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.

Cholangiocarcinoma and malignant bile duct obstruction: A review of last decades advances in therapeutic endoscopy

In the last decades many advances have been achieved in endoscopy, in the diagnosis and therapy of cholangiocarcinoma, however blood test, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scan may fail to detect neoplastic disease at early stage, thus the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma is achieved usually at unresectable stage. In the last decades the role of endoscopy has moved from a diagnostic role to an invaluable therapeutic tool for patients affected by malignant bile duct obstruction. One of the major issues for cholangiocarcinoma is bile ducts occlusion, leading to jaundice, cholangitis and hepatic failure. Currently, endoscopy has a key role in the work up of cholangiocarcinoma, both in patients amenable to surgical intervention as well as in those unfit for surgery or not amenable to immediate surgical curative resection owing to locally advanced or advanced disease, with palliative intention. Endoscopy allows successful biliary drainage and stenting in more than 90% of patients with malignant bile duct obstruction, and allows rapid reduction of jaundice decreasing the risk of biliary sepsis. When biliary drainage and stenting cannot be achieved with endoscopy alone, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage represents an effective alternative method affording successful biliary drainage in more than 80% of cases. The purpose of this review is to focus on the currently available endoscopic management options in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

Successful stent-in-stent dilatation of the common bile duct through a duodenal prosthesis,a novel technique for malignant obstruction:A case report and review of literature

For patients suffering from both biliary and duodenal obstruction,endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) with stent placement is the treatment of choice.ERCP through an already existing duodenal prosthesis is an uncommon procedure and furthermore no studies have reported installing a covered metal stent onto an already existing bare metal stent in the common bile duct(CBD).We describe a rare case of a stent-in-stent dilatation of the CBD through an already existing self-expanding metal stent in the second part of duodenum for the patient presenting with jaundice in setting of biliary and duodenal obstruction from pancreatic adenocarcinoma.The biliary obstruction was relieved with a decrease in bilirubin levels post-stenting.

The Effect of Resveratrol on Bone Status in Rats with Bile Duct Obstruction

Objective: We studied the influence of bile duct obstruction (BDO) after 28 days on bone metabolism status and their modification by resveratrol in male Wistar rats. Methods: The rats were divided into 3 groups: Sham group with laparotomy and vehiculum application, group BDO—bile duct obstruction and vehiculum application, and group RBDO—bile duct obstruction and resveratrol application (10 mg/kg dose of resveratrol orally once daily). The bone mineral density (BMD;g/cm2) and body composition were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The physiccal strenght of femur was examined by controlled break biomechanical testing. The osteocalcin, procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks (CTX) were analysed by EIA in the bone tissue homogenate. Results: The total BMD was lower in group BDO (0.176 ± 0.005;p = 0.01) and R-BDO (0.181 ± 0.004;p = 0.052) vs Sham (0.209 ± 0.003). BMD of femur diaphysis in BDO group decreased significantly (p = 0.01) but not in R-BDO animals (p = 0.052). Body fat (g, median) was lower in BDO (19.0) and R-BDO (26.0) than in Sham (35.0). The force needed for fracture of femurs (N) significantly decreased in BDO (154 ± 6) and R-BDO (151 ± 13) vs Sham group (208 ± 7). The force needed for neck fracture decreased in BDO (105 ± 3) and R-BDO (115 ± 8) vs Sham (135 ± 9). The osteocalcin decrease in group R-BDO (2.9 ± 0.1) vs Sham (3.7 ± 0.4). Higher PINP/CTX were in BDO (20 ± 5/0.49 ± 0.08) and R-BDO (30 ± 4/0.55 ± 0.07) vs Sham (16 ± 4/0.48 ± 0.11). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that subchronic bile duct obstruction decreased body fat quantity and BMD with decrease of bone rigidity. Resveratrol showed protective effect on liver injury and consequently positive influence on bone tissue.

Response letter to “Acute cholangitis: Does malignant biliary obstruction vs choledocholithiasis etiology change the outcomes?” with imaging aspects

Radiological imaging findings may contribute to the differentiation of malignant biliary obstruction from choledocholithiasis in the etiology of acute cholangitis.

Imaging features of malignant vs stone-induced biliary obstruction:Aspects to consider

Radiological studies play a crucial role in the evaluation of patients with biliary duct obstruction,allowing for the guidance of clinical diagnosis towards a malignant or stone-induced etiology through the recognition of relevant imaging features,which must be continuously revisited given their prognostic significance.This article aims to emphasize the importance of recognizing crucial imaging aspects of malignant and stone-induced biliary obstruction.

