Undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma of the common bile duct:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma(UPS)is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor with a poor prognosis.It mainly occurs in the extremities,trunk,head and neck,and retroperitoneum regions.Owing to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and imaging features,UPS diagnosis mainly depends on pathological and immunohistochemical examinations for exclusive diagnosis.Here we report an extremely rare case of high-grade UPS in the common bile duct(CBD).There are limited available data on such cases.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old woman was admitted to our department with yellow eyes and urine accompanied by upper abdominal distending pain for 2 wk.Her laboratory data suggested significantly elevated hepatorenal function levels.The imaging data revealed calculous cholecystitis,intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilation with extrahepatic bile duct calculi,and a space-occupying lesion at the distal CBD.After endoscopic biliary stenting and symptomatic support therapy,CBD exploration and biopsy were performed.The frozen section indicated malignant spindle cell tumor of the CBD mass,and further radical pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed.Finally,the neoplasm was diagnosed as a high-grade UPS combined with the light-microscopic morphology and immunohistochemical results.CONCLUSION This extremely rare case highlighted the need for increasing physicians'vigilance,reducing the odds of misdiagnosis,and providing appropriate treatment strategies.

Surgical strategies for challenging common bile duct stones in the endoscopic era: A comprehensive review of current evidence

While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)remains the primary treatment modality for common bile duct stones(CBDS)or choledocho-lithiasis due to advancements in instruments,surgical intervention,known as common bile duct exploration(CBDE),is still necessary in cases of difficult CBDS,failed endoscopic treatment,or altered anatomy.Recent evidence also supports CBDE in patients requesting single-step cholecystectomy and bile duct stone removal with comparable outcomes.This review elucidates relevant clinical anatomy,selection indications,and outcomes to enhance surgical understanding.The selection between trans-cystic(TC)vs trans-choledochal(TD)approaches is described,along with stone removal techniques and ductal closure.Detailed surgical techniques and strategies for both the TC and TD approaches,including instrument selection,is also provided.Additionally,this review comprehensively addresses operation-specific complications such as bile leakage,stricture,and entrapment,and focuses on preventive measures and treatment strategies.This review aims to optimize the management of CBDS through laparoscopic CBDE,with the goal of improving patient outcomes and minimizing risks.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus common bile duct exploration for extrahepatic bile duct stones and postoperative recurrenceassociated risk factors

BACKGROUND There remain controversies regarding the surgical treatment of extrahepatic bile duct stones(EHBDSs)in clinical practice.AIM To explore the curative effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)plus common bile duct exploration(CBDE)for the surgical treatment of EHBDSs and to analyze the risk factors that affect postoperative stone recurrence.METHODS Eighty-two patients with EHBDSs admitted between March 2017 and March 2023 were selected.Among them,patients treated with open choledocholithotomy plus LC or open cholecystectomy(OC)were set as the control group(n=40),and those treated with LC plus CBDE served as the observation group(n=42).The surgical outcomes of the two groups were compared,the surgical complications and Gas-trointestinal Quality of Life Index(GIQLI)scores were counted,and the one-year prognostic recurrence was recorded.Independent factors for postoperative re-currence were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.RESULTS The two groups were comparable in the stone residual rate(P>0.05).The ope-ration time(P<0.05),intraoperative bleeding(P<0.05),and total complication rate(P=0.005)were lower in the observation group than in the control group.The observation group exhibited a marked increase in the GIQLI score,which was higher than the control group(P<0.05).A lower one-year recurrence rate was determined in the observation group vs the control group(P=0.027).Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction[odds ratio(OR)=5.712,P=0.007]and the treatment scheme of open choledocholithotomy plus LC or OC(OR=6.771,P=0.008)were the independent risk factors for one-year recurrence in patients after surgery.CONCLUSION LC plus CBDE for patients with EHBDSs can reduce stone residuals,intraoperative bleeding,complications,and postoperative recurrence.

