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Laparoscopic left-sided hepatectomy (LLH) and additional biliary tract exploration are effective methods to treat left-sided hepatolithiasis (LSH) combined with extrahepatic bile duct stones. Although biliary tract exploration through common bile duct (CBD) incision has been widely accepted, the safety and effectiveness of the left hepatic duct (LHD) orifice approach after LLH is still in debate.One hundred and forty-four patients with LSH who underwent LLH and biliary tract exploration in our institution from April 2014 to September 2021 were enrolled in the retrospectively study. They were divided into 3 groups: LHD group (n=67), CBD/T-tube group (n=58), and CBD/PC group (n=19). Patients' demographic characteristics, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.LHD group exhibited a shorter operative time (202.8±42.2 vs. 232.7±47.5 min, P =0.000), time to first bowel movement (2.3±0.5 vs. 2.9±0.7 d, P =0.000) and postoperative hospital stay (7.5±2.1 vs. 9.8±5.2 d, P =0.001) compared with the CBD/T-tube group. The lithotomy time in the LHD group was significantly longer than that in the CBD/T-tube group (33.6±7.3 vs. 29.0±6.3 min, P =0.000) and CBD/PC group (33.6±7.3 vs. 28.7±3.7, P =0.006). Intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion rate, initial stone clearance rate, and stone recurrence rate all had no significant differences between the 3 groups (all P0.05). LHD group showed less rate of electrolyte imbalance than that of the CBD/T-tube group (3.0% vs. 19.0%, P =0.004) but it was equivalent to the CBD/PC group ( P0.05). The type of biliary tract exploration (odds ratio: 5.43, 95% confidence interval: 0.04-0.95, P =0.032) as independent predictors of electrolyte imbalance. No reoperation and mortality occurred in the 3 groups. The conversion rate was comparable among 3 groups (1.5% vs. 1.7% vs. 0, all P0.05). No significant difference in stone recurrence rate was seen (1.5% vs. 3.4% vs. 0, all P0.05).Biliary tract exploration through LHD orifice after LLH is a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with LSH, with an advantage over the T-tube drainage in the field of operative time, the incidence of electrolyte imbalance, recovery of gastrointestinal function, and postoperative hospital stay.

A 78 year-old female status post subarachnoid haemorrhage developed abdominal pain and obstructive jaundice. CT scan showed acute cholecystitis and dilation of the intrahepatic ducts. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed hepatic duct stenosis due to compression by an enlarged gallbladder. No stones were seen in the common hepatic duct and the cystic duct was patent. An endoscopic retrograde biliary drain was placed to relieve the obstructive jaundice due to acute acalculous cholecystitis. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage was performed to treat the acute acalculous cholecystitis. Hepatic duct stenosis was improved on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography performed 19 days after percutaneous transhepatic drainage. It may be reasonable to treat ‘Mirizzi-like syndrome’ non-operatively.

To systematically evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic value of extra-hepatic bile duct resection (EHBDR) in the surgical management of patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), especially in non-jaundiced patients.PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched up to March 1EHBDR did not correlate with a better overall survival (OS) (P = 0.17) or disease-free survival (P = 0.27). No survival benefit was also observed in patients with T2N1 (P = 0.4), T3N0 (P = 0.14) disease and node-positive patients (P = 0.75), rather, EHBDR was even harmful for patients with T2N0 (P = 0.01) and node-negative disease (P = 0.02). Significantly higher incidences of recurrent disease (P = 0.0007), postoperative complications (P 0.00001) and positive margins (P = 0.02) were detected in the bile duct-resected group. The duration of postoperative hospital stay between the two groups was comparable (P = 0.58). Selection bias was also detected in our analysis that a significantly higher proportion of advanced lesions with T3-4 or III-IV disease was observed in the bile duct-resected group (P 0.00001). EHBDR only contributed to a greater lymph yield (P = 0.01).EHBDR has no survival advantage for patients with GBC, especially for those with non-jaundiced disease. Considering the unfairness of comparing OS between jaundiced patients receiving EHBDR with non-jaundiced patients without EHBDR, we could only conclude that routine EHBDR in non-jaundiced patients is not recommended and future well-designed studies with more specific subgroup analyses are required for further validation.

BACKGROUND It is unclear whether hepaticojejunostomy with a continuous suture is suitable for patients with a non-dilated bile duct. METHODS Medical records of patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy between 2003 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed, focusing on the incidence of benign anastomotic stenosis and its relationship with suture method (continuous vs interrupted) and common hepatic duct size. RESULTS Among 336 patients, 172 had a non-dilated (

Background Difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) due to acute cholecystitis (AC) increases the risk of bile duct injuries and postoperative complications. Here, we added the lateral dorsal infundibular approach as an initial surgical maneuver during LC to improve outcomes. Methods We describe the detailed technical procedure of the lateral dorsal infundibular approach in patients with AC resulting in difficult LC. This technique was developed after nearly 10 years of experience in laparoscopic surgery, and has been routinely used in the past 5 years. We also retrospectively analyzed the perioperative data for 469 patients with difficult LC. Results A total of 469 patients with AC received difficult LC between July 2016 and June 2021, of which 438 (93.4%) performed a lateral dorsal infundibular approach. Sixty-four patients (13.6%) had variations of the hepatic bile duct and cystic duct according to preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, 438 patients (93.4%) received elective surgery, 31 (6.6%) received emergency surgery, and 10 (2.1%) underwent conversion. There was no postoperative bile leaks and no bile duct injuries in the described technique. Conclusion During difficult LC, the critical view of safety can be gradually achieved by changing the surgical approach to achieve cholecystectomy.

