Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy-assisted biliary polypectomy for local palliative treatment of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct

BACKGROUND Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB)is a premalignant biliarytype epithelial neoplasm with intraductal papillary or villous growth.Currently reported local palliative therapeutic modalities,including endoscopic nasobiliary drainage,stenting and biliary curettage,endoscopic biliary polypectomy,percutaneous biliary drainage,laser ablation,argon plasma coagulation,photodynamic therapy,and radiofrequency ablation to relieve mechanical obstruction are limited with weaknesses and disadvantages.We have applied percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy(PTCS)-assisted biliary polypectomy(PTCS-BP)technique for the management of IPNB including mucin-hypersecreting cast-like and polypoid type tumors since 2010.AIM To assess the technical feasibility,efficacy,and safety of PTCS-BP for local palliative treatment of IPNB.METHODS Patients with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like or polypoid type IPNB and receiving PTCS-BP between September 2010 and December 2019 were included.PTCS-BP was performed by using a half-moon type snare with a soft stainless-steel wire,and the tumor was snared and resected with electrocautery.The primary outcome was its feasibility,indicated by technical success.The secondary outcomes were efficacy,including therapeutic success,curative resection,and clinical success,and safety.RESULTS Five patients(four with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type and one with polypoid type IPNB)were included.Low-and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN)and recurrent IPNB with invasive carcinoma were observed in one,two,and two patients,respectively.Repeated cholangitis and/or obstructive jaundice were presented in all four patients with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type IPNB.All five patients achieved technical success of PTCS-BP.Four patients(three with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type and one with polypoid type IPNB)obtained therapeutic success;one with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type tumors in the intrahepatic small bile duct and HGIN had residual tumors.All four patients with mucin-hypersecreting IPNB achieved clinical success.The patient with polypoid type IPNB achieved curative resection.There were no PTCS-BP-related serious adverse events.CONCLUSION PTCS-BP appears to be feasible,efficacious,and safe for local palliative treatment of both mucin-hypersecreting cast-like and polypoid type IPNB.

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.

Three-dimensional visualization technology for guiding one-step percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy for the treatment of complex hepatolithiasis

BACKGROUND Biliary stone disease is a highly prevalent condition and a leading cause of hospitalization worldwide.Hepatolithiasis with associated strictures has high residual and recurrence rates after traditional multisession percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy(PTCSL).AIM To study one-step PTCSL using the percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation(PTOBF)technique guided by three-dimensional(3D)visualization.METHODS This was a retrospective,single-center study analyzing,140 patients who,between October 2016 and October 2023,underwent one-step PTCSL for hepatolithiasis.The patients were divided into two groups:The 3D-PTOBF group and the PTOBF group.Stone clearance on choledochoscopy,complications,and long-term clearance and recurrence rates were assessed.RESULTS Age,total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,Child-Pugh class,and stone location were similar between the 2 groups,but there was a significant difference in bile duct strictures,with biliary strictures more common in the 3D-PTOBF group(P=0.001).The median follow-up time was 55.0(55.0,512.0)days.The immediate stone clearance ratio(88.6%vs 27.1%,P=0.000)and stricture resolution ratio(97.1%vs 78.6%,P=0.001)in the 3D-PTOBF group were significantly greater than those in the PTOBF group.Postoperative complication(8.6%vs 41.4%,P=0.000)and stone recurrence rates(7.1%vs 38.6%,P=0.000)were significantly lower in the 3D-PTOBF group.CONCLUSION Three-dimensional visualization helps make one-step PTCSL a safe,effective,and promising treatment for patients with complicated primary hepatolithiasis.The perioperative and long-term outcomes are satisfactory for patients with complicated primary hepatolithiasis.This minimally invasive method has the potential to be used as a substitute for hepatobiliary surgery.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography:An effective option for endo-biliary radiofrequency ablation before stent insertion in unresectable biliary cancer?