Risk factors for recurrence of common bile duct stones after surgical treatment and effect of ursodeoxycholic acid intervention

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)is an accurate diagnostic method for choledocholithiasis and treatment option for stone removal.Additionally,ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)can dissolve cholesterol stones and prevent their development and reappearance by lowering the cholesterol concen-tration in bile.Despite these treatment options,there are still patients who experience stone recurrence.The clinical data of 100 patients with choledochal stones who were hospitalized at the Yixing People’s Hospital and underwent ERCP for successful stone extraction between June 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected.According to the post-ERCP treatment plan,100 patients were classified into UDCA(n=47)and control(n=53)groups.We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and rate of relapse in the two patient populations.We then collected information(basic demographic data,clinical characteristics,and serum biochemical indicators)and determined the factors contributing to relapse using logistic regression analysis.Our secondary goal was to determine the effects of UDCA on liver function after ERCP.Compared to the control group,the UDCA group demonstrated a higher clinical effectiveness rate of 92.45%vs 78.72%(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in liver function indices,including total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase,alanine aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,and aspartate aminotransferase,between the two groups before treatment.After treatment,all liver function indices were significantly reduced.Comparing the control vs UDCA groups,the UDCA group exhibited significantly lower levels of all indices(55.39±6.53 vs 77.31±8.52,32.10±4.62 vs 45.39±5.69,142.32±14.21 vs 189.63±16.87,112.52±14.25 vs 149.36±15.36,122.61±16.00 vs 171.33±22.09,96.98±10.44 vs 121.35±11.57,respectively,all P<0.05).The stone recurrence rate was lower in the UDCA group(13.21%)in contrast with the control group(44.68%).Periampullary diverticula(OR:6.00,95%CI:1.69-21.30),maximum stone diameter(OR:1.69,95%CI:1.01-2.85),stone quantity>3(OR:4.23,95%CI:1.17-15.26),and positive bile culture(OR:7.61,95%CI:2.07-27.91)were independent factors that influenced the relapse of common bile duct stones after ERCP(P<0.05).Furthermore,postoperative UDCA was identified as a preventive factor(OR:0.07;95%CI:0.08-0.09).CONCLUSION The intervention effect of UDCA after ERCP for common bile duct stones is adequate,providing new research directions and references for the prevention and treatment of stone recurrence.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in treatment of gallbladder stones with common bile duct stones: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND The incidence of cholelithiasis has been on the rise in recent years,but the choice of procedure is controversial.AIM To investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD)in patients with gallbladder stones(GS)with common bile duct stones(CBDS).METHODS The clinical data of 102 patients with GS combined with CBDS were selected for retrospective analysis and divided into either an LC+EPBD group(n=50)or an LC+endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)group(n=52)according to surgical methods.Surgery-related indexes,postoperative recovery,postoperative complications,and expression levels of inflammatory response indexes were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Total surgical time,stone free rate,rate of conversion to laparotomy,and successful stone extraction rate did not differ significantly between the LC+EPBD group and LC+EST group.Intraoperative hemorrhage,time to ambulation,and length of hospitalization in the LC+EPBD group were lower than those of the LC+EST group(P<0.05).The rate of total complications of the two groups was 9.80%and 17.65%,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant.No serious complications occurred in either group.At 48 h postoperatively,the expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,high-sensitivity Creactive protein,and procalcitonin were lower in the LC+EPBD group than in the LC+EST group(P<0.05).At 3 d postoperatively,the expression levels of aspartate transaminase,alanine transaminase,and total bilirubin were lower in the LC+EPBD group than in the LC+EST group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION LC combined with EPBD and LC combined with EST are both effective procedures for the treatment of GS with CBDS,in which LC combined with EPBD is beneficial to shorten the patient’s hospitalization time,reduce the magnitude of elevated inflammatory response indexes,and promote postoperative recovery.

Results of Surgical Management of Malignant Obstruction of the Common Bile Duct in Yaoundé

Introduction: In Cameroon, surgery remains the only approach in malignant obstructions of the common bile duct (MOCBD) even in palliative situations. The aim of this work was to describe the modalities of surgical treatment of MOCBD, evaluate the results and detect the factors associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Patients and Methods: We conducted an analytical observational study, with retrospective data collection from the files of patients operated upon for MOCBD. This was done in four referral hospitals in the city of Yaoundé for a 42-month period spanning from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023. Demographic data, clinical presentation, surgical data, and 30-day postoperative outcomes were collected. Results: We collected 71 files. The sex ratio was 1.4 and the mean age was 56 ± 11 years. Fifty-three (53) patients (74.6%) were overweight or obese and 10 patients (14.1%) were hypertensive. A clinical cholestasis syndrome was present in 69 patients (97.2%). Fifty-five (55) patients (77.5%) had a cancer of the head of the pancreas, 8 patients (11.3%) had an extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 8 patients (11.3%) had an ampullary adenocarcinoma. Eight (8) resections (11.3%) with curative intent had been carried out and in 63 cases (88.7%), surgery was palliative. Postoperative morbidity was 55.7%, influenced by advanced WHO stage (p = 0.02). Postoperative mortality was 25.7%, associated with a high ASA score (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Pancreatic head cancer is the main etiology of malignant obstructions of the common bile duct in Cameroon. Surgical treatment is most often palliative. Postoperative morbidity and mortality are high, influenced by high WHO and ASA scores.

