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Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided interventions are among the most challenging procedures performed by interventional endoscopists and are associated with a significant risk of complications. Early recognition and classification of perforations allows immediate therapy which improves clinical outcomes. In this article we review the different aspects of iatrogenic perforations associated with pancreatico-biliary interventions, elucidating risk factors, diagnostic challenges and the latest therapeutic interventions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest KB: None, RV: Reports research grants from Boston Scientific and Prion Medical, performed as a consultant for Boston Scientific and Cook Medical, as well as receiving speaker's fee from Mylan and Zambon. RW: Has performed as a consultant for Boston Scientific., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

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Background :The incidence of bile ducts injuries( BDI )has risen from) 0.1 to 0.2%( to) 0.4 to 0.6% ( between the era of open cholecystectomy( O C) and the age of laoaroscopic cholycystectomy( LC.) The aim of the study is to review the management and surgical outcome of the bile duct injuries in gastroenterology and hepatology teaching hospital .Methods: This study is Prospective, done in G.I.T hospital ,From January 2008 –to –February 2011, patients included in this study had prevouse history of cholecystectomy which followed by sign and symptoms of bile duct injures .Most patients have been reffered from other hospitals,supprting therapy were given to them and investigations performed to evaluate the the type of injureis ,minor injuries managed conservatively and by using ERCP while major injuries reconstructive surgery done in form of Roux en y bilioenteric anastomosis,All patients followed up for 8 -50 months by doing liver function tests ,abdominal US and MRCP for some patients .Assesment the out come of the patients using Treblanche grading to good,fair and poor Results: The total number of patients are 53 , female were 37 patients (70.5%) 16 patients (29%) were male.The range of age group from 18 -65 years.Average age is 29 years .Patient with minor BDI treated with drainage and ERCP, while 36 patients had major BDI treated by surgical reconstruction by elective manner using a technique Roux en Y (HJ). Follow up done for (8—50 months). (69.4%) have good result, (25%) got fair result and (5.5%) had poor results which mainly occur in E3 and E4 type injuriesConclusions: .If the diagnosis of BDI occurrence is delayed more than 24h , any attempt of primary reconstruction should be avoided and early referral of the patient to a tertiary care centre with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons and skilled interventional radiologists to assure optimal short-term and long-term outcome

Background: Many benign biliary diseases (BBD) can be treated with fully covered, self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) but stent migration occurs in up to 35.7 %. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the rate of, safety and effectiveness and stent migration of a new biliary FCSEMS with an anti-migration flap (FCSEMS-AF) in patients with BBD. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study from four Italian referral endoscopy centers of 32 consecutive patients (10 females and 22 males; mean age: 60.1 ± 14.8 years; range: 32-84 years) with BBD who were offered endoscopic placement of a FCSEMS-AF as first-line therapy. Results: Were 24 strictures and 8 leaks. Stent placement was technically successful in 32/32 patients (100 %). Immediate clinical improvement was seen in all 32 patients (100 %). One late stent migration occurred (3.3 %). FCSEMS-AF were removed from 30 of the 32 patients (93.7 %) at a mean (±SD) of 124.4 ± 84.2 days (range: 10-386 days) after placement. All patients remained clinically and biochemically well at 1- and 3-month follow-up. One patient (3.3 %) with a post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy stricture developed distal stent migration at 125 days. Conclusion: This new FCSEMS with anti-migration flap seems to be a safe and effective first-line treatment option for patients with BBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gallbladder trauma is a rare injury. This study aimed to describe the significance of these injuries and the appropriate management strategies., Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken at a major trauma centre in South Africa and included all patients diagnosed with a gallbladder injury between January 2012 and October 2020., Results: A total of 51 cases were included (88% male, mean age: 38 years), with 44 (86%) penetrating trauma cases [28 stab wounds (SW), 16 sustained gunshot wounds (GSW)]. Of the 7 (13%) blunt trauma cases, five were involved in a motor vehicle crash, and two were injured via assault. All patients underwent laparotomy. Full-thickness gallbladder laceration or perforation was the most common type of injury (84%) and all patients with a gallbladder perforation or laceration had a cholecystectomy at index operation. Two out of 5 patients with a gallbladder contusion were managed conservatively without a cholecystectomy and the remaining three had evidence of gallbladder necrosis which were managed with cholecystectomy. Associated extrahepatic bile duct injuries occurred in 4% of cases, and 18 cases (35%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The overall mortality was 8%., Conclusion: Gallbladder injury is rare but when encountered implies a significant degree of trauma. Although cholecystectomy is usually definitive, there is an association with other occult extra-hepatic biliary tract injuries. The severity of the associated injuries usually determines patient outcomes., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There are no funding sources or conflicts of interest to declare from any authors Victor Kong - corresponding author 21/03/2021., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Liver injuries sustained in blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma may cause serious patient morbidity and even mortality., Aim: To review the recent experience of liver trauma at Auckland City Hospital, describing the mechanism of injury, patient management, outcomes and complications., Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed, including all patients admitted to Auckland City Hospital with liver trauma identified from the trauma registry. Patient clinical records and radiology were systematically examined., Results: Between 2006-2020, 450 patients were admitted with liver trauma, of whom 92 patients (20%) were transferred from other hospitals. Blunt injury mechanisms, most commonly motor-vehicle crashes, predominated (87%). Stabbings were the most common penetrating mechanism. Over half of liver injuries were low risk American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade I and II (56%), whereas 20% were severe grade IV and V. Non-operative management was undertaken in 72% of patients with blunt liver trauma and 92% of patients with penetrating liver trauma underwent surgery. Liver complications occurred in 11% of patients, most commonly bile leaks (7%), followed by delayed haemorrhage (2%). Thirty-two patients died (7%), with co-existing severe traumatic brain injury as the leading cause of death. There was a significant reduction in death from haemorrhage in patients with grade IV and V liver trauma between the first and second half of the study period (p=0.0091)., Conclusion: Although the incidence and severity of liver trauma at Auckland City Hospital remained stable, there was a reduction in mortality, particularly death as a result of haemorrhage., Competing Interests: Nil.

