BACKGROUND Severe acute cholangitis is a potentially life-threatening disease in low-middle income countries(LMIC).Due to limited endoscopic services,these patients mostly undergo percutaneous transhepatic biliary dra...BACKGROUND Severe acute cholangitis is a potentially life-threatening disease in low-middle income countries(LMIC).Due to limited endoscopic services,these patients mostly undergo percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD).Studies from developed countries reported more complications with PTBD as compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).AIM To compare safety,therapeutic success,and survival among the PTBD and ERCP procedure in severe cholangitis in LMIC.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted in the Aga Khan University Hospital from January 2017 to December 2023.All patients who had severe acute cholangitis and underwent ERCP or PTBD were included.Patients were followed for complications,procedure success,and mortality.Data was gathered through an electronic medical record system and analyzed usingχ²and two sample t-tests.RESULTS A total of 33 patients were recruited,consisting of 12 females and 21 males with a mean age of 61 years.Among these participants,12 patients underwent ERCP,and the remaining 21 patients underwent PTBD.Therapeutic success was seen more in the ERCP group[11/12(97.1%)]than in the PTBD group[12/21 patients(57.1%)].Post-procedure complications were seen in both groups;however,more were observed in the PTBD cohort with a significant P value of 0.02.There were no mortalities among the patients who underwent ERCP while 5(23.8%)mortalities were seen in the PTBD group.CONCLUSION Fewer post-procedure complications and deaths were observed after ERCP than after PTBD,laying the foundation for large prospective studies and shifting the local paradigm of acute cholangitis treatment in LMICs.展开更多
Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by damage and loss of the epithelial lining of small intrahepatic bile ducts,leading to ductopenia and cholestasis.In advanced stage...Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by damage and loss of the epithelial lining of small intrahepatic bile ducts,leading to ductopenia and cholestasis.In advanced stages,this process results in cirrhosis and liver failure.The disease belongs to cholangiopathies.The review addressed historical questions concerning:The history of the first mention of this disease;how its nomenclature was formed;when specific serological tests were discovered and their importance in the diagnosis of PBC;the history of ursodeoxycholic and other bile acids for the treatment of PBC;and the significance of modern data on impaired bicarbonate production by cholangiocytes in the pathogenesis of PBC.展开更多
To the Editor:Living donor liver transplantation continues to be a widely ac-cepted treatment for end-stage liver diseases[1].However,biliary complications remain a significant challenge,attributable to both surgical ...To the Editor:Living donor liver transplantation continues to be a widely ac-cepted treatment for end-stage liver diseases[1].However,biliary complications remain a significant challenge,attributable to both surgical and nonsurgical factors.These complications include bile leakage,biliary stricture,and choledocholithiasis,with a reported incidence of biliary stricture in pediatric living donor liver recip-ients ranging from 10%to 35%[2].Commonly employed thera-peutic approaches for biliary complications are endoscopic retro-grade cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy(PTCSL),and surgery,with ERCP often being the preferred initial treatment.展开更多
The case report by Elsayed et al presented a multidisciplinary approach to treating recurrent biliary strictures following proximal bile duct injury.Bioresorbable biliary stents,an innovative option for managing bilia...The case report by Elsayed et al presented a multidisciplinary approach to treating recurrent biliary strictures following proximal bile duct injury.Bioresorbable biliary stents,an innovative option for managing biliary strictures in recent years,are a key part of this approach.Unlike traditional metal/plastic stents,bioresorbable stents made from materials like polylactic acid(PLA)or polycaprolactone gradually degrade in the body.This eliminates the need for endoscopic removal,reducing patient trauma and costs.Nondegradable stents often lead to complications such as restenosis,migration,or infection.In contrast,bioresorbable stents can have their degradation rate tailored to the bile duct healing process(e.g.,PLA stents remained unobstructed for 25.7 weeks in a porcine model),minimizing long-term complications.We analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of bioresorbable stents,outlined future research directions,and aimed to offer valuable insights for clinical practice.展开更多
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is considered the gold standard for treating benign and malignant biliary obstructions.However,its use in complex biliary obstructions is limited.Over the past decades,th...Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is considered the gold standard for treating benign and malignant biliary obstructions.However,its use in complex biliary obstructions is limited.Over the past decades,therapeutic endosonography(EUS)and emerging technologies such as lumen-apposing metal stents have enabled endoscopic treatment of conditions previously requiring nonendoscopic or surgical approaches.Studies show that EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy is a reliable alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of distal malignant biliary obstructions and can be considered a primary drainage modality in centers with adequate expertise.For malignant hilar biliary obstructions,draining at least 50%of viable liver tissue often requires combining different modalities.The treatment strategy in these patients should be individualized,depending on the Bismuth classification,patient physical status,and intended systemic therapy.Due to the lack of evidence,general recommendations cannot be made for EUS-guided hepaticoduodenostomy or combined procedures with transhepatic bridging stents.These novel techniques should be limited to selected palliative cases where conventional methods have failed and conducted within clinical trials to generate evidence before broader application.展开更多
