Treatment of a patient with obstructive jaundice and extrahepatic portal hypertension

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of inflammation in the extrahepatic bile duct can lead to bile duct stenosis' obstructive jaundice and cavernous transformation of the portal vein. The latter can develop into extrahepatic portal hypertension (PHT). It is difficult to establish the correct method for treating these conditions. METHODS: At another hospital, a 51-year-old man developed PHT as a result of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage to relieve cholelithiasis and obstructive jaundice. We dealt with the biliary tract obstruction through percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD), followed by selective devascularization and a shunt operation 2 weeks after the disappearance of jaundice. Three months after cholecystojejunostomy, there were no obvious changes around the bile duct. RESULT: The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 14 days after operation. CONCLUSION: For this patient, surgery in stages was the best choice. The most suitable method to decrease jaundice is PTCD.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic biliary radiofrequency ablation in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage(PTCD)and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic nasobiliary drainage are the most common clinical procedures for jaundice control in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice,yet the safety and effect of endobiliary radiofrequency ablation(EB-RFA)combined PTCD is rarely reported,in this article,we report our experience of EB-RFA combined PTCD in such patients.AIM To retrospectively study the efficacy and safety of EB-RFA combined PTCD in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice.METHODS Patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice treated with EB-RFA under PTCD were selected,the bile ducts of the right posterior lobe was selected as the target bile ducts in all cases.The general conditions of all patients,preoperative tumour markers,total bilirubin(TBIL),direct bilirubin(DBIL),albumin(ALB),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),and glutamyl transferase(GGT)before and on the 7th day after the procedure,as well as perioperative complications,stent patency time and patient survival were recorded.RESULTS All patients successfully completed the operation,TBIL and DBIL decreased significantly in all patients at the 7th postoperative day(P=0.009 and 0.006,respectively);the values of ALB,ALP and GGT also decreased compared with the preoperative period,but the difference was not statistically significant.Perioperative biliary bleeding occurred in 2 patients,which was improved after transfusion of blood and other conservative treatments,pancreatitis appeared in 1 patient after the operation,no serious complication and death happened after operation.Except for 3 patients with loss of visits,the stent patency rate of the remaining 14 patients was 100%71%and 29%at the 1^(st),3^(rd),and 6^(th)postoperative months respectively,with a median survival of 4 months.CONCLUSION EB-RFA under PTCD in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice has a satisfactory therapeutic effect and high safety,which is worthy of further clinical practice.

Etiology and long-term outcome of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children

AIM:To study the management and outcome of children with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction(EHPVO) in a whole country population.METHODS:A nationwide multicenter retrospective case series of children with EHPVO was conducted.Data on demographics,radiographic studies,laboratory workup,endoscopic and surgical procedures,growth and development,were extracted from the patients' charts.Characteristics of clinical presentation,etiology of EHPVO,management and outcome were analyzed.RESULTS:Thirty patients,13 males and 17 females,19(63.3%) Israeli and 11(36.7%) Palestinians,were included in the analysis.Age at presentation was 4.8± 4.6 years,and mean follow-up was 4.9±4.3 years.Associated anomalies were found in 4 patients.The incidence of EHPVO in Israeli children aged 0-14 years was 0.72/million.Risk factors for EHPVO were detected in 13(43.3%)patients,including 9 patients(30%) with perinatal risk factors,and 4 patients(13.3%) with prothrombotic states:two had low levels of protein S and C,one had lupus anticoagulant,and one was homozygous for methyltetrahydrofolate reductase mutations.In 56.6% of patients,no predisposing factors were found.The most common presenting symptoms were an incidental finding of splenomegaly(43.3%),and upper gastrointestinal bleeding(40%).No differences were found between Israeli and Palestinian children with regard to age at presentation,etiology and clinical symptoms.Bleeding occurred in 18 patients(60%),at a median age of 3 years.Sclerotherapy or esophageal banding was performed in 20 patients.No sclerotherapy complications were reported.Portosystemic shunts were performed in 11 patients(36.6%),at a median age of 11(range 3-17)years:splenorenal in 9,mesocaval in 1,and a meso-Rex shunt in 1 patient.One patient underwent splenectomy due to severe pancytopenia.Patients were followed up for a median of 3(range 0.5-15)years.One patient died aged 3 years due to mucopolysaccharidase deficiency type Ⅲ.None of the patients died due to gastrointestinal bleeding.CONCLUSION:EHPVO is a rare disorder.The etiological factors are still mostly unknown,and the endoscopic and surgical treatment options ensure a good long-term prognosis.

