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.

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.

Disease spectrum and use of cholecystolithotomy in gallstone ileus

BACKGROUND: Gallstone ileus is a heterogeneous and highly morbid condition that suffers from a lack of consensus regarding the timing and approach to management of the biliary tree and associated fistula. METHODS: We report three cases that demonstrate the spectrum of gallstone ileus with classical examples of both Barnard’s and Bouveret’s syndromes. Clinical presentation diagnostic imaging, surgical technique and outcome are discussed. RESULTS: One patient with Barnard’s syndrome presented with recurrent gallstone ileus. To minimize the risks of complex, definitive biliary surgery and avoid further recurrent episodes, a cholecystolithotomy was performed with effect Two cases of Bouveret’s syndrome were successfully managed with enterolithotomy/cholecystectomy and multivisceral resection respectively, thus highlighting the diverse nature of this disease and management options. CONCLUSIONS: Following enterolithotomy, potentially morbid definitive one-stage surgery in typically compromised, elderly patients needs to be weighed against the risk of recurrence and ongoing biliary pathology. We suggest the use of open cholecystolithotomy for the removal of residual gallstones when the patient is not suitable for definitive biliary surgery.

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.

Biochemical and radiological predictors of malignant biliary strictures

AIM: Differentiation of benign biliary strictures (BBS) from malignant biliary strictures (MBS) remains difficult despite improvement in imaging and endoscopic techniques. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical, biochemical and or radiological predictors of malignant biliary strictures.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all charts of patients who had biliary strictures (BS) on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous cholangiography (PTC) in case of unsuccessful ERCP from March 1998 to August 2002. Patient characteristics, clinical features, biochemical, radiological and biopsy results were all recorded. Stricture etiology was determined based on cytology,biopsy or clinical follow-up. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to determine the optimal laboratory diagnostic criterion threshold in predicting MBS.RESULTS: One hundred twenty six patients with biliary strictures were enrolled, of which 72 were malignant. The mean age for BBS was 53 years compared to 62.4 years for MBS (P=0.0006). Distal bile duct stricture was mainly due to a malignant process 48.6% vs 9% (P=0.001). Alkaline phosphates and AST levels were more significantly elevated in MBS (P=0.0002). ROC curve showed that a bilirubin level of 84 μmol/L or more was the most predictive of MBS with a sensitivity of 98.6%, specificity of 59.3% and a positive likelihood ratio of 2.42 (95% CI=0.649-0.810). Proximal biliary dilatation was more frequently encountered in MBS compared to BBS, 73.8% vs39.5% (P=0.0001). Majority of BBS (87%) and MBS (78%) were managed endoscopically.CONCLUSION: A serum bilirubin level of 84 μmol/L or greater is the best predictor of MBS. Older age, proximal biliary dilatation, higher levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT and AST are all associated with MBS. ERCP is necessary to diagnose and treat benign and malignant biliary strictures.

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.

Oddi括约肌:从切开到修复

Oddi括约肌是控制胆胰管通道的阀门,对于维护胆胰管正常生理功能具有不可替代的作用。无论是括约肌成形还是切开术,均可不同程度的破坏Oddi括约肌的功能,造成术后十二指肠液的反流和胆汁细菌污染,增加复发性胆总管结石、反流性胆管炎甚至胆管癌的风险。因此,临床医师应重视保护Oddi括约肌的结构和功能。基于笔者的经验,对于括约肌已被医源性损伤的患者,在肝外胆道可保留的前提下,均应联合经十二指肠括约肌修复术以恢复Oddi括约肌结构的完整性,减少其功能缺失继发的胆胰管并发症。

Pyogenic liver abscess: Differences in etiology and treatment in Southeast Asia and Central Europe

Knowledge of etiology and timely treatment of underlying causes,when possible,play an important role in the successful therapy of patients with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA).Recent publications from Central Europe and Southeast Asia hint at considerable differences in etiology.In this article,we aim to elaborate these differences and their therapeutic implications.Apart from some special types of PLA that are comparable in Southeast Asia and Central Europe (such as posttraumatic or postprocedural PLA),there are clear differences in the microbiological spectrum,which implies different risk factors and disease courses.Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.pneumoniae) PLA is predominantly seen in Southeast Asia,whereas,in Central Europe,PLA is typically caused by Escherichia coli,Streptococcus or Staphylococcus,and these patients are more likely to be older and to have a biliary abnormality or malignancy.K.pneumoniae patients are more likely to have diabetes mellitus.Control of septic spread is crucial in K.pneumoniae patients,whereas treatment of the underlying diseases is decisive in many Central European PLA patients.

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.

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.

Digital single-operator video cholangioscopy improves endoscopic management in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis-a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)are at a high risk of developing cholestatic liver disease and biliary cancer,and endoscopy is crucial for the complex management of these patients.AIM To clarify the utility of recently introduced digital single-operator video cholangioscopy(SOVC)for the endoscopic management of PSC patients.METHODS In this observational study,all patients with a history of PSC and in whom digital SOVC(using the SpyGlass DS System)was performed between 2015 and 2019 were included and retrospectively analysed.Examinations were performed at a tertiary referral centre in Germany.In total,46 SOVCs performed in 38 patients with a history of PSC were identified.The primary endpoint was the evaluation of dominant biliary strictures using digital SOVC,and the secondary endpoints were the performance of selective guidewire passage across biliary strictures and the diagnosis and treatment of biliary stone disease in PSC patients.RESULTS The 22 of 38 patients had a dominant biliary stricture(57.9%).In 4 of these 22 patients,a cholangiocellular carcinoma was diagnosed within the stricture(18.2%).Diagnostic evaluation of dominant biliary strictures using optical signs showed a sensitivity of 75%and a specificity of 94.4%to detect malignant strictures,whereas SOVC-guided biopsies to gain tissue for histopathological analysis showed a sensitivity of 50%and a specificity of 100%.In 13%of examinations,SOVC was helpful for guidewire passage across biliary strictures that could not be passed by conventional methods(technical success rate 100%).Biliary stone disease was observed in 17.4%of examinations;of these,in 37.5%of examinations,biliary stones could only be visualized by SOVC and not by standard fluoroscopy.Biliary stone treatment was successful in all cases(100%);25%required SOVC-assisted electrohydraulic lithotripsy.Complications,such as postinterventional cholangitis and pancreatitis,occurred in 13%of examinations;however,no procedure-associated mortality occurred.CONCLUSION Digital SOVC is effective and safe for the endoscopic management of PSC patients and may be regularly considered an additive tool for the complex endoscopic management of these patients.

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).

Liver involvement in patients with COVID-19 infection:A comprehensive overview of diagnostic imaging features

During the first wave of the pandemic,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection has been considered mainly as a pulmonary infection.However,different clinical and radiological manifestations were observed over time,including involvement of abdominal organs.Nowadays,the liver is considered one of the main affected abdominal organs.Hepatic involvement may be caused by either a direct damage by the virus or an indirect damage related to COVID-19 induced thrombosis or to the use of different drugs.After clinical assessment,radiology plays a key role in the evaluation of liver involvement.Ultrasonography(US),computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)may be used to evaluate liver involvement.US is widely available and it is considered the first-line technique to assess liver involvement in COVID-19 infection,in particular liver steatosis and portal-vein thrombosis.CT and MRI are used as second-and third-line techniques,respectively,considering their higher sensitivity and specificity compared to US for assessment of both parenchyma and vascularization.This review aims to the spectrum of COVID-19 liver involvement and the most common imaging features of COVID-19 liver damage.

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。