Reoperation for benign biliary tract diseases in 149 cases: causes and prevention

BACKGROUND: Failure to diagnose and treat benign bi- liary tract disease relatively common surgical disease may cause serious consequences. Since the introduction of B- mode ultrasonography, CT, or MRI early and accurate diagnosis of the disease has been possible. In clinical prac- tice, however, these methods have not been adequately used. Inappropriate surgical procedures can also lead to bile duct injury or stenosis after injury, residual cholecystitis, stenosis after cholangiojejunostomy, or stenosis of the Od- di' s sphincter. But improvement of the diagnosis and treat- ment of benign biliary tract disease remains a great chal- lenge to clinicians. METHODS: A total of 149 patients with benign biliary tract disease who had received reoperation from June 1988 to June 2001 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them 95 patients (63.76%) received operation twice and 38 (25.5%) underwent 3 operations. Sixteen patients (10.74%) needed 4 or more operations. The procedures for the first opera- tion included cholecystectomy (71 patients, 47.65%), cho- lecystectomy with exploration of the common bile duct (42, 28.19%), cholangiojejunostomy (21, 14.1%), and la- paroscopic cholecystectomy (15, 10.06%). RESULTS: The causes for reoperation included residual and recurrent bile duct stones in 53 patients (35.57%), bile duct injury or stenosis after injury in 41 (27.52%), residual cho- lecystitis with or without stones in 28 (18.8%), stenosis af- ter cholangiojejunostomy in 17 (11.41%), stenosis of the Oddi's sphincter in 5 (5.35%), and others in 5 (5.35%). Four patients (2.68%) died after operation. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent reoperation for benign biliary tract diseases, the following measures should be taken to in- crease preoperative diagnostic rate, to understand condi- tions of the biliary tract by using imaging techniques and cholangiography, to examine comprehensively and careful- ly with choledochoscopy, cholangiography and B-mode ul-trasonography intraoperatively, to choose appropriate ope- rative procedures to decrease the rate of residual stones, and to decide the time for the first repair according to inju- ry type of the bile duct. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with cholangioplasty is the best operation for the recon- struction of the biliary tract.

Current status of peroral cholangioscopy in biliary tract diseases

Peroral cholangioscopy(POC) is an important tool for the management of a selected group of biliary diseases. Because of its direct visualization, POC allows targeted diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. POC can be performed using a dedicated cholangioscope that is advanced through the accessory channel of a duodenoscope or via the insertion of a small-diameter endoscope directly into the bile duct. POC was first described in the 1970 s, but the use of earlier generation devices was substantially limited by the cumbersome equipment setup and high repair costs. For nearly ten years, several technical improvements, including the single-operator system, high-quality images, the development of dedicated accessories and the increased size of the working channel, have led to increased diagnostic accuracy, thus assisting in the differentiation of benign and malignant intraductal lesions, targeting biopsies and the precise delineation of intraductal tumor spread before surgery. Furthermore, lithotripsy of difficult bile duct stones, ablative therapies for biliary malignancies and direct biliary drainage can be performed under POC control. Recent developments of new types of conventional POCs allow feasible, safe and effective procedures at reasonable costs. In the current review, we provide an updated overview of POC, focusing our attention on the main current clinical applications and on areas for future research.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in pancreatic and biliary tract disease in Korean children

