Utility of hepatobiliary scintigraphy for recurrent reflux cholangitis following choledochojejunostomy: A case report

Towards a 'step-up approach' for the treatment of recurrent non-stenotic cholangitis after hepaticojejunostomy: systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recurrent non-stenotic cholangitis (NSC) is a difficult-to-treat complication after hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) leading to multiple hospital admissions. The optimal treatment strategy is unclear as a systematic review is lacking.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed including studies detailing treatment strategies and outcomes for recurrent NSC in patients with a surgical HJ in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (inception - September 2023). Primary outcome was resolution of NSC as defined by the included studies.

RESULTS

Overall, 72 patients with recurrent NSC after HJ were included from seven retrospective studies. The rate of recurrent NSC (specified in five studies) was 4% (46/1143 HJs). Diagnosis of NSC was mostly made after excluding HJ stenosis and assessing bile reflux. Initial treatment consisted of short-course antibiotics for all patients. Second step treatment consisted of prolonged antibiotic therapy (n = 10, 13.8%). Third step treatment consisted of surgery (n = 9, n = 12.5%); mostly lengthening of the biliary loop. Together, the overall reported resolution-rate of recurrent NSC was 66.6% (n = 48).

CONCLUSION

A 'step-up approach' may be effective in two-thirds of patients with recurrent NSC after HJ, starting with short-course antibiotics, and eventually adding prolonged antibiotic therapy and, ultimately, surgery aimed at preventing intestinal content and food reflux. Prospective studies are needed.

Incidence and Mechanism of Refractory Postoperative Cholangitis After Hepatectomy with Hepaticojejunostomy

INTRODUCTION

Malignant tumors, such as hilar cholangiocarcinoma, have shown improved long-term outcomes, and measures to prevent late postoperative complications are important. Postoperative cholangitis after hepatectomy with hepaticojejunostomy (HHJ) may occur and can significantly decrease the quality of life. However, there are few reports on the incidence and pathogenesis of postoperative cholangitis after HHJ.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 71 cases post HHJ at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital from January 2010 to December 2021. Cholangitis was diagnosed using the Tokyo Guideline 2018. Cases due to tumor recurrence around the hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) were excluded. Patients with three or more episodes of cholangitis were classified as the "refractory cholangitis group" (RC group). RC group patients were divided into a "stenosis group" and "non-stenosis group" according to intrahepatic bile duct dilatation at the onset of cholangitis. Their clinical characteristics and risk factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

Cholangitis occurred in 20 patients (28.1%), with 17 (23.9%) in the RC group. Most patients in the RC group developed their first episode within the first postoperative year. The stenosis group consisted of 6 patients, and their cholangitis was treated with repeated anastomotic dilatation and stent replacement. In the non-stenosis group, cholangitis was relatively mild and treated with antibiotics. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy for these cases showed bile congestion in the jejunum near the site of the hepaticojejunostomy.

CONCLUSION

There are two types of postoperative cholangitis, each with different pathogenesis and treatment. It is essential to assess anastomotic stenosis early and provide the necessary treatment.

The Impact of Biliary Reconstruction Methods on Small Partial Liver Grafts

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Graft recipient weight ratios are lower in adult-to-adult living-donor liver transplantation than in adult-to-adult deceased-donor liver transplantation. Rapid liver regeneration is essential for increased recipient survival rates in adult-to-adult living-donor liver transplantation. However, the influence of biliary reconstruction methods, including choledocho-choledochostomy and choledocho-jejunostomy, on small partial liver grafts remains unknown. Herein, we investigate the impact of these biliary reconstruction methods on small partial liver grafts.