Abstract: Background: Fully covered self-expanding metal stents are now being used to treat benign biliary diseases. Aims: To assess the outcomes of these stents as first-step therapy in patients with biliary leaks secondary to hepato-biliary surgery. Methods: Thirty patients (56.7% males; mean age: 60.2±13 years) were retrospectively evaluated. The data collected included technical and clinical success, adverse events and follow-up findings (1, 3 and 6 months). Results: Technical and clinical success rates were 100%. One early mild post-procedure pancreatitis occurred and resolved spontaneously. Three late stent distal migrations occurred, however cholangiography showed correct leak sealing in all patients. Stents were removed after a mean of 55.9 days. During follow-up no other complications occurred. Conclusion: In our experience fully covered self-expanding metal stent placement was safe and efficacious as first-step therapy for post-operative biliary leaks. However, prospective comparative studies with plastic stents are required to validate these findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) injuries can be extremely challenging to manage. This scoping review (8438 citations) offers a number of recommendations. If diagnosis and therapy are rapid, patients with major hepatic injuries who present in physiologic extremis have high survival rates despite prolonged hospital stays. Nonoperative management of major liver injuries, as diagnosed using computed tomography, is typically successful. Adjuncts (e.g., angioembolization, laparoscopic washouts, biliary stents) are essential in managing high-grade injuries. Injury to the extrahepatic biliary tree is rare. Cholecystectomy is indicated for all gallbladder trauma. Full-thickness common bile duct injuries require a hepaticojejunostomy, although damage control remains closed suction drainage. Injuries to the pancreatic head often involve concurrent trauma to regional vasculature. Damage control necessitates drainage after stopping hemorrhage. Injury to the left pancreas commonly requires a distal pancreatectomy. Outcomes for high-grade pancreatic and liver injuries are improved by involving an HPB team. Complications are multidisciplinary and should be managed without delay.

Biliary injury is a rare but a very serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Our aim was to analyse the incidence of the biliary injuries and its therapeutic outcome on patients who underwent LC or converted LC. Our research was conducted at the 1st Department of Surgery, Semmelweis University, Budapest between 2006 and 2016, retrospectively. We analysed the LCs and converted LCs performed at our Department and as well as cases where the primary operations were conducted at other institutions but they were unable to provide the adequate therapy for the injury, thus the patients were transferred to our institution. At the 1st Department of Surgery complications occurred in 0,66% (30/4885) of all LCs. 327 converted LCs were done, complications occurred in 26 (7.95%) times. 22 patients were transferred to the 1st Department of Surgery from other institutions. Bilio-vascular injuries occurred in 61% (41/78). ERCP was performed in 25 cases with a 92% success rate. Reoperation was needed in 41% (28/41). Biliary reconstruction during the reoperation was performed via hepaticojejunostomy in 82% of all reoperations. The therapeutic solutions of LC’s complications are complex. Therefore, the treatment is recommended only in institutions with appropriate experience.

Background: Iatrogenic biliary tract injury (BTI) is a rare complication but has high risks of morbidity and mortality when it is not early noticed. Although the treatment varies depending on the size of injury and the time until the injury is noticed, endoscopic and percutaneous interventions are usually sufficient. However, it should be remembered that these interventions may cause major complications in the following years, such as biliary stricture, recurrent episodes of cholangitis and even cirrhosis. In this paper, we aimed to present our approach to BTI following cholecystectomy and our treatment management in the light of the literature., Methods: The medical records of 105 patients who were treated for BTI between January 2015 and July 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. The majority of the patients consisted of the patients who underwent cholecystectomy at an external medical center and were referred to our clinic due to biliary leakage (BL). Patients were grouped according to Strasberg classification determined by the place of leakage., Results: Among 105 patients included in this study, 55 were male, and 50 were female. Mean age was 55.2±16.26 years (range, 21-93 years). According to Strasberg classification, type A, B, C, D and E injuries were detected in 57, 1, 3, 29 and 15 patients, respectively. Eighty-five patients were successfully treated with endoscopic and percutaneous interventions, while 20 patients underwent surgery., Conclusion: In all patients with suspected BTI, a detailed screening and appropriate treatment provide a significant decline in morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early diagnosis is very important for both early and late outcomes.

