Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation with large balloon after limited sphincterotomy for retrieval of choledocholithiasis.
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Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EBD) for choledocholithiasis is known to be comparable to endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) especially in cases of small stones. With larger stones, EBD with conventional balloon, which have a diameter of 6-8 mm, was reported as less effective for extraction of stones. We evaluated the efficacy and complications of EBD with large balloons (10-15 mm) after limited EST for retrieval of choledocholithiasis. From February 2005, we have performed EBD with limited EST for retrieval of common bile duct (CBD) stones. The patients who admitted with hyperamylasemia and gallstone pancreatitis were excluded. In cases without CBD dilation, EPBD with 12 mm for 40 seconds was performed. And in cases with CBD dilation, we dilated the sphincters with 15 mm sized balloon for 40 seconds. Total 22 patients (11 of male) were performed EBD with limited EST for retrieval of CBD stones. The median diameter of the stones was 10 mm (5-25 mm). Ten cases had multiple stones and 6 cases periampullary diverticuli. Successful stone removal in the initial session of ERCP with EBD was accomplished in 16 patients (72.7%). And complete retrieval of bile duct stones was achieved in all patients with repeated ERCP. In the aspect of complications, any episodes of perforation, bleeding was not developed. Only one case of mild grade of post-procedural pancreatitis was noted. However, post-procedural hyperamylasemia was developed in 16 cases (68.2%). EBD with larger balloon seems to be a feasible and safe alternative technique for conventional EST in CBD stone extraction. (+info)
Recurrent lithiasis after surgical treatment of elderly patients with choledocholithiasis.
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BACKGROUND: The recurrence rates of choledocholithiasis depend on the type of the disease. This study was undertaken to examine recurrent lithiasis after surgical treatment of elderly patients with choledocholithiasis, especially with primary common bile duct stones, and thereby to determine the best treatment modality for choledocholithiasis in the elderly. METHODS: The recurrence rates of choledocholithiasis were calculated from the records of 193 outpatients who had been treated from January 1993 to January 2005 and monitored for periods ranging from 1 to 12 years (mean 6.7 years). The patients were divided into 3 groups: 81 who had undergone choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage, 41 who had had choledochoduodenostomy, and 71 patients who had received choledochojejunostomy. RESULTS: Since the 41 choledochoduodenostomy cases had only one recurrence of choledocholithiasis, the recurrence rate was analyzed for the remaining 152 cases, which were divided into two groups: group A with recurrent lithiasis (13 cases), and group B without recurrence (139 cases). The recurrence was found in 7 patients after choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage (7/81, 8.6%), and in 6 patients after choledochojejunostomy (6/71, 8.5%). The recurrence rates for these procedures were higher than for choledochoduodenostomy (1/41, 2.4%, P<0.05). Moreover, stones recurred in 4 of the 11 patients with primary bile duct stones who underwent choledocholithotomy and T-tube drainage (4/11, 36.4%), and in 5 of the 34 patients who had choledochojejunostomy (5/34, 14.7%). The recurrence rates for these procedures were higher than for choledochoduodenostomy (1/39, 2.6%, P<0.05). The diameter of the common bile duct was more dilated in group A (14.6+/-3.9 mm) than in group B (10.8+/-4.5 mm, P<0.05). Primary bile duct stones were found in 9 cases of group A (69.2%), and in 36 cases of group B (25.9%, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Choledochoduodenostomy should be recommended for elderly patients with primary bile duct stones to prevent postoperative recurrent lithiasis. (+info)
Endoscopic management of a large choledochocele associated with choledocholithiasis.
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Choledochocele or type III choledochal cyst is a very rare lesion, defined as a cystic dilatation of the distal common bile duct protruding into the duodenal lumen. Abdominal pain, biliary disorders, and acute pancreatitis are frequently observed but malignant degeneration is rare. A 70-year-old man had a history of epigastralgia associated with abnormal liver function tests suggesting gallstones. During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, intraoperative cholangiography showed a 40-mm-diameter choledochocele associated with choledocholithiasis. A transcystic drain was placed after cholecystectomy had been completed. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography confirmed the diagnosis and a 45-mm-long endoscopic sphincterotomy successfully treated both lesions as confirmed by a transcystic cholangiogram showing a thin-walled common bile duct with no residual stones. This case illustrates that the diagnosis of choledochocele remains difficult in clinical practice and confirms that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is the best available diagnostic tool. Coexistent choledocholithiasis is observed in about 20% of choledochocele. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is feasible and effectively treats both lesions even in larger choledochoceles. (+info)
Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in prevention of unnecessary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a prospective study of 150 patients.