Biliary cancer is a highly aggressive disease that is typically diagnosed at advanced stages when surgical removal is no longer an option.In these cases,palliative care and mechanical widening of the blocked biliary system are preferred.The insertion of a stent is often necessary to prevent the recurrence of blockages caused by cancer progression.Prior to stent placement,endo-biliary radiofrequency ablation(EB-RFA)appears to result in longer-lasting stent effectiveness without increasing the risk of severe complications.However,its impact on overall survival is not yet clear.Additionally,while endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is the most common method for performing EB-RFA,percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage seems to be a safe and potentially more efficient alternative,particularly for long,angulated,or significantly narrowed bile ducts.

Efficacy and safety analysis of continued nursing of complications in discharged patients after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage

BACKGROUND Percutaneous hepatobiliary drainage(PTCD)is an effective method for the treatment of biliary obstruction and other diseases,but postoperative complications are still one of the important problems faced by patients.Continuous nursing is a comprehensive nursing model that plays an important role in postoperative recovery.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous nursing on the incidence of complications in patients after PTCD surgery through meta-analysis and to evaluate its efficacy and safety.AIM To evaluate the effect of extended nursing on the incidence of complications in discharged patients after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD).METHODS Randomized controlled studies on PTBD postdischarge extended care were identified in the CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,CBM,PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,and other databases.The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute of Australia literature quality evaluation tool,and a meta-analysis of the included studies was performed with RevMan 5.4 software.RESULTS Finally,9 studies were included,with a total sample size of 854 patients(425 patients in the control group and 429 patients in the intervention group).Meta-analysis revealed that extended care effectively reduced biliary tract infection(RR:0.42,95%CI:0.30-0.57),puncture wound infection(RR:0.19,95%CI:0.06-0.65),catheter protrusion or displacement in discharged patients after PTBD(RR:0.31,95%CI:0.18-0.54),catheter blockage(RR:0.23,95%CI:0.13-0.42),skin infection around the drainage tube(RR:0.30,95%CI:0.12-0.77),and catheter-related readmissions(RR:0.34,95%CI:0.18-0.65)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with conventional discharge care,extended care can effectively reduce the occurrence of complications such as biliary tract infection,puncture wound infection,catheter prolapse or displacement,catheter blockage,skin infection around the drainage tube,and catheter-related readmission in discharged patients after PTBD.

Evaluating effectiveness and safety of combined percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis patients:Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Acute cholecystitis(AC)is a common disease in general surgery.Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)is widely recognized as the"gold standard"surgical procedure for treating AC.For low-risk patients without complications,LC is the recommended treatment plan,but there is still controversy regarding the treatment strategy for moderate AC patients,which relies more on the surgeon's experience and the medical platform of the visiting unit.Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder puncture drainage(PTGBD)can effectively alleviate gallbladder inflammation,reduce gallbladder wall edema and adhesion around the gallbladder,and create a"time window"for elective surgery.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of LC or PTGBD combined with LC for treating AC patients,providing a theoretical basis for choosing reasonable surgical methods for AC patients.METHODS In this study,we conducted a clinical investigation regarding the combined use of PTGBD tubes for the treatment of gastric cancer patients with AC.We performed searches in the following databases:PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and Wanfang Database.The search encompassed literature published from the inception of these databases to the present.Subsequently,relevant data were extracted,and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.RESULTS A comprehensive analysis was conducted,encompassing 24 studies involving a total of 2564 patients.These patients were categorized into two groups:1371 in the LC group and 1193 in the PTGBD+LC group.The outcomes of the meta-analysis revealed noteworthy disparities between the PTGBD+LC group and the LC group in multiple dimensions:(1)Operative time:Mean difference(MD)=17.51,95%CI:9.53-25.49,P<0.01;(2)Conversion to open surgery rate:Odds ratio(OR)=2.95,95%CI:1.90-4.58,P<0.01;(3)Intraoperative bleeding loss:MD=32.27,95%CI:23.03-41.50,P<0.01;(4)Postoperative hospital stay:MD=1.44,95%CI:0.14-2.73,P=0.03;(5)Overall postoperative compli-cation rate:OR=1.88,95%CI:1.45-2.43,P<0.01;(6)Bile duct injury:OR=2.17,95%CI:1.30-3.64,P=0.003;(7)Intra-abdominal hemorrhage:OR=2.45,95%CI:1.06-5.64,P=0.004;and(8)Wound infection:OR=0.These find-ings consistently favored the PTGBD+LC group over the LC group.There were no significant differences in the total duration of hospitalization[MD=-1.85,95%CI:-4.86-1.16,P=0.23]or bile leakage[OR=1.33,95%CI:0.81-2.18,P=0.26]between the two groups.CONCLUSION The combination of PTGBD tubes with LC for AC treatment demonstrated superior clinical efficacy and enhanced safety,suggesting its broader application value in clinical practice.

