Current approaches to the management of jejunal variceal bleeding at the site of hepaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Jejunal variceal bleeding at the site of hepaticojejunostomy after pancre-aticoduodenectomy due to portal hypertension caused by extrahepatic portal vein obstruction is a life-threatening complication and is very difficult to treat.Pharma-cotherapy,endoscopic methods,transcatheter embolization of veins supplying the jejunal afferent loop,portal venous stenting,and surgical procedures can be used for the treatment of jejunal variceal bleeding.Nevertheless,the optimal mana-gement strategy has not yet been established,which is due to the lack of ran-domized controlled trials involving a large cohort of patients necessary for their development.

Hepaticojejunostomy for hepatolithiasis: A critical appraisal

AIM： To evaluate the long-term outcome and surgical indications of hepaticojejunostomy （H J） for the treatment of hepatolithiasis. METHODS- Three hundred and fourteen elective cases with hepatolithiasis but without biliary stricture or cystic dilatation treated in the past 10 years were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into HJ group and T tube drainage group according to biliary drainage procedure. Furthermore, four subgroups were subdivided by hepatectomy as a balance factor, group A1： hepatectomy＋HJ; group A2： choledochoctomy＋HJ; group B1： hepatectomy ＋ choledochoctomy T tube drainage; group B2： choledochoctomy ＋ T tube drainage. The stone residual rate, surgical efficacy and long-term outcome were compared among different procedures. RESULTS： There was no surgical mortality among all patients. The total hospital mortality was 1.6%. The overall stone residual rate after surgical clearance was 25.9%. There was no statistical difference between HJ group and T tube drainage group in terms of stone residual rate after surgical clearance, however, after postoperative choledochoscopic lithotripsy, the total stone residual rate of T tube drainage group was significantly lower than that of HJ group （0.5% vs 16.7%, P 〈 0.01）. Hepatectomy ＋ choledochoctomy tube drainage achieved the optimal therapeutic effect, only 8.2% patients suffered from an attack of cholangitis postoperatively, which was significantly lower than that of hepatectomy ＋ HJ （8.2% vs 22.0%, P = 0.034）. The major reason for postoperative cholangitis was stone residual in the HJ group （16/23, 70.0%）, and stone recurrence in the T tube drainage group （34/35, 97.1%）. The operative times were significantly prolonged in those undergoing HJ, and the operative morbidity of HJ was higher than those of T tube drainage. CONCLUSION： The treatment result of HJ for hepatolithiasis is not satisfactory in this retrospective study due to high rate of stone residual and postoperative cholangi- tis. HJ could not drain residual stone effectively. HJ may hinder post-operative choledochoscopic lithotripsy, which is the optimal management for postoperative residual stone. The indications of HJ for hepatolithiasis should be strictly selected.

Robotic assisted Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in a post-cholecystectomy type E2 bile duct injury

Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy anastomosis is the treatment of choice for common hepatic duct injury type E2.It has been performed laparoscopically with the advancement of laparoscopic skill.Recently,a telemanipulative robotic surgical system was introduced,providing laparoscopic instruments with wrist-arm technology and 3-dimensional visualization of theoperative field.We present a case of 36-year-old female patient who had undergone elective cholecystectomy2 mo ago for gall stones and had a common bile duct injury during surgery.As the stricture was old and complete it could not be tackled endoscopically.We did a laparoscopic assisted adhesiolysis followed by robotic Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy.No intraoperative complications or technical problems were encountered.Postoperative period was uneventful and she was discharged on the 4th postoperative day.At followup,she is doing well without evidence of jaundice or cholangitis.This is the first reported case of robotic hepaticojejunostomy following common bile duct injury.The hybrid technique gives the patient benefit of laparoscopic adhesiolysis and robotic suturing.

