Duplicación del colédoco asociado a unión biliopancreática anómala: Reporte de caso / Common bile duct duplication associated with anomalous biliopancreatic junction: A case report

Introducción. La duplicación del colédoco es una anomalía congénita poco frecuente. En la mayoría de los casos este defecto se asocia a cálculos en la vía biliar, unión pancreatobiliar anómala, pancreatitis, cáncer gástrico o colangiocarcinoma. Por esta razón, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento temprano son importantes para evitar las complicaciones descritas a futuro. Métodos. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 30 años, con antecedente de pancreatitis aguda, con cuadro de dolor abdominal crónico, a quien se le realizaron varios estudios imagenológicos sin claro diagnóstico. Fue llevada a manejo quirúrgico en donde se documentó duplicación del colédoco tipo II con unión pancreatobiliar anómala. Resultados. Se hizo reconstrucción de las vías biliares y hepatico-yeyunostomía, con adecuada evolución postoperatoria y reporte final de patología sin evidencia de tumor. Conclusión. El diagnóstico se hace mediante ecografía endoscópica biliopancreática, colangiorresonancia o colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica. El tratamiento depende de si está asociado o no a la presencia de unión biliopancreática anómala o cáncer. Si el paciente no presenta patología neoplásica, el tratamiento quirúrgico recomendado es la resección del conducto con reconstrucción de las vías biliares.

Introduction. Double common bile duct is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. This anomaly may be associated with bile duct stones, anomalous biliopancreatic junction, pancreatitis, bile duct cancer, or gastric cancers. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment is important to avoid complications. Clinical case. We report a rare case of double common bile duct associated with an anomalous biliopancreatic junction in a 30-year-old female, with prior history of acute pancreatitis, who presented with chronic abdominal pain. She underwent several imaging studies, without clear diagnosis. She was taken to surgical management where duplication of the type II common bile duct was documented with anomalous pancreatobiliary junction. Results. Reconstruction of the bile ducts and hepatico-jejunostomy were performed, with adequate postoperative evolution and final pathology report without evidence of tumor. Conclusion. Diagnosis is usually performed by an endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancrea-tography, or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Treatment depends on the presence of anomalus biliopancreatic junction or concomitant cancer. In cases without associated malignancy, resection of bile duct and biliary reconstruction is the recommended surgical treatment.

Bile duct injury repair in a patient with situs inversus totalis / Tratamento de lesão de via biliar em paciente com situs inversus totalis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury (BDI) causes significant sequelae for the patient in terms of morbidity, mortality, and long-term quality of life, and should be managed in centers with expertise. Anatomical variants may contribute to a higher risk of BDI during cholecystectomy. AIMS: To report a case of bile duct injury in a patient with situs inversus totalis. METHODS: A 42-year-old female patient with a previous history of situs inversus totalis and a BDI was initially operated on simultaneously to the lesion ten years ago by a non-specialized surgeon. She was referred to a specialized center due to recurrent episodes of cholangitis and a cholestatic laboratory pattern. Cholangioresonance revealed a severe anastomotic stricture. Due to her young age and recurrent cholangitis, she was submitted to a redo hepaticojejunostomy with the Hepp-Couinaud technique. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BDI repair in a patient with situs inversus totalis. RESULTS: The previous hepaticojejunostomy was undone and remade with the Hepp-Couinaud technique high in the hilar plate with a wide opening in the hepatic confluence of the bile ducts towards the left hepatic duct. The previous Roux limb was maintained. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, the drain was removed on the seventh post-operative day, and the patient is now asymptomatic, with normal bilirubin and canalicular enzymes, and no further episodes of cholestasis or cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variants may increase the difficulty of both cholecystectomy and BDI repair. BDI repair should be performed in a specialized center by formal hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeons to assure a safe perioperative management and a good long-term outcome.

