Identification and verification of communicating accessory bile duct associated with a biliary circuit by modified and dynamic intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Communicating accessory bile duct (CABD) is a rare anatomical anomaly of the bile duct and forms a biliary circuit. It is difficult to identify during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) without the use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). A modified IOC, in which tube insertion was performed through the infundibulum of the gallbladder, was evaluated dynamically. This procedure allowed us to accurately identify and verify the presence of CABD, a biliary circuit, and the short cystic duct. The short cystic duct could be separated safely without damaging the biliary circuit. Modified and dynamic IOC is recommended for identifying and verifying the presence of CABD during LC.

Antecubital vein approach of retrograde transvenous obliteration using a steerable triaxial system for portosystemic encephalopathy.

We report a case of portosystemic encephalopathy treated by retrograde transvenous obliteration (RTO) with an antecubital vein approach using a steerable triaxial system. A 77-year-old female was referred to our department complaining of dizziness and tremor. Laboratory data showed hyperammonemia. Contrast-enhanced CT and 3D-CT reconstruction images demonstrated an inferior mesenteric vein (IMV)-left common iliac vein shunt and a splenorenal shunt. The former was treated as a responsible shunt. The spleen volume was 212 mL, and the liver volume was 757 mL; giving a spleen/liver volume ratio of 0.3. Partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) was employed to control portal venous pressure. The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) changed from 13.2 to 9.6 mm Hg and the spleen/liver volume ratio improved from 0.3 to 0.2 by PSE. Two months after PSE, RTO with an antecubital vein approach using a steerable triaxial system was performed. HVPG changed to 12.5 mm Hg after RTO. Contrast-enhanced CT and 3D-CT reconstruction images 3 days after the procedure demonstrated the thrombus in the IMV-left common iliac vein shunt. We conclude that the antecubital vein approach using a steerable triaxial system is a feasible and minimally invasive technique in RTO for portosystemic shunts.

Interventional radiology using endoscopy: Blood supply route-targeted endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with multiple ligations for giant esophagogastric varices.

A case of high-risk giant esophagogastric varices was treated by blood supply route-targeted endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with multiple ligations (EISML). An endoscope was inserted in the left lower semi-lateral position under general anesthesia in the digital subtraction angiography room. The C-arm was rotated to obtain a frontal view for fluoroscopy. Before puncturing the esophageal varices, the balloon attached to the tip of the endoscope was inflated to block the variceal blood flow. At puncture, an intravascular injection was confirmed fluoroscopically, and a total of 18 m of 5% ethanolamine oleate with iopamidol was injected retrogradely at 5-minute intervals from the esophagogastric varices to the root of the left gastric vein, maintaining stagnation for 25 minutes. The variceal site of the injection was ligated immediately after the removal of the needle to prevent variceal bleeding. Multiple variceal ligations were added to stop the variceal blood flow. Contrast-enhanced CT 3 days after EISML showed the thrombus formation in esophagogastric varices and the left gastric vein. The blood supply route-targeted EISML can be a feasible procedure for giant esophagogastric varices.

Robot-assisted total remnant gastrectomy for interposed jejunal pouch dysfunction 25 years after proximal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A case report.

Proximal gastrectomy (PG) in combination with jejunal pouch interposition is a technique aimed at improving the postoperative dietary outcomes; however, some cases are reported to require surgical intervention owing to difficulty of food intake caused by pouch dysfunction. Herein, we present a case of robot-assisted surgery for interposed jejunal pouch (IJP) dysfunction in a 79-year-old male, occurring 25 years after the initial PG for gastric cancer. The patient had chronic anorexia for 2 years and was treated with medications and dietary guidance; however, 3 months prior to admission his quality of life had reduced, owing to worsening symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with pouch dysfunction due to extremely dilated IJP identified using computed tomography and underwent robot-assisted total remnant gastrectomy (RATRG) with IJP resection. After an uneventful course of intraoperative and postoperative treatment, he was discharged with sufficient food intake on postoperative day 9. RATRG can, thus, be considered in patients with IJP dysfunction after PG.

Navigation by modified and dynamic intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for difficult gallbladder.

