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Introduction. Anastomotic biliary strictures (ABS) are a significant clinical problem associated with decreased survival post-liver transplantation (LT). Contributing to the morbidity of ABS is the need for early (i.e. emergent or unplanned) repeat endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ER-ERCPs). Our aim was to determine clinical, operative, and endoscopic predictors of ER-ERCP in patients with ABS.Material and methods. Medical records of 559 patients who underwent LT at our institution from 2000-2012 were retrospectively reviewed for pertinent data. The primary endpoint was need for ER-ERCP. Seventeen potential predictors of ER-ERCP were assessed in bivariate analyses, and those with p < 0.20 were included in multivariate regression models.Results. Fifty-four LT patients developed ABS and underwent a total of 200 ERCPs, of which 40 met criteria for ER-ERCP. Predictors of ER-ERCP in bivariate analyses included balloon dilation within 3 months post-LT and donation after cardiac death (both p < 0.05). Balloon dilation within 3 months post-LT was also associated with shorter ER-ERCP-free survival (p = 0.02). Moreover, a significantly higher proportion (67%) of patients who underwent balloon dilation within 3 months post-LT subsequent experienced ≥ 1 ER-ERCP (p = 0.03), and those who experienced ≥ 1 ER-ERCP had lower stricture resolution rates at the end of endoscopic therapy compared to those who did not (79 vs. 97%, p = 0.02). In multivariate analyses, balloon dilation within 3 months post-LT was the strongest predictor of ER-ERCP (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.7-8.6, p = 0.001).Conclusions. Balloon dilation of ABS within 3 months post-LT is associated with an increased risk of ER-ERCP, which itself is associated with lower ABS resolution rates. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and their implications for endoscopic management and follow-up of post-LT ABS.

Competing Interests: None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose.

Progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma can result in disease complications such as biliary obstruction and gastric outlet obstruction. The recent advances in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) have transformed EUS from a purely diagnostic technology to a therapeutic modality, particularly with the development of lumen-apposing metal stents. In terms of biliary drainage, EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy and EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy offer safe and effective techniques when conventional transpapillary stent placement via ERCP fails or is not possible. If these modalities are not feasible, EUS-guided gallbladder drainage offers yet another salvage technique when the cystic duct is non-involved by the cancer. Lastly, EUS-guided gastroenterostomy allows for an effective bypass treatment for cases of gastric outlet obstruction that enables patients to resume eating within several days. Future randomized studies comparing these techniques to current standard-of-care options are warranted to firmly establish therapeutic EUS procedures within the treatment algorithm for this challenging disease.

Background: Clonorchis sinensis ( C. sinensis) is a epidemiologically significant food-borne parasite, causing several hepatobiliary diseases. Biliary microbiota community structure might be influenced by infection with pathogens. However, the biliary microbiome of biliary obstruction patients infected with C. sinensis is still an unexplored aspect., Methods: A total of 50 biliary obstruction patients were enrolled, including 24 infected with C. sinensis and 26 non-infected subjects. The bile samples were collected by Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancretography. Biliary microbiota alteration was analyzed through high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing., Results: Our findings revealed that there was significant increase in both richness and diversity, as well as changes in the taxonomic composition of the biliary microbiota of C. sinensis infected patients. At the phylum level, C. sinensis infection induced Proteobacteria increased and Firmicutes reduced. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus increased significantly, while Enterococcus decreased prominently in infected groups ( P < 0.05). The PICRUSt analysis further showed remarkably different metabolic pathways between the two groups., Conclusion: C. sinensis infection could modify the biliary microbiota, increasing the abundance and changing the phylogenetic composition of bacterial in biliary obstruction patients. This study may help deepen the understanding of the host-biliary microbiota interplay with C. sinensis infection on the background of biliary obstruction and provide new insights into understanding the pathogenesis of clonorchiasis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Chen, Li, Ding, Wan, Zhang, Jiang, Duan, Hu, Gao, Sun, Lu, Wang, Cheng, Zhang and Han.)