RESUMO RACIONAL: As lesões de via biliar (LVB) impõem sequelas significativas ao paciente em termos de morbidade, mortalidade e qualidade de vida a longo prazo, devendo ser manejadas em centros especializados. Variantes anatômicas podem contribuir para um maior risco de LVB durante colecistectomia. OBJETIVOS: Relatar paciente com lesão de via biliar associado a situs inversus totalis. MÉTODOS: Paciente do sexo feminino, 42 anos, com histórico prévio de situs inversus totalis e LVB inicialmente reparada simultaneamente à lesão, há 10 anos, por um cirurgião não especializado. Ela foi encaminhada a um centro especializado devido a episódios recorrentes de colangite e um padrão laboratorial colestático. Colangiressonância revelou uma grave estenose anastomótica. Devido à sua idade jovem e colangites recorrentes, foi submetida a uma revisão cirúrgica da hepaticojejunostomia com técnica de Hepp-Couinaud. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro relato de reparo de LVB em um paciente com situs inversus totalis. RESULTADOS: A hepaticojejunostomia realizado prèviamente foi desfeita e refeita empregando a técnica de Hepp-Couinaud, alta na placa hilar, com uma ampla abertura na confluência dos ductos biliares em direção ao ducto hepático esquerdo. A alça de roux anterior foi mantida. A recuperação pós-operatória transcorreu sem intercorrências, o dreno foi removido no sétimo dia pós-operatório, e a paciente está agora assintomática, com bilirrubina e enzimas canalículares normais, e sem mais episódios de colestase ou colangite. CONCLUSÕES: Variantes anatômicas podem aumentar a dificuldade tanto da colecistectomia quanto do reparo de LVB, o qual deve ser realizado em um centro especializado por cirurgiões hepatobiliares para garantir um manejo perioperatório seguro e um bom resultado a longo prazo.

Clinical practice guideline on the use of single-operator cholangioscopy in the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary stricture and the treatment of difficult biliary stones.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Single-operator cholangioscopy (SOC) offer a diagnostic and therapeutic alternative with an improved optical resolution over conventional techniques; however, there are no standardized clinical practice guidelines for this technology. This evidence-based guideline from the Colombian Association of Digestive Endoscopy (ACED) intends to support patients, clinicians, and others in decisions about using in adults the SOC compared to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), to diagnose indeterminate biliary stricture and to manage difficult biliary stones. METHODS: ACED created a multidisciplinary guideline panel balanced to minimize potential bias from conflicts of interest. Universidad de los Andes and the Colombia Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Network supported the guideline-development process, updating and performing systematic evidence reviews. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and patients. The GRADE approach was used, including GRADE Evidence-to-Decision frameworks. RESULTS: The panel agreed on one recommendation for adult patients with indeterminate biliary strictures and one for adult patients with difficult biliary stones when comparing SOC versus ERCP. CONCLUSION: For adult patients with indeterminate biliary strictures, the panel made a conditional recommendation for SOC with stricture pattern characterization over ERCP with brushing and/or biopsy for sensitivity, specificity, and procedure success rate outcomes. For the adult patients with difficult biliary stones the panel made conditional recommendation for SOC over ERCP with large-balloon dilation of papilla. Additional research is required on economic estimations of SOC and knowledge translation evaluations to implement SOC intervention in local contexts.

Bile Duct Tumor as the Presenting Manifestation of Colon Cancer: A Case Report.

Painless obstructive jaundice is a well-recognized clinical sign of hepatocellular pathology or obstruction of the biliary system. Bile duct tumors are a known etiology of painless obstructive jaundice. Here, we present a case of obstructive jaundice, which was initially thought be caused by cholangiocarcinoma based on computerized tomography imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography but was later found to be hilar metastasis from an undiscovered colon cancer.