Comparative analysis of ERCP,IDUS,EUS and CT in predicting malignant bile duct strictures

AIM: To compare endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP), intraductal ultrasound (IDUS), endosonography (EUS), endoscopic transpapillary forceps biopsies (ETP) and computed tomography (CT) with respect to diagnosing malignant bile duct strictures.

New tapered metallic stent for unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction

AIM: To examine the usefulness of a new tapered metallic stent(MS) in patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction.METHODS: This new tapered MS was placed in 11 patients with Bismuth Ⅱ or severer unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction, as a prospective study. The subjects were six patients with bile duct carcinoma, three with gallbladder cancer, and two with metastatic bile duct obstruction. Stenosis morphology was Bismuth Ⅱ: 7, Ⅲa: 3, and Ⅳ: 1. UMIN Clinical Trial Registry(UMIN000004758).RESULTS: MS placement was 100%(11/11) successful. There were no procedural accidents. The mean patency period was 208.401 d, the median survival period was 142.000 d, and the mean survival period was 193.273 d. Occlusion rate was 36.4%(4/11); the causes of occlusion were ingrowth and overgrowth in 2 patients each, 18.2%, respectively. Patients with occlusion underwent endoscopic treatment one more time and all were treatable. CONCLUSION: The tapered MS proved useful in patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction because it provided a long patency period, enabled re-treatment by re-intervention, and no procedural accidents occurred.

Biliary hemorrhage caused by a malignant small round cell tumor in the common bile duct:A case report

BACKGROUND Malignant small round cell tumor(MSRCT)metastasis to the common bile duct associated with recurrent biliary hemorrhage is extremely rare.Thus far,there have been no reports of metastatic small round cell tumors of the common bile duct.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we report the case of a 77-year-old female patient with an MSRCT in the common bile duct.The patient was admitted to hospital due to gastrointestinal hemorrhage and abdominal pain.We found a neoplasm in the common bile duct with active bleeding through a spyglass.We performed biopsy through the spyglass and placed a metal stent to stop bleeding.The pathological result suggested that it was an MSRCT metastasized from the back to the common bile duct.Later,we found using fluorescence in situ hybridization that the SS18 gene break test was negative,ruling out the diagnosis of synovial sarcoma.CONCLUSION MSRCT is a group of tumors with similar cell morphology and diffuse histological structure.Complete tumor resection results in improved survival in patients with MSRCT.Roux-en-Y cholangiojejunostomy was performed.After excision of the common bile duct tumor,the patient felt that the abdominal pain improved and hemorrhage disappeared.The patient underwent routine fecal examination one month after surgery,indicating a negative fecal occult blood test.On May 22,2023,the patient was reexamined by abdominal computed tomography,and no abdominal space occupying lesions or abdominal lymphadenopathy was found.

Diagnosis of bile duct hepatocellular carcinoma thrombus without obvious intrahepatic mass

AIM:To study the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)presenting as bile duct tumor thrombus with no detectable intrahepatic mass.METHODS:Six patients with pathologically proven bile duct HCC thrombi but no intrahepatic mass demonstrated on the preoperative imaging or palpated intrahepatic mass during operative exploration,were collected.Their clinical and imaging data were retrospectively analyzed.The major findings or signs on comprehensive imaging were correlated with the surgical and pathologic findings.RESULTS:Jaundice was the major clinical symptom of the patients.The elevated serum total bilirubin,direct bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase levels were in concordance with obstructive jaundice and the underlying liver disease.Of the 6 patients showing evidence of viral hepatitis,5 were positive for serum alpha fetoprotein and carbohydrate antigen 19-9,and 1 was positive for serum carcinoembryonic antigen.No patient was correctly diagnosed by ultrasound.The main features of patients on comprehensive imaging were filling defects with cup-shaped ends of the bile duct,with large filling defects presenting as casting moulds in the expanded bile duct,hypervascular intraluminal nodules,debris or blood clots in the bile duct.No obvious circular thickening of the bile duct walls was observed.CONCLUSION:Even with no detectable intrahepatic tumor,bile duct HCC thrombus should be considered in patients predisposed to HCC,and some imaging signs are indicative of its diagnosis.

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.