Feasibility and efficacy evaluation of metallic biliary stents eluting gemcitabine and cisplatin for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Effective endoscopic management is fundamental for the treatment of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ECC).However,current biliary stents that are widely used in clinical practice showed no antitumor effect.Drug-eluting stents(DESs)may achieve a combination of local chemotherapy and biliary drainage to prolong stent patency and improve prognosis.AIM To develop novel DESs coated with gemcitabine(GEM)and cisplatin(CIS)-coloaded nanofilms that can maintain the continuous and long-term release of antitumor agents in the bile duct to inhibit tumor growth and reduce systemic toxicity.METHODS Stents coated with different drug-eluting components were prepared by the mixed electrospinning method,with poly-L-lactide-caprolactone(PLCL)as the drug-loaded nanofiber membrane and GEM and/or CIS as the antitumor agents.Four different DESs were manufactured with four drug-loading ratios(5%,10%,15%,and 20%),including bare-loaded(PLCL-0),single-drug-loaded(PLCL-GEM and PLCL-CIS),and dual-drug-loaded(PLCL-GC)stents.The drug release property,antitumor activity,and biocompatibility were evaluated in vitro and in vivo to confirm the feasibility and efficacy of this novel DES for ECC.RESULTS The in vitro drug release study showed the stable,continuous release of both GEM and CIS,which was sustained for over 30 d without an obvious initial burst,and a higher drug-loaded content induced a lower release rate.The drug-loading ratio of 10%was used for further experiments due to its ideal inhibitory efficiency and relatively low toxicity.All drug-loaded nanofilms effectively inhibited the growth of EGI-1 cells in vitro and the tumor xenografts of nude mice in vivo;in addition,the dual-loaded nanofilm(PLCL-GC)had a significantly better effect than the single-drug-loaded nanofilms(P<0.05).No significant differences in the serological analysis(P>0.05)or histopathological changes were observed between the single-loaded and drug-loaded nanofilms after stent placement in the normal porcine biliary tract.CONCLUSION This novel PLCL-GEM and CIS-eluting stent maintains continuous,stable drug release locally and inhibits tumor growth effectively in vitro and in vivo.It can also be used safely in normal porcine bile ducts.We anticipate that it might be considered an alternative strategy for the palliative therapy of ECC patients.

Management of splenic artery aneurysm associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction

BACKGROUND: Splenic artery aneurysms although rare are clinically significant in view of their propensity for spontaneous rupture and life-threatening bleeding. While portal hypertension is an important etiological factor, the majority of reported cases are secondary to cirrhosis of the liver. We report three cases of splenic artery aneurysms associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and discuss their management. METHODS: The records of three patients of splenic artery aneurysm associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction managed from 2003 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The clinical presentation, surgical treatment and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: The aneurysm was >3 cm in all patients. The clinical symptoms were secondary to extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (hematemesis in two, portal biliopathy in two) while the aneurysm was asymptomatic. Doppler ultrasound demonstrated aneurysms in all patients. A proximal splenorenal shunt was performed in two patients with excision of the aneurysm in one patient and ligation of the aneurysm in another one. The third patient had the splenic vein replaced by collaterals and hence underwent splenectomy with aneurysmectomy. All patients had an uneventful post-operative course. CONCLUSIONS: Splenic artery aneurysms are associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Although technically difficult, it can be safely performed in an experienced center with minimal morbidity and good outcome.