Rationale : Biliary tract injury remains the most dreaded complication during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. New intraoperative guidance technologies, including near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence cholangiography with indocyanine green (ICG), are under comprehensive evaluation. Previous studies had shown the limitations of traditional NIR light (NIR-I, 700-900 nm) in visualizing the biliary tract structures in specific clinical situations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing the extrahepatic cholangiography in the second NIR window (NIR-II, 900-1700 nm) and compare it to the conventional NIR-I imaging. Methods : The absorption and emission spectra, as well as fluorescence intensity and photostability of ICG-bile solution in the NIR-II window were recorded and measured. In vitro intralipid ® phantom imaging was performed to evaluate tissue penetrating depth in NIR-I and NIR-II window. Different clinical scenarios were modeled by broadening the penetration distance or generating bile duct injuries, and bile duct visualization and lesion site diagnosis in the NIR-II window were evaluated and compared with NIR-I imaging. Results : The fluorescence spectrum of ICG-bile solution extends well into the NIR-II region, exhibiting intense emission value and excellent photostability sufficient for NIR-II biliary tract imaging. Extrahepatic cholangiography using ICG in the NIR-II window obviously reduced background signal and enhanced penetration depth, providing more structural information and improved visualization of the bile duct or lesion location in simulated clinical scenarios, outperforming the NIR-I window imaging. Conclusions : The conventional clinically approved agent ICG is an excellent fluorophore for NIR-II bile duct imaging. Fluorescence cholangiography with ICG in the NIR-II window could provide adequate visualization of the biliary tract structures with increased resolution and penetration depth and might be a valid option to increase the safety of cholecystectomy in difficult cases., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the role of hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) in the management of biliary tract injuries., Methods: We retrospectively studied 54 patients (28 male and 26 female patients) aged 3 to 78 years with evidence of bile leak on HBS performed between January 2015 and October 2017. Following intravenous injection of Tc-mebrofenin, dynamic images were acquired for 30 minutes followed by static images until 24 hours. SPECT/CT was performed in patients with suspicion of bile leak on the planar images. Patients were classified as those with free intraperitoneal or localized bile leak. Any abdominal drain output was documented, and its statistical significance was assessed using Mann-Whitney U test. Subsequent management was also documented., Results: Of the 54 patients, 28 demonstrated free intraperitoneal bile leak and 26 localized leak on HBS. Thirty-four patients (24 with free intraperitoneal leak and 10 with localized leak) had an abdominal drain. Drain output was significantly higher in patients with free intraperitoneal leak compared with patients with localized leak (370 vs 78 mL/d per patient, P < 0.01). All patients with free intraperitoneal bile leak underwent interventional procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and stenting or Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy later on. Patients with localized bile leak were managed conservatively and were free of symptoms at 1-year follow-up., Conclusions: Our findings indicate that, in addition to detecting biliary leak, HBS may be used to identify patients with localized bile leak (48% of patients in our study) who do not require active intervention.

A $$2{\raise0.5ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 1$}\kern-0.1em/\kern-0.15em\lower0.25ex\hbox{$\scriptstyle 2$}}$$ -year-old child with isolated complete transection of the common bile duct following a fall from a tractor was successfully managed by isolated jejunal loop interposition choledochoduodenostomy. The literature on isolated common bile duct injuries is reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) is an established surgical procedure for the treatment of carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Modifications to this procedure include gastropancreaticoduodenectomy, which includes the removal of parts of the pancreas, duodenum, and stomach. Complications of surgery include fistula formation, failure of the anastomosis, and leak of pancreatic enzymes, which can be reduced by stenting the pancreatic duct. This report is of a rare complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy and describes a case of retrograde migration of a pancreatic duct stent into the biliary tract through the orifice of the hepaticojejunostomy. CASE REPORT A 50-year-old man with a history of gastric cancer, underwent gastropancreaticoduodenectomy. Surgery was complicated by displacement of the pancreatic stent to the biliary system, which resulted in postoperative obstructive jaundice and bile leakage from the hepaticojejunostomy between the hepatic duct and the jejunum. An endoscopy was performed and the stent was successfully retrieved. The patient recovered rapidly, the bile leakage resolved, the patient's jaundice resolved, and was discharged home with no further surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS A case is reported of a rare early complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy in a patient with gastric cancer. Endoscopy successfully retrieved the pancreatic duct stent that had migrated into the biliary tract through the orifice of the hepaticojejunostomy.

Alterations in the Wnt signaling pathway including those impacting hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been implicated in liver fibrosis. In the current study, we first examined the expression of Wnt genes in human HSC (HHSCs) after treatment with a profibrogenic factor TGF-β1. Next, we generated HSC-specific Wntless (Wls) knockout (KO) using the Lrat-cre and Wls-floxed mice. KO and littermate controls (CON) were characterized for any basal phenotype and subjected to two liver fibrosis protocols. In vitro, TGF-β1 induced expression of Wnt2, 5a and 9a while decreasing Wnt2b, 3a, 4, and 11 in HHSC. In vivo, KO and CON mice were born at normal Mendelian ratio and lacked any overt phenotype. Loss of Wnt secretion from HSCs had no effect on liver weight and did not impact β-catenin activation in the pericentral hepatocytes. After 7 days of bile duct ligation (BDL), KO and CON showed comparable levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total and direct bilirubin. Comparable histology, Sirius red staining, and immunohistochemistry for α-SMA, desmin, Ki-67, F4/80, and CD45 indicated similar proliferation, inflammation, and portal fibrosis in both groups. Biweekly administration of carbon tetrachloride for 4 or 8 weeks also led to comparable serum biochemistry, inflammation, and fibrosis in KO and CON. Specific Wnt genes were altered in HHSCs in response to TGF-β1; however, eliminating Wnt secretion from HSC did not impact basal β-catenin activation in normal liver nor did it alter the injury-repair response during development of liver fibrosis.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has many roles in biliary disease. OLT provides excellent results for patients with unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma. OLT prolongs survival in primary biliary cirrhosis not responsive to therapy and improves quality of life. OLT remains the durable option for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and complications of end-stage liver disease or recurrent cholangitis secondary to biliary obstruction. Indications for OLT after bile duct injury are chronic liver disease secondary to biliary cirrhosis and acute liver failure from associated vascular injury. OLT is treatment of choice for Caroli disease and syndrome when fibrosis leads to portal hypertension and esophageal varices., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Biliary tract shows a large number of anatomic variations and duplication of the bile duct is an extremely rare anomaly. It has been reported to be associated with other congenital conditions like Abnormal Pancreato Biliary Junction (APBJ), biliary atresia and choledochal cyst and may lead to complications like cholangitis, choledocholithiasis and malignancy. The clinical presentation may be with one of the above complications and the condition usually reveals itself only on imaging investigations, as a surprise to the radiologist and the surgeon. Its detection is important prior to any biliary tract surgery to prevent inadvertent bile duct injury. The authors report a case of a rare subtype of extrahepatic bile duct duplication with coexisting choledochal cyst.

