Transhepatic Approach Research Articles

A pictorial essay on the potential use of the transhepatic subcostal ultrasound view for the evaluation of lower lung lobe pathology.

Lung ultrasound has become indispensable in managing critically ill patients, offering bedside evaluation capabilities for intensive care unit physicians without ionizing radiation. This noninvasive technique demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing various lung pathologies, including pleural effusion and consolidation syndrome. A novel trans-hepatic subcostal approach enhances visualization of the lower right lung lobe, revealing the diaphragm dome and inferior lobe through oblique coronal sections. Challenges include inadequate liver visibility hindering right lung views and difficulties in left lung assessment due to gastric interference. Despite limitations, this method proves invaluable when conventional imaging is impractical, showcasing its utility in critical care settings.

International Delphi consensus on the management of percutaneous choleystostomy in acute cholecystitis (E-AHPBA, ANS, WSES societies)

BackgroundThere has been a progressive increase in the use of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) in acute cholecystitis (AC) over the last decades due to population aging, and the support of guidelines (Tokyo Guidelines (TG), World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Guidelines) as a valid therapeutical option. However, there are many unanswered questions about the management of PCs. An international consensus on indications and PC management using Delphi methodology with contributions from experts from three surgical societies (EAHPBA, ANS, WSES) have been performed.MethodsA two-round Delphi consensus, which included 27 questions, was sent to key opinion leaders in AC. Participants were asked to indicate their ‘agreement/disagreement’ using a 5-point Likert scale. Survey items with less than 70% consensus were excluded from the second round. For inclusion in the final recommendations, each survey item had to have reached a group consensus (≥ 70% agreement) by the end of the two survey rounds.Results54 completed both rounds (82% of invitees). Six questions got > 70% and are included in consensus recommendations: In patients with acute cholecystitis, when there is a clear indication of PC, it is not necessary to wait 48 h to be carried out; Surgery is the first therapeutic option for the TG grade II acute cholecystitis in a patient suitable for surgery; Before PC removal a cholangiography should be done; There is no indication for PC in Tokyo Guidelines (TG) grade I patients; Transhepatic approach is the route of choice for PC; and after PC, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred approach (93.1%).ConclusionsOnly six statements about PC management after AC got an international consensus. An international guideline about the management of PCs are necessary.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) versus choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) in ERCP-failed malignant biliary obstruction: A systematic review and META-analysis.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the gold standard in managing malignant biliary obstruction. The success of ERCP has limitations, whereas surgical biliary bypass and percutaneous transhepatic approaches, as alternative modalities, come with significant costs, longer durations, and higher levels of mortality and morbidity. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided biliary drainage with two approaches, hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) and choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS), is a favored and evolving alternative modality. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of EUS-HGS and EUS-CDS. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Scholar databases up to August 2023, based on the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. We identified randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing the efficacy and safety of EUS-HGS and EUS-CDS. Outcome measures included technical and clinical success, side effects, and mean procedure time. Nine nonrandomized studies and two randomized controlled trials involving 537 patients (225 EUS-HGS, 312 EUS-CDS) were analyzed. No difference was found in technical success (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.41-1.68; I 2 = 0%) and clinical success between the two procedures (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.51-1.81; I 2 = 9.94%). Side effects were significantly higher in EUS-HGS (OR, 2.01, 95% CI, 1.14-3.59; I 2 = 0%). No significant difference in mean procedure time was observed between the two procedures (0.13; 95% CI, -0.15-0.41; I 2 = 34.89%). There are differences in efficacy and safety between EUS-HGS and EUS-CDS. EUS-CDS has a faster procedure time, lower risk of side effects, and ease of puncture during the procedure.

Tract embolization with gelatin sponge after percutaneous transhepatic portal vein intervention.

Bleeding from the puncture tract after percutaneous transhepatic portal vein intervention can become life-threatening. To date, studies about tract embolization with gelatin sponge after percutaneous transhepatic portal vein intervention are only with small numbers of patients, or non-consecutive or pediatric patients with a relatively small sheath in diameter. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tract embolization with gelatin sponge strips after percutaneous transhepatic poral vein access. Between September 2017 and February 2024, 100 consecutive patients (61 men, 39 women; mean age = 53 ± 15 years) underwent a total of 105 portal vein interventions using a percutaneous transhepatic approach. Tract embolization for the removal of 6-8 Fr sheath was performed using gelatin sponge strips in all procedures, including 71 portal vein embolization before major hepatectomy, 27 portal balloon venoplasty or stent placement after liver transplantation, and seven other interventions. No bleeding occurred after tract embolization with gelatin sponge strips. Minor portal vein thrombosis was detected in three procedures after liver transplantation and in one procedure for portal vein stenosis caused by essential thrombocytopenia. Thrombosis occurred in the punctured portal vein branch in all procedures. Thrombosis was not clinically relevant in any patient, and it was difficult to differentiate whether thrombosis was caused by sheath placement or the inserted gelatin sponge. Tract embolization with gelatin sponge strips after percutaneous transhepatic portal vein intervention is a safe and feasible method for preventing hemorrhage from the puncture tract.