Effect of ATRA on Contents of liver Retinoids, Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Injury in Rat Model of Extrahepatic Cholestasis

The effects of all-trans-retinoic acid （ATRA） administration on the concentration of retinoids （RA and vitamin A） in liver, oxidative stress and the hepatic injury in a rat model of common bile duct ligation （CBDL）-induced liver injury were investigated. Female rats were subjected to a sham （n=5） or CBDL （n=48）. Two weeks after operation, rats undergoing CBDL were randomized to receive treatment with either ATRA at three different doses （0.1, 1.5, 7.5 mg/kg） dissolved in bean oil or only bean oil every day over a 4-week experimental period. Rats were killed and blood samples were collected from the heart for determination of the serum transaminase. The contents of retinoids in rat liver were detected by using HPLC. Malondialdehyde （MDA）, glutathione （GSH） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） levels in liver were determined by a spectrophotometric method according to the instruction of the kits. Liver pathologic changes were observed under the light microscopy and electron microscopy. The results showed that compared with sham-operated group, the levels of retinoids in the liver tissue were significantly decreased in the CBDL group （P〈0.01）. ATRA （0.1 mg/kg） administration in CBDL rats partially restored the contents of retinoids （P〈0.05）. Liver RA and vita- min A contents in CBDL group were significantly increased after ATRA （1.5 and 7.5 mg/kg） supplementation as compared with sham-operated group （P〈0.05）. However, in ATRA-treated CBDL group, hepatic GSH level and SOD activity, depressed by CBDL, and hepatic MDA level, increased by CBDL were returned to those in sham-operated group （P〈0.05）. The histologic observation of liver tissues indicated that ATRA treatment notably alleviated hepatocellular swelling, steatosis, the. swelling of mitochondria and proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum （SER）. Treatment with ATRA could reduce levels of serum transaminase as compared with sham-operated group, more greatly in 1.5 and 7.5 mg/kg ATRA-treated groups than in 0.1 mg/kg ATRA-treated group. It was concluded that ATRA treatment can recover MDA and GSH levels and SOD activity in CBDL rat liver through restoring RA and vitamin A contents, and eventually ameliorate liver injury.

Portal vein thrombosis: Etiology and clinical outcome of cirrhosis and malignancy-related non-cirrhotic, non-tumoral extrahepatic portal venous obstruction

The etiology and pathogenesis of portal vein thrombosis are unclear. Portal venous thrombosis presentation differs in cirrhotic and tumor-related versus non-cirrhotic and non-tumoral extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO). Non-cirrhotic and non-tumoral EHPVO patients are young and present with well tolerated bleeding. Cirrhosis and tumor-related portal vein thrombosis patients are older and have a grim prognosis. Among the 118 patients with portal vein thrombosis, 15.3% had cirrhosis, 42.4% had liver malignancy (primary or metastatic), 6% had pancreatitis (acute or chronic), 5% had hypercoagulable state and 31.3% had idiopathy, 12% had hypercoagulable state in the EHPVO group.

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 mo. The English language literature (PubMed, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA), from January 1966through 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.

Meso-Rex bypass for the management of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in adults(with video)

Background:Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction(EHPVO)results in severe portal hypertension(PHT)leading to severely compromised quality of life.Often,pharmacological and endoscopic management is unable to solve this problem.Restoring hepatic portal flow using meso-Rex bypass(MRB)may solve it.This procedure,uncommon in adult patients,is considered the treatment of choice for EHPVO in children.Methods:From 1997 to 2018,8 male and 6 female adults,with a median age of 51 years(range 22-66)underwent MRB procedure for EHPVO at the University Hospitals Saint-Luc in Brussels,Belgium.Symp-toms of PHT were life altering in all but one patient and consisted of repetitive gastro-intestinal bleedings,sepsis due to portal biliopathy,and/or severe abdominal discomfort.The surgical technique consisted in interposition of a free venous graft or of a prosthetic graft between the superior mesenteric vein and the Rex recess of the left portal vein.Results:Median operative time was 500 min(range 300-730).Median follow-up duration was 22 months(range 2-169).One patient died due to hemorrhagic shock following percutaneous transluminal interven-tion for early graft thrombosis.Major morbidity,defined as Clavien-Dindo score≥III,was 35.7%(5/14).Shunt patency at last follow-up was 64.3%(9/14):85.7%(6/7)of pure venous grafts and only 42.9%(3/7)of prosthetic graft.Symptom relief was achieved in 85.7%(12/14)who became asymptomatic after MRB.Conclusions:Adult EHPVO represents a difficult clinical condition that leads to severely compromised quality of life and possible life-threatening complications.In such patients,MRB represents the only and last resort to restore physiological portal vein flow.Although successful in a majority of patients,this procedure is associated with major morbidity and mortality and should be done in tertiary centers expe-rienced with vascular liver surgery to get the best results.

