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A case of spontaneous bile-duct perforation in a 5-month-old boy with a history of necrotizing enterocolitis in his 1st week of life is reported. To our knowledge, this is the second case reported with such an antecedent, supporting a vascular etiology for some cases of spontaneous biliary perforation.
A pair of dizygotic twins who were both found to have congenital biliary dilatation, but of different types, is reported. This case is of academic interest from an etiologic point of view.
BACKGROUND: Surgical extirpation remains the only known curative treatment for cancer of the pancreas. Because of locally advanced or metastatic tumor, up to 80% of patients are unresectable at the time of initial diagnosis [13]. Other investigators previously have suggested that laparoscopy before laparotomy aids in the diagnosis of unresectable pancreatic cancer in a fair number of patients even after negative computed tomography scans [3, 17]. Many surgeons are reluctant to incorporate laparoscopy into the workup of patients with cancer of the pancreas because of the frequent need for surgical bypass in the management of either biliary tract obstruction or gastric outlet obstruction [9, 13]. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystojejunostomy combined with gastrojejunostomy in a porcine model, as well as the individual accomplishment of laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy. The purpose of this study was to document the feasibility of performing laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy with gastrojejunostomy. METHODS: Under general anesthesia, seven pigs underwent laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy and gastrojejunostomy using an intracorporeal hand-sutured technique. RESULTS: The mean operating time ranged from 150 to 450 min. All the animals recovered completely from the operation and had patent anastomoses at the time of necropsy. One pig died of gastric bleeding on postoperative day 13, and two animals had intraabdominal fluid collections discovered at the time of necropsy. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that synchronous laparoscopic bypass of biliary and gastric outlet obstruction is feasible, and can be performed in a manner similar to that used in open operations. We believe this lends support to the argument promoting laparoscopy in the evaluation of pancreatic cancer.
BACKGROUND: This article reports the technical aspects of laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy (LCD) in patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) and the perioperative results are also evaluated. This is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database. METHODS: Twelve patients diagnosed to have RPC with the absence of intrahepatic stricture were selected for LCD during the period from 1995 to 2002. The majority of our patients had repeated attacks of cholangitis and had already undergone multiple sessions of endoscopic and operative lithotripsy. The LCD was performed using a five-port approach with the patient lying in the supine position. The stones were first cleared through the longitudinal supraduodenal choledochotomy followed by construction of a side-to-side diamond-shaped anastomosis of at least 15 mm between the bile duct and the first part of the duodenum using 2/0 monocryl in the single-layer method. RESULTS: During the period from 1995 to 2002, 12 patients with RPC underwent LCD. There were 3 male and 9 female patients with a mean age of 62 (40-77). The median operation time was 137.5 min (90-270) and the median postoperative stay was 7.5 days (5-20). All cases were successful using the laparoscopic approach. Average analgesic requirement post operation was 126 mg (50-200 mg) intramuscular pethidine. There was one postoperative bile leak, and this complication was settled by conservative measures. Upon a mean follow-up of 37.6 months (6-91), there was no recurrent attack of cholangitis or any evidence of sump syndrome in this group of patients. CONCLUSION: LCD is a safe and effective drainage procedure for patients with RPC. Complications are uncommon and postoperative results are promising.
BACKGROUND: Benign extrinsic obstruction of the hepatic duct, known as "Mirizzi syndrome" (MS), is an uncommon complication of longstanding cholelithiasis. Since laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) replaced the open approach, Mirizzi syndrome has regained the interest of biliary surgeons. METHODS: The Swiss Association for Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery (SALTS) prospectively collected the data on 13,023 patients undergoing LC between 1995 and 1999. This database was investigated with special regard to patients with Mirizzi syndrome. RESULTS: There were 39 patients (14 men and 25 women; mean age, 61 years) with MS (incidence, 0.3%). Thirty-four patients had type 1 MS and five had type 2. A gallbladder carcinoma was found in four patients (incidence, 11%). In the type 1 group, 23 patients underwent cholecystectomy only, 10 patients had a bile duct exploration and T-tube insertion, and one patient had a Roux-en-Y reconstruction. In three patients with type 2, a hepaticojejunostomy was performed; two others underwent simple closure and drainage (via T-tube) of the biliary fistula. The conversion rate was 74% (24 of 34 patients) in the type 1 group and 100% (five of five patients) for type 2. The overall complication rate was 18%. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Although MS is rarely encountered during LC, it must be recognized intraoperatively. Conversion to an open approach is often needed, and prior to any surgical intervention, gallbladder cancer must be excluded.
BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increasingly being performed for therapeutic purposes. This report reviews our experience in an attempt to determine the role and efficacy of ERCP in the management of postoperative complications following surgery for gallstones. METHODS: This study analyzes ERCP records of 418 patients performed in a single referral center after a surgery for gallstones, in the period from December 1991 to June 2000. RESULTS: A total of 451 endoscopic procedures were performed for 418 patients. The primary operations which required ERCP and were included in the study were laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n = 161, 38.5%), choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage (n = 157, 37.5%), open cholecystectomy (n = 82, 19.6%), choledochoduodenostomy (n = 14, 3.3%), and cholecystostomy (n = 4, 1%). Procedure was carried out successfully in 403 patients (96.4%), whereas a proper endoscopic diagnosis was not achieved in 15 (3.5%). Retained biliary stones (without any associated abnormality) were found in 163 (38.9%), ductal injuries in 44 (10.5%), biliary strictures in 21 (5.0%), papillary stenosis in 36 (8.6%), cystic stump leak (with or without retained stones) in 30 (7.1%), leak from T-tube tract (with/or without retained stones) in 20 (4.8%), and unsuspected malignancies in 18 (4.3%). A sole diagnostic cholangiography was obtained in 63 patients (15.0%). Patients were managed by debris or stone extraction in 169 (40.4%), endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in 145 patients (34.6%), stent insertion in 19 (4.5%), or dilatation in 2 (0.4%). Overall successful stone removal rate was 97.4%. Thirty-nine patients with normal cholangiographic findings underwent ES for the relief of presenting signs and symptoms. ERCP-related morbidity was 13.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The need for ERCP is rising, especially for stones retained after cholecystectomies. Endoscopy offers safe and effective methods in the treatment of bile leaks, unless associated with major ductal injuries. ES is a reasonable method for treating papillary stenosis and some post-cholecystectomy pain or symptoms.
BACKGROUND: Endoscopic stenting is the treatment of choice for palliative relief of biliary obstruction by a periampullary tumor. If treated surgically, a choledochojejunostomy and Roux-en-Y diversion is still performed by laparotomy in a large number of cases due to technical challenges of the biliodigestive anastomosis in the laparoscopic approach. Robotic systems may enhance dexterity and vision and might therefore support surgeons in delicate laparoscopic interventions. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of performing a laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy and Roux-en-Y reconstruction with the aid of a robotic system. METHODS: Ten laparoscopic procedures were performed in pigs with the da Vinci robotic system and compared to 10 procedures performed by laparotomy (controls). Operation room time, anastomoses time, blood loss, and complications were recorded. The effectiveness of the anastomoses was evaluated by postoperative observation for 14 days and by measuring passage, circumference, and number of stitches. RESULTS: Operating room time was significantly longer for the robot-assisted group than for controls (140 vs 82 min, p < 0.05). The anastomoses times were longer in the robot-assisted cases but not statistically significant (biliodigestive anastomosis, 29 vs 20 min; intestinal anastomosis, 30 vs 15 min), Blood loss was less than 10 cc in all robot-assisted cases and 30 cc (10-50 cc) in the controls. In both groups, there were no intraoperative complications. In the control group, one pig died of gastroparesis on postoperative day 6. In the robot-assisted group, one pig died on postoperative day 7 due to a volvulus of the jejunum. At autopsy, a bilioma was found in one pig in the robot-assisted group. In all pigs, the biliodigestive and intestinal anastomoses were macroscopically patent with an adequate passage. Circumference and number of stitches were similar. CONCLUSION: The safety and efficacy of robot-assisted laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy was proven in this study. The procedure can be performed within an acceptable time frame.
