Redefining endoluminal biliary drainage:Challenges and innovations in endosonography-guided techniques

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is considered the gold standard for treating benign and malignant biliary obstructions.However,its use in complex biliary obstructions is limited.Over the past decades,therapeutic endosonography(EUS)and emerging technologies such as lumen-apposing metal stents have enabled endoscopic treatment of conditions previously requiring nonendoscopic or surgical approaches.Studies show that EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy is a reliable alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of distal malignant biliary obstructions and can be considered a primary drainage modality in centers with adequate expertise.For malignant hilar biliary obstructions,draining at least 50%of viable liver tissue often requires combining different modalities.The treatment strategy in these patients should be individualized,depending on the Bismuth classification,patient physical status,and intended systemic therapy.Due to the lack of evidence,general recommendations cannot be made for EUS-guided hepaticoduodenostomy or combined procedures with transhepatic bridging stents.These novel techniques should be limited to selected palliative cases where conventional methods have failed and conducted within clinical trials to generate evidence before broader application.

Pancreatic stent improves the success rate of needle-knife papillotomy in patients with difficult biliary cannulation

BACKGROUND Needle-knife precut papillotomy(NKP)is typically performed freehand.However,it remains unclear whether pancreatic stent(PS)placement can improve the outcomes of NKP.AIM To explore whether PS placement improves the success rate of NKP in patients with difficult biliary cannulation.METHODS This single-center retrospective study included 190 patients who underwent NKP between January 2017 and December 2021 after failed conventional biliary cannulation.In cases with incidental pancreatic duct cannulation during conventional biliary cannulation,the decision for pre-NKP PS placement was made at the endoscopist's discretion.The primary outcome was the difference in the NKP success rate between patients with and without PS placement;the secondary outcome was the adverse event rate.RESULTS Among the 190 participants,82 received pre-NKP PS(PS-NKP group)whereas 108 did not[freehand or freehand NKP(FH-NKP)group].Post-NKP selective biliary cannulation was successful in 167(87.9%)patients,and the PS-NKP had a significantly higher success rate than the FH-NKP group(93.9%vs 83.3%,P=0.027).The overall adverse event rates were 7.3%and 11.1%in the PS-NKP and FH-NKP groups,respectively(P=0.493).A periampullary diverticulum(PAD)and significant intraoperative bleeding during NKP were independently associated with NKP failure;however,a pre-NKP PS was the only predictor of NKP success.Among the 44 participants with PADs,the PS-NKP group had a non-significantly higher NKP success rate than the FH-NKP group(87.5%and 65%,respectively;P=0.076).CONCLUSION PS significantly improved the success rate of NKP in patients with difficult biliary cannulation.

Overview of endoscopic biliary stenting in malignant obstructive jaundice

This article discusses Wang et al’s essay.Endoscopic biliary stenting,a less invasive alternative to surgery,is effective for malignant obstructive jaundice.This article summarizes the pathophysiology of biliary obstruction,the technical aspects of stenting,and the clinical outcomes.By comparison of endoscopic stenting with percutaneous biliary drainage,improvements and complications are focused on.Additionally,patient selection for stenting and future advancements in stent technology are important.Overall,endoscopic biliary stenting is a valuable palliative option for patients with malignant jaundice,especially those ineligibles for surgery.

Bile acid therapy for primary biliary cholangitis:Pathogenetic validation

Knowledge of the etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of any disease is essential for its treatment.Because the cause of primary biliary cholangitis(PBC),a chronic,slowly progressive cholestatic liver disease,is still unknown,treatment remains symptomatic.Knowledge of the physicochemical properties of various bile acids and the adaptive responses of cholangiocytes and hepatocytes to them has provided an important basis for the development of relatively effective drugs based on hydrophilic bile acids that can potentially slow the progression of the disease.Advances in the use of hydrophilic bile acids for the treatment of PBC are also associated with the discovery of pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of cholangiocyte damage and the appearance of the first signs of this disease.For 35 years,ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)has been the unique drug of choice for the treatment of patients with PBC.In recent years,the list of hydrophilic bile acids used to treat cholestatic liver diseases,including PBC,has expanded.In addition to UDCA,the use of obeticholic acid,tauroursodeoxycholic acid and norursodeoxycholic acid as drugs is discussed.The pathogenetic rationale for treatment of PBC with various bile acid drugs is discussed in this review.Emphasis is made on the mechanisms explaining the beneficial therapeutic effects and potential of each of the bile acid as a drug,based on the understanding of the pathogenesis of the initial stages of PBC.