Innovation of endoscopic management in difficult common bile duct stone in the era of laparoscopic surgery

Common bile duct(CBD)stone is a common biliary problem,which often requires endoscopic approach as the initial treatment option.Roughly,7%-12%of the subjects who experience cholecystectomy were subsequently referred to biliary endoscopist for further management.In general,there are three classifications of difficult CBD stone,which are based on the characteristics of the stone(larger than 15 mm,barrel or square-shaped stones,and hard consistency),accessibility to papilla related to anatomical variations,and other clinical conditions or comorbidities of the patients.Currently,endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD)of a previous sphincterotomy and EPLBD combined with limited sphincterotomy performed on the same session is still recommended by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy as the main approach in difficult CBD stones with history of failed sphincterotomy and balloon and/or basket attempts.If failed extraction is still encountered,mechanical lithotripsy or cholangioscopy-assisted lithotripsy or extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy can be considered.Surgical approach can be considered when stone extraction is still failed or the facilities to perform lithotripsy are not available.To our knowledge,conflicting evidence are still found from previous studies related to the comparison between endoscopic and surgical approaches.The availability of experienced operator and resources needs to be considered in creating individualized treatment strategies for managing difficult biliary stones.

Removal of intrahepatic bile duct stone could reduce the risk of cholangiocarcinoma

Hepatolithiasis(HL)poses a significant risk for cholangiocarcinoma(CCA)development,with reported incidences ranging from 5%-13%.Risk factors include older age,smoking,hepatitis B infection,and prolonged HL duration.Chronic inflammation and mechanical stress on the biliary epithelium contribute to CCA pathogenesis.Hepatectomy reduces CCA risk by removing stones and atrophic liver segments.However,residual stones and incomplete removal increase CCA risk.Kim et al identified carbohydrate antigen 19-9,carcinoembryonic antigen,and stone laterality as CCA risk factors,reaffirming the importance of complete stone removal.Nonetheless,challenges remain in preventing CCA recurrence post-surgery.Longer-term studies are needed to elucidate CCA risk factors further.

Two-stage vs single-stage management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones

AIM:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of twostage vs single-stage management for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones.METHODS:Four databases,including PubMed,Embase,the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Science Citation Index up to September 2011,were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials(RCTs).Data were extracted from the studies by two independent reviewers.The primary outcomes were stone clearance from the common bile duct,postoperative morbidity and mortality.The secondary outcomes were conversion to other procedures,number of procedures per patient,length of hospital stay,total operative time,hospitalization charges,patient acceptance and quality of life scores.RESULTS:Seven eligible RCTs [five trials(n = 621) comparing preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)/endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) + laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) with LC + laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE);two trials(n = 166) comparing postoperative ERCP/EST + LC with LC + LCBDE],composed of 787 patients in total,were included in the final analysis.The metaanalysis detected no statistically significant difference between the two groups in stone clearance from the common bile duct [risk ratios(RR) =-0.10,95% confidence intervals(CI):-0.24 to 0.04,P = 0.17],postoperative morbidity(RR = 0.79,95% CI:0.58 to 1.10,P = 0.16),mortality(RR = 2.19,95% CI:0.33 to 14.67,P = 0.42),conversion to other procedures(RR = 1.21,95% CI:0.54 to 2.70,P = 0.39),length of hospital stay(MD = 0.99,95% CI:-1.59 to 3.57,P = 0.45),total operative time(MD = 12.14,95% CI:-1.83 to 26.10,P = 0.09).Two-stage(LC + ERCP/EST) management clearly required more procedures per patient than single-stage(LC + LCBDE) management.CONCLUSION:Single-stage management is equivalent to two-stage management but requires fewer procedures.However,patient's condition,operator's expertise and local resources should be taken into account in making treatment decisions.

