Cystic micropapillary neoplasm of peribiliary glands withconcomitant perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

We report a case of a 75-year-old man with cystic micropapillary neoplasm of peribiliary glands detected preoperatively by radiologic examination. Enhanced computed tomography showed a low-density mass 2.2 cm in diameter in the right hepatic hilum and a cystic lesion around the common hepatic duct. cholangiocarcinoma, right hepatectomy with caudate lobectomy and bile duct resection were performed. Pathological examination revealed perihilar cholangiocarcinoma mainly involving the right hepatic duct. The cystic lesion was multilocular and covered by columnar lining epithelia exhibiting increased proliferative activity and p53 nuclear expression; it also contained foci of micropapillary and glandular proliferation. Therefore, the lesion was diagnosed as a cystic micropapillary neoplasm of peribiliary glands and resembled flat branch-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas. Histological examination showed the lesion was discontinuous with the perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry showed the cystic neoplasm was strongly positive for MUC6 and that the cholangiocarcinoma was strongly positive for MUC5 AC and S100 P. These results suggest these two lesions have different origins. This case warrants further study on whether this type of neoplasm is associated with concomitant cholangiocarcinoma as observed in pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with concomitant pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma.

Pathogen detection in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma:Implications for targeted perioperative antibiotic therapy

Background:Cholestasis should be relieved by biliary drainage prior to major liver resection.This condition is often associated with bacterial colonization of the otherwise sterile biliary system.Cholangitis reduces the regenerative capacity of the remaining liver.Therefore,targeted antibiotic therapy is a key feature in perioperative treatment in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma(pCCC).Methods:Between December 1999 and December 2017,251 pCCC patients were treated in our center.In total,115 patients underwent a microbiological analysis.In addition to the characterization of the specific microorganisms and antibiotic resistance,we analyzed subgroups according to preoperative intervention.Results:Enterococci(87/254,34%)and Enterobacteria(65/254,26%)were the most frequently detected genera.In 43%(50/115)of patients,Enterococcus faecalis was found in the bile duct sample.Enterococcus faecium(29/115)and Escherichia coli(29/115)were detected in 25%of patients.In patients with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(3/8,38%)or stents(24/79,30%),Enterococcus faecium was diagnosed most frequently(P<0.05).Enterococcus faecium and Klebsiella oxytoca were significantly more frequently noted in the time period after 2012(P<0.05).With regard to fungal colonization,the focus was on various Candida strains,but these strains generally lacked resistance.Conclusions:pCCC patients exhibit specific bacterial colonization features depending on the type of preoperative biliary intervention.Specifically,targeted antibiosis should be applied in this patient cohort to minimize the risk of biliary complications after major liver resection.In our cohort,the combination of meropenem and vancomycin represents an effective perioperative medical approach.

Diagnosis and treatment of biliary mucinous cystic neoplasms: A single-center experience

Background: Biliary mucinous cystic neoplasms(BMCNs) are rare hepatobiliary cystic tumors, which can be divided into noninvasive and invasive types. This study aimed to investigate the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of BMCNs in a large single center. Methods: We analyzed 49 patients with BMCNs confirmed by postoperative pathology at the First Afflliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2007 and December 2021. Results: Among the 49 patients, 37 were female(75.5%), and the average age was 57.04 years. Common symptoms included abdominal discomfort, jaundice and fever, while 22 patients(44.9%) had no symptoms. Serum carbohydrate antigen(CA) 19-9 and CA125 concentrations were elevated in 34.8% and 19.6% of patients, respectively. Forty-eight patients had tumors in the intrahepatic bile ducts and only one had a tumor in the extrahepatic bile duct. Forty-eight patients with noninvasive intrahepatic BMCNs were further analyzed in terms of pathological features: 34(70.8%) had low-grade intraepithelial neoplasms(LGINs), and 14(29.2%) had high-grade intraepithelial neoplasms(HGINs). The potential immunohistochemical markers of BMCNs were cytokeratin(CK) 19, CK7, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor. Follow-up data for 37 patients with intrahepatic BMCNs were obtained. The median overall survival(OS) of BMCNs was not reached. The longest survival time was 137 months.The 5-and 10-year OS rates were 100% and 85.4%, respectively. The 5-and 10-year recurrence-free survival(RFS) rates were 93.9% and 80.2%, respectively. Conclusions: BMCNs are rare cystic neoplasms that commonly occur in middle-aged females. BMCNs can only be diagnosed and classified by postoperative pathology, as there are no specific clinical presentations, serological indicators or imaging modalities for preoperative diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is necessary for BMCNs, and the postoperative prognosis is favorable.