Comprehensive molecular characterization to predict immunotherapy response in advanced biliary tract cancer:a phase II trial of pembrolizumab

Background:Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)are effective in a subset of patients with metastatic solid tumors.However,the patients who would benefit most from ICIs in biliary tract cancer(BTC)are still controversial.Materials and methods:We molecularly characterized tissues and blood from 32 patients with metastatic BTC treated with the ICI pembrolizumab as second-line therapy.Results:All patients had microsatellite stable(MSS)type tumors.Three of the 32 patients achieved partial response(PR),with an objective response rate(ORR)of 9.4%(95%confidence interval[CI],2.0–25.2)and nine showed stable disease(SD),exhibiting a disease control rate(DCR)of 37.5%(95%CI,21.1–56.3).For the 31 patients who had access to PD-1 ligand 1(PD-L1)combined positive score(CPS)testing(cut-off value≥1%),the ORR was not different between those who had PD-L1-positive(PD-L1+;1/11,9.1%)and PDL1-(2/20,10.0%)tumors(p=1.000).The tumor mutational burden(TMB)of PD-L1+BTC was comparable to that of PD-L1-BTC(p=0.630).TMB and any exonic somatic mutations were also not predictive of pembrolizumab response.Molecular analysis of blood and tumor samples demonstrated a relatively high natural killer(NK)cell proportion in the peripheral blood before pembrolizumab treatment in patients who achieved tumor response.Moreover,the tumors of these patients presented high enrichment scores for NK cells,antitumor cytokines,and Th1 signatures,and a low enrichment score for cancer-associated fibroblasts.Conclusions:This study shows the molecular characteristics associated with the efficacy of pembrolizumab in BTC of the MSS type.

Clinical evaluation of endoscopic biliary stenting in treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)is characterized by the presence of malignant tumors infiltrating or compressing the bile duct,causing poor bile drainage,generalized yellowing,pain,itching,and malaise.MOJ is burdensome for both the society and the families of affected patients and should be taken seriously.AIM To evaluate the clinical effect of stent placement during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for relieving MOJ and the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in terms of liver function improvement,complication rates,and long-term patient outcomes.METHODS The clinical data of 59 patients with MOJ who were admitted to our hospital between March 2018 and August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the treatment method,the patients were divided into an observation group(29 patients)and a control group(30 patients).General data,liver function indices,complications,adverse effects,and 3-year survival rates after different surgical treatments were recorded for the two groups.RESULTS There were no significant differences in baseline information(sex,age,tumor type,or tumor diameter)between the two groups(P>0.05).Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and total bilirubin levels were significantly better in both groups after surgery than before surgery(P<0.05).The overall incidence of biliary bleeding,gastrointestinal bleeding,pancreatitis,and cholangitis was 6.9%in the observation group and 30%in the control group(P<0.05).No significant differences in the rates of blood transfusion,intensive care unit admission,or death within 3 years were observed between the two groups at the 1-month follow-up(P>0.05).The 3-year survival rates were 46.06%and 39.71%in the observation and control groups,respectively.CONCLUSION Endoscopic biliary stenting effectively relieves MOJ and significantly improves liver function,with minimal complications.This technique is a promising palliative approach for patients ineligible for radical surgery.However,further research is needed to optimize current treatment strategies and to explore their potential in treating nonmalignant cases of obstructive jaundice.