Objective: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the mainstay of management for most patients with common bile duct stones (CBDS). Duct clearance at initial ERCP may not be achieved in a third of patients, many of whom may be elderly with multiple comorbidities rendering them at potentially high risk for further procedures. We aimed to quantify the rate of biliary sequelae and mortality among a large cohort undergoing a single ERCP with sphincterotomy and stent insertion without having undergone complete ductal clearance (permanent stent insertion, PSI), and to examine factors that may predispose to adverse outcomes., Design/method: Outcomes of all ERCPs undertaken on the intact papilla between February 2010 and January 2020 were distilled to identify a cohort who had undergone PSI for initially irretrievable CBDS. These were subjected to retrospective follow-up until the development of biliary sequelae, death or survival into 2023., Results: There were 2175 index ERCPs for CBDS, of whom 114 met the PSI criteria. Eleven did not survive their index hospitalisation, leaving 103 for follow-up. Of these, 25 (24%) developed late biliary sequelae, 19 (18%) required at least one further ERCP and 8 (8%) died from biliary sequelae. Adverse outcomes were found to be more common among those who had undergone cholecystectomy prior to ERCP, and those with periampullary diverticula., Conclusions: Long-term biliary stenting following sphincterotomy remains a valid option for selected patients with initially irretrievable bile duct stones who could be at high risk from repeat procedures., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Endoluminal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been promoted as palliative treatment for patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in order to improve biliary drainage and eventually prolong survival. No high level evidence is, however, available on this technique., Design: In this randomised controlled study, we compared endoluminal RFA plus stenting with stenting alone (control group) in patients with malignant biliary obstruction; metal stents were primarily placed. Primary outcome was overall survival; secondary outcomes were stent patency, quality of life and adverse events. In a superiority design, survival was assumed to be doubled by RFA as compared with 6.4 months in the control group (n=280)., Results: A total of 161 patients (male:female 90:71, mean age 71±9 years) were randomised before recruitment was terminated for futility after an interim analysis. Eighty-five patients had CCA (73 hilar, 12 distal) and 76 had pancreatic cancer. There was no difference in survival in both subgroups: for patients with CCA, median survival was 10.5 months (95% CI 6.7 to 18.3) in the RFA group vs 10.6 months (95% CI 9.0 to 24.8), p=0.58)) in the control group. In the subgroup with pancreatic cancer, median survival was 6.4 months (95% CI 4.3 to 9.7) for the RFA vs 7.7 months (95% CI 5.6 to 11.3), p=0.73) for the control group. No benefit was seen in the RFA group with regard to stent patency (at 12 months 40% vs 36% in CCA and 66% vs 65% in PDAC), and quality of life was unchanged by either treatment and comparable between the groups. Adverse events occurred in seven patients in each groups., Conclusion: A combination of endoluminal RFA and stenting was not superior to stenting alone in prolonging survival or improving stent patency in patients with malignant biliary obstruction., Trial Registration Number: NCT03166436., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: Transabdominal ultrasound (US) is the modality of choice for the initial investigation of patients with suspected biliary disease. There are multiple factors that can affect the quality of an US examination including – operator experience, patient habitus and bowel gas. This study investigated the performance of US in determining the cause of biliary dilation and correlated US findings with definitive diagnoses from other modalities and procedures. Methods: One hundred patients were retrospectively identified with an US‐reported common bile duct diameter of 8 mm or greater. Patient records were used to correlate US findings with 'gold standard' diagnostic tests – other imaging modalities with conclusive findings and/or endoscopic procedures or surgery with histology. The performance of US was calculated for the most common pathologies encountered. Results: A definitive cause for dilation was identified in 38 patients (n = 38). The US diagnosis was correct in 19 of these patients (50% of cases where a cause was identified). Choledocholithiasis was the most common pathology, with 23 instances identified by US (61% of the cases where an aetiology was found). Malignancy formed the next largest group (four cases). Conclusions: For most patients with a US‐reported common bile duct 8 mm or greater, a cause for biliary dilation was not established. Further study and methodological refinements are required to understand the clinical context of the cases with no recorded follow up. Performance of US is concordant with published literature. Distal choledocholithiasis remains a challenging area for US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) prior to liver resection for hilar and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is common. While PBD for those with distal obstructions has been studied extensively and is associated with increased infectious complications, the impact of PBD among patients undergoing hepatectomy for non-disseminated proximal CCA has yet to be clearly