We used modified and dynamic intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) navigation during laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for difficult gallbladders. We have defined an IOC that does not open the cystic duct as a modified IOC. Modified IOC methods include the percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) tube method, the infundibulum puncture method, and the infundibulum cannulation method. Case 1 was chronic cholecystitis after PTGBD for acute cholecystitis with pericholecystic abscess. In this case, modified IOC was performed via PTGBD, and biliary anatomy and incarcerated stone were confirmed. Case 2 was chronic cholecystitis after endoscopic sphincterotomy for cholecystocholedocholithiasis. In this case, modified IOC was performed via gallbladder puncture needle, and biliary anatomy and incision line were confirmed. The target point on the laparoscopic image was determined by moving the tip of the grasping forceps under modified IOC, which we call modified and dynamic IOC. We conclude that the navigation by the modified and dynamic IOC via PTGBD tube or puncture needle is useful to identify biliary anatomy, incarcerated gallbladder stone, and safe incision line during laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy .

Emergency transileocolic vein obliteration for life-threatening bleeding from gastric varices.

We report a case of life-threatening bleeding from gastric varices in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis, which was treated by emergency transileocolic vein obliteration (TIO). A 46-year-old male with a massive hematemesis was transported to our hospital by ambulance. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated large gastric varices. Temporary hemostasis using balloon tamponade was attempted, however, bleeding could not be controlled, and his vital signs were unstable despite massive blood transfusions. First, endoscopic treatment was attempted, but the visual field could not be secured due to massive bleeding. Therefore, emergency TIO under general anesthesia was attempted. After laparotomy, 5 Fr. sheath was inserted into the ileocolic vein. Posterior and left gastric veins, which were the blood supply routes of gastric varices, were identified and embolized using microcoils and a 50% glucose solution. Hemostasis was achieved and vital signs recovered. Three days after TIO, transjugular retrograde obliteration was attempted successfully to embolize the residual gastric varices. After the procedures, his condition improved. We conclude that emergency TIO is a useful rescue option for life-threatening bleeding from gastric varices if endoscopic treatment or balloon tamponade is ineffective.

Stone removal by percutaneous papillary balloon dilatation for cystic duct and bile duct stones after cholecystectomy and distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy.

A 71-year-old woman was referred to our department for abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with acute obstructive cholangitis due to cystic duct and bile duct stones after cholecystectomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy. Two years ago, the patient underwent endoscopic and laparoscopic treatment for cystic duct and bile duct stones, however, the stones remained. This time, she was treated with stone removal using percutaneous papillary balloon dilatation (PPBD). Large stones in the common hepatic and bile ducts were crushed by electrohydraulic lithotripsy and then pushed out into the duodenum through the dilated papilla of Vater using a balloon catheter covered with the sheath and cholangioscopy. Stone in the cystic duct was pulled to the common bile duct and pushed to the duodenum. Stone removal using PPBD is an excellent alternative for patients with cystic duct and bile duct stones unable to be treated with endoscopic or laparoscopic stone removal.

Percutaneous transhepatic obliteration for life-threatening bleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation in a patient with severe esophagogastric varices.

We report a case of life-threatening bleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in a patient with severe esophagogastric varices that was treated by percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO). 3D-CT reconstruction image demonstrated giant esophagogastric varices and gastrorenal shunt. The spleen volume was 813 mL, and the liver volume was 716 mL; giving a spleen/liver volume ratio of 1.1. A strategy of stepwise partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) was employed to control portal venous pressure based on the concept of splanchnic caput Medusae. The S/L ratio improved to 0.3 by stepwise PSE. Subsequently, EVL was performed for esophageal varices, but bleeding occurred afterward, and hemostasis using a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube was attempted. Subsequently, PTO was performed the following day for embolization of the left gastric vein. Gastric varices and gastrorenal shunt were intentionally reserved to avoid portal venous pressure increase. After the procedure, his condition improved. We conclude, in patients with severe esophagogastric varices, prudent management of the splenomegaly and the collateral tracts is necessary.

Verification of thrombus formation just after endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with ligation for esophagogastric varices by venous phase of left gastric arteriography.

Management of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is important in the treatment of portal hypertension. We report a case that was treated by a hybrid procedure combining endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with ligation (EISL), left gastric artery embolization (LGE), and partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) based on a new concept ``splanchnic caput Medusae.'' The venous phase of left gastric arteriography just after EISL demonstrated thrombus formation in the gastric varices and the cardiac branch of the left gastric vein. The para-esophageal vein and lesser curvature branch of the left gastric vein were not affected. HVPG decreased from 14 to 11 mmHg immediately after LGE and PSE. 3D-CT reconstruction portal image revealed that the portal system reversed to almost normal form. This is the first case report in which thrombus formation in gastric varices and cardiac branch just after EISL could be demonstrated by the venous phase of left gastric arteriography.