Effect of brush rinse on the diagnostic accuracy of biliary stricture evaluation:A multicenter trial

BACKGROUND Brush cytology is the most commonly used technique for tissue acquisition during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the evaluation of biliary strictures.Nonetheless,brush cytology is limited by its low sensitivity due to insufficient cellular yield.AIM To evaluate the impact of the sheath-rinse technique on improving the cellularity yield.METHODS A total of 112 patients with suspected malignant biliary strictures were enrolled at two tertiary centers in South Korea.The sample cellularity and diagnostic accuracy of brush-wash and sheath-rinse specimens were compared.RESULTS A significantly increased number of total cell clusters per representative 20×field was recorded in the sheath-rinse compared with the brush-wash specimens(median:12 vs 3,P<0.001).This trend persisted when large(>50 cells)clusters(median:8 vs 3,P<0.001),medium(6-49 cells)(median:7 vs 3,P<0.001),and small(2-5 cells)clusters(median:9 vs 3,P<0.001)were evaluated.Diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity for differentiating malignancy were superior with sheath-rinsing than with the brush-wash method(72.3%vs 62.5%,P<0.001 and 69.9%vs 59.2%,P<0.001,respectively).CONCLUSION Incorporating sheath-rinse specimens significantly improved the yield and diagnostic accuracy of biliary brush cytology.Sheath-rinsing should be integrated into routine clinical practice to improve diagnostic performance for biliary strictures.

Alive Strongyloides stercoralis in biliary fluid in patient:A case report

BACKGROUND Strongyloides stercoralis(S.stercoralis),is a prevalent parasitic worm that infects humans.It is found all over the world,particularly in tropical and subtropical areas.Strongyloidiasis is caused mostly by the parasitic nematode S.stercoralis.Filariform larvae typically infest humans by coming into contact with dirt,such as by walking barefoot or through exposure to human waste or sewage.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old male presented to our department with a 10-year history of abdominal pain and diarrhea,which had recently recurred for the past 3 months.A computed tomography(CT)scan revealed acute cholecystitis accompanied by a gallbladder stone.Additionally,a 5 mm stone was found obstructing the lower portion of the common bile duct,resulting in dilatation of both the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts to 8 mm,in contrast to a previous CT scan.Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a prominent echogenicity in the lower portion of the common bile duct.Consequently,an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was conducted via endoscopic sphincterotomy and balloon dilatation.The microscope revealed the presence of viable S.stercoralis rhabditiform larvae in the biliary fluid.We documented an uncommon instance of S.stercoralis infection in the biliary fluid of a patient suffering from gallstones and cholangitis.CONCLUSION The film we created provides a visual representation of the movement of the living S.stercoralis in biliary fluid.

Prognostic roles nutritional index in patients with resectable and advanced biliary tract cancers

BACKGROUND Biliary tract cancer(BTC)is a rare,aggressive malignancy with increasing inci-dence and poor prognosis.Identifying preoperative prognostic factors is crucial for effective risk-benefit assessments and patient stratification.The prognostic nutritional index(PNI),which reflects immune-inflammatory and nutritional status,has shown prognostic value in various cancers,but its significance in BTC remains unclear.AIM To assess the prognostic value of the preoperative PNI in BTC patients,with a focus on overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS).METHODS Comprehensive searches were conducted in the PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science databases from inception to April 2024.The primary outcomes of interest focused on the associations between the preoperative PNI and the prognosis of BTC patients,specifically OS and disease-free survival(DFS).Statistical analyses were conducted via STATA 17.0 software.RESULTS Seventeen studies encompassing 4645 patients met the inclusion criteria.Meta-analysis revealed that a low PNI was significantly associated with poorer OS[hazard ratio(HR)1.91,95%CI:1.59-2.29;P<0.001]and DFS(HR 1.93,95%CI:1.39-2.67;P<0.001).Subgroup analyses revealed consistent results across BTC subtypes(cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer)and stages(resectable and advanced).Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings,and no significant publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that a low preoperative PNI predicts poor OS and DFS in BTC patients,highlighting its potential as a valuable prognostic tool.Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and enhance BTC patient management.