BACKGROUND: The feasibility of laparoscopic resection of choledochal cyst and hepaticojejunostomy in children is still unclear. This report presents the author's experience with a first series of patients. METHODS: Data from 11 consecutive children (median age 17.5 months, SD 22, range 2 to 70) with choledochal cyst scheduled for laparoscopy were collected prospectively. There were nine type I and 2 type V cysts according to Todani's classification. All except one patient had intermittent jaundice or recurrent pancreatitis. The laparoscopic technique included excision of the cyst. A Roux-en-Y anastomosis was constructed after exteriorization of the small bowel via the infraumbilical trocar incision. After repositioning of the bowel an end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy was carried out laparoscopically. RESULTS: The procedures were carried out in nine children without intraoperative events and a median duration of 289 min (SD 62). In two patients, the operation was converted after 60 and 90 min due to a lack of overview at the dorsal margin with problems in separation of the portal vein. Oral food intake was started within 2 days and tolerated well in all except one patient, in whom biliar fluid from the drain led to laparoscopic reevaluation on day 1. A small leak was resutured and the patient was discharged on day 5. In one patient, recurrent cholangitis and a dilated Roux-en-Y loop led to correction of some kinking of the loop via laparotomy after 3 months. All other patients are well with bile-stained stools after a mean follow-up of 13 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection of congenital choledochal cyst and choledochojejunostomy in children is feasible. We feel that there is a considerable learning curve with the technique. Future studies will have to prove the feasibility of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y bowel anastomosis without the need for bowel exteriorization.
Choledochoduodenostomy is a well-established procedure and is indicated in patients with multiple ductal calculi and dilated common bile duct (>or=2.0 cm) because these patients require drainage for good long-term results without recurrence of jaundice or cholangitis. The technique most commonly used is that of a side-to-side hand-sutured anastomosis between the supraduodenal common bile duct and the duodenum. The merit of this technique is its simplicity, although it is prone to duodenobiliary reflux and to occasional symptomatic inspissation with food debris causing cholangitis (sump syndrome). It is the technique that has been adopted by most centers for laparoscopic choledochoduodelaostomy. The alternative operation, transection choledochoduodenostomy, excludes the distal (transpancreatic) segment of the bile duct from the end-to-side anastomosis of the transected common bile duct with the second part of the duodenum. The long-term results of this procedure are excellent, and for this reason we have used it for laparoscopic drainage of the common bile duct in six elderly patients (four females and two males; age range, 61-72 years) with multiple occluding ductal calculi and grossly dilated bile duct. Three of these patients (including the one shown in the multimedia video) were admitted acutely with bacterial cholangitis and required emergency insertion of pigtail stent to overcome the acute septic illness. There were no conversions. The first operation lasted 4 h but the operating times in the last two patients were 2.0 and 2.5 h. The results have been excellent, with no deaths and a low postoperative morbidity (chest infection in one patient) and median postoperative hospital stay of 5 days.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of laparoscopic transverse choledochotomy (TC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: Ductal stones were present in 344 of 3,212 patients (10.7%) who underwent LC. The procedure was completed laparoscopically in 329 cases (95.6%), with a TC in 138 cases (41.9%) (the subjects of this study), and with a transcystic duct approach in 191 cases (58.1%). RESULTS: Biliary drainage was used in 131 of 138 cases (94.9%). There were major complications in eight patients (5.7%), and one patient died (0.7%). Retained stones were seen in 11 cases (8%). None of the patients was lost to follow-up (mean, 72.3 months; range, 11-145). Ductal stones recurred in five patients (3.6%). No signs of bile stasis and no biliary strictures were observed. In all, 121 patients are alive with no biliary symptoms; 16 have died from unrelated causes. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up after laparoscopic TC during LC proved its safety and efficacy.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and results of laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones (CBDS). METHODS: From October 1990 to November 1996, 220 patients with CBDS have been managed laparoscopically. CBDS were suspected or diagnosed preoperatively in 130 patients (59.1%) and at intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in 90 patients (40.9%). A transcystic duct extraction (TCDE) was attempted in 112 patients and a primary choledochotomy in 108 patients. RESULTS: TCDE was successful in 77 cases (68.8%). The 35 failures were treated by 29 laparoscopic choledochotomies, 1 intraoperative and 5 postoperative endoscopic sphincterotomies (ES). A choledochotomy was thus performed in 137 cases and was successful in 133 cases (97.1%). The four failures were managed by three laparotomies and one postoperative ES. The overall success rate was 95.5% (210/220). There was 4 deaths (0.9%) within the 1st postoperative month in ASA 3 patients and the morbidity rate was 9.1% (20/220). There were 7 residual stones (3.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic desobstruction of CBDS appears to be safe and effective and has the advantage to be a single-stage procedure. It could become in the future with refinement of instrumentation and skill of surgeons the best treatment for the majority of patients harboring CBDS.