Pathophysiological consequences and treatment strategy of obstructive jaundice

Obstructive jaundice(OJ)is a common problem in daily clinical practice.However,completely understanding the pathophysiological changes in OJ remains a challenge for planning current and future management.The effects of OJ are widespread,affecting the biliary tree,hepatic cells,liver function,and causing systemic complications.The lack of bile in the intestine,destruction of the intestinal mucosal barrier,and increased absorption of endotoxins can lead to endotoxemia,production of proinflammatory cytokines,and induce systemic inflammatory response syndrome,ultimately leading to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.Proper management of OJ includes adequate water supply and electrolyte replacement,nutritional support,preventive antibiotics,pain relief,and itching relief.The surgical treatment of OJ depends on the cause,location,and severity of the obstruction.Biliary drainage,surgery,and endoscopic intervention are potential treatment options depending on the patient's condition.In addition to modern medical treatments,Traditional Chinese medicine may offer therapeutic benefits for OJ.A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed for relevant articles published up to August 1970.This review discusses in detail the pathophysiological changes associated with OJ and presents effective strategies for managing the condition.

Therapeutic Mechanisms of Single Chinese Medicine Herb or Their Extracts for Extrahepatic Obstructive Jaundice

Obstructive jaundice （O J） is classified as extrahepatic OJ or intrahepatic OJ. Extrahepatic OJ is attributed to a variety of intricate etiological factors. Research has begun with Chinese medicine （CM）, which can be used as an adjunctive therapy for extrahepatic OJ. Particular attention has been paid to the therapeutic effects and their mechanisms of single CM herb and relevant extracts. The roles of single CM or their extracts during adjunctive therapy for extrahepatic OJ have been described briefly, This review focuses on the effects and their mechanisms of relevant herbal medicines.

Application of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for treatment of obstructive jaundice after hepatoblastoma surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopan-creatography(ERCP)for treating obstructive jaundice(OJ)post hepatoblastoma(HB)surgery(post-HB OJ)by analyzing the data of a case and performing a literature review.CASE SUMMARY Clinical data of one patient with post-HB OJ treated by ERCP were retrospectively analyzed.Furthermore,clinical characteristics and insights into the diagnosis and treatment of post-HB OJ in children were summarized via searching various databases and platforms,such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang database,CQVIP database,PubMed,Ringer Link,and Google Scholar.The patient reported herein underwent five chemotherapy sessions after the diagnosis of HB and right hemihepatectomy after tumor size reduction;these were followed by two postoperative chemotherapy sessions.Three months postoperatively,the patient developed icteric sclera,strong tea-colored urine,and clay-like stools,and showed signs of skin itchiness;blood analysis showed significantly an increased conjugated bilirubin(CB)level(200.3μmol/L).Following the poor efficacy of anti-jaundice and hepatoprotective treatments,the patient underwent ERCP.Intraoperative imaging showed a dilated bile duct in the porta hepatis with significant distal stenosis.A 5 Fr nasopancreatic tube was placed in the dilated area through the stricture for external drainage,and the patient was extubated on postoperative day 6.Postoperatively,the patient’s stool turned yellow,and the CB level decreased to 78.2μmol/L.Fifteen days later,ERCP was repeated due to unrelieved jaundice symptoms,wherein a 7 Fr naso-biliary drainage tube was successfully placed.Three months post-ERCP,the jaundice symptoms resolved,and the CB level was reduced to 33.2μmol/L.A follow-up examination one year postoperatively revealed no jaundice symptoms and normal CB level.CONCLUSION Post-HB OJ is rare.Compared to biliary tract reconstruction,ERCP is less invasive and has a better therapeutic effect.

