Application of endoscopic nasobiliary cutting in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Objective The aim of the study was to study the clinical efficacy and prognosis of endoscopicallycutting the nasobiliary duct and leaving its residual segment as a biliary stent in the treatment of hilarcholangiocarcinoma (HC).Methods The clinical data of 55 patients with HC treated by endoscopic biliary drainage at theGastrointestinal Endoscopy Center of our hospital (Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China) fromAugust 2017 to August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different drainage schemes,patients were divided into the endoscopic nasobiliary cutting group (n = 26) and the endoscopic retrogradebiliary drainage (ERBD) group (n = 29). The postoperative liver function indexes, incidence of postoperativecomplications, median patency period of stents, and median survival time of patients were comparedbetween the two groups.Results Liver function indexes (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartateaminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) were significantly decreased in55 patients a week postoperaticely (P < 0.05), and decreases in liver function indexes in the endoscopicnasobiliary cutting group were more significant than those in the ERBD group (P < 0.05). The incidenceof biliary tract infection in the endoscopic nasobiliary cutting group was significantly lower than that in theERBD group (15.40% vs. 41.4%, P < 0.05). In the endoscopic nasobiliary cutting subgroups, there were 1and 3 cases of biliary tract infection in the gastric antrum cutting group (n = 21) and duodenal papilla cuttinggroup (n = 5), respectively, and 0 cases and 2 cases of displacement, respectively;there was a statisticallysignificant difference in terms of complications between the two subgroups (P < 0.05). The median patencyperiod (190 days) and median survival time (230 days) in the nasobiliary duct cutting group were higherthan those (169 days and 202 days) in the ERBD group, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05).Conclusion The nasobiliary duct was cut by using endoscopic scissors in Stage II after the bile was fullydrained through the nasobiliary duct. The residual segment could still support the bile duct and drain bile.The reduction of jaundice and the recovery of liver enzymes were significant, and the incidence of biliarytract infection was low. Cutting off the nasobiliary duct at the duodenal papilla results in a higher incidenceof biliary tract infection, and the residual segment of the nasobiliary duct is more likely to be displaced.Endoscopic nasobiliary-cutting drainage is an effective, simple, and safe method to reduce jaundice in thepalliative treatment of HC.

Retrospective cohort study Lower incidence of complications in endoscopic nasobiliary drainage for hilar cholangiocarcinoma

AIM:To identify the most effective endoscopic biliary drainage technique for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.METHODS:In total,118 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent endoscopic management[endoscopic nasobiliary drainage(ENBD)or endoscopic biliary stenting]as a temporary drainage in our institution between 2009 and 2014.We retrospectively evaluated all complications from initial endoscopic drainage to surgery or palliative treatment.The risk factors for biliary reintervention,post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(post-ERCP)pancreatitis,and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD)were also analyzed using patient-and procedure-related characteristics.The risk factors for bilateral drainage were examined in a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent initial unilateral drainage.RESULTS:In total,137 complications were observed in92(78%)patients.Biliary reintervention was required in 83(70%)patients.ENBD was significantly associated with a low risk of biliary reintervention[odds ratio(OR)=0.26,95%CI:0.08-0.76,P=0.012].Post-ERCP pancreatitis was observed in 19(16%)patients.An absence of endoscopic sphincterotomy was significantly associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis(OR=3.46,95%CI:1.19-10.87,P=0.023).PTBD was required in 16(14%)patients,and Bismuth type III or IV cholangiocarcinoma was a significant risk factor(OR=7.88,95%CI:1.33-155.0,P=0.010).Of 102 patients with initial unilateral drainage,49(48%)required bilateral drainage.Endoscopic sphincterotomy(OR=3.24,95%CI:1.27-8.78,P=0.004)and Bismuth II,III,or IV cholangiocarcinoma(OR=34.69,95%CI:4.88-736.7,P<0.001)were significant risk factors for bilateral drainage.CONCLUSION:The endoscopic management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is challenging.ENBD should be selected as a temporary drainage method because of its low risk of complications.

outcomes of preoperative endoscopic nasobiliary drainage and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage for malignant distal biliary obstruction prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy

AIM To compare the outcomes of preoperative endoscopic nasobiliary drainage(ENBD) and endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage(ERBD) in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD). METHODS Data from 153 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage prior to PD between January 2009 and July 2016 were analyzed. we compared the clinical data, procedure-related complications of endoscopic biliary drainage(EBD) and postoperative complications of PD between the ENBD and ERBD groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses with odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence intervals(95%CIs) were used to identify the risk factors for deep abdominal infection after PD.RESULTS One hundred and two(66.7%) patients underwent ENBD, and 51(33.3%) patients underwent ERBD. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was less frequently performed in the ENBD group than in the ERBD group(P = 0.039); the EBD duration in the ENBD group was shorter than that in the ERBD group(P = 0.036). After EBD, the levels of total bilirubin(TB) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) were obviously decreased in both groups, and the decreases of TB and ALT in the ERBD group were greater than those in the ENBD group(P = 0.004 and P = 0.000, respectively). However,the rate of EBD procedure-related cholangitis was significantly higher in the ERBD group than in the ENBD group(P = 0.007). The postoperative complications of PD as graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification system were not significantly different between the two groups(P = 0.864). However, the incidence of deep abdominal infection after PD was significantly lower in the ENBD group than in the ERBD group(P = 0.019). Male gender(OR = 3.92; 95%CI: 1.63-9.47; P = 0.002), soft pancreas texture(OR = 3.60; 95%CI: 1.37-9.49; P = 0.009), length of biliary stricture(≥ 1.5 cm)(OR = 5.20; 95%CI: 2.23-12.16; P = 0.000) and ERBD method(OR = 4.08; 95%CI: 1.69-9.87; P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for deep abdominal infection after PD.CONCLUSION ENBD is an optimal method for patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction prior to PD. ERBD is superior to ENBD in terms of patient tolerance and the effect of biliary drainage but is associated with an increased risk of EBD procedure-related cholangitis and deep abdominal infection after PD.

Endoscopic management of postoperative bile leaks

BACKGROUND: Significant bile leak as an uncommon complication after biliary tract surgery may constitute a serious and difficult management problem. Surgical management of biliary fistulae is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Biliary endoscopic procedures have become the treatment of choice for management of biliary Gstulae. METHODS: Ninety patients presented with bile leaks after cholecystectomy ( open cholecystectomy in 45 patients, cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration in 20 and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 25). The presence of bile leaks was confirmed by ERCP and the appearance of bile in percutaneous drainage of abdominal collections. Of the 90 patients with postoperative bile leaks, 18 patients had complete transaction of the common bile duct by ERCP and were subjected to bilioenteric anastomosis. In the remaining patients after cholangiography and localization of the site of bile leaks. therapeutic procedures like sphinctero-tomy, biliary stenting and nasobiliary drainage ( NBD ) were performed. If residual stones were seen in the common bile duct, sphincterotomy was followed by stone extraction using dormia basket. Nasobiliary drain or stents of 7F size were placed according to the standard techniques. The NBD was removed when bile leak stopped and closure of the fistula confirmed cholangiographically. The stents were removed after an interval of 6-8 weeks. RESULTS: Bile leaks in 72 patients occurred in the cystic duct (38 patients), the common bile duct (30 ), and the right hepatic duct (4). Of the 72 patients with post-operative bile leak, 24 had associated retained common bile duct stones and 1 had ascaris in common bile duct. All the 72 patients were subjected to therapeutic procedures including sphincterotomy with stone extraction followed by biliary stenting (24 patients), removal of ascaris and biliary stenting (1), sphincterotomy with biliary stenting (18), sphincterotomy with NBD (12), biliary stenting alone (12), and NBD alone (5). Bile leaks stopped in all patients at a median interval of 3 days (range 3-16 days) after endoscopic in- terventions. No difference was observed in efficacy and in time for the treatment of bile leak by sphincterotomy with endoprosthesis or endoprosthesis alone in patients with bile leak after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Post-cholecystectomy bile leaks occur most commonly in the cystic duct and associated common bile duct stones are found in one-third of cases. Endoscopic therapy is safe and effective in the management of bile leaks and fistulae after surgery. Sphincterotomy with endoprosthesis or endoprosthesis alone is equally effective in the management of postoperative bile leak.