AIM:To assess the indications,findings,therapeutic procedures,safety,and complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) performed in Korean children.METHODS:The demographic characteristics,indications for ERCP,findings,therapeutic procedures,and complications of 122 pediatric patients who underwent 245 ERCPs in the Asan Medical Center between June 1994 and March 2008 were investigated.RESULTS:The mean age of the 122 patients was 8.0 ± 4.2 years.Indications were biliary pathology in 78(64.0%),pancreatic pathology in 43(35.2%),and chronic abdominal pain in one.Biliary indications included choledochal cysts in 40,choledocholithiasis in 24,suspected sclerosing cholangitis in 8,trauma in 2,and other conditions in 4.Pancreatic indications includedacute pancreatitis in 7,acute recurrent pancreatitis in 11,chronic pancreatitis in 20,trauma in 3,and pancreatic mass in 2.Of the 245 ERCPs,success rate was 98.4% and 190(77.6%) were for therapeutic purposes,including endoscopic nasal drainage(51.8%),biliary sphincterotomy(38.0%),pancreatic sphincterotomy(23.3%),stent insertion(15.1%),stone extraction(18.8%),and balloon dilatation(11.0%).Complications were postERCP pancreatitis in 16(6.5%),ileus in 23(9.4%),hemorrhage in 2(0.8%),perforation in 2(0.8%),sepsis in 1(0.4%),and impacted basket in 1(0.4%).There were no procedure-related deaths,and most complications improved under supportive care.CONCLUSION:This study showed that there is a high incidence of choledochal cyst and diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP for the management of various biliary and pancreatic diseases was safe and effective in Korean children.

CA19-9 antigen levels can distinguish between benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary disease

BACKGROUND:CA19-9 is a carbohydrate tumor-associated antigen which is frequently upregulated in pancreatobiliary neoplasia.However,it may also be elevated in patients with jaundice in the absence of a tumor due to biliary obstruction,and in other non-hepato-pancreatico-biliary conditions.This study aimed to evaluate whether CA19-9 levels could accurately differentiate between benign and malignant pancreatobiliary disease.METHODS:All patients referred to a single surgeon for investigation of pancreaticobiliary disease in 2003 in whom a firm diagnosis had been established were included.For malignant disease,a histological diagnosis was required but for benign disease a firm radiological diagnosis was deemed adequate.The patients were divided into 4 categories:pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PCa);cholangiocarcinoma(CCa);chronic pancreatitis(CP)and biliary calculous disease(Calc).Bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels corresponding to the point of assessment of CA19-9 were also noted.RESULTS:Final diagnoses were made of pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PCa,n=73),cholangiocarcinoma(CCa,n=19),ampullary carcinoma(Amp,n=7),neuroendocrine carcinoma(Neu,n=4),duodenal carcinoma(Duo,n=3),chronic pancreatitis(CP,n=115),and biliary calculous disease(Calc,n=27).Median CA19-9 levels(U/ml)were:PCa,653;CCa,408;Duo,403;Calc,27;CP,19;Neu,10.5;Amp,8(reference range:0-37).The CA19-9 levels were significantly greater for malignant than for benign disease,could differentiate PCa from CCa/Duo,and were significantly higher in unresectable than in resectable PCa.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV)and negative predictive value(NPV)for CA19-9 were 84.9%,69.7%,67.7%and 86.1%,respectively.A ROC analysis provided an area under the curve for CA19-9 of 0.871(0.820-0.922),giving an optimal CA19-9 of 70.5 U/ml for differentiating benign from malignant pathology.Using this cut-off,the sensitivity was 82.1%,while specificity,PPV and NPV improved to 85.9%,81.3%and 86.5%,respectively.When standard radiology was included(US/ CT/MRCP)in the decision process,the results improved to 97.2%,88.7%,86.6%,and 97.7%.For benign disease,the CA19-9 correlated directly with the serum bilirubin,but for malignant disease,CA19-9 levels were elevated independent of the bilirubin level.CONCLUSIONS:CA19-9 is useful in the differentiation of pancreatobiliary disease and when using an optimized cut-off and combining with routine radiology,the diagnostic yield is improved significantly,thus stressing the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to pancreatobiliary disease.