Background There have been no studies on laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein combined with transhepatic duct lithotripsy for the treatment of complex hemihepatolithiasis. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein combined with transhepatic duct lithotomy to treat complex hemihepatolithiasis. Methods The clinical data for patients who underwent laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy for complex intrahepatic bile duct stones with or without common bile duct stones from January 2016 to June 2020 were prospectively collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to surgical approach: laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein (middle hepatic vein group) or laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy not guided by the middle hepatic vein (nonmiddle hepatic vein group). The safety and short-term and long-term efficacy outcomes of the 2 groups were compared with 1:1 propensity score matching. Results With only a slightly longer operative time (P = .006), the initial and final stone residual rates in the middle hepatic vein group (n = 70) were significantly lower than those in the nonmiddle hepatic vein group (n = 70) (P = .002, P = .009). The bile leakage rate and stone recurrence rate were also significantly lower (P = .001, P = .001). Conclusion Laparoscopic anatomical hemihepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein is safe and effective for treating intrahepatic bile duct stones and can decrease the stone residual rate, reduce the bile leakage rate and stone recurrence rate, and accelerate early recovery. However, owing to the complicated technical requirements for surgeons and anesthesiologists, use of the procedure is limited to large and experienced medical centers.

Variations in hepatic arterial anatomy can result in multiple arterial trunks in the graft liver. We describe our experience in dealing with five right lobe liver donors where in the right hepatic artery (RHA) branches were passing anterior and posterior to the common hepatic duct (CHD) forming an arterial girdle around it. Five of 771 right lobe living donor liver transplants (January 2012 and March 2020) demonstrated the RHA girdle around the CHD. Three patients had the typical girdle resulting in two graft arteries which were reconstructed using arterial Y grafts. Arterial girdle was formed by the right anterior hepatic artery branches in one patient resulting in 3 graft arteries of which two were reconstructed using a Y graft. One donor had the arterial girdle and an accessory artery from SMA giving rise to 3 graft arteries. Two of them were ligated (brisk back bleed), and one was reconstructed. All donors (median follow-up 17 months, range 6–60 months) had an uneventful postoperative recovery. No vascular or biliary complications were encountered in the recipients. One recipient died due to sepsis and multiorgan failure, while the other 4 recipients recovered uneventfully and continue to have stable graft function. Adhering to safe surgical principles during RHA mobilization, ligation of minor arterial branches, and precise reconstruction of multiple major branches can ensure successful outcomes in the donor and recipient in this scenario.

To determine the outcomes of patients with cystic biliary atresia by correlating the anatomy of the hepatic ducts with the choice of biliary reconstruction surgery.The Kasai hepatoportoenterostomy (Kasai) is the initial surgical procedure offered to most patients with biliary atresia. In contrast, a hepatic-cyst-jejunostomy has been reported to be effective in patients with the cystic form of biliary atresia.We performed an international multicenter retrospective review. Two hundred eighty-seven patients were included, and 33 cases of cystic biliary atresia were identified. Outcomes were the serum total bilirubin level 3 months post-surgery and native liver survival at 2 years of age and were compared between cases who received the Kasai versus hepatic-cyst-jejunostomy in correlation to the anatomy of proximal hepatic ducts. The patients were categorized into 3 anatomical groups: patent intact hepatic ducts (n = 10), patent hypoplastic hepatic ducts (n = 13), and obliterated hepatic ducts (n = 10). All 10 patients with patent intact hepatic duct group underwent hepatic-cyst-jejunostomy, and 9 experienced bile drainage and native liver survival. Among the 13 patients with hypoplastic hepatic ducts, 11 underwent the Kasai procedure, and 9 had bile drainage, whereas 2 underwent hepatic-cyst-jejunostomy, and one survived with the native liver. All of the patients with obliterated hepatic ducts underwent the Kasai procedure; 5 established biliary drainage and survived with the native liver. Of 5 who did not drain, 3 underwent liver transplantation.In patients with cystic biliary atresia, the subset with a connection between cyst and intrahepatic bile ducts via intact proximal hepatic ducts had favorable clinical outcomes following hepatic-cyst-jejunostomy.

