The benefits of a second transhepatic route in failed percutaneous management of difficult intrahepatic biliary strictures with recurrent hepatolithiasis

Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2001 Jun;11(3):170-5.

Abstract

Percutaneous stricture dilatation and cholangioscopic lithotomy has become a mainstay in the treatment of patients with recurrent hepatolithiasis associated with intrahepatic biliary strictures. In a consecutive series of 125 patients who underwent percutaneous management of recurrent hepatolithiasis from 1987 to 1999, there were 15 patients in whom the procedure failed to clear the stones. A second percutaneous transhepatic route was established for subsequent treatment. A reappraisal of its indications and efficacy was done. Treatment through a second route was helpful for patients with bilateral strictures, angulated duct, difficult strictures, large impacted stones, a subcutaneous jejunal limb, or hemobilia developing in the first route. Strictures remained impacted in 1 of the 15 patients (failure rate, 7%), with the remaining having complete clearance of stones. Cholangitis occurred in two patients; no other complications were encountered. A second percutaneous route is very helpful for the management of complicated hepatolithiasis and biliary stricture.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / pathology*
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / surgery*
  • Cholelithiasis / surgery*
  • Constriction, Pathologic
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Treatment Failure