Palliation of malignant obstructive jaundice

A Complex Case of Obstructive Jaundice in a Septuagenarian: Diagnostic Challenges and Therapeutic Strategies

Obstructive jaundice occurs when an obstruction in the bile duct system prevents bile from flowing from the liver into the intestine, accumulating bilirubin in the blood. This condition can result from various causes, including gallstones, tumors, or inflammation of the bile ducts. The management of obstructive jaundice depends on the underlying cause (malignant obstructions such as cholangiocarcinoma or pancreatic cancer), indicating the need for surgical intervention. The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) is the standard curative approach for resectable distal common bile duct (CBD) adenocarcinoma. Doctors usually recommend adjuvant chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. We report the case of a 70-year-old male with a history of untreated hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and long-term smoking, who presented with classic signs of obstructive jaundice, including yellowing of the eyes, itching, right upper quadrant pain, and intermittent fevers. Laboratory findings revealed elevated inflammatory markers, bilirubin, liver enzymes, and leukocyte count, indicative of an inflammatory and obstructive biliary condition. Imaging studies confirmed a distal CBD stricture, including abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography scans, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Brush cytology obtained during ERCP revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma of the distal CBD. The patient's treatment plan included preoperative optimization, surgical resection via the Whipple procedure, and postoperative adjuvant therapy. This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough diagnostic workup and a multidisciplinary treatment strategy in managing complex cases of obstructive jaundice in the elderly, highlighting the need for personalized care to achieve optimal outcomes.

Is preoperative biliary stenting associated with increased rate of postoperative complications for patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy? A review of national surgical quality improvement program data

BACKGROUND

Jaundice in the setting of periampullary neoplasms is often treated with biliary stenting. Level 1 data demonstrated an increase in perioperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients undergoing stent placement. However, the impact of this data on practice patterns in the US remains unknown.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Pancreatectomy Targeted Participant Use Data File was used to identify patients from 2014 to 2017 undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare outcomes between those with biliary stent and those without.

RESULTS

Of the 5524 patients, 3321 (60.1%) had biliary stent placement. The stent group was older, had a higher ASA class, and had preoperative weight loss compared to the group without biliary stenting (all p < 0.05). When adjusting for demographic and operative characteristics, the non-stent group had lower associated overall complications and postoperative infections. There was no significant difference in mortality and pancreatic fistula rate between groups.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative biliary stenting is still common prior to pancreaticoduodenectomy. With a trend toward increased utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, stenting will likely remain a common practice. Recognition of increased rates of complications associated with stent placement allows for appropriate risk-benefit analysis.

Alternative application of percutaneous cholecystostomy in patients with biliary obstruction

PURPOSE

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is an important modality for acute cholecystitis and has been applied for other clinical scenarios as well. In the present study, we aimed to investigate an alternative use of PC for obstructive jaundice.

METHODS

From January 2012 to December 2018, eligible subjects were selected from patients undergoing PC in our institute. The characteristics, spectrum of underlying disease, indication for PC performance, details of the procedure, and treatment effect were all investigated.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1364 patients underwent PC. Seventy patients fulfilled the defined inclusion criteria. While 47 patients were diagnosed with malignant biliary obstruction with or without cholangitis, 23 patients were diagnosed with nonmalignant biliary obstruction and acute cholangitis. There were 63 patients (90%) diagnosed with acute cholangitis. Pancreatic cancer (n = 24, 51%) and advanced malignancy (n = 28, 59%) were noted mostly in the group with malignant biliary obstruction. Treatment effects were proven by laboratory data, including the white blood cell count, C-reactive protein level, and hepatic function.

CONCLUSION

PC can temporize definitive therapies and serve as an alternative treatment for patients with nonmalignant conditions. For patients with advanced malignancy, PC can serve as a palliative procedure that has a high success rate and low complication rate and effectively relieves biliary obstruction.

Clinical outcome after biliary drainage for metastatic colorectal cancer: Survival analysis and prognostic factors

INTRODUCTION

Biliary obstruction secondary to colorectal cancer liver metastases is associated with a poor prognosis especially when chemotherapy cannot be re-started. The aim of this study was to determine the survival after biliary drainage and the associated prognostic factors.

METHODS

Patients from two French centers were included retrospectively after first biliary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography drainage for biliary obstruction secondary to liver metastases of colorectal cancer, occurring during chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 69 patients. Overall median survival was 115 days. In univariate analysis, a previous liver surgery, technical and functional success of drainage and restarted chemotherapy were significantly associated with an improved survival. Chemotherapy was restarted after a median of 27 days. When drainage was efficient, survival improved from 33 to 262days (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, significant protective factors for survival included previous a hepatectomy (HR 0.41) and functional success of the drainage (HR 0.29). Predictive factors for death included increased lines of chemotherapy (HR 1.68) and fever before drainage (HR 2.97).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study concerning the benefits of biliary drainage for malignant biliary obstruction during the course of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. A successful biliary drainage leads to improved survival and allows achievement of chemotherapy for 70% of patients.