Modified and dynamic intraoperativecholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in two patients with aberrant right posterior hepatic duct.

Aberrant right posterior hepatic duct (ARPHD) is one of the anatomical anomalies of the bile duct. It is a risk factor for bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). ARPHD can be diagnosed before surgery by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or drip infusion cholangiographic-computed tomography. However, it is not easy to identify ARPHD during LC. Classic intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) procedure that does not lead to bile duct injury avoidance needs to be modified. In modified IOC, cannulation is performed from the infundibulum or neck of the gallbladder. We reported a modified and dynamic IOC procedure that can identify ARPHD safely and precisely during LC. The modified IOC provided direct evidence of no injury to ARPHD in 2 cases.

Percutaneous stone removal using cobra-shaped sheath and cholangioscopy for multiple hepatolithiasis with choledochoduodenal anastomotic stenosis.

Management of multiple hepatolithiasis with choledochoenteral anastomotic stenosis remains difficult and time-consuming. We report a case of a 77-year-old man with severe right hypochondoralgia, treated with percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilatation of choledocoduodenal anastomotic stenosis and percutaneous stone removal using 8Fr. cobra-shaped sheath and cholangioscopy. Hilar hepatic stones were pushed out into the duodenum through the dilated anastomosis using 5Fr. balloon catheter covered with the sheath and cholangioscopy. For stones located in the left, right anterior and aberrant right posterior hepatic ducts, a guidewire and a removal balloon catheter were inserted by using the cobra-shaped sheath. Stones pulled from the intrahepatic bile ducts to the common hepatic duct were pushed out into the duodenum. Clearance of intrahepatic bile duct stones was confirmed by balloon-occluded cholangiography using the cobra-shaped sheath and 6Fr. balloon catheter. The use of cobra-shaped sheath improved percutaneous stone removal, but the procedure needs further improvement.

The skill qualification system for portal hypertension in Japan.

Objectives: The diverse treatments available for portal hypertension require specialized knowledge of hemodynamics and include endoscopic treatments, interventional radiology (IVR), and surgery. The Japan Society for Portal Hypertension has developed the skill qualification system (SQS) for portal hypertension and began examination in 2014. Here, the status and validity of the judgment of the SQS examination were evaluated. Methods: From 2014 to 2020, 79 applicants were evaluated by the SQS for portal hypertension. Each unedited video submitted as a candidate procedure was evaluated by two judges, and a grade of greater than 70% for the scoring items assessed by the judges was required to pass the examination. Inter-rater agreement of success/failure between the two judges was investigated by the AC1 coefficient. Results: The results of two judges differed for 11 of the 79 videos (13.9%), and five applicants (6.3%) ultimately failed the examination. The percentages of total points received by the applicants with endoscopic treatments, IVR, and surgery were 87.3%, 79.4%, and 80.8%, respectively. There were significant differences in the percentages between endoscopic treatments and IVR (P = 0.0015). The AC1 coefficients were 0.84 for the applicants overall, 0.93 for endoscopic treatments, 0.66 for IVR, and 0.72 for surgery. Similarly, there were significant differences in the AC1 coefficient between endoscopic treatments and IVR (P = 0.021). Conclusions: The SQS for portal hypertension of the Japan Society for Portal Hypertension showed high reliability for video assessments by the judges. This system may contribute to the spread and further development of safe and effective treatments for portal hypertension in Japan.

An emergency hybrid procedure that combines endoscopic treatment with partial splenic embolization for bleeding esophagogastric varices.

Management of splenomegaly is important in the treatment of portal hypertension. We report 2 cases who were treated by an emergency hybrid procedure combining endoscopic treatment and partial splenic embolization (PSE) based on a new concept "splanchnic caput Medusae". Case 1 with refractory esophageal variceal bleeding due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis was treated by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) with ligation and PSE at the same time. Case 2 with gastric variceal bleeding due to polycystic liver disease was treated by EIS using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and PSE at the same time. Six days after the hybrid procedure, transjugular retrograde obliteration was added. In both cases, post-treatment 3D-CT reconstruction images revealed that the spleen-portal system reversed to almost normal form. We conclude that an emergency hybrid procedure combining endoscopic treatment and PSE is effective for patients with bleeding esophagogastric varices.

Sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome with portal hypertension: diagnostic clues and approach.

Sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome associated with portal hypertension is very rare. A 68-year-old female presented with a 5 kg weight loss in 6 months. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor activity was increased and total platelet count was decreased. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed the presence of hepatosplenomegaly and a 3 cm-sized tumor in segment 3 of the liver. The hepatic venous catheterization showed mild portal hypertension. On fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography, progressive malignant lymphoma was suspected. However, bone marrow biopsy showed multiple noncaseating granulomas. A laparoscopic liver biopsy revealed that the liver tumor had features of Hodgkin lymphoma. There were multiple noncaseating epithelioid granulomas in the portal tracts of the liver. Splenectomy for splenomegaly and partial hepatectomy for the liver tumor were performed. Pathological examination of the resected specimens revealed multiple noncaseating epithelioid granulomas in the liver and spleen. Histopathology of the liver tumor confirmed classic Hodgkin lymphoma with mixed cellularity. We conclude that hepatic venous catheterization, positron emission tomography/computed tomography, and pathological examinations of bone marrow, liver, and spleen are crucial for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis-lymphoma syndrome associated with portal hypertension.

Stepwise partial splenic embolization for portal hypertension based on a new concept: Splanchnic caput Medusae.

Management of splenomegaly with thrombocytopenia is important in the treatment of portal hypertension. We propose a new concept: "Splanchnic Caput Medusae" in which enlarged spleen is her face and portal collateral pathways are her snake hairs. We report 2 demonstrable cases who were treated based on this new concept. Case 1 with refractory esophageal varices and splenomegaly was treated by stepwise partial splenic embolization (PSE) and endoscopic injection sclerotherapy with ligation. Spleen/liver volume ratio changed from 0.33 to 0.10. Hepatic venous pressure gradient changed from 19 to 14 mmHg. Case 2 with mesenteric shunt and splenomegaly was treated by stepwise PSE and retrograde obliteration. Spleen/liver volume ratio changed from 0.70 to 0.05. Hepatic venous pressure gradient changed from 11 to 7 mmHg. In these 2 cases, 3D-CT reconstruction images after treatment revealed that spleen- portal system reversed almost to normal form. We conclude that splenomegaly and portal collateral pathways could be considered as "Splanchnic Caput Medusae" and have to be treated by stepwise PSE.

Flood syndrome managed by partial splenic embolization and percutaneous peritoneal drainage.

Flood syndrome is a rare complication of cirrhosis of liver accompanied by ascites and a sudden rupture of umbilical hernia causing drainage of ascitic fluid from abdominal cavity. We report management of a case of Flood syndrome which was caused by rupture of incisional hernia. The clinical picture was similar to well described and widely accepted Flood syndrome. A 70-year-old female with decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis was transported to the emergency department with a sudden drainage of ascitic fluid after sudden dehiscence of pre-existing incisional hernia and diffuse abdominal tenderness. Initially, she was managed by applying ostomy bag and diuretics to reduce the ascites. On 8th day of admission, a 16 Fr. drain was percutaneously placed in the left lower abdominal quadrant to divert the fluid from the abdominal wall defect. On 13th day, 80% partial splenic embolization (PSE) was attempted to control portal hypertension to reduce the ascites volume. After PSE, the hepatic venous pressure gradient reduced from 28 to 21cm H2O. The peritoneal drain was removed on 16th day and she was discharged on 22nd day. We conclude that PSE and temporary percutaneous peritoneal drainage are useful option to manage Flood syndrome.

Hemoperitoneum and sepsis from transhepatic gallbladder perforation of acute cholecystitis: A case report.

We report a case of hemoperitoneum and sepsis from transhepatic gallbladder perforation in an 87-year-old male with acute cholecystitis who had past history of endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stone. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed intrahepatic and subcapsular low density areas. A wall defect of gallbladder was seen in coronal and sagittal - sections at the liver bed. Fluids obtained through the paracentesis were hemorrhagic. Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) was attempted. First cholangiography revealed an orifice of fistula. Further injection of contrast medium drained into the intrahepatic secondary abscess and intraperitoneal cavity confirming the diagnosis of transhepatic gallbladder perforation. We conclude that contrast-enhanced CT with coronal and sagittal - sections and cholangiography via PTGBD tube are useful to confirm diagnosis of transhepatic gallbladder perforation.