Liver transplantation is the primary therapeutic choice for end-stage liver disease.Currently,biliary complications are among the main factors affecting the survival rate and quality of life of liver transplant recipi...Liver transplantation is the primary therapeutic choice for end-stage liver disease.Currently,biliary complications are among the main factors affecting the survival rate and quality of life of liver transplant recipients.Nevertheless,the clinical manifestations of biliary complications following liver transplantation are often non-specific,making early diagnosis and timely treatment crucial for improving patient outcomes.Ultrasound is the preferred imaging method following liver transplantation.Importantly,contrast-enhanced ultrasound,with the adminis-tration of contrast agents,can improve the resolution of biliary images and enable real-time,dynamic visualization of microcirculation perfusion in the biliary system and surrounding tissues.The present article describes the normal ultra-sonic features of the biliary system following liver transplantation and briefly reviews the progress in the ultrasonic diagnosis of common biliary complications,including anastomotic biliary strictures,non-anastomotic biliary strictures,biliary leakage,biloma,and bile sludge/bile stone.展开更多
BACKGROUND Bile duct leaks(BDLs)are serious postsurgical adverse events.Typically,conservative management with ab-dominal drainage is the initial treatment option.However,prolonged abdominal drainage without improveme...BACKGROUND Bile duct leaks(BDLs)are serious postsurgical adverse events.Typically,conservative management with ab-dominal drainage is the initial treatment option.However,prolonged abdominal drainage without improvement can lead to biliary stricture and delay the optimal timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).AIM To identify the optimal timing for ERCP and the period during which clinical observation with conservative management is acceptable,balancing ERCP success and the risk of biliary strictures.METHODS We conducted a multicenter retrospective study involving 448 patients with BDLs between November 2002 and November 2022.The patients were divided into four groups based on the timing of ERCP:3 days,7 days,14 days,and 21 days.The primary outcome was clinical success,defined as the resolution of BDL and related symptoms within 6 months without additional percutaneous drainage,surgery,or death.The secondary outcome was incidence of biliary strictures.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with ERCP success and biliary stricture occurrence.RESULTS In a cohort of 448 consecutive patients diagnosed with BDLs,354 were excluded,leaving 94 patients who underwent ERCP.Clinical success was achieved in 84%of cases(79/94),with a median ERCP timing of 20 days(9.5-35.3 days).Biliary strictures were identified in 29(30.9%)patients.Performing ERCP within 3 weeks,compared to after 3 weeks,was associated with higher success rates[92.0%(46/50)vs 75.0%(33/44),P=0.032]and a lower incidence of biliary stricture incidence[18.0%(9/50)vs 45.5%(20/44),P=0.005].Subsequent multivariate analysis confirmed the association with higher success rates(odds ratio=4.168,P=0.045)and lower biliary stricture rates(odds ratio=0.256,P=0.007).CONCLUSION Performing ERCP for BDLs within 3 weeks may be associated with a higher success rate and a lower biliary stricture rate.If patients with BDLs do not respond to conservative treatment,ERCP is suggested to be performed within 3 weeks.展开更多
BACKGROUND Proximal bile duct injury(BDI),which often occurs after laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC),can lead to complex biliary stricture and recurrent cholangitis.This case report presented a 39-year-old woman who ex...BACKGROUND Proximal bile duct injury(BDI),which often occurs after laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC),can lead to complex biliary stricture and recurrent cholangitis.This case report presented a 39-year-old woman who experienced proximal BDI during LC in 2017,leading to multiple episodes of cholangitis and subsequent hepaticojejunostomy in 2018.Despite these interventions,persistent biliary complications necessitated repeated hospital admissions and antibiotic treatment.Imaging studies revealed persistent stricture at the site of hepaticojejunostomy,prompting a series of percutaneous procedures,including balloon dilatation and biliary drainage.In August 2024,she underwent biodegradable biliary stenting,which significantly improved her condition.Subsequently,she remained clinically stable for 5 months without further episodes of cholangitis and had improved liver function tests.This case highlighted the complexities of managing postinjury biliary stricture,underscored the potential of biodegradable stents as an effective treatment option,and emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach in managing such complications.Long-term follow-up is essential for monitoring treatment effectiveness and preventing recurrence.