Various approaches of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration plus primary duct closure for choledocholithiasis:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background： Common bile duct （CBD） stones may occur in up to 3%–14.7% of all patients with cholecystectomy.Various approaches of laparoscopic CBD exploration plus primary duct closure （PDC） are the most commonly used and the best methods to treat CBD stone. This systematic review was to comparethe effectiveness and safety of the various approaches of laparoscopic CBD exploration plus PDC forcholedocholithiasis

Common bile duct stones on multidetector computed tomography:Attenuation patterns and detectability

AIM:To investigate the attenuation patterns and detectability of common bile duct(CBD) stones by multidetector computed tomography(MDCT).METHODS:Between March 2010 and February 2012,191 patients with suspicion of CBD stones undergoing both MDCT and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) were enrolled and reviewed retrospectively.The attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT were classified as heavily calcified,radiopaque,less radiopaque,or undetectable.The association between the attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT and stone type consisting of pure cholesterol,mixed cholesterol,brown pigment,and black pigment and the factors related to the detectability of CBD stones by MDCT were evaluated.RESULTS:MDCT showed CBD stones in 111 of 130 patients in whom the CBD stones were demonstrated by ERCP with 85.4% sensitivity.The attenuation patterns of CBD stones on MDCT were heavily calcified 34(26%),radiopaque 31(24%),less radiopaque 46(35%),and undetectable 19(15%).The radiopacity of CBD stones differed significantly according to stone type(P < 0.001).From the receiver operating characteristic curve,stone size was useful for the determination of CBD stone by MDCT(area under curve 0.779,P < 0.001) and appropriate cut-off stone size on MDCT was 5 mm.The factors related to detectability of CBD stones on MDCT were age,stone type,and stone size on multivariate analysis(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:The radiopacity of CBD stones on MDCT differed according to stone type.Stone type and stone size were related to the detectability by MDCT,and appropriate cut-off stone size was 5 mm.

Role of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in the management of choledocholithiasis

Surgical fraternity has not yet arrived at any consensus for adequate treatment of choledocholithiasis. Sequential treatment in the form of pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) is considered as optimal treatment till date. With refinements in technique and expertise in field of minimal access surgery, many centres in the world have started offering one stage management of choledocholithiasis by LC with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration(LCBDE). Various modalities have been tried for entering into concurrent common bile duct(CBD) [transcystic(TC) vs transcholedochal(TD)], for confirming stone clearance(intraoperative cholangiogram vs choledochoscopy), and for closure of choledochotomy(T-tube vs biliary stent vs primary closure) during LCBDE. Both TC and TD approaches are safe and effective. TD stone extraction is involved with an increased risk of bile leaks and requires more expertise in intra-corporeal suturing and choledochoscopy. Choice depends on number of stones, size of stone, diameter of cystic duct and CBD. This review article was undertaken to evaluate the role of LCBDE for the management of choledocholithiasis.

Intraoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION The advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)inthe late 1980s gained widespread acceptance withina short period of time and has become the preferredtreatment for symptomatic gallstones,but themanagement of coexisting gallbladder and commonbile duct(CBD)stones has remained controversialbecause the various strategies proposed have theirlimitations.In fact,choledocholithiasis

Restoration of common bile duct diameter within 2 weeks after endoscopic stone retraction is a preventive factor for stone recurrence

Background： Little information is available about the relationship between restoration of common bileduct （CBD） diameter after endoscopic stone retraction and recurrence of CBD stones in elderly patients.The present study was to determine whether restoration of CBD diameter is a preventive factor for CBDstone recurrence in elderly patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography（ERCP）.

