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.

Hepatomegaly and jaundice as the presenting symptoms of systemic light-chain amyloidosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Light chain(AL)amyloidosis is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by the pathologic production and extracellular tissue deposition of fibrillar proteins derived from immunoglobulin AL fragments secreted by a clone of plasma cells,which leads to progressive dysfunction of the affected organs.The two most commonly affected organs are the heart and kidneys,and liver is rarely the dominant affected organ with only 3.9%of cases,making them prone to misdia-gnosis and missed diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 65-year-old woman was admitted with a 3-mo history of progressive jaundice and marked hepatomegaly.Initially,based on enhanced computed tomography scan and angiography,Budd-Chiari syndrome was considered and balloon dilatation of significant hepatic vein stenoses was performed.However,addi-tional diagnostic procedures,including liver biopsy and bone marrow-exami-nation,revealed immunoglobulin kapa AL amyloidosis with extensive liver involvement and hepatic vascular compression.The disease course was progre-ssive and fatal,and the patient eventually died 5 mo after initial presentation of symptoms.CONCLUSION AL amyloidosis with isolated liver involvement is very rare,and can be easily misdiagnosed as a vascular disease.

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.

Advances in minimally invasive treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice

Malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)encompasses a range of diseases stemming from malignant tumors such as cholangiocarcinoma,pancreatic cancer,and primary liver cancer,among others,which cause obstruction in both intra-and extra-hepatic bile ducts.This obstruction may lead to elevated bilirubin levels,hepatic function impairment,and a low rate of successful surgical resection in clinical settings.There are various minimally invasive treatment options for MOJ,including endoscopic biliary drainage,ultrasound-guided procedures,and percutaneous biliary tract puncture drainage.

Changes over time in treatment for obstructive jaundice

This editorial discusses an article by Peng et al.This study reviewed the efficacy and safety of a new approach for treating obstructive jaundice.Although the pathophysiology of obstructive jaundice has not yet been fully elucidated,pro-gress has been made in its management.There are two aspects of obstructive jaundice:Cholestatic status and absence of bile in the intestinal lumen.Internal biliary drainage resolved both the conditions.Clinically,endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage(ERBD)has replaced percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage,and ERBD is transitioning to endoscopic ultrasound guided biliary drainage.This editorial briefly explains the mechanism and treatment of obstructive jaundice and the prospects of this new internal biliary drainage technique.

Audit of Neonatal Jaundice as Experienced at a Mission Hospital in Western Nigeria

Introduction: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a common disorder in neonates that can impact negatively on the brain and cause death. The peculiarities in aetiology and solutions for different settings are a knowledge gap. This informed the desire to determine local aetiology and solutions for neonatal jaundice in a missionary hospital in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: Consecutive consenting babies diagnosed with significant neonatal jaundice were studied between July 2016 and June 2019. Institutional ethical consent was obtained. A proforma was used to obtain socio-demographic data and other relevant information such as age, sex, birthweight, gestational age and history regarding the jaundice. All the information obtained was inputted into a computer and analysed with SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 179 babies with neonatal jaundice comprising of 120 (67.0%) boys and 59 (33.0%) girls with ages ranging between 1 and 12 days (mean 2.7 ± 2.9) were studied. Prematurity, ABO incompatibility, neonatal sepsis and glucose-6-phosphate enzyme deficiency accounted for over 80% of the causes of significant NNJ. Sixty (33.5%) of the 179 babies studied developed acute bilirubin encephalopathy and 11 (6.1%) mortalities were recorded. Higher proportions of babies that were out-born with spontaneous vaginal delivery modes had acute bilirubin encephalopathy (p < 0.05). Mothers with formal education had better outcome compared to mothers without, in terms of mortalities (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Neonatal jaundice is still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal age group. Maternal education is key to good outcome in neonatal jaundice.

