intent, and the patient was followed up for 5 years without recurrence of choledocholith, cholangitis, or endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS The recommended treatment strategy for patients diagnosed with common bile duct stones or choledocholithiasis is stone extraction. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic intervention is a widely accepted procedure. However, in cases of recurrent choledocholithiasis, the rate of recurrence increases and the interval between ERCP becomes shorter in proportion to the number of recurrences. In such intractable cases requiring numerous sessions of endoscopic stone removal, bypass Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy should be performed to prevent possible rare complications such as endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis.

Early Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomyafter Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) Removal of Choledocholithiasis: An Evidence-based Case Report

Aim: To determine the preferred method of treatment in patients with choledocholithiasis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) by evaluating efficacy of early laparascopic cholecystectomy compared to delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Method: Literature searching was carried out on two databases, PubMed and Cochrane, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two randomized clinical trial (RCT) studies were appraised critically for validity, importance, and applicability.Results: Early laparascopic cholecystectomy after ERCP shows lower outcomes in incidence of recurrent choledocholithiasis, acute cholecystitis, duration of hospitalization, and treatment costs (p 0.05). Meanwhile, there was no significant difference (p 0.05) between the two groups regarding the incidence of biliary adhesions, bleeding during cholecystectomy, and laboratory parameters such as total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT).Conclusion: Early cholecystectomy, within three days after ERCP, is recommended for the treatment of choledocholithiasis after ERCP removal.

Routine preoperative MRCP in screening choledocholithiasis in acute cholecystitis compared to selective approach: a population-based study.

Choledocholithiasis is more common in acute cholecystitis than in elective situations. Preoperative diagnosis of choledocholithiasis is essential to facilitate adequate planning of CBD (common bile duct) stone removal, preferably performed as a single-stage procedure. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of routine preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in acute cholecystitis followed by consequent cholecystectomy. A total of 180 consecutive patients operated for acute cholecystitis between January 2019 and December 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative routine MRCP was performed for bile duct evaluation when feasible. The control cohort consisted of 180 consecutive patients undergoing emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy before the study period. Intraoperative cholangiography was used routinely in both groups when technically achievable. We examined the proportion of patients recruited in preoperative MRCP, possible time delay to MRCP and surgery, and the incidence of CBD stones compared to the control cohort. Routine MRCP in acute cholecystitis was achieved in 114/180 (63%) patients compared to 42/180 (23.3%) patients of the control group. The triage time from emergency to MRCP and the operating theatre was similar in both cohorts. The percentage of patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis in the study group was notably higher (almost 18% vs 11%), p < 0.05. After a median follow-up time of 2.5years in the study group and almost 4years in the control group, recurrent choledocholithiasis was not detected in either group. Routine MRCP in patients with acute cholecystitis can be implemented with a fair execution rate in a population-based setting with minor effects on hospital stay and delays but higher detection of choledocholithiasis. We observed no additional benefit compared to the selective use of MRCP. However, routine preoperative MRCP allows an advantage when considering the appropriate exploration method if choledocholithiasis is detected.

S2885 Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage of a Remnant Gallbladder

Introduction: Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) guided drainage of a remnant gallbladder (RGB) with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) can be safely performed for suppurative cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis following subtotal cholecystectomy (STC). Case Description/Methods: A 68-year-old man presented with recurrent bacteremia secondary to symptomatic RGB after undergoing STC for severe necrotizing gallstone pancreatitis. His preceding course was complicated by infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis, recurrent choledocholithiasis with ascending cholangitis, liver abscess, and bacteremia. His treatments included EUS-guided necrosectomy, multiple endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatopgraphies (ERCPs) with unsuccessful attempts at transpapillary gallbladder drainage, and percutaneous cholecystostomy followed by laparoscopic STC. Given his life-threatening complications and poor surgical candidacy EUS-guided drainage of the RGB was pursued. Linear EUS identified the RGB measuring 19.4mm in diameter. Using a 19-gauge FNA needle, the RGB was instilled with 80cc of sterile saline to a diameter of 28.5mm (Figure a). EUS-guided cholecystogastrostomy was then performed using a 10 x 15 mm electrocautery-enabled access catheter-enhanced LAMS. The LAMS was dilated to 12mm sequentially using a controlled radial expansion balloon. Multiple large, pigmented stones passed with several remaining in the gallbladder (Figure b). A 10Fr by 5cm double pigtail stent was passed over a wire into the gallbladder to complete the procedure (Figure c). At one month follow-up ERCP, the LAMS was removed leaving a mature gastrocholecystic fistula. No recurrence of symptoms noted at 12-month follow-up. Discussion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy after recovery of gallstone pancreatitis is recommended to reduce risk of recurrent pancreatitis. In some patients, difficult anatomy and inflammation necessitates STC to avoid injury to the extrahepatic bile ducts and surrounding blood vessels. STC is associated with significant morbidity. Completion cholecystectomy for symptomatic complications from RBG is recommended if possible. However, our patient was deemed a poor surgical candidate. Transpapillary drainage of the RBG was also precluded by difficult anatomy with sharp angulation at the confluence of the common hepatic and cystic ducts. This case describes the novel application of EUS-guided drainage of an RBG as a safe and effective alternative to completion cholecystectomy for patients who are poor operative candidates.Figure 1.: EUS used to measure dimensions of remnant gallbladder after injecting 80mL of sterile saline (A). Cholecystogastrostomy was performed using a 10 mm X 15 mm LAMS with cautery tip over a wire and dilated using a controlled radial expansion balloon (B). A double pigtail stent was placed through the lumen of the LAMS (C).