Internal biliary diversion using appendix during liver transplantation for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1:A case report

BACKGROUND Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1(PFIC-1)is a genetic cholestatic disease causing end-stage liver disease,which needs liver transplantation(LT).Simultaneous biliary diversion(BD)was recommended to prevent allograft steatosis after transplantation,while increasing the risk of infection.Here,an attempt was made to perform BD using appendix to prevent bacterial translocation after LT.CASE SUMMARY An 11-month-old boy diagnosed with PFIC-1 received ABO compatible living donor LT due to refractory jaundice and pruritus.His mother donated her left lateral segment with a graft-to-recipient weight ratio of 2.9%.Internal BD was constructed during LT using the appendix by connecting its proximal end with the intrahepatic biliary duct and the distal end with colon.Biliary leakage was suspected on the 5th day after transplantation and exploratory laparotomy indicated biliary leakage at the cutting surface of liver.The liver function returned to normal on the 9th day post-operation and maintained normal during the 15-month follow-up.Cholangiography at 10 months after transplantation confirmed the direct secretion of bile into colon.Computerized tomography scan(4 months and 10 months)and liver biopsy(10 months)indicated no steatosis in the allograft.No complaint of recurrent diarrhea,infection or growth retardation was reported during follow-up.CONCLUSION Internal BD using appendix during LT is effective in preventing allograft steatosis and post-transplant infection in PFIC-1 recipients.

Clip-stone and T clip-sinus post laparoscopic biliary surgery:Two case reports and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE)are widely used in gallbladder and biliary tract diseases.During these procedures,vessels or tissues are commonly ligated using clips.However,postoperative migration of clips to the common bile duct(CBD)or Ttube sinus tract is an overlooked complication of laparoscopic biliary surgery.Previously,most reported cases of postoperative clip migration involved metal clips,with only a few cases involving Hem-o-lok clips and review of the literature.CASE SUMMARY This report describes two cases in which Hem-o-lok clips migrated into the CBD and the T-tube sinus tract following laparoscopic surgery.Case 1 is a 68-year-old female admitted due to abdominal discomfort,and two Hem-o-lok clips were found to have migrated into the CBD 17 months after LC and LCBDE with T-tube drainage,and were removed using a stone extraction balloon.The patient was discharged smoothly after recovery.Case 2 is a 74-year-old male who underwent LC and LCBDE with T-tube drainage and laparoscopic biliary tract basket stone extraction.Nine weeks postoperatively,following T-tube removal,a Hem-o-lok clip was found in the sinus tract,and was extracted from the T-tube sinus tract.The patient recovered smoothly postoperatively.This study also reviews the literature from 2013 to July 2024 on using Hem-o-lok clips in LC and/or LCBDE treatment of gallbladder and biliary diseases and the postoperative migration of these clips into the CBD,T-tube sinus tract,or duodenum.CONCLUSION In patients with a history of LC and/or LCBDE,clip migration should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Application of DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology in diagnosis and treatment of hepatolithiasis