Pancreatic cancer is generally not amenable to curative resection. Consequently, therapeutic efforts for these patients are most commonly directed at palliation of symptoms. Historically, surgery has been considered the most effective method of providing relief for biliary and/or enteric obstruction. However, less invasive methods have become available that can provide effective relief of jaundice and duodenal obstruction. Surgeons should still play an integral role in the management of these patients. We present a case report in which self-expanding metallic stents were used to relieve obstruction of the bile duct and duodenum in a patient with unresectable pancreatic cancer.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We reviewed the selective use of hand-assisted laparoscopic segmentectomy (HALS) and laparoscopic choledochoduodenostomy (LCD) in the management of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC). METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of laparoscopic treatment of RPC during the period 1995 to 2004. The perioperative data were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 33 laparoscopic procedures performed in 30 patients with RPC during the period 1995--2004. There were 23 female and 7 male patients, with a mean age of 63.2+/-14.9 years (range, 29--92 years). All these patients had a history of repeated attacks of cholangitis, and multiple sessions of endoscopic lithotripsy or operative retrieval had previously been attempted. Of these 33 procedures, there were 23 LCDs and 10 HALS. Three patients underwent simultaneous LCD and HALS in the same operation. The mean operative time was 172+/-63.5 min (range, 75--290 min) and there were three open conversions (10%), due to (1) intraoperative bleeding from the left hepatic vein, (2) lost broken tip of ultrasonic dissector, and (3) significant bleeding during choledochotomy, respectively. Average hospital stay was 11.4+/-11.1 days (range, 5--60 days). Eight complications (26.6%) were encountered, which included four bile leaks, three wound infections, and one intraabdominal collection. Complete stone clearance was achieved in all but 1 patient (rate, 96.6%), in whom the residual stones were extracted through a postoperative combined endoscopic and percutaneous approach. Long-term results were satisfactory, and only one stone recurrence was detected, upon a mean follow-up of 34.7 months (range, 1--107 months). CONCLUSIONS: Both LCD and HALS are safe, feasible, and effective treatments for patients with RPC.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the feasibility of robotic-assisted laparascopic reconstruction of the common bile duct (CBD) by way of Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy, given an operator with no prior robotic skills. METHODS: Ten pigs, of 75 kg median weight, were used for the experiments. Three of these animals were used to initialize and adjust the procedure, and seven were scheduled for postoperative survival of a week, and subsequent laparotomy for evaluation. The gallbladder was removed and a Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy was done. Blood samples were drawn prior to the first and the final operation. Under laparotomy, the animals were investigated for signs of cholascos and intraoperative cholangiography was performed. RESULTS: All pigs showed competent anastomoses upon evaluation, including two pigs, which died on the fourth and fifth postoperative days, respectively, due to incorrect suspension of the Roux-en-Y sling, resulting in gastric retention. Standard liver parameters were not affected by surgery, and cholangiography showed no signs of extrahepatic stenosis or intrahepatic dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted Roux-en-Y choledocho-jejunostomy is an easy procedure and accomplishes biliary drainage and intact intestinal flow. Decreasing operating times were experienced, approximating those of a skilled operator.
