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Background: The study aimed to construct an intelligent difficulty scoring and assistance system (DSAS) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones.Methods: 1954 cholangiograms were collected from three hospitals for training and testing the DSAS. The D-LinkNet34 and U-Net were adopted to segment the CBD, stones, and duodenoscope. Based on the segmentation results, the stone size, distal CBD diameter, distal CBD arm, and distal CBD angulation were estimated. The performance of segmentation and estimation was assessed by mean intersection over union (mIoU) and average relative error. A technical difficulty scoring scale, which was used for assessing the technical difficulty of CBD stone removal, was developed and validated. We also analyzed the relationship between scores evaluated by the DSAS and clinical indicators including stone clearance rate and need for endoscopic papillary large-balloon dilation (EPLBD) and lithotripsy.Results: The mIoU values of the stone, CBD, and duodenoscope segmentation were 68.35 %, 86.42 %, and 95.85 %, respectively. The estimation performance of the DSAS was superior to nonexpert endoscopists. In addition, the technical difficulty scoring performance of the DSAS was more consistent with expert endoscopists than two nonexpert endoscopists. A DSAS assessment score ≥ 2 was correlated with lower stone clearance rates and more frequent EPLBD.Conclusions: An intelligent DSAS based on deep learning was developed. The DSAS could assist endoscopists by automatically scoring the technical difficulty of CBD stone extraction, and guiding the choice of therapeutic approach and appropriate accessories during ERCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The necessity of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still controversial. However, in some settings, PBD with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure is recommended as a preferred management. Meanwhile, pancreatic duct stenting in the drainage procedure is rarely performed for selected indications, and its associated complications after PD remain quite unknown. Methods. A retrospective observational longitudinal cohort study was performed on patients who underwent PBD and PD from a prospectively maintained database at the National Cancer Center from March of 2015 to July of 2019. Patients who underwent biliary stenting alone, biliary and pancreatic stenting, were distributed into two study cohort groups, and their records were scrutinized for the incidence of postoperative complications. Results. A total of 83 patients who underwent successful PD after biliary drainage were identified. 29 patients underwent nasobiliary drainage (ENBD)/plastic or metal bile duct stenting (BS) and pancreatic duct stenting (PS group), and 54 patients underwent only ENBD/BS, without pancreatic duct stenting (NPS group). No differences were found between the two groups with respect to in-hospital time, overall complication rate, respective rate of serious (grade 3 or higher) complication rate, bile anastomotic leakage, bleeding, abdominal infection, surgical wound infection, organ dysfunction, and pancreatic anastomotic leakage. Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction rates differed significantly, which occurred in 3 (5.56%) cases in the NPS group, compared with 6 (20.7%) cases in the PS group (P = 0.06). In the univariate and multivariate regression model analysis, pancreatic duct stenting was correlated with higher rates of gastrointestinal dysfunction [ odds ratio OR = 4.25 , P = 0.0472 ]. Conclusion. Our data suggested that PBD and pancreatic duct stenting prior to pancreatoduodenectomy would increase the risk of postoperative delayed gastric emptying, while the overall incidence of postoperative complications and other complications, such as pancreatic leakage and bile duct leakage, showed no statistical difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bile duct injuries (BDIs) are fearsome complication following open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Significant morbidity can accompany such injuries. Late complications such as anastomotic bile duct strictures or secondary biliary cirrhosis may result in lifelong disability. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of early (up to 7 days) and delayed (after 6 weeks) definitive repair of BDIs. It was a prospective study from June 2015 to May 2017 done at a tertiary care centre. The patients who underwent surgical management of bile duct injuries were part of the study and were followed up until end of the study period and assessed for stricture as primary objective and other secondary objectives, e.g. post-op complications and grade of repair of bile duct injury. Stricture was defined as stricture causing sign and symptoms requiring surgical, percutaneous or endoscopic intervention. A total of 50 patients were part of the study, out of which 15 underwent early and 35 underwent delayed repair. Mean follow-up of patients was 10.8 months (1–24 months). Bile duct injuries were classified as per Strasberg classification. It included 7 patients with E1, 15 patients of E2, 20 patients of E3, 5 E4 and 3 patients with type D injuries. The surgical reconstruction done was hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) in 48 and primary repair in 2 patients. The post-op complication observed were post-op bile leak in 4 patients (3 in early and 1 in delayed group, p = 0.041) and cholangitis in 3 patients (1 in early group and 2 in delayed group, p = 0.897). On comparison of stricture rate with post-op bile leak and cholangitis, both variables had significantly high stricture rate (p = 0.014 and p = 0.002, respectively). The grades of repair as per Mc Donald's grading was grade A in 30, B in 16, C in 1 and D in 3 patients. The stricture was seen in 2 patients of early group and 1 patient in delayed group (p = 0.153). Our result suggests that early repair has more post-op complication with comparable stricture rates in patients with no evidence of systemic sepsis and intra-abdominal collection. Such repairs should be done at specialized centres with surgeons having experience in managing these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) can be an alternative approach of difficult biliary access in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TPS compared to needle-knife precut (NKP), considering the early and late outcomes of both techniques. The prospectively collected clinical data, ERCP procedure findings, and outcomes of patients who underwent ERCP with difficult biliary access in our hospital from July 2016 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the applied secondary cannulation techniques. The propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to reduce the potential selection bias and unify the preventive measures of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) in both groups. A total of 125 patients were enrolled in this study, with 54.4% male and a mean age of 63.29 ± 16.33 years. NKP group included 82 patients, and 43 patients received TPS. Prophylactic pancreatic stents were placed in all patients with TPS and 58.5% of patients with NKP. After applying PSM, the cohort was comprised to 86 patients with 43 patients in each TPS and NKP groups. Successful selective cannulation was achieved by 95.3% using TPS and by 93% using NKP. The mean procedure time was shorter in the TPS group without significant difference. Compared to NKP, using TPS did not affect the rate of PEP. Moreover, TPS was associated with less frequent post-ERCP bleeding and perforation, but without significant differences (all p > 0.05). Patients who received TPS or NKP had no symptoms related to papillary stenosis or chronic pancreatitis during the follow-up period. In conclusion, using TPS in difficult cannulation cases was useful to achieve success cannulation with an acceptable PEP rate and less frequent post-ERCP bleeding and perforation compared to NKP. There were no symptoms related to papillary stenosis or chronic pancreatitis during the follow-up period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic and open surgical interventions are widely implemented as the standard practice in common bile duct exploration. However, the laparoscopic approach has been also reported to have comparative/superior outcomes in this concept. This has created an ongoing debate about the ideal approach to adopt in practice.Methods: A systematic review of the published evidence over the last decade that has looked into the outcomes of laparoscopic exploration of the common bile duct through transductal and transcystic approaches.Results: Our systematic review included 36 relevant papers. The majority were based on nonrandomized protocols conducted in single centers with high expertise. The data analysis showed that laparoscopic common bile duct exploration through both approaches was successful in more than 84% of the patients, with an average length of hospital stay of 5.6 days. Conversion to open surgery was reported in 5%-8% of the patients, and the bile leak rates from the more recent studies was 0%-12%, with mortality figures of 0%-1.3%. The outcomes were statistically in favor of the transcystic route when compared to the transductal route from the viewpoints of bile leak rates, mean operative time, duration of hospital stay and morbidity.Conclusion: In experienced hands, both laparoscopic approaches in common bile duct exploration are safe in patients who are clinically fit to have this intervention. It is associated with a statistically significant lower overall morbidity and shorter duration of hospital stay when compared to open surgery. Relevant up-to-date high-quality randomized trials are unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Portal vein arterialization (PVA) is a possible option when hepatic artery reconstruction is impossible during liver resection. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the clinical application of PVA in hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery.Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases until December 2019. Experimental (animal) studies, review articles and letters were excluded.Results: Twenty studies involving 57 patients were included. Cholangiocarcinoma was the most common indication for surgery (40 patients [74%]). An end-to-side anastomosis between a celiac trunk branch and the portal vein was the main PVA technique (35 patients [59%]). Portal hypertension was the most common longterm complication (12 patients [21%] after a mean of 4.1 mo). The median followup period was 12 (range 1-87) months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 64%, 27% and 20%, respectively.Conclusion: Portal vein arterialization can be considered as a rescue option to improve the outcome in patients with acute liver de-arterialization when arterial reconstruction is not possible. To prevent portal hypertension and liver injuries due to thrombosis or overarterialization, vessel calibre adjustment and timely closure of the anastomosis should be considered. Further prospective experimental and clinical studies are needed to investigate the potential of this procedure in patients whose liver is suddenly de-arterialized during HPB procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Balloon-assisted stone extraction (BASE) can be applied to remove the common bile duct (CBD) stones during laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE). This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of BASE. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with CBD stone who underwent LCBDE using BASE from 2001 to 2017 was conducted. The outcomes of BASE and potential factor for failure of technique were also evaluated. Results: A total of 163 patients underwent LCBDE using BASE were enrolled. Success rate of BASE was 88.3% (144/163) and 19 (11.7%) patients with failed BASE underwent basket for lithotripsy additionally. The reason for aborting BASE were stone impaction (n = 6), small stone (n = 4), migration into intrahepatic duct (IHD) (n = 3), and others (n = 6). The overall success rate of stone clearance was 98.2% (160/163). The mean CBD diameter was 15.8 mm (range 7-34 mm), and the largest stone size was 13.8 mm (range 3-36 mm). The overall rate of complication related with procedure was 4.9% (8/163), including bile leakage in 2 patients (1.2%), bleeding in 2 patients (1.2%), and pancreatitis in 4 patients (2.4%). There was no procedure-related mortality. Conclusions: BASE for CBD stone is safe and effective technique for the treatment of CBD stones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies suggest red blood cell distribution width (RDW) was a prognostic factor in various types of cancer patients, although the results are controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of RDW in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) after radical resection.Method: The relationship between the preoperative serum RDW value and clinic pathological characteristics was analyzed in 157 ICC patients between January 2012 and June 2018 who underwent curative resection. X-tile software was used to determine 40.2 fl, 12.6% as the optimal cut-off value for RDW-SD and RDW-CV respectively. 153 patients were classified into the low RDW-SD (≤ 40.2, n = 53) group and the high RDW-SD (> 40.2, n = 104) group, low RDW-CV (≤ 12.6, n = 94) group and the high RDW-CV (> 12.6, n = 63). Based on the RDW-SD combined with RDW-CV (SCC), classified into SCC = 0, 1 and 2 group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the effect of RDW on survival.Results: Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that Patients with RDW-SD > 40.2 were significantly associated with better OS (P = 0.004, median OS: 68.0 months versus 17.0 months). Patients with RDW-CV > 12.6 were significantly associated with better OS (p = 0.030, median OS: not reach versus 22.0 months). Compared with a SCC = 0 or SCC = 1, SCC = 2 was significantly associated with better OS (p < 0.001, median OS: not reach versus 33.0 months versus 16, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, RDW-SD > 40.2 fl (HR = 0.446, 95% CI: 0.262-0.760, p = 0.003), RDW-CV > 12.6% (HR = 0.425, 95%CI: 0.230-0.783, p = 0.006), SCC = 2 (HR = 0.270, 95%CI: 0.133-0.549, p < 0.001) were associated with favorable OS. The multivariate analysis showed RDW-SD, RDW-CV and SCC level were not independent prognostic factors for DFS.Conclusions: Preoperative low levels of RDW are associated with poor survival in ICC after curative resection. This provides a new way for predicting the prognosis of ICC patients and more targeted intervention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organoid technology holds great promise for regenerative medicine but has not yet been applied to humans. We address this challenge using cholangiocyte organoids in the context of cholangiopathies, which represent a key reason for liver transplantation. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we show that primary human cholangiocytes display transcriptional diversity that is lost in organoid culture. However, cholangiocyte organoids remain plastic and resume their in vivo signatures when transplanted back in the biliary tree. We then utilize a model of cell engraftment in human livers undergoing ex vivo normothermic perfusion to demonstrate that this property allows extrahepatic organoids to repair human intrahepatic ducts after transplantation. Our results provide proof of principle that cholangiocyte organoids can be used to repair human biliary epithelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between obesity with common bile duct stone (CBDS) is close and increases after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Due to the anatomical modification, direct endoscopic access is not always possible. For this reason, image-guided surgery (IGS) by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) of the common bile duct (CBD) could be a first-line approach for the treatment of post-RYGB choledocholithiasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility and safety of CBDS treatment after RYGB with IGS. Materials and Methods: We present a descriptive retrospective observational multicentric study on the treatment of choledocholithiasis in patients operated on for RYGB using IGS through a minimally invasive approach by PTBD. The diagnosis of CBDS was made according to the symptoms of the patients, supported by blood tests, and medical images. Treatment was planned in two stages: in the first step, a PTBD was performed, and in the second step the choledocholithiasis was removed. Results: Of a total of 1403 post-RYGB patients, 21 presented choledocholithiasis. Of these, n = 18 were included. Symptoms were reported in n = 15 (8 cholestatic jaundice, 7 cholangitis), whereas n = 3 were asymptomatic. Percutaneous treatment was performed in all these patients, treated with a balloon and stone basket. A hyperamylasemia without pancreatitis was observed in 3 patients. No complications or deaths associated with the procedure were reported. The average hospital stay was 8.6 days. Conclusion: IGS is an interesting option for the treatment CBDS after RYGB. For these patients, PTBD is feasible and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has been recently introduced for management of CBD stone in patients with previous biliary surgery history. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of primary closure in patients with previous biliary surgery history compared to T-tube drainage. Eighty patients with previous biliary surgery history including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, or open common bile duct exploration were enrolled in the retrospective study. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the methods of choledochotomy closure. Group A: patients with primary closure after LCBDE (n = 51); group B: patients with T-tube drainage after LCBDE (n = 29). Group A exhibited a shorter postoperative hospital stay and lower hospitalization expenses compared to group B. There was no significant difference in conversion rate to open surgery, operating time, intraoperative blood loss, bile leakage rate, overall complication rate, and stone recurrence rate between the 2 groups. Biliary stricture was not observed in the 2 groups during the follow-up period. Primary closure following LCBDE is safe and effective for the management of CBD stones in patients with previous biliary surgery history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection is associated with a high risk of posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). However, the utility of the remnant liver volume (RLV) in cholangiocarcinoma has not been studied intensively. Methods: Patients who underwent major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection between 2002 and 2018 were reviewed. The RLV was divided by body surface area (BSA) to normalize individual physical differences. Risk factors for clinically relevant PHLF were evaluated with special reference to the RLV/BSA. Results: A total of 289 patients were included. The optimal cut-off value for RLV/BSA was determined to be 300 ml/m². Thirty-two patients (11.1 per cent) developed PHLF. PHLF was more frequent in patients with an RLV/BSA below 300 ml/m² than in those with a value of 300 ml/m² or greater: 19 of 87 (22 per cent) versus 13 of 202 (6.4 per cent) (P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, RLV/BSA below 300 ml/m² (P = 0.013), future liver remnant plasma clearance rate of indocyanine green less than 0.075 (P = 0.031), and serum albumin level below 3.5 g/dl (P = 0.015) were identified as independent risk factors for PHLF. Based on these risk factors, patients were classified into three subgroups with low (no factors), moderate (1-2 factors), and high (3 factors) risk of PHLF, with PHLF rates of 1. 