Co-occurrence of IPMN and malignant IPNB complicated by a pancreatobiliary fistula: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct(IPNB) is pathologically similar to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN). However, there are several significant differences between them. The rate of IPMN associated with extrapancreatic malignancies has been reported to range from 10%-40%, and it may occasionally be complicated with the presence of fistulas. IPMN associated with malignant IPNB is extremely rare and only nine cases have been reported in the literature.CASE SUMMARY We report a 52-year-old man who presented with recurrent cholangitis for nine months. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed the common bile duct stricture with dilated pancreatobiliary duct without other abnormal findings. The underlying pathogenesis could not be identified based on the radiologic images. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed a pancreatobiliary fistula with dilated main pancreatic duct, biliary stricture with dilated biliary tree, and mucus discharge from the enlarged orifice of the major papilla. The patient underwent SpyGlass cholangiopancreatoscopy due to a suspected mucin-producing biliary neoplasm and indeterminate main pancreatic duct dilatation. Multiple papillary growing neoplasms with vascular images, with the extent of lesions spreading in the biliopancreatic ductal lumens, were identified by SpyGlass. In addition, the presence of a pancreatobiliary fistula was also identified. The patient was diagnosed as having benign IPMN and malignant IPNB with focal invasion by postoperative pathology. Furthermore, varying histological subtypes were present in both IPMN and IPNB. Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed on the patient with excellent results during the 52 month followup period.CONCLUSION We deemed that pancreatography and SpyGlass allowed for an efficient diagnosis of IPMN with pancreatobiliary fistula, whereas the etiology could not be identified by radiologic imaging.

Complications of common bile duct stones: A risk factors analysis

Background: The latest guidelines recommended that common bile duct stones(CBDSs) should be removed, preferably endoscopically, regardless of the presence of symptoms or complications. However, the removal of CBDSs may not be feasible in very old patients or those with co-morbidities. In these cases, it is important to understand the risk factors for the development of CBDSs-related complications to decide whether or not to treat high-risk patients. Herein, we aimed to identify the risk factors for the development of complications after the diagnosis of CBDSs. Methods: The medical records of patients with CBDSs between October 2005 and September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients with radiologically-diagnosed CBDSs, including those who received treatment and those who did not, were analyzed. Results: A total of 634 patients were included and 95(15.0%) patients had CBDS-related complications during the mean follow-up period of 32.6 months. Forty-four(6.9%) high-risk patients remained asymptomatic and did not receive treatment during the follow-up period. In multivariate analyses, size of CBDSs ≥ 5 mm and no treatment within 30 days were independent risk factors for the development of complications. The spontaneous passage of CBDSs was proved radiologically in 9 out of 81(11.1%) patients within 30 days. Conclusions: It is recommended treating CBDSs within 30 days from the diagnosis, even in high-risk patients, especially if the size is larger than 5 mm.

Acute cholangitis: Does malignant biliary obstruction vs choledocholithiasis etiology change the clinical presentation and outcomes?

BACKGROUND Whether clinical outcomes of acute cholangitis(AC)vary by etiology is unclear.AIM To compare outcomes in AC caused by malignant biliary obstruction(MBO)and common bile duct stones(CBDS).METHODS This retrospective study included 516 patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)due to AC caused by MBO(MBO group,n=56)and CBDS(CBDS group,n=460).Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between the groups.Propensity score matching(PSM)created 55 matched pairs.Confounders used in the PSM analysis were age,sex,time to ERCP,and technical success of ERCP.The primary outcome comparison was 30-d mortality.The secondary outcome comparisons were intensive care unit(ICU)admission rate,length of hospital stay(LOHS),and 30-d readmission rate.RESULTS Compared with the CBDS group,the MBO group had significantly lower body temperature,percentage of abnormal white blood cell counts,and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,and creatinine.Body temperature,percent abnormal white blood cell count,and serum aspartate aminotransferase levels remained significantly lower in the MBO group in the PSM analysis.Platelet count,prothrombin time/international normalized ratio,and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin were significantly higher in the MBO group.The MBO group had a significantly higher percentage of severe AC(33.9%vs 22.0%,P=0.045)and received ERCP later(median,92.5 h vs 47.4 h,P<0.001).However,the two differences were not found in the PSM analysis.The 30-d mortality(5.4%vs 0.7%,P=0.019),ICU admission rates(12.5%vs 4.8%,P=0.028),30-d readmission rates(23.2%vs 8.0%,P<0.001),and LOHS(median,16.5 d vs 7.0 d,P<0.001)were significantly higher or longer in the MBO group.However,only LOHS remained significant in the PSM analysis.Multivariate analysis revealed that time to ERCP and multiple organ dysfunction were independent factors associated with 30-d mortality.CONCLUSION MBO patients underwent ERCP later and thus had a worse prognosis than CBDS patients.Therefore,clinicians should remain vigilant in MBO patients with clinically suspected AC,and perform ERCP for biliary drainage as soon as possible.