Outcomes of endoscopic sphincterotomy vs open choledochotomy for common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND Endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) for the management of common bile duct stones(CBDS) is used increasingly widely because it is a minimally invasive procedure. However, some clinical practitioners argued that EST may be complicated by post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)pancreatitis(PEP) and accompanied by a higher recurrence of CBDS than open choledochotomy(OCT). Whether any differences in outcomes exist between these two approaches for treating CBDS has not been thoroughly elucidated to date.AIM To compare the outcomes of EST vs OCT for the management of CBDS and to clarify the risk factors associated with stone recurrence.METHODS Patients who underwent EST or OCT for CBDS between January 2010 and December 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Follow-up data were obtained through telephone or by searching the medical records. Statistical analysis was carried out for 302 patients who had a follow-up period of at least 5 years or had a recurrence. Propensity score matching(1:1) was performed to adjust for clinical differences. A logistic regression model was used to identify potential risk factors for recurrence, and a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was generated for qualifying independent risk factors.RESULTS In total, 302 patients undergoing successful EST(n = 168) or OCT(n = 134) were enrolled in the study and were followed for a median of 6.3 years. After propensity score matching, 176 patients remained, and all covariates were balanced. EST was associated with significantly shorter time to relieving biliary obstruction, anesthetic duration, procedure time, and hospital stay than OCT(P <0.001). The number of complete stone clearance sessions increased significantly in the EST group(P = 0.009). The overall incidence of complications and mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups. Recurrent CBDS occurred in18.8%(33/176) of the patients overall, but no difference was found between the EST(20.5%, 18/88) and OCT(17.0%, 15/88) groups. Factors associated with CBDS recurrence included common bile duct(CBD) diameter > 15 mm(OR =2.72; 95%CI: 1.26-5.87; P = 0.011), multiple CBDS(OR = 5.09; 95%CI: 2.58-10.07; P< 0.001), and distal CBD angle ≤ 145°(OR = 2.92; 95%CI: 1.54-5.55; P = 0.001). The prediction model incorporating these factors demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81(95%CI: 0.76-0.87).CONCLUSION EST is superior to OCT with regard to time to biliary obstruction relief, anesthetic duration, procedure time, and hospital stay and is not associated with an increased recurrence rate or mortality compared with OCT in the management of CBDS.

Percutaneous transhepatic extraction and balloon dilation for simultaneous gallbladder stones and common bile duct stones:A novel technique

AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of an innovative percutaneous transhepatic extraction and balloon dilation(PTEBD) technique for clearance of gallbladder stones in patients with concomitant stones in the common bile duct(CBD).METHODS The data from 17 consecutive patients who underwent PTEBD for clearance of gallbladder stones were retrospectively analyzed. After removal of the CBD stones by percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation(PTBD), the gallbladder stones were extracted to the CBD and pushed into the duodenum with a balloon after dilation of the sphincter of Oddi. Large stones were fragmented using a metallic basket. The patients were monitored for immediate adverse events including hemorrhage, perforation, pancreatitis, and cholangitis. During the two-year follow-up, they were monitored for stone recurrence, reflux cholangitis, and other longterm adverse events.RESULTS Gallbladder stones were successfully removed in 16(94.1%) patients. PTEBD was repeated in one patient. The mean hospitalization duration was 15.9 ± 2.2 d. Biliary duct infection and hemorrhage occurred in one(5.9%) patient. No severe adverse events, including pancreatitis or perforation of the gastrointestinal or biliary tract occurred. Neither gallbladder stone recurrence nor refluxing cholangitis had occurred two years after the procedure.CONCLUSION Sequential PTBD and PTEBD are safe and effective for patients with simultaneous gallbladder and CBD stones. These techniques provide a new therapeutic approach for certain subgroups of patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic sphincterotomy or surgery is not appropriate.

Big-data analysis: A clinical pathway on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for common bile duct stones

BACKGROUND A clinical pathway(CP)is a standardized approach for disease management.However,big data-based evidence is rarely involved in CP for related common bile duct(CBD)stones,let alone outcome comparisons before and after CP implementation.AIM To investigate the value of CP implementation in patients with CBD stones undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital in patients with CBD stones undergoing ERCP from January 2007 to December 2017.The data and outcomes were compared by using univariate and multivariable regression/linear models between the patients who received conventional care(non-pathway group,n=467)and CP care(pathway group,n=2196).RESULTS At baseline,the main differences observed between the two groups were the percentage of patients with multiple stones(P<0.001)and incidence of cholangitis complication(P<0.05).The percentage of antibiotic use and complications in the CP group were significantly less than those in the nonpathway group[adjusted odds ratio(OR)=0.72,95%confidence interval(CI):0.55-0.93,P=0.012,adjusted OR=0.44,95%CI:0.33-0.59,P<0.001,respectively].Patients spent lower costs on hospitalization,operation,nursing,medication,and medical consumable materials(P<0.001 for all),and even experienced shorter length of hospital stay(LOHS)(P<0.001)after the CP implementation.No significant differences in clinical outcomes,readmission rate,or secondary surgery rate were presented between the patients in the non-pathway and CP groups.CONCLUSION Implementing a CP for patients with CBD stones is a safe mode to reduce the LOHS,hospital costs,antibiotic use,and complication rate.

