A Rare Case of Small Bowel Obstruction due to Migration of a Percutaneous Biliary Stent.

Biliary endoprostheses are widely used in the treatment of biliary lithiasis, malignant and benign strictures, and occasionally in long-lasting biliary fistulas. They can be placed endoscopically during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and radiologically (percutaneous) when the endoscopic route is not feasible. Complications associated with the endoscopic placement of biliary endoprostheses are well described in the literature, with migration being the most common. Intestinal obstruction is a rare complication associated with the migration of these devices. There are no reports in the literature of this complication occurring after percutaneous placement. We present a case of a patient who arrived at the emergency department with ileal obstruction secondary to the migration and concurrent embedding of a covered stent placed radiologically to treat a biliary leak after surgery. The patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopic and ileal resection, revealing a lithiasic concretion at the tip of the stent, causing the small bowel obstruction.

Uncommon Complication of a Biliary Leak After Adjustable Gastric Band Removal: A Case Report.

In the context of adjustable gastric band (AGB) placements and the prevalent issue of weight regain with associated complications, revision surgery for gastric bands becomes imperative. Such revisions may encompass band removal or conversion to bariatric procedures, often accompanied by an escalated risk profile, potentially contributing to a 20% morbidity rate. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has gained prominence due to its technical simplicity, effectiveness in weight loss, and lower complication rates. Specific cases involving LSG post-AGB complications are associated with staple line disruptions and leaks. This case report describes a rare complication in a 59-year-old patient following AGB removal and subsequent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The complication emerged six hours after the surgery, with approximately 400 cc of bile material reported in the drainage. A laparoscopic reintervention was conducted, revealing bile leakage from the second Couinaud hepatic segment. Successful management of the leakage was achieved through simple hepatic suturing using non-absorbable monofilament. Within 24 hours, no further leakage occurred, and the patient was discharged without additional complications. Our case also demonstrates how complex it can be to switch between different medical procedures, and it emphasizes the need for careful planning and precise surgery in the evolving world of bariatric medicine. It is worth noting that there is a dearth of literature addressing this specific complication. Consequently, this study has the potential to provide valuable insights for surgeons who may encounter a similar scenario in their clinical practice.

Biliary Leak after Pediatric Liver Transplantation Treated by Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage-A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Biliary leaks are a severe complication after pediatric liver transplantation (pLT), and successful management is challenging. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case series was to assess the outcome of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in children with bile leaks following pLT. The necessity of additional percutaneous bilioma drainage and laboratory changes during therapy and follow-up was documented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All children who underwent PTBD for biliary leak following pLT were included in this consecutive retrospective single-center study and analyzed regarding site of leak, management of additional bilioma, treatment response, and patient and transplant survival. The courses of inflammation, cholestasis parameters, and liver enzymes were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Ten children underwent PTBD treatment for biliary leak after pLT. Seven patients presented with leakage at the hepaticojejunostomy, two with leakage at the choledocho-choledochostomy and one with a bile leak because of an overlooked segmental bile duct. In terms of the mean, the PTBD treatment started 40.3 ± 31.7 days after pLT. The mean duration of PTBD treatment was 109.7 ± 103.6 days. Additional percutaneous bilioma drainage was required in eight cases. Bile leak treatment was successful in all cases, and no complications occurred. The patient and transplant survival rate was 100%. CRP serum level, leukocyte count, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total and direct bilirubin level decreased significantly during treatment with a very strong effect size. Additionally, the gamma-glutamyl transferase level showed a statistically significant reduction during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: PTBD is a very successful strategy for bile leak therapy after pLT.

Percutaneous Embolization of Biliary Leaks: Initial Experience with Extravascular Application of a PTFE-Covered Microplug.