Pancreatic anomalies are occasionally reported, but complete agenesis of the dorsal pancreas is extremely rare. We report a 47-year-old woman with complete agenesis of the dorsal pancreas. This patient initially presented with jaundice. Computed tomography did not reveal the pancreatic corpus or tail. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography did not visualize the dorsal pancreatic duct. Choledochojejunostomy was performed because she had obstructive jaundice. At laparotomy, there was an enlarged pancreatic head, but no distal pancreas was seen. Histological examination of the pancreatic biopsy specimen showed scattered islets of Langerhans in diffuse fibrosis, with destruction of the glandular parenchyma. This case was diagnosed as complete agenesis of the dorsal pancreas.
Choledochoduodenostomy, using a simple side-to-side anastomosis technique, was performed in a 74-year-old woman with common bile duct stones. She had chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive lung disease. The choledochoduodenostomy was performed with a cholecystectomy. A 2-cm-longitudinal incision was made in the common bile duct, and an adjacent longitudinal incision was made in the first portion of the duodenum. The first sutures to be placed were the two corner sutures of the posterior anastomotic wall. Then the two sides were sutured, one from the hepatic side corner of the common duct to the anal side corner of the duodenum, and the other from the duodenal side corner of the common duct to the oral side corner of the duodenum. This anastomosis was performed with one layer of interrupted 4-0 adsorbable sutures. The anterior wall of the anastomosis was constructed in a similar manner. The patient recovered uneventfully, and had no complaints of abdominal pain or fever. This procedure, our original method, is technically simple and safe, and results in minimal tension of the anastomosis.
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Biliary drainage before surgery for obstructive jaundice has been thought to be indispensable, because these patients tend to develop various complications after the surgery. We developed jaundiced rat models, and studied the effects of biliary drainage on the hepatic blood flow rate, portal pressure, and phagocytic activity. METHODS: We generated rats with obstructive jaundice by surgical ligation followed by cutting of the common bile duct; some jaundiced rats then underwent biliary drainage. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was intraperitoneally administered to some rats. Control rats underwent open abdominal surgery alone. Ultrastructural changes of the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells were examined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The hepatic blood flow rate and phagocytic activity in the jaundiced rats and the LPS-treated jaundiced rats were lower than those in the control rats. Biliary drainage improved the hepatic blood flow rate in both the jaundiced rats and the LPS-treated jaundiced rats to the control levels. Scanning electron microscopic observation of the liver sinusoids showed that, in the jaundiced rats, the endothelial cells were hypertrophic and there was a reduced number of fenestrae. In jaundiced rats that underwent biliary drainage, the hypertrophy was reduced, and the number of fenestrae was increased in comparison with those in the jaundiced rats without the drainage. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that biliary drainage was effective in jaundiced and LPS-treated jaundiced rats.
We present two patients who underwent a portal stent placement for bleeding jejunal varices of the afferent loop caused by extrahepatic portal venous stenosis. Case 1 involved a 66-year-old woman who developed bleeding jejunal varices due to extrahepatic portal venous stenosis 1 year after a pancreaticoduodenectomy with intraoperative radiation therapy. Percutaneous transhepatic balloon dilatation and stent placement were performed. Since undergoing the procedure, no bleeding has occurred. Case 2 concerned a 44-year-old woman who had a rupture and bleeding of jejunal varices 16 years after a choledocojejunostomy. Stenosis was observed from the right and left branches of the portal vein to its intrahepatic branches. Both balloon dilatation and stent placement were attempted. However, the stent could not be fully inserted into the intrahepatic portal vein. Portal stent placement is less invasive and radical, and therefore should be attempted for the treatment of extrahepatic portal venous stenosis. However, there are limits to its application if the stenosis extends to the intrahepatic branches of the portal vein.