Surgical management in biliary restricture after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for bile duct injury

AIM: To discuss the surgical method and skill of biliary restricture after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for bile duct injury. METHODS: From November 2005 to December 2006, eight patients with biliary restricture after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for bile duct injury were admitted to our hospital. Their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Bile duct injury was caused by cholecys- tectomy in the eight cases, including seven cases with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and one with mini- incision choleystectomy. According to the classification of Strasberg, type E1 injury was found in one patient, type E2 injury in three, type E3 injury in two and type E4 injury in two patients. Both of the type E4 injury patients also had a vascular lesion of the hepatic artery. Six patients received Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy for the second time, and one of them who had type E4 injury with the right hepatic artery disruption received right hepatectomy afterward. One patient who had type E4 injury with the proper hepatic artery lesion underwent liver transplantation, and the remaining one with type E3 injury received external biliary drainage. All the patients recovered fairly well postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is still the main approach for such failed surgical cases with bile duct injury. Special attention should be paid to concomitant vascular injury in these cases. The optimal timing and meticulous and excellent skills are essential to the success in this surgery.

Long-term outcome of gastric access loop in hepaticojejunostomy

BACKGROUND:?The incidence of hepaticojejunostomy stricture is 4%-10% in experienced centres. Many access loops have been designed and used to facilitate endoscopic intervention for this complication of hepaticojejunostomy. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness and safety of gastric access loop. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 13 patients who had undergone hepaticojejunostomy with gastric access loop between June 1999 and September 2003. Eleven patients were followed up for a mean period of 51 months (range 20-81 months). Two patients were lost to follow up. RESULTS:?On follow-up, 8 patients had patent jejuno- gastrostomy (end to side anastomosis between Roux loop of jejunum and stomach) and hepaticojejunostomy. Three patients developed stricture of jejunogastrostomy at 41 months, 63 months and 81 months of follow-up. Among these 3 patients, one also had hepaticojejunostomy stricture. In the patient with hepaticojejunostomy stricture, dilatation of jejunogastrostomy stricture was attempted but failed. None of the patients had any evidence of bile gastritis/cholangitis. There was no procedure related morbidity/mortality. CONCLUSIONS:Further studies involving large numbers of patients are required before wide application of gastric access loop in hepaticojejunostomy though it is a safer option than percutaneous transhepatic manipulations or revision surgery.

Treatment of Complicated Hepatic Cystic Hydatidosis with Intrabiliary Rupture by Pericystectomy in Combination with Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy

This study retrospectively reviewed 9 cases of complicated hepatic cystic hydatidosis with intrabiliary rupture who were surgically treated with pericystectomy in combination with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in our hospital from 2004 to 2010. The clinical features, results of laboratory tests, B-mode ultrasonography and CT, post-operative recovery, days of hospital stay after the operation and post-operative complications were statistically analyzed and the patients were followed up. The subjects in our series included 7 males and 2 females, whose average age was 50.78±7.58 years. Before operation, 9 patients suffered from pain of the right upper quadrant and jaundice, which, in 4 cases (44.45%), were accompanied with fever and chills. Preoperative B-mode ul-trosonography and CT showed that all the 9 patients had single hydatid cyst, with their diameter being 9.33±1.58 cm on average. The lesions involved segments Ⅴ, Ⅵ in 6 cases, and segment Ⅳ in 3 cases. By WHO classification, 7 cases were classified as CE3 and 2 cases as CE4. They all had choledochectasia. The subjects underwent the surgery uneventfully. Intraoperatively, 2–4 biliary fistula orifices were found, with the average of the orifice being (0.79±0.20) cm. After the operation, one patient developed incision infection, one had pulmonary infection and one suffered from reflux cholangitis. No anastomotic leaks or peri-operative deaths took place and follow-up revealed no recurrence and implantative metastasis. We are led to conclude that pericystectomy in combination with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy can achieve satisfactory results for the treatment of complicated hepatic cystic hydatidosis with intrabiliary rupture.