Hepatic and biliary tract injuries due to traumatic causes are rare in pediatric patients. Of the total number of patients with closed abdominal trauma, less than 9 % have liver injury, and the frequency varies between 2 and 3 % of biliary tract lesions. Currently, the recommended treatment for closed abdominal trauma with liver injury without hemodynamic repercussion is conservative. In case of presenting intra or extrahepatic biliary tract lesion, the preferred approaches are minimally invasive, such as percutaneous or endoscopic surgery, using laparotomy in selected cases. We present the case of a patient with closed abdominal trauma and liver trauma, initially laparotomized on 2 occasions due to hemodynamic instability and hemoperitoneum; presented a subdiaphragmatic and coleperitoneal bilioma; it was performed minimally invasive percutaneous drainage under tomographic control., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)

We describe in this review the different types of injuries caused to the biliary tree after liver transplantation. Furthermore, we explain underlying mechanisms and why oxygenated perfusion concepts could not only protect livers, but also repair high-risk grafts to prevent severe biliary complications and graft loss. Accordingly, we summarize experimental studies and clinical applications of machine liver perfusion with a focus on biliary complications after liver transplantation. Key points: (1) Acute inflammation with subsequent chronic ongoing liver inflammation and injury are the main triggers for cholangiocyte injury and biliary tree transformation, including non-anastomotic strictures; (2) Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) protects livers from initial oxidative injury at normothermic reperfusion after liver transplantation. This is a unique feature of a cold oxygenation approach, which is effective also end-ischemically, e.g., after cold storage, due to mitochondrial repair mechanisms. In contrast, normothermic oxygenated perfusion concepts protect by reducing cold ischemia, and are therefore most beneficial when applied instead of cold storage; (3) Due to less downstream activation of cholangiocytes, hypothermic oxygenated perfusion also significantly reduces the development of biliary strictures after liver transplantation.

Background: Biliary leak following severe blunt liver injuries is a complex problem becoming more frequent with improvements in non-operative management. Standard treatment requires main bile duct drainage usually performed by endoscopic sphincterotomy and stent placement. We report our experience with cholecystostomy as a first minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic approach., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with post-traumatic biliary leak between 2006 and 2015. In the first period (2006-2010), biliary fistula was managed using perihepatic drainage and endoscopic, percutaneous or surgical main bile duct drainage. After 2010, cholecystostomy as an initial minimally invasive approach was performed., Results: Of 341 patients with blunt liver injury, 18 had a post-traumatic biliary leak. Ten patients received standard treatment and eight patients underwent cholecystostomy. The cholecystostomy (62.5%) and the standard treatment (80%) groups presented similar success rates as the first biliary drainage procedure (p = 0.41). Cholecystostomy presented no severe complications and resulted, when successful, in a bile flow rate inversion between the perihepatic drains and the gallbladder drain within a median [IQR] 4 days [1-7]. The median time for bile leak resolution was 26 days in the cholecystostomy group and 39 days in the standard treatment group (p = 0.09). No significant difference was found considering median duration of hospital stay (54 and 74 days, respectively, p = 0.37) or resuscitation stay (17.5 and 19.5 days, p = 0.59)., Conclusion: Cholecystostomy in non-operative management of biliary fistula after blunt liver injury could be an effective, simple and safe first-line procedure in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of post-traumatic biliary tract injuries.

Pancreaticobiliary injury is an uncommon entity which more often occurs in the setting of blunt than penetrating trauma. We present cases of pancreaticobiliary traumatic injuries from our Level 1 trauma center to illustrate an imaging update on the spectrum of injuries and correlation with current grading systems., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Precut techniques allow for successful biliary cannulation rates approaching 100% but there may be an associated increase in the risk of complications. Recently, early needle-knife precut has been shown to be a safe procedure and is now used as a pancreatitis prevention resource for difficult cannulation cases. The goal of the present study was to assess cannulation and pancreatitis rates using two early precut techniques., Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective study of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) procedures performed from 2013 to 2016. The efficacy and safety of simple cannulation, needle-knife precut and transpancreatic precut were assessed., Results: Simple cannulation was achieved in 369 (73.4%) of 503 evaluable ERCP procedures. Needle-knife precut was successful in 51 (96.2%) of 53 attempts and transpancreatic precut was successful in 75 (96.2%) of 78 attempts. The overall cannulation rate was 98.4%. There were eleven (2.4%) pancreatitis events, six (1.8%) with simple cannulation (two severe, one fatal), five (6.3%) with transpancreatic precut (two severe) and zero events with the needle-knife precut procedure. Among the patients undergoing the precut procedure, seven experienced perforations (two severe) and there were seven bleeding events. The overall complication rate was 14.4%., Conclusions: The complementary use of either precut technique provides a satisfactory biliary cannulation rate. However, the rates of pancreatitis and other severe complications are higher for transpancreatic versus needle-knife precut, therefore the indications for both techniques should be modified.

With the universal acceptance of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) as the imaging modality of first resort in the assessment of blunt abdominal injury, the trauma radiologist must be able to accurately and rapidly identify the range of CT manifestations of the traumatized abdomen. In this article, we lay out the fundamental principles in CT interpretation of blunt trauma to the hepatobiliary system and spleen, including vascular injury, with a focus on technical and interpretive pearls and pitfalls. This review will help radiologists and trainees become more familiar with key aspects of abdominal CT trauma protocol selection, CT-based solid organ injury grading, and the various appearances and mimics of hepatobiliary and splenic injury.