Transhepatic approach for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with interrupted inferior vena cava

Transhepatic approach for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with interrupted inferior vena cava

Biliary strictures post pediatric liver transplantation-incidence and risk factors in a single tertiary referral transplant center.

Biliary strictures are a significant cause of morbidity and graft loss in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Risk factors for the development of biliary strictures are not fully established. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of biliary strictures and treatment modalities outcomes and to identify potential risk factors for occurrence. Pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation in the single tertiary pediatric liver transplant center in Israel were evaluated. We compared demographics, presentation, laboratory results, imaging, treatment, and outcomes between patients with and without biliary stricture. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for biliary strictures. Among 121 pediatric liver transplant patients, 65 (53.7%) were males; the median age at the time of liver transplantation was 43 (3-215) months. Fifteen patients (12.4%) had biliary strictures following transplantation. One (7%) patient with biliary stricture was treated via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and 12 patients (80%) underwent interventions via a percutaneous transhepatic approach. Nine of the 12 patients were treated successfully, requiring one or multiple procedures, while the remaining had surgery or laser therapy. Risk factors for the development of biliary strictures were biliary leak, acute cellular rejection, and the presence of two biliary anastomoses. In our cohort, the presence of two biliary anastomoses and post-transplant complications including acute cellular rejection and early biliary leaks were associated with biliary strictures in pediatric liver transplantation recipients. Percutaneous transhepatic interventions result in good outcomes in most patients.

Development of an atrial transseptal puncture procedure in horses to access the left heart: An ultrasound‐guided jugular vein and transhepatic approach

AbstractBackgroundRadiofrequency ablation has been successfully applied to treat right atrial arrhythmias in horses. Ablation of left‐sided arrhythmias requires a retrograde transarterial approach which is complicated. In human medicine, the left atrium is accessed through transseptal puncture (TSP) of the fossa ovalis (FO) using a caudal approach via the femoral vein.ObjectivesTo develop a zero fluoroscopy TSP technique for horses using a jugular vein (cranial) and transhepatic (caudal) approach.Study designIn vivo experimental study.MethodsTransseptal puncture was performed in 18 horses admitted for euthanasia and donated for scientific research under general anaesthesia: using a jugular vein approach (10 horses), a transhepatic approach (2 horses) or both (6 horses). Radiofrequency energy was applied on a guidewire to perforate the FO and allow sheath advancement under intracardiac and transthoracic echocardiographic guidance. Puncture lesions were inspected post‐mortem.ResultsTransseptal puncture was successful in 17/18 horses, of which 15/16 jugular vein approaches and 5/8 transhepatic approaches. Failure was due to technical malfunction, inability to advance the guidewire toward the heart and inability to advance the sheath through the FO. Intracardiac echocardiography was essential to safely guide the puncture process. Atrial arrhythmias caused by the TSP occurred in 13/18 horses. Puncture lesions were found in the right atrium in the FO region, and left atrium ventral to pulmonary vein ostium III.Main limitationsBecause in several horses two approaches were tested consecutively, it cannot be excluded that the second TSP was performed at the previous puncture site. Due to the developmental nature of the study the approaches were not randomised and did not allow comparison.ConclusionTransseptal puncture is feasible in horses using ultrasound guidance and allows for electrophysiological exploration of the left heart. Further studies are needed to evaluate post‐operative follow‐up.

Image-Guided Percutaneous Drainage of Abdominal Abscesses in Pediatric Patients.

Image-guided percutaneous abscess drainage (IPAD) is an effective, minimally invasive technique to manage infected abdominal fluid collections in children. It is the treatment of choice in cases where surgery is not immediately required due to another coexisting indication. The skills and equipment needed for this procedure are widely available. IPAD is typically guided by ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, or a combination thereof. Abscesses in hard-to-reach locations can be drained by intercostal, transhepatic, transgluteal, transrectal, or transvaginal approaches. Pediatric IPAD has a success rate of over 80% and a low complication rate.