Efficacy of 125I Versus Non-125I Combined with Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Obstructive Jaundice

PURPOSE

To compare the therapeutic effects of ¹²⁵I versus non-¹²⁵I combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with obstructive jaundice.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted using the records of 54 consecutive patients who were initially diagnosed with HCC with obstructive jaundice between May 2009 and July 2016. Twenty-one cases (group A) were treated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) followed by ¹²⁵I radioactive seed strip implantation through the PTBD tube. After the total serum bilirubin level was reduced to normal and the liver function recovered to Child-Pugh class A or early B, TACE was conducted. In 33 cases (group B) PTBD was performed in combination with TACE without applying the ¹²⁵I radioactive seeds. The duration of biliary patency and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

The technical success rate in both groups was 100%. The median biliary patency time was 6.000 ± 0.315 months (95% CI 5.382-6.618 months) in group A and 4.000 ± 0.572 months (95% CI 2.879-5.121 months) in group B; the two groups were significantly different (P = 0.001). The median survival was 11.000 ± 0.864 months (95% CI 9.306-12.694 months) in group A and 9.000 ± 0.528 months (95% CI 7.965-10.035 months) in group B; the two groups were significantly different (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of 125I with TACE was more effective than TACE without the radioactive seeds for treating patients with unresectable HCC with obstructive jaundice. Future prospective trials with larger samples will be required to validate these results.

A wait-and-see strategy with subsequent self-expanding metal stent on demand is superior to prophylactic bypass surgery for unresectable periampullary cancer

BACKGROUND

A patient with unresectable periampullary malignancy found at laparotomy has traditionally received a prophylactic double bypass (biliary and duodenal), associated with considerable morbidity. With modern endoscopic treatments, surgical bypass has become questionable. This study aims to compare the two strategies. Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SU) performs a double bypass (DoB) routinely, and Skåne University Hospital Lund (SUL) secures biliary drainage endoscopically and treats only symptomatic duodenal obstruction (Wait and See, WaS).

METHOD

Between 2004 and 2013, 73 patients from SU and 70 from SUL were retrospectively identified. Demographics, tumour-related factors and postoperative outcomes during the remaining lifetime were noted.

RESULTS

The DoB group had significantly more complications (67% vs. 31%, p = 0.00002) and longer hospital stay (14 vs. 8 days, p = 0.001) than the WaS-group. The two groups had similar proportion of patients in need of readmission. The DoB patients and the WaS patients with metallic biliary stents were comparable regarding their need of re-interventions and hospitalisation due to biliary obstruction. Surgical duodenal bypass did not prevent future duodenal obstructions.

CONCLUSION

Patients with unresectable periampullary malignancies can safely be managed with endoscopic drainage on demand and with lower morbidity and shorter hospital stay than with surgical prophylactic bypass.

A wait-and-see strategy with subsequent self-expanding metal stent on demand is superior to prophylactic bypass surgery for unresectable periampullary cancer

BACKGROUND

A patient with unresectable periampullary malignancy found at laparotomy has traditionally received a prophylactic double bypass (biliary and duodenal), associated with considerable morbidity. With modern endoscopic treatments, a surgical bypass has become questionable. This study aims to compare the two strategies. Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SU) performs a double bypass (DoB) routinely, and Skåne University Hospital Lund (SUL) secures biliary drainage endoscopically and treats only symptomatic duodenal obstruction (Wait and See, WaS).

METHOD

Between 2004 and 2013, 73 patients from SU and 70 from SUL were retrospectively identified. Demographics, tumour-related factors and post-operative outcomes during the remaining lifetime of the patients were noted.

RESULTS

The DoB group had significantly more complications (67% versus 31%, P = 0.00002) and a longer hospital stay (14 versus 8 days, P = 0.001) than the WaS group. The two groups had a similar proportion of patients in need of readmission. The DoB patients and the WaS patients with metallic biliary stents were comparable regarding their need of re-interventions and hospitalization as a result of biliary obstruction. A surgical duodenal bypass did not prevent future duodenal obstructions.

CONCLUSION

Patients with unresectable periampullary malignancies can safely be managed with endoscopic drainage on demand and with a lower morbidity and a shorter hospital stay than with a surgical prophylactic bypass.

Biliary stenting in advanced malignancy: an analysis of predictive factors for survival

Purpose

Stenting of the biliary tree is a common palliative procedure to relieve obstructive jaundice in advanced malignancy. Although effective in relief of biliary obstruction and palliation of symptoms, little information is available on predictive factors for survival post-procedure. This retrospective study sought to assess factors influencing post-procedure survival in cancer patients after biliary stenting.