Develop a rat model of hilar cholangiocarcinoma for detecting bile salt export pump (Bsep) expression in hilar cholangiocarcinoma tissues, in order to provide a new therapeutic target for the gene therapy of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Sixty male Wistar rats (body weight, 190 ± 8 g) were randomly divided into three groups (the experimental group, the control group and the sham operation group, n = 20 each) as follows: The three groups were fed a standard diet, the experimental group was injected by cholangiocarcinoma QBC939 cell suspension along the hilar bile duct into the bile duct bifurcation with microsyringe, the control group was injected by normal saline, the sham operation group did not inject anything. Every day assess the rats’ mental state, diet, and motion by using Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan and combined behavioral score. At 4 weeks, one rat of the experimental group was sacrificed after it was administered anesthesia, and we recorded changes in hilar bile duct size, texture, and form. This procedure was repeated at 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, hilar cholangiocarcinoma developed only in the experimental group, thereby establishing an experimental model for studying QBC939-induced hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Tumor formation was confirmed by pathological examination, and hilar bile duct tissues were harvested from both the groups. A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and an immunohistochemical assay were used to analyze the expression of Bsep in hilar bile duct tissues of each group. From the second week, the rats in experimental group began to eat less, and their body mass decreased compared with control group and sham operation group. After 6 weeks, we detected hilar cholangiocarcinoma in the hilar bile duct tissues of 18 rats (90%) in the experimental group. In the experimental group with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, we found that the levels of total cholesterol, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were higher compared with those in the control group and sham operation group. Simultaneously, muddy stones emerged from the bile ducts of rats in the experimental group. The Bsep/Gapdh mRNA ratio in hilar cholangiocarcinoma, control group and sham operation group differed markedly. Light microscopy revealed a granular pattern of Bsep protein expression which reacted with the anti-Bsep antibody. Each section was randomly divided into six regions, with 80 cells were observed in every region. Sections with > 10% positive cells were designated positive, Sections with Bsep expression significantly decreased in hilar cholangiocarcinoma of rats than those in control group and sham operation group, suggesting that drugs targeting Bsep are a new strategy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Background Bile duct injury (BDI) after cholecystectomy remains a significant surgical challenge. No guideline exists to guide the timing of repair, while few studies compare early versus late repair BDI. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes in patients undergoing immediate, intermediate, and delayed repair of BDI. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 412 patients with BDI from March 2015 to January 2020. The patients were divided into three groups based on the time of BDI reconstruction. Group 1 underwent an immediate reconstruction (within the first 72 hours post-cholecystectomy, n = 156); group 2 underwent an intermediate reconstruction (from 4 days to 6 weeks post-cholecystectomy, n = 75), and group 3 underwent delayed reconstruction (after 6 weeks post-cholecystectomy, n = 181). Results Patients in group 2 had significantly more early complications including anastomotic leakage and intra-abdominal collection and late complications including anastomotic stricture and secondary liver cirrhosis compared with groups 1 and 3. Favorable outcome was observed in 111 (71.2%) patients in group 1, 31 (41.3%) patients in group 2, and 157 (86.7%) patients in group 3 (P = 0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified that complete ligation of the bile duct, level E1 BDI and the use of external stent were independent factors of favorable outcome in group 1, the use of external stent was an independent factor of favorable outcome in group 2, and level E4 BDI was an independent factor of unfavorable outcome in group 3. Transected BDI and level E4 BDI were independent factors of unfavorable outcome. Conclusions Favorable outcomes were more frequently observed in the immediate and delayed reconstruction of post-cholecystectomy BDI. Complete ligation of the bile duct, level E1 BDI and the use of external stent were independent factors of a favorable outcome.

Hepatic biliary injury is one of the most common complications in cholecystectomy and is frequently accompanied by arterial injuries. Because there are several anatomical variations of the hepatic ducts, including the accessory hepatic ducts (AHDs), it is important to consider not only the anatomical position of the hepatic ducts but also those of the AHDs in cholecystectomy. However, the topographical relationships between the AHDs and the hepatic arteries are still poorly understood. In the present study we show that AHDs were observed in 7 out of 59 (11.9%) of the cadavers. There was a single AHD in the 6 out of the 7 cadavers and double AHDs in one. In these cases, the right AHDs emerged from the anterior medial segment of the liver piercing the parenchyma, while the left AHDs emerged directly from the anterior part of the caudate lobe. The right AHDs ran anterior to the right hepatic artery, while the left AHDs ran posterior to the hepatic arteries. The topographical relationship between the AHD and the hepatic artery system was thus reversed in the cases of the right and the left AHDs.

Background The critical view of safety (CVS) method can be achieved by avoiding vasculo-biliary injury resulting from misidentification during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Although achieving the CVS has become popular worldwide, there is no established standardized technique to achieve the CVS in patients with an anomalous bile duct (ABD). We recently reported our original approach for securing the CVS using a new landmark, the diagonal line of the segment IV of the liver (D-line). The D-line is an imaginary line that lies on the right border of the hilar plate. The cystic structure can be securely isolated along the D-line without any misidentification, regardless of the existence of an ABD. We named this approach the segment IV approach in LC. Methods In this study, we adopted the segment IV approach in patients with an ABD. Results From October 2015 to June 2020, 209 patients underwent LC using the segment IV approach. Among them, three (1.4%) were preoperatively diagnosed with an ABD. The branching point of the cystic duct was the posterior sectional duct, anterior sectional duct, or left hepatic duct in each patient. The CVS was achieved in all cases without any complications. Conclusion It is a promising technique, especially even for patients with an ABD during LC.

Our purpose was to explore the status of laparoscopic radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (LRRHcca) in Mainland China. Studies published before February 2020 were retrieved from CNKI database, Pubmed database and Wanfang database. Search terms included "hilar cholangiocarcinoma", "Klatskin tumor", "laparoscopy", "radical operation". Relevant articles regarding LRRHcca in Mainland China were also retrieved. 13 articles were included in this study, with a total of 189 cases. The operation time was 354 min (weighed average, WA), and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 324 mL (WA). The rate of negative margin (R0 rate) was 95.2%, and the number of lymph nodes received was 9.5 (WA). 2.6% of cases were converted to laparotomy. The incidence of postoperative complications was 21.2%, with 3.2% for those classified as Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3, 12.2% for bile leakage, 1.6% for postoperative abdominal hemorrhage, 1.6% for liver insufficiency, and 1.1% for abdominal infection. In-hospital mortality was 0.5%, with mean postoperative hospital stay of 15 days (WA), and the rate of reoperation was 1.1%. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 16 months (WA), and 1-year overall survival rate was 84.5%. In conclusions, laparoscopic radical hilar cholangiocarcinoma is safe and feasible in experienced hands after careful selection of HCCA cases.