Interventional Management of Portal Vein Stenosis after Liver Transplant: Single Center Experience.

Portal vein stenosis is a relatively rare complication after liver transplant but has severe consequences. We evaluated the efficacy and longterm results of the endovascular treatment methods for portal vein stenosis. From October 2011 to October 2022, we treated 22 patients (5 female, 17 male) with portal vein stenosis using endovascular methods. Doppler ultrasonography was used for initial diagnosis, with consideration of flow rate increase over stenosis, absence of flow, or reduced anastomotic segment size (>50%). Angiography served as the gold standard, with a pressure gradient above 5 mm Hg indicating the need for treatment. Technical success criteria were defined as <50% stenosis remaining and/or a pressure gradient <5mm Hg. The transhepatic approach was used for all patients. Balloon angioplasty was initially performed, and stents were reserved for patients in the early postoperative period or those unresponsive to balloon angioplasty. The technical success rate was 100%. Mean age was 27.1 years (SD 22.4; range, 4 months to 63 years). Mean time from transplant to intervention was 317 days (range, 0-3135 days). Angioplasty was successful for 7 patients (13.8%). Of 15 patients who underwent stent placement, 9 (40.9%) were in the early postoperative period; in the other 6 patients (27%), results of angioplasty were not satisfactory, and stents were placed. Within 3 months of transplant, 3 patients died because of other complications. Among patients with stents, 2 required reintervention, resulting in reestablishment of good portal venous flow. During the mean follow-up of 24 months (range, 15 days to 9 years), 19 patients (86%) had portal flows within reference limits. The endovascular approach is a safe and effective treatment option for management of portal vein stenosis in both adult and pediatric liver transplant recipients in the early or late period.

Bedside Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Cholecystostomy in Critically Ill Patients—Outcomes in 51 Patients

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to report technical and clinical success of bedside ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) tube placement in intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study of 51 patients (36 males:15 females, mean age: 67 years) who underwent ultrasound-guided PC from May 2015 to January 2020. The indication for cholecystostomy tube placement, comorbidities, imaging finding, technical success, clinical success, timing of surgery post-cholecystostomy tube placement, indwelling catheter time, complications, and follow-up were recorded. Results Indications for cholecystostomy tube placement were acute calculous cholecystitis (n = 43; 84.3%), perforated cholecystitis (n = 5; 9.8%), and emphysematous cholecystitis (n = 3; 5.9%). Most of the patients had multiple comorbidities; these were diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic renal disease, underlying malignancy, and multisystem disease with sepsis. All patients had undergone PC through transhepatic approach under ultrasound guidance in ICU. Technical success rate of the procedure was 100%. Clinical success rate was 92.1% (47/51) and among these 44/51 (86.2%) patients underwent definitive elective cholecystectomy, 3/51 (5.9%) patients had elective tube removal. Three of fifty-one (5.9%) patients did not improve; among these two underwent emergency surgery, while there was 1/51 (1.9%) mortality due to ongoing sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction. There were no procedure-related mortalities or procedure-related major complications. One patient had bile leak due to multiple attempts for cholecystostomy placement. Mean tube indwelling time was 13 days (range: 3–45 days). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided PC can be safely performed in ICU in critically ill patients unfit for surgery with high technical and clinical success rates. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be preferred after stabilization of clinical condition following cholecystostomy.

Percutaneous transhepatic approach for the management of benign anastomotic stricture after hepaticojejunostomy: Balloon is enough?

Percutaneous transhepatic approach for the management of benign anastomotic stricture after hepaticojejunostomy: Balloon is enough?

Abstract 18056: Transhepatic and Trans-Patent Foramen Ovale Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in the Setting of Chronic Inferior Vena Cava Occlusion: Addressing Complex Anatomic Hurdles and Achieving Therapeutic Success