Colangiopatía hipertensiva portal por transformación portal cavernomatosa de origen no cirrótica: a propósito de un caso

La colangiopatía portal hace referencia a anomalías colangiográficas que se producen en pacientes con cavernomatosis portal, siendo progresiva, cursando con enfermedad biliar sintomática y anomalías graves de las vías biliares. Y, representa una complicación infrecuente de la hipertensión portal. Se describe el caso de un hombre de 53 años, con historia de larga data de hipertensión portal nocirrótica y cavernomatosis portal, quien presentó un episodio de enfermedad biliar obstructiva sintomática, y en estudios se documentó tejido fibrótico de extensión periportal ascendente con compresión extrínseca del colédoco distal y dilatación de la vía biliar extra e intrahepática. Por lo que se procedió a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica, realizándose tratamiento paliativo, con papilotomía pequeña y colocación de endoprótesis biliar plástica, siendo exitoso por ausencia de complicaciones procedimentales, y mejoría clínica y parámetros bioquímicos. Finalmente, recibiendo de alta con indicación de seguimiento prioritario para recambios periódicos de endoprótesis biliares, y valoración por hepatología. La colangiopatía portal es una entidad rara que debe sospecharse en sujetos con hipertensión portal de origen no-cirrótico, con hallazgos imagenológicos de estenosis, angulaciones o dilataciones segmentarias, su tratamiento debe ser individualizado, y la terapia endoscópica es de elección en enfermedad biliar sintomática.

Portal cholangiopathy refers to cholangiographic abnormalities occurring in patients with portal cavernomatosis, being progressive, presenting with symptomatic biliary disease and severe biliary tract abnormalities. And, it represents an infrequent complication of portal hypertension. We describe the case of a 53-year-old man with a long history of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension and portal cavernomatosis, who presented an episode of symptomatic obstructive biliary disease, and studies documented fibrotic tissue of ascending periportal extension with extrinsic compression of the distal common bile duct and dilatation of the extra and intrahepatic biliary tract. Therefore, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed, and palliative treatment with small papillotomy and placement of a plastic biliary endoprosthesis was successful due to the absence of procedural complications, and clinical improvement and biochemical parameters. Finally, the patient was discharged with indication of priority follow-up for periodic replacement of biliary stents, and evaluation by hepatology. Portal cholangiopathy is a rare entity that should be suspected in subjects with portal hypertension of non-cirrhotic origin, with imaging findings of stenosis, angulations or segmental dilatations, its treatment should be individualized, and endoscopic therapy is of choice in symptomatic biliary disease.

The impact of cystic duct tube on the onset time of postoperative bile leakage after hepatectomy: A propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The cystic duct tube (C-tube) was used to reduce bile leakage (BL) incidence after hepatectomy. Nevertheless, delayed BL is sometimes experienced even using C-tube. This study investigates the impact of C-tube use on the onset time of post-hepatectomy BL. METHODS: Data from 455 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy without biliary reconstruction between November 2007 and July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. A C-tube was used for intraoperative biliary injury or in consideration of BL risk. BL was divided into two groups according to the postoperative onset time: early onset and late onset. To assess the association between C-tube use and BL, propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio was performed to match BL risk factors between the C-tube and no-C-tube groups. RESULTS: BL occurred in 30 (6.6%) of the 455 included patients. C-tubes were used in 51 patients (11.2%) with open hepatectomy, high-risk hepatectomy, massive blood loss, long operation time, or prophylactic drain placement. After propensity score matching, BL occurred in 17 of 102 patients (16.7%). Early-onset BL occurred significantly less frequently in the C-tube group than in the no-C-tube group (3.9% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.046); however, late-onset BL was more common in the C-tube group (9.8% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.24). Six of seven patients (85.7%) with BL with C-tube use developed BL after C-tube removal. CONCLUSION: C-tube drainage may reduce early-onset BL in cases having risk factors for BL. Conversely, since late-onset BL often occurs after C-tube removal, attention should be paid to those cases.

Alagille syndrome: an orphan disease in Colombia and summary of recent advances in treatment and survival - a case report.