Management of occluded self-expanding biliary metal stents in malignant biliary disease

Background: Occlusion of self-expanding metal stents(SEMS) in malignant biliary obstruction occurs in up to 40% of patients. This study aimed to compare the different techniques to resolve stent occlusion in our collective of patients.Methods: Patients with malignant biliary obstruction and occlusion of biliary metal stent at a tertiary referral endoscopic center were retrospectively identified between April 1, 1994 and May 31, 2014. The clinical records were further analyzed regarding the characteristics of patients, malignant strictures, SEMS,management strategies, stent patency, subsequent interventions, survival time and case charges.Results: A total of 108 patients with biliary metal stent occlusion were identified. Seventy-nine of these patients were eligible for further analysis. Favored management was plastic stent insertion in 73.4% patients. Second SEMS were inserted in 12.7% patients. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and mechanical cleansing were conducted in a minority of patients. Further analysis showed no statistically significant difference in median overall secondary stent patency(88 vs. 143 days, P = 0.069), median survival time(95 vs. 192 days, P = 0.116), median subsequent intervention rate(53.4% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.501)and median case charge(€5145 vs. €3473, P = 0.803) for the treatment with a second metal stent insertion compared to plastic stent insertion. In patients with survival time of more than three months,significantly more patients treated with plastic stents needed re-interventions than patients treated with second SEMS(93.3% vs. 57.1%, P = 0.037).Conclusions: In malignant biliary strictures, both plastic and metal stent insertions are feasible strategies for the treatment of occluded SEMS. Our data suggest that in palliative biliary stenting, patients especially those with longer expected survival might benefit from second SEMS insertion. Careful patient selection is important to ensure a proper decision for either management strategy.

Empirical antibiotic treatment with piperacillin-tazobactam in Patients with microbiologically-documented biliary tract infections

AIM: To report our experience with empiric antimicrobial monotherapy (piperacillin/tazobactam, of which no data are available in such specific circumstances) in microbiologically-documented infections in patients with benign and malignant conditions of the biliary tract.METHODS: Twenty-three patients, 10 with benign and 13 with malignant conditions affecting the biliary tree and microbiologically-documented infections were recruited and the efficacy of empirical antibiotic therapy was assessed.RESULTS: The two groups featured similar demographic and clinical data. Overall, the infective episodes were most due to Gram negative agents, more than 60% of such episodes (mostly in malignant conditions) were preceded by invasive instrumental maneuvers. Empirical antibiotic therapy with a single agent (piperacillin/tazobactam) was effective in more than 80% of cases. No deaths were reported following infections. CONCLUSION: An empiric therapeutic approach with piperacillin/tazobactam is highly effective in biliary tract infections due to benign or malignant conditions.

Burden of biliary tract carcinoma in China(1990–2021):Findings from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study

Biliary tract carcinoma(BTC)is a group of malignant tumors that originate in the digestive system and occurs with a high incidence in China.Few consistent and comparable assessments of BTC disease burden have been conducted at national or subnational levels,and little is known about the demographic,temporal,and geographic patterns of epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of BTC in China.The incidence,mortality,disability-adjusted life-years(DALYs),years of life lost(YLLs)due to premature death and years lived with disability(YLDs)of BTC were comprehensively examined by age,sex,and calendar year in the Chinese population,using the methodological framework and analytical strategies used for the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study.All-age incidence increased from 17,077 to 51,720between 1990 and 2021,and the age-standardized incidence rate rose by 13.62%;all-age deaths increased from 17,251 to 37,833,but the age-standardized mortality rate fell by nearly one-fifth.The DALYs rose by 89.57%while the age-standardized DALY rate fell by 23.24%.Variations of the tendencies in BTC burden were found between sexes and age groups.Data for each provincial region indicate that coastal eastern provincial regions have higher incidence and YLD levels,whereas northern provincial regions have higher mortality,DALY,and YLL levels.The proportions of DALYs attributable to high body mass index(BMI)illustrate the growing attribution obesity has made,and high BMI usually puts more burden on northern provincial regions.These results provide evidence to support precise,targeted,and customed public health strategies aimed at enhancing biliary tract health among the Chinese population.