elucidated.Methods: Patients undergoing liver resection between 2014 and 2016 for non-disseminated hilar and intrahepatic CCA were analyzed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Associations between PBD (percutaneous or endoscopic) and 30-day outcomes were evaluated.Results: There were 905 liver resections performed, with 186 (20.6%) for hilar CCA and 719 (79.4%) for intrahepatic CCA. Of those, 251/897 (28.0%) patients underwent PBD. Independent preoperative predictors of PBD were hilar CCA, major hepatectomy, open surgery, lower BMI, and higher preoperative bilirubin. Adjusting for preoperative variables, extent of resection, and bilirubin, PBD was independently associated with increased wound infection (OR 2.93), organ space infection (OR 3.63), sepsis (OR 3.17), renal insufficiency (OR 4.25), transfusion (OR 2.40), bile leak (OR 3.23), invasive intervention (OR 2.72), liver failure (OR 3.20), readmission (OR 3.01), reoperation (OR 2.32), and mortality (OR 4.24, all p < 0.05).Conclusions: Among patients undergoing hepatectomy for proximal CCA, PBD is associated with increased postoperative complications. These data suggest that avoidance of routine preoperative biliary drainage may decrease short-term complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Pancreatitis and cholecystitis are major complications following stenting with covered metallic stents to manage malignant distal biliary obstructions. We compare the use of a conventional covered biliary stent with a new prototype of a covered biliary stent with a flower-pedal structure that uses with low axial force and radial force in order to evaluate impacts on cholecystitis and pancreatitis after stenting. Methods: This is a non-randomized prospective comparison of a group of 18 patients stented with a flowerlike biliary stent (FS group) with a group of 36 patients who received conventional biliary stents (CS group) ratio for management of malignant distal biliary obstructions. Demographic data and data about technical and clinical success including the appearance of cholecystitis and/or pancreatitis, migration rates and/or occlusion were evaluated. Results: The 18 FS group patients included 7 men (39%) and had a median age of 72 years. The 36 CS group patients included 16 men (44%) and had a median age of 71 years. There were three cases of cholecystitis and four cases of pancreatitis, all of which were in the CS group. Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two groups in four clinical areas: hemoglobin, length of stenosis, etiology and occlusion of stents. No significant differences were found in survival time functions (Log Rank, p = 0.399). In Cox's proportional hazards model, the only significant difference with respect to survival times was found on the issue of whether or not metastasis was present. Conclusions: The use of the new prototype flower-like biliary stent with lateral grooves and lower axial force and radial force is related to a lower rate of complications such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis than the use of conventional stents for palliation of distal malignant biliary stenoses. The new stent has no detriments in terms of permeability or migration and did not affect the survival of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue de Médecine Vétérinaire is the property of Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous trans-hepatic integrated 125I seed stents implantation for malignant lower biliary tract obstruction. Methods: Thirty-two patients with malignant lower biliary obstruction were randomly divided into two groups. One group underwent the therapy with integrated 125I seed stents (Test group, n = 13), and another group received conventional metal stents implantation for treatment (Control group, n = 19). The pre- and post-operative changes in biochemical indices, white blood cell count, IgG level, stent patency, survival time, tumor size and complications were compared between the two groups. RECIST 1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors) was used to evaluate therapeutic effects. The average follow-up time was 12.3 months. Results: The differences between pre- and post-operative (30 days) intragroup biochemical indices had statistically significant difference (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in leukocyte counts and IgG levels. As to the median time of stent patency and patients' survival, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) between Control and Test groups (3.9 months vs. 8.1 months, 139 days vs. 298 days, respectively). Three months after the operation, the average tumor size was reduced in the Test group, but was increased in the Control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups. The evaluation results using RECIST 1.1 showed that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the rates of remission, control, and progression (χ2 = 17.5, P < 0.05). Conclusions: The study indicates that integrated 125I seed stents are effective in reducing jaundice symptoms, inhibiting tumor growth, improving stent patency and prolonging patient survival, which may serve as a safer and more feasible method in treating malignant lower biliary obstruction with minimal invasiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose in early stage. Malignant bile duct obstruction is a severe complication of pancreatic cancer, which can lead to poor outcomes including cholangitis, delayed treatment, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. Perendoscopic placement of stents is a method widely used in