Practical review for diagnosis and clinical management of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma(CCC)is the most aggressive malignant tumor of the biliary tract.Perihilar CCC(pCCC)is the most common CCC and is burdened by a complicated diagnostic iter and its anatomical location makes surgical approach burden by poor results.Besides its clinical presentation,a multimodal diagnostic approach should be carried on by a tertiary specialized center to avoid missdiagnosis.Preoperative staging must consider the extent of liver resection to avoid post-surgical hepatic failure.During staging iter,magnetic resonance can obtain satisfactory cholangiographic images,while invasive techniques should be used if bile duct samples are needed.Consistently,to improve diagnostic potential,bile duct drainage is not necessary in jaundice,while it is indicated in refractory cholangitis or when liver hypertrophy is needed.Once resecability criteria are identified,the extent of liver resection is secondary to the longitudinal spread of CCC.While in the past type IV pCCC was not considered resectable,some authors reported good results after their treatment.Conversely,in selected unresectable cases,liver transplantation could be a valuable option.Adjuvant chemotherapy is the standard of care for resected patients,while neoadjuvant approach has growing evidences.If curative resection is not achieved,radiotherapy can be added to chemotherapy.This multistep curative iter must be carried on in specialized centers.Hence,the aim of this review is to highlight the main steps and pitfalls of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pCCC with a peculiar attention to type IV pCCC.

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.

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.

Mucins in neoplasms of pancreas,ampulla of Vater and biliary system

Tumors of the pancreas,the ampulla of Vater,and the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts have significant histological similarities due to the common embryonic origin of the pancreatobiliary system.This obviates the need for discovery of biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic value for these tumors.Mucins,especially MUC-1,-2,-4 and-5AC,are important candidates for developing into such reliable biomarkers.Increased expression of MUC1 occurs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and is associated with increased degrees of dysplasia in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia(Pan IN).Positive expression of MUC2 in intraductal papillary mucinus neoplasms(IPMN) of the intestinal type indicates high potential progression to invasive carcinoma with de novo expression of MUC1,while absence of MUC2 expression in IPMNs of gastric type implies low potential to malignant evolution.De novo MUC4 expression correlates to the severity of dysplasia in Pan IN and is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.In biliary intraepithelial neoplasia(Bil IN),increased expression of MUC1 is associated with higher degrees of dysplasia.Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas(ICC) are characterized by increased expression of all glycoforms of MUC1.Positive MUC2 expression in intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts(IPNB) of the intestinal type indicates high malignant potential with de novo expression of MUC1 in the invasive element.Absent MUC2 expression in any degree of Bil IN may prove useful in differentiating them from IPNB.De novo expression of MUC4 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with ICC or carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile ducts(EHBDC).High de novo expression of MUC5 AC is found in all degrees of Bil IN and all types of IPNB and ICC.The MUC5 AC is useful in the detection of neoplastic lesions of the bile duct at an early stage.Increased expression of mucin MUC1 in carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater associated with unfavorable behavior of the tumor,such as lymph node metastasis,infiltration of the pancreas and duodenum,advanced TNM classification and worse prognosis.Patients withintra-ampullary papillary-tubular neoplasm(IAPN) of the pancreatobiliary immunophenotype did not show MUC2,while those of the intestinal immunophenotype are MUC2 positive.The expression of MUC4 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater favoring metastasis and making them resistant to apoptosis.Moreover,it appears that MUC4 positivity correlates with recurrence of the tumor.Expression of MUC5 AC is associated with the invasive potential of the tumor.

Evaluation of the short-term outcomes of robotic-assisted radical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma:a propensity-scored matching analysis

Background:The application of robotic-assisted radical resection in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma(pCCA)remains poorly defined.This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted radical resection for pCCA in our institute.Methods:Between July 2017 and July 2022,pCCA patients undergoing robotic-assisted and open radical resection at First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University(Guangzhou,China)were included.The short-term outcomes were compared by using propensity-scored matching(PSM)analysis.Results:Eighty-six pCCA patients were enrolled.After PSM at a ratio of 1:2,10 and 20 patients were assigned to the roboticassisted and open groups,respectively.There were no significant disparities in the clinicopathological features between the two groups.The robotic-assisted group had significantly longer operation time(median:548 vs 353 min,P=0.004)and larger total number of lymph nodes examined(median:11 vs 5,P=0.010)than the open group.The robotic-assisted group tended to have a lower intraoperative blood loss(median:125 vs 350 mL,P=0.067),blood transfusion rates(30.0%vs 70.0%,P=0.056),and post-operative overall morbidities(30.0%vs 70.0%,P=0.056)than the open group,even though the differences were not statistically significant.There were no significant differences in the negative resection margin,post-operative major morbidities,or post-operative length-of-stay between the robotic-assisted and open groups(all P>0.05).Conclusions:Robotic-assisted radical resection of pCCA may get a larger total number of lymph nodes examined than open surgery.Provided robotic-assisted surgery may be a feasible and safe technique for selected pCCA patients.