New trends in diagnosis and management of gallbladder carcinoma

Gallbladder(GB)carcinoma,although relatively rare,is the most common biliary tree cholangiocarcinoma with aggressiveness and poor prognosis.It is closely associated with cholelithiasis and long-standing large(>3 cm)gallstones in up to 90%of cases.The other main predisposing factors for GB carcinoma include molecular factors such as mutated genes,GB wall calcification(porcelain)or mainly mucosal microcalcifications,and GB polyps≥1 cm in size.Diagnosis is made by ultrasound,computed tomography(CT),and,more precisely,magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Preoperative staging is of great importance in decisionmaking regarding therapeutic management.Preoperative staging is based on MRI findings,the leading technique for liver metastasis imaging,enhanced three-phase CT angiography,or magnetic resonance angiography for major vessel assessment.It is also necessary to use positron emission tomography(PET)-CT or ^(18)F-FDG PET-MRI to more accurately detect metastases and any other occult deposits with active metabolic uptake.Staging laparoscopy may detect dissemination not otherwise found in 20%-28.6%of cases.Multimodality treatment is needed,including surgical resection,targeted therapy by biological agents according to molecular testing gene mapping,chemotherapy,radiation therapy,and immunotherapy.It is of great importance to understand the updated guidelines and current treatment options.The extent of surgical intervention depends on the disease stage,ranging from simple cholecystectomy(T1a)to extended resections and including extended cholecystectomy(T1b),with wide lymph node resection in every case or IV-V segmentectomy(T2),hepatic trisegmentectomy or major hepatectomy accompanied by hepaticojejunostomy Roux-Y,and adjacent organ resection if necessary(T3).Laparoscopic or robotic surgery shows fewer postoperative complications and equivalent oncological outcomes when compared to open surgery,but much attention must be paid to avoiding injuries.In addition to surgery,novel targeted treatment along with immunotherapy and recent improvements in radiotherapy and chemotherapy(neoadjuvant-adjuvant capecitabine,cisplatin,gemcitabine)have yielded promising results even in inoperable cases calling for palliation(T4).Thus,individualized treatment must be applied.

Cx43对胆总管结扎大鼠心肌损伤的负向调控作用及其机制

目的探讨缝隙连接蛋白43(Cx43)在胆总管结扎(CBDL)引起的大鼠心肌损伤中的作用及其分子机制。方法将18只SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、CBDL组及Cx43抑制剂组,每组6只。假手术组大鼠行胆总管游离术,CBDL组大鼠游离、结扎并切断胆总管,Cx43抑制剂组大鼠术前24 h通过尾静脉单次注射25 mg/kg的Gap 26后,游离、结扎并切断胆总管。三组大鼠饲养至术后第14天时采用心脏超声检查评估心脏射血分数(EF)、缩短分数(FS)和心率(HR);随后测定三组大鼠血清总胆红素(TBil)、苯丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、肌酸激酶-MB(CK-MB)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)活性及丙二醛(MDA)水平;取三组大鼠心脏组织行HE染色和Masson染色;采用免疫印迹实验检测心脏组织中Cx43、Wnt 3α、β-catenin蛋白的水平。结果心脏超声检查结果显示,CBDL组、Cx43抑制剂组大鼠心脏EF、FS、HR均显著低于假手术组(F=22.95~43.55,t=5.10~9.32,P<0.05)。血生化及氧化应激指标检测结果显示,与假手术组相比,CBDL组、Cx43抑制剂组大鼠血清中TBil、AST、ALT、LDH、CK-MB、MDA、GSH-PX水平显著升高,SOD的水平显著降低(F=19.29~100.60,t=3.67~13.72,P<0.05)。HE染色及Masson染色结果显示,CBDL组和Cx43抑制剂组大鼠发生心肌损伤及心肌间质纤维化。免疫印迹实验结果显示,与假手术组相比,CBDL组和Cx43抑制剂组大鼠心脏组织中Cx43水平显著下降,Wnt 3α、β-catenin水平显著升高(F=28.50~70.07,t=4.32~11.79,P<0.05);与CBDL组相比,Cx43抑制剂组大鼠心脏组织中Cx43水平显著下降,Wnt 3α、β-catenin水平显著升高(t=4.95~5.20,P<0.05)。结论CBDL大鼠心脏组织中Cx43下调可负向调控激活Wnt 3α/β-catenin通路,导致大鼠心肌组织损伤加剧及心脏功能下降。