Endoscopic management of postcholecystectomy biliary leakage

BACKGROUND: Biliary leak is an uncommon but significant complication following cholecystectomy. Endotherapy is an established method of treatment. However, the optimal intervention is not known. METHOD: Eighty-five patients with postcholecystectomy biliary leaks from July 2000 to March 2009 were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The study population was 20 males and 65 females with a mean age of 42.47 years. Patients presented with abdominal pain (46), jaundice (23), fever (23), abdominal distension (42), or bilious abdominal drain (67). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography detected a leak at the cystic duct stump in 45 patients, stricture with middle common bile duct leak in 4, leak from the right hepatic duct in 3, and a ligated common bile duct in 32. Twelve also had bile duct stones. One had a broken T-tube with stones Endotherapy was possible in 53 patients. Three patients with stones, one with a broken T-tube with stones, and 4 with stricture of the common bile duct with a leak were managed with sphincterotomy and stenting. Eight patients with a cystic duct stump leak with stones were managed with sphincterotomy and stone extraction. Three outpatients and 12 inpatients with a cystic duct stump leak were managed with sphincterotomy and stent and sphincterotomy and nasobiliary drain, respectively. Five patients with a cystic duct stump leak were managed with stenting. Sixteen with coagulopathy were managed with only nasobiliary drain (9) or stent (7). Leak closure was achieved in 100% patients Four developed mild pancreatitis which improved with conservative treatment.CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic intervention is a safe and effective method of treatment of postcholecystectomy biliary leaks. However, management should be individualized based on factors such as outpatients or inpatients, presence of stone, stricture, ligature, or coagulopathy.

Clinical Evaluation of ERCP and Naobiliary Drainage for Biliary Fungal Infection——A Report of Five Cases of Severe Combined Bacterial and Fungal Infection of Biliary Tract

Summary： This study studied the use of ERCP and nasobiliary tube in the diagnosis of fungal infection of hiliary tract and the efficacy of combined use of local administration via nasohiliary tube and intravenous antifungal treatment for severe biliary tract fungal infection. 5 patients in our series, with age ranging from 47 to 68 y （mean 55.8）, were diagnosed as having mixed bacterial and fungal infection of hiliary tract as confirmed by smear or/and culture of bile obtained by ERCP and nasohiliary drainage. Besides routine anti-bacteria therapy, all patients received local application of flu- conazole through nasohiliary tube and intravenous administration of fluconazole or itraconazole in terms of the results of in vitro sensitivity test. The mean duration of intravenous fluconazole or itraconazole was 30 days （24-40 days）, and that of local application of fluconazole through nasobiliary drainage tube was 19 days （8 24 days）. During a follow up period of 3-42 months, all patient＇s fungal infection of biliary tract was cured. It is concluded that on the basis of typical clinical features of biliary tract infection, fungal detection of smear/culture of bile obtained by ERCP was the key for the diagnosis of fungal infection of biliary tract. Local application antifungal drug combined with intravenous anti-fungal drugs might be an effective and safe treatment for fungal infection of biliary tract.

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of biliary leak in patients following liver transplantation:a prospective clinical study

BACKGROUND: Orthotopic liver transplantation has been widely used in patients with end-stage liver disease within the last two decades. However, the prevalence of biliary complications after liver transplantation remains high. The most common short-term biliary complication may be biliary leak. So, we examined 13 patients with biliary leak after liver transplantation, attempting to evaluate the role of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of biliary leak and the incidence of bile duct stricture after healing of the leak. METHODS: Six cases of T-tube leak and seven cases of anastomosis leak complicating liver transplantation were enrolled in this prospective study. Six patients were treated by endoscopic plastic stent placement, two by nasobiliary catheter drainage, two by papillosphincterotomy, and three by nasobiliary catheter drainage combined with plastic stent placement. Some patients received growth hormone treatment. RESULTS: The bile leak resolution time was 10-35 days in 10 patients with complete documentation. The median time of leak resolution was 15.3 days. Four cases of anastomosis stricture, three cases of common hepatic duct and one case of multiple bile duct stenosis were detected by follow-up nasobiliary catheter cholangiography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic nasobiliary catheter or plastic stent placement is a safe and effective treatment for bile duct stricture occurring after bile leak resolution in most liver transplantation patients. Nasobiliary catheter combined with plastic stent placement may be the best choice for treating bile leak, because, theoretically, it may prevent the serious condition resulting from accidental nasobiliary catheter dislocation, and it may have prophylactic effects on upcoming bile duct stricture, although this should be further confirmed.