A Comparison between Late Preterm and Term Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Early-Onset Sepsis, and Neonatal Jaundice in Ecuadorian Newborns

Background: To examine the differences in prevalence of respiratory distress syndrome, early-onset sepsis and jaundice, between late preterm infants versus term infants in Ecuadorian newborns. Methods: Study design: Epidemiological, observational, and cross-sectional, with two cohorts of patients. Settings: IESS Quito Sur Hospital at Quito, Ecuador, from February to April of 2020. Participants: This study included 204 newborns, 102 preterm infants, 102 term infants. Results: There are significant differences between late preterm infants and term infants, with a p-value of 0.000 in the prevalence of early sepsis, 70.59% vs. 35.29%. In respiratory distress syndrome between late and term premature infants, significant differences were observed with a p-value of 0.000, the proportion being 55.58% vs. 24.51% respectively. The prevalence of jaundice is higher in term infants with a p value of 0.002, 72.55%, versus 51.96% in late preterm infants, and the mean value of bilirubins in mg/dL was higher in term infants 14.32 versus 12.33 in late preterm infants;this difference is statistically significant with a p value of 0.004. Admission to the NICU is more frequent in late preterm infants with a p-value of 0.000, being 42.16% for late preterm infants vs. 7.84% in term infants;the mean of the hospital days with p-value 0.005, was higher in late preterm infants 4.97 days vs. 3.55 days for term newborns. Conclusion: Due to the conditions of their immaturity, late preterm infants are 2.86 times more likely to present early sepsis than full-term newborns. It is shown that late preterm infants are 2.69 times more likely to have respiratory distress syndrome compared to term infants, therefore, late preterm infants have a longer hospital stay of 4.97 days versus 3.55 days in term infants. Jaundice and mean bilirubin levels are higher in term infants due to blood group incompatibility and insufficient breastfeeding.

Pathophysiology of increased intestinal permeability in obstructive jaundice

Despite advances in preoperative evaluation and postoperative care, intervention, especially surgery, for relief of obstructive jaundice still carries high morbidity and mortality rates, mainly due to sepsis and renal dysfunction. The key event in the pathophysiology of obstructive jaundice-associated complications is endotoxemia of gut origin because of intestinal barrier failure. This breakage of the gut barrier in obstructive jaundice is multi-factorial, involving disruption of the immunologic, biological and mechanical barrier. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that obstructive jaundice results in increased intestinal permeability. The mechanisms implicated in this phenomenon remain unresolved, but growing research interest during the last decade has shed light in our knowledge in the field. This review summarizes the current concepts in the pathophysiology of obstructive jaundice-induced gut barrier dysfunction, analyzing pivotal factors, such as altered intestinal tight junctions expression, oxidative stress and imbalance of enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis. Clinicians handling patients with obstructive jaundice should not neglect protecting the intestinal barrier function before, during and after intervention for the relief of this condition, which may improve their patients’ outcome.

Pathophysiological consequences of obstructive jaundice and perioperative management

Background: Obstructive jaundice is a common problem in daily clinical practice. Understanding completely the pathophysiological changes in obstructive jaundice remains a challenge for planning current and future management.Data sources: A Pub Med was searched for relevant articles published up to August 2016. The effect of obstructive jaundice on proinflammatory cytokines, coagulation status, hemodynamics and organ functions were evaluated.Results: The effects of obstructive jaundice included biliary tree, the hepatic cell and liver function as well as systemic complications. The lack of bile in the gut, the disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier,the increased absorption of endotoxin and the subsequent endotoxemia cause proinflammatory cytokine production(TNF-α, IL-6). Bilirubin induces systemic inflammatory response syndrome which may lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The principal clinical manifestations include hemodynamic instability and acute renal failure, cardiovascular suppression, immune compromise, coagulation disorders,nutritional impairment, and wound healing defect. The proper management includes full replacement of water and electrolyte deficiency, prophylactic antibiotics, lactulose, vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma,albumin and dopamine. The preoperative biliary drainage has not been indicated in overall, but only in a few selected cases.Conclusion: The perioperative management is an essential measure in improving the outcome after the appropriate surgical operation in jaundiced patients especially those with malignancy.

Effect of preoperative biliary drainage on malignant obstructive jaundice:A meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate the effect of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) on obstructive jaundice resulting from malignant tumors. METHODS: According to the requirements of Cochrane systematic review, studies in the English language were retrieved from MEDLINE and Embase databases from 1995 to 2009 with the key word "preoperative biliary drainage". Two reviewers independently screened the eligible studies, evaluated their academic level and extracted the data from the eligible studies confirmed by cross-checking. Data about patients with and without PBD after resection of malignant tumors were processed for meta-analysis using the Stata 9.2 software, including postoperative mortality, incidence of postoperative pancreatic and bile leakage, abdominal abscess, delayed gastric emptying and incision infection.RESULTS: Fourteen retrospective cohort studies involving 1826 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice accorded with our inclusion criteria, and were included in meta-analysis. Their baseline characteristics were comparable in all the studies. No significant difference was found in combined risk ratio (RR) of postoperative mortality and incidence of pancreatic and bile leakage, abdominal abscess, delayed gastric emptying between patients with and without PBD. However, the combined RR for the incidence of postoperative incision infection was improved better in patients with PBD than in those without PBD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PBD cannot significantly reduce the post-operative mortality and complications of malignant obstructive jaundice, and therefore should not be used as a preoperative routine procedure for malignant obstructive jaundice.

