Preliminary experience using N-butyl cyanoacrylate for management of bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drain placement: a technical note

Bloody Bile and Rescue Intervention-A Case Series of Post-PTBD Hemorrhagic Complications With a Review of the Literature

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is a routinely performed interventional radiological procedure. A myriad of complications can occur after PTBD, the most important being hemorrhagic complications that require immediate attention. Hemorrhage following PTBD may result from arterial, portal, or hepatic venous injury. A catheter or pull-back cholangiogram often demonstrates the venous injury. A computed tomogram angiogram aids in identifying bleeding sources and procedural planning. Catheter repositioning, upsizing, or clamping often suffice for minor venous bleeding. However, major venous injury necessitates tract embolization, portal vein embolization, or stent grafting. Arterial injury may lead to significant blood loss unless treated expeditiously. Transarterial embolization is the treatment of choice in such cases. Adequate knowledge about the hemorrhagic complications of PTBD will allow an interventional radiologist to take necessary precautionary measures to reduce their incidence and take appropriate steps in their management. This article entails four different hemorrhagic complications of PTBD and their interventional management. It also discusses the various treatment options to manage different kinds of post-PTBD hemorrhagic complications.

Transcatheter arterial embolization for massive hemobilia with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) Glubran 2

BACKGROUND

Massive hemobilia is a life-threatening condition and therapeutic challenge. Few studies have demonstrated the use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for massive hemobilia.

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using NBCA Glubran 2 for massive hemobilia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 2012 and December 2019, the data of 26 patients (mean age 63.4 ± 12.6 years) with massive hemobilia were retrospectively evaluated for TAE using NBCA. The patients' baseline characteristics, severities of hemobilia, and imaging findings were collected. Emergent TAE was performed using 1:2-1:4 mixtures of NBCA and ethiodized oil. Technical success, clinical success, procedure-related complications, and follow-up outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Pre-procedure arteriography demonstrated injuries to the right hepatic artery (n = 24) and cystic artery (n = 2). Initial coil embolization distal to the lesions was required in 5 (19.2%) patients to control high blood flow and prevent end-organ damage. After a mean treatment time of 11.2 ± 5.3 min, technical success was achieved in 100% of the patients without non-target embolization and catheter adhesion. Clinical success was achieved in 25 (96.2%) patients. Major complications were noted in 1 (3.8%) patient with gallbladder necrosis. During a median follow-up time of 16.5 months (range 3-24 months), two patients died due to carcinomas, whereas none of the patients experienced recurrent hemobilia, embolic material migration, or post-embolization complications.

CONCLUSION

NBCA embolization for massive hemobilia is associated with rapid and effective hemostasis, as well as few major complications. This treatment modality may be a promising alternative to coil embolization.

Diagnosis and management of hemorrhagic complications of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage: a primer for residents

Hemorrhagic complications are uncommon after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage. The presenting features include bleeding through or around the drainage catheter, hematemesis or melena. Diagnosis requires cholangiography, CT angiography or conventional angiography. Minor venous hemorrhage is managed by catheter repositioning, clamping or upgrading to a larger bore catheter. Major vascular injuries require percutaneous or endovascular procedures like embolization or stenting. A complete knowledge of these complications will direct the interventional radiologist to take adequate precautions to reduce their incidence and necessary steps in their management. This review presents and discusses various hemorrhagic complications occurring after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage along with their treatment options and suggests a detailed algorithm.

Percutaneous portal vein access and transhepatic tract hemostasis

Percutaneous portal vein interventions require minimally invasive access to the portal venous system. Common approaches to the portal vein include transjugular hepatic vein to portal vein access and direct transhepatic portal vein access. A major concern of the transhepatic route is the risk of postprocedural bleeding, which is increased when patients are anticoagulated or receiving pharmaceutical thrombolytic therapy. Thus percutaneous portal vein access and subsequent closure are important technical parts of percutaneous portal vein procedures. At present, various techniques have been used for either portal access or subsequent transhepatic tract closure and hemostasis. Regardless of the method used, meticulous technique is required to achieve the overall safety and effectiveness of portal venous procedures. This article reviews the various techniques of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein access and the various closure and hemostatic methods used to reduce the risk of postprocedural bleeding.