Methods

Case notes of all patients from a regional academic cancer center, who underwent biliary stenting for obstructive jaundice related to malignancy during 2008 and 2009 were reviewed. We collected epidemiological, biochemical, treatment and survival data on all patients. We used Kaplan–Meyer analysis to assess survival from day of first biliary stenting (adjusted for cancer types), and the Cox proportional hazards model for univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

One hundred and ninety-four patients were included in the final analysis. Most cases were related to pancreatic cancer or cholangiocarcinoma (89 and 46 cases respectively). Median survival for all patients was 143 days. In multivariate analysis serum albumin ≥34 g/L at the time of procedure (hazard ratio 0.573; 95% confidence interval 0.424–0.773, P<0.001) and chemotherapy post-stent (hazard ratio 0.636; 95% confidence interval 0.455–0.889, P=0.008) were two independent prognostic factors predicting a better survival post-stenting. The 30 day mortality post-procedure in the 194 patients was 12%.

Conclusion

This study suggests that stenting of the biliary tree in cases of malignant obstruction allows durable palliation of symptoms even in cases where further active chemotherapy treatment is not possible. However, the better outcome observed in patients with albumin ≥34 g/L and those receiving chemotherapy post-stent requires further validation.

Complications and survival associated with operative procedures in patients with unresectable pancreatic head adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Unresectable tumors of the pancreatic head are encountered in up to 20% of patients taken for resection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the complications and outcome associated with palliative surgical procedures to help guide management decisions in these patients.

METHODS

Patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma taken to the operating room with curative intent who did not undergo pancreatectomy were evaluated.

RESULTS

From 1997 to 2013, 50 patients were explored and found be unresectable due to M1 disease (n = 27, 54.0%) or vascular invasion (n = 23, 46.0%). Among unresectable patients, 34 (68.0%) had a palliative procedure performed including double bypass (n = 13), biliary bypass (n = 7), gastrojejunostomy (n = 5), or cholecystectomy (n = 9). Complications occurred in 22 patients (44.0%), and patients who had a palliative operation had a longer hospital stay and more major complications. Overall survival was reduced in patients treated with a palliative operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite advancements in endoscopic palliation, operative bypasses are still commonplace in patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer. In this study, patients treated with operative procedures had a high rate of complications without a notable improvement in outcome. These findings highlight the importance of identifying unresectable disease prior to surgery and support a selective approach to palliative operations.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiobiopsy to determine the pathological cause of anastomotic stenosis after cholangiojejunostomy for malignant obstructive jaundice

AIM

To investigate the feasibility and advantages of cholangiobiopsy during percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in the histopathological diagnosis of anastomotic stenosis after cholangiojejunostomy for malignant obstructive jaundice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using biopsy forceps, specimens were collected from the site of stenosis in patients with recurrent jaundice (n = 24) who had previously undergone cholangiojejunostomy for malignant obstructive jaundice.

RESULTS

Stenosis occurred in all patients at the biliary-enteric anastomosis based on percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, and was the location of the biopsy. Satisfactory specimens were obtained from 22 out of 24 patients. The sensitivity was 91.7% (22/24). Tumour tissue was obtained in 18 cases, confirming disease recurrence. Histopathological changes in four patients were diagnosed as fibroplasia and/or inflammation. These were considered cicatricial stenoses based on histopathological, imaging, and laboratory findings. The remaining two histopathology-negative patients were proven to have recurrent tumour based on imaging, laboratory, and follow-up data. No complications occurred during biopsy, including gastrointestinal haemorrhage or perforation. Either cholangial drainage and/or an inner stent was used following biopsy, which resulted in a noticeable decrease in jaundice postoperatively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiobiopsy using biopsy forceps for the diagnosis of anastomotic stenosis after cholangiojejunostomy for malignant biliary obstructive jaundice is easy to perform and safe, with a high level of sensitivity. Interventional therapies, such as percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage and stent placement, can be performed concurrently, markedly improving the symptoms of patients with obstructive jaundice.

Palliative treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma with obstructive jaundice using biliary drainage with subsequent transarterial chemoembolization

BACKGROUND

Nonsurgical biliary drainage is considered as a priority for obstructive jaundice associated with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Successful drainage allows the patient to receive antitumor therapy, such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, only limited data are available on clinical outcomes in patients who treated biliary drainage with subsequent TACE.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the clinical outcome of biliary drainage with subsequent TACE in unresectable HCC patients with obstructive jaundice.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTING/SUBJECTS

A total of 60 patients received endoscopic biliary drainage (ERBD) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) in two tertiary care referral centers.