PURPOSE: This paper describes the initial experience with a PTFE-covered microplug to perform extravascular embolizations in patients with iatrogenic biliary leaks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective multicenter analysis has been conducted on seven patients. All were symptomatic for abdominal pain and had an abdominal drainage adjacent to the supposed site of leakage. The biliary output of the drainage was monitored daily. Biliary leak etiology was iatrogenic: four after laparoscopic cholecistectomy for gallstones, one after explorative laparotomy for pancreas head adenocarcinoma with concomitant cholecistectomy for gallstones, and two after long-standing internal-external right biliary drainage for cholangiocarcinoma. In four cases leakage sourced from cystic duct stump, in one from an aberrant bile duct and in two from bilio-cutaneous fistula. Technical success was considered leak resolution at the last cholangiography. Clinical success was defined improvement in the clinical conditions together with progressive resolution of the biliary output from the abdominal drainage until removal. RESULTS: Technical and clinical successes were 100%. A 5 mm microplug was adopted in five cases of post-cholecistectomy leaks. A 3 mm microplug and a 9 mm microplug were deployed in the two cases of peripheral leaks related to bilio-cutaneous fistulas. In three patients additional embolics (coils in two cases; spongel slurry in one case) were required. Minor complications occurred in three patients. CONCLUSION: This initial experience on seven patients with iatrogenic biliary leaks demonstrated that percutaneous transhepatic PTFE-covered microplug embolization is technically feasible and clinically effective to achieve leak resolution. Future researches with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.

Relieving the bile ducts prior to pancreatoduodenectomy - A retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: Obstructive jaundice is a common problem in pancreatic and periampullary tumors, but preoperative biliary drainage in patients with hyperbilirubinemia is still controversial. This study aimed to assess the risk of complications after preoperative drainage of biliary obstruction in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Method: A retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from January 1st, 2015 to September 30th, 2021. Patients who had preoperative bile duct drainage were compared to patients without intervention. Type of interventions, complications, and outcomes after surgery were compared using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Of 722 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy, 389 patients had preoperative drainage of the bile ducts by ERC or PTC. There was an incidence of 27% drainage-related complications, all categorized as minor (Clavien-Dindo <3) and mainly related to PTC-aided drainage. After pancreaticoduodenectomy, 23% of patients who had a preoperative biliary drain, had minor complications. Patients without biliary drainage had a higher risk of a complicated postoperative course (p = 0.001) and had a higher 30-day (p = 0.002) and 90-day mortality (p = 0.025). Conclusion: Our study found preoperative bile duct drainage to be a safe procedure without severe complications. Patients undergoing preoperative bile duct drainage had fewer post-pancreatoduodenectomy complications and lower mortality.

Experiencia del manejo por colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica de las fístulas biliares poscolecistectomía en un hospital de referencia en Colombia / Experience in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography management of postcholecystectomy biliary leak in a Colombian referral hospital

Resumen Introducción: la fistula biliar poscolecistectomía es poco frecuente. El manejo principalmente es endoscópico, pero en la literatura no hay consenso en la técnica de primera línea entre papilotomía, prótesis biliar o su combinación. Metodología: se realizó un estudio observacional tipo serie de casos en el que se incluyeron todas las CPRE realizadas en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio en Bogotá, Colombia, entre enero de 2010 y marzo del 2021 por fistula biliar posterior a colecistectomía. Se registraron las características demográficas, manifestaciones clínicas, resolución, eventos adversos y estancia hospitalaria según la técnica endoscópica. Resultados: se incluyeron 24 pacientes con fistula biliar poscolecistectomía que se manejaron con CPRE. La mediana de edad fue de 59 años (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 53,5-67). En el 75% el tipo de cirugía fue laparoscópica. La manifestación clínica más frecuente fue aumento del drenaje biliar > 150 mL/24 horas (50%), seguido de dolor abdominal (39%). La principal localización fue el conducto cístico en el 40%. El manejo con papilotomía fue del 25%; con prótesis biliar, 8,4%, y combinado, 66%; la resolución de la fístula ocurrió en el 100%, 50% y 87%, respectivamente, con menor estancia hospitalaria en el manejo combinado de 3,5 días frente a 4 días en papilotomía. Solo se presentó 1 evento adverso de hemorragia en el grupo de papilotomía. Conclusión: la papilotomía y la terapia combinada son opciones terapéuticas con buenas tasas de resolución y baja estancia hospitalaria para el manejo de las fistulas biliares poscolecistectomía. Se requerirán estudios prospectivos, aleatorizados y multicéntricos para definir la técnica con mejores desenlaces clínicos.