Backgrounds and aim Multiple insertions of self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) for advanced malignant hilar obstruction (MHO) are now considered to be an effective palliative method for adequate drainage of liver volume. However, the efficacy of endoscopic reintervention in technically and clinically successful bilateral SEMS is limited. This study investigated the endoscopic revision efficacy in patients who underwent bilateral SEMS in MHO. Methods Primary endoscopic revision using plastic or metal stents or an alternative percutaneous approach followed by secondary endoscopic revision was performed in patients who underwent clinically successful deployment of bilateral SEMS. The primary outcome was a technical success. Secondary outcomes were clinical success, adverse events, and patency duration after reintervention. Results A total of 55 patients (83.3%) out of 66 enrolled patients underwent reintervention: primary endoscopic reintervention (n = 47) and secondary endoscopic revision following percutaneous drainage (n = 8). Intended technical success rates of primary and secondary endoscopic reintervention were 93.6% (44/47) and 87.5% (7/8), respectively (P = 0.47). Clinical success rates were 72.3% and 50%, respectively (P = 0.23). Stent malfunction rate after reintervention was 48.9% (23/47) and 37.5% (3/8) (P = 0.70) during follow up, and median cumulative stent patency duration was 119 and 55 days, respectively (log-rank P = 0.68). Stent patent rate after reintervention was not different according to the time interval. In univariate and multivariate analysis for stent patency duration-related factors after reintervention, there were no meaningful factors. Conclusion Primary endoscopic reintervention for bilateral SEMS in MHO was feasible technically and clinically. However, there were no statistically meaningful factors for stent patency duration after reintervention.

Based on the spatial relationship of an aberrant right hepatic duct (ARHD) with the cystic duct and gallbladder neck, we propose a practical classification to evaluate the specific form predisposing to injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). We retrospectively investigated the preoperative images (mostly magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) and clinical outcomes of 721 consecutive patients who underwent LC at our institute from 2015 to 2018. We defined the high-risk ARHD as follows: Type A: communicating with the cystic duct and Type B: running along the gallbladder neck or adjacent to the infundibulum (the minimal distance from the ARHD

Background and Aims Right aberrant hepatic ducts are an anatomic variant with clinical relevance because of the risk of injury during cholecystectomy. Treatment options for aberrant hepatic duct injuries are not standardized. This study aims to analyze the long-term results of endoscopic treatment of aberrant hepatic duct lesions. Methods Patients who underwent ERCP for aberrant hepatic duct lesions were retrospectively identified. Demographic data, type of aberrant duct lesion according to the Strasberg classification, type of treatment (number of plastic stents inserted, treatment duration, and number of ERCPs), and adverse events were recorded. Follow-up was obtained by telephone contact or medical examinations. Results Between January 1996 and March 2019, 32 patients (78% women, mean age 51.7 years) with aberrant hepatic duct injuries underwent ERCP at our Endoscopy Unit. Six patients had Strasberg type B lesions, 11 patients had type C, and 8 patients had type E5, and 7 patients had a stenosis of the aberrant duct. A mean of 3.7 biliary plastic stents per patient were used; mean treatment duration was 6.3 months. All patients with isolated aberrant duct stenosis and 1 of 6 patients (17%) with type B Strasberg lesions achieved patency. Ten of 11 patients (91%) with type C Strasberg lesions achieved duct recanalization. After a mean follow-up of 109.3 ± 61.2 months, 29 of 32 patients (91%) were asymptomatic; 1 underwent surgery for recurrent cholangitis, 1 received a new endoscopic procedure because of cholangitis, and 1 reported episodic biliary colic without an increase in liver function test values and was successfully managed with a low-fat diet. Conclusions An endoscopic approach to aberrant hepatic duct lesions after cholecystectomy can be considered an effective first-line therapy.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour is a rare entity of indeterminate biological potential with a reduced tendency for recurrence and metastasis. Although it can arise from multiple organs, the bile duct is a very rare site of origin. We report the case of a 75-year-old asymptomatic male with elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase [1575 U/L (12 - 64 U/L)] and alkaline phosphatase [271 U/L (40 - 150 U/L)]. Computed tomography showed a 17 mm hypervascular lesion in the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts, with bile duct ectasia and right liver lobe atrophy. The patient was initially managed as having a Klatskin tumour and underwent right hepatectomy. Histology showed a spindle cell proliferation with an inflammatory infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells and collagen-rich stroma, consistent with an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour. He was discharged 30 days after admission, and nine months later remains asymptomatic. His liver function tests have normalized and follow-up tests are unremarkable.O tumor miofibroblástico inflamatório é uma entidade rara com comportamento biológico indeterminado e reduzido potencial de recorrência e metastização. Apesar de poder surgir em vários órgãos, as vias biliares constituem uma localização incomum. Descreve-se o caso de um homem de 75 anos, assintomático, com elevação da gama glutamil transferase [1575 U/L (12 - 64 U/L)] e fosfatase alcalina [271 U/L (40 - 150 U/L)], que realizou uma tomografia computorizada evidenciando uma lesão hipervascular com 17 mm na confluência dos ductos biliares, com ectasia das vias biliares intra-hepáticas à direita, e atrofia do lobo hepático correspondente. O caso foi abordado inicialmente como um tumor de Klatskin e realizada hepatectomia direita. A histologia relevou uma proliferação de células fusiformes com infiltrado inflamatório de linfócitos, plasmócitos e estroma rico em colágeno, compatível com tumor miofibroblástico inflamatório. Após nove meses, o doente permanece assintomático, com testes de função hepática com valores normais e sem sinais imagiológicos de recidiva.