Alagille syndrome has been described as a multisystemic clinical spectrum caused by an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. Although it is estimated that there is 1 case per 100 000 live births, the prognosis for survival and quality of life for these patients is varied but tends to be negative. In Colombia, this condition is considered an orphan disease with difficult management due to the lack of specialized centers that have all the medical specialties and subspecialties. Some reports state that no more than 30 cases have been published in this country. Materials and methods: The authors report a case of a male baby who, at 8 days old, he was taken to the general practitioner's outpatient clinic for persistent jaundice. At 3 months of age, he was reviewed by the pediatric gastroenterology department, which requested liver and biliary tract scintigraphy, showing atresia of the biliary tract, hepatomegaly, and the absence of a gallbladder. Results: Liver transplantation is the definitive solution. However, in low- and middle-income countries, where there are no well-established organ transplantation programs, the prognosis for these patients is presumed to be worse. Conclusion: Alagille syndrome is a rare disease that requires an accurate and early diagnosis and timely multidisciplinary management to reduce the impact of multisystemic complications. It is necessary to advance in transplant programs in low- and middle-income countries, to provide a solution to cases where there are no other therapeutic alternatives, and to contribute to the quality of life of the affected patient.

An Infected Intrahepatic Pancreatic Pseudocyst and Calcified Pancreas: A Rare Complication of Chronic Pancreatitis.

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a common complication of pancreatitis and is usually located in the peripancreatic space, spleen, and retroperitoneum. An infected intrahepatic pseudocyst following acute on chronic pancreatitis is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of intrahepatic pancreatic pseudocyst with superimposed infection following chronic pancreatitis in a 42-year-old female who presented with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloating sensation. Her labs showed elevated pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase), and a provisional diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made. Imaging revealed a cystic lesion in the left lobe and a calcified pancreas. Endoscopic aspiration of the cystic lesion and pathologic examination confirmed infected intrahepatic pancreatic pseudocyst due to the high serum amylase level and positive Enterococci on culture in aspirated cystic fluid, complicated by chronic pancreatitis.

Cholestatic Jaundice Secondary to Portal Hypertensive Biliopathy Regarding a Case of Cavernous Transformation of the Portal Vein

Portal hypertensive biliopathy comprises the anatomical and functional abnormalities of the intra- and extrahepatic biliary tract, cystic duct, and gallbladder in patients with portal hypertension. The compromise of the bile duct usually occurs in portal obstruction due to the cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). We present a case of a young patient with a recent history of portal hypertension and CTPV who presented with an episode of cholestatic hepatitis. Studies documented an image of nodular appearance with extrinsic compression of the distal bile duct compatible with a tumor-like cavernoma. Effective endoscopic treatment was performed using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), sphincterotomy, and biliary stenting.

La biliopatía hipertensiva portal comprende las anomalías anatómicas y funcionales del tracto biliar intra- y extrahepático, el conducto cístico y la vesícula biliar en pacientes con hipertensión portal. El compromiso de la vía biliar suele presentarse en obstrucción portal debido a transformación cavernomatosa de la porta. Presentamos un caso de un paciente joven, con historia reciente de hipertensión portal y cavernomatosis de la porta, que presentó un episodio de hepatitis colestásica y en estudios se le documentó una imagen de apariencia nodular con compresión extrínseca de la vía biliar distal compatible con tumor-like cavernoma. En este caso se realizó un tratamiento endoscópico efectivo mediante colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE), esfinterotomía y stent biliar.

A case of portal biliopathy in a young patient with portal cavernoma secondary to neonatal umbilical vein catheterization.

Portal biliopathy (PB) refers to biliary obstruction caused by cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). CTPV occurs most frequently in patients with liver cirrhosis or malignancy. Less common causes include congenital malformations and neonatal umbilical vein cannulation. We present a case of portal biliopathy in a 28-year-old man with CTPV secondary to umbilical vein catheterization in neonatal age. The case illustrates portal biliopathy as a late complication of neonatal invasive procedures and highlights the importance of a multimodality imaging approach to achieve a prompt diagnosis.