One-step palliative treatment method for obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable malignancies by percutaneous transhepatic insertion of an expandable metallic stent

AIM： To describe a simple one-step method involving percutaneous transhepatic insertion of an expandable metal stent （EMS） used in the treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable malignancies. METHODS： Fourteen patients diagnosed with obstructive jaundice due to unresectable malignancies were included in the study. The malignancies in these patients were a result of very advanced carcinoma or old age. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography was performed under ultrasonographic guidance. After a catheter with an inner metallic guide was advanced into the duodenum, an EMS was placed in the common bile duct, between a point 1 cm beyond the papilla of Vater and the entrance to the hepatic hilum. In cases where it was difficult to span the distance using just a single EMS, an additional stent was positioned. A drainage catheter was left in place to act as a hemostat. The catheter was removed after resolution of cholestasis and stent patency was confirmed 2 or 3 d post-procedure. RESULTS： One-step insertion of the EMS was achieved in all patients with a procedure mean time of 24.4 min. Out of the patients who required 2 EMS, 4 needed a procedure time exceeding 30 min. The mean time for removal of the catheter post-procedure was 2.3 d. All patients died of malignancy with a mean follow-up time of 7.8 mo. No stent-related complication or stent obstruction was encountered. CONCLUSIONS： One-step percutaneous transhepaticinsertion of EMS is a simple procedure for resolving biliary obstruction and can effectively improve the patient＇s quality of life.

Experimental obstructive jaundice alters claudin-4 expression in intestinal mucosa: Effect of bombesin and neurotensin

AIM： To investigate the influence of experimental obstructive jaundice and exogenous bombesin （BBS） and neurotensin （NT） administration on the expression of the tight junction （TJ）-protein claudin-4 in intestinal epithelium of rats. METHODS： Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups： Ⅰ = controls, Ⅱ = sham operated,Ⅲ = bile duct ligation （BDL）,Ⅳ = BDL＋BBS （30μg/kg per d）, V = BDL＋NT （300μg/kg per d）. At the end of the experiment on d 10, endotoxin was measured in portal and aortic blood. Tissue sections of the terminal ileum were examined histologically and immunohistochemically for evaluation of claudin-4 expression in intestinal epithelium. RESULTS： Obstructive jaundice led to intestinal barrier failure demonstrated by significant portal and aortic endotoxemia. Claudin-4 expression was significantly increased in the upper third of the villi in jaundiced rats and an upregulation of its lateral distribution was noted. Administration of BBS or NT restored claudin-4 expression to the control state and significantly reduced portal and aortic endotoxemia. CONCLUSION： Experimental obstructive jaundice increases claudin-4 expression in intestinal epithelium,which may be a key factor contributing to the disruption of the mucosal barrier. Gut regulatory peptides BBS and NT can prevent this alteration and reduce portal and systemic endotoxemia.

Obstructive jaundice due to hepatobiliary cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma

Hepatobiliary cystadenomas (HBC) and cystadenocarci- nomas are rare cystic lesions. Most patients with these lesions are asymptomatic, but presentation with ob- structive jaundice may occur. The first patient presented with intermittent colicky pain and recurrent obstructive jaundice. Imaging studies revealed a polypoid lesion in the left hepatic duct. The second patient had recurrent jaundice and cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholan- giopancreatography (ERCP) showed a cystic lesion at the confluence of the hepatic duct. In the third patient with intermittent jaundice and cholangitis, cholangioscopy re- vealed a papillomatous structure protruding into the left bile duct system. In the fourth patient with obstructive jaundice, CT-scan showed slight dilatation of the intrahe- patic bile ducts and dilatation of the common bile duct of 3 cm. ERCP showed filling of a cystic lesion. All patients underwent partial liver resection, revealing HBC in the specimen. In the fifth patient presenting with obstructive jaundice, ultrasound examination showed a hyperecho- genic cystic lesion centrally in the liver. The resection specimen revealed a hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinoma. HBC and cystadenocarcinoma may give rise to obstruc- tive jaundice. Evaluation with cross-sectional imaging techniques is useful. ERCP is a useful tool to differentiate extraductal from intraductal obstruction.

Protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs of rats with obstructive jaundice and its mechanism

AIM: To observe the protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs (lymph nodes, spleen and thymus) of rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ) and its mechanism. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model control group and Radix Astragali treatment group. On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after operation, mortality rate of rats, pathological changes in immune organs, expression levels of Bax and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 proteins, apoptosis indexes and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level in spleen and thymus were observed, respectively.RESULTS: Compared to model control group, the number of dead OJ rats in Radix Astragali treatment group decreased (P > 0.05). The TNF-α level (27.62 ± 12.61 vs 29.55 ± 18.02, 24.61 ± 9.09 vs 31.52 ± 10.95) on days 7 and 21, the pathological severity score for spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (2.0) on days 7 and 14 and for lymph nodes [0.0 (1.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 1.0 (0.0) vs 2.0 (1.0)] on days 21 and 28, the product staining intensity and positive rate of Bax protein in spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5) and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5)] on days 14 and 28, the apoptotic indexes [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01)] in spleen and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01) on days 14 and 21 were significantly lower in Radix Astragali treatment group than in model control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radix Astragali has protective effects on immune organs of OJ rats by relieving the pathological changes in immune organs, reducing TNF-α level and inhibiting Bax expression and apoptosis in spleen and thymus.

Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy using novel magnetic compressive anastomats in canine model of obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND:The traditional hand-sewn Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy is technically complicated,and the incidence of postoperative complications has remained high.A set of novel magnetic compressive anastomats was introduced to facilitate choledochojejunostomy and improve the prognosis of patients.METHODS:After ligating the common bile duct for 7 days,16 dogs were randomly divided into two groups (n=8 per group).Anastomats were used in the study group,and the traditional hand-sewn method was used in the control group for standard Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy.We compared the operation time,incidence of complications,gross appearance,and pathological disparity in stoma between the two groups in 1-month and 3-month follow-up examinations.RESULTS:The time spent on constructing the anastomosis for the study group was significantly shortened.Although no anastomotic stenosis occurred in the two groups,the narrowing rate of biliary-enteric anastomosis was much higher in the control group.There was one case of bile leakage in the control group,whereas no bile leakage occurred in the study group.A smoother surface,an improved layer apposition,and a lower local inflammatory response were identified in the anastomosis of the study group.CONCLUSION:The structures of the novel magnetic compressive anastomats are simple,and they are time-saving,safe and efficient for performing Roux-en-Y choledocho- jejunostomy procedures in a canine model of obstructive jaundice.

Effect of biliary drainage on inducible nitric oxide synthase, CD14 and TGR5 expression in obstructive jaundice rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of biliary drainage on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD14 and TGR5 expression in rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ). METHODS: Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: OJ, sham operation (SH), internal biliary drainage (ID) and external biliary drainage (ED). Rat models were successfully established by two operations and succumbed for extraction of Kupffer cells (KCs) and liver tissue collection on the 8 th and 15 th day. KCs were isolated by in situ hepatic perfusion and digested with collagen Ⅳ, density gradient centrifuged by percoll reagent and purified by cell culture attachment. The isolated KCs were cultured with the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with and without the addition of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The expression of iNOS, CD14 and bile acid receptor-TGR5 protein in rat liver tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression of iNOS and CD14 messenger RNA (mRNA) on the isolated KCs was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the TGR5 mRNA level in KCs was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The iNOS protein was markedly expressed in the liver of OJ rats, but rare expressed in SH rats. After relief of OJ, the iNOS expression was decidedly suppressed in the ID group (ID vs OJ, P < 0.01), but obviously increased in rats of ED (ED vs OJ, P=0.004). When interfered only with LPS, the expression of iNOS mRNA by KCs was increased in the OJ group compared with the SH group (P=0.004). After relief of biliary obstruction, the iNOS mRNA expression showed slight changes in the ED group (ED vs OJ, P=0.71), but dropped in the ID group (ID vs OJ, P=0.001). Compared with the simple intervention with LPS, the expressions of iNOS mRNA were significantly inhibited in all four groups after interfered with both LPS and UDCA (P < 0.01, respectively). After bile duct ligation, the CD14 protein expression in rat liver was significantly strengthened (OJ vs SH, P < 0.01), but the CD14 mRNA level by KCs was not up-regulated (OJ vs SH, P=0.822). After relieving the OJ, the expression of CD14 protein was reduced in the ID group (ID vs OJ, P < 0.01), but not reduced in ED group (ED vs OJ, P=0.591). And then the CD14 mRNA expression was aggravated by ED (ED vs OJ, P < 0.01), but was not significantly different between the ID group and the SH and OJ groups (ID vs SH, P=0.944; ID vs OJ, P=0.513, respectively). The expression of TGR5 protein and mRNA increased significantly in OJ rats (OJ vs SH, P=0.001, respectively). After relief of OJ, ID could reduce the expression of TGR5 protein and mRNA to the levels of SH group (ID vs SH, P=0.22 and P=0.354, respectively), but ED could not (ED vs SH, P=0.001, respectively).CONCLUSION: ID could be attributed to the regulatory function of activation of KCs and release of inflammatory mediators.