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old female had a routine LC in 2017.The patient sustained a proximal BDI during the surgery.In the months that followed,recurrent bouts of cholangitis occurred.A hepaticojejunostomy biliary reconstruction was performed in 2018.However,hepatic cholangitis persisted.In 2021 and 2022,MRCP scans revealed biliary stasis,duct dilation,and a stricture at the hepaticojejunostomy site.A subsequent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography(PTC)confirmed these findings and led to drain placement.The treatment included internal and external biliary drain placements,repeated balloon dilations of the stricture,percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy to extract intrahepatic lithiasis,and insertion of a biodegradable biliary stent.Since the first PTC intervention,there have been no hospital admissions for cholangitis.Liver function tests showed improvement,and for five months following the biodegradable stenting,the condition remained stable.Long-term surveillance with regular imaging and blood work has been emphasized.The final diagnosis is recurrent biliary stricture secondary to proximal BDI.Treatment,including hepaticojejunostomy,repeated PTC with balloon dilation,and biodegradable biliary stenting,has led to complete drainage of the biliary system.Ongoing follow-up remains crucial for monitoring the patient's progress and maintaining their health.CONCLUSION This case demonstrated how strictures and recurrent cholangitis complicate the management of BDI after LC.A customized and multidisciplinary approach to control chronic biliary disease was proven effective,as shown by the patient’s good outcome.This was achieved by integrating balloon dilatation sessions,biliary drainage,stone clearing,and biodegradable stent placement.Long-term follow-up and continued monitoring remain essential to ensure patient stability and prevent further complications.展开更多
Knowledge of the etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of any disease is essential for its treatment.Because the cause of primary biliary cholangitis(PBC),a chronic,slowly progressive cholestatic ...Knowledge of the etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of any disease is essential for its treatment.Because the cause of primary biliary cholangitis(PBC),a chronic,slowly progressive cholestatic liver disease,is still unknown,treatment remains symptomatic.Knowledge of the physicochemical properties of various bile acids and the adaptive responses of cholangiocytes and hepatocytes to them has provided an important basis for the development of relatively effective drugs based on hydrophilic bile acids that can potentially slow the progression of the disease.Advances in the use of hydrophilic bile acids for the treatment of PBC are also associated with the discovery of pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of cholangiocyte damage and the appearance of the first signs of this disease.For 35 years,ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)has been the unique drug of choice for the treatment of patients with PBC.In recent years,the list of hydrophilic bile acids used to treat cholestatic liver diseases,including PBC,has expanded.In addition to UDCA,the use of obeticholic acid,tauroursodeoxycholic acid and norursodeoxycholic acid as drugs is discussed.The pathogenetic rationale for treatment of PBC with various bile acid drugs is discussed in this review.Emphasis is made on the mechanisms explaining the beneficial therapeutic effects and potential of each of the bile acid as a drug,based on the understanding of the pathogenesis of the initial stages of PBC.展开更多
BACKGROUND Needle-knife precut papillotomy(NKP)is typically performed freehand.However,it remains unclear whether pancreatic stent(PS)placement can improve the outcomes of NKP.AIM To explore whether PS placement impro...BACKGROUND Needle-knife precut papillotomy(NKP)is typically performed freehand.However,it remains unclear whether pancreatic stent(PS)placement can improve the outcomes of NKP.AIM To explore whether PS placement improves the success rate of NKP in patients with difficult biliary cannulation.METHODS This single-center retrospective study included 190 patients who underwent NKP between January 2017 and December 2021 after failed conventional biliary cannulation.In cases with incidental pancreatic duct cannulation during conventional biliary cannulation,the decision for pre-NKP PS placement was made at the endoscopist's discretion.The primary outcome was the difference in the NKP success rate between patients with and without PS placement;the secondary outcome was the adverse event rate.RESULTS Among the 190 participants,82 received pre-NKP PS(PS-NKP group)whereas 108 did not[freehand or freehand NKP(FH-NKP)group].Post-NKP selective biliary cannulation was successful in 167(87.9%)patients,and the PS-NKP had a significantly higher success rate than the FH-NKP group(93.9%vs 83.3%,P=0.027).The overall adverse event rates were 7.3%and 11.1%in the PS-NKP and FH-NKP groups,respectively(P=0.493).A periampullary diverticulum(PAD)and significant intraoperative bleeding during NKP were independently associated with NKP failure;however,a pre-NKP PS was the only predictor of NKP success.Among the 44 participants with PADs,the PS-NKP group had a non-significantly higher NKP success rate than the FH-NKP group(87.5%and 65%,respectively;P=0.076).CONCLUSION PS significantly improved the success rate of NKP in patients with difficult biliary cannulation.展开更多
Biliary leaks can arise as a consequence of cholecystectomy,liver surgery,liver transplant,or,less frequently,trauma.Early identification and characterization of these leaks are crucial,as they can significantly enhan...Biliary leaks can arise as a consequence of cholecystectomy,liver surgery,liver transplant,or,less frequently,trauma.Early identification and characterization of these leaks are crucial,as they can significantly enhance patient outcomes by reducing morbidity and mortality.Traditionally,surgical repair has been the standard treatment;however,advancements in endoscopic techniques and tools have established endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)as the primary approach for managing these often-complicated cases.Interventions such as sphincterotomy,nasobiliary drainage,and stent placement aim to alleviate the pressure within the bile duct,facilitating depressurization and promoting leak healing.Alongside ERCP,endoscopic ultrasound is playing an increasingly vital role in addressing challenging cases.Ongoing improvements in endoscopic technologies and methodologies offer promising prospects,often minimizing the need for invasive surgical interventions.Nonetheless,the management of biliary leaks continues to pose significant challenges for clinicians.An optimal approach for patients experiencing bile leakage should be determined on a case-by-case basis and discussed within a multidisciplinary team involving radiologists,endoscopists,and surgeons.This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the role of endoscopy in the management of various types of biliary leaks,providing clinicians with practical insights to navigate this complex field.展开更多