Research progress of intraoperative cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy / 国际外科学杂志

With the widespread implementation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in various levels of medical institutions, surgical complications have also increased. Among them, the incidence of bile duct injury remains high in complex laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The reason for this is that surgeons cannot effectively and accurately identify the relationship between the aberrant bile duct and the cystic duct and the common bile duct, resulting in the accidental injury of the bile duct, resulting in long hospital stays, increased medical costs, and decreased long-term quality of life for patients. Intraoperative cholangiography, as a real-time visual method of biliary presentation, can effectively reduce the incidence of iatrogenic bile duct injury. However, most surgeons do not fully understand the technology of intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy. This article reviews the application of intraoperative cholangiography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy based on the clinical experience of the author′s team and the literature in recent years, with the aim of deepening the understanding of surgeons about intraoperative cholangiography, so as to better apply it to clinical practice and benefit patients.

Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Subcapsular Hepatic Hematoma.

Physicians need to recognize the potential complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which are rare but can be serious. We describe a case of post-ERCP subcapsular hepatic hematoma (SHH). A 39-year-old man with a history of alcohol use, complicated by chronic pancreatitis and common bile duct (CBD) stricture, presented with right upper quadrant pain two weeks after the placement of a stent for CBD stricture. He was managed with pain control and antibiotics. SHH is a rare complication of ERCP. Hematomas can expand, resulting in significant anemia and liver function test (LFT) elevation, or can become infected. Patients with SHH must be carefully monitored in the post-ERCP setting.

Relationships of hepatic histopathological findings and bile microbiological aspects with bile duct injury repair surgical outcomes: A historical cohort.

Backgrounds/Aims: To analyze relationships of hepatic histopathological findings and bile microbiological profiles with perioperative outcomes and risk of late biliary stricture in individuals undergoing surgical bile duct injury (BDI) repair. Methods: A historical cohort study was carried out at a tertiary university hospital. Fifty-six individuals who underwent surgical BDI repair from 2014-2018 with a minimal follow-up of 24 months were enrolled. Liver biopsies were performed to analyze histopathology. Bile samples were collected during repair procedures. Hepatic histopathological findings and bile microbiological profiles were then correlated with perioperative and late outcomes through uni- and multi-variate analyses. Results: Forty-three individuals (76.8%) were females and average age was 47.2 ± 13.2 years; mean follow-up was 38.1 ± 18.6 months. The commonest histopathological finding was hepatic fibrosis (87.5%). Bile cultures were positive in 53.5%. The main surgical technique was Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (96.4%). Overall morbidity was 35.7%. In univariate analysis, liver fibrosis correlated with the duration of the operation (R = 0.3; p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, fibrosis (R = 0.36; p = 0.02) and cholestasis (R = 0.34; p = 0.02) independently correlated with operative time. Strasberg classification independently correlated with estimated bleeding (R = 0.31; p = 0.049). The time elapsed between primary cholecystectomy and BDI repair correlated with hepatic fibrosis (R = 0.4; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Bacterial contamination of bile was observed in most cases. The degree of fibrosis and cholestasis correlated with operative time. The waiting time for definitive repair correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis.

Investigating VEGF. miR-145-3p, and miR-101-3p Expression in Patients with Cholangiocarcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common type of primary liver cancer. Several factors, such as epigenetic changes in promoter genes, gene expression, and microRNAs (miR), can contribute to genomic instability in cancer. This study aimed at evaluating the expression of VEGF, miRs 145-3p, and 101-3p in patients with CCA and their potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of CCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty two patients were studied. Out of these 62 patients, 41 cases had confirm CCA and 21 cases had hepatopathies complications. The RNA was extracted from a paraffined tissue block, and then the synthesis of cDNA was performed. The analysis of the expression of VEGF, miR-145-3p, and miR-101-3p was carried out by polymerase chain reaction in real time.  Results: The findings revealed that miRs 145-3p and 101-3p were under expressed in the case group compared to the control group (0.46; 0.17; P = 0.0001, respectively). VEGF was overexpressed in the case group compared to the control group (11.8; P = 0.0001). An increase in miR-145-3p expression level was observed in patients with perihilar CCA compared to those with distal CCA (0.51 ± 0.41; 0.17 ± 0.13; P = 0.0698). Survival rate analysis showed that 41.9% of patients with intrahepatic CCA and 31.5% of patients with extrahepatic CCA were free from death within 11 months, leading to a significant difference (P> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The underexpression of miRNAs, tumor suppressors, the overexpression of VEGF, smoking, and aging were associated with CCA based on our findings. It seems that the reduced expression of the studies miRNAs and increased expression of VEGF can contribute to a decrease in survival rate of patients with tumor in their intrahepatic bile ducts.