The treatment of common bile duct (CBD) disorders, such as biliary atresia or ischemic strictures, is restricted by the lack of biliary tissue from healthy donors suitable for surgical reconstruction. Here we report a new method for the isolation and propagation of human cholangiocytes from the extrahepatic biliary tree in the form of extrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ECOs) for regenerative medicine applications. The resulting ECOs closely resemble primary cholangiocytes in terms of their transcriptomic profile and functional properties. We explore the regenerative potential of these organoids in vivo and demonstrate that ECOs self-organize into bile duct-like tubes expressing biliary markers following transplantation under the kidney capsule of immunocompromised mice. In addition, when seeded on biodegradable scaffolds, ECOs form tissue-like structures retaining biliary characteristics. The resulting bioengineered tissue can reconstruct the gallbladder wall and repair the biliary epithelium following transplantation into a mouse model of injury. Furthermore, bioengineered artificial ducts can replace the native CBD, with no evidence of cholestasis or occlusion of the lumen. In conclusion, ECOs can successfully reconstruct the biliary tree, providing proof of principle for organ regeneration using human primary cholangiocytes expanded in vitro.

Comparative studies between robotic and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) focus heavily on economic considerations under the assumption of comparable clinical outcomes. Advancement of the robotic technique and the further widespread use of this approach suggest a need for newer comparison studies. 676 ICG-aided robotic cholecystectomies (ICG-aided RC) performed at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Division of General, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery were compiled retrospectively. Additionally, 289 LC were similarly obtained. Data were compared to the largest single institution LC data sets from within the US and abroad. Statistically significant variations were found between UIC-RC and UIC-LC in minor biliary injuries (p = 0.049), overall open conversion (p ≤ 0.001), open conversion in the acute setting (p = 0.002), and mean blood loss (p < 0.001). UIC-RC open conversions were also significantly lower than Greenville Health System LC (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, UIC ICG-RC resulted in the lowest percentages of major biliary injuries (0 %) and highest percentage of biliary anomalies identified (2.07 %). ICG-aided cholangiography and the technical advantages associated with the robotic platform may significantly decrease the rate of open conversion in both the acute and non-acute setting. The sample size discrepancy and the non-randomized nature of our study do not allow for drawing definitive conclusions.

Background and Aims: Direct per-oral cholangioscopy allows endoscopic visualization of the biliary tract. Insufflation with carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is an alternative to saline solution irrigation during direct cholangioscopy. There are no data on maximal CO 2 insufflation in direct cholangioscopy without causing biliary barotrauma or fatal gas embolism. We aimed to evaluate the safety of increasing CO 2 insufflation in direct cholangioscopy without causing biliary barotrauma or fatal gas embolism., Methods: This was an in vivo animal study. Four domestic pigs, under general endotracheal anesthesia, were used. The first animal was used to validate the feasibility of direct cholangioscopy and biliary pressure measurements, after which all animals underwent laparotomy, insertion of a pressure transducer in the cystic duct, and direct transpapillary placement of the cholangioscope. The common bile duct (CBD) and cystic duct were ligated to contain the instilled gas and exclusively expose the biliary tree. Insufflation of CO 2 started at 200 mL/min and was continuously increased until there was evidence of bile duct rupture (as measured by a drop in intraductal pressures) or instability of vital signs (hypotension, bradycardia, bradypnea, O 2 desaturation). Necropsy was performed on all animals to assess the liver and biliary system for evidence of barotrauma., Results: CO 2 was insufflated up to 8 L/min without causing bile duct rupture or instability in vital signs despite increasing CBD pressure with insufflation. There was significant correlation between CO 2 flow with partial pressure of CO 2 in arterial blood (PaCO 2 ) (coefficient, 0.96-1.00; P < .01) and end tidal expired CO 2 (EtCO 2 ) (coefficient, 0.94-1.00; P < .01). However, the pulse rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure, and O 2 did not correlate with the amount of CO 2 flow. There was no evidence of hepatic or biliary barotrauma on necropsy., Conclusions: This pilot experience in porcine models suggests that CO 2 insufflation is safe for direct cholangioscopy and does not result in biliary barotrauma or vital signs instability., (Copyright © 2017 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Iatrogenic and traumatic bile leaks are uncommon. However, given the overall increase in number of hepatobiliary surgeries and the paradigm shift toward nonoperative management of patients with liver trauma, they have become more prevalent in recent years. Imaging is essential to establishing early diagnosis and guiding treatment as the clinical signs and symptoms of bile leaks are nonspecific, and a delay in recognition of bile leaks portends a high morbidity and mortality rate. Findings suspicious for a bile leak at computed tomography or ultrasonography include free or contained peri- or intrahepatic low density fluid in the setting of recent trauma or hepatobiliary surgery. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with hepatobiliary contrast agents can be used to detect active or contained bile leak. MRCP with hepatobiliary contrast agents has the unique ability to reveal the exact location of bile leak, which often governs whether endoscopic management or surgical management is warranted. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and fluoroscopy via an indwelling catheter that is placed either percutaneously or surgically are useful modalities to guide percutaneous transhepatic biliary drain placement which can provide biliary drainage and/or diversion in the setting of traumatic biliary injury. Surgical treatment of a bile duct injury with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is warranted if definitive treatment cannot be accomplished through percutaneous or endoscopic means.