This article discusses Wang et al’s essay.Endoscopic biliary stenting,a less invasive alternative to surgery,is effective for malignant obstructive jaundice.This article summarizes the pathophysiology of biliary obst...This article discusses Wang et al’s essay.Endoscopic biliary stenting,a less invasive alternative to surgery,is effective for malignant obstructive jaundice.This article summarizes the pathophysiology of biliary obstruction,the technical aspects of stenting,and the clinical outcomes.By comparison of endoscopic stenting with percutaneous biliary drainage,improvements and complications are focused on.Additionally,patient selection for stenting and future advancements in stent technology are important.Overall,endoscopic biliary stenting is a valuable palliative option for patients with malignant jaundice,especially those ineligibles for surgery.展开更多
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease.Nanoparticles encapsulating rapamycin(ImmTOR)suppress adaptive immune responses and induce the hepatic tolerogenic ...BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease.Nanoparticles encapsulating rapamycin(ImmTOR)suppress adaptive immune responses and induce the hepatic tolerogenic immune response.AIM To investigate the effects of ImmTOR in PBC mouse models.METHODS PBC models were induced in C57BL/6 mice by two immunizations of 2-octynoic acid-coupled bovine serum albumin at two-week intervals,and polycytidylic acid every three days.The PBC mouse models were separated into the treatment group and the control group.The levels of alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and alanine aminotransferase in the mice were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer.Liver and spleen mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry,and serum anti-mitochondrial antibodies(AMA)and the related cytokines were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Liver histopathology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and scored.RESULTS After treatment with ImmTOR,the ALP level was significantly decreased(189.60 U/L±27.25 U/L vs 156.00 U/L±17.21 U/L,P<0.05),the level of AMA was reduced(1.28 ng/mL±0.27 ng/mL vs 0.56 ng/mL±0.07 ng/mL,P<0.001)and the expression levels of interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factorαwere significantly decreased(48.29 pg/mL±10.84 pg/mL vs 25.01 pg/mL±1.49 pg/mL,P<0.0001)and(84.24 pg/mL±23.47 pg/mL vs 40.66 pg/mL±14.65 pg/mL,P<0.001).The CD4+T lymphocytes,CD8+T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in the liver were significantly reduced,with statistically significant differences(24.21%±6.55%vs 15.98%±3.03%,P<0.05;9.09%±1.91%vs 5.49%±1.00%,P<0.001;80.51%±2.96%vs 75.31%±4.34%,P<0.05).The expression of CD8+T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in the ImmTOR treatment group also decreased(9.09%±1.91%vs 5.49%±1.00%,P<0.001;80.51%±2.96%vs 75.31%±4.34%,P<0.05).The liver pathology of PBC mice in the treatment group showed reduced inflammation and a decreased total pathology score,and the difference in the scores was statistically significant(4.50±2.88 vs 1.75±1.28,P<0.05).CONCLUSION ImmTOR can improve biochemistry and pathology of liver obvious by inhibiting the expression of CD8+T cells and B cells,and reducing the titer of AMA.展开更多
BACKGROUND Laparoscopic hepatectomy(LH)has been applied in the treatment of hepatolithiasisa in patients with a history of biliary surgery and has already achieved good clinical outcomes.However,reoperative LH(rLH)inc...BACKGROUND Laparoscopic hepatectomy(LH)has been applied in the treatment of hepatolithiasisa in patients with a history of biliary surgery and has already achieved good clinical outcomes.However,reoperative LH(rLH)includes multiple procedures,and the no studies have examined the clinical value of individual laparoscopic procedures.AIM To evaluate the safety and feasibility of each rLH procedure for hepatolithiasisa in patients with a history of biliary surgery.METHODS Patients with previous biliary surgery who underwent reoperative hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis were studied.Liver resection procedures were divided into three categories:(1)Laparoscopic/open left lateral sectionectomy[reoperative laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy(rLLLS)/reoperative open left lateral sectionectomy(rOLLS)];(2)Laparoscopic/open left hemihepatectomy[reoperative laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy(rLLH)/reoperative open left hemihepatectomy(rOLH)];and(3)Laparoscopic/open complex hepatectomy[reoperative laparoscopic complex hepatectomy(rLCH)/reoperative open complex hepate ctomy(rOCH)].The clinical outcomes were compared between the rLLLS,rLLH,and rLCH groups,and subgroup analyses were performed for the rLLLS/rOLLS,rLLH/rOLH,and rLCH/rOCH subgroups.RESULTS A total of 185 patients were studied,including 101 rLH patients(40 rLLLS,50 rLLH,and 11 rLCH)and 84 reoperative open hepatectomy(40 rOLLS,33 rOLH,and 11 rOCH).Among the three types of rLH procedure,rLLLS required the shortest operation time(240.0 minutes vs 325.0 minutes vs 350.0 minutes,P=0.001)and the lowest blood transfusion rate(10.0%vs 22.0%vs 54.5%,P=0.005),followed by rLLH.The rLCH had the highest conversion rate(P<0.05)and postoperative intensive care unit stay rate(P=0.001).Most clinical outcomes in rLLLS and rLLH were superior or similar to those in the corresponding open surgery,while there were no differences in all outcomes between the rLCH and rOCH subgroups.CONCLUSION The rLH is safe for hepatolithiasis patients with a history of biliary surgery.The rLLLS and rLLH can be recommended for these patients,whereas rLCH should be applied with caution.展开更多