Abstract Introduction: Postcholecystectomy biliary leak is rare. Management is mainly endoscopic, but in the literature, there is no consensus on the first-line technique between sphincterotomy, biliary stent, or combination. Materials and methods: A case series study was conducted that included all ERCP performed at the San Ignacio University Hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, between January 2010 and March 2021 due to biliary leak after cholecystectomy. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, resolution, adverse events, and hospital length stay were recorded according to the endoscopic technique. Results: 24 patients with postcholecystectomy biliary leak managed with ERCP were included. The median age was 59 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 53.5-67). In 75% the surgery was laparoscopic. The most frequent clinical manifestation was increased biliary drainage > 150 mL/24 hours (50%), followed by abdominal pain (39%). The main fistula's location was the cystic duct in 40%. Management with sphincterotomy was 25%, with a biliary stent, 8.4%, and combined, 66%; leak resolution occurred in 100%, 50%, and 87%, respectively, with a shorter hospital length stay in the combined management of 3.5 days compared to four days in sphincterotomy. Only one adverse bleeding event occurred in the sphincterotomy group. Conclusion: Sphincterotomy and combined therapy are options with reasonable resolution rates and low hospital length stay for managing postcholecystectomy biliary leak. Prospective, randomized, and multicenter trials will be required to define the best technique.

A crying liver: a scan pattern mimicking spontaneous perforation of the biliary ducts.

A 2-month-old infant was referred for hepatobiliary scintigraphy due to ascites of unknown cause. The top differential diagnosis was spontaneous perforation of the biliary ducts. Delayed images up to 4 hours were against this diagnosis showing normal distribution of the radiotracer throughout the bowel. However, on delayed images, the scan showed mild tracer retention in the ascites confirmed by SPECT/CT images. Surprisingly, the exploratory abdominal surgery revealed an intact hepatobiliary system, pointing toward other possible etiologies. Second-review surgery was performed due to uncontrolled progressive ascites showing congestive hepatopathy and biliary leak from the hepatic surface suggestive of the "crying liver".

Minimally Invasive Management of Bile Leak Following Displaced Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Stent.

Biliary endoprosthesis plays a crucial role in the management of patients with obstructive jaundice. However, a biliary leak is a life-threatening complication of this procedure. A 52-year-old otherwise healthy man presented with obstructive jaundice and was found to have a stricture at the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts, which was managed with the placement of an uncovered self-expanding metallic stent. He rapidly deteriorated, and an active bile leak in the peritoneum due to stent displacement through the liver was discovered, which was successfully managed in a minimally invasive manner via laparoscopy. The extrahepatic part of the metallic stent was cut and removed, the peritoneum was washed out, and multiple drains were placed. The patient improved clinically, and his biochemical parameters returned to normal.

Fully covered metal biliary stents: A review of the literature.

Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) represent the latest advancement of metal biliary stents used to endoscopically treat a variety of obstructive biliary pathology. A large stent diameter and synthetic covering over the tubular mesh prolong stent patency and reduce risk for tissue hyperplasia and tumor ingrowth. Additionally, FCSEMS can be easily removed. All these features address issues faced by plastic and uncovered metal stents. The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the application of FCSEMS in benign and malignant biliary strictures, biliary leak, and post-sphincterotomy bleeding.

Simultaneous Detection of Biliary Injury and Vascular Infarct using 99mTc-HIDA Scintigraphy in a Patient with Trauma.