Ursodeoxycholic acid combined with percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation for management of gallstones after elimination of common bile duct stones

AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combined ursodeoxycholic acid and percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation for management of gallstones after expulsion of common bile duct(CBD) stones.METHODS From April 2014 to May 2016, 15 consecutive patients(6 men and 9 women) aged 45-86(mean, 69.07 ± 9.91) years suffering from CBD stones associated with gallstones were evaluated. Good gallbladder contraction function was confirmed by type B ultrasonography. Dilation of the CBD and cystic duct was detected. Percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation of the papilla was performed, ursodeoxycholic acid was administered, and all patients had a high-fat diet. All subjects underwent repeated cholangiography, and percutaneous transhepatic removal was carried out in patients with secondary CBD stones originating from the gallbladder. RESULTS All patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilation with a primary success rate of 100%. The combined therapy was successful in 86.7% of patients with concomitant CBD stones and gallstones. No remaining stones were detected in the gallbladder. Transient adverse events include abdominal pain(n = 1), abdominal distension(n = 1), and fever(n = 1). Complications were treated successfully via nonsurgical management without long-term complications. No procedure-related mortality occurred. CONCLUSION For patients with concomitant CBD stones and gallstones, after percutaneous transhepatic removal of primary CBD stones, oral ursodeoxycholic acid and a high-fat diet followed by percutaneous transhepatic removal of secondary CBD stones appear to be a feasible and effective option for management of gallstones.

Reappraisal of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for the management of common bile duct stones

Although endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) is still considered as a gold standard treatment for common bile duct(CBD) stones in western guideline, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD) is commonly used by the endoscopists in Asia as the first-line treatment for CBD stones. Besides the advantages of a technical easy procedure, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD) can facilitate the removal of large CBD stones.The indication of EPBD is now extended from removal of the small stones by using traditional balloon, to removal of large stones and avoidance of lithotripsy by using large balloon alone or after EST. According to the reports of antegrade papillary balloon dilatation, balloon dilation itself is not the cause of pancreatitis. On the contrary, adequate dilation of papillary orifice can reduce the trauma to the papilla and pancreas by the basket or lithotripter during the procedure of stone extraction. EPLBD alone is as effective as EPLBD with limited EST. Longer ballooning time may be beneficial in EPLBD alone to achieve adequate loosening of papillary orifice. The longer ballooning time does not increase the risk of pancreatitis but may reduce the bleeding episodes in patients with coagulopathy. Slowly inflation of the balloon, but not exceed the diameter of bile duct and tolerance of the patients are important to prevent the complication of perforation. EPBLD alone or with EST are not the sphincter preserved procedures, regular follow up is necessary for early detection and management of CBD stones recurrence.

Comparison of murine cirrhosis models induced by hepatotoxin administration and common bile duct ligation

AIM： To build up the research models of hepatic fibrosis in mice.METHODS： Inbred wild-type FVB/N mice were either treated with alpha-naphthyl-isothiocyanate （ANIT）, allyl alcohol （AA）,carbon tetrachloride （CCl4）, 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-l,4-dihydrocollidine （DDC）, and silica, or subjected to common bile duct ligation （CBDL） to induce hepatic injury. Liver biopsies were performed every 4 wk to evaluate hepatic fibrosis over a period of 6 mo. Cumulative cirrhosis and survival curves were constructed by life table method and compared with Wilcoxon test.RESULTS： Under the dosages used, there was neither mortality nor cirrhosis in AA and silica-treated groups. DDC and ANIT caused cirrhosis within 4-12 and 12-24 wk, respectively.Both showed significantly faster cirrhosis induction at high dosages without significant alteration of survival. The duration for cirrhosis induction by CCl4 ranged from 4 to 20 wk, mainly dependent upon the dosage. However, the increase in CCl4 dosage significantly worsened survival. Intraperitoneal CCl4 administration resulted in better survival in comparison with garage administration at high dosage, but not at medium and low dosages. After CBDL, all the mice developed liver cirrhosis within 4-8 wk and then died by the end of 26 wk.CONCLUSION： CBDL and administrations of ANIT, CCl4, and DDC ensured liver cirrhosis. CBDL required the least amount of time in cirrhosis induction, but caused shortened lives of mice. It was followed by DDC and ANIT administration with favorable survival. As for CCl4, the speed of cirrhosis induction and the mouse survival depended upon the dosages and the administration route.