Extrahepatic cholestasis associated with paracoccidioidomycosis:Challenges in the differential diagnosis of biliopancreatic neoplasia

BACKGROUND Paracoccidioidomycosis(PCM)may involve the hepatic pedicle and peripan creatic lymph nodes,cause damage to the bile duct and manifest,exceptionally,in combination with extrahepatic cholestasis(EHC),making investigation and treatment challenging.AIM To investigate the management of patients with visceral PCM admitted with EHC.METHODS All patients diagnosed with PCM treated in a public,tertiary teaching hospital between 1982 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated.Those also identified with EHC were allocated to two groups according to the treatment approach for the purpose of comparing clinical,laboratory,and imaging findings,resources used for etiological diagnosis,treatment results,and prognosis.Statistical analyses were performed using the linear mixed-effects model(random and fixed effects),which was adjusted using the PROC MIXED procedure of the SAS®9.0 software,and Fisher’s exact test.RESULTS Of 1645 patients diagnosed with PCM,40(2.4%)had EHC.Of these,20(50.0%)lived in the rural area and 29(72.5%)were men,with a mean age of 27.1 years(3-65 years).Jaundice as first symptom and weight loss of at least 10 kg were observed in 16 patients(40.0%),and a mass in the head of the pancreas was observed in 8(20.0%).The etiological diagnosis was made by tissue collection during surgery in 4 cases(10.0%)and by endoscopic methods in 3 cases(7.5%).Twenty-seven patients(67.5%)received drug treatment alone(Group 1),whereas 13(32.5%)underwent endoscopic and/or surgical procedures in combination with drug treatment(Group 2).EHC was significantly reduced in both groups(40.7% in Group 1,with a mean time of 3 months;and 38.4% in Group 2,with a mean time of 7.5 months),with no statistically significant difference between them.EHC recurrence rates,associated mainly with treatment nonadherence,were similar in both groups:37% in Group 1 and 15.4% in Group 2.The mortality rate was 18.5% in Group 1 and 23% in Group 2,with survival estimates of 71.3% and 72.5%,respectively,with no statistically significant difference.CONCLUSION Although PCM-related EHC is rare,it needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of malignancies,as timely treatment can prevent hepatic and extrahepatic sequelae.

Pathophysiological consequences of obstructive jaundice and perioperative management

Background: Obstructive jaundice is a common problem in daily clinical practice. Understanding completely the pathophysiological changes in obstructive jaundice remains a challenge for planning current and future management.Data sources: A Pub Med was searched for relevant articles published up to August 2016. The effect of obstructive jaundice on proinflammatory cytokines, coagulation status, hemodynamics and organ functions were evaluated.Results: The effects of obstructive jaundice included biliary tree, the hepatic cell and liver function as well as systemic complications. The lack of bile in the gut, the disruption of the intestinal mucosal barrier,the increased absorption of endotoxin and the subsequent endotoxemia cause proinflammatory cytokine production(TNF-α, IL-6). Bilirubin induces systemic inflammatory response syndrome which may lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The principal clinical manifestations include hemodynamic instability and acute renal failure, cardiovascular suppression, immune compromise, coagulation disorders,nutritional impairment, and wound healing defect. The proper management includes full replacement of water and electrolyte deficiency, prophylactic antibiotics, lactulose, vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma,albumin and dopamine. The preoperative biliary drainage has not been indicated in overall, but only in a few selected cases.Conclusion: The perioperative management is an essential measure in improving the outcome after the appropriate surgical operation in jaundiced patients especially those with malignancy.

Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy using novel magnetic compressive anastomats in canine model of obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND:The traditional hand-sewn Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy is technically complicated,and the incidence of postoperative complications has remained high.A set of novel magnetic compressive anastomats was introduced to facilitate choledochojejunostomy and improve the prognosis of patients.METHODS:After ligating the common bile duct for 7 days,16 dogs were randomly divided into two groups (n=8 per group).Anastomats were used in the study group,and the traditional hand-sewn method was used in the control group for standard Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy.We compared the operation time,incidence of complications,gross appearance,and pathological disparity in stoma between the two groups in 1-month and 3-month follow-up examinations.RESULTS:The time spent on constructing the anastomosis for the study group was significantly shortened.Although no anastomotic stenosis occurred in the two groups,the narrowing rate of biliary-enteric anastomosis was much higher in the control group.There was one case of bile leakage in the control group,whereas no bile leakage occurred in the study group.A smoother surface,an improved layer apposition,and a lower local inflammatory response were identified in the anastomosis of the study group.CONCLUSION:The structures of the novel magnetic compressive anastomats are simple,and they are time-saving,safe and efficient for performing Roux-en-Y choledocho- jejunostomy procedures in a canine model of obstructive jaundice.