A 45-year-old male with a history of trauma was referred to the department of nuclear medicine to identify site of a biliary leak, which could not be identified in ultrasound and exploratory laparotomy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) was able to identify lacerations in the right lobe of the liver, but the extent of injury to the biliary pathways and vessels was unclear. 99mTc-HIDA scintigraphy with single-photon emission CT/CT was not only able to identify the site of leak but also the extent of infarcted area.

Endoscopic Treatment of Post-Cholecystectomy Biliary Leaks.

Postcholecystectomy leaks may occur in 0.3-2.7% of patients. Bile leaks associated with laparoscopy are often more complex and difficult to treat than those occurring after open cholecystectomy. Furthermore, their incidence has remained unchanged despite improvements in laparoscopic training and technological developments. The management of biliary leaks has evolved from surgery into a minimally invasive endoscopic procedural approach, namely, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which decreases or eliminates the pressure gradient between the bile duct and the duodenum, thus creating a preferential transpapillary bile flow and allowing the leak to seal. For simple leaks, the success rate of endotherapy is remarkably high. However, there are more severe and complex leaks that require multiple endoscopic interventions, and clear strategies for endoscopic treatment have not emerged. Therefore, there is still some debate regarding the optimal time point at which to intervene, which technique to use (sphincterotomy alone or in association with the placement of stents, whether metallic or plastic stents should be used, and, if plastic stents are used, whether they should be single or multiple), how long the stents should remain in place, and when to consider treatment failure. Here, we review the types and classification of postoperative biliary injuries, particularly leaks, as well as the evidence for endoscopic treatment of the latter.

As fugas biliares pós colecistectomia podem ocorrer em 0,3 a 2,7% dos casos, sendo frequentemente mais complexas e difíceis de tratar quando comparamos as lesões provocadas pela abordagem laparoscópica versus cirurgia clássica. Associadamente a sua incidência não tem diminuído apesar da melhoria do treino em laparoscopia e do desenvolvimento tecnológico. O tratamento das fugas biliares evoluiu da cirurgia para a endoscopia permitindo, através da colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE), executar vários procedimentos que têm como objetivo divergir preferencialmente o fluxo biliar através da papila para o duodeno e assim reduzir ou eliminar a pressão no sistema biliar, eliminando o fluxo de bílis através da perfuração e criando condições para o seu encerramento. Para fugas simples a taxa de sucesso da CPRE é muito elevada. Contudo, existem fugas mais graves e complexas com necessidade de múltiplas intervenções, não estando definidas estratégias claras para o tratamento endoscópico, persistindo alguma discussão em relação ao timing ideal para intervir, à melhor técnica a utilizar (esfincterotomia isolada ou associada à colocação de próteses biliares, se estas devem ser metálicas ou plásticas e, neste ultimo caso, se únicas ou múltiplas), ao período de tempo em que devem permanecer as próteses biliares, e quando assumir a falência do tratamento. Neste artigo iremos rever os tipos e a classificação das lesões pós-cirúrgicas das vias biliares, nomeadamente das fugas, assim como a evidência para o tratamento endoscópico destas últimas.

Timing of endoscopic therapy for acute bilio-pancreatic diseases: a practical overview.

Diseases of the pancreas and hepatobiliary tree often require a therapeutic approach with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), generally following noninvasive imaging techniques. Appropriate indications and the correct timing for urgent ERCP would benefit both patients and clinicians and allow optimal utilization of health resources. Indications for urgent (<24 h) ERCP include severe acute cholangitis, acute biliary pancreatitis with cholangitis, biliary or pancreatic leaks, in the absence of percutaneous drainage, and severe acute cholecystitis in patients who are unfit for surgery and do not respond to conservative management. In patients who have severe acute biliary pancreatitis with ongoing biliary obstruction but without cholangitis, early (<48-72 h) ERCP is indicated. This overview aims to provide decisional flowcharts that can be easily used for managing patients with acute bilio-pancreatic disorders when they are referred to the Emergency Department.

Biliary Leakage Following Pancreatoduodenectomy: Experience from a High-Volume Center.

