The choledocolithiasis has an incidence of 8-20% in patients with cholecystolithiasis. The preoperative diagnosis guides the interventional treatment on the bile duct
To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the laboratory markers and imaging studies for choledocholithiasis preoperatively.
The study comprised 254 patients divided into two groups: the control group (207 patients), patients without choledocholithiasis intraoperatively and cases group (47 patients), that enrolled the patients with choledocholithiasis intra-operatively. Were evaluated the laboratory markers, image exams and intra-operative diagnostic aspects.
The sample was homogeneous for age and gender. It was observed that 47% of the cases the patients did not show comorbidities. Hospitalization showes in cases group acute pancreatitis in12.8%, jaundice in 30%, fever in 30% and pain in the right hypochondrium in 95%. By comparing them, was observed that fever and jaundice were the signs and symptoms with statistical significance. Patients with choledocholithiasis had transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and higher bilirubin with statistical significance (p<0.001). In regard to imaging studies, ultrasound was fairly accurate for cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis (p<0.001).
Changes in canalicular and transaminase enzymes are suggestive for preoperative choledocholithiasis; GGT showed better sensitivity and alkaline phosphatase greater specificity; ultrasonography and nuclear magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed high specificity.
The cystic dilatation of the biliary tract is a rare disease and uncertain origin. It is recognized more frequently in children; however, its incidence comes increasing in adults, representing 20% of the cases.
To evaluate morbimortality rates, evolution and handing of patients with cystic dilatation bile ducts in adults.
Were evaluated, retrospectively, five adults who had the diagnosis of choledochal cyst and that had been submitted to some surgical procedure.
Abdominal pain was the commonest complain to all patients. Jaundice was present in 80%. Ultrasound scanning was done in all the cases as initial examination. CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were also done in some patients; however, the diagnosis was established intra-operatively in all cases. The cyst resection with reconstruction of the biliary tract was done in 60%; the cystojejunostomy in 20%; and in 20% biliary tract drainage.
Biliary tract cystic dilatation is a rare disease. However, its incidence is increasing in the adult population, so, it must be thought as differential diagnosis when facing obstructive jaundice.
Cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive neoplasm that usually requires palliative biliary drainage. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been described as a successful adjunct treatment to malignant biliary obstruction.
To describe the use of digital cholangioscope to help provide laser light during biliary PDT session using locally developed light source.
Patient receives intravenous photosensitizer 24 h before the procedure. It starts with a regular duodenoscopy. After identification of the major papilla and retrograde cannulation, the digital cholangioscope is introduced into the common bile duct. Then, the cholangioscopic examination helps to identify the neoplastic stricture. Under direct visualization lighting catheter is advanced through the cholangioscope. Repositioning is recommended every centimeter to cover all strictured area. At the end of the procedure, a final cholangioscopy assesses the bile duct for the immediate result and adverse events.
This procedure was applied in one 82-year-old male due to obstructive jaundice in the last two months. EUS and ERCP revealed a severe dilation of the common bile duct associated with choledocholithiasis. Besides, was revealed dilation of hepatic duct up to a well-circumscribed hypoechoic solid mass measuring 1.8x2 cm compressing the common hepatic duct. The mass was deemed unresectable and the patient was referred for palliative treatment with PDT. He remained asymptomatic for three months. He perished due to complications 15 months after the PDT session.
Digital cholangioscopy-guided biliary PDT is feasible and seems safe and effective as an adjunct modality in the palliation of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
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