Effect of postoperative early enteral nutrition on clinical outcomes and immune function of cholangiocarcinoma patients with malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Most cholangiocarcinoma patients with malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)have varying degrees of malnutrition and immunodeficiency preoperatively.Therefore,perioperative nutritional support has important clinical significance in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.AIM To investigate the effects of postoperative early enteral nutrition(EEN)on immunity function and clinical outcomes of cholangiocarcinoma patients with MOJ.METHODS This prospective clinical study included 60 cholangiocarcinoma patients with MOJ who underwent surgery.The patients were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group according to the nutrition support modes.The control group received postoperative total parenteral nutrition(TPN),whereas the experimental group received postoperative EEN and parenteral nutrition(PN;EEN+PN).The clinical outcomes,postoperative immune function,incidences of surgical site infection and bile leakage,intestinal function recovery time,average hospitalization days,and hospitalization expenses of the two groups were assessed on postoperative days(PODs)1,3,and 7.RESULTS The CD3+T,CD4+T,CD8+T,and CD4+T/CD8+T cell count and the immunoglobulin(Ig)G,IgM,and IgA levels in the EEN+PN group were significantly higher than those in the TPN group on PODs 3 and 7(P<0.05),whereas no significant differences in the CD3+T,CD4+T,CD8+T,and CD4+T/CD8+T cell counts and IgG,IgM,and IgA levels before operation and on POD 1 were found between the two groups(P>0.05).The intestinal function recovery time and postoperative hospital stay were shorter(P<0.001 for both)in the EEN+PN group than in the TPN group.The hospitalization expenses of the EEN+PN group were lower than those of the TPN group(P<0.001).However,the incidence of abdominal distension was higher than in the EEN+PN group than in the TPN group(P<0.05).The incidence rates of biliary leakage and surgical site infection were not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION A postoperative EEN program could reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and improve the clinical outcomes and immune functions of cholangiocarcinoma patients with MOJ and is thus beneficial to patient recovery.

Effect of Danshen on apoptosis and NF-кB protein expression of the intestinal mucosa of rats with severe acute pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND:Intestinal mucosa injury in cases of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP) or obstructive jaundice(OJ) is one of the main reasons for the accelerated aggravation of these diseases.Besides being an organ to digest and absorb nutrients,the intestine is also a unique immune organ.When SAP and OJ develop,the destruction of the intestinal mucosa barrier is an important contributing factor for the development of bacterial translocation,systemic inflammatory response syndrome,and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.It is important to protect the intestinal mucosa in the therapy for SAP and OJ.In this study,we determined the effect of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae(Danshen) injection on apoptosis and NF-κB P65 protein expression in the intestinal mucosa of rats with SAP or OJ,and explored the protective mechanism of Danshen in their mucosa.METHODS:Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the SAP and OJ experiments.These rats were randomly divided into shamoperated,model control,and treated groups.At various times after operation,the mortality rates were calculated.Subsequently,the rats were killed to assess the pathological changes,the expression levels of Bax and NF-κB proteins,and the apoptosis indices in the intestinal mucosa.RESULTS:Compared to the corresponding model control group,the number of SAP or OJ rats that died in the treated group decreased but showed no statistically significant difference.At all time points after operation,there was no significant difference between the treated and model control groups in the staining intensity as well as the product of staining intensity and positive staining rate of Bax protein in the intestinal mucosa of SAP and OJ rats.At 3 hours after operation,the apoptosis index of the intestinal mucosa of SAP rats in the treated group was lower than that in the model control group(P【0.01).At 12 hours after operation in SAP rats and 28 days after operation in OJ rats,the staining intensity as well as the product of staining intensity and positive staining rate of NF-κB protein of the intestinal mucosa in the treated group were lower than those in the model control group(P【0.01).CONCLUSION:Danshen exerts protective effects on the intestinal mucosa of SAP and OJ rats perhaps by inhibiting apoptosis and down-regulating NF-κB protein.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for severe jaundice in patients with acute Budd-Chiari syndrome