Effect of surgical timing on postoperative outcomes in patients with acute cholecystitis after delayed percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage

BACKGROUND To date,the optimal timing for percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage(PTGBD),particularly for patients who have missed the optimal window for emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)(within 72 hours of symptom onset)has not been determined.AIM To study the effects of LC timing on outcomes of grade II/III acute cholecystitis(AC)in patients with delayed PTGBD.METHODS Data of patients diagnosed with Tokyo Guidelines 2018 grade II or III AC who underwent delayed PTGBD followed by LC at a single hospital between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively studied.According to the interval between gallbladder drainage and cholecystectomy,the patients were divided into early and delayed LC groups.Outcomes including surgery time,postoperative complications and hospital stay,and patient satisfaction were analyzed and compared between the two groups using t-andχ^(2) tests.RESULTS There were no significant differences between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss,postoperative abdominal drainage tube placement time,pain index,or total disease duration(all P>0.05).Compared with those of the early LC group,the delayed group showed significant decreases in the length of procedure(surgery time),conversion rate to open surgery,degree of adhesions,surgical complications,postoperative hospital stay,and total treatment costs,and increased patient satisfaction despite a longer interval before PTGBD(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION For patients with grade II/III AC with delayed PTGBD,LC should be performed 2 weeks after PTGBD to decrease postoperative complications and hospital stays and improve patient satisfaction.

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.

Percutaneous transhepatic intraportal biopsy using gastroscope biopsy forceps for diagnosis of a pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm:A case report

BACKGROUND Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(PNENs)are a rare group of neoplasms originating from the islets of the Langerhans.Portal vein tumor thrombosis has been reported in 33%of patients with PNENs.While the histopathological diagnosis of PNENs is usually based on percutaneous biopsy or endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA),these approaches may be impeded by gastric varices,poor access windows,or anatomically contiguous critical structures.Obtaining a pathological diagnosis using a gastroscope biopsy forceps via percutaneous transhepatic intravascular pathway is an innovative method that has rarely been reported.CASE SUMMARY A 72-year-old man was referred to our hospital for abdominal pain and melena.Abdominal contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a wellenhanced tumor(size:2.4 cm×1.2 cm×1.2 cm)in the pancreatic tail with portal vein invasion.Traditional pathological diagnosis via EUS-FNA was not possible because of diffuse gastric varices.We performed a percutaneous transportal biopsy of the portal vein tumor thrombus using a gastroscope biopsy forceps.Histopathologic examination revealed a pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm(G2)with somatostatin receptors 2(+),allowing systemic treatment.CONCLUSION Intravascular biopsy using gastroscope biopsy forceps appears to be a safe and effective method for obtaining a histopathological diagnosis.Although welldesigned clinic trials are required to obtain more definitive evidence,this procedure may help improve the diagnosis of portal vein thrombosis and related diseases.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage-guided methylene blue for fistulotomy using dual-knife for bile duct intubation: A case report

BACKGROUND Difficult bile duct intubation is a big challenge for endoscopists during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)procedure.We report a case of percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage(PTCD)-guided methylene blue for fistulotomy using dual-knife for bile duct intubation.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old male patient had developed obstructive jaundice,and ERCP procedure need to be performed to treat the obstructive jaundice.But intubation cannot be performed if the duodenal papilla cannot be identified because of previous surgery for a perforated descending duodenal diverticulum.We used PTCD-guided methylene blue to identify the intramural common bile duct before dual-knife fistulotomy,and bile duct intubation was successfully completed.CONCLUSION The method that combing methylene blue and dual-knife fistulotomy to achieve bile duct intubation during difficult ERCP is safe and effective.