Purpose: To clarify the clinical value and pitfalls of fluorescent cholangiography (FC) during single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC)., Methods: Our SILC procedure utilized the SILS-Port with additional 5-mm forceps through an umbilical incision. A laparoscopic fluorescent imaging system developed by Karl Storz Endoskope was utilized for fluorescent cholangiography., Results: We performed fluorescent cholangiography during SILC in 21 patients. All procedures were completed successfully without biliary injury. The detectability of the running course of the cystic duct, the confluence between the cystic duct and the common hepatic duct, and the common hepatic duct before the dissection in Calot's triangle was 47.6, 71.4, and 81.0 %, respectively. The detectability of biliary structures was worse in 9 obese patients (body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m 2 ) than in 12 non-obese patients. The mean operative time for the patients in whom fluorescent cholangiography could identify the running course of the cystic duct before dissection in Calot's triangle (68 ± 16 min) was shorter than that for the other patients (91 ± 35 min; p = 0.037)., Conclusions: Fluorescent cholangiography can prevent biliary injury during SILC and facilitate SILC. Obesity is the most important factor that can prevent identification of biliary structures under fluorescent cholangiography.

Background: This project aimed to study resource utilization and surgical outcomes after hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) for biliary injuries utilizing data from ACS NSQIP., Methods: Data from the Participant Use Data File containing surgical patients submitted to the ACS NSQIP during the period of 1/1/2005-12/31/2014 were analyzed., Results: During the study period, 320 patients underwent HJ. Mean age was 50 years, and 109 (34%) were male. Forty-four percent of patients met criteria for ASA class III-V. Forty patients (12.5%) developed one or more critical care complications (CCC). Eighty-one patients (25%) experienced morbidity with a perioperative mortality rate of 1.9%. The mean age of these patients was 52 years, and 62% were male. Age and preoperative elevated alkaline phosphatase were independent predictors of CCC (p < 0.001 and 0.042, OR 1.035, OR 4.337, respectively). Patients ASA class III, age, and preoperative hypoalbuminemia were found to increase risk for prolonged LOS (OR 1.87, p = 0.041, OR 1.02, p = 0.049, OR 2.63, p = 0.001)., Discussion: The most significant predictors of morbidity and increased resource utilization after HJ include increasing age, ASA class III or above, and preoperative hypoalbuminemia. Age and ASA class are the strongest predictors of CCC in these patients., (Copyright © 2016 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the trauma patient is limited. Therefore, reporting of outcomes is sparse in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review outcomes of patients who underwent ERCP for traumatic biliopancreatic injury. We retrospectively reviewed 1550 ERCPs, from a prospectively maintained database, performed by a single surgical endoscopist consulted by the trauma surgical service for the management of traumatic fistulae. Referral was made for patients with high output (greater than 200 mL/d) and/or persistent (failure to resolve within 30 days) fistulae and traumatic biliary stricture. Primary end point was postprocedural complications. Secondary end points included patient characteristics, stents placed, and duration of stenting. Seventeen patients underwent a total of 31 ERCPs for biliary and/or pancreatic injury resulting from abdominal trauma (eight penetrating, nine blunt). Fourteen patients had ERCP after laparotomy, with a mean interval to ERCP of 74 days. In three patients, ERCP was the only intervention required. Fourteen biliary stents were placed, seven of which were metallic. Ten pancreatic stents were placed; one proximally migrated but was successfully retrieved. Four patients had both ducts simultaneously stented. The mean duration of stenting was 158 days. All fistulae resolved after stenting. There were no serious complications.

The use of octogenarian donors to increase the donor pool in liver transplantation (LT) is controversial because advanced donor age is associated with a higher risk of ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBL). The aim of this study was to investigate retrospectively the role of a number of different pre-LT risk factors for ITBL in a selected population of recipients of octogenarian donor grafts. Between January 2003 and December 2013, 123 patients underwent transplantation at our institution with deceased donor grafts from donors of age ≥80 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of ITBL in the posttransplant course. Exclusion criteria were retransplantations, presence of vascular complications, and no availability of procurement liver biopsy. A total of 88 primary LTs were included, 73 (83.0%) with no posttransplant ITBLs and 15 (17.0%) with ITBLs. The median follow-up after LT was 2.1 years (range, 0.7-5.4 years). At multivariate analysis, donor hemodynamic instability (hazard ratio [HR], 7.6; P = 0.005), donor diabetes mellitus (HR, 9.5; P = 0.009), and donor age-Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (HR, 1.0; P = 0.04) were risk factors for ITBL. Transplantation of liver grafts from donors of age ≥80 years is associated with a higher risk for ITBL. However, favorable results can be achieved with accurate donor selection. Donor hemodynamic instability, a donor history of diabetes mellitus, and allocation to higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score recipient all increase the risk of ITBL and are associated with worse graft survival when octogenarian donors are used. Liver Transplantation 22 588-598 2016 AASLD., (© 2016 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.)

Biliary complications after donor hepatectomy can result in significant morbidity. We herein present our experience of donor hepatectomy, highlighting surgical techniques that prevent complications. Data were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database of all donors who underwent hepatectomy from April 2011 to April 2015. Standard operative technique as described was followed in all patients. Biliary complications and morbidity were recorded and stratified as per Clavien-Dindo classification. Results were compared with published literature. During the study period, 160 donors underwent hepatectomy. The majority of the graft types were right hemiliver without the middle hepatic vein (71.9%). Major complications (grade III and above) occurred in 5.6% of the donors. There was no donor mortality. Only 1 out of the 160 donors (0.6%) has had a grade III biliary complication requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and papillotomy. There were 3 grade II biliary complications, all occurring after left lateral sectionectomy, necessitating prolonged retention of the intra-abdominal drain. The median duration of hospital stay was 11 days (range, 5-67 days), and the duration of follow-up was 16 months (range, 3-52 months). There was no loss to follow-up, and no donor required readmission or outpatient procedures for any biliary complication. In conclusion, with careful donor selection and a standardized surgical technique, biliary complications can be minimized. Liver Transplantation 22 607-614 2016 AASLD., (© 2015 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.)