Application of multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction by formation of bile hilar duct lake in the operation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the extrahepatic bile duct.Until now,radical resection has been the most effective method for the long-term survival of patients with the disease.However,many problems have emerged in the field of hepatobiliary surgery for a long time,including complex surgical procedures,low resection rate,and postoperative complications.We have adopted the“multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction by formation of a bile duct lake”technique in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma since 2008,and obtained satisfactory short-and longterm results.AIM To examine the feasibility of the application of multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction by formation of a bile duct lake in the operation of hilar cholangiocarcinoma METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data,surgical methods,and results of 76 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who were treated with hilar bile duct lake-forming multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction at Gansu Provincial Hospital.RESULTS In all 76 cases,the operation was successful and no operative death occurred.The mean(range)operation time was 215.4±53.5 min(124–678 min),and the amount of bleeding during the operation was 428.2±63.8 mL(240–2200 mL).The overall 1-year survival rate was 78.9%,and the 3-year survival rate was 32.8%.CONCLUSION The multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction technique with formation of a bile duct lake is safe and effective for the surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Endoscopic and retrograde cholangiographic appearance of hepaticojejunostomy strictures:A practical classifi cation

AIM:To study the endoscopic and radiological characteristics of patients with hepaticojejunostomy(HJ)and propose a practical HJ stricture classif ication.METHODS:In a retrospective observational study,a balloon-assisted enteroscopy(BAE)-endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed 44 times in 32 patients with surgically-altered gastrointestinal(GI)anatomy.BAE-endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography(ERCP)was performed 23 times in 18 patients with HJ.The HJ was carefully studied with the endoscope and using cholangiography.RESULTS:The authors observed that the hepaticojejunostomies have characteristics that may allow these to be classif ied based on endoscopic and cholangiographic appearances:the HJ orif ice aspect may appear as small(type A)or large(type B)and the stricture may be short(type 1),long(type 2)and type 3,intrahepatic biliary strictures not associated with anastomotic stenosis.In total,7 patients had type A1,4 patients A2,one patient had B1,one patient had B(large orif ice without stenosis)and one patient had type B3.CONCLUSION:This practical classification allows for an accurate initial assessment of the HJ,thus potentially allowing for adequate therapeutic planning,as the shape,length and complexity of the HJ and biliary tree choice may mandate the type of diagnostic and thera-peutic accessories to be used.Of additional importance,a standardized classif ication may allow for better com-parison of studies of patients undergoing BAE-ERCP in the setting of altered upper GI anatomy.

Outcomes of side-to-side conversion hepaticojejunostomy for biliary anastomotic stricture after right-liver living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND:Conversion hepaticojejunostomy is considered the salvage intervention for biliary anastomotic stricture,a common complication of right-liver living donor liver transplantation with duct-to-duct anastomosis,after failed endoscopic treatment.The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of side-to-side hepaticojejunostomy with those of endto-side hepaticojejunostomy.METHODS:Prospectively collected data of 402 adult patients who had undergone right-liver living donor liver transplantation with duct-to-duct anastomosis were reviewed.Diagnosis of biliary anastomotic stricture was made based on clinical,biochemical,histological and radiological results.Endoscopic treatment was the first-line treatment of biliary anastomotic stricture.RESULTS:Interventional radiological or endoscopic treatment failed to correct the biliary anastomotic stricture in 13 patients,so they underwent conversion hepaticojejunostomy.Ten of them received end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy and three received side-to-side hepaticojejunostomy.In the end-to-side group,two patients sustained hepatic artery injury requiring repeated microvascular anastomosis,two developed restenosis requiring further percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and balloon dilatation,and two required revision hepaticojejunostomy.In the side-to-side group,one patient developed re-stenosis requiring further endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and balloon dilatation.No re-operation was needed in this group.Otherwise,outcomes in the two groups were similar in terms of liver function and graft survival.CONCLUSIONS:Despite the similar outcomes,side-to-side hepaticojejunostomy may be a better option for bile duct reconstruction after failed interventional radiological or endoscopic treatment because it can decrease the chance of hepatic artery injury and allows future endoscopic treatment if re-stricture develops.However,more large-scale studies are warranted to validate the results.