Current considerations for the surgical management of gallbladder adenomas

Gallbladder adenomas are rare lesions(0.5%)associated with potential malignant transformation,particularly with gallbladder adenomas that are≥1 cm in size.Early detection and management are crucial for preventing lethal carcinoma de-velopment.These polyps can often be distinguished from the more often nonneo-plastic cholesterol pseudopolyps(5%-10%),which are benign.Ultrasonography is the first-line tool for initial diagnosis and follow-up when indicated.The question is whether cholecystectomy is always necessary for all adenomas.The manage-ment of gallbladder adenomas is determined according to the size of the tumor,the growth rate of the tumor,the patient’s symptoms and whether risk factors for malignancy are present.Adenomas≥1 cm in size,an age>50 years and a familial history of gallbladder carcinoma are indications for immediate laparoscopic chole-cystectomy.Otherwise,ultrasound follow-up is indicated.For adenomas 6-9 mm in size,the absence of≥2 mm growth at 6 months,one year,and two years,as well as an adenoma sized<5 mm without existing risk factors indicates that no further surveillance is required.However,it would be preferable to individualize the management in doubtful cases.Novel interventional modalities for preserving the gallbladder need further evaluation,especially to determine the long-term outcomes.

仑伐替尼联合PD-1单抗及GEMOX方案在晚期胆道恶性肿瘤治疗中的临床观察

目的探讨靶免(仑伐替尼+信迪利单抗)联合GEMOX(吉西他滨+奥沙利铂)在胆道恶性肿瘤复发转移患者中的临床效果和安全性。方法选择2015年1月到2024年1月在我院中西医结合肿瘤科及肝胆外科接受靶免(仑伐替尼+信迪利单抗)联合GEMOX(吉西他滨+奥沙利铂)方案的复发转移的晚期胆道恶性肿瘤患者24例,主要观察终点设置为总体生存期(overall survival,OS)和无进展生存时间(progression-free survival,PFS),次要观察终点设置为客观缓解率(ORR)、疾病控制率(DCR)、安全性。借助肿瘤标记物(CEA、CA125、CA199)变化、不良反应、生活质量评分,影像学改变等各项数据综合评估靶免(仑伐替尼+信迪利单抗)联合GEMOX(吉西他滨+奥沙利铂)方案治疗晚期胆道恶性肿瘤复发转移的安全性和整体临床效果。结果部分缓解(PR)8例,稳定(SD)8例,进展(PD)8例,ORR 33.3%(8/24),DCR 66.7%(16/24),中位OS 13个月,中位PFS 8个月。治疗后CA199水平明显低于治疗前(P<0.05)。主要不良反应为皮疹(14/24,58.3%)、白细胞下降(22/24,91.6%)、贫血(20/24,83.3%),其中有1例因严重不良事件退出治疗,1例患者在治疗期间死于胆道梗阻合并感染。结论采用靶免(仑伐替尼+信迪利单抗)联合GEMOX(吉西他滨+奥沙利铂)方案治疗晚期胆道恶性肿瘤复发转移患者具有较高的安全性和有效性,可以在临床使用。

肝门部胆管癌的外科治疗现状和展望

肝门部胆管癌(PHC)是一种常见的胆道恶性肿瘤,外科手术是其最有效的治疗方式,但手术切除后其预后效果不理想。近年来,PHC的外科治疗有了一些新的进展,本文对现有文献进行了回顾,综述了术前减黄、肝增生技术、肝切除术、肝移植术和微创手术等治疗方式在PHC中的治疗现状,并对其未来的研究方向进行了展望。

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.