超声内镜技术在胆胰疾病诊治中的应用研究进展

胆胰疾病的诊断及治疗是消化科临床工作中的重点及难点,疾病的早期发现和治疗对疾病预后至关重要。超声内镜具有良好的空间分辨率,与胆胰系统距离近,且可以通过细针穿刺获取组织,进行病理学诊断,在胆胰疾病诊断中发挥了不可替代的作用;近年来,随着内镜配套设备的升级和超声内镜细针穿刺技术的发展,超声内镜技术已经逐步成为一种安全、可靠的治疗手段,超声内镜引导下穿刺引流术、腹腔神经丛阻滞术、肿瘤内细针注射、精准放疗及人工智能辅助内窥镜超声等在临床的应用越来越广泛,对胆胰疾病的诊断及治疗具有重要意义。

Current considerations on intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct and pancreatic duct

Pancreatobiliary intraductal papillary neoplasms(IPNs)represent precursors of pancreatic cancer or bile duct cholangiocarcinoma that can be detected and treated.Despite advances in diagnostic methods,identifying these premalignant lesions is still challenging for treatment providers.Modern imaging,biomarkers and molecular tests for genomic alterations can be used for diagnosis and follow-up.Surgical intervention in combination with new chemotherapeutic agents is considered the optimal treatment for malignant cases.The balance between the risk of malignancy and any risk of resection guides management policy;therefore,treatment should be individualized based on a meticulous preoperative assessment of high-risk stigmata.IPN of the bile duct is more aggressive;thus,early diagnosis and surgery are crucial.The conservative management of low-risk pancreatic branch-duct lesions is safe and effective.

致命性医源性胆道出血的影像学特征和治疗对策

目的分析致命性医源性胆道出血(LIH)的影像学特征和发病机制,评价经动脉腔内治疗LIH的价值。方法收集2009年8月—2023年7月南京医科大学第一附属医院收治的上消化道出血住院患者269例,对其中确诊为LIH并得到治疗的24例患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,包括LIH的医源性原因、血管造影结果和动脉腔内治疗方法。23例患者使用明胶海绵颗粒和弹簧圈进行动脉栓塞(TAE),1例患者使用覆膜支架进行隔离。评估疗效的主要标准是手术技术成功率、相关并发症和长期疗效的临床随访。结果12例LIH是由介入手术引起,12例是由肝胆胰外科手术所致。主要表现为显著的血压或持续血红蛋白下降(n=13)和上消化道出血(n=18)。2例患者在手术期间即出现症状,4例患者在24 h内出现症状,18例患者在24 h后出现症状。血管造影术显示出血阳性率为100%(24/24)。表现为假性动脉瘤(n=15)、肝动脉截断(n=3)、造影剂外渗(n=5)、肝动脉胆道瘘(n=3)。23例患者行TAE,1例患者行支架置入术。23例患者成功止血,技术成功率为95.8%(23/24)。4例TAE术后出现肝坏死和脓肿。治疗止血后无再出血复发。结论多种肝内外医源性损伤均可引起致命性胆道出血且临床及影像学表现多样。综合影像诊断联合动脉腔内治疗是LIH最佳的有效救命措施。