Hepaticojejunostomy with the “Hand-Fan” technique

A standard hepaticojejunostomy technique might be difficult to perform, especially when the bile duct is small and located deep in the liver hilum. Herein we present a new procedure, the Hand-Fan technique, that was used to enhance the exposure and ease the performance of these challenging anastomoses. Thirty-one patients who had had hepaticojejunostomy with this technique for bile duct injury and other benign biliary pathologies from July 2004 to June 2011 were included into the study. Median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days (6-25 days) and median follow-up time was 33 months (2-84 months). Liver function tests revealed that the blood bilirubin levels of the patients were normalized after hepaticojejunostomy. Follow-up showed that there were no signs of clinical recurrence or impaired bile flow. The Hand-Fan technique considerably facilitates challenging hepaticojejunostomies. Surgeon’s comfort is exceptional and the clinical results are satisfactory.

Diagnosis and management of choledochal cyst: 20 years of single center experience

We report the first case series from Africa and the Middle East on choledochal cyst, a disease which shows significant geographical distribution with high incidence in the Asian population. In this study, the epidemiological data of the patients are presented and analyzed. Attention was paid to diagnostic imaging and its accuracy in the diagnosis and classification of choledochal cyst. Most cases of choledochal cyst disease have type I and IV-A cysts according to the Todani classification system, which support the etiological theories of choledochal cyst, especially Babbitt’s theory of the anomalous pancreaticobiliary duct junction, which are clearly stated. The difficulties and hazards of surgical management and methods used to avoid operative complications are clarified. Early and late postoperative complications are also included. This study should be followed by multicenter studies throughout Egypt to help assess the incidence of choledochal cysts in one of the largest populations in Africa and the Middle East.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for biliary tract disease

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery(SILS), or laparoendoscopic single-site surgery, has been employed in various fields to minimize traumatic effects over the last two decades. Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy(SILC) has been the most frequently studied SILS to date. Hundreds of studies on SILC have failed to present conclusive results. Most randomized controlled trials(RCTs) have been small in scale and have been conducted under ideal operative conditions. The role of SILC in complicated scenarios remains uncertain. As common bile duct exploration(CBDE) methods have been used for more than one hundred years, laparoscopic CBDE(LCBDE) has emerged as an effective, demanding, and infrequent technique employed during the laparoscopic era. Likewise, laparoscopic biliary-enteric anastomosis is difficult to carry out, with only a few studies have been published on the approach. The application of SILS to CBDE and biliary-enteric anastomosis is extremely rare, and such innovative procedures are only carried out by a number of specialized groups across the globe. Herein we present a thorough and detailed analysis of SILC in terms of operative techniques, training and learning curves, safety and efficacy levels, recovery trends, and costs by reviewing RCTs conducted over the past three years and two recently updated meta-analyses. All existing literature on single-incision LCBDE and singleincision laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy has been reviewed to describe these two demanding techniques.

Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction after radical resection of Bismuth Ⅲ a hilar cholangiocarcinoma

At present, radical resection remains the only effective treatment for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The surgical approach for R0 resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is complex and diverse, but for the biliary reconstruction after resection, almost all surgeons use Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. A viable alternative to Roux-en-Y reconstruction after radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma has not yet been proposed. We report a case of performing duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction after radical resection of Bismuth Ⅲa hilar cholangiocarcinoma. End-to-end anastomosis between the left hepatic duct and the distal common bile duct was used for the biliary reconstruction, and a singlelayer continuous suture was performed along the bile duct using 5-0 prolene. The patient was discharged favorably without biliary fistula 2 wk later. Evidence for tumor recurrence was not found after an 18 mo follow- up. Performing bile duct end-to-end anastomosis in hilar cholangiocarcinoma can simplify the complex digestive tract reconstruction process.

Double-balloon-enteroscopy-based endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in post-surgical patients