Introduction: The authors present the results of surgical resection in the form of proximal gastrectomy in a selected set of patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction. The selection criteria included: ASA III-IV, internal comorbidities and elderly patients., Methods: Between 2007 and 2015, 28 patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction underwent proximal gastrectomy at the 1st Department of Surgery. The patient set consisted of 19 (67.8%) men and 9 (32.3%) women aged 5289 years with the median age of 72.5 years. Endoscopic examination revealed a tumour of the gastroesophageal junction, which was evaluated according to the Siewert classification: type I was present in 4 (16.7%) cases, type II in 12 (42.3%), and type III in 12 (42.3%). Histological analysis revealed adenocarcinoma in all cases. Proximal gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy was performed in all patients. Splenectomy was performed in eleven patients. The continuity of the gastrointestinal tract was ensured by esophagogastroanastomosis, and pyloromyotomy was performed as a standard procedure. Cryostatic examination revealed positive resection margins in the esophagus in five patients, which led to the resection of the distal esophagus from the right-sided thoracotomy., Results: Injury to the biliary tract was observed in one case in the perioperative period, which was treated by hepaticojejunoanastomosis onto an excluded jejunal loop. The following complications were observed postoperatively: bleeding, respiratory complications, anastomotic dehiscence, laparotomy wound dehiscence, and inflammatory infiltration in the abdominal cavity. Thirty-day mortality was 10.7% in our patient set., Conclusion: Proximal gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy is an appropriate alternative for polymorbid patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction and provides good short- and long-term results.Key words: cancer of gastroesophageal junction proximal gastrectomy complications of therapy.

The major causes of benign biliary strictures include surgery, chronic pancreatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune cholangitis. Biliary leaks mainly occur after surgery and, rarely, abdominal trauma. These conditions may benefit from a nonsurgical approach in which endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plays a pivotal role in association with other minimally invasive approaches. This approach should be evaluated for any injury before deciding about the method for repair. ERCP, associated with peroral cholangioscopy, plays a growing role in characterizing undeterminate strictures, avoiding both unuseful major surgeries and palliative options that might compromise any further management., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Study Aims: Biliary tract complications after liver transplantation are usually treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. When biliary tract intervention is indicated, endoscopic sphincterotomy is often required. However, data regarding complication rates after endoscopic sphincterotomy in liver transplant recipients are limited. This study therefore investigated complication rates during the first 15 days after endoscopic sphincterotomy in liver transplant recipients., Patients and Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 157 consecutive liver transplant recipients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with endoscopic sphincterotomy between January 1998 and August 2013 at the University Hospital of Münster, Germany. Complications that occurred within the first 15 days after the procedure were recorded, and complication rates were compared between patients who underwent conventional and precut endoscopic sphincterotomy., Results: A total of 24 complications (15.2%) were recorded, including 9 cases (5.7%) of pancreatitis, 6 cases (3.8%) of bleeding, and 1 case (0.6%) of perforation. There were no procedure-related deaths. There were no significant differences in complication rates between the two sphincterotomy techniques. The rate of post-procedural pancreatitis decreased over time., Conclusion: Endoscopic sphincterotomy is a safe procedure in liver transplant recipients. The procedure-related complication rate is reasonable and most complications can be managed conservatively., (Copyright © 2015 Arab Journal of Gastroenterology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The objective of our study was to determine the safety and efficacy of intraductal perfusion of chilled 5% dextrose in water (D5W) via an endoscopic nasobiliary tube (NBT) for the prevention of thermal bile duct injury in patients undergoing percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of central liver tumors., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study comparing outcomes of 32 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous RFA of central liver tumors without intraductal perfusion of chilled D5W (control cohort) and 14 consecutive patients who underwent temporary intraductal perfusion of chilled D5W at 2 mL/s via endoscopic NBT placement before RFA (endoscopic NBT cohort). The primary and secondary outcomes were the rate of biliary complications and local tumor progression, respectively., Results: All patients tolerated the procedures well. There was a significantly lower rate of biliary complications in the endoscopic NBT cohort (0/14 patients, 0%) than in the control cohort (10/32 patients, 31%) (p < 0.03) with a trend toward improved preservation of liver function in the endoscopic NBT cohort (12/14 patients, 86%) compared with the control cohort (20/32 patients, 62%) (p = 0.05). There was no difference in the rate of local tumor progression between the endoscopic NBT cohort (4/19 tumors, 21%) and the control cohort (9/39 tumors, 23%) (p = 1.0)., Conclusion: Perfusion of chilled water through an endoscopic NBT helps prevent thermal biliary injury during RFA of central liver tumors without increasing rates of local tumor progression.

Morphological and functional features of interstitial endocrine cells (Leydig cells) in the posterity of female rats with experimental liver injury of various genesis in the neonatal period were analized. Found that in experimental rats are a reduction in the number of Leydig cells, the ratio between active and inactive endocrinocytes and as a consequence, reduction of its cell activity index.

Purpose: The outcome of endoscopic treatment for the management of surgical end-to-side hepaticoduodenostomy (HD) has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of endoscopic management of HD., Methods: The medical records of 17 patients with HD stenosis who were referred to the ERCP unit between August 2003 and June 2012 for endoscopic intervention were retrospectively analyzed., Results: Fourteen patients presented with cholangitis, of whom, jaundice was the presenting complaint in 3 patients. Eight patients (47.1%) who had stents placed for a median of 2 (min, 1; max, 3) ERCP periods remained asymptomatic for a median stent-free period of 19.5 months (min, 7; max, 96 mo). Five patients (29.4%) who had stents placed for a median of 2 (min, 1; max, 5) ERCP periods presented with an episode of stone-related cholangitis for a mean of 41.8±28.9 months after stent removal. These 5 patients remained asymptomatic for a median of 9.5 months (min, 5; max, 40 mo) after endoscopic stone extraction. Three patients with HD (17.6%) were followed up with stents for 4 to 19 ERC periods. One HD patient (5.9%) who had cholangitis associated with secondary biliary cirrhosis died of cholangitis-related complications, despite the treatment with stents for 4 ERC periods., Conclusion: Endoscopic management is also a realistic treatment option for stenotic HD anastomosis, although success rates may vary.