Experiencia en colangioscopia digital peroral con SpyGlass DS en diferentes centros de referencia en gastroenterología y endoscopia digestiva en Colombia: Serie de casos

SpyGlass DS es un sistema de colangioscopia peroral, asociado a mejor calidad de imagen y conFiguración. Actualmente, existe diversidad en su uso y escasa información sobre su implementación, incluyendo resultados clínicos y eventos adversos. Describir la experiencia de uso del SpyGlass DS en varios centros de referencia en gastroenterología en Colombia, mencionando eficacia y posibles eventos adversos. Este es un estudio observacional (serie de casos). La principal indicación fue coledocolitiasis (n:204), seguida de estenosis biliar (n:40) y pancreatolitiasis (n:16). 49,2% fueron hombres, edad media de 58,6 años, clínicamente con predominio de dolor abdominal (80,5%) e ictericia (86,1%). Todos los casos presentaron diagnóstico por imagen previo (tomografía computarizada, resonancia magnética o ecografía), 98,07% colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica previa (n:255) y 75% stent plástico biliar. Se utilizó láser en 78/220 pacientes y litotricia electrohidráulica en 142/220 pacientes, con tasas de resolución en una sola sesión 96,15% y 95,07%, respectivamente. Siete casos requirieron segunda sesión de litotricia y 3 pacientes requirieron manejo quirúrgico, uno por pancreatolitiasis con páncreas divisum de base y 2 por hepatolitiasis. 40/260 pacientes presentaron estenosis biliar, 32/40 con hallazgos malignos (colangiocarcinoma) y 8/40 con patología benigna (colangitis esclerosante primaria, cambios inflamatorios inespecíficos) tras estudios histopatológicos. Como complicaciones, se registraron 6 casos de bacteriemia (2,5%), siendo más frecuentes en casos de estenosis. La estancia media postoperatoria fue 2,04 días. Concluimos que el uso del SpyGlass DS es factible en nuestro medio, siendo eficaz para diagnóstico y tratamiento de lesiones biliares, y con bajo riesgo de eventos adversos.

SpyGlass DS is a peroral cholangioscopy system, associated with improved image quality and conFiguration. Currently, there is diversity in its use and little information on its implementation, including clinical outcomes and adverse events. To describe the experience of using SpyGlass DS in several gastroenterology reference centres in Colombia, mentioning efficacy and possible adverse events. This is an observational study (case series). The main indication was choledocholithiasis (n:204), followed by biliary stricture (n:40) and pancreatolithiasis (n:16). 49.2% were male, mean age 58.6 years, clinically with predominance of abdominal pain (80.5%) and jaundice (86.1%). All cases had previous imaging (CT scan, MRI or ultrasound), 98.07% previous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (n:255) and 75% biliary plastic stent. Laser was used in 78/220 patients and electrohydraulic lithotripsy in 142/220 patients, with single-session resolution rates of 96.15% and 95.07%, respectively. Seven cases required a second lithotripsy session and 3 patients required surgical management, one for pancreatolithiasis with basal pancreas divisum and 2 for hepatolithiasis. 40/260 patients presented with biliary stricture, 32/40 with malignant findings (cholangiocarcinoma) and 8/40 with benign pathology (primary sclerosing cholangitis, non-specific inflammatory changes) after histopathological studies. As complications, 6 cases of bacteraemia (2.5%) were recorded, being more frequent in cases of stenosis. The mean postoperative stay was 2.04 days. We concluded that the use of SpyGlass DS is feasible in our setting, being effective for diagnosis and treatment of biliary lesions, and with low risk of adverse events.