不同处理方式对胆道疾病患者外科手术后胃肠功能恢复的影响研究

外科手术后胃肠功能是否可以快速恢复关系到患者预后效果。为此探讨了不同处理方式给胆道疾病患者外科手术后胃肠功能恢复带来的影响。将80例胆道疾病患者分成试验1组和试验2组,常规术后处理是试验1组采取的处理方式,早期营养支持是试验2组采取的处理方式,观察患者术后胃肠功能恢复和预后效果。结果显示,从胃肠功能恢复时间方面来看,试验2组排便时间、进食时间、肠鸣音恢复时间和肛门排气时间均短于试验1组;从营养指标和免疫功能方面来看,试验2组患者各指标改善效果均优于试验1组,且并发症发生率低于试验1组,生活质量高于试验1组。研究发现,对于接受外科手术治疗的胆道疾病患者,需要采取正确的术后处理方式,早期进行营养支持,以加快胃肠功能恢复,改善预后。

加速康复外科在复杂胆道疾病微创胆囊切除术患者术后恢复状况的影响

目的评价加速康复外科在复杂胆道疾病微创胆囊切除术患者术后恢复状况的影响.方法回顾性研究.选取电子科技大学医学院附属绵阳市中心医院肝胆外科在2020年1月—2023年6月期间收治的832例复杂胆道疾病微创胆囊切除术患者,按护理方案不同将其分为对照组(n=416)及观察组(n=416),分别采取常规护理、加速康复外科护理;比较两组术后恢复效果.结果观察组术后各指标恢复时间、住院时间短于对照组,住院成本低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).观察组术后6 h、24 h视觉模拟疼痛评分(VAS)[(4.21±0.85)分、(2.08±0.71)分]低于对照组[(6.56±1.02)分、(4.35±1.05)分],差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).观察组术后并发症发生率3.13%,对照组3.85%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论对复杂胆道疾病微创胆囊切除术患者采取加速康复外科护理,可促进患者术后恢复,临床价值高.

Managing malignant biliary obstruction in pancreas cancer: Choosing the appropriate strategy

Most patients with pancreatic cancer develop malignant biliary obstruction.Treatment of obstruction is generally indicated to relieve symptoms and improve morbidity and mortality.First-line therapy consists of endoscopic biliary stent placement.Recent data comparing plastic stents to self-expanding metallic stents(SEMS)has shown improved patency with SEMS.The decision of whether to treat obstruction and the means for doing so depends on the clinical scenario.For patients with resectable disease,preoperative biliary decompression is only indicated when surgery will be delayed or complications of jaundice exist.For patients with locally advanced disease,self-expanding metal stents are superior to plastic stents for long-term patency.For patients with advanced disease,the choice of metallic or plastic stent depends on life expectancy.When endoscopic stent placement fails,percutaneous or surgical treatments are appropriate.Endoscopic therapy or surgical approach can be used to treat concomitant duodenal and biliary obstruction.

Pancreaticobiliary reflux in patients with a normal pancreaticobiliary junction:Pathologic implications

Knowledge on pancreaticobiliary reflux in normal pancreaticobiliary junction and its pathologic implications has experienced tremendous progress during the last few years.This editorial reviews the current knowledge on this condition and its pathological implications on gallbladder diseases.The following aspects were def ined appropriate for discussion:(1) Evidence of carcinogenesis associated with pancreaticobiliary reflux;(2) Evidence of pancreaticobiliary reflux in normal pancreaticobiliary junction;and(3) Evidence of sphincter of Oddi(SO) dysfunction as a cause of pancreaticobiliary reflux in normal pancreaticobiliary junction.The articles reviewed were selected and classif ied according to f ive levels of evidence:Level-this condition.Although an important body of research has been published regarding pancreaticobiliary reflux in normal pancreaticobiliary junction and its clinical significance,the current evidence does not fully support what has been suggested.Studies with evidence level Ι have not been undertaken.This is a fascinating subject of study,and if finally supported by evidence level Ι,the importance of this condition will constitute a major breakthrough in biliary pathology.