Background: Rhythm control for atrial fibrillation (AF) is the preferred approach for symptomatic patients, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction. Catheter ablation primarily consists of pulmonary vein isolation via a transseptal approach. In patients with chronic occlusion of inferior vena cava (IVC), surgical ligation of IVC, or congenital venous system abnormalities, conventional femoral venous access may not feasible. Case Report: A 78-year-old male with history of Hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, bilateral DVTs s/p thrombectomy, prior IVC stenting, presented with persistent, symptomatic AF on apixaban. Given a moderately reduced EF of 40-45%, amiodarone intolerance, and contraindication to other AADs, he was referred for catheter ablation. CT venogram showed chronically occluded IVC with patent hepatic veins, therefore transhepatic access to the right atrium was obtained. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was planned for transseptal puncture; however, this showed an incidental PFO. This PFO was easily engaged using a manual modification of a VersaCross transseptal sheath and after entering the left atrium, the sheath was exchanged with a bi-directional sheath (Vizigo). Using this single left atrial access, pulmonary vein isolation and posterior wall isolation were performed. The transhepatic access site was closed with coil embolization to prevent track bleeding (figure 1). Conclusion: We present a case where successful AF ablation was achieved via percutaneous transhepatic approach, with improvised utilization of a conveniently located PFO. This was guided by pre-operative CT, and intra-operative TEE which allowed us to minimize any transseptal puncture related complications. The utilization of a multidisciplinary team comprising electrophysiologists, advanced imaging cardiologists and interventional radiologists is invaluable in executing complex procedures of this nature.

Single-Center Retrospective Study Comparing Double Vein Embolization via a Trans-Jugular Approach with Liver Venous Deprivation via a Trans-Hepatic Approach.

To compare safety, technical and clinical outcomes of double vein embolization (DVE) via a trans-jugular approach with liver venous deprivation (LVD) via a trans-hepatic approach. A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing simultaneous portal and hepatic veins embolization in view of a major hepatectomy (June 2019-November 2022). Hepatic vein embolization was performed either by transjugular plug (DVE) or by transhepatic plug followed by glue injection (LVD). Inclusion criteria were availability of pre-procedural CT scan, and availability of CT scans acquired 10days and 25days post-procedure. Comparative data included complication rate, fluoroscopy time, dose area product (DAP), Future Liver Remnant volume and function increase (FLR-V and FLR-F increase, respectively) and clinical outcomes. Thirty-six patients (n = 14 DVE; n = 22 LVD) were included. No baseline significant differences were observed among the two groups. One grade-3 complication (2.8%) was observed in the LVD group; one case of technical failure (2.8%) was observed in the DVE group. Fluoroscopy time and DAP were similar between DVE and LVD (29 ± 17.7 vs. 25 ± 8.2min, p = 0.97; 105.1 ± 63.5 vs. 143.4 ± 79.5Gy·cm2, p = 0.15). No differences arose at either time-point in FLR-V increase (46.7 ± 23.1% vs. 48.2 ± 28.2%, 52.9 ± 30.9% vs. 53.2 ± 29%, respectively, p = 0.9). FLR-F increase also did not differ significantly (62.8 ± 55.2 vs. 67.4 ± 57.5, p = 0.9). No differences in drop-out rate from surgery were observed. (28.6% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.93). One case of grade-B post-hepatectomy liver failure (2.8%) was observed in the LVD group. LVD via transhepatic approach and DVE via transjugular approach seem equally safe and effective. Level of Evidence Level 3, Retrospective Cohort Study.

THE ACCURACY OF INFERIOR VENA CAVA DISTENSIBILITY THROUGH THE TRANSHEPATIC APPROACH TO PREDICT FLUID RESPONSIVENESS IN PATIENTS WITH SEPTIC SHOCK AFTER EMERGENCY LAPAROTOMY.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the ability of inferior vena cava (IVC) distensibility using the transhepatic approach to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients with septic shock after emergency laparotomy. Methods: This prospective observational study included mechanically ventilated paralyzed adult who had septic shock after emergency laparotomy. The IVC dimensions were measured through the transhepatic and subxiphoid approaches. The fluid responsiveness was confirmed with >15% increase in cardiac output after 500 mL of fluid bolus. The outcomes were the ability of transhepatic (primary outcome) and subxiphoid approach to predict fluid responders using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. The gray zone for the two approaches was calculated. Results: Data from 51 patients were analyzed, and the number of fluid responders was 30 of 52 (58%). The transhepatic approach was feasible in all patients, whereas the subxiphoid approach was only feasible in 42 patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (95% confidence interval) for the transhepatic IVC distensibility was 0.88 (0.76-0.95), and it was comparable with that of the subxiphoid approach (0.81 [0.66-0.92], P = 0.417). The gray zone for the transhepatic IVC distensibility was 17% to 35% including 24 of 51 patients (47%), whereas the gray zone for the subxiphoid IVC distensibility was 13% to 34% including 18 of 42 patients (43%). Conclusion: In conclusion, the transhepatic approach for evaluation of IVC distensibility showed good accuracy in predicting fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock after emergency laparotomy. The transhepatic approach showed the same accuracy as the subxiphoid approach with the advantage of being feasible in larger number of patients.