Biliary spontaneous dislodgement spiral stent for patients who underwent mechanical lithotripsy

BACKGROUND The incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)cholangitis(PEC)in patients who underwent mechanical lithotripsy(ML)for large stone removal is high(up to 13.3%).One of the main causes is remaining small fragments or sludge that can impair normal biliary drainage.Endoscopic placement of a nasobiliary tube or a conventional plastic biliary stent has been commonly used under such conditions,but the patient may suffer from significant discomfort after the placement of a nasobiliary tube,while additional endoscopy is required for stent removal.We developed a biliary spontaneous dislodgement spiral stent(BSDSS)to overcome those shortcomings.AIM To evaluate the feasibility,safety,and effectiveness of inserting a BSDSS for patients who underwent ML for large stone removal.METHODS We conducted a single-center,retrospective,cohort study at West China Hospital,Sichuan University.A total of 91 consecutive patients with large biliary stones(≥10 mm)in the common bile duct who underwent ML between November 2017 and July 2018 were included.The 49 eligible patients were divided into the BSDSS group and the nasobiliary tube group.Technical success,post-ERCP adverse events(including PEC,post-ERCP pancreatitis,stone recurrence,BSDSS retention,self-extraction and dislocation of the nasobiliary tube),drainage time,and postoperative stay were measured and compared.RESULTS Twenty-one patients in the BSDSS group and 28 patients in the nasobiliary tube group were included in the analyses.The baseline characteristics and clinical information were similar in the two groups.Insertions of BSDSS and nasobiliary tube were technically successful in all 49 patients.There was no significant difference in the incidence of overall post-ERCP adverse events between the two groups(4.8%in the BSDSS group vs 17.9%in the nasobiliary tube group,P=0.219).The median duration of drainage time(3 d in the BSDSS group vs 4 d in the nasobiliary tube group)and length of postoperative stay(4 d in the BSDSS group vs 5 d in the nasobiliary tube group)also did not differ(P=0.934,and P=0.223,respectively).CONCLUSION Endoscopic placement of a BSDSS appears to be feasible,safe and effective for patients who underwent ML for large stone removal.

Biliary leaks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy:time to stent or time to drain