Biliary system,which is responsible for transporting bile from the liver into the intestine,is commonly damaged by inflammation or tumors eventually causing liver failure or death.The implantation of biliary stents ca...Biliary system,which is responsible for transporting bile from the liver into the intestine,is commonly damaged by inflammation or tumors eventually causing liver failure or death.The implantation of biliary stents can effectively alleviate both benign and malignant biliary strictures,but the plastic and metal stents that are currently used cannot degrade and nearly has no beneficial biological effects,therefore their long-term service can result into inflammation,the formation of sludges and re-obstruction of bile duct.In recent years,magnesium(Mg)metal has been received increasing attention in the field of biomedical application due to its excellent biocompatibility,adequate mechanical properties,biodegradability and other advantages,such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.The research on biliary stents made of magnesium metals(BSMM)has also made significant progress and a series of experiments in vitro and vivo has proved their possibility.However,there are still some problems holding back BSMM’s clinical use,including rapid corrosion rate and potential harmful reaction.In this review,we would summarize the current research of BSMM,evaluate their clinical benefits,find the choke points,and discuss the solving method.展开更多
Background:Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)are effective in a subset of patients with metastatic solid tumors.However,the patients who would benefit most from ICIs in biliary tract cancer(BTC)are still controversial...Background:Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)are effective in a subset of patients with metastatic solid tumors.However,the patients who would benefit most from ICIs in biliary tract cancer(BTC)are still controversial.Materials and methods:We molecularly characterized tissues and blood from 32 patients with metastatic BTC treated with the ICI pembrolizumab as second-line therapy.Results:All patients had microsatellite stable(MSS)type tumors.Three of the 32 patients achieved partial response(PR),with an objective response rate(ORR)of 9.4%(95%confidence interval[CI],2.0–25.2)and nine showed stable disease(SD),exhibiting a disease control rate(DCR)of 37.5%(95%CI,21.1–56.3).For the 31 patients who had access to PD-1 ligand 1(PD-L1)combined positive score(CPS)testing(cut-off value≥1%),the ORR was not different between those who had PD-L1-positive(PD-L1+;1/11,9.1%)and PDL1-(2/20,10.0%)tumors(p=1.000).The tumor mutational burden(TMB)of PD-L1+BTC was comparable to that of PD-L1-BTC(p=0.630).TMB and any exonic somatic mutations were also not predictive of pembrolizumab response.Molecular analysis of blood and tumor samples demonstrated a relatively high natural killer(NK)cell proportion in the peripheral blood before pembrolizumab treatment in patients who achieved tumor response.Moreover,the tumors of these patients presented high enrichment scores for NK cells,antitumor cytokines,and Th1 signatures,and a low enrichment score for cancer-associated fibroblasts.Conclusions:This study shows the molecular characteristics associated with the efficacy of pembrolizumab in BTC of the MSS type.展开更多
BACKGROUND Malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)is characterized by the presence of malignant tumors infiltrating or compressing the bile duct,causing poor bile drainage,generalized yellowing,pain,itching,and malaise.MO...BACKGROUND Malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)is characterized by the presence of malignant tumors infiltrating or compressing the bile duct,causing poor bile drainage,generalized yellowing,pain,itching,and malaise.MOJ is burdensome for both the society and the families of affected patients and should be taken seriously.AIM To evaluate the clinical effect of stent placement during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for relieving MOJ and the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in terms of liver function improvement,complication rates,and long-term patient outcomes.METHODS The clinical data of 59 patients with MOJ who were admitted to our hospital between March 2018 and August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the treatment method,the patients were divided into an observation group(29 patients)and a control group(30 patients).General data,liver function indices,complications,adverse effects,and 3-year survival rates after different surgical treatments were recorded for the two groups.RESULTS There were no significant differences in baseline information(sex,age,tumor type,or tumor diameter)between the two groups(P>0.05).Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and total bilirubin levels were significantly better in both groups after surgery than before surgery(P<0.05).The overall incidence of biliary bleeding,gastrointestinal bleeding,pancreatitis,and cholangitis was 6.9%in the observation group and 30%in the control group(P<0.05).No significant differences in the rates of blood transfusion,intensive care unit admission,or death within 3 years were observed between the two groups at the 1-month follow-up(P>0.05).The 3-year survival rates were 46.06%and 39.71%in the observation and control groups,respectively.CONCLUSION Endoscopic biliary stenting effectively relieves MOJ and significantly improves liver function,with minimal complications.This technique is a promising palliative approach for patients ineligible for radical surgery.However,further research is needed to optimize current treatment strategies and to explore their potential in treating nonmalignant cases of obstructive jaundice.展开更多