胰胆管合流异常相关性胆囊癌研究进展

胰胆管合流异常(PBM)是一种先天性胰胆管畸形,常会引起反复发作的胆管炎、胰腺炎。越来越多的证据表明PBM是一种癌前病变,在胆囊癌(GBC)的发生和发展中起着重要的作用。由PBM所致GBC称为PBM相关性GBC。因此,PBM的早期识别及诊治对于降低GBC的风险至关重要。本文对PBM的概况和诊疗进展以及PBM相关性GBC的临床特征、发生机制及诊疗进展加以综述,旨在显示早期诊治PBM的临床价值,从而降低PBM相关性GBC发生率。

腹腔镜胰腺肿瘤剜除术后胆道并发症的危险因素分析

目的:探讨腹腔镜胰腺肿瘤剜除术后发生胆道并发症的危险因素。方法:回顾分析2017年3月至2023年6月101例接受腹腔镜胰腺肿瘤剜除术患者的临床及随访资料。其中男29例,女72例,15~77岁,平均(48.6±13.2)岁。肿瘤位于胰头部49例(48.5%)、胰颈体尾部52例(51.5%)。根据术后是否发生胆道并发症分为胆道并发症组(n=24)与无胆道并发症组(n=77)。单因素分析中定量数据采用t检验或Mann-Whitney U检验进行比较,分类数据采用χ^(2)检验进行比较,采用多因素Logistic回归分析术后发生胆道并发症的独立危险因素。结果:患者均在腹腔镜下顺利完成肿瘤剜除术,无术中输血及中转开腹,手术时间63~359 min,平均(168.0±58.7)min。术后长期随访,24例(23.8%)发生胆道并发症,其中胆囊结石21例、胆囊炎2例、胆囊结石合并胆总管结石1例;77例(76.2%)未发生胆道并发症。单因素分析结果显示,体重指数大(P=0.008)、术后第1天γ-谷氨酰转移酶高(P=0.04)、肿瘤位于胰头部(P=0.012)、肿瘤最大径长(P=0.028)、生长抑素使用总量多(P<0.001)是术后发生胆道并发症的危险因素。将上述危险因素纳入多因素Logistic回归分析,结果显示体重指数大(OR=1.262,95%CI=1.025~1.554,P=0.028)、肿瘤位于胰头部(OR=4.042,95%CI=1.242~13.155,P=0.020)、生长抑素使用总量多(OR=1.381,95%CI=1.059~1.800,P=0.017)是腹腔镜胰腺肿瘤剜除术后发生胆道并发症的独立危险因素。结论:腹腔镜胰腺肿瘤剜除术是治疗胰腺良性、低度恶性肿瘤的有效术式,对于具有上述危险因素的患者,应在出院后加强监测胆道并发症的发生情况。

Metal stent implantation for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction-a report of 57 cases

AIMS To report the first experience in China in the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction with expand- able metal stent which allows the insertion of an endo- prosthesis as large as one cm in diameter. METHODS Between April 1994 and May 1996,we implanted expandable metal stents in 57 patients with incurable malignant biliary obstruction,among whom 54 underwent endoscopic procedure and the other 3 re- ceived percutaneous transhepatic placement. RESULTS Insertion of the stent following guidewire positioning was successful in 95% of the patients. Two patients developed cholangitis after stent insertion and were successfully treated with conservative treatment. The jaundice was eliminated completely in 21 cases and markedly decreased in 23 cases within 2 weeks af- ter placement of the stent. Nine patients,however, had late cholangitis due to stent failure after a median interval of 14 days. Twenty-three cases underwent na- sobiliary transient drainage and 3 underwent plastic stent transient drainage prior to metal stent insertion. Transient drainage was believed to have the advan- tages of drainage pre-assessment and infection controlling. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that expandable metal stent is suitable for the irresectable malignant choledochal stenosis. It can eliminate the jaundice and improve the patient's life quality. To get the highest benefit,however,the indication should be strictly selected. And to get long-term patency,the proximal and distal end of the stent proceeding the tumor should be no shorter than 2cm. In the case of hilar cancer, Bismuth classification is greatly helpful for the choice of drainage site.

Interventional radiology in the management of malignant biliary obstruction

Malignant biliary obstruction is commonly due to pancreatic carcinoma,cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic disease which are often inoperable at presentation and carry a poor prognosis.Percutaneous biliary drainage and stenting provides a safe and effective method of palliation in such patients,thereby improving their quality of life.It may also be an adjunct to surgical management by improving hepatic and,indirectly,renal function before resection of the tumor.