BACKGROUND Hepatobiliary stone disease involves an intrahepatic bile duct stone that occurs above the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts.One-step percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy(PTCSL)using the percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation(PTOBF)technique enables the clearing of intrahepatic stones and the resolution of strictures.However,hepatolithiasis with associated strictures still has high residual and recurrence rates after one-step PTCSL.DynaCT can achieve synchronized acquisition with a flat-panel detector during C-arm rotation.The technical approach and application value of DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatolithiasis with bile duct stenosis were evaluated in this study.AIM To explore the value of DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatolithiasis with bile duct stenosis,and to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the PTOBF technique guided by DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology.METHODS The clinical data of 140 patients with complex biliary stenosis disease combined with bile duct stenosis who received PTOBF and were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2020 to December 2024 were collected.The patients were divided into two groups:DynaCT-PTOBF group(70 patients)and conventional PTOBF group(70 patients).These groups were compared in terms of the preoperative bile duct stenosis,location of the liver segment where the stone was located,intraoperative operative time,immediate stone retrieval rate,successful stenosis dilatation rate,postoperative complication rate,postoperative reoperation rate,stone recurrence rate,and stenosis recurrence rate.RESULTS DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology was successfully performed in 70 patients.The DynaCTPTOBF group had a higher detection rate of target bile ducts where bile duct stones and biliary strictures were located than the PTOBF group.Compared with the PTOBF group,the DynaCT-PTOBF group was characterized by a significantly greater immediate stone removal rate(68.6%vs 50.0%,P=0.025),greater immediate stenosis dilatation success rate(72.9%vs 55.7%,P=0.034),greater final stenosis release rate(91.4%vs 75.7%,P=0.012),shorter duration of intraoperative hemorrhage(3.14±2.00 vs 26.5±52.1,P=0.039),and lower incidence of distant cholangitis(2.9%vs 11.4%,P=0.49).There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the final stone removal rate,reoperation rate,or long-term complication incidence rate.CONCLUSION DynaCT biliary soft tissue reconstruction technology guiding the PTOBF technique in patients with hepatolithiasis with bile duct stenosis is feasible and accurate.It may be beneficial for optimizing the preoperative evaluation of the PTOBF technique.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage using electrocauteryenhanced lumen-apposing metal stent for malignant biliary obstruction:A promising procedure

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Peng et al.Palliative drainage for biliary obstruction resulting from unresectable malignant lesions includes internal and external drainage.The procedures of biliary drainage are usually guided by fluoroscopy or transcutaneous ultrasound,endoscopic ultrasound(EUS),or both.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)has been primarily recommended for the management of biliary obstruction,while EUS-guided biliary drainage and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD)are alternative choices for cases where ERCP has failed or is impossible.PTBD is limited by shortcomings of a higher rate of adverse events,more reinterventions,and severe complications.EUS-guided biliary drainage has a lower rate of adverse events than PTBD.EUS-guided biliary drainage with electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent(ECE-LAMS)enables EUS-guided biliaryenteric anastomosis to be performed in a single step and does not require prior bile duct puncture or a guidewire.The present meta-analysis showed that ECELAMS has a high efficacy and safety in relieving biliary obstruction in general,although the results of LAMS depending on the site of biliary obstruction.This study has highlighted the latest advances with a larger sample-based comprehensive analysis.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage vs percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for malignant biliary obstruction after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography failure

In a recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery,a meta-analysis investigated the safety and efficacy of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent(ECE-LAMS)implantation for managing malignant biliary obstruction following failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.This manusc-ript endeavors to offer a comprehensive look at the progression of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage(EUS-BD)technologies,weighing their merits and drawbacks against traditional percutaneous methods.Several meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials have compared the performance of EUS-BD and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage(PTCD).These studies revealed that the technical success rate,clinical success rate,and adverse events were similar between EUS-BD and PTCD.Nevertheless,given that most of these studies preda-te 2015,the safety and effectiveness of novel EUS-BD techniques,including ECE-LAMS,compared with those of percutaneous biliary drainage remain elusive.Further investigation is imperative to ascertain whether these novel EUS-BD techniques can safely and efficaciously replace conventional percutaneous thera-peutic approaches.

Still elusive: Developments in the accurate diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures

Indeterminate biliary strictures pose a significant diagnostic dilemma for gastroenterologists.Despite advances in endoscopic techniques and instruments,it is difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant pathology.A positive histological diagnosis is always preferred prior to high risk hepatobiliary surgery,or to inform other types of therapy.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreato-graphy with brushings has low sensitivity and despite significant improvements in instruments there is still an unacceptably high false negative rate.Other methods such as endoscopic ultrasound and cholangioscopy have improved diagnostic quality.In this review we explore the techniques available to aid accurate diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures and obtain accurate histology to facilitate clinical management.

Current status of the biliary tract malformation

The choledochal cyst(CC)can be better termed as biliary tract malformation because of the close association of embryology and etiology in the causation of CC.Contrary to Babbitt's postulation of reflux,damage and dilatation,reflux was not demonstrable as the causative factor in all varieties of CC.High pressure in the biliary system,otherwise termed ductal hypertension,is put forth as an alternative to explain the evolution of CC.The forme fruste type,which does not find a place in the standard classification,typifies the ductal hypertension hypothesis.Hence a closer,in-depth review would be able to highlight this apt terminology of biliary tract malformation.