Clinical features and treatment of sump syndrome following hepaticojejunostomy

BACKGROUND:Cholangitis after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is usually caused by anastomotic stricture.A small number of cases present without evidence of obstruction and are ascribed to reflux of gastro-intestinal content into the biliary tree above the anastomosis (sump syndrome).Despite prophylactic rotating antibiotic therapy,the cholangitic episode may be severe and life-threatening.METHODS:From 2001 to 2006,six patients who had undergone an end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy presented to our institution with recurrent episodes of biliary sepsis.Anastomotic stricture was excluded by liver MRI/MRCP and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC).Barium meal showed reflux of contrast into the biliary tree in all patients.Three patients had a short jejunal Roux limb (less than 50 cm) on pre-operative imaging.RESULTS:Five patients underwent surgery and two of them had two operations.One patient had a Tsuchida antireflux valve and subsequently underwent lengthening of the Roux loop.Three patients had lengthening of the Roux loop;one underwent re-do hepaticojejunostomy and one had concomitant revision of the hepaticojejunostomy and lengthening of the Roux loop.The latter underwent further lengthening of the Roux loop.Three patients are cholangitis-free 6,36 and 60 months after surgery;two still experience mild episodes of cholangitis.CONCLUSIONS:An adequate length of the Roux loop is important to prevent reflux.However,Roux loop lengthening to 70 cm or more does not always resolve the problem and cholangitis,although generally less frequent and severe,may recur despite appropriate reconstructive or antireflux surgery.In these cases,life-long rotating antibiotics is the only available measure.

Biliary-colonic fistula caused by cholecystectomy bile duct injury

Biliary-colonic fistula is a rare complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We present a case of post-cholecystectomy iatrogenic biliary injury that resulted in a fistula between the common hepatic duct and large bowel. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography provided good visualization of injury even with concurrent normal level of alkaline phosphatase. Radiologic findings and surgical management of this condition are discussed in detail.

Diagnostic role of secretin-enhanced MRCP in patients with unsuccessful ERCP

AIM:To evaluate the value of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)in patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)was unsuccessfully performed by experts in a tertiary center. METHODS:From January 2000 to June 2003,22 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria.The indications for ERCP were obstructive jaundice(n=9),abnormal liver enzymes(n=8), suspected chronic pancreatitis(n=2),recurrent acute pancreatitis(n=2),or suspected pancreatic cancer(n=1). The reasons for the ERCP failure were the postsurgical anatomy(n=7),duodenal stenosis(n=3),duodenal diverticulum(n=2),and technical failure(n=10).MRCP images were evaluated before and 5 and 10 rain after i.v. administration of 0.5 IU/kg secretin. RESULTS:The MRCP images were diagnosed in all 21 patients.Five patients gave normal MR findings and required no further intervention.MRCP revealed abnormalities(primary sclerosing cholangitis,chronic pancreatitis,cholangitis,cholecystolithiasis or common bile duct dilation)in 20 patients,who were followed up clinically.Four patients subsequently underwent laparotomy(hepaticojejunostomy in consequence of common bile duct stenosis caused by unresectable pancreatic cancer;hepaticotomy+Kehr drainage because of insufficient biliary-enteric anastomosis;choledochoj- ejunostomy,gastrojejunostomy and cysto-Wirsungo gastrostomy because of chronic pancreatitis,or choledochojejunostomy because of common bile duct stenosis caused by chronic pancreatitis).Three patients participated in therapeutic percutaneous transhepatic drainage.The indications were choledocholithiasis with choledochojejunostomy,insufficient biliary-enteric anastomosis,or cholangiocarcinoma. CONCLUSION:MRCP can assist the diagnosis and management of patients in whom ERCP is not possible.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON AURICULAR POINT TREATMENT FOR 144 CASES OF BILIARY COLIC

In this study, 144 cases of biliary colic were treated by injecting Atropine in the auricu-lar points (Liver, Gallbladder). Among the 144 cases, 130 cases were markedly effective, 11 cases ef-fective and 3 cases ineffective, with the effective rate being 97. 90%. The results showed that therewas no difference between colic degrees, ages and analgesic effects. But analgesic effects for biliary as-cariosis and cholecystitis, cholelithiasis are much better than choledochal calculus (P【0.01).