8,14.8 and 63 per cent respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: An RLV/BSA of 300 ml/m² is a simple predictor of PHLF in patients undergoing hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: A sufficiently open papilla is needed to remove common bile duct stones (CBDS) but endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) requires a high level of skill and is difficult with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD). The main adverse event of EST is bleeding and perforation and that of EPBD is post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. To reduce these adverse events we employed minimal EST followed by papillary dilation (ESBD), and retrospectively evaluated its efficacy and safety compared with EST. Patients and Methods: CBDS patients who underwent EST (n = 114) or ESBD (n = 321) at Juntendo University Hospital from January 2009 to December 2018 were consecutively enrolled, retrospectively. The exclusion criteria were large-balloon dilation (≥ 12 mm), large CBDS (>12 mm), and previous EST/EPBD. We compared the overall stone removal rate, incidence of adverse event, procedure time, number of ERCP procedures, and rate of mechanical lithotripsy (ML) between the two groups. Results: Complete stone removal was successful in both ESBD and EST group. However, the rate of multiple ERCP sessions was significantly lower (35.1% vs. 12.8%, P < 0.001), procedure time was shorter (31.6 vs. 25.8 min, P = 0.01), and rate of ML was lower (16.7% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.01) in ESBD group. Bleeding was significantly more frequent in the EST group (9.6% vs. 1.2%, P < 0.001), particularly acute bleeding (7.9% vs. 0.9%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: ESBD is more efficient and safer in the management of CBD stones than EST. A prospective randomized study comparing ESBD with EST is needed to establish this combination technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: complications after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) regarding choledochotomy techniques have not been adequately studied in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to retrospectively analyze and compare the impact of choledochotomy techniques during LCBDE among patients with choledocholithiasis during the early and late postoperative periods.Methods: From March 2014 to February 2018, 85 patients with choledocholithiasis (52 females and 33 males) were enrolled in this study. These patients were treated by LCBDE using various choledochotomy techniques, including scalpel or scissor (28 patients, 33%) in group I, diathermy hook (35 patients, 41%) in group II, or an ultrasonic device (22 patients, 26%) in group III. Postoperative follow-up was done for assessment of all possible complications, either early (within the first six months postoperatively) or late (2-6 years postoperatively), with meticulous observation and study of any relevant postoperative events.Results: No statistical difference was detected among the three groups regarding the short- and long-term clinical outcomes, including biliary fistula, biliary stricture, cholangitis, recurrent stones, peritoneal sepsis, wound sepsis, or wound dehiscence.Conclusion: The long-lasting concepts of avoidance of using energy machines such as diathermy and ultrasonic devices with biliary structures should be changed. However, a statistical type I error cannot be excluded because of the small sample size. Therefore, further analysis of prospective randomized studies with a larger number of participants is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the multi-factorial etiology of hepatic fibrosis, multi-target therapeutics based on combinatory drugs is known to be a promising strategy for the disease.Aims: The present study attempted to test the hypothesis that astragaloside IV combined with ferulic acid synergistically inhibits activation of hepatic stellate cells in vivo.Methods: Bile duct-ligated rats were treated with astragaloside IV or/and ferulic acid for 28 days. Liver fibrosis was measured by histological examination. The oxidative stress-related biomarkers were measured with spectrophotometry. Expressions of mRNA and protein were measured by real-time PCR and Western blotting.Results: Bile duct-ligated rat treatment with astragaloside IV and ferulic acid in combination resulted in synergistic alleviation of hepatic fibrosis. Simultaneously, activation of hepatic stellate cells was significantly inhibited by the combination therapy when compared with astragaloside IV or ferulic acid alone. Interestingly, astragaloside IV, but not ferulic acid, induced accumulation of Nrf2 in the nucleus, synthesized antioxidant enzymes through negative regulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, scavenged reactive oxygen species, and, in turn, suppressed hepatic stellate cells activation in bile duct-ligated rats. Conversely, ferulic acid, but not astragaloside IV, suppressed TGF-β1 and its receptors expression, which resulted in downregulation of Smad3 and Smad4.Conclusions: These findings suggest that the combination of astragaloside IV and ferulic acid synergistically induces deactivation of hepatic stellate cells through inhibition of the TGF-β pathway and activation of the Nrf2 pathway, and suggest that combination of astragaloside IV and ferulic acid is a promising candidate for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the criterion standard for treating patients with symptomatic gallstone disease; however, the optimal technique for extracting common bile duct stones remains unclear. Recent studies have noted improved outcomes with single-stage techniques, such as intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (iERCP) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE); however only few studies have directly compared those two single-stage techniques.Objectives: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database, we retrospectively analyzed the postoperative outcomes of all patients who underwent single-stage LC for choledocholithiasis from 2005 to 2017. Using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, as well as International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes, we stratified patients into two cohorts: those who underwent iERCP and LCBDE. Applying univariate techniques, we evaluated baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes for both cohorts. Our primary outcomes of interest were 30-day morbidity and 30-day mortality; our secondary outcomes included rates of reoperation, readmission, operative time, and hospital length of stay.Results: Of the 1814 single-stage LC patients during our 13-year study period, 1185 (65.3%) underwent LCBDE; 629 (34.6%) underwent iERCP. Our univariate analysis showed that the two cohorts were homogeneous in terms of baseline characteristics, including demographics, preoperative comorbidities, laboratory values, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores. 30-day postoperative morbidity (including infectious and noninfectious complications) and overall mortality between groups were low and comparable. The mean operative time was slightly longer with LCBDE (125.1 ± 62.0 min) than iERCP (113.5 ± 65.2 min; P < 0.001), however the mean hospital length of stay, readmission rate, and reoperation rate were similar.Conclusion: We found that both iERCP and LCBDE resulted in low, comparable rates of morbidity and mortality. Centers with readily available endoscopic expertise might favor iERCP for its ease of access and shorter operative time. However, LCBDE remains an appropriate technique for patients with choledocholithiasis, especially when immediate endoscopic intervention is unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A recent meta-analysis showed that the primary closure (PC) of the biliary duct in the absence of T-tube (TT) drainage is a safe alternative for cholelithiasis after laparoscopic biliary exploration. However, its feasibility, benefits, and indications in hepatolithiasis remain undefined. Patients and Methods: From October 2008 to October 2012, we enrolled 84 patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones who underwent laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) and/or hepatectomy with TT-drainage or PC. The operative outcomes, intraoperative performance, and feasibility of the procedures were compared. Results: Forty-one patients who underwent TT insertion were compared with 43 patients who underwent PC. No mortalities were observed following either procedure. The median postoperative hospital stay was shorter in PC (5.4 ± 3.5 days) versus TT (8.9 ± 3.2 days; P = .006). The median recovery time (full activity and return to work) was similarly shorter in the PC group (11.6 ± 5.1 days) compared with the TT group (22.4 ± 13.2 days; P = .005). The incidence of postoperative and biliary complications was lower in the PC versus the TT group. Conclusions: PC is beneficial in patients requiring LBDE and/or hepatectomy, and shows a similar safety profile to TT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the efficiency of acupuncture combined with early enteral nutrition (EEN) in patients with postoperative laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Methods: A total of 200 patients with postoperative laparoscopic bile duct exploration was randomized using sealed envelopes and assigned to the convenitional, EEN, acupuncture plus convenitional and acupuncture plus EEN groups, 50 cases in each group. Twelve hours after operation, the patients in EEN groups began to receive oral enteral nutrition, and the acupuncture approach was performed by acupuncturist in acupuncture plus conventional and acupuncture plus EEN groups. Acupuncture was given at Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Xiajuxu (ST 39) with a depth of 15–20 mm, using the lifting-thrusting and twisting method to obtain Deqi sensation. The needles were maintained for 30 min. Treatment was given once daily, 3 times per section. After the intervention, the patients' characteristics, operation time, bleeding volume, postoperative time to first anal exhaust, postoperative complications including abdominal distension, diarrhea, gastric dilatation, intestinal obstruction, pharyngodynia, incision, abdominal and pulmonary infection and postoperative hospitalization days were assessed and compared in patients among 4 groups. Results: Postoperative time to first anal exhaust in the convenitional group was longer compared with the other 3 groups (P<0.05), and was shorter in the acupuncture plus EEN group than those of the convenitional, acupuncture plus convenitional and EEN groups (P<0.01). The acupuncture plus EEN group showed significant decrease in the incidence of complications and less postoperative hospitalization days compared with the other groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was no readmission. Conclusion: After laparoscopic bile duct exploration, acupuncture combined with EEN treatment significantly improves the patients' gastrointestinal function, reduces complications, and shortens postoperative hospitalization days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The treatment of anomalous opening of the common bile duct opening is performed by endoscopic or surgical methods. In addition to endoscopic procedures, indications of surgical treatment, surgical procedures and complications related to these methods are aimed to be presented in the light of the literature. Method: Patients who underwent surgical treatment for anomalous opening of the common bile duct between November 2014 and August 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment procedures, complications and postoperative follow-up information were analyzed. Results: A total of 8 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 64.3 years. Male, and female patients constituted 75% (n=6) and 25% (n=2) of the study population. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (50%) and biliary colic (25%). Cholestatic enzymes were found to be high in 75% of the patients. Fifty-one patients had hyperbilirubinemia. Ectopic biliary drainage was most commonly (75%) located at the bulbus and the second most common (25%) localization was the post-bulbar region. The most common surgical procedure was hepaticojejunostomy (62.5%) and choledochoduodenostomy was performed in 25% of the cases. Conclusion: Surgical treatment methods can be used in addition to endoscopic methods in the treatment of anomalous common bile duct opening. Caution should be exercised in patients undergoing surgical treatment for anastomotic leakage, duodenal ulcer bleeding and bleeding from the area of sphincterotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Benign biliary strictures (BBS) befall in ∼7%-23% after hepaticojejunostomy and in 0.3%-0.6% after cholecystectomies. Their treatment options include surgical, endoscopic, and percutaneous management. The percutaneous approach is an excellent mini-invasive option including balloon dilation, biodegradable stents, and sustained dilation, a procedure born endoscopically. However, when the endoscopic approach fails or it is not available, it is possible to perform it percutaneously. Aim: To estimate the technical and clinical success of sustained percutaneous dilation with multiple catheters (SPDMC) in hepaticojejunostomy strictures and the percentage of complications and recurrence. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study, from a prospective database from January 2010 to March 2019, of 17 patients with postoperative BBS who failed to percutaneous pneumatic balloon dilation and underwent SPDMC with a mean follow-up of 2 years. Results: Seventeen patients between 28 and 71 years of age underwent SPMDC with technical success of 100%; the average number of catheters used was 5.59 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.12-6.06) achieving a dilatation diameter of 16.15 mm (95% CI 14.71-17.60), and the therapeutic success rate was 71%, with recurrences of stricture and complications of 29% and 18%, respectively. The mean time with SPMDC was 7.06 months (95% CI 5.56-8.56). The median follow-up after dilation was 16 months, with an average of 27.75 months (95% CI 14.15-41.34). Conclusion: SPMDC is a feasible technique with a high technical success rate, therapeutic success rate, and low morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main treatment of choledochal cysts is the complete resection of the cyst with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, which includes open procedures, laparoscopic procedures, and robot-assisted procedures using a da Vinci surgical system. The aim of this current study was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of these three different surgical methods in pediatric choledochal cyst excisions.Methods: Between January 2015 and December 2018, patients with choledochal cysts treated with open procedures, laparoscopic procedures, or robot-assisted procedures were retrospectively analyzed. The data collected included demographic information of all patients, type and size of cyst, operative details, and postoperative outcomes.Results: A total of 371 episodes of patients were enrolled which consist of the open procedures group (n = 226), laparoscopic procedures group (n = 104), and robot-assisted procedures group (n = 41). The operation time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic procedures group (212.79 ± 34.94) than open procedures group (115.88 ± 13.50) and robot-assisted procedures group (180.61 ± 14.07) (p < 0.001). The volume of intraoperative bleeding were higher in the open procedures group (40.12 ± 55.51) than in the laparoscopic procedures group (21.73 ± 11.44) and robot-assisted procedures group (21.34 ± 9.42), while there was no significant difference between the latter groups. The time to taking water, time to starting liquid diet, and the average length of postoperative hospital stay were similar between the laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures group, which are shorter than the open procedures group with significant differences. There was no signifcant difference in complications among the three groups.Conclusion: Choledochal cyst excision with robotic-assisted procedures had identical surgical effects as open procedures and had lower technical requirements. But it had higher medical cost and better cosmetic effects. Open procedures had largely positive surgical outcomes with fewest complications but poor cosmetic effects. Laparoscopic procedures were the most technique-demanding approaches with positive cosmetic and economic effect. The incidence of complications of laparoscopic procedures decreased with the learning curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary duct closure (PDC) after laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has been widely applied for choledocholithiasis. However, there has been controversy over the placement of endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) during operation. To date, few studies compare the clinical effect of PDC without and with ENBD. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of PDC without ENBD for choledocholithiasis. Methods: From January 2016 to December 2018, a total of 164 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled and divided into group A (undergone LCBDE + PDC without ENBD, 81 cases) and group B (undergone LCBDE + PDC with ENBD, 83 cases) in this study. The intraoperative conditions and postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups. Results: In group A, the time of operation, postoperative first flatus, extubation, antibiotics, and discharge were shorter than in group B (t = −17.775, p = 0.000; t = −7.649, p = 0.000; t = −5.807, p = 0.000; t = −9.247, p = 0.000; t = −9.322, p = 0.000, respectively). Furthermore, intraoperative blood loss was less (t = −2.199, p = 0.029) and hospital costs were lower (t = −6.685, p = 0.000). However, there was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In patients who meet the screening criteria, PDC without ENBD after LCBDE is safe and effective and worthy of clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for extraction of common bile duct (CBD) stones in Billroth II anatomy patients is still a technical challenge and factors affecting stone extraction have not yet been clarified. This study aimed to analyze our experience and evaluate potential factors affecting CBD stone extraction.Methods: A retrospective analysis of CBD stones patients with a history of Billroth II gastrectomy, who underwent therapeutic ERCP for stone extraction at our center from August 1999 to December 2017, was conducted. The outcomes of ERCP and potential factors affecting stone extraction were examined.Results: A total of 227 patients were enrolled, and 176 patients (77.5%) achieved technical success. The success rate of duodenal ampullary access and selective biliary cannulation was 84.1% (191/227) and 92.1% (176/191), respectively. The mean CBD diameter was 15 mm (range 6-35 mm), and the largest stone size was 13 mm (range 4-36 mm). CBD stones were ultimately removed in 137 patients (77.8%), and 105 patients (59.7%) for the first session. Mechanical lithotripsy was used in 17 patients (9.7%). The overall ERCP-related complication rate was 6.3% (11/176), including bleeding in 3 patients (1.7%) and mild pancreatitis in 6 patients (3.4%). The multivariate analysis indicated that CBD stone number ≥ 2 (OR 2.171; 95% CI 1.095-4.306; p = 0.027), and the largest CBD stone size ≥ 12 mm (OR 3.646; 95% CI 1.833-7.251; p < 0.001) were patient-related risk factors for failed stone removal; while the use of endoscopic papillary (large) balloon dilation (EPBD/EPLBD) (OR 0.291; 95% CI 0.147-0.576; p < 0.001) was a procedure-related protective factor for successful stone extraction.Conclusions: ERCP is safe and effective for extraction of CBD stones in Billroth II anatomy patients. The number and the largest size of CBD stones, and the use of EPBD/EPLBD are predictive factors for CBD stone extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the clinical value of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) with laparoscopic choledochal cyst (CDC) excision in children.Methods: A retrospective review was performed on the clinical data from 33 in-patients whose final diagnosis was CDC. We included 18 patients who underwent the traditional treatment for CDC from April 2017 to October 2017 as the control group and 15 patients who underwent the enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) from November 2017 to May 2018 as the ERAS group. All the patients had received three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy by the same group of pediatric surgeons. The time of initial water intake, postoperative time to total enteral nutrition (TEN), postoperative hospital stay, total cost in hospital, postoperative complications, and readmission rate within 30 days were analysed.Results: The postoperative time of initial water intake, postoperative time to TEN, postoperative hospital stay, and total cost in hospital were (21.5 ± 2.1) h, (4.3 ± 0.5) days, (5.3 ± 0.6) days, and (35,945.49 ± 6071.46) China Yuan (CNY) in the ERAS group and (44.1 ± 3.5) h, (7.7 ± 2) days, (9.1 ± 2.5) days, and (45,609.08 ± 11,439.80) CNY in the control group, respectively. These values in the ERAS group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications. No readmission patient within 30 days was encountered in either of the two groups.Conclusion: Enhanced recovery protocols can shorten postoperative hospital stay, relieve perioperative discomfort, lighten the financial burden, and result in substantial improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of polydioxanone-made biodegradable biliary stent placement for the treatment of post-transplant benign, refractory biliary anastomotic strictures.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study on all adult liver transplant recipients who developed a clinically significant anastomotic stricture between January 2014 and June 2017. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioplasty with balloon dilation was performed as therapeutic approach in selected patients after multidisciplinary evaluation. Refractory strictures (defined as stricture persistence after two interventional procedures) were managed with placement of polydioxanone-made biodegradable biliary stent (SX-Ella biliary stent, Czech Republic). Patency of the common bile duct was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.Results: Eighteen adult liver transplant recipients who developed a refractory biliary anastomotic stricture [males/females 13/5, median (IQR) 58.2 (9.3) years] underwent biodegradable biliary stent placement after 10.4 (32) months from liver transplantation. All procedures except one were uneventful. After a median (IQR) follow-up time of 27.2 (22) months, complete resolution of anastomotic stricture was achieved in 72% of patients, with significant improvement on liver enzymes.Conclusions: Polydioxanone-made biodegradable biliary stent might be a safe and effective therapeutic option for the difficult-to-treat benign biliary anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is often diagnosed in advanced stage. Aim of this study was to analyse the influence of resection margins and tumor distance to the liver capsule on survival and recurrence in a single center with a high number of extended resections.Methods: From January 2008 to June 2018 data of all patients with ICC were collected and further analysed with Kaplan Meier Model, Cox regression or Chi2 test for categorical data.Results: Out of 210 included patients 150 underwent curative intended resection (71.4%). Most patients required extended resections (n = 77; 51.3%). R0-resection was achieved in 131 patients (87.3%) with minimal distances to the resection margin > 1 cm in 22, 0.5-1 cm in 11, 0.1-0.5 cm in 49 patients, and <  0.1 cm in 49 patients. Overall survival (OS) for margins > 0.5 cm compared to 0.5-0.1 cm or R1 was better, but without reaching significance. All three groups had significantly better OS compared to the irresectable group. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was also better in patients with a margin > 0.5 cm than in the < 0.5-0.1 cm or the R1-group, but even without reaching significance. Different distance to the liver capsule significantly affected OS, but not RFS.Conclusions: Wide resection margins (> 0.5 cm) should be targeted but did not show significantly better OS or RFS in a cohort with a high percentage of extended resections (> 50%). Wide margins, narrow margins and even R1 resections showed a significant benefit over the irresectable group. Therefore, extended resections should be performed, even if only narrow margins can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A history of abdominal biliary tract surgery has been identified as a relative contraindication for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), and there are very few reports about laparoscopic procedures in patients with a history of abdominal biliary tract surgery.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of 227 consecutive patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations at our institution between December 2013 and June 2019. A total of 110 consecutive patients underwent LCBDE, and 117 consecutive patients underwent open common bile duct exploration (OCBDE). Patient demographics and perioperative variables were compared between the two groups.Results: The LCBDE group performed significantly better than the OCBDE group with respect to estimated blood loss [30 (5-700) vs. 50 (10-1800) ml; p = 0.041], remnant common bile duct (CBD) stones (17 vs. 28%; p = 0.050), postoperative hospital stay [7 (3-78) vs. 8.5 (4.5-74) days; p = 0.041], and time to oral intake [2.5 (1-7) vs. 3 (2-24) days; p = 0.015]. There were no significant differences in the operation time [170 (60-480) vs. 180 (41-330) minutes; p = 0.067]. A total of 19 patients (17%) in the LCBDE group were converted to open surgery. According to Clavien's classification of complications, the LCBDE group had significantly fewer postoperative complications than the OCBDE group (40 vs. 57; p = 0.045). There was no mortality in either group. Multiple previous operations (≥ 2 times), a history of open surgery, and previous biliary tract surgery (including bile duct or gallbladder + bile duct other than cholecystectomy alone) were risk factors for postoperative adhesion (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, and p = 0.000, respectively).Conclusion: LCBDE is ultimately the least invasive, safest, and the most effective treatment option for patients with previous abdominal biliary tract operations and is especially suitable for those with a history of cholecystectomy, few previous operations (< 2 times), or a history of laparoscopic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) has been becoming more and more popular in patients with symptomatic choledocholithiasis. However, the safety and effectiveness of LCBDE in elderly patients with choledocholithiasis is still uncertain. This meta-analysis is aimed to appraise the safety and feasibility of LCBDE for elderly patients with choledocholithiasis.Materials and Methods: Studies comparing elderly patients and younger patients who underwent LCBDE for common bile duct stone were reviewed and collected from the PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Primary outcomes were stone clearance rate, overall complication rate, and mortality rate. Secondary outcomes were operative time, conversion rate, pulmonary complication, bile leakage, reoperation, residual stone rate, and recurrent stone rate.Results: Nine studies, including two prospective studies and seven retrospective studies, met the inclusion criteria. There were 2004 patients in this meta-analysis, including 693 elderly patients and 1311 younger patients. There was no statistically significant difference between elderly patients and younger patients regarding stone clearance rate (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.42-1.26; p = 0.25), overall complication rate (OR 1.31; 95% CI 0.94-1.82; p = 0.12), and mortality rate (OR 2.80; 95% CI 0.82-9.53; p = 0.10). Similarly, the operative time, conversion rate, bile leakage, reoperation, residual stone rate, and recurrent stone rate showed no significant difference between two groups (p > 0.05). While elderly patients showed high risk for pulmonary complication (OR 4.41; 95% CI 1.78-10.93; p = 0.001) compared with younger patients.Conclusion: Although there is associated with higher pulmonary complication, LCBDE is still considered as a safe and effective treatment for elderly patients with choledocholithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity assay is commonly used to evaluate the increased beta-galactosidase (β-gal) activity in senescent cells related to enhanced lysosomal activity. Although the optimal pH for β-gal is 4.0, this enzymatic activity has been most commonly investigated at a suboptimal pH by using histochemical reaction on fresh tissue material. In the current study, we optimized a SA-β-gal activity histochemistry protocol that can also be applied on cryopreserved hepatic tissue. This protocol was developed on livers obtained from control rats and after bile duct resection (BDR). A significant increase in β-gal liver activity was observed in BDR rats vs controls after 2 hr of staining at physiological pH 4.0 (6.98 ± 1.19% of stained/total area vs 0.38 ± 0.22; p <0.01) and after overnight staining at pH 5.8 (24.09 ± 6.88 vs 0.12 ± 0.08; p <0.01). Although we noticed that β-gal activity staining decreased with cryopreservation time (from 4 to 12 months of storage at −80C; p <0.05), the enhanced staining observed in BDR compared with controls remained detectable up to 12 months after cryopreservation (p <0.01). In conclusion, we provide an optimized protocol for SA-β-gal activity histochemical detection at physiological pH 4.0 on long-term cryopreserved liver tissue: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute cholangitis (AC) is an acute inflammation of the biliary tract caused by bacterial infection, which occurs due to biliary obstruction primarily because of bile duct stones. We aimed to study the effect of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in the treatment of complicated AC for elderly patients.Method: Elderly patients with complicated AC admitted to our hospital from August 2014 to August 2018 were considered. According to the patients' general conditions and the American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) grade, 98 patients were divided into three groups: ASA grade II, 38 patients; ASA grade III, 33 patients; and ASA grade IV, 27 patients; all patients underwent emergency laparoscopic common bile duct exploration within 8 h of admission. The perioperative data of these patients were analyzed.Results: There were no significant differences between the three groups in preoperative laboratory test results, except for albumin levels. Conversely, when compared in every group, there were some significant differences in changes between pre- and postoperative laboratory test results, except for albumin levels. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of perioperative data (operation time, blood loss, peritoneal drainage time, postoperative time to flatus, and postoperative hospital stay). Although four patients had postoperative complications, there were no significant differences in the rate of complications between the groups.Conclusion: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is a safe, effective, and feasible method for treating complicated AC in elderly patients. It should be actively used in clinical work to rapidly relieve biliary obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the effectiveness of laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) surgery, no case series details the use and advantages of laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) without use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failure. Therefore, we present a case series regarding our success with LCBDE in managing CBD stones (CBDSs) using laparoscopic technique without IOC. Materials and Methods: We performed a descriptive retrospective observational study. Patients with CBDSs, alone or along with gallbladder stones, were treated through LCBDE with primary CBD closure after failed ERCP. Results: All patients underwent LCBDE with choledocotomy and primary duct closure. Patients with gallbladder stones underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (78%). All procedures were successful, and no conversions occurred. Surgery duration averaged 106 minutes. Intraoperative bleeding averaged 15 cc, and no mortalities occurred. No patients required additional surgery or intensive care unit admission. Hospitalization duration averaged 5 days. Conclusions: Therefore, a laparoscopic approach with primary CBD closure after failed ERCP for complex CBDSs is safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of our research was to investigate the value of the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and its dynamic changes (LMRc) in predicting tumor resectability and early recurrence of radiologically resectable type IV hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC).Methods: A total of 411 patients with radiologically resectable type IV HC were included. Data on their clinicopathologic characteristics, perioperative features, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to assess the ability of preoperative LMR (pre-LMR) to predict tumor resectability, and the ability of postoperative LMR (post-LMR) to discriminate between early and late recurrence. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with resectability and early recurrence.Results: Of 411 patients with potentially curative type IV HC, 254 underwent curative surgery. The optimal cutoff value of pre-LMR as an indicator of resectability was 3.67, and the optimal cutoff value of post-LMR for detecting early recurrence was 4.10. In the multivariate logistic regression model, CA19-9 > 200 U/mL, pre-LMR ≤ 3.67, and tumor size > 3 cm were found to be independent risk factors for poor resectability. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that LMRc, resection margin, AJCC N stage, and lymphovascular invasion were independent risk factors associated with early recurrence.Discussion: Pre-LMR is a valuable indicator of resectability and LMRc is a valuable predictor of early recurrence in patients with curative type IV HC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) followed by a biliary tract exploration is used to treat left lateral hepatolithiasis. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two methods of biliary tract explorations in LLSs: biliary tract exploration through a common bile duct (CBD) incision or through the left lateral hepatic duct (LLHD) stump.Methods: One hundred eight patients were retrospectively analyzed in our hospital from 2009 to 2018. To compare different methods of biliary tract explorations during LLSs, the patients were divided into 2 groups: 36 patients underwent biliary tract exploration through the LLHD stump (LLSS group), and 72 patients underwent biliary tract exploration through the CBD incision (LLSC group). Clinical data on disease characteristics, surgical outcomes, and surgery-related complications were compared between the 2 groups.Results: Bile duct stones were successfully cleared in all patients. For 2 patients in the LLSS group and 3 patients in the LLSC group, treatment was switched to laparotomy. There were no significant differences in the total operation time (P = 0.09), incidence of bleeding volume (P = 0.33), and bile leakage (P = 0.12) between the two groups. The time of choledochoscopy in the LLSS group was significantly lower than that in the LLSC group (P = 0.03). No bile duct injuries, strictures, recurrent stones, or other adverse events were observed in any patients during follow-up.Conclusions: Exploration of the biliary tract through the LLHD stump is safe and provides satisfactory results for select patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In patients with malignant perihilar biliary strictures, preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) of the hepatic lobe to be resected may decrease the liver volume of the future liver remnant (FLR) after percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization (PVE). However, evidence of its application is insufficient. This study aimed to clarify the effects of PBD on liver hypertrophy after PVE.Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2017, 169 patients with malignant perihilar biliary strictures underwent major hepatectomy or palliative surgery at our hospital. Of these, 76 patients who underwent PVE were categorized into two groups: group A (n = 29) who received unilateral PBD of the FLR and group B (n = 47) who received bilateral PBD, including that of the hepatic lobe to be resected. FLR ratios after PVE and liver hypertrophy ratios were retrospectively compared in both groups.Results: Group B exhibited significantly severe biliary stenosis (p = 0.0038) and high serum bilirubin before biliary drainage (p = 0.0037). After PVE, the total liver volumes were 1287 ± 260 ml and 1340 ± 257 ml (p = 0.39), respectively. FLR volumes were 555 ± 135 and 577 ± 113 ml (p = 0.45), respectively. FLR ratios were 43.4 ± 8.2% and 43.4 ± 6.4%, respectively (p = 0.98). Liver hypertrophy ratios were 124.2 ± 17.7% and 129.2 ± 20.9%, respectively (p = 0.28). In addition, an examination which excluded patients with Bismuth type I obtained similar result.Conclusions: PBD of the hepatic lobe to be resected did not decrease the FLR ratios and hypertrophy ratios. Thus, in patients with poor biliary drainage, additional PBD of the target lobe is acceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: This study investigates the antifibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of costunolide (COS), a natural sesquiterpene compound.Experimental Approach: Rats subjected to bile duct ligation and mice challenged with CCl4 were used to study the antifibrotic effects of COS in vivo. Mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) and human HSC line LX-2 also served as an in vitro liver fibrosis models. The expression of fibrogenic genes and signaling proteins in the neurogenic locus notch homologue protein 3 (Notch3)-hairy/enhancer of split-1 (HES1) pathway was examined using western blot and/or real-time PCR. Notch3 degradation was analysed using immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation.Key Results: In animals, COS administration attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation and reduced the expression of fibrogenic genes. COS time- and dose-dependently suppressed the levels of fibrotic markers in LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs. Mechanistic studies showed COS destabilized Notch3 and subsequently inhibited the Notch3-HES1 pathway, thus inhibiting HSC activation. Furthermore, COS blocked the WW domain-containing protein 2 (WWP2)/protein phosphatase 1G (PPM1G) interaction and enhanced the effect of WWP2 on Notch3 degradation.Conclusions and Implications: COS exerted potent antifibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo by disrupting the WWP2/PPM1G complex, promoting Notch3 degradation and inhibiting the Notch3/HES1 pathway. This indicates that COS may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Balloon dilation (BD) is a simple, effective procedure for postoperative benign bilioenteric strictures (BBESs). Factors associated with BBES recurrence after endoscopic BD have not been studied adequately. This study examined the outcomes and 1-year recurrence factors in patients with BBES who underwent endoscopic BD.Methods: Patients who underwent endoscopic BD as an initial treatment between April 2008 and March 2017 were retrospectively assessed. The median time to recurrence of BBES (RBBES) and recurrence factors were evaluated.Results: The study group comprised 55 patients (median age 72 years). The rate of RBBES was 52.7% (29/55), and the median time to RBBES was 2.78 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-4.40). RBBES was observed in 32.7% (18/55) within 1 year after endoscopic BD. The significant factors associated with recurrence within 1 year, revealed by multivariate analysis, were: postoperative bile leak (p = 0.001; hazard ratio [HR] 10.94; 95% CI 2.47-48.39); BBES onset within 6 months, postoperatively (p = 0.013; HR 6.18; 95% CI 1.46-26.21); no intrahepatic stones (p = 0.049; HR 3.05; 95% CI 1.01-9.22); and remaining balloon waist (p = 0.005; HR 5.71; 95% CI 1.69-19.31). The median time to RBBES was significantly shorter in patients with these recurrence factors (0.88 years vs. not reached, p = 0.004). Patients exhibiting at least two recurrence factors were significantly more likely to experience recurrence (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Endoscopic BD is effective for BBES, especially for patients with no recurrence factors. Consideration of endoscopic BD and additional treatment may be necessary for patients with recurrence factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Bile duct repair surgery in injured patients is delayed in general until the inflammation is resolved. In this study we aimed to investigate whether early repair yields good results in bile duct injuries. Material and Methods: A total of 62 patients with the diagnosis of bile duct injury and treated in our hospital between March 2016 and November 2018 were included in the study. In all patients, ERCP was performed for identification of the type and severity of the injury. The type and severity of the injury were classified using the Strasberg classification. 