AIM:To evaluate the feasibility of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)for severe jaundice secondary to acute Budd-Chiari syndrome(BCS).METHODS:From February 2009 to March 2013,37patients with severe jaundice secondary to acute BCS were treated.Sixteen patients without hepatic venule,hepatic veins(HV)obstruction underwent percutaneous angioplasty of the inferior vena cava(IVC)and/or HVs.Twenty-one patients with HV occlusion underwent TIPS.Serum bilirubin,liver function,demographic data and operative data of the two groups of patients were analyzed.RESULTS:Twenty-one patients underwent TIPS and the technical success rate was 100%,with no technical complications.Sixteen patients underwent recanalization of the IVC and/or HVs and the technical success rate was 100%.The mean procedure time for TIPS was 84.0±12.11 min and angioplasty was44.11±5.12 min(P<0.01).The mean portosystemic pressure in the TIPS group decreased significantly from 40.50±4.32 to 16.05±3.50 mm Hg(P<0.01).The mean portosystemic pressure gradient decreased significantly from 33.60±2.62 to 7.30±2.21 mm Hg(P<0.01).At 8 wk after the procedures,in the TIPS group,total bilirubin(TBIL)decreased significantly from 266.24±122.03 before surgery to 40.11±3.52μmol/L(P<0.01)and direct bilirubin(DBIL)decreased significantly from 194.22±69.82μmol/L to 29.82±3.10μmol/L(P<0.01).In the angioplasty group,bilirubin returned to the normal range,with TBIL decreased significantly from 258.22±72.71μmol/L to 13.33±3.54μmol/L(P<0.01)and DBIL from175.08±39.27 to 4.03±1.74μmol/L(P<0.01).Liver function improved faster than TBIL.After 2 wk,in the TIPS group,alanine aminotransferase(ALT)decreased significantly from 50.33±40.61 U/L to 28.67±7.02U/L(P<0.01)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)from 49.46±34.33 U/L to 26.89±8.68 U/L(P<0.01).In the angioplasty group,ALT decreased significantly from 51.56±27.90 to 14.22±2.59μmol/L(P<0.01)and AST from 60.66±39.89μmol/L to 8.18±1.89μmol/L(P<0.01).After mean follow-up of 12.6 mo,there was no recurrence of jaundice in either group.CONCLUSION:Severe jaundice is not a contraindication for TIPS in patients with acute BCS and TIPS is appropriate for severe jaundice due to BCS.

Biliary drainage for obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: the endoscopic versus percutaneous approach

BACKGROUND: For palliative treatment of the obstructive jaundice associated with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) has been performed. PTBD is preferred as an initial procedure. Little is known about the better option for patients with obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable HCC. METHODS: Sixty patients who had received ERBD or PTBD for the palliative treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable HCC between January 2006 and May 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Successful drainage, drainage patency, and the overall survival of patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that the overall frequency of successful drainage was higher in the ERBD group (22/29, 75.9%) than in the PTBD group (15/31, 48.4%) (P=0.029); but multivariate analysis showed marginal significance (P=0.057). The duration of drainage patency was longer in the ERBD group than in the PTBD group (82 vs 37 days, respectively, P=0.020). Regardless of what procedure was performed, the median survival time of patients who had a successful drainage was much longer than that of the patients who did not have a successful drainage (143 vs 38 days, respectively, P<0.001).CONCLUSION: Besides PTBD, ERBD may be used as the initial treatment option to improve obstructive jaundice in patients with unresectable HCC if there is a longer duration of drainage patency after a successful drainage.