Efficacy and safety of direct peroral cholangioscopy using a new multibending ultra-slim endoscope for the management of biliary diseases.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Compared with currently available duodenoscopy-assisted systems, direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOC) using an ultra-slim endoscope is limited by technical difficulties. The multibending (MB) ultra-slim endoscope was introduced as a dedicated cholangioscope for DPOC to challenge the technical problem. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical utility of DPOC using an MB endoscope with free-hand insertion into the bile duct in patients with biliary diseases. METHODS: A total of 145 patients who underwent DPOC using an MB endoscope were analyzed. The primary outcome was the technical success rate of DPOC using the free-hand insertion of the MB endoscope. The secondary outcomes were the technical success rates of DPOC-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, the diagnostic accuracy of DPOC-guided target biopsy, and adverse events related to DPOC. RESULTS: Free-hand biliary insertion of a MB endoscope for DPOC was technically successful in 133 patients (91.7%). DPOC-guided target biopsy was successful in 36 of 38 patients (94.7%) and had a diagnostic accuracy of 91.7% (95% confidence interval, 82.6-100). Sixty-nine therapeutic interventions were performed; technical success was achieved in 65 (94.2%). No severe adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The MB ultra-slim endoscope was technically effective to perform a DPOC including various diagnosis and therapeutic interventions without device assistance. MB endoscope is considered to contribute to expanding a role of DPOC in diagnosis and treatment of diverse biliary tract diseases.

New technologies for indeterminate biliary strictures.

An early and accurate diagnosis of biliary strictures yields optimal patient outcomes; however, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with cytobrush/biopsy forceps has low sensitivity with a high number of false negatives. Various attempts to improve the accuracy of diagnosing indeterminate biliary strictures though ERCP-guided specimen acquisition have been proposed, such as with the use of fluorescence in situ hybridization, an endoscopic scraper, and the wire-grasping method, with modest to large improvements in sensitivity. Direct visualization of the biliary tree during peroral cholangioscopy has shown high sensitivity and specificity for the differentiation of neoplastic and non-neoplastic biliary lesions; however, there is no consensus on the visual characteristics of neoplastic lesions and moderate agreement between observers. Peroral cholangioscopy system (POCS)-guided specimen acquisition using forceps has shown inferior sensitivity compared to the visual characteristics; however, the specificity remains high. Optimal specimen processing with onsite evaluations and touch imprint cytology have been shown to improve the sensitivity and accurately diagnose nearly 90% of patients. In vivo evaluations of biliary strictures with probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy have demonstrated high sensitivity with modest specificity for malignant biliary strictures. Optical computed tomography described reproductible criteria for malignancy detection in biliary strictures, increasing the sensitivity during ERCP evaluations. Differentiating benign causes from malignant causes of biliary strictures is a challenging task in clinical practice, with various concerns that still need to be addressed. Efforts should be made to define each diagnostic method's role in the evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures.

Advances in endoscopic therapy for benign distal biliary strictures / 临床肝胆病杂志

Benign distal biliary strictures (BDBS) are fibrous tissue proliferation and biliary stricture caused by long-term stimulation of the affected bile ducts due to non-neoplastic factors such as iatrogenic injury, chronic inflammation, and bile duct stones, which further leads to recurrent cholangitis, obstructive jaundice, and liver impairment. Relieving distal biliary obstruction and maintaining bile duct patency for a long time are the core of the treatment of BDBS. With the continuous innovation of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography techniques, new techniques such as endoscopic stenosis dilatation, stent implantation, and magnetic compression anastomosis are gradually becoming effective treatment methods for BDBS. This article elaborates on the advances in endoscopic therapy for BDBS, so as to provide a reference for clinical research.