the management of various malignant and benign pancreatico-biliary abnormalities. A 70-year-old woman came to Dr Moewardi General Hospital in Surakarta with the chief complaint of yellowish skin and eyes since one month before hospital admission. Patient was diagnosed with obstructive jaundice due to suspected of advanced stage pancreatic cancer. Subsequently, patient underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) which revealed an intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts dilatation due to pancreatic tumor which infiltrated common bile duct, thus self expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement was performed. Furthermore, patients received palliative therapy due to inadequate chemotherapy requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruptured choledochal cysts are a rare cause of biliary peritonitis. We report a case of a 21-month-old African American male found to have spontaneous rupture of a previously undiagnosed type I choledochal cyst in the setting of prolonged gastroenteritis symptoms. Though such perforations have traditionally been managed with drainage and delayed reconstruction, the inflammation and scarring associated with severe bile peritonitis may not improve significantly with time. As a single-stage primary reconstruction may not be feasible in the setting of prolonged illness, we present the successful use of a staged approach to primary reconstruction in accordance with ‘damage control’ principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There is a high burden of patients with malignant biliary obstructions presenting to our institute, PTBD has become the only means of palliation as the cases most often present beyond the stage of any curative treatment. Internal External Drainage (IED) being a comparatively newer technique to External Drainage (ED), there is little data studying the two methods in our patient population. OBJECTIVES: To show the techniques of PTBD, efficacy, complications and their management. To compare the two methods IED and ED regarding their efficacy, drawbacks, and complication rates. METHODS: A prospective study was done with 50 patients between September 2016 and August 2017. Following procedure, patients were followed up one week, two weeks and four weeks with clinical examination and biochemical evaluation. RESULTS: Out of 50 patients, 34 cases were female. Most common indication was gall bladder carcinoma. Overall, technical success achieved in 94% of cases. ED was done in 28 patients, 19 underwent IED. Stenting (SEMS) was performed in 8 cases after IED. IED reduced mean bilirubin levels by 67% one week post procedure, ED resulted in decrease by 39% at the same time. 22% of patients had complication during / after procedure. Two patients had sepsis post procedure. Chemotherapy could be initiated in two patients following IED in one week. CONCLUSION: PTBD is an effective procedure with high technical success. IED is better than ED in terms of rapid reduction of bilirubin, clinical improvement, possibility of stenting, less chances of expulsion and early initiation of chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The hepatic bridge forms a tunnel of liver parenchyma that may obscure peritoneal metastases associated with the round ligament. Visualization and then resection of nodules associated with this structure is necessary. Materials and methods The incidence of a hepatic bridge and the extent that it covered the round ligament was determined in consecutive patients. Extent of coverage of the round ligament by the hepatic bridge was determined: Class 1 indicates up to one-third of the round ligament obscured, Class 2 up to two-thirds and Class 3 more than two-thirds. Results In 102 patients in whom the round ligament of the liver could be completely visualized, 50 had a hepatic bridge. Class 1 was 22 (44%) of the bridges, Class 2 was 16 (32%) and Class 3 was 12 (24%). A hepatic bridge was more frequently present in 28 of 45 male patients (62%) vs. 22 of 57 female patients (38%). Conclusions Approximately one-half of our patients having cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal metastases were observed to have a hepatic bridge. Up to 56% of these patients have Class 2 or 3 hepatic bridge and may require division of the hepatic bridge to completely visualize the contents of the tunnel created by this structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose Biliary atresia and other liver biliary obstructions are relevant conditions in pediatric surgery due to their progression to biliary cirrhosis and indication for liver transplantation. It is known that the period during which biliary obstruction persists determines the development of cirrhosis and its reversibility after a biliary drainage procedure. However, no time or histological markers of biliary cirrhosis reversibility have been established. Materials and methods One hundred and twenty-nine young Wistar rats underwent surgery for ligation of the common bile duct and were maintained until 8 weeks. A part of these animals was submitted to biliary drainage surgery at 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks after the initial procedure. After cyst formation at the site of obstruction, cyst-jejunal anastomosis was performed to restore bile flow. After biliary obstruction and drainage, liver samples were collected for histological and molecular analysis of the genes responsible for collagen deposition and fibrosis. Results The mortality rates were 39.8% and 56.7% after the first and second