Effectiveness of a new approach to minimally invasive surgery in palliative treatment of patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND Palliative endoscopic biliary drainage is the primary treatment option for the management of patients with jaundice which results from distal malignant biliary obstruction(DMBO).In this group of patients,decompression of the bile duct(BD)allows for pain reduction,symptom relief,chemotherapy administration,improved quality of life,and increased survival rate.To reduce the unfavorable effects of BD decompression,minimally invasive surgical techniques require continuous improvement.AIM To develop a technique for internal-external biliary-jejunal drainage(IEBJD)and assess its effectiveness in comparison to other minimally invasive procedures in the palliative treatment of patients with DMBO.METHODS A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed,which included 134 patients with DMBO who underwent palliative BD decompression.Biliary-jejunal drainage was developed to divert bile from the BD directly into the initial loops of the small intestine to prevent duodeno-biliary reflux.IEBJD was carried out using percutaneous transhepatic access.Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD),endoscopic retrograde biliary stenting(ERBS),and internal-external transpapillary biliary drainage (IETBD) were used for the treatment of studypatients. Endpoints of the study were the clinical success of the procedure, the frequency andnature of complications, and the cumulative survival rate.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in the frequency of minor complications between the studygroups. Significant complications occurred in 5 (17.2%) patients in the IEBJD group, in 16 (64.0%)in the ERBS group, in 9 (47.4%) in the IETBD group, and in 12 (17.4%) in the PTBD group.Cholangitis was the most common severe complication. In the IEBJD group, the course ofcholangitis was characterized by a delayed onset and shorter duration as compared to other studygroups. The cumulative survival rate of patients who underwent IEBJD was 2.6 times higher incomparison to those of the PTBD and IETBD groups and 20% higher in comparison to that of theERBS group.CONCLUSIONIEBJD has advantages over other minimally invasive BD decompression techniques and can berecommended for the palliative treatment of patients with DMBO.

A case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection following bile duct stenting

AIM: To present a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection following bile duct stenting in a patient with malignant biliary obstruction.METHODS: A 78-year-old male patient was admitted to a community hospital with progredient painless jaundice lasting over two weeks, weight loss and sweating at night.Whether a stent should be implanted pre-operatively in jaundiced patients or whether these patients should directly undergo surgical resection, was discussed.RESULTS: ERC and a biopsy from the papilla of Vater revealed an adenocarcinoma. In addition, a 7-Ch plastic stent was placed into the common bile duct. Persistent abdominal pain, increasing jaundice, weakness and indigestion led to the transfer of the patient to our hospital.A pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy wasperformed. Intraoperatively, bile leaked out of the transected choledochus andthe stent was found to be dislocated in the duodenum. A smear of the bile revealed an infection with MRSA, leading to post-operative isolation of the patient.CONCLUSION:As biliary stents can cause severe infection of the bile, the need for pre-operative placement of biliary stents should be carefully evaluated in each individual case.

Biliary metal stents should be placed near the hilar duct in distal malignant biliary stricture patients

BACKGROUND Endoscopic biliary drainage using a self-expandable metallic stent(SEMS)has been widely performed to treat distal malignant biliary obstruction(DMBO).However,the optimal position of the stent remains unclear.AIM To determine the ideal position for SEMS placement.METHODS In total,135 DMBO patients underwent SEMS(uncovered or covered)placement over a ten-year period.A total of 127 patients with biliary obstruction between the junction of the cystic duct and Vater’s papilla were enrolled.An SEMS was placed through the upper common bile duct 2 cm from the biliary hilar duct in 83 patients(Hilar group)or near the top of the biliary obstruction in 44 patients(Lower group).Technical and functional success,adverse events,and risk factors for SEMS dysfunction were evaluated.RESULTS The stent patency period was significantly longer in the Hilar group than in the Lower group(P value<0.01).In multivariate analysis,the only statistically significant risk factor for SEMS dysfunction was being in the Lower group(hazard ratio:9.94,95%confidence interval:2.25–44.0,P<0.01).CONCLUSION A longer patency period was achieved by positioning the SEMS near the biliary hilar duct.