32 (51.6%) of 62 patients were treated by ERCP + Stenting while the remaining 30 (48.4%) patients underwent surgery at the early period. Results: Amongst 30 patients who had undergone surgery, only one patient needed additional intervention due to leakage at the early period. The rate of anastomotic stricture and recurrent cholangitis, which are among long-term complications, was 3.3%. Conclusion: The collaboration of hepatobiliary surgeons, gastroenterologists, and interventional radiologists having skills and experience on this are very important. Early repair can yield good result in experienced centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilio-enteric anastomosis is the main line of treatment of bile duct injury (BDI). This study aims at exploring factors related to poor outcome after surgical reconstruction especially operative factors. Special emphasis on Hepp-Couinaud technique, theoretically, ensuring larger stoma and better blood supply. Between January 1992 and July 2015, 321 cases of postcholecystectomy BDI underwent hepaticojejunostomy. Retrospective analysis of demographics, perioperative data and management, and outcome according to Terblanche et al. Development of anastomotic strictures (AS) was evaluated. The mean follow-up time was 84.7 ± 61.9 months. Women represented 76% of all cases with a mean age of 40.1 ± 12.8. ERCP was performed in 105 (32.7%) patients. E2 and E3 strictures accounted for 76% of cases. One hundred thirty-seven (42.7%) patients underwent an end-to-side HJ. Abdominal collection or biloma was the commonest complication. Anastomotic stricture occurred in 16 (5.2%) patients after a mean time of 45 ± 31.3 months. Excellent or good outcome was detected in 281 (91.8%) patients, while fair or poor outcome was proved in 25 (8.2%) patients. On multivariate analysis, the only significant factors that predict a poor outcome were post-ERCP pancreatitis (p = 0.008), the design of HJ as end to side (p = 0.033), and postoperative biloma or abdominal collection (p = 0.021). On multivariate analysis, the only factor that was found to significantly affect the development of AS was postoperative development of collection or biloma (p = 0.032). HJ has very good results in specialized centers. Careful operative technique with sound wide stoma improves the outcome. ERCP should be used selectively and with caution for diagnosis of biliary strictures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy and complication rates of TACE with degradable starch microspheres (DSM-TACE) in patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with or without prior major liver resection (MLR).Methods: This is a retrospective single-center study on 21 patients (age 63 ± 15 years) with either unresectable ICC progressive under systemic chemotherapy or unresectable intrahepatic tumor recurrence after prior MLR. Patients were treated by multi-agent (cisplatin/doxorubicin/mitomycin C) DSM-TACE between August 2012 and July 2016, repeated 3 times at 4-week intervals. Imaging response was evaluated using RECIST 1.1. Overall survival (OS) and complication rates, stratified by history of MLR, were investigated.Results: Patients underwent a total 64 DSM-TACE sessions. Two patients (without MLR) were lost to follow-up after one uneventful DSM-TACE session. One patient underwent living-donor-liver transplantation after one DSM-TACE-session yielding partial remission. Of the remaining 18 patients, imaging response according to RECIST 1.1 was: complete remission in 2/18 (11.1%); PR in 9/18 (50%), and stable disease in 7/18 (38.9%), yielding an objective response rate of 61.1% and a disease control rate of 100%. Median OS of patients with objective response was significantly longer (18.0 months) than that of survival of patients with stable disease (4.8 months) (p = 0.001). Median OS of patients with MLR (12.5 months) was similar to that of patients without MLR (13.2 months). Of 21 patients, 2 (9.5%) developed post-interventional hepatobiliary abscesses, and one of these patients died due to subsequent sepsis.Conclusion: DSM-TACE is an effective treatment for unresectable and otherwise therapy-refractory intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, even in those patients with intrahepatic disease recurrence after prior MLR.Level Of Evidence: Level II, therapeutic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Whether the extra-hepatic bile duct (EHBD) should be routinely resected for gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) remains controversial. The current study aimed to determine the clinical impact of combined EHBD resection during curative surgery for advanced GBC. Methods In total, 213 patients who underwent curative surgery for T2, T3 or T4 GBC were enrolled. The clinicopathological features were compared between the patients treated with EHBD resection and those without EHBD resection. Meanwhile, univariable and multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression models were used to identify risk factors for overall survival (OS). Results Among the 213 patients identified, 87 (40.8%) underwent combined EHBD resection. Compared with patients without EHBD resection, patients with EHBD resection suffered more post-operative complications (33.3% vs. 21.4%, P  = 0.046). However, the median OS of the EHBD resection group was longer than that of the non-EHBD resection group (25 vs. 11 months, P  = 0.008). Subgroup analyses were also performed according to tumor (T) category and lymph-node metastasis. The median OS was significantly longer in the EHBD resection group than in the non-EHBD resection group for patients with T3 lesion (15 vs. 7 months, P  = 0.002), T4 lesion (11 vs. 6 months, P  = 0.021) or lymph-node metastasis (12 vs. 7 months, P  < 0.001). No survival benefit of EHBD resection was observed in GBC patients with T2 lesion or without lymph-node metastasis. T category, lymph-node metastasis, margin status, pre-operative CA19-9 level and EHBD resection were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS of patients with advanced GBC (all P values <0.05). Conclusions EHBD resection can independently affect the OS in advanced GBC. For GBC patients with T3 lesion, T4 lesion and lymph-node metastasis, combined EHBD resection is justified and may improve OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to describe our robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) techniques and assess the early results of RAS for choledochal cysts in children.Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children who underwent RAS for a congenital choledochal cyst at our institution between February 2013 and August 2016. We analyzed patient characteristics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes.Results: Thirty-nine patients underwent RAS for a choledochal cyst (female 30). The operation was performed with four robotic ports and one laparoscopic port for the assistant. The Roux loop was fashioned extracorporeally. Twenty patients (51.3%) had a Todani Type I cyst and the others had Type IV. The mean patient age and weight and choledochal cyst diameter at the time of the operation were 40.2 months (range 5-108 months), 13.4 kg (range 6.5-29 kg), and 27.2 mm (range 9-112 mm), respectively. The mean operating time was 192.7 min (range 150-330 min). There were no intraoperative complications; no conversions to laparoscopic or open surgery; and no postoperative complications, including cholangitis, cholelithiasis, or anastomotic stenosis.Conclusion: Pediatric RAS CC resection is safe and feasible. The robot-assisted technique overcame technical difficulties. However, in pediatric cases, a skilled robotic surgical team and procedural modifications are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraoperative fluorescence angiography and cholangiography with indocyanine green (ICG) are increasingly used in routine hepatobiliary surgery. Its usage is manifold. It improves and facilitates navigation especially in minimal invasive and robotic surgery and therefore increases the safety of the surgical intervention. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy for example, the bileduct anatomy can be easily visualized, even in complicated cholecystitis or anatomical variants without being too time consuming. ICG fluorescence also enables the visualization of vascular structures and perfusion. Anatomical liver resections, for example in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), can be performed easily as liver segments and territories can be identified. Anatomical resection is becoming more important, e.g. in the treatment of HCC. Another useful application is the intraoperative detection of bile leakages after liver resection. In particular, the intraoperative control of a biliodigestive anastomosis is possible with ICG fluorescence cholangiography and therefore reduces morbidity. Even primary and secondary liver tumors can be detected with ICG fluorescence. Whereas well-differentiated HCCs homogeneously take up ICG, poorly differentiated HCCs and metastases do not: however, in these cases the adjacent liver parenchyma stores ICG more intensively than healthy liver tissue, which creates a ring-like fluorescence pattern. To conclude, the use of ICG fluorescence in hepatobiliary surgery is diverse but in Germany it is still at the beginning compared to other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Common bile duct stones (CBDS) are treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) or with the single-stage laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) and LC. Multiple ERCP attempts and failure increase the risk of postprocedural complications. In such circumstances surgery is advocated. The aim of the study is to compare the outcome of LCBDE and LC in patients who had never had an ERCP, to that of patients who underwent previously failed ERCP. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 54 patients undergoing LCBDE and LC between 2010 and 2017, was performed. Patients were divided in 2 groups: primary surgery (group 1), surgery after failed ERCP (group 2). Demographics and preoperative investigation results were collected. Comparative outcomes were common bile duct (CBD) clearance rate, operative time, conversion to open rate, postoperative morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay. Data were evaluated with the Student's t, Chi-square, or Fisher's tests. Results were considered as statistically significant when P < .05. Results: In both groups CBD clearance was above 90%. The mean operative time was longer in group 2 (130.3 minutes ± SD 83.72 vs. 178.73 ± 57.22; P < .05). There was no difference in the conversion to open and postoperative complication rates between groups. A bile leak occurred in 2 patients from group 1, 3, from group 2. No postoperative mortality occurred. The median hospital stay was longer in group 2 (2 days ± SD 2.54 vs. 5 ± 5.77; P < .05). Conclusions: LCBDE and LC is safe and effective in patients who had previous failed ERCP. If ERCP failure is anticipated and/or the risk of post-ERCP complications is high, surgery should be considered as the first-line treatment of CBDS. Longer intraoperative time and hospital stay are expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent studies revealed better outcomes among children with biliary atresia (BA) who underwent Kasai procedure at 60 to 90 days of age. Delayed Kasai procedure has a high risk of complications, including nutritional deficits which lead to malnutrition. Objective To determine the nutritional status of children with BA according to age at the time of Kasai procedure. Methods Using medical records, we conducted a retrospective study in children with BA based on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or intraoperative cholangiography, who were admitted between 2015 to 2017 and underwent Kasai procedure at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta. Nutritional status was evaluated on the day before Kasai procedure, and classified into 4 groups of