AIM: To evaluate double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in post-surgical patients to perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and interventions. METHODS: In 37 post-surgical patients, a stepwise approach was performed to reach normal papilla or enteral anastomoses of the biliary tract/pancreas. When conventional endoscopy failed, DBE-based ERCP was performed and standard parameters for DBE, ERCP and interventions were recorded. RESULTS: Push-enteroscopy (overall, 16 procedures) reached enteral anastomoses only in six out of 37 post-surgical patients (16.2%). DBE achieved a high rate of luminal access to the biliary tract in 23 of the remaining 31 patients (74.1%) and to the pancreatic duct (three patients). Among all DBE-based ERCPs (86 procedures), 21/23 patients (91.3%) were successfully treated. Interventions included ostium incision or papillotomy in 6/23 (26%) and 7/23 patients (30.4%), respectively. Biliary endoprosthesis insertion and regular exchange was achieved in 17/23 (73.9%) and 7/23 patients (30.4%), respectively. Furthermore, bile duct stone extraction as well as ostium and papillary dilation were performed in 5/23 (21.7%) and 3/23 patients (13.0%), respectively. Complications during DBE-based procedures were bleeding (1.1%), perforation (2.3%) and pancreatitis (2.3%), and minor complications occurred in up to 19.1%. CONCLUSION: The appropriate use of DBE yields a high rate of luminal access to papilla or enteral anastomoses in more than two-thirds of post-surgical patients, allowing important successful endoscopic therapeutic interventions.

Isolated right posterior bile duct injury following cholecystectomy:Report of two cases

Anatomic variations of the right biliary system are one of the most common risk factors for sectoral bile duct injury(BDI)during cholecystectomy.Isolated right posterior BDI may in particular be a challenge for both diagnosis and management.Herein we describe two cases of isolated right posterior sectoral BDI that took place during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Despite effective external biliary drainage from the liver hilum in both cases,there was a persistent biliary leak observed which was not visible on endoscopic retrogradecholangiogram.Careful evaluation of images from both endoscopic and magnetic resonance cholangiograms revealed the diagnosis of an isolated right posterior sectoral BDI.These were treated with a delayed bisegmental(segments 6 and 7)liver resection and a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy respectively with good outcomes at 24 and 4 mo of follow-up.This paper discusses strategies for prevention of such injuries along with the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges it offers.

Impact of referral pattern and timing of repair on surgical outcome after reconstruction of post-cholecystectomy bile duct injury:A multicenter study

Background:Bile duct injury(BDI)after cholecystectomy remains a significant surgical challenge.No guideline exists to guide the timing of repair,while few studies compare early versus late repair BDI.This study aimed to analyze the outcomes in patients undergoing immediate,intermediate,and delayed repair of BDI.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 412 patients with BDI from March 2015 to January 2020.The patients were divided into three groups based on the time of BDI reconstruction.Group 1 underwent an immediate reconstruction(within the first 72 hours post-cholecystectomy,n=156);group 2 underwent an intermediate reconstruction(from 4 days to 6 weeks post-cholecystectomy,n=75),and group 3 underwent delayed reconstruction(after 6 weeks post-cholecystectomy,n=181).Results:Patients in group 2 had significantly more early complications including anastomotic leakage and intra-abdominal collection and late complications including anastomotic stricture and secondary liver cirrhosis compared with groups 1 and 3.Favorable outcome was observed in 111(71.2%)patients in group 1,31(41.3%)patients in group 2,and 157(86.7%)patients in group 3(P=0.0001).Multivariate analysis identified that complete ligation of the bile duct,level E1 BDI and the use of external stent were independent factors of favorable outcome in group 1,the use of external stent was an independent factor of favorable outcome in group 2,and level E4 BDI was an independent factor of unfavorable outcome in group 3.Transected BDI and level E4 BDI were independent factors of unfavorable outcome.Conclusions:Favorable outcomes were more frequently observed in the immediate and delayed reconstruction of post-cholecystectomy BDI.Complete ligation of the bile duct,level E1 BDI and the use of external stent were independent factors of a favorable outcome.

Coagulopathy in a subtype of choledochal cyst and management strategy

AIM: To evaluated our management algorithm of the coagulopathy. We evaluated our management algorithm of the coagulopathy.