Therapeutic approach of complicated hydatid disease: role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in cholangiohydatidosis / Abordagem terapêutica da doença hidática complicada: papel da colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica na colangiohidatidose

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hydatid disease, a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus larvae, is an infectious disease endemic in different areas, such as India, Australia, and South America. The liver is well known as the organ most commonly affected by hydatid disease and may present a wide variety of complications such as hepatothoracic hydatid transit, cyst superinfection, intra-abdominal dissemination, and communication of the biliary cyst with extravasation of parasitic material into the bile duct, also called cholangiohydatidosis. Humans are considered an intermediate host, exposed to these larvae by hand-to-mouth contamination of the feces of infected dogs. AIM: This study aimed to highlight the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with acute cholangitis secondary to cholangiohydatidosis. METHODS: Considering the imaging findings in a 36-year-old female patient with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showing a complex cystic lesion in liver segment VI, with multiple internal vesicles and a wall defect cyst that communicates with the intrahepatic biliary tree, endoscopic biliary drainage was performed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with papillotomy, leading to the discharge of multiple obstructive cysts and hydatid sand from the main bile duct. RESULTS: Clinical and laboratory findings improved after drainage, with hospital discharge under oral antiparasitic treatment before complete surgical resection of the hepatic hydatid cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a safe and useful method for the treatment of biliary complications of hepatic hydatid disease and should be considered the first-line procedure for biliary drainage in cases of cholangiohydatid disease involving secondary acute cholangitis.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A doença hidática, uma infestação parasitária causada pelas larvas de Echinococcus granulosus, é uma doença infecciosa endêmica em diferentes áreas como Índia, Austrália e América do Sul. O fígado é conhecido como o órgão mais comumente afetado pela hidatidose, podendo apresentar uma grande variedade de complicações como trânsito hidático hepato-torácico, superinfecção do cisto, disseminação intra-abdominal e comunicação do cisto biliar com extravasamento de material parasitário para o ducto biliar ou também chamada de colangio-hidatidose O ser humano é considerado um hospedeiro intermediário, exposto a essas larvas pela contaminação mão-boca das fezes de cães infectados. OBJETIVO: Destacar o papel da endoscópica por colangiopancreatografia retrógrada em pacientes com colangite aguda secundária à colangio-hidatidose. MÉTODOS: Considerando os achados de imagem, em paciente feminina de 36 anos de idade, com imagens de tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética mostrando uma lesão cística complexa no segmento hepático VI, com múltiplas vesículas internas e um defeito de parede cística que se comunica com a árvore biliar intra-hepática foi realizada drenagem biliar endoscópica por colangiopancreatografia retrógrada com papilotomia, levando à descarga de múltiplos cistos obstrutivos e areia hidática da via biliar principal. RESULTADOS: Os achados clínicos e laboratoriais melhoraram após a drenagem, com alta hospitalar sob tratamento antiparasitário oral antes da ressecção cirúrgica completa do cisto hidático hepático. CONCLUSÕES: A endoscópica por colangiopancreatografia retrógrada é um método seguro e útil para o tratamento das complicações biliares da hidatidose hepática, devendo ser considerado o procedimento de primeira linha para drenagem biliar nos casos de colangio-hidatidose que envolve colangite aguda secundária.

Progress of Research on Risk Factors Associated With Primary Bile Reflux / 胃肠病学

Bile reflux (BR) can promote the development of chronic gastritis, gastric intestinal metaplasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric cancer and esophageal cancer. Secondary bile reflux (SBR) develops after pylorectomy or pylorus changed by gastrectomy or subtotal gastrectomy. Primary bile reflux (PBR) develops without surgery of stomach and is a very common phenomenon. This article reviewed the progress of research on risk factors associated with PBR.