Randomized trial in malignant biliary obstruction:Plastic vs partially covered metal stents

AIM:To compare efficacy and complications of par-tially covered self-expandable metal stent(pcSEMS)to plastic stent(PS)in patients treated for malignant,infrahilar biliary obstruction.METHODS:Multicenter prospective randomized clinical trial with treatment allocation to a pcWallstent(SEMS)or a 10 French PS.Palliative patients aged≥18,for infrahilar malignant biliary obstruction and a Karnofsky performance scale index>60%from 6 participating North American university centers.Primary endpoint was time to stent failure,with secondary outcomes of death,adverse events,Karnofsky performance score and short-form-36 scale administered on a three-monthly basis for up to 2 years.Survival analyses were performed for stent failure and death,with Cox proportional hazards regression models to determine significant predictive characteristics.RESULTS:Eighty-five patients were accrued over 37mo,42 were randomized to the SEMS group and 83patients were available for analyses.Time to stent failure was 385.3±52.5 d in the SEMS and 153.3±19.8 d in the PS group,P=0.006.Time to death did not differ between groups(192.3±23.4 d for SEMS vs211.5±28.0 d for PS,P=0.70).The only significant predictor was treatment allocation,relating to the time to stent failure(P=0.01).Amongst other measured outcomes,only cholangitis differed,being more common in the PS group(4.9%vs 24.5%,P=0.029).The small number of patients in follow-up limits longitudinal assessments of performance and quality of life.From an initially planned 120 patients,only 85 patients were recruited.CONCLUSION:Partially covered SEMS result in a longer duration till stent failure without increased complication rates,yet without accompanying measurable benefits in survival,performance,or quality of life.

New 14-mm diameter Niti-S biliary uncovered metal stent for unresectable distal biliary malignant obstruction

AIM To investigate whether an uncovered self-expandable metal stent(UCSEMS) with a large diameter could prevent recurrent biliary obstruction(RBO).METHODS Thirty-eight patients with malignant biliary obstruction underwent treatment with an UCSEMS with a 14-mm diameter(Niti-S 14). Retrospectively, we evaluated technical and functional success rate, RBO rate, time to RBO, survival time, and adverse events in these patients.RESULTS Stent placement success and functional success were achieved in all patients. Two patients(5.3%) had RBO due to tumor ingrowth or overgrowth. The median time to RBO was 190(range, 164-215) d. The median survival time was 120(range, 18-502) d. The 6-mo non-RBO rate was 91%. Other adverse events other than RBO occurred as follows: Acute cholecystitis, post-ERCP pancreatitis, hemobilia, and fever without exacerbation of liver injury, and liver abscess in 4(10.3%), 3(7.9%), 2(5.3%), 1(2.6%), and 1(2.6%), respectively. Migration of the stents was not observed.CONCLUSION Niti-S 14 is considered to be a preferable metal stent because of a low rate of RBO with no migration.

Malignant biliary obstruction due to metastatic non-hepatopancreato-biliary cancer

Malignant biliary obstruction generally results from primary malignancies of the pancreatic head,bile duct,gallbladder,liver,and ampulla of Vater.Metastatic lesions from other primaries to these organs or nearby lymph nodes are rarer causes of biliary obstruction.The most common primaries include renal cancer,lung cancer,gastric cancer,colorectal cancer,breast cancer,lymphoma,and melanoma.They may be difficult to differentiate from primary hepato-pancreatobiliary cancer based on imaging studies,or even on biopsy.There is also no consensus on the optimal method of treatment,including the feasibility and effectiveness of endoscopic intervention or surgery.A thorough review of the literature on pancreato-biliary metastases and malignant biliary obstruction due to metastatic non-hepato-pancreato-biliary cancer is presented.The diagnostic modality and clinical characteristics may differ significantly depending on the type of primary cancer.Different primaries also cause malignant biliary obstruction in different ways,including direct invasion,pancreatic or biliary metastasis,hilar lymph node metastasis,liver metastasis,and peritoneal carcinomatosis.Metastasectomy may hold promise for some types of pancreato-biliary metastases.This review aims to elucidate the current knowledge in this area,which has received sparse attention in the past.The aging population,advances in diagnostic imaging,and improved treatment options may lead to an increase in these rare occurrences going forward.