Endoscopic stenting for inoperable malignant biliary obstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM: To analyze through meta-analyses the benefits of two types of stents in the inoperable malignant biliary obstruction.METHODS: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials(RCT) was conducted, with the last update on March 2015, using EMBASE, CINAHL(EBSCO), MEDLINE, LILACS/CENTRAL(BVS), SCOPUS, CAPES(Brazil), and gray literature. Information of the selected studies was extracted in sight of six outcomes: primarily regarding dysfunction, complication and reintervention rates; and secondarily costs, survival, and patency time. The data about characteristics of trial participants, inclusion and exclusion criteria and types of stents were also extracted. The bias was mainly assessed through the JADAD scale. This meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database by the number CRD42014015078. The analysis of the absolute risk of the outcomes was performed using the software Rev Man, by computing risk differences(RD) of dichotomous variables and mean differences(MD) of continuous variables. Data on RD and MD for each primary outcome were calculated using the MantelHaenszel test and inconsistency was qualified and reported in χ2 and the Higgins method(I2). Sensitivity analysis was performed when heterogeneity was higher than 50%, a subsequent assay was done and other findings were compiled. Student's t-test was used for the comparison of weighted arithmetic means regarding secondary outcomes.RESULTS: Initial searching identified 3660 studies; 3539 were excluded through title, repetition, and/or abstract, while 121 studies were fully assessed and were excluded mainly because they did not compare self-expanding metal stents(SEMS) and plastic stents(PS), leading to thirteen RCT selected, with 13 articles and 1133 subjects meta-analyzed. The mean age was 69.5 years old, that were affected mostly by bile duct(proximal) and pancreatic tumors(distal). The preferred SEMS diameter used was the 10 mm(30 Fr) and the preferred PS diameter used was 10 Fr. In the metaanalysis, SEMS had lower overall stent dysfunction compared to PS(21.6% vs 46.8%, P < 0.00001) and fewer re-interventions(21.6% vs 56.6%, P < 0.00001), with no difference in complications(13.7% vs 15.9%, P = 0.16). In the secondary analysis, the mean survival rate was higher in the SEMS group(182 d vs 150 d, P < 0.0001), with a higher patency period(250 d vs 124 d, P < 0.0001) and a lower cost per patient(4193.98 vs 4728.65 Euros, P < 0.0985).CONCLUSION: SEMS are associated with lower stent dysfunction, lower re-intervention rates, better survival, and higher patency time. Complications and costs showed no difference.

Catheter tract implantation metastases associated with percutaneous biliary drainage for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

AIM： To estimate the incidence of catheter tract implantation metastasis among patients undergoing percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage （PTBD） for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and to provide data regarding the management of this unusual complication of PTBD by reviewing cases reported in the literature. METHODS： A retrospective analysis of 67 consecutive patients who underwent PTBD before the resection of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma was conducted. The median follow-up period after PTBD was 106 too. The English language literature （PubMed, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA）, from .lanuary 1966 through December 2004, was reviewed. RESULTS： Catheter tract implantation metastasis developed in three patients. The cumulative incidence of implantation metastasis reached a plateau （6%） at 20 mo after PTBD. All of the three patients with implantation metastasis died of tumor progression at 3, 9, and 20 mo after the detection of this complication. Among the 10 reported patients with catheter tract implantation metastasis from extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma （including our three patients）, two survived for more than 5 years after the excision of isolated catheter tract metastases. CONCLUSION： Catheter tract implantation metastasis is not a rare complication following PTBD for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Although the prognosis for patients with this complication is generally poor, the excision of the catheter tract may enable survival in selected patients with isolated metastases along the catheter tract.

Endoscopic management of occluded metal biliary stents:Metal versus 10F plastic stents

AIM:To compare the efficacy of self-expandable metal stents(SEMSs) with 10F plastic stents(PSs) in the endoscopic management of occluded SEMSs.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 56 patients who underwent SEMS insertion for palliation of unresectable malignant biliary obstruction between 2000 and 2007 and subsequent endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage(ERBD) with SEMS or PS for initial SEMS occlusion between 2000 and 2008.RESULTS:Subsequent ERBD with SEMS was performed in 29 patients and with PS in 27.The median time to stent occlusion after subsequent ERBD was 186 d in the SEMS group and 101 d in the PS group(P= 0.118).Overall median stent patency was 79 d for the SEMS group and 66 d for the PS group(P = 0.379).The mean number of additional biliary drainage procedures after subsequent ERBD in patients that died(n = 50) during the study period was 2.54 ± 4.12 for the SEMS group and 1.85 ± 1.95 for the PS group(P = 0.457).The mean total cost of additional biliary drainage procedures after the occlusion of subsequent SEMS or PS was $410.04 ± 692.60 for the SEMS group and $630.16 ± 671.63 for the PS group(P = 0.260).Tumor ingrowth as the cause of initial SEMS occlusion was the only factor associated with a shorter time to subsequent stent occlusion(101 d for patients with tumor ingrowth vs 268 d for patients without tumor ingrowth,P = 0.008).CONCLUSION:Subsequent ERBD with PSs offered similar patency and number of additional biliary drainage procedures compared to SEMSs in the management of occluded SEMS.

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.