Impact of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage on Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Malignant Obstructive Jaundice Undergoing Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Preoperative biliary drainage may increase the morbidity and mortality of pancreatico-duodenectomy.Studies on percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD)before laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD),however,are scarce.The aim of this study was to examine the impact of PTBD on clinical outcomes of patients with malignant obstructive jaundice undergoing LPD.Clinical data of 172 patients who had malignant obstructive jaundice and underwent LPD from 2014 to 2017 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Demographics,catheterrelated complications,postoperative complications,and oncological outcormes were collected and analyzed.Propensity score matching was performed to minimize selection bias associated with the comparison of data between patients who underwent PTBD and then LPD(PTBD group),and those given LPD alone(LPD group).The results showed that,in the PTBD group relative to the LPD group,the operating time was significantly shortened(250.28±69.95 vs.278.58±86.51 min,P=0.0196),the intraopcrative blood loss was markedly reduced(271.96±403.47 vs.429.72±482.47 mL,P=0.022),and overall rates of complications(16.33%vs.36.49%,P=0.0025)including postoperative haemorrhage(2.04%vs.12.16%,P=0.0072)and delayed gastric emptying(4.08% vs.13.51%,P=0.0251)were greatly decreased.The propensity score-matched analysis,with 48 patients enrolled in each group,revealed no statistically significant differences in operating duration(262.71±68.64 vs.280.25±83.52 min,P=0.264),intraoperative blood loss(290.21±407.71 vs.373.75±422.33 mL,P=0.327)and delayed gastric emptying(4.17% vs.12.50%,P=0.1396).PTBD group had lower incidences in overall complications(22.92% vs.39.58%,P=0.0481)and postoperative haemorrhage(2.08% vs.12.50%,P=0.0497)than LPD group.In conclusion,patients with malignant obstructive jaundice may benefit from PTBD procedure before LPD in terms of perioperative outcomes.

Biliopleural fistula: A rare complication of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage

A 79-year-old previously healthy man presented with acute acalculous cholecystitis with obstruction of the biliary tract. He was successfully treated with antibiotics and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage, but returned to the hospital two days after discharge with a rare complication of this technique, biliopleural fistula. A thoracostomy tube was inserted to drain the pleural effusion, and the patient’s previous antibiotics reinstated. After two weeks of drainage and antibiotics, the fistula healed spontaneously without the need for further intervention.

Improving rehabilitation and quality of life after percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography drainage with a rapid rehabilitation model

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography drainage(PTCD)effectively treats biliary obstruction.However,patients must maintain the drainage tube after hospital discharge,which may interfere with daily life and work,potentially causing psychological distress.Postoperative rehabilitation is crucial,and strengthened nursing interventions can shorten recovery time.AIM The aim was to evaluate an inpatient model to shorten rehabilitation duration and improve quality of life after PTCD.METHODS A total of 118 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice who were admitted to our hospital between May 2018 and January 2021 were included and divided into observational(with therapy)and control(no therapy)groups of 59 each.RESULTS The observational group had fewer hospitalization days than the control group.The complication,the PTCD fixed-tube prolapse,and tube-related admission rates within 3 mo after PTCD were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The fatigue,pain,nausea,vomiting,pruritus,emaciation,and fever scores after PTCD decreased in both groups compared with the scores before PTCD(P<0.05).The quality of life scores after the intervention were higher in the observation than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The model promoted rehabilitation after PTCD,reduced post-PTCD complications,and the tube-related admissions in the 3 mo after the procedure,and improved the quality of life.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography vs endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that involves inserting a needle into the biliary tree,followed by the immediate insertion of a catheter.Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage(EUS-BD)is a novel technique that allows BD by echoendoscopy and fluoroscopy using a stent from the biliary tree to the gastrointestinal tract.AIM To compare the technical aspects and outcomes of percutaneous transhepatic BD(PTBD)and EUS-BD.METHODS Different databases,including PubMed,Embase,clinicaltrials.gov,the Cochrane library,Scopus,and Google Scholar,were searched according to the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses to obtain studies comparing PTBD and EUS-BD.RESULTS Among the six studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria,PTBD patients underwent significantly more reinterventions(4.9 vs 1.3),experienced more postprocedural pain(4.1 vs 1.9),and experienced more late adverse events(53.8%vs 6.6%)than EUS-BD patients.There was a significant reduction in the total bilirubin levels in both the groups(16.4-3.3μmol/L and 17.2-3.8μmol/L for EUSBD and PTBD,respectively;P=0.002)at the 7-d follow-up.There were no significant differences observed in the complication rates between PTBD and EUSBD(3.3 vs 3.8).PTBD was associated with a higher adverse event rate than EUSBD in all the procedures,including reinterventions(80.4%vs 15.7%,respectively)and a higher index procedure(39.2%vs 18.2%,respectively).CONCLUSION The findings of this systematic review revealed that EUS-BD is linked with a higher rate of effective BD and a more manageable procedure-related adverse event profile than PTBD.These findings highlight the evidence for successful EUS-BD implementation.