Effect of biliary drainage on inducible nitric oxide synthase, CD14 and TGR5 expression in obstructive jaundice rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of biliary drainage on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD14 and TGR5 expression in rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ). METHODS: Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: OJ, sham operation (SH), internal biliary drainage (ID) and external biliary drainage (ED). Rat models were successfully established by two operations and succumbed for extraction of Kupffer cells (KCs) and liver tissue collection on the 8 th and 15 th day. KCs were isolated by in situ hepatic perfusion and digested with collagen Ⅳ, density gradient centrifuged by percoll reagent and purified by cell culture attachment. The isolated KCs were cultured with the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with and without the addition of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The expression of iNOS, CD14 and bile acid receptor-TGR5 protein in rat liver tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression of iNOS and CD14 messenger RNA (mRNA) on the isolated KCs was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the TGR5 mRNA level in KCs was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The iNOS protein was markedly expressed in the liver of OJ rats, but rare expressed in SH rats. After relief of OJ, the iNOS expression was decidedly suppressed in the ID group (ID vs OJ, P < 0.01), but obviously increased in rats of ED (ED vs OJ, P=0.004). When interfered only with LPS, the expression of iNOS mRNA by KCs was increased in the OJ group compared with the SH group (P=0.004). After relief of biliary obstruction, the iNOS mRNA expression showed slight changes in the ED group (ED vs OJ, P=0.71), but dropped in the ID group (ID vs OJ, P=0.001). Compared with the simple intervention with LPS, the expressions of iNOS mRNA were significantly inhibited in all four groups after interfered with both LPS and UDCA (P < 0.01, respectively). After bile duct ligation, the CD14 protein expression in rat liver was significantly strengthened (OJ vs SH, P < 0.01), but the CD14 mRNA level by KCs was not up-regulated (OJ vs SH, P=0.822). After relieving the OJ, the expression of CD14 protein was reduced in the ID group (ID vs OJ, P < 0.01), but not reduced in ED group (ED vs OJ, P=0.591). And then the CD14 mRNA expression was aggravated by ED (ED vs OJ, P < 0.01), but was not significantly different between the ID group and the SH and OJ groups (ID vs SH, P=0.944; ID vs OJ, P=0.513, respectively). The expression of TGR5 protein and mRNA increased significantly in OJ rats (OJ vs SH, P=0.001, respectively). After relief of OJ, ID could reduce the expression of TGR5 protein and mRNA to the levels of SH group (ID vs SH, P=0.22 and P=0.354, respectively), but ED could not (ED vs SH, P=0.001, respectively).CONCLUSION: ID could be attributed to the regulatory function of activation of KCs and release of inflammatory mediators.

Protective effects of intravenous anesthetics on kidney tissue in obstructive jaundice

AIM:To evaluate the protective effects on kidney tissue of frequently used intravenous anesthetics(ketamine,propofol,thiopental,and fentanyl)in rats with obstructive jaundice.METHODS:There is an increased incidence of postoperative acute renal failure in patients with obstructive jaundice.Thirty-two Wistar-albino rats were randomly divided into four equal groups.Laparatomy was performed on each animal in the four groups and common bile ducts were ligated and severed on day 0.After 7 d,laparotomy was again performed using ketamine,propofol,thiopental,or fentanyl anesthesia whose antioxidative properties are well known in oxidative stress in a rat liver model of obstructive jaundice.After 2 h,the rats were sacrificed.Renal tissue specimens were analyzed for catalase,superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde enzymes activities.All values are expressed as the mean±SD.P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS:All animals survived without complications until the end of the study.Enlargement in the bile duct and obstructive jaundice were observed in all rats.Catalase was found to be significantly lower in the fentanyl group than in the ketamine(P=0.039),propofol(P=0.012),and thiopental(P=0.001)groups.Superoxide dismutase activities were similar in all groups(P>0.05).Malondialdehyde was found to be significantly lower in the ketamine group than in the propofol(P=0.028),thiopental(P=0.002)and fentanyl(P=0.005)groups.Malondialdehyde was also lower in the fentanyl group than in the thiopental group(P=0.001).The results showed that obstructive jaundice sensitizes renal tissue to damage under the different anesthetics.CONCLUSION:Among the agents tested,ketamine and propofol generated the least amount of oxidative stres on renal tissues in this rat model of obstructive jaundice created by common bile duct ligation.The importance of free radical injury in renal tissue in obstructive jaundice under different intravenous anesthetics during hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgery should be considered for prevention of postoperative acute renal failure.