Traumatic injuries of the spleen and liver are typically caused by age-related falls or sports and traffic accidents. Today, the non-operative management for isolated injuries is established and evidence-based guidelines are available. The intact abdominal wall and the limited space within the peritoneum produce a compression which is the pathophysiological explanation for the limitation of the haemorrhage. Precondition for the non-operative therapy is the radiology-based classification of the injury (organ injury scale) and a haemodynamically stable patient. Haemodynamic stability is, if necessary maintained with blood transfusion, volume substitutes and the administration of catecholamines. In cases of hilar vascular injury and devascularisation or haemodynamic instability of the patient, despite utilisation of the measures mentioned above, urgent operative therapy needs to be performed. Organ sparing surgery is the therapy of choice for both liver and spleen. The spleen is required for the development of a competent immune system in the growing organism. Liver injuries can be further complicated by injury to the bile system, which might require operative reconstruction. If a patient suffers from multiple injuries and spleen or liver are involved, the decision on the management needs to be taken individually, no guidelines exist but the rate for operative therapy increases. Independent of the dimensions of injury, an experienced paediatric surgeon with his multidisciplinary team, considering the anatomic and age specific characteristics of a child, achieves the best therapeutic results., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Iatrogenic injury to the bile ducts is the most feared complication of cholecystectomy and several are the possibilities to occur., Aim: To compare the cases of iatrogenic lesions of the biliary tract occurring in conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, assessing the likely causal factors, complications and postoperative follow-up., Methods: Retrospective cohort study with analysis of records of patients undergoing conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All the patients were analyzed in two years. The only criterion for inclusion was to be operative bile duct injury, regardless of location or time of diagnosis. There were no exclusion criteria. Epidemiological data of patients, time of diagnosis of the lesion and its location were analyzed., Results: Total of 515 patients with gallstones was operated, 320 (62.1 %) by laparotomy cholecystectomy and 195 by laparoscopic approach. The age of patients with bile duct injury ranged from 29-70 years. Among those who underwent laparotomy cholecystectomy, four cases were diagnosed (1.25 %) with lesions, corresponding to 0.77 % of the total patients. No patient had iatrogenic interventions with laparoscopic surgery., Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to laparotomy, had a lower rate of bile duct injury.

Although traumatic and iatrogenic bile leaks are rare, they have become more prevalent in recent years due to an increased propensity toward nonsurgical management of patients with liver trauma and an overall increase in the number of hepatobiliary surgeries being performed. Because clinical signs and symptoms of bile leaks are nonspecific and delay in the recognition of bile leaks is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, imaging is crucial for establishing an early diagnosis and guiding the treatment algorithm. At computed tomography or ultrasonography, free or contained peri- or intrahepatic low-attenuation (low-density) fluid in the setting of recent trauma or hepatobiliary surgery should raise suspicion for a bile leak. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy and magnetic resonance (MR) cholangiopancreatography with hepatobiliary contrast agents can help detect active or contained bile leaks. MR cholangiopancreatography with hepatobiliary contrast agents has the added advantage of being able to help localize the bile leak, which in turn can help determine if endoscopic management is sufficient or if surgical management is warranted. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may provide diagnostic confirmation and concurrent therapy when nonsurgical management is pursued. A multimodality imaging approach is helpful in diagnosing traumatic or iatrogenic biliary injuries, accurately localizing a bile leak, and determining appropriate treatment., (RSNA, 2014)

Because it offers several advantages over open cholecystectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has largely replaced open cholecystectomy for the management of symptomatic gallstone disease. The only potential disadvantage is a higher incidence of major bile duct injury. Although prevention of these biliary injuries is ideal, when they do occur, early identification and appropriate treatment are critical to improving the outcomes of patients suffering a major bile duct injury. This report delineates the key factors in classification (and its relationship to mechanism and management), identification (intraoperative and postoperative), and management principles of these bile duct injuries., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background/purpose: Traumatic biliary tract injuries in children are rare but may result in significant morbidity. The objective of this study was to review the occurrence of traumatic biliary tract injuries in children, management strategies, and outcome., Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with biliary tract injury using the trauma registry at our level 1 pediatric trauma center from 2002-2012., Results: Twelve out of 13,582 trauma patients were identified, representing 0.09% of all trauma patients. All were secondary to blunt trauma. Mean age was 9.7 years [range 4-15], and mean Injury Severity Score was 31 ± 14, with overall survival of 92%. Biliary injuries included major ductal injury (6), minor ductal injury with biloma (4), gallbladder injury (2), and intrahepatic ductal injury (1). Major ductal injuries were managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and biliary stent (5) and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (1). Associated gallbladder injury was managed by cholecystectomy. In addition, the associated biloma was managed with percutaneous drainage (7), laparoscopic drainage (2), or during laparotomy (3). Two patients with ductal injuries developed late strictures after initial management with ERCP and stent placement. One of the two patients ultimately required a left hepatectomy, and the other has been managed conservatively without evidence of cholangitis. Two patients required placement of additional drains and prolonged antibiotics for superinfection following biloma drainage., Conclusion: Biliary tract injuries are rare in children, and many are amenable to adjunctive therapy, including ERCP and biliary stent placement with or without placement of a peritoneal drain. Patients with a discrete ductal injury are at higher risk for stricture and require close follow up. Hepaticojejunostomy remains the definitive repair for large extrahepatic biliary tract injuries or transections., (© 2014.)