Purpose: Hepaticojejunostomy leak and bile fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are less frequent than pancreatic leaks. Patients with biliary fistula (BF) have an increased risk of serious complications and an extended hospital stay. This study has investigated the occurrence and outcome of BF. Methods: All patients who underwent a PD from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2019 were included. The significance of multiple risk factors was examined. Univariate analysis was used to identify predictive variables for postoperative BF. Results: Of the 552 patients who underwent PD, 38 patients (6.7%) developed a BF. Patients with nonmalignant diagnoses and malignancies without bile duct obstruction had a greater risk of developing BF. BF did not increase the mortality, though most patients had complications, including surgical site infections, intraabdominal abscesses, and an extended hospital stay. Conclusion: BF after PD leads to an increased risk of subsequent complications and an extended hospital stay but does not increase mortality. Patients with nonmalignant diagnoses and malignancies without bile duct obstruction have an increased risk of BF.

Precise localization of biliary leak post laparoscopic cholecystectomy with hepatobiliary scintigraphy and adjunct single-photon emission tomography/computed tomography fusion imaging.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is commonly performed as the treatment of choice for symptomatic gallstone diseases. Bile leak is a potential complication of this procedure and the cystic duct stump is the most common site of leakage. Early diagnosis and treatment of bile leak is crucial in decreasing the morbidity and mortality related to this complication. We present a case of biliary leak following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, diagnosis of active biliary leak, and accurate localization of the site of biliary leak on hepatobiliary scintigraphy and adjunct single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography fusion imaging.

Is Surgery Necessary? Endoscopic Management of Post-transplant Biliary Complications in the Modern Era.

BACKGROUND: Biliary complications are common following liver transplantation (LT) and traditionally managed with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. However, endoscopic management has largely supplanted surgical revision in the modern era. Herein, we evaluate our experience with the management of biliary complications following LT. METHODS: All LTs from January 2013 to June 2018 at a single institution were reviewed. Patients with biliary bypass prior to, or at LT, were excluded. Patients were grouped by biliary complication of an isolated stricture, isolated leak, or concomitant stricture and leak (stricture/leak). RESULTS: A total of 462 grafts were transplanted into 449 patients. Ninety-five (21%) patients had post-transplant biliary complications, including 56 (59%) strictures, 28 (29%) leaks, and 11 (12%) stricture/leaks. Consequently, the overall stricture, leak, and stricture/leak rates were 12%, 6%, and 2%, respectively. Endoscopic management was pursued for all stricture and stricture/leak patients, as well as 75% of leak patients, reserving early surgery only for those patients with an uncontrolled leak and evidence of biliary peritonitis. Endoscopic management was successful in the majority of patients (stricture 94%, leak 90%, stricture/leak 90%). Only six patients (5.6%) received additional interventions-two required percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography catheters, three underwent surgical revision, and one was re-transplanted. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic management of post-transplant biliary complications resulted in long-term resolution without increased morbidity, mortality, or graft failure. Successful endoscopic treatment requires collaboration with a skilled endoscopist. Moreover, multidisciplinary transplant teams must develop treatment protocols based on the local availability and expertise at their center.

Difficult iatrogenic bile duct injuries following different types of upper abdominal surgery: report of three cases and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic bile duct injuries (BDIs) are mostly associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy but may also occur following gastroduodenal surgery or liver resection. Delayed diagnosis of type of injury with an ongoing biliary leak as well as the management in a non-specialized general surgical units are still the main factors affecting the outcome. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein we present three types of BDIs (Bismuth type I, IV and V) following three different types of upper abdominal surgery, ie. Billroth II gastric resection, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and left hepatectomy. All of them were complex injuries with complete bile duct transections necessitating surgical treatment. All were also very difficult to treat mainly because of a delayed diagnosis of type of injury, associated biliary leak and as a consequence severe inflammatory changes within the liver hilum. The treatment was carried out in our specialist hepatobiliary unit and first focused on infection and inflammation control with adequate biliary drainage. This was followed by a delayed surgical repair with the technique which had to be tailored to the type of injury in each case. CONCLUSION: We emphasize that staged and individualized treatment strategy is often necessary in case of a delayed diagnosis of complex BDIs presenting with a biliary leak, inflammatory intraabdominal changes and infection. Referral of such patients to expert hepatobiliary centres is crucial for the outcome.