BACKGROUND Brush cytology is the most commonly used technique for tissue acquisition during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the evaluation of biliary strictures.Nonetheless,brush cytology is limited...BACKGROUND Brush cytology is the most commonly used technique for tissue acquisition during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the evaluation of biliary strictures.Nonetheless,brush cytology is limited by its low sensitivity due to insufficient cellular yield.AIM To evaluate the impact of the sheath-rinse technique on improving the cellularity yield.METHODS A total of 112 patients with suspected malignant biliary strictures were enrolled at two tertiary centers in South Korea.The sample cellularity and diagnostic accuracy of brush-wash and sheath-rinse specimens were compared.RESULTS A significantly increased number of total cell clusters per representative 20×field was recorded in the sheath-rinse compared with the brush-wash specimens(median:12 vs 3,P<0.001).This trend persisted when large(>50 cells)clusters(median:8 vs 3,P<0.001),medium(6-49 cells)(median:7 vs 3,P<0.001),and small(2-5 cells)clusters(median:9 vs 3,P<0.001)were evaluated.Diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity for differentiating malignancy were superior with sheath-rinsing than with the brush-wash method(72.3%vs 62.5%,P<0.001 and 69.9%vs 59.2%,P<0.001,respectively).CONCLUSION Incorporating sheath-rinse specimens significantly improved the yield and diagnostic accuracy of biliary brush cytology.Sheath-rinsing should be integrated into routine clinical practice to improve diagnostic performance for biliary strictures.展开更多
Magnesium and its alloys have been initially applied to biliary tract surgery.Currently,few reports on the degradation behavior of magnesium in the bile environment were investigated.Thus,in-depth research on the degr...Magnesium and its alloys have been initially applied to biliary tract surgery.Currently,few reports on the degradation behavior of magnesium in the bile environment were investigated.Thus,in-depth research on the degradation behavior of Mg and its alloys in bile is beneficial to the further application of Mg in biliary tract surgery.In this study,the degradation behavior of HP-Mg(HPM)and Mg-2 wt.%Zn(MZ2)alloys in human bile and Hanks balanced salt solution(HBSS)was systematically investigated.The MZ2 alloy biliary stent was implanted into the porcine common bile duct to study the degradation behavior of MZ2 alloy in vivo,and to verify the biosafety of MZ2 alloys degradation in the bile duct.It was found that the degradation product layer formed by MZ2 alloys in bile consisted of three layers,including organic matter(fatty acid,etc.),calcium and magnesium phosphate,and Mg(OH)2/MgO,respectively from the outside to the inside.The multi-layered degradation product layer slowed down the corrosion of the Mg matrix.During the 21 days of stent implantation,the degradation rate of the MZ2 stent was about 0.83 mm/y,there was no blockage and stenosis of the tube diameter,and the bile drainage function was normal.展开更多
A clinical trial of nab-paclitaxel plus capecitabine as a first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancers was conducted.We analyzed the development of systemic therapy recommended by the National Comprehensive...A clinical trial of nab-paclitaxel plus capecitabine as a first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancers was conducted.We analyzed the development of systemic therapy recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and the development of nab-paclitaxel combination chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancers(BTCs)and concluded that nab-paclitaxel plus capecitabine is a promising first-line regimen for advanced BTCs.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Severe acute cholangitis is a potentially life-threatening disease in low-middle income countries(LMIC).Due to limited endoscopic services,these patients mostly undergo percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD).Studies from developed countries reported more complications with PTBD as compared with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).AIM To compare safety,therapeutic success,and survival among the PTBD and ERCP procedure in severe cholangitis in LMIC.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted in the Aga Khan University Hospital from January 2017 to December 2023.All patients who had severe acute cholangitis and underwent ERCP or PTBD were included.Patients were followed for complications,procedure success,and mortality.Data was gathered through an electronic medical record system and analyzed usingχ²and two sample t-tests.RESULTS A total of 33 patients were recruited,consisting of 12 females and 21 males with a mean age of 61 years.Among these participants,12 patients underwent ERCP,and the remaining 21 patients underwent PTBD.Therapeutic success was seen more in the ERCP group[11/12(97.1%)]than in the PTBD group[12/21 patients(57.1%)].Post-procedure complications were seen in both groups;however,more were observed in the PTBD cohort with a significant P value of 0.02.There were no mortalities among the patients who underwent ERCP while 5(23.8%)mortalities were seen in the PTBD group.CONCLUSION Fewer post-procedure complications and deaths were observed after ERCP than after PTBD,laying the foundation for large prospective studies and shifting the local paradigm of acute cholangitis treatment in LMICs.
文摘Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by damage and loss of the epithelial lining of small intrahepatic bile ducts,leading to ductopenia and cholestasis.In advanced stages,this process results in cirrhosis and liver failure.The disease belongs to cholangiopathies.The review addressed historical questions concerning:The history of the first mention of this disease;how its nomenclature was formed;when specific serological tests were discovered and their importance in the diagnosis of PBC;the history of ursodeoxycholic and other bile acids for the treatment of PBC;and the significance of modern data on impaired bicarbonate production by cholangiocytes in the pathogenesis of PBC.
文摘To the Editor:Living donor liver transplantation continues to be a widely ac-cepted treatment for end-stage liver diseases[1].However,biliary complications remain a significant challenge,attributable to both surgical and nonsurgical factors.These complications include bile leakage,biliary stricture,and choledocholithiasis,with a reported incidence of biliary stricture in pediatric living donor liver recip-ients ranging from 10%to 35%[2].Commonly employed thera-peutic approaches for biliary complications are endoscopic retro-grade cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotomy(PTCSL),and surgery,with ERCP often being the preferred initial treatment.