procedures, respectively. Ductular proliferation (p = 0.001) and collagen deposition increased according to the period under obstruction (p = 0.0001), and both alterations were partially reduced after biliary drainage. There were no significant differences in the values of desmin and α-actin according to the period during which the animal remained with biliary obstruction (p = 0.09 and p = 0.3, respectively), although increased values of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) occurred after 8 weeks (p = 0.000). Desmin levels decreased, and α-actin and TGFβ1 levels increased according to the period under obstruction. The molecular alterations were partially reversed after biliary drainage. Conclusions The histologic and molecular changes in the liver parenchyma promoted by biliary obstruction in the young animal can be partially reversed by a biliary drainage procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: The choleretic effects of inchinkoto (ICKT), a hepatoprotective herbal medicine, are variable among patients. This study sought to investigate the correlation between the choleretic effects of ICKT and the intestinal microenvironment in patients with biliary obstruction. Methods: Patients with biliary obstruction who underwent external biliary drainage were enrolled. The concentrations of total bilirubin and bile acid in the bile, and genipin, a major active ingredient of ICKT, in the bloodstream before and after ICKT treatment were measured. Feces were collected from the patients to determine bacterial count and organic acid concentrations. Results: Samples from 37 patients were collected and analyzed. The serum concentration of genipin increased 3 h after ICKT treatment and showed a positive correlation with the percent changes of biliary concentrations of bile acid, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. Serum genipin concentration also showed a positive correlation with the fecal concentrations of representative obligate anaerobes such as the Clostridium leptum subgroup, Bacteroides fragilis group, Bifidobacterium, and the Atopobium cluster. In sharp contrast, so‐called harmful bacteria such as Clostridium difficile, Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterococcus showed a negative correlation with the concentration of genipin. Genipin concentration after ICKT administration showed a positive correlation with the fecal concentration of short chain fatty acids such as propionic acid and butyric acid, and a negative correlation with the fecal concentration of lactic acid. Conclusions: The absorption of genipin was variable among patients. This variability may be associated with the fecal microenvironment profile and partly explain the variable choleretic effects of ICKT among patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current (seventh edition) American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) Staging System for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) dichotomizes pathologic lymph node (LN) involvement into absence (pN0) or presence (pN1) of disease. The recently announced eighth edition also includes stratification on the number of positive nodes. Furthermore, LNs detected on preoperative imaging (CT, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound-EUS) are considered to be pathologically involved in other gastrointestinal cancers. However, this is less well defined for PDAC. Therefore, the three aims of this study were to determine (1) whether the new AJCC staging system led to more accurate staging, (2) the number of nodes needed to be examined to detect pathologic involvement, and (3) if pN disease could be reliably detected on preoperative imaging in PDAC.Methods: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing pancreatectomy at a single US academic center from January 1990 to September 2015. Pathology reports of resected specimens were reviewed to determine the total number of LNs examined and those positive for metastasis. CT, MRI, and/or EUS reports were used to determine the presence or absence of preoperatively detectable LN enlargement.Results: Of the 490 surgical resections for PDAC, pN1 disease was detected in 59.4% (n = 291) and was positively correlated with the number of LNs pathologically examined (P < 0.001). Patients with pN1 disease had a shorter overall survival (OS) than those without nodal involvement (25.1 vs. 44.0 months; P < 0.001); however, OS was not different when stratifying by the number of nodes as on the eighth AJCC system. Pathologic examination of > 20 LNs in treatment naïve patients was optimal to detect pN1 disease and predict longer OS for those without nodal involvement (median survival > 41.1 months, P = 0.03 when compared to < 15 or 15-19 LNs examined). LNs were detected by CT, MRI, or EUS in 30.7% (103/335) of patients. The positive predictive value (PPV) of preoperative LN detection for pathologic involvement was 77.3% for treatment naïve patients and 84.2% for those without biliary obstruction.Conclusions: Although the LN scoring in the seventh PDAC AJCC Staging System was sufficient to predict OS of our patients, more LNs than previously considered (20 vs. 15) were optimal to detect pathologic involvement. Preoperative LN detection was an accurate predictor of pN1 disease for treatment naïve patients without biliary obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: We explored the difference in treatment efficacy of endoscopic self-expendable metal stent (SEMS) and surgical bypass (SB) in the management of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) secondary to pancreatic cancer.Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted using consecutive patients who were admitted from 2008 to 2016 receiving either endoscopic SEMS or SB. Diagnosis other than pancreatic cancer and SEMS placement as a pre-operative drainage before Whipple's operation was excluded. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed to eliminate the confounding effect of heterogeneity between patients from two treatment groups. The rate of early, late treatment-related events, readmission and re-intervention, the duration of hospitalization, and the cost of treatment were compared.Results: There were 98 patients undergoing endoscopic SEMS or SB in the study period. The median age was 68.5 years and 52% of the patients had metastatic disease with median survival of 6 months. After 1:1 PS matching, 30 patients from each group were analyzed. The hospital stay was significantly longer in the SB group (13 vs. 5 days, P < 0.001) with a trend of higher rate of early treatment-related events (24.1 vs. 6.7%, P = 0.113). None of the patients in SB group developed recurrent biliary obstruction. Higher readmission rate (36.7 vs. 3.3%, P = 0.004) and re-intervention rate (36.7 vs. 10%, P = 0.033) were found in the SEMS group. The 3-, 6-, and 9-month re-intervention rates for endoscopic SEMS and SB group were 24.9, 29.4, 45.7, and 11.2, 11.2, and 11.2%, respectively (P = 0.03). When all subsequent readmissions were taken into account, there was no significant difference in hospital stay in both groups (7.5 vs. 14 days, P = 0.359); however, the total cost of treatment in SB group was significantly higher than that in the SEMS group (13,307 vs. 7113 USD, P = 0.035).Conclusion: Despite being more invasive and expensive, surgical bypass provides durable relief of biliary obstruction. Endoscopic SEMS is associated with minimal procedural risks and low re-intervention rate, which are important considerations for frail patients with limited life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate percutaneous brush cytology, forceps biopsy and a tandem procedure consisting of both, in the diagnosis of malignant biliary obstruction.Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent biliary brush cytology and/or forceps biopsy between 01/2010 and 09/2014 was performed. The cytology and pathology results were compared to the composite outcome (including radiological, pathological and clinical data). Cost for tandem procedure compared to brush cytology and forceps biopsy alone was calculated.Results: A total of 232 interventions in 129 patients (70.8 ± 11.0 years) were included. Composite outcome showed malignancy in 94/129 (72.9%) patients. Sensitivity for brush cytology, forceps biopsy and tandem procedure was 40.6% (95% CI 32.6-48.7%), 42.7% (32.4-53.0%) and 55.8% (44.7-66.9%) with 100% specificity, respectively. There were 9/43 (20.9%) additional cancers diagnosed when forceps biopsy was performed in addition to brush cytology, while there were 13/43 (30.2%) more cancers diagnosed when brush cytology was performed in addition to forceps biopsy. Additional costs per additionally diagnosed malignancy if tandem approach is to be utilised in all cases was $704.96.Conclusion: Using brush cytology and forceps biopsy in tandem improves sensitivity compared to brush cytology and forceps biopsy alone in the diagnosis of malignant biliary obstruction.Key Points: • Tandem procedure improves sensitivity compared to brush cytology and forceps biopsy. • Brush cytology may help to overcome "crush artefacts" from forceps biopsy. • The cost per diagnosed malignancy may warrant tandem procedure in all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Intraoperative cholangiograms (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy have been advocated to detect biliary anomalies and intraductal calculi. However, IOC increases operative time and patient irradiation, and therefore is not universally used. We hypothesise selective IOC may be a valuable tool in children. Methods A retrospective case note review was performed of all children who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a single institution by a single surgeon between January 2011 and March 2017. Demographics, radiological imaging, indications for surgery and IOC, and clinical outcomes were collected. Chi-Squared and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests were used for comparisons. Results Sixty-two patients were reviewed. Median follow-up was 2 months (0.1–60), and 53 (85%) had complete symptom resolution following surgery. Twenty-two patients underwent IOC. Six (27%) had anomalies undetected by preoperative imaging. IOC identified common bile duct (CBD) stones in 2 patients which were cleared at laparoscopy. One patient required subsequent ERCP for impacted stones. One patient has a long common channel and pancreatitis. Two patients have CBD strictures. These last 3 are awaiting biliary reconstruction. Presence of CBD dilatation or ductal stones on preoperative ultrasound were significantly associated with positive findings at IOC. No complications resulted from IOC. Patients who did not undergo IOC did not represent with missed anomalies. Conclusions Despite using multimodal preoperative imaging, IOC detected biliary anomalies requiring further treatment in 6/62 (10%) of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our data support the use of IOC in selective patients with CBD dilatation or suspicion of ductal stones on preoperative imaging. Level of evidence Study of Diagnostic