Obstructive jaundice in Iran:factors affecting early outcome

BACKGROUND:Understanding any factors which influence the morbidity and mortality in patients with obstructive jaundice in each society will better guide appropriate management and lead to improved survival This study aimed to assess baseline etiologies,clinical manifestations,diagnostic results,and morbidity and mortality related to obstructive jaundice in Iranian patients. METHODS:The hospital recorded files of 133 patients with the final diagnosis of obstructive jaundice who had been admitted to the Taleqhani Hospital in Tehran between January 2001 and September 2004 were reviewed. RESULTS:The most common etiologies of obstructive jaundices were neoplasia and then common bile duct stone in the two genders.The results of ultrasonography were positive in less than half of the patients.However,the most positive results were related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).The in-hospital mortality rate in patients less than 50 years old and elderly patients was 0%and 6.76%,respectively.The in-hospital morbidity rate was 2.25%and 7.51%,respectively in both patients and it was commonly related to infection of ulcer (44.46%),pneumonia(14.75%),myocardial infarction (14.75%),and subdiaphragmatic abscess(11.29%).In patients with a diagnosis of benign obstruction,only one patient died of severe sepsis.In malignant group preoperative characteristics,such as weight loss(P=0.015) and serum bilirubin concentration more than 16 mg/dl and postoperative complications,such as sepsis(P<0.001) cardiac arrest(P<0.001),and hepatic coma(P<0.001)were main predictors for the in-hospital mortality rate.CONCLUSION:Although the mortality and morbidity of obstructive jaundice in our study are less than those in other studies,the determination of preoperative clinical and laboratory indices and postoperative complications of patients is needed for the control of mortality and morbidity rate.

Biliary drainage for obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: the endoscopic versus percutaneous approach

BACKGROUND: For palliative treatment of the obstructive jaundice associated with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) has been performed. PTBD is preferred as an initial procedure. Little is known about the better option for patients with obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable HCC. METHODS: Sixty patients who had received ERBD or PTBD for the palliative treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable HCC between January 2006 and May 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Successful drainage, drainage patency, and the overall survival of patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that the overall frequency of successful drainage was higher in the ERBD group (22/29, 75.9%) than in the PTBD group (15/31, 48.4%) (P=0.029); but multivariate analysis showed marginal significance (P=0.057). The duration of drainage patency was longer in the ERBD group than in the PTBD group (82 vs 37 days, respectively, P=0.020). Regardless of what procedure was performed, the median survival time of patients who had a successful drainage was much longer than that of the patients who did not have a successful drainage (143 vs 38 days, respectively, P<0.001).CONCLUSION: Besides PTBD, ERBD may be used as the initial treatment option to improve obstructive jaundice in patients with unresectable HCC if there is a longer duration of drainage patency after a successful drainage.

Profile of hepatocyte apoptosis and bile lakes before and after bile duct decompression in severe obstructive jaundice patients

BACKGROUND:Excessive hepatocyte apoptosis and bile lakes in severe obstructive jaundice might impair liver functions.Although decompression of the bile duct has been reported to improve liver functions in animal studies,the mechanism of obstruction differs from that in humans.This study aimed to determine the profiles of hepatocyte apoptosis and bile lakes following bile duct decompression in patients with severe obstructive jaundice in the clinical setting.METHODS:We conducted a 'before and after study' on severe obstructive jaundice patients as a model of inhibition of the excessive process by bile duct decompression.Specimens of liver biopsies were taken before and after decompression of the bile duct and then stained by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling(TUNEL) to identify hepatocyte apoptosis and by hematoxilin-eosin(HE) to identify bile lakes.All measurements were independently done by 2 observers.RESULTS:Twenty-one severe obstructive jaundice patients were included.In all patients,excessive hepatocyte apoptosis and bile lakes were apparent.After decompression,the hepatocyte apoptosis index decreased from 53.1(SD 105) to 11.7(SD 13.6)(P<0.05),and the bile lakes from 23.6(SD 14.8) to 10.9(SD 6.9)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Bile duct decompression improves hepatocyte apoptosis and bile lakes in cases of severe obstructive jaundice,similar to the findings in animal studies.