Fasciola hepatica in the common bile duct: spyglass visualization and endoscopic extraction.

We report the case of a 60-year-old Peruvian female who was admitted with abdominal pain and jaundice. Cholangioscopy revealed a leaf-like trematode, Fasciola hepatica. This trematode was extracted with a Dormia's basket via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Biliary colic with dilated common bile duct: simple "sheepish" problem?

A 40-year-old man, resident of a rural area of Rajasthan state of India presented with recurrent biliary colic and fever since last 2 years. Examination was normal and investigations revealed a dilated common bile duct with elevated alkaline phosphatase. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a dilated biliary system without any evident cause. Patient was subjected to endoscopic retrograde cholangioancreatography and it demonstrated biliary dilatation with a linear filling defect in lower common bile duct, further sphinicterotomy was done and a live Fasciola hepatica was extracted using a biliary basket.

Biliary fascioliasis--an uncommon cause of recurrent biliary colics: report of a case and brief review.

Biliary parasitosis is one of the important causes of biliary obstruction in endemic areas, however due to migration and travel the disease is known to occur in non endemic zones as well. The spectrum of biliary fascioliasis ranges from recurrent biliary colics to acute cholangitis. The long term complications are gall stones, sclerosing cholangitis and biliary cirrhosis. We describe fascioliasis as a cause of recurrent biliary colics in a young male necessitating multiple hospitalizations over a period of four years. Investigative profile had been non-contributory every time he was hospitalized for his abdominal pain prior to the current presentation. He never had cholangitis due to the worm in the common bile duct. It was only at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) biliary fascioliasis was discovered to be the cause of his recurrent biliary colics. After removal of the live Fasciola hepatica from the common bile duct he became symptom free and is attending our clinic for last 11 months now. Clinical spectrum of biliary fascioliasis is discussed in this report.

Obstructive biliary ascariasis with cholangitis and hepatic abscesses in Laos: a case report with gall bladder ultrasound video.

A 12-year-old Lao boy with obstructive biliary Ascaris infection is described and video of the gallbladder ultrasound presented. The patient developed severe complications of obstructive cholangitis, a large right pleural effusion and hepatic abscesses requiring prolonged antibiotic therapy. The differential diagnosis of worms in the gall-bladder is discussed.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for extraction of a round worm.

A 35 years old lady presented with fever, biliary colic, mild jaundice, indigestion and flatulence. The upper abdominal ultrasonography revealed cholecystitis with sludge and a round worm in the common bile duct. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and exploration of the bile duct for the removal of round worm was performed. The post-operative period was uneventful and the patient was discharged fit on the 4th post-operative day.

An unusual cause of recurrent biliary colics.

Hepato-biliary ascariasis is a rare condition in non-endemic areas; however, it should always be taken into account in patients with recurrent biliary colics and/or cholangitis, since these are among the most frequent modes of clinical presentation. We report a case of a young woman suffering from recurrent biliary colics in whom a diagnosis of biliary ascariasis was made. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy and endoscopic extraction of the worm, using a Dormia basket, proved to be a safe and effective procedure for removing the living Ascaris from the biliary tree and relieving symptoms. In the era of worldwide travels, physicians in Western countries should be more aware of this infection especially in patients with biliary symptoms who have travelled to endemic areas or immigrant from endemic countries.

Biliary ascariasis as a cause of post-cholecystectomy syndrome in an endemic area.

BACKGROUND: Post-cholecystectomy syndrome encompasses numerous biliary, pancreatic and other entities. Biliary ascariasis is a common cause of adult biliary disease in an endemic area. Post-cholecystectomy biliary ascariasis, a cause of post- cholecystectomy syndrome although not yet defined is frequently seen in this part of the world. METHOD: Between Jan. 1990 and Jan. 2001, 104 cases of post-cholecystectomy biliary ascariasis were seen. Ultrasonography was found to be an excellent tool for diagnosing and monitoring of the worms inside the biliary tract. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography had both diagnostic and therapeutic value. RESULTS: The majority (68.2%) of patients responded to conservative treatment. Surgical treatment was advocated in 18.2%, which included 2 patients with liver abscesses. Endoscopic extraction of worms was successful in 48.2%. CONCLUSION: Post-cholecystectomy biliary ascariasis as a cause of post-cholecystectomy syndrome needs to be included in the list of causes for post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Although the majority of patients respond to conservative treatment but endoscopic extraction or surgical intervention may be needed. Routine deworming of patients undergoing cholecystectomy both preoperatively and postoperatively should be done in all patients in endemic areas of ascariasis. Although this entity is rare in Europe and United States, due to population migration and increased travel, it is necessary for surgeons in these countries to be aware of this condition.