Portal Vein Embolization for Future Liver Remnant Enhancement and Combined Modality Treatment for the Management of Post-hepatic Resection Biliary Fistula in an 18-Month Old Child With Hepatoblastoma.

Hepatic resection is the mainstay of treatment for hepatoblastoma. However, the presence of adequate future liver remnant (FLR) is essential to prevent postoperative liver failure. Portal vein embolization (PVE) is commonly utilized in adults for promoting hypertrophy of FLR, however, it is sparingly used in children. Secondly, bile leak after liver resections is a well-defined complication. Apart from conservative treatment such as drainage and antibiotic, several management strategies including endoscopic, percutaneous, and surgical approaches have been described for its management. We present an 18-month old child with hepatoblastoma for whom PVE was performed to enhance the FLR so that an extended right hepatectomy could be accomplished. The same patient endured delayed postoperative biliary leak wherein the conservative, and non-operative interventional procedure failed, however, surgery combined with intraoperative interventional radiology procedure was utilized with a favorable outcome.

Gd-EOB-DTP-enhanced MRC in the preoperative percutaneous management of intra and extrahepatic biliary leakages: does it matter?

Postoperative bile leakage is a common complication of abdominal surgical procedures and a precise localization of is important to choose the best management. Many techniques are available to correctly identify bile leaks, including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), being the latter the best to clearly depict "active" bile leakages. This paper presents the state of the art algorithm in the detection of biliary leakages in order to plan a percutaneous biliary drainage focusing on widely available and safe contrast agent, the Gb-EOB-DPA. We consider its pharmacokinetic properties and impact in biliary imaging explain current debates to optimize image quality. We report common sites of leakage after surgery with special considerations in cirrhotic liver to show what interventional radiologists should look to easily detect bile leaks.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes After Live-Donor Transplantation with Hyper-Reduced Liver Grafts in Low-Weight Pediatric Recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short- and long-term outcomes after live-donor liver transplantation (LT) with hyper-reduced grafts in low-weight pediatric recipients. LT is an established curative therapy for children with end-stage chronic liver disease or acute liver failure. A major problem in pediatric LT has been the lack of size-matched donor organs. The disadvantage of the use of large-for-size grafts is the insufficient tissue oxygenation and graft compression, which result in poor outcomes. The shortage of suitable donors is most notable in children under 10 kg. To overcome such obstacle, in situ hyper-reduced live-donor liver grafts have been introduced. Available articles in the literature are based on small samples and are deficient in long-term follow-up. METHODS: A single-cohort, retrospective analysis was conducted including 59 pediatric patients under 10 kg who underwent hyper-reduced (in situ "a la carte" left lateral segment reduction) live-donor LT (LDLT) between February 1994 and February 2018. RESULTS: The most frequent cause of liver failure was biliary atresia (70%). Median recipient weight was 8 kg. Vascular complications were confirmed in 15% of the sample, while 45% presented biliary complications. Median follow-up time was 40.3 months. Ten-year overall survival rate was 74%. Pediatric end-stage liver disease score > 23 was associated with a higher risk of post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: LDLT can be undertaken in children with body weight < 10 kg achieving good results in high-volume centers by experienced surgeons.

Posttraumatic biloma formation: diagnosis and management

One of the rarest complications of the hepatic trauma is a biloma, defined as an abnormal bile collection outside the biliary tree, with intra or extrahepatic localization. Patients with biloma do not present with specific clinical features, which demands a challenging radiological diagnosis. In this report, we present a case of biloma due to blunt hepatic trauma, in which the patient experienced a changing symptomatic spectrum after surgery and had an interesting radiological investigation. The clinical course, imaging features, and management of this case are discussed. (AU)