A creatinine-based model for predicting recurrent bleeding after modified percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization in patients with cirrhosis

Background:Patients who survive initial esophagogastric variceal bleeding(EVB)are at an increased risk of recurrent bleeding and death;however,a reliable predictive model is lacking.We aimed to develop a model for rebleeding prediction in patients with EVB after modified percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization(PTVE)with cyanoacrylate.Methods:A total of 122 patients with EVB who underwent PTVE from January 2015 to November 2020 were enrolled.Multivariate logistic analyses were conducted to determine independent risk factors for nomogram construction.The discrimination,calibration,and clinical utility of the nomogram were compared with the Model for End-stage Liver Disease score(MELD)and the Child–Pugh model.Risk stratification was performed according to the nomogram.Results:Rebleeding within 3 months of PTVE occurred in 32 patients(26.2%).Independent rebleeding indicators included prior history of endoscopic therapy,Child–Pugh score,partial splenic embolization,and creatinine level.The nomogram incorporating these four predictors achieved excellent calibration and discriminatory abilities,with a concordance index of 0.85,which was confirmed to be 0.83 through bootstrapping validation.The nomogram demonstrated superior discrimination and clinical applicability than the MELD and Child–Pugh models.As shown in the Kaplan–Meier curves,high-risk patients had a high probability of rebleeding(P<0.001).Conclusions:The creatinine-based nomogram had a superior ability to predict rebleeding after PTVE in patients with EVB.Risk stratification may help identify high-risk patients and lead to the earlier implementation of aggressive treatments and formulation of intensive follow-up plans.

Assessment of hepatic VX_2 tumors with combined percutaneous transhepatic lymphosonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic imaging

AIM： To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic lymphosonography （PTL） as a novel method for the detection of tumor lymphangiogenesis in hepatic VX2 of rabbits and to evaluate combined PTL and routine contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic imaging for the diagnosis of liver cancer. METHODS： Ten rabbits with VX2 tumor were included in this study. SonoVue （0.1 mL/kg） was injected into each rabbit via an ear vein for contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic imaging, and 0.5 mL SonoVue was injected into the normal liver parenchyma near the VX2 tumor for PTL. Images and/or movie clips were stored for further analysis. RESULTS： UItrasonographic imaging showed VX2 tumors ranging 5-19 mm in the liver of rabbits. The VX2 tumor was hyperechoic and hypoechoic to liver parenchyma at the early and later phase, respectively. The hepatic lymph vessels were visualized immediately after injection of contrast medium and continuously vi- sualized with SonoVue during PTL. The boundaries of VX2 tumors were hyperechoic to liver parenchyma and the tumors. There was a significant difference in the values for the boundaries of VX2 tumors after injection compared with the liver normal parenchyma and the tumor parenchyma during PTL.CONCLUSION： PTL is a novel method for the detection of tumor lymphangiogenesis in hepatic VX2 of rabbits. Combined PTL and contrast-enhanced ultrasonographic imaging can improve the diagnosis of liver cancer.