基金Supported by PhD Supervisor Training Program,No.22GSSYA-3Gansu Provincial Health Industry Research Project,No.GSWSKY2020-45Gansu Natural Science Foundation,No.20JR10RA378.
文摘The case report by Elsayed et al presented a multidisciplinary approach to treating recurrent biliary strictures following proximal bile duct injury.Bioresorbable biliary stents,an innovative option for managing biliary strictures in recent years,are a key part of this approach.Unlike traditional metal/plastic stents,bioresorbable stents made from materials like polylactic acid(PLA)or polycaprolactone gradually degrade in the body.This eliminates the need for endoscopic removal,reducing patient trauma and costs.Nondegradable stents often lead to complications such as restenosis,migration,or infection.In contrast,bioresorbable stents can have their degradation rate tailored to the bile duct healing process(e.g.,PLA stents remained unobstructed for 25.7 weeks in a porcine model),minimizing long-term complications.We analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of bioresorbable stents,outlined future research directions,and aimed to offer valuable insights for clinical practice.
文摘Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is considered the gold standard for treating benign and malignant biliary obstructions.However,its use in complex biliary obstructions is limited.Over the past decades,therapeutic endosonography(EUS)and emerging technologies such as lumen-apposing metal stents have enabled endoscopic treatment of conditions previously requiring nonendoscopic or surgical approaches.Studies show that EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy is a reliable alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of distal malignant biliary obstructions and can be considered a primary drainage modality in centers with adequate expertise.For malignant hilar biliary obstructions,draining at least 50%of viable liver tissue often requires combining different modalities.The treatment strategy in these patients should be individualized,depending on the Bismuth classification,patient physical status,and intended systemic therapy.Due to the lack of evidence,general recommendations cannot be made for EUS-guided hepaticoduodenostomy or combined procedures with transhepatic bridging stents.These novel techniques should be limited to selected palliative cases where conventional methods have failed and conducted within clinical trials to generate evidence before broader application.
基金Supported by the Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital Research Fund,No.25270G1043The Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.2025A1515011934.
文摘Liver transplantation is the primary therapeutic choice for end-stage liver disease.Currently,biliary complications are among the main factors affecting the survival rate and quality of life of liver transplant recipients.Nevertheless,the clinical manifestations of biliary complications following liver transplantation are often non-specific,making early diagnosis and timely treatment crucial for improving patient outcomes.Ultrasound is the preferred imaging method following liver transplantation.Importantly,contrast-enhanced ultrasound,with the adminis-tration of contrast agents,can improve the resolution of biliary images and enable real-time,dynamic visualization of microcirculation perfusion in the biliary system and surrounding tissues.The present article describes the normal ultra-sonic features of the biliary system following liver transplantation and briefly reviews the progress in the ultrasonic diagnosis of common biliary complications,including anastomotic biliary strictures,non-anastomotic biliary strictures,biliary leakage,biloma,and bile sludge/bile stone.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program,China,No.2022YFC2503603.
文摘BACKGROUND Bile duct leaks(BDLs)are serious postsurgical adverse events.Typically,conservative management with ab-dominal drainage is the initial treatment option.However,prolonged abdominal drainage without improvement can lead to biliary stricture and delay the optimal timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).AIM To identify the optimal timing for ERCP and the period during which clinical observation with conservative management is acceptable,balancing ERCP success and the risk of biliary strictures.METHODS We conducted a multicenter retrospective study involving 448 patients with BDLs between November 2002 and November 2022.The patients were divided into four groups based on the timing of ERCP:3 days,7 days,14 days,and 21 days.The primary outcome was clinical success,defined as the resolution of BDL and related symptoms within 6 months without additional percutaneous drainage,surgery,or death.The secondary outcome was incidence of biliary strictures.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with ERCP success and biliary stricture occurrence.RESULTS In a cohort of 448 consecutive patients diagnosed with BDLs,354 were excluded,leaving 94 patients who underwent ERCP.Clinical success was achieved in 84%of cases(79/94),with a median ERCP timing of 20 days(9.5-35.3 days).Biliary strictures were identified in 29(30.9%)patients.Performing ERCP within 3 weeks,compared to after 3 weeks,was associated with higher success rates[92.0%(46/50)vs 75.0%(33/44),P=0.032]and a lower incidence of biliary stricture incidence[18.0%(9/50)vs 45.5%(20/44),P=0.005].Subsequent multivariate analysis confirmed the association with higher success rates(odds ratio=4.168,P=0.045)and lower biliary stricture rates(odds ratio=0.256,P=0.007).CONCLUSION Performing ERCP for BDLs within 3 weeks may be associated with a higher success rate and a lower biliary stricture rate.If patients with BDLs do not respond to conservative treatment,ERCP is suggested to be performed within 3 weeks.