Case report of trans-renal ablation procedures for a recurrent pheochromocytoma in von Hippel-Lindau disease

Pheochromocytoma is one of recurrent tumors in patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. For patients with bilateral adrenal glands, unilateral adrenalectomy is the treatment of choice; however, for patients with a single adrenal gland, hemiadrenalectomy or tumorectomy can be performed instead of adrenalectomy to preserve adrenal function. Currently, adrenalectomy is recommended even if recurrent pheochromocytomas occur in the residual adrenal tissue. Consequently, adrenal insufficiency cannot be avoided in these patients. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used as an alternative treatment for preserving adrenal function; however, RFA is difficult to perform when major organs are present in the approaching pathway. The trans-hepatic approach is the only reported safe route to approach a right adrenal tumor to avoid pneumothorax. In this case report, we performed percutaneous RFA and hydrodissection through the left renal parenchyma to treat a recurrent pheochromocytoma in the small residual left adrenal tissue, which is surrounded by several critical organs. Our goal was to show our experience of image-guided trans-renal RFA and hydrodissection in a patient with VHL disease.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous electrocoagulation haemostasis in the treatment of grade IV haemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundTo investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic electrocoagulation haemostasis via a percutaneous transhepatic approach for the treatment of grade IV haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in children.MethodsThe clinical data of 14 children with severe HC, who were admitted to Hebei Yanda Hospital between July 2017 and January 2020, were analysed retrospectively. There were nine males and five females, with an average age of 8.6 years (range: 3 to 13 years). After an average of 39.6 (7 to 96) days of conservative treatment in the hospital’s haematology department, the bladders of all patients were filled with blood clots. A small 2-cm incision was made in the suprapubic area to enter the bladder and quickly clear the blood clots, and a percutaneous transhepatic approach to electrocoagulation and haemostasis was performed.ResultsIn the 14 children, a total of 16 operations were performed, with an average operation time of 97.1 (31 to 150) min, an average blood clot of 128.1 (80 to 460) mL and an average intraoperative blood loss of 31.9 (20 to 50) mL. There were three cases of postoperative bladder spasm remission after conservative treatment. During the follow-up period of 1 to 31 months, one patient improved after one operation, 11 patients were cured after one operation, and two patients were cured after recurrent haemostasis by secondary electrocoagulation, four of whom died of postoperative non-surgical blood-related diseases and severe lung infections.ConclusionPercutaneous electrocoagulation haemostasis can quickly remove blood clots in the bladders of children after allo-HSCT with grade IV HC. It is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment.

Ultrasound-Guided Human Islet Transplantation: Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy Analysis

We aimed to analyze the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of human islet transplantation (IT) using ultrasound (US) throughout the entire procedure. A total of 22 recipients (18 males; mean age 42.6±17.5years) with 35 procedures were retrospective included. Under US guidance, percutaneous transhepatic portal catheterization was successfully performed through a right-sided transhepatic approach, and islets were infused into the main portal vein. Color Doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were used to guide the procedure and monitor the complications. After infusion of the islet mass, the access track wasembolized by embolic material. If hemorrhage persisted, US-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was performed to stop bleeding. Factors that could affect the complication were analyzed. After transplantation, primary graft function was evaluated with a β-score 1month after the last islet infusion. The technical success rates were 100% with a single puncture attempt. Six (17.1%) abdominal bleeding episodes were immediately stopped by US-guided RFA. No portal vein thrombosis were encountered. Dialysis (OR (Odd Ratio): 32.0; 95% CI: 1.561-656.054; and P=.025) was identified as a significant factor associated with bleeding. Primary graft function was optimal in eight patients (36.4%), suboptimal in 13 patients (59.1%), and poor in one patient (4.5%). In conclusion, whole-procedure US-guided IT is a safe, feasible, and effective method for diabetes. Complications are either self-limiting or manageable with noninvasive treatment.

A novel Laennec's capsule tunnel approach for pure laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy: a propensity score matching study.