Successful disintegration,dissolution and drainage of intracholedochal hematoma by percutaneous transhepatic intervention

Hemobilia is a rare biliary complication of liver transplantation.The predominant cause of hemobilia is iatrogenic,and it is often associated with traumatic operations,such as percutaneous liver intervention,endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,cholecystectomy,biliary tract surgery,and liver transplantation.Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and liver biopsy are two major causes of hemobilia in liver transplant recipients.Hemobilia may also be caused by coagulation defects.It can form intracholedochal hematomas,causing obstructive jaundice.Herein we describe a patient with an intracholedochal hematoma resulting in significant obstructive jaundice after liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure.Previous studies have shown that percutaneous transhepatic manipulation is a major cause of hemobilia after liver transplantation,but in our case,percutaneous transhepatic intervention was used to relieve the biliary obstruction and dissolve the biliary clot,with a good outcome.

Portal vein embolization in the treatment of portal vein bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: A case report and literature review

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD)is an effective treatment for benign and malignant obstructive jaundice.Major bleeding complications occur in approximately 2–3%of patients after PTBD,which can result in death.A case involving a 63-year-old male with malignant obstructive jaundice,who experienced severe bleeding after PTBD,is reported.Emergency digital subtraction angiography,celiac trunk artery and superior mesenteric artery angiography were performed;however,no signs of arterial bleeding were found.To identify etiology,portal venography was performed under ultrasound guidance and portal vein bleeding was diagnosed.Ultimately,selective portal vein embolization successfully stopped the bleeding.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for obstructive jaundice caused by metastatic gastric cancer： efficacy and complications

Objective： The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and incidence of complications of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage （PTBD） as palliative treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by metastatic gastric cancer. Methods： Hospital records were reviewed for 32 consecutive patients with biliary obstruction caused by metastatic gastric cancer who underwent PTBD at our institution between October 2004 and April 2010. Patients （23 males and 9 females） age ranged from 35 to 72 years. The indexes of hepatic function before PTBD and within one month after PTBD were compared. The incidence of complications and corresponding treatments were also documented. Results： The level of obstruction was defined as the distal bile duct （beyond the level of the liver hilum） in 22 patients （group 1） and the liver hilum in 10 patients （group 2）. Successful decompression of the biliary system after PTBD was defined by a total bilirubin decrease of more than 30% of the baseline value. Success rates were 100% （22/22） for group 1, 70% （7/10） for group 2, and 90.6% （29/32） for all patients. Differences in success rates between group 1 and group 2 were significant （P = 0.024）. Serum TBIL, ALT, and AST significantly decreased from （292.8 ± 179.9） μmol/L, （174.5 ± 107.4） IU/L, （159.9 ± 103.9） IU/L before PTBD to （111.5 ± 92.5） μmol/L, （58.5 ± 46.3） IU/L, （59.6 ± 48.9） IU/L, respectively within one month after PTBD （P 0.05）. Complications associated with PTBD included cholangitis in 13 patients （40.5%）, drainage tube displacement in 6 patients （18.8%）, hemobilia in 4 patients （12.5%）, tube occlusion in 2 patients （6.3%）, and pancreatitis in 1 patient （3.1%）. All complications were successfully treated with appropriate measures. Conclusion： Hepatic function can be improved by PTBD without serious complications in patients with obstructive jaundice caused by metastatic gastric cancer.

Diagnosis and management of arterioportal fistula occurring after percutaneous transhepatic portal vein cannula-assisted TIPS

To the Editor:Transjugularintrahepaticportosystemicshunt(TIPS)isusuallyconsideredthechoiceformanagingcomplicationsofportal hypertensionsuchasrefractoryascites,esophagogastricvariceal bleedingandrecurrentbleedinguncontrolledwithfirstline treatment.Inrecentyears,TIPShasbeensuccessfullyusedto treat Budd-Chiari syndrome, hepatic hydrothorax, and portal vein thrombosis.One of the key steps during TIPS is the portal vein puncture.