Endoscopic-ultrasound-guided biliary drainage with placement of electrocautery-enhanced lumen-apposing metal stent for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction:Updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage using electrocautery-enhanced(ECE)delivery of lumen-apposing metal stent(LAMS)is gradually being re-cognized as a viable palliative technique for malignant biliary obstruction after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)failure.However,most of the studies that have assessed its efficacy and safety were small and hetero-geneous.Prior meta-analyses of six or fewer studies that were published 2 years ago were therefore underpowered to yield convincing evidence.AIM To update the efficacy and safety of ECE-LAMS for treatment of biliary ob-struction after ERCP failure.METHODS We searched PubMed,EMBASE,and Scopus databases from the inception of the ECE technique to May 13,2022.Primary outcome measure was pooled technical success rate,and secondary outcomes were pooled rates of clinical success,re-intervention,and adverse events.Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model following Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation in R soft-ware(version 4.1.3).RESULTS Fourteen eligible studies involving 620 participants were ultimately included.The pooled rate of technical success was 96.7%,and clinical success was 91.0%.Adverse events were reported in 17.5%of patients.Overall reinter-vention rate was 7.3%.Subgroup analyses showed results were generally consistent.CONCLUSION ECE-LAMS has favorable success with acceptable adverse events in relieving biliary obstruction when ERCP is impossible.The consistency of results across most subgroups suggested that this is a generalizable approach.

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

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

Defining failure of endoluminal biliary drainage in the era of endoscopic ultrasound and lumen apposing metal stents

The role of endoscopy in pathologies of the bile duct and gallbladder has seen notable advancements over the past two decades.With advancements in stent technology,such as the development of lumen-apposing metal stents,and adoption of endoscopic ultrasound and electrosurgical principles in therapeutic endoscopy,what was once considered endoscopic failure has transformed into failure of an approach that could be salvaged by a second-or third-line endoscopic strategy.Incorporation of these advancements in routine patient care will require formal training and multidisciplinary acceptance of established techniques and collaboration for advancement of experimental techniques to generate robust evidence that can be utilized to serve patients to the best of our ability.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage vs percutaneous transhepatic bile duct drainage in the management of malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)is a condition characterized by varying degrees of bile duct stenosis and obstruction,accompanied by the progressive development of malignant tumors,leading to high morbidity and mortality rates.Currently,the two most commonly employed methods for its management are percutaneous transhepatic bile duct drainage(PTBD)and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage(EUS-BD).While both methods have demonstrated favorable outcomes,additional research needs to be performed to determine their relative efficacy.To compare the therapeutic effectiveness of EUS-BD and PTBD in treating MOJ.METHODS This retrospective analysis,conducted between September 2015 and April 2023 at The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University(The First People’s Hospital of Changzhou),involved 68 patients with MOJ.The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of surgical procedure received:EUS-BD subgroup(n=33)and PTBD subgroup(n=35).Variables such as general data,preoperative and postoperative indices,blood routine,liver function indices,myocardial function indices,operative success rate,clinical effectiveness,and complication rate were analyzed and compared between the subgroups.RESULTS In the EUS-BD subgroup,hospital stay duration,bile drainage volume,effective catheter time,and clinical effect-iveness rate were superior to those in the PTBD subgroup,although the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The puncture time for the EUS-BD subgroup was shorter than that for the PTBD subgroup(P<0.05).Postoperative blood routine,liver function index,and myocardial function index in the EUS-BD subgroup were significantly lower than those in the PTBD subgroup(P<0.05).Additionally,the complication rate in the EUS-BD subgroup was lower than in the PTBD subgroup(P<0.05).CONCLUSION EUS-BD may reduce the number of punctures,improve liver and myocardial functions,alleviate traumatic stress,and decrease complication rates in MOJ treatment.