BACKGROUND Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction has been increasingly used in living-donor liver transplantation. Information regarding dual duct-to-duct biliary anastomoses is limited. We present the largest case series to date on the use of the cystic and common hepatic ducts as dual-ductal anastomosis, along with long-term follow-up results. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, 740 patients underwent right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation; 56 of them were documented as dual-ductal anastomoses. We analyzed recipient and donor characteristics, surgical procedures, appearance of biliary complications, corresponding interventions, and long-term biliary outcomes. RESULTS Cystic and common hepatic ducts were utilized in 56 cases of dual-ductal biliary reconstruction, which we categorized into 2 types: A (78.6%), in which the right anterior intrahepatic duct was anastomosed to the common hepatic duct and the right posterior intrahepatic duct to the cystic duct; and B (21.4%), which was the reverse of A. After a median follow-up period of 46.4 months, 23 patients (41.1%) experienced complications, including biliary leakage and biliary stricture. However, after aggressive intervention (patent biliary anastomosis in most of them), 50 of 56 patients (89.3%) had patent biliary anastomosis and restored normal liver function at the end of follow-up. A small graft (graft-to-recipient weight ratio0.9%) was the only predictor of biliary complications after multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Dual-ductal biliary reconstruction in adult right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation is challenging but feasible. Our findings support the use of the cystic duct for reconstruction in selected patients. Good long-term results can be achieved with adequate management of patients with biliary complications.

In recent years, with the improvement in surgeons' understanding of the anatomical characteristics of biliary structures, the application of pedicled umbilical vein patch (PUVP) repair under laparotomy has become increasingly common[1-3]. Our center began performing this procedure in 1986 to improve efficacy[4,5]. Compared with that under laparotomy, suturing under laparoscopy may be challenging due to vision and movement restrictions, especially for end-to-end anastomosis, which has not been reported in previous series. More than 4000 laparoscopic operations have been carried out in our center since its establishment. This study aimed to demonstrate the laparoscopic repair of left hepatic duct stenosis with the PUVP for hepatolithiasis (Video S1, Video S2, Video S3).

Background Although the most important goal in surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is to achieve tumor-free proximal ductal margins, little is known about the implications of confluence patterns of the left intrahepatic bile ducts for the proximal ductal margin status in right hepatectomy (RH) for PHC. Methods Of 203 patients who underwent surgical resection for PHC with curative intent, confluence patterns of the left intrahepatic bile duct were evaluated in 94 consecutive patients who underwent RH, and they were classified into the following two types: normal type: the bile duct of segment 4 (B4) drained into the common trunk of the bile ducts of segment 2 (B2) and segment 3 (B3) at the right side of the umbilical portion of the left portal vein to form the left hepatic duct; and hepatic confluence type: B2 entered the common trunk of B3 and B4 at the hepatic confluence or B4 entered the common trunk of B2 and B3 at the hepatic confluence. The proximal ductal margin status following RH was compared between the two types of confluence patterns. Results Of 94 consecutive patients, 69 (73%) were the normal type, and 25 (27%) were the hepatic confluence type. There were no significant differences in patients' characteristics, surgical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and histopathological features between the two groups. However, in patients with Bismuth-Corlette type II and IIIa PHC, the achievement rates of negative proximal ductal margins at the first dividing line were significantly higher in the hepatic confluence type group than in the normal type group [16/16 (100%) vs. 34/52 (65%), respectively; p =0.007]. Conclusions Confluence patterns of the left intrahepatic bile ducts might affect proximal ductal margin status in RH for PHC.

Background Hemobilia refers to bleeding into the biliary tract. Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) rupture is an uncommon cause of hemobilia, and cases of HAP associated with Mirizzi syndrome are extremely rare. Although transarterial embolization is recommended as the first-line treatment for hemobilia, surgery is sometimes required. Case presentation A 76-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with epigastric pain. She was febrile and had conjunctival icterus and epigastric tenderness. Laboratory tests revealed abnormal white blood cell count and liver function. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple calculi in the gallbladder, an incarcerated calculus in the cystic duct, and a slightly dilated common hepatic duct. Based on examination findings, she was diagnosed with Mirizzi syndrome type I, complicated by cholangitis. Intravenous antibiotics were administered, and we performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to place a drainage tube. The fever persisted; therefore, contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) was performed. This revealed portal vein thrombosis and hepatic abscesses; therefore, heparin infusion was administered. The following day, she complained of melena, and laboratory tests showed that she was anemic. ERCP was performed to change the drainage tube in the bile duct; however, bleeding from the papilla of Vater was observed. CECT demonstrated a right HAP with high-density fluid in the gallbladder and gallbladder perforation. Finally, she was diagnosed with hemobilia caused by HAP rupture, and emergency surgery was performed to secure hemostasis and control the infection. During laparotomy, we found that a right HAP had ruptured into the gallbladder. The gallbladder made a cholecystobiliary fistula, which indicated Mirizzi syndrome type II. Although we tried to repair the right hepatic artery, we later ligated it due to arterial wall vulnerability. Then, we performed subtotal cholecystectomy and inserted a T-tube into the common bile duct. There were no postoperative complications except for minor leakage from the T-tube insertion site. The patient was discharged after a total hospital stay of 7 weeks. Conclusions We experienced an extremely rare case of emergency definitive surgery for hemobilia due to HAP rupture complicated by Mirizzi syndrome type II. Surgery might be indicated when controlling underlying infections was required.