BACKGROUND:Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopan- creatography(ERCP)with placement of a biliary stent or nasobiliary(NB)drain is the procedure of choice for treatment of post-cholecystectomy bile duct leaks.The aim of this study was to compare the effect of NB drainage versus internal biliary stenting on rates of leak closure, time elapsed until drain or stent removal,length of hospital stay and number of required endoscopic procedures. METHODS:Charts were reviewed on 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy complicated by Luschka or cystic duct leak.Ten patients were treated with NB drains connected to low intermittent suction and repeat NB cholangiograms were performed until leak closure was observed.Ten patients were treated with internal biliary stents.Biliary sphincterotomies were performed for stone extraction or a presumed papillary stenosis.Large bilomas were drained percutaneously prior to stenting. RESULTS:In all 20 patients,a cholangiogram and successful placement of a NB drain or internal stent was achieved.Four patients(20%)were found to have bile duct stones,which were extracted following a sphincterotomy. Sixteen patients required percutaneous drains to evacuate large bilomas prior to biliary instrumentation.Fifteen cystic duct leaks and 5 Luschka duct leaks were reviewed. There were no complications related to ERCP.Closure of the leak was documented within 2 to 11 days(mean 4.7±0.9 days)in patients receiving a NB drain.The drains were removed non-endoscopically following leak closure. The internal stent group required stenting for 14 to 53 days(mean 29.1±4.4 days).The stent was then removed endoscopically after documentation of leak closure.Bile leaks following laparoscopic cholecystectomy closed rapidly after NB drainage and did not require repeat endoscopy for removal of the NB drain,resulting in fewer ERCPs required for treatment of biliary leaks.Internal biliary stents were in place longer owing to the nature of this intermittent endoscopic approach but an accurate comparison of time to leak closure could not be determined. Leak closure resulted once the bile flow was re-established, regardless of the technique,but removal of the NB drains was performed earlier than removal of the biliary stents. The number of ERCPs required per patient was 1.0±0 in the NB group and 2.2±0.1(range 2-3)in the internal stent group.The length of hospitalization was 8.7±3.3 days for the NB group and 7.5±2.3 days for the internal stent group.Biliary stent placement resulted in an insignificant decrease in hospitalization at the expense of generating twice as many endoscopic procedures. CONCLUSIONS:Our data suggest that NB drainage may be advantageous in patients requiring a prolonged hospital admission or in patients in whom repeat endoscopy is undesirable.Internal biliary stenting appears preferable when early discharge is anticipated or when expertise in placement and management of NB drains is lacking.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage in acute cholecystitis:An updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage has been the most frequently performed treatment for acute cholecystitis for patients who are not candidates for surgery.Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage(ETGBD)has evolved into an alternative treatment.There have been numerous retrospective and prospective studies evaluating ETGBD for acute cholecystitis,though results have been variable.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ETGBD in the treatment of inoperable patients with acute cholecystitis.METHODS We performed a systematic review of major literature databases including PubMed,OVID,Science Direct,Google Scholar(from inception to March 2021)to identify studies reporting technical and clinical success,and post procedure adverse events in ETGBD.Weighted pooled rates were then calculated using fixed effects models for technical and clinical success,and post procedure adverse events,including recurrent cholecystitis.RESULTS We found 21 relevant articles that were then included in the study.In all 1307 patients were identified.The pooled technical success rate was 82.62%[95%confidence interval(CI):80.63-84.52].The pooled clinical success rate was found to be 94.87%(95%CI:93.54-96.05).The pooled overall complication rate was 8.83%(95%CI:7.42-10.34).Pooled rates of post procedure adverse events were bleeding 1.03%(95%CI:0.58-1.62),perforation 0.78%(95%CI:0.39-1.29),peritonitis/bile leak 0.45%(95%CI:0.17-0.87),and pancreatitis 1.98%(95%CI:1.33-2.76).The pooled rates of stent occlusion and migration were 0.39%(95%CI:0.13-0.78)and 1.3%(95%CI:0.75-1.99)respectively.The pooled rate of cholecystitis recurrence following ETGBD was 1.48%(95%CI:0.92-2.16).CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis suggests that ETGBD is a feasible and efficacious treatment for inoperable patients with acute cholecystitis.

Sequential therapy with combined trans-papillary endoscopic nasopancreatic and endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage for pancreatic pseudocysts

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage(ERPD)and stent implantation has become the major treatment method for pancreatic pseudocysts.However,it is associated with a high recurrence rate and infection.AIM To manage pancreatic pseudocysts by sequential therapy with endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage(ENPD)combined with ERPD and evaluate the treatment outcome.METHODS One hundred and sixty-two cases of pancreatic pseudocyst confirmed by endoscopic examination at our hospital between January 2014 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.There were 152 cases of intubation via the duodenal papilla,of which 92 involved pancreatic duct stent implantation and 60 involved sequential therapy with combined ENPD and ERPD(two-step procedure).The success rate of the procedure,incidence of complications(infection,bleeding,etc.),recurrence,and length and cost of hospitalization were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The incidence of infection was significantly higher in the ERPD group(12 cases)than in the two-step procedure group(2 cases).Twelve patients developed infection in the ERPD group,and anti-infection therapy was effective in five cases but not in the remaining seven cases.Infection presented as fever and chills in the two-step procedure group.The reoperation rate was significantly higher in the ERPD group with seven cases compared with zero cases in the two-step procedure group(P<0.05).Similarly,the recurrence rate was significantly higher in the ERPD group(19 cases)than in the two-step procedure group(0 cases).CONCLUSION Sequential therapy with combined ENPD and ERPD is safe and effective in patients with pancreatic pseudocysts.