Application of single balloon enteroscopy-assisted therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis: Experience of multi-disciplinary collaboration

BACKGROUND Bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis is one of the most complicated approaches for reconstructing the gastrointestinal tract, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically challenging in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis. The optimal endoscopic strategies for such cases remain unknown. AIM To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of single balloon enteroscopy-assisted (SBE-assisted) therapeutic ERCP in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis based on multi-disciplinary collaboration between endoscopists and surgeons as well as report the experience from China. METHODS This is a single center retrospective study. All of the SBE-assisted therapeutic ERCP procedures were performed by the collaboration between endoscopists and surgeons. The operation time, success rate, and complication rate were calculated. RESULTS Forty-six patients received a total of 64 SBE-assisted therapeutic ERCP procedures, with successful scope intubation in 60 (93.8%) cases and successful diagnosis in 59 (92.2%). All successfully diagnosed cases received successful therapy. None of the cases had perforation or bleeding during or after operation, and no post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred. CONCLUSION Based on multi-disciplinary collaboration, SBE-assisted therapeutic ERCP in patients after bilioenteric Roux-en-Y anastomosis is relatively safe and effective and has a high success rate.

Placement of percutaneous transhepatic biliary stent using a silicone drain with channels

This report describes a method for percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting with a BLAKE Silicone Drain, and discusses the usefulness of placement of the drain connected to a J-VAC Suction Reservoir for the treatment of stenotic hepaticojejunostomy. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was performed under ultrasonographic guidance in a patient with stenotic hepaticojejunostomy after hepatectomy for hepatic hilum malignancy. The technique used was as follows. After dilatation of the drainage root, an 11-FF tube with several side holes was passed through the stenosis of the hepaticojejunostomy. A 10-Fr BLAKE Silicone Drain is flexible, which precludes onestep insertion. One week after insertion of the 11-Fr tube, a 0.035-inch guidewire was inserted into the tube. After removal of the 11-Fr tube, the guidewire was put into the channel of a 10-Fr BLAKE Silicone Drain. The drain was inserted into the jejunal limb through the intrahepatic bile duct and was connected to a J-VAC Suction Reservoir. Low-pressure continued suction was applied. Patients can be discharged after insertion of the 10-Fr BLAKE Silicone Drain connected to the J-VAC Suction Reservoir. Placement of a percutaneous transhepaUc biliary stent using a 10-Fr BLAKE Silicone Drain connected to a J-VAC Suction Reservoir is useful for the treatment of stenotic hepaticojejunostomy.

Changing clinical profile,management strategies and outcome of patients with biliary tract injuries at atertiary care center in SriLanka

BACKGROUND: Biliary tract injuries are mostly iatrogenic Related data are limited in developing countries. There are lessons to be learned by revisiting the clinical profiles management issues and outcome of patients referred to a tertiary care center in Sri Lanka, compared with the previous data from the same center published in 2006. Such a review is particularly relevant at a time of changing global perceptions of iatrogenic biliary injuries. This study aimed to analyze and compare the changes in the injury pattern, management and outcome following biliary tract injury in a Sri Lankan study population treated at a tertiary care center. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of 67 patients treated between May 2002 and February 2011. The profiles of the last 38 patients treated from October 2006 to February 2011 were compared with those of the first 29 patients treated from May 2002 to September 2006. Definitive management options included endoscopic biliary stenting, reconstructive hepaticojejunostomy with creation of gastric access loops and biliary stricture dilation. Post-treatment jaundice cholangitis and abdominal pain needing intervention were considered as treatment failures. RESULTS: In the 67 patients, 55 were women and 12 men Their mean age was 40.6 (range 19-80) years. Five patients had traumatic injuries. Thirty-seven injuries (23 during the second study period) were due to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 25 (10 during the second study period) to open cholecystectomy The identification rate of intra-operative injury was 19% in the laparoscopic group and 8% in the open group. Bismuth typeI, II, III and IV injuries were seen in 18, 18, 15 and 12 patients, respectively. Endoscopic stenting was the definitive treatment in 20 patients. In 35 patients who had hepaticojejunostomy, 33 underwent creation of the gastric access loop. Twenty- two reconstructions were performed during the second study period. A gastric access loop was used for endotherapy in three patients with anastomotic occlusion at the site of hepaticojejunostomy. The overall outcome was satisfactory in the majority of patients. There were four injury-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary tract injuries associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy have become the most frequent cause of biliary injury management at our center. Although endotherapy was useful in selected patients, in the majority, surgical reconstruction with hepaticojejunostomy was required as the definitive treatment. Creation of the gastric access loop was found to be a useful adjunct in the management of hepaticojejunostomy strictures.