Test: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholangitis is a life-threatening infection of the biliary tract. Historically, the mortality secondary to cholangitis approached 100%. However, with early recognition, antibiotics, resuscitation, and surgical or endoscopic intervention, patient outcomes have significantly improved, although there is still progress to be made.Objective Of Review: The objective of this review is to provide an emergency medicine-centered approach to the risk factors, presentations, and various diagnostic and treatment modalities in cholangitis.Discussion: Early recognition and treatment of cholangitis in the emergency department is instrumental in ensuring a favorable outcome for patients. Recognition of acute cholangitis can be challenging, as many patients do not present with the classic symptoms of Charcot's triad. This article reviews the risk factors in cholangitis, as well as the typical presentations and necessary diagnostic studies. Furthermore, once diagnosis is made, distinguishing those requiring emergent biliary decompression from those who may tolerate a delayed procedure can also be difficult. Scoring systems that attempt to identify patients who may tolerate a delayed approach have yet to be validated. This review discusses the appropriate antibiotic therapy based on most common pathogens, as well as the options for achieving biliary decompression.Conclusions: Cholangitis is a life-threatening infection that carries a high likelihood of poor outcomes if not treated early and aggressively in the emergency department. Appropriate recognition, early broad-spectrum antibiotics, and fluid resuscitation are paramount, and in patients with severe disease, early biliary decompression will significantly reduce mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portal biliopathy (PB) is an abnormality of the biliary tree wall due to extrahepatic portal hypertension. Among the complications of portal biliopathy are digestive bleeding, jaundice, and cholangitis. Surgical treatment is an exception when medical management is not possible. This is a case series study of four patients with severe PB complications requiring surgical management in our center from 2005 to 2016. Two of them had previous surgical procedures related to portal hypertension. All presented with severe biliary stenosis and recurrent cholangitis, and two also had massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Because of endoscopic management failure, a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed in all cases. Two patients presented morbidity Clavien-Dindo>IIIA, requiring reoperation. During follow-up, no one developed other complications related to PB. Surgical treatment for PB complications is a challenge and mainly implies a portosystemic shunt as a first step. When it fails, an alternative is perform a biliodigestive anastomoses, with high risk of bleeding given the prominent collaterals present in the hepatoduodenal pedicle secondary to portal cavernomatosis. Our patients after YRGB didn't present new complications due to PB. The surgery could be a definite solution for PB complications. It has only been made for selective cases because it implies high complexity and risk. • Portal biliopathy refers to cholangiographic abnormalities which occur in patients with portal cavernoma. • Therapeutic options in such patients are limited due extensive venous thrombosis and advanced liver disease. • Biliary drainage procedures like hepaticojejunostomy or choledochoduodenostomy are performed with good clinical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the clinical characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with biliary obstruction as the first manifestation and explore the treatment options. A retrospective analysis was performed on a case of AML with biliary obstruction as the first manifestation admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Jishou University (Jishou, China). The relevant laboratory examination, imaging, pathological results and treatment strategies were analyzed. The patient was a 44-year-old male with an initial manifestation of biliary obstruction. Combined with the results of laboratory tests and bone marrow aspiration, the patient was diagnosed with AML and was treated with an IA regimen (idarubicin 8 mg d1-3, cytarabine 0.2 d1-5). After 2 courses of treatment, complete response was achieved, the liver function returned to normal and the biliary obstruction disappeared. The initial symptoms of AML are varied, and always combine with multi-system organ damage. Early diagnosis and active treatment of primary diseases are the keys to improving the prognosis of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic tumors are uncommon in children and rarely result in biliary obstruction. A previously well 12-year old female presented with a one-week history of fatigue, pruritis, and painless jaundice. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated a mass in the pancreatic head associated with dilation of the common bile duct. Further workup included abdominal MRI, CT and endoscopic retrograde pancreaticogram (ERCP) with biliary stenting. Octreotide scan did not reveal uptake in the pancreatic tumor. Percutaneous biopsies were consistent with a grade 2 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET). Preoperative imaging demonstrated involvement of the portal vein. The patient was brought the operating room for a pancreaticoduodenectomy and portal vein resection. Final pathology revealed a T3N1M0 pancreatic NET. The patient recovered uneventfully.