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OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of substituting endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in cases of a low to intermediate risk for choledocholithiasis. METHODS: During a 16-month period, patients who were referred for suspected choledocholithiasis, biliary colic, or acute biliary pancreatitis on the basis of alterations in liver enzyme values with or without gallstones seen on transabdominal ultrasonography were included. Endoscopic ultrasonography was performed for all patients. Patients with common bile duct stones underwent ERCP. Cholecystectomy was recommended in all patients with symptomatic gallstones. Cases were followed for 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were included. Choledocholithiasis was diagnosed by EUS in 39 patients (26.0%) and was confirmed by ERCP in 30 (77.0%). Fifty-one patients had a normal common bile duct, and follow-up for 12 months showed no abnormalities except in 1 patient. Cholecystectomy without ERCP was recommended for the remaining 60 patients who had symptomatic gallstones or sludge. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was avoided by this approach in 110 patients (73.3%). CONCLUSIONS: In a low to intermediate risk for choledocholithiasis, EUS can preclude the need for ERCP in most cases. (+info)
Mirizzi syndrome type IV associated with cholecystocolic fistula: a very rare condition--report of a case.
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BACKGROUND: Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of prolonged cholelithiasis with presence of large, impacted gallstone into the Hartman's pouch, causing chronic extrinsic compression of common bile duct (CBD). Fistula formation between the CBD and the gallbladder may represent an outcome of that condition. According to Mirizzi's classification and Csendes's subclassification, Mirizzi syndrome type IV represents the most uncommon type (4%). Spontaneous biliary-enteric fistulas have also been rarely reported (1.2-5%) in a large series of cholecystectomies. Cholecystocolic fistula is the most infrequent biliary enteric fistula, causing significant morbidity and representing a diagnostic challenge. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a very rare, to our knowledge, combination of Mirizzi syndrome type IV and cholecystocolic fistula. A 52 year old male, presented to our clinic complaining of episodic diarrhea (monthly episodes lasting 16 days), high temperature (38 degrees C-39 degrees C), right upper quadrant pain without jaundice. The definitive diagnosis was made intraoperatively. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) demonstrated the presence of Mirizzi syndrome with cholecystocolic fistula formation. The patient was operated upon, and cholecystectomy, cholecystocolic fistula excision and Roux-en-Y biliary-enteric anastomosis were undertaken with excellent post-operative course. CONCLUSION: Appropriate biliary tree imaging with ERCP and MRI/MRCP is essential for the diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome and its complications. Cholecystectomy, fistula excision and biliary-enteric anastomosis with Roux-en-Y loop appears to be the most appropriate surgical intervention in order to avoid damage to Calot's triangle anatomic elements. Particularly in our case, ERCP was a valuable diagnostic tool that Mirizzi syndrome type IV and cholecystocolic fistula. (+info)
Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis bacteremia associated with choledocholithiasis and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
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Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis is a gram-negative, curved, motile, anaerobic bacillus. D. fairfieldensis has been isolated only from human specimens and is considered a normal resident of the human gastrointestinal tract. We report the second case of Desulfovibrio bacteremia associated with choledocholithiasis and review the other reported cases of D. fairfieldensis bacteremia. (+info)
Laparoscopic management of difficult recurrent choledocholithiasis.
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The management of common bile duct stones has traditionally required open laparotomy and bile duct exploration. With the advent of endoscopic and laparoscopic technology in the latter half of the last century, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration has become the mainstream treatment for common bile duct stones in most medical centers around the world. However, in some patients, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is difficult and laparoscopy is challenging because of previous surgery. These facts are highlighted in this report. (+info)
Double common bile duct: a case report.
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Double common bile duct (DCBD) is a rare congenital anomaly in which two common bile ducts exist. One usually has normal drainage into the papilla duodeni major and the other usually named accessory common bile duct (ACBD) opens in different parts of upper gastrointestinal tract (stomach, duodenum, ductus pancreaticus or septum). This anomaly is of great importance since it is often associated with biliary lithiasis, choledochal cyst, anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (APBJ) and upper gastrointestinal tract malignancies. We recently recognized a rare case of DCBD associated with APBJ with lithiasis in better developed common bile duct. The opening site of ACBD was in the pancreatic duct. The anomaly was suspected by transabdominal ultrasonography and finally confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction. According to the literature, the existence of DCBD with the opening of ACBD in the pancreatic duct is most frequently associated with APBJ and gallbladder carcinoma. In case of DCBD, the opening site of ACBD is of greatest clinical importance because of its close implications with concomitant pathology. The adequate diagnosis of this rare anomaly is significant since the operative complications may occur in cases with DCBD which is not recognized prior to surgical treatment. (+info)