With the development of laparoscopic hepatectomy, there are different surgical approaches and pedicle anatomical methods for laparoscopic left hepatectomy. Combined with our practical experience, we proposed a method of transhepatic Laennec membrane tunnel for laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy (LT-LLH) and investigated the feasibility by comparison with the extrahepatic Glissonian approach for laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy (GA-LLH). The data of patients who underwent laparoscopic left hepatectomy in the Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic surgery of Fujian Provincial Hospital from December 2019 to March 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 45 cases underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy with an extrahepatic Glissonian approach, and 38 cases underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy via transhepatic Laennec membrane tunnel approach. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was performed to compare the perioperative indexes and long-term tumor prognosis between the two groups. After 1:1 PSM, 33 patients in each group were selected for further analysis. Compared with the GA-LLH group, the operation time of the LT-LLH group was shorter. There was no significant difference in the incidence of total complications between the two groups. Moreover, no statistical differences were found in disease-free survival and overall survival between the two groups. It is safe, faster, and convenient for selective appropriate cases to carry out laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy through the hepatic Laennec membrane tunnel, which is suitable for clinical promotion.

Averting an Unnecessary Revision of a Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy by Surgically Creating an Access Point for the Endoscopic Assessment of the Anastomosis: A Report of a Case

Introduction: Primary sclerosing cholangitis sets the scene for several pathologies of both the intrahepatic and the extrahepatic biliary tree. Surgical treatment, when needed, is almost unanimously summarized in the creation of a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, a procedure with a relatively high associated failure rate. Presentation of case: A 70-year-old male, diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, was submitted to a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy due to a dominant stricture of the extrahepatic biliary tree. Recurrent episodes of acute cholangitis dictated a workup in the direction of a possible stenosis at the level of the anastomosis. The imaging studies were inconclusive while both the endoscopic and the transhepatic approach failed to assess the status of the anastomosis. A laparotomy, with the intent to revise a high suspicion for stenosis hepaticojejunostomy, was decided. Intraoperatively, a decision to assess the hepaticojejunostomy prior to the scheduled surgical revision, via endoscopy, was made. In this direction, an enterotomy was made on the short jejunal blind loop in order to gain luminal access and an endoscope was propelled through the enterotomy towards the biliary enteric anastomosis. Results: The inspection of the anastomosis under direct endoscopic vision showed no evidences of stenosis and averted an unnecessary, under these circumstances, revision of the anastomosis. Conclusions: The surgical revision of a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is a highly demanding operation with an increased associated morbidity, and it should be reserved as the final resort in the treatment algorithm. An approach of utilizing surgery to facilitate the endoscopic assessment prior to proceeding to the surgical revision of the anastomosis appears justified.

Predictors of technical success of percutaneous transhepatic common bile duct stone removal: is it only a matter of stone size?

The common practice is to remove symptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the percutaneous transhepatic removal of CBD stones. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 100 patients (66 men and 34 women; age: 25-105years, mean 79.1years) with symptomatic CBD stones who underwent percutaneous transhepatic stone removal (PTSR) from January 2010 through October 2019. After balloon dilation of the ampulla of Vater or bilioenteric anastomosis, the stones were pushed out of the CBD into the small bowel with a balloon catheter. If failed, basket lithotripsy was performed. Technical success was defined as complete clearance of the bile ducts on a cholangiogram. The technical success rate was 83%, and achieved 90.2% in patients with altered gastroduodenal/pancreatobiliary anatomy. Multivariable analysis revealed that CBD diameter (odds ratio [OR]: 506.460, p = 0.015), failed ERCP (OR: 16.509, p = 0.004), Tokyo guidelines TG18/TG13 severity (grade III; OR: 60.467, p = 0.006), and left-sided transhepatic approach (OR: 21.621, p = 0.012) were risk factors for technical failure. The appropriate cutoff CBD size was 15.5mm (area under the curve: 0.91). CBD stone size, radiopacity of stones, and CBD angle between retroduodenal and pancreatic portion did not influence technical success. PTSR is effective for CBD stone removal in older adults and individuals with altered gastrointestinal tract anatomy. The aforementioned risk factors for technical failure should be considered in preoperative evaluation before PTSR to improve the success rate. • PTSR is effective in symptomatic CBD stone management among older adults and individuals with altered anatomy. Investigating clinical /anatomic factors can guide radiologists toward a more comprehensive preoperative evaluation to maximize the success rate. • Our data indicate that dilated CBD (diameter ≥ 15.5mm) and left-sided PTBDs reduce the technical success rate by 506-fold and 22-fold, respectively. • Clinical factors such as previous failed ERCP for stone removal and higher severity of acute cholangitis lessen the technical success rate.