Knowledge of the anatomy of the portal system is essential for safe liver resection. We report a very rare anatomic anomaly of the portal system in a living liver donor. A 24-year-old female living liver donor was found to have anomalies of the portal system on preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The ventral branch of the right anterior segment arose from the transverse portion of the left portal vein. The gallbladder and round ligament were positioned normally. Intraoperative cholangiography for evaluation of biliary anatomy revealed very low confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts. All the bile ducts from the right lobe merged into the right hepatic duct. A right lobe graft was performed, including the ventral area of the right anterior segment. The portal branch of the ventral area of the right anterior segment could be transected extrahepatically. In the recipient operation, each of the right main portal branches, including the right posterior segment branch and the dorsal branch of the right anterior segment, and the ventral branch of the right anterior segment, were anastomosed to the right and left branches of the portal vein, respectively, of the recipient. The transected right hepatic duct of the graft was anastomosed with the recipient's common hepatic duct. Sixteen years after the liver transplant, the recipient continues to do well and has good portal flow.

Purpose: Various studies have shown the benefit of three-dimensional (3D) systems over two-dimensional (2D) systems in endoscopic surgery. However, few studies have focused on pediatric en...

Background Bilateral vs unilateral biliary stenting is used for palliation in malignant biliary obstruction. No clear data is available to compare the efficacy and safety of bilateral biliary stenting over unilateral stenting. Aim To assess the efficacy and safety of bilateral vs unilateral biliary drainage in inoperable malignant hilar obstruction. Methods PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, as well as secondary sources (bibliographic review of selected articles and major GI proceedings), were searched through January 2019. The primary outcome was the re-intervention rate. Secondary outcomes were a technical success, early and late complications, and stent malfunction rate. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each outcome. Results A total of 9 studies were included (2 prospective Randomized Controlled Study, 5 retrospective studies, and 2 abstracts), involving 782 patients with malignant hilar obstruction. Bilateral stenting had significantly lower re-intervention rate compared with unilateral drainage (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.40-0.87, P = 0.009). There was no difference in the technical success rate (OR = 0.7, CI: 0.42-1.17, P = 0.17), early complication rate (OR = 1.56, CI: 0.31-7.75, P = 0.59), late complication rate (OR = 0.91, CI: 0.58-1.41, P = 0.56) and stent malfunction (OR = 0.69, CI: 0.42-1.12, P = 0.14) between bilateral and unilateral stenting for malignant hilar biliary strictures. Conclusion Bilateral biliary drainage had a lower re-intervention rate as compared to unilateral drainage for high grade inoperable malignant biliary strictures, with no significant difference in technical success, and early or late complication rates.

This study assessed the impact of 2D and 3D environments by comparing pediatric surgeons (PS) and gastrointestinal surgeons (GIS) using a laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy simulator. We developed a high-fidelity simulator of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy. Thirty-five participants (19 PS and 16 GIS) performed hepaticojejunostomy in both 2D and 3D environments. We evaluated the required time, total path length, and average velocities of bilateral forceps in both situations using the para-axial port layout. Regarding the participants’ characteristics, the performance history of laparoscopic hepaticojejunostomy differed significantly between PS and GIS. In PS, the 3D environment did not markedly affect compared with 2D. In GIS, however, the 3D environment affected the time and movement of the right forceps. There were no significant differences in the time between PS and GIS in either environment. In both environments, the right-hand movement of the PS group was shorter and slower than that of the GIS group, but the left-hand movement was the opposite. There were significant differences in forceps movement characteristics between the PS and GIS. The effects of a 3D environment could not be clarified in this study, because it may depend on the port layout used and the operative procedures.

Introduction and objectives: This study assessed the diagnostic protocol and the outcomes of laparoscopic aberrant hepatic duct (AHD) reconstruction in choledochal cyst (CC) surgery. Methods: From January 2010 to January 2018, 275 laparoscopic CC excisions were conducted in our hospital. Seven patients of CC with associated AHD were recorded. AHDs that drained into the cystic duct were anastomosed to the Roux-en-Y loop. Clinical data of these 7 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results: AHD is classified into four types according to the literature. The type where AHD drains into the cystic duct is the most commonly encountered one. The incidence of this type was 2.5% (7/275) in our series. Preoperative examination included magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) (5 patients) and computed tomography (CT) scan (2 patients). Suspected AHD was diagnosed preoperatively in 4 out of the 5 patients who underwent MRCP. For the 2 patients who underwent CT scan only, AHD was not detected preoperatively. AHD was verified intraoperatively for all the 4 patients who had suspected diagnosis. Among them, AHD was well preserved in 3 patients, but damaged at exploration in the remaining 1. For the remaining 3 patients without preoperative AHD diagnosis, bile leakage was detected intraoperatively. Ductoplasty of the AHD with common hepatic duct was performed in 3 patients, and AHD was incorporated into the Roux-en-Y jejunal loop separately in 4 patients. Laparoscopic surgical procedures were completed in 6 of the 7 patients in this study, while 1 patient was converted into an open procedure. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all patients. The duration of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 4 years (median 2 years) with no complication encountered. Conclusions: Routine preoperative MRCP examination of CC is recommended to detect variations of biliary tree. The laparoscopic approach is a feasible option in the experienced hands.