MEASUREMENTS

Successful drainage and survival were measured.

RESULTS

Successful drainage was achieved in 39 (65%) patients. The median survival of 39 patients in whom successful drainage was achieved, regardless of which procedure was performed, was much longer than that of 21 patients without successful drainage (147 days versus 38 days, respectively, P<.001). In particular, the median survival was longer in 17 patients who underwent TACE after achieving successful drainage than in 22 patients who were treated conservatively after achieving successful drainage (410 days versus 77 days, respectively, P<.001). Multivariable analysis in 39 patients in the successful drainage group showed that TACE (hazard ratio 0.15; 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.45, P=.001) was an independent predictive factor of a favorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective palliation by successful biliary drainage with subsequent TACE might prolong the survival in patients with obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable HCC.

Biliary drainage for obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: the endoscopic versus percutaneous approach

BACKGROUND

For palliative treatment of the obstructive jaundice associated with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) has been performed. PTBD is preferred as an initial procedure. Little is known about the better option for patients with obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable HCC.

METHODS

Sixty patients who had received ERBD or PTBD for the palliative treatment of obstructive jaundice caused by unresectable HCC between January 2006 and May 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Successful drainage, drainage patency, and the overall survival of patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis revealed that the overall frequency of successful drainage was higher in the ERBD group (22/29, 75.9%) than in the PTBD group (15/31, 48.4%) (P=0.029); but multivariate analysis showed marginal significance (P=0.057). The duration of drainage patency was longer in the ERBD group than in the PTBD group (82 vs 37 days, respectively, P=0.020). Regardless of what procedure was performed, the median survival time of patients who had a successful drainage was much longer than that of the patients who did not have a successful drainage (143 vs 38 days, respectively, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Besides PTBD, ERBD may be used as the initial treatment option to improve obstructive jaundice in patients with unresectable HCC if there is a longer duration of drainage patency after a successful drainage.

Transjugular insertion of bare-metal biliary stent for the treatment of distal malignant obstructive jaundice complicated by coagulopathy

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate retrospectively the feasibility of transjugular insertion of biliary stent (TIBS) for the treatment of distal malignant obstructive jaundice complicated by coagulopathy.

METHODS

Between April 2005 and May 2010, six patients with distal malignant obstructive jaundice associated with coagulopathy that was unable to be corrected underwent TIBS at our institution for the palliation of jaundice. Patients' medical record and imaging results were reviewed to obtain information about demographics, procedure details, complications, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The intrahepatic biliary tract was successfully accessed in all six patients via transjugular approach. The procedure was technically successfully in five of six patients, with a bare-metal stent implanted after traversing the biliary strictures. One procedure failed, because the guidewire could not traverse the biliary occlusion. One week after TIBS, the mean serum bilirubin in the five successful cases had decreased from 313 μmol/L (range 203.4-369.3) to 146.2 μmol/L (range 95.8-223.3) and had further decreased to 103.6 μmol/L (range 29.5-240.9) at 1 month after the procedure. No bleeding, sepsis, or other major complications were observed after the procedure. The mean survival of these five patients was 4.5 months (range 1.9-5.8). On imaging follow-up, there was no evidence of stent stenosis or migration, with 100 % primary patency.

CONCLUSIONS

When the risks of hemorrhage from percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage are high, TIBS may be an effective alternative for the treatment of distal malignant obstructive jaundice.

Operative procedures for unresectable pancreatic cancer: does operative bypass decrease requirements for postoperative procedures and in-hospital days?

BACKGROUND

The optimal surgical management of patients found to have unresectable pancreatic cancer at open exploration remains unknown.

METHODS

Records of patients who underwent non-therapeutic laparotomy for pancreatic cancer during 2000-2009 and were followed until death at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Over the 10-year study period, 157 patients underwent non-therapeutic laparotomy. Laparotomy alone was performed in 21% of patients; duodenal bypass, biliary bypass and double bypass were performed in 11%, 30% and 38% of patients, respectively. Complications occurred in 44 (28%) patients. Three (2%) patients died perioperatively. Postoperative interventions were required in 72 (46%) patients following exploration. The median number of inpatient days prior to death was 16 (interquartile range: 8-32 days). Proportions of patients requiring interventions were similar regardless of the procedure performed at the initial operation, as were the total number of inpatient days prior to death. Patients undergoing gastrojejunostomy required fewer postoperative duodenal stents and those undergoing operative biliary drainage required fewer postoperative biliary stents.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, duodenal, biliary and double bypasses in unresectable patients were not associated with fewer invasive procedures following non-therapeutic laparotomy and did not appear to reduce the total number of inpatient hospital days prior to death. Continued effort to identify unresectability prior to operation is justified.