New transjugular retrograde obliteration without the use of ethanolamine oleate for gastric varices.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of new transjugular retrograde obliteration (TJO) without the use of ethanolamine oleate for gastric varices with a gastrorenal shunt. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients with gastric varices and a gastrorenal shunt were included in this study. Through the right internal jugular vein, a 5- or 6-Fr angiographic catheter with an occlusive balloon was inserted into the gastrorenal shunt. The balloon was inflated to occlude the gastrorenal shunt blood flow. Microcoils were used to obliterate the main blood drainage routes of gastric vein, such as inferior phrenic and and/or retroperitoneal veins. Continuous injection of 0.5 to 1.0 mL of absolute ethanol and 2 to 15 mL of 50% glucose solution into the gastrorenal shunt was carried out under fluoroscopy. This procedure was repeated at 5-minute intervals until gastric varices were clearly visualized. 5% ethanolamine oleate with iopamidol (5% EOI) was not used as a sclerosant. RESULTS: TJO without 5% EOI technically succeeded in all cases. Total volumes of absolute ethanol and 50% glucose solution for the variceal obliteration were 6±4 and 56±46 mL, respectively. To produce thrombi in the gastric varices, the catheter had to be retained for 24 hours in 7 patients and for 48 hours in 3. The volumes of absolute ethanol and 50% glucose solution were 4±2 and 37±20 in the former 7 patients and 11±4 and 100±64 mL in the latter 3 patients, respectively. Only minor complications were observed, which were as follows: fever >38°C in 6 patients, epigastric pain in 8 patients, and temporary hypertension in 2 patients. Computed tomography scan and endoscopic examination 3 months after TJO revealed complete eradication of gastric varices in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that new TJO without the use of 5% EOI is an effective and safe method for gastric varices.

Relationships between splenorenal shunt/portal vein diameter ratio and systemic hemodynamics in patients with liver cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the splenorenal shunt (SRS)/portal vein (PV) diameter ratio (SRS/PV ratio) and systemic hemodynamics in patients with liver cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with SRS due to liver cirrhosis were included in this study. SRS was evaluated in the retropancreatic space on contrast-enhanced CT and the diameter was measured at the maximum point. Systemic hemodynamics was studied using a thermodilution catheter. RESULTS: The SRS/PV ratio showed a significant correlation with the cardiac index (p < 0.01), and showed an inverse correlation with the systemic vascular resistance index and the arteriovenous oxygen content difference [C(a-v)O2] (p < 0.01). The Child-Pugh score showed a correlation with the SRS/PV ratio (p < 0.01). The SRS/PV ratio was 0.89 ± 0.52, 1.02 ± 0.51, and 1.74 ± 0.50 in the Child-Pugh A, B, and C classes, respectively. The SRS/PV ratio in the Child-Pugh C class was significantly higher than those in classes A and B (p < 0.01). The plasma ammonia level was 75.3 ± 23.2 in the group with an SRS/PV ratio <1.0 (n = 19) versus 102.6 ± 34.8 in the group with an SRS/PV ratio ≥1.0 (n = 18), and the ratio of encephalopathy was 5% (1/19) in the group with an SRS/PV ratio <1.0 (n = 19) versus 50% (9/18) in the group with an SRS/PV ratio ≥1.0 (n = 18), respectively. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the increase in the SRS/PV ratio is accompanied by deteriorated liver function, hyperdynamic status, and narrowed C(a-v)O2.

Effects of combined therapy using partial splenic embolization and transjugular retrograde obliteration on systemic hemodynamics in patients with gastric varices and a splenorenal shunt.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined therapy using partial splenic embolization (PSE) and transjugular retrograde obliteration (TJO) on the systemic hemodynamics of gastric varices with a splenorenal shunt. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven patients having gastric varices with a splenorenal shunt were included in this study. PSE was applied 2 weeks before TJO. Systemic hemodynamic studies were performed before and 22 ± 12 months after the combined therapy. RESULTS: Complete obliteration of the splenorenal shunt and gastric varices was revealed by retrograde shuntography and computed tomography after TJO in all cases. The cardiac index (1/min/m2) before and after the combined therapy was 3.98 ± 0.85 and 4.05 ± 0.78, respectively. The systemic vascular resistance index (dynes s/cm5/m2) before and after the combined therapy was 1887 ± 450 and 1837 ± 4621, respectively. They showed no significant change. The arterio-venous oxygen content difference (vol%) before and after the combined therapy was 2.55 ± 0.55 and 3.21 ± 0.90, respectively, showing a significant change (P<0.05). The splenic venous flow volume before and after the combined therapy was 307 ± 158 and 166 ± 78 mL/min, respectively, showing a significant change (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: : We conclude that the combined therapy using PSE and TJO reduces the splenic venous flow and stops the splenorenal shunt flow, which improves the arterio-venous oxygen content difference.