Objective Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive technique for investigating hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. This study reports eleven cases in which EBUS-TBNA was used to assess mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes for the presence of metastatic melanoma. Material and method A retrospective study was performed of all patients who had a history of melanoma and underwent EBUS-TBNA to assess hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy for the presence of metastatic melanoma. In seven cases, molecular analysis to detect mutations in the BRAF gene was also used. Results Eight patients had been diagnosed with malignant melanoma in the past (mean 54.4 months, range 18 to 115 months) while in the other three this tumor was primarily diagnosed in the staging phase. The male-female ratio was 6:5, and the mean age was 60.3 years (range 42 to 88 years). The mean hilar or mediastinal lymph node size detected with computed tomography was 3.0 cm (range 1.1 to 8.1 cm). Eight (72.7%) cases had metastases to the lung associated with metastases in the mediastinal lymph nodes. In four (50%) of these cases, the lung metastasis was solitary. Three (27.3%) cases had metastases in the mediastinal lymph nodes in absence of lung metastases. Metastatic melanoma was diagnosed by cytology and confirmed by cell block study with immunohistochemistry in all cases. BRAF mutations were detected in two (28.6%) of seven cases studied. Conclusion Cytology and tissue samples obtained from EBUS-TBNA are adequate to detect metastatic melanoma and permit in some cases the determination of biomarkers and identify the presence or absence of mutations in the BRAF gene. The procedure is safe, fast, and precise for the staging of melanoma.

ObjectiveScheduled endoscopic dilatation of dominant strictures (DS) in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) might improve outcome relative to endoscopic treatment on demand, but evidence is limited. Since randomisation is difficult in clinical practice, we present a large retrospective study comparing scheduled versus on-demand endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) based on patient preferences.DesignBetween 1987 and 2017, all new patients with PSC had been offered scheduled ERCP with dilatation of a DS if diagnosed; the latter was repeated at defined intervals until morphological resolution, independent of clinical symptoms (treatment group). Patients who refused participation were clinically evaluated annually and received endoscopic treatment only on demand (control group). The primary clinical endpoint was transplantation-free survival. Secondary outcomes were overall survival, bacterial cholangitis episodes, hepatic decompensation of liver cirrhosis and endoscopy-related adverse events.ResultsThe final study included 286 patients, 133 (46.5%) receiving scheduled ERCP and 153 (53.5%) receiving on-demand ERCP. After a mean follow-up of 9.9 years, the rate of transplantation-free survival was higher in patients receiving scheduled ERCP (51% vs 29.3%; pConclusionIn our large retrospective study, regular ERCP with endoscopic balloon dilatation significantly benefits patients with PSC with DS, diagnosed both at initial presentation and during surveillance, even if asymptomatic. Further studies have to find out how to best identify stricture patients non-invasively.

We report a rare case of hilar squamous cell carcinoma. A 62-year-old Korean woman complaining of nausea was referred to our hospital. Her biliary computed tomography revealed a 28 mm-sized protruding solid mass in the proximal common bile duct. The patient underwent left hemihepatectomy with S1 segmentectomy and segmental excision of the common bile duct. Microscopically, the tumor was a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct, without any component of adenocarcinoma or metaplastic portion in the biliary epithelium. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for cytokeratin (CK) 5/6, CK19, p40, and p63. Squamous cell carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile duct is rare. To date, only 24 cases of biliary squamous cell carcinomas have been reported. Here, we provide a clinicopathologic review of previously reported extrahepatic bile duct squamous cell carcinomas.

Background: Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and distal cholangiocarcinoma arise from the same tissue but require different surgical treatment methods. It remains unclear whether these cholangiocarcinoma types have different outcomes, prognostic factors, and/or recurrence patterns. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated patients who underwent curative-intent resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma or distal cholangiocarcinoma at a tertiary academic hospital during 2000–2015. Survival and prognostic factors were identified using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses. Results: The 90-day mortality rates were 0% for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (36 patients) and 4% for distal cholangiocarcinoma (47 patients). There were no significant differences between perihilar cholangiocarcinoma or distal cholangiocarcinoma in median overall survival (30.9 vs 40.4 months) or median disease-free survival (14.2 vs 21.4 months). Among perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients, age > 65 years was an independent predictor of poorer overall survival (hazard ratio: 2.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.07–5.64), while requiring bile duct re-resection was an independent predictor of disease-free survival (hazard ratio: 2.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–7.51). Among distal cholangiocarcinoma patients, a pN1 category independently predicted poorer overall survival (hazard ratio: 3.40, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–10.11), while preoperative CA19-9 levels >30 U/mL (hazard ratio: 2.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–5.79) and pN1 category (hazard ratio: 2.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–5.79) predicted a shorter disease-free survival. Local recurrence was more common with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (50% of recurrences), while multiple synchronous sites were more common for distal cholangiocarcinoma (41% of recurrences). Conclusion: Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and distal cholangiocarcinoma patients have similar survival outcomes. However, local control appears to be more prognostic for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients, while positive lymph nodes are critical prognostic factor for distal cholangiocarcinoma patients.