subjects based on age at the time the children underwent Kasai procedure (<60 days, 60-90 days, >90-120 days, and >120 days). Normal distribution data was analyzed with Saphiro-Wilk test and mean T-test was used to compare mean age at the time of Kasai procedure between groups of well-nourished and malnourished subjects. Results A total of 39 children with BA underwent Kasai procedure. Of 3 children who underwent Kasai procedure at <60 days of age, 2 were well-nourished and 1 was malnourished. Of the 12 children who underwent Kasai procedure at 60-90 days of age, 6 were well-nourished and 6 were malnourished. Of the 7 children who underwent Kasai procedure at >90-120 days of age, 4 were well-nourished and 3 were malnourished. Of 17 children who underwent Kasai procedure at >120 days of age, 5 were well-nourished and 12 were malnourished. The means of age at the time of Kasai procedure were higher in malnourished subject than well-nourished. Conclusion The highest prevalence of malnourishment is seen in children with biliary atresia who underwent Kasai procedure at >120 days of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study assessed the impact of 2D and 3D environments by comparing pediatric surgeons (PS) and gastrointestinal surgeons (GIS) using a laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy simulator.Methods: We developed a high-fidelity simulator of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy. Thirty-five participants (19 PS and 16 GIS) performed hepaticojejunostomy in both 2D and 3D environments. We evaluated the required time, total path length, and average velocities of bilateral forceps in both situations using the para-axial port layout.Results: Regarding the participants' characteristics, the performance history of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy differed significantly between PS and GIS. In PS, the 3D environment did not markedly affect compared with 2D. In GIS, however, the 3D environment affected the time and movement of the right forceps. There were no significant differences in the time between PS and GIS in either environment. In both environments, the right-hand movement of the PS group was shorter and slower than that of the GIS group, but the left-hand movement was the opposite.Conclusion: There were significant differences in forceps movement characteristics between the PS and GIS. The effects of a 3D environment could not be clarified in this study, because it may depend on the port layout used and the operative procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Various studies have shown the benefit of three-dimensional (3D) systems over two-dimensional (2D) systems in endoscopic surgery. However, few studies have focused on pediatric endosurgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of 2D and 3D environments on the time taken and forceps manipulation by comparing experts and trainees using a laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy simulator. Methods: We have developed a simulator of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy for congenital biliary dilatation. Seventeen participants of pediatric surgeons (4 experts and 13 trainees) performed hepaticojejunostomy using our simulator in both 2D and 3D environment. We evaluated the required time, total path length, and average velocities of bilateral forceps in both situations. Results: Obtained results show the findings for the required time (seconds; 2D, experts: 810.43 ± 321.64 vs. trainees: 1136.02 ± 409.96, P = .17) (seconds; 3D, experts: 660.21 ± 256.48 vs. trainees: 1017 ± 280.93, P = .039), total path length of right forceps (mm; 2D, experts: 38838.23 ± 30686.63 vs. trainees: 52005.47 ± 31675.02, P = .48)(mm; 3D, experts: 24443.09 ± 12316.32 vs. trainees: 45508.09 ± 26926.27, P = .16), total path length of left forceps (mm; 2D, experts: 131635.54 ± 71669.94 vs. trainees: 245242.48 ± 130940.25, P = .48)(mm; 3D, experts: 88520.42 ± 56766.63 vs. trainees: 230789.75 ± 107315.85, P = .024), average velocities of right forceps (mm/second; 2D, experts: 44.80 ± 21.85 vs. trainees: 44.37 ± 18.92, P = .97) (mm/second; 3D, experts: 37.28 ± 16.49 vs. trainees: 42.58 ± 14.40, P = .54), average velocities of left forceps (mm/second; 2D, experts: 156.65 ± 38.69 vs. trainees: 202.58 ± 63.80, P = .20) (mm/second; 3D, experts: 125.64 ± 44.30 vs. trainees: 219.42 ± 43.82, P < .01). Conclusion: The experts performed more effectively when using the 3D system. Using 3D, the total path length of the left forceps of expert pediatric surgeons was significantly shorter than trainee pediatric surgeons, and the average velocities of the left forceps tip of expert pediatric surgeons was significantly slower than trainee pediatric surgeons. These results suggest that training of assisting hand is necessary for advanced pediatric endosurgery to avoid organ injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emergent laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE) has been reported to be on the increase in some institutions, reflecting the growing confidence with the technique. However, no study has focused on the outcomes of LTCBDE in the non-elective setting. The aim of this study is to investigate whether LTCBDE can be performed effectively and safely in the emergency.Methods: This is a retrospective study of 500 consecutive patients with choledocholithiasis subjected for LTCBDE at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires from January 2009 to January 2018. Procedures were classified according to the setting as emergent or elective. Demographic data and perioperative parameters were compared between groups.Results: Throughout the period comprised, 500 patients were admitted for choledocholithiasis and gallstones. A single-step treatment combining LTCBDE and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted: 211 (42.2%) were performed electively and the 289 (57.8%) as an emergency. There was no significant difference in the success rate of LTCBDE (93.9% versus 93.8%, p = 0.975) for the two groups. The operative time was slightly longer in the emergency group (122 ± 63 versus 106 ± 53 min, p = 0.002). Postoperative recovery was slower in the emergency group, as reflected by a higher rate of prolonged postoperative stay (21.1% vs 5.7%, p < .001). The rates of postoperative complications were similar between groups (2.8% vs 5.9%, p = 0.109).Conclusion: Emergent LTCBDE can be performed with equivalent efficacy and morbidity when compared to an elective procedure. Patients undergoing emergent procedures have longer procedures and hospital stays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For complete removal of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), extended resection is often necessary. Information on the influence of visceral or vascular extension, extended resection, or postoperative morbidity on survival is scarce. The aim of this study was to show the impact of an aggressive surgical attitude on morbidity, mortality, and long-term outcome.Materials and Methods: All explorations at a high volume tertiary center between January 2008 and June 2018 with histological proof of ICC were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was the extent of resection, secondary outcomes were postoperative morbidity, and their influence on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).Results: Out of 210 patients, 150 underwent curative intended resection. A total of 87 extended, 26 major, and 37 minor resections were performed.In-hospital morbidity occurred in 46% of patients, with a 90-daymortality of 8%. Severity and frequency of morbidity did not differ significantly in the extended, major, or minor resection groups. If minor or major resections with visceral and/or vascular extensions were included in the extended resection group, minor (p = 0.005) and major (p = 0.042) resection had significantly better OSthan the extended resection group. All groups had significantly better OS than the exploration group. Comparing the different extended resection groups (segmental extended resection, segmental extended resection with visceral/vascular extension, minor/major resection with visceral/vascular extension), no difference was found (p = 0.977). Regarding RFSand the extent of resection, minor resection benefitted RFS, though not significantly (p = 0.051). Morbidity had no influence on RFS (p = 0.649).Conclusion: Extended resection results in worse OS in patients with ICC than major or minor liver resection. Minor and major resection with visceral or vascular extension should be classified as extended resection. Despite worse OS, extended resection offers a chance for long-term survival and performs significantly better than the exploration group with manageable accompanied risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives: There is no consensus on the best treatment option for choledocholithiasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and common bile duct surgery (CBDS) for the treatment of choledocholithiasis. Materials and methods: We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ERCP and CBDS in the treatment of choledocholithiasis. MEDLINE and EMBASE were the used databases. RCTs assessing mortality, bile duct clearance failure, complications, or length of hospital stay were considered eligible. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects model, through the Mantel--Haenszel method for binary outcomes and through the inverse variance method for continuous outcomes. The quality of the evidence was evaluated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group. The study protocol was registered at the PROSPERO platform (CRD42017073196). Results: Nineteen RCTs (2466 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. There was no evidence of significant difference between interventions regarding mortality (risk ratio -- RR = 1.31, 95% confidence interval - 95% CI = 0.60-2.85, p = 0.49), bile duct clearance failure (RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.86-1.59, p = 0.31), complications (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.82-1.20, p = 0.94) and length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference -- MD = 1.06, 95% CI = -0.62-2.73, p = 0.22). Sensitivity analyses failed to demonstrate significant changes in results compared to the main analyses. The quality of the evidence was considered to be low. Conclusion: There was no evidence of significant difference between ERCP and CBDS for the treatment of choledocholithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]