Background: Stone recurrence is a major problem limiting the effects of surgical treatment for hepatolithiasis. It was showed that hyperplasia of perihilar liver may compress the hepatic portal and cause deficient bile flow because of compressed hilar bile duct, thereby leading to the formation of bile stasis and precipitating stone recurrence. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of perihilar hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis with compressed hilar bile duct induced by perihilar hyperplasia of liver. Methods: 135 patients with compressed hilar bile duct induced by hypertrophied perihilar liver were included in this study from January 2011 to July 2016. Among these patients, 77 underwent conventional operation procedure (control group) and 58 underwent conventional operation procedure added by perihilar hepatectomy (perihilar hepatectomy group). Clinical data containing preoperative data, intraoperative data, operation complications, and short-term and long-term outcomes were collected. Results: The demographic and disease-related characteristics of the two groups were comparable. The two groups were not remarkably different in operation-related characteristics. The incidence of bile leakage in the perihilar hepatectomy group was substantially higher than that in the control group. Other postoperative complications were not remarkably different between the two groups. In the long-term postoperative follow-up period, the incidence of the recurrence of stones and cholangitis in the control group was considerably higher than that in the perihilar hepatectomy group. Conclusions: Based on conventional operation procedure, additional perihilar hepatectomy is a reliable intervention with definite clinical effects for hepatolithiasis with compressed hilar bile duct induced by hypertrophied perihilar liver.

BACKGROUND Left lateral hepatic resection is the preferred surgical approach for treating left hepatolithiasis. However, it is not clear whether cholangioscopy via left hepatic duct (LHD) orifice can replace conventional common bile duct (CBD) approach during laparoscopic procedures. METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search by screening medical databases, then compared perioperative outcomes and occurrence of recurrent stones between LHD and CBD approaches. RESULTS A total of five studies, comprising 345 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. The reported operative times, intra-operative blood loss and incidence of post-operative complications were comparable between the approaches. Pooled results revealed a positive correlation between LHD approach with shorter length of hospital stay (standard mean difference = -1.36; 95% confidence interval: -2.10, -0.61; P

Aim: Emergent biliary drainage is necessary due to acute symptoms of choledochal cysts. Percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD), laparoscopic bile duct drainage (LBD), and laparoscopic cholecystostomy ...

An 87-year-old female was admitted for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to obstructive jaundice. On admission, total bilirubin was 15 mg/dl at the expense of direct bilirubin, GOT 356 U/l mg/dl, GPT 174 U/l, FA 2,358 U/l and GGT 1,089 U/l. The ERCP showed a prominent, irregular, non-cannulable papilla, so a fistulotomy was performed, emitting a clear, non-mucous fluid. Biliary localization was verified after inserting the guidewire. Cholangiography showed dilatation of the intra-extra hepatic bile duct (common bile duct 18-20 mm). An uncoated metal prosthesis was implanted and a biopsy was performed, confirming papillary adenocarcinoma.

Scientific reports 11(1), 2926 (2021). doi:10.1038/s41598-021-82378-y, Published by Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature, [London]

One of the main causes of stricture at hepaticojejunostomy site after surgery for congenital biliary dilatation is inflammation or infection associated with bile leak. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors and outcomes of bile leak after laparoscopic surgery.We retrospectively reviewed the demographics and outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for congenital biliary dilatation between September 2013 and December 2019. Data from patients with bile leak were compared to data from patients without bile leak.Fourteen of 78 patients had bile leak. Hepatic duct diameter at anastomosis was the only risk factor of bile leak. Patients with the diameter ≤ 10 mm had higher incidence of bile leak than in patients with the diameter 10 mm (P = 0.0023). Among them, bile leak occurred more frequently in patients operated on by non-qualified surgeons based on the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery endoscopic surgical skill qualification system than by qualified surgeons (P = 0.027). However, none of the patients with bile leak developed anastomotic stricture afterwards.Although good technical skill is necessary to avoid bile leak in narrow hepatic duct cases (≤ 10 mm), slight bile leak may not result in anastomotic stricture.

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA), which lacks specific clinical manifestations, remains very difficult to distinguish from benign disease. This distinction is further complicated by the complex hilar anatomy. We conducted the present study to evaluate the differential diagnosis of these conditions. Sixty-five patients underwent resection surgery for suspected HCCA between January 2011 and October 2018. Institutional Review Board of Shengjing hospital agreed this study and all participants sign an informed consent document prior to participation in a research study. Following a postoperative pathology analysis, all patients were divided into two groups: malignant group (54 patients with HCCA) and benign group (11 cases with benign lesions). Compared with the benign group, the malignant group had a significantly higher median age and serum CA19-9, CEA, ALT, BILT and BILD levels (P < 0.05). In contrast, the groups did not differ significantly in terms of the sex distribution, clinical manifestations, serum levels of AST and ALKP, and imaging findings. In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we identified a CA19-9 cutoff point of 233.15 U/ml for the differential diagnosis and CEA cutoff point of 2.98 ng/ml for the differential diagnosis. The differential diagnosis of HCCA and benign hilar lesions remains difficult. However, we found that patients with HCCA tended to have an older age at onset and higher serum levels of CA19-9, CEA, BILT, ALT and BILD. Furthermore, patients with a serum CA19-9 level >233.15 U/ml and CEA level >2.98 ng/ml are more likely to have malignant disease.