文摘BACKGROUND Proximal bile duct injury(BDI),which often occurs after laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC),can lead to complex biliary stricture and recurrent cholangitis.This case report presented a 39-year-old woman who experienced proximal BDI during LC in 2017,leading to multiple episodes of cholangitis and subsequent hepaticojejunostomy in 2018.Despite these interventions,persistent biliary complications necessitated repeated hospital admissions and antibiotic treatment.Imaging studies revealed persistent stricture at the site of hepaticojejunostomy,prompting a series of percutaneous procedures,including balloon dilatation and biliary drainage.In August 2024,she underwent biodegradable biliary stenting,which significantly improved her condition.Subsequently,she remained clinically stable for 5 months without further episodes of cholangitis and had improved liver function tests.This case highlighted the complexities of managing postinjury biliary stricture,underscored the potential of biodegradable stents as an effective treatment option,and emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach in managing such complications.Long-term follow-up is essential for monitoring treatment effectiveness and preventing recurrence.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old female had a routine LC in 2017.The patient sustained a proximal BDI during the surgery.In the months that followed,recurrent bouts of cholangitis occurred.A hepaticojejunostomy biliary reconstruction was performed in 2018.However,hepatic cholangitis persisted.In 2021 and 2022,MRCP scans revealed biliary stasis,duct dilation,and a stricture at the hepaticojejunostomy site.A subsequent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography(PTC)confirmed these findings and led to drain placement.The treatment included internal and external biliary drain placements,repeated balloon dilations of the stricture,percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy to extract intrahepatic lithiasis,and insertion of a biodegradable biliary stent.Since the first PTC intervention,there have been no hospital admissions for cholangitis.Liver function tests showed improvement,and for five months following the biodegradable stenting,the condition remained stable.Long-term surveillance with regular imaging and blood work has been emphasized.The final diagnosis is recurrent biliary stricture secondary to proximal BDI.Treatment,including hepaticojejunostomy,repeated PTC with balloon dilation,and biodegradable biliary stenting,has led to complete drainage of the biliary system.Ongoing follow-up remains crucial for monitoring the patient's progress and maintaining their health.CONCLUSION This case demonstrated how strictures and recurrent cholangitis complicate the management of BDI after LC.A customized and multidisciplinary approach to control chronic biliary disease was proven effective,as shown by the patient’s good outcome.This was achieved by integrating balloon dilatation sessions,biliary drainage,stone clearing,and biodegradable stent placement.Long-term follow-up and continued monitoring remain essential to ensure patient stability and prevent further complications.
文摘Knowledge of the etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of any disease is essential for its treatment.Because the cause of primary biliary cholangitis(PBC),a chronic,slowly progressive cholestatic liver disease,is still unknown,treatment remains symptomatic.Knowledge of the physicochemical properties of various bile acids and the adaptive responses of cholangiocytes and hepatocytes to them has provided an important basis for the development of relatively effective drugs based on hydrophilic bile acids that can potentially slow the progression of the disease.Advances in the use of hydrophilic bile acids for the treatment of PBC are also associated with the discovery of pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of cholangiocyte damage and the appearance of the first signs of this disease.For 35 years,ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)has been the unique drug of choice for the treatment of patients with PBC.In recent years,the list of hydrophilic bile acids used to treat cholestatic liver diseases,including PBC,has expanded.In addition to UDCA,the use of obeticholic acid,tauroursodeoxycholic acid and norursodeoxycholic acid as drugs is discussed.The pathogenetic rationale for treatment of PBC with various bile acid drugs is discussed in this review.Emphasis is made on the mechanisms explaining the beneficial therapeutic effects and potential of each of the bile acid as a drug,based on the understanding of the pathogenesis of the initial stages of PBC.
文摘BACKGROUND Needle-knife precut papillotomy(NKP)is typically performed freehand.However,it remains unclear whether pancreatic stent(PS)placement can improve the outcomes of NKP.AIM To explore whether PS placement improves the success rate of NKP in patients with difficult biliary cannulation.METHODS This single-center retrospective study included 190 patients who underwent NKP between January 2017 and December 2021 after failed conventional biliary cannulation.In cases with incidental pancreatic duct cannulation during conventional biliary cannulation,the decision for pre-NKP PS placement was made at the endoscopist's discretion.The primary outcome was the difference in the NKP success rate between patients with and without PS placement;the secondary outcome was the adverse event rate.RESULTS Among the 190 participants,82 received pre-NKP PS(PS-NKP group)whereas 108 did not[freehand or freehand NKP(FH-NKP)group].Post-NKP selective biliary cannulation was successful in 167(87.9%)patients,and the PS-NKP had a significantly higher success rate than the FH-NKP group(93.9%vs 83.3%,P=0.027).The overall adverse event rates were 7.3%and 11.1%in the PS-NKP and FH-NKP groups,respectively(P=0.493).A periampullary diverticulum(PAD)and significant intraoperative bleeding during NKP were independently associated with NKP failure;however,a pre-NKP PS was the only predictor of NKP success.Among the 44 participants with PADs,the PS-NKP group had a non-significantly higher NKP success rate than the FH-NKP group(87.5%and 65%,respectively;P=0.076).CONCLUSION PS significantly improved the success rate of NKP in patients with difficult biliary cannulation.
文摘Biliary leaks can arise as a consequence of cholecystectomy,liver surgery,liver transplant,or,less frequently,trauma.Early identification and characterization of these leaks are crucial,as they can significantly enhance patient outcomes by reducing morbidity and mortality.Traditionally,surgical repair has been the standard treatment;however,advancements in endoscopic techniques and tools have established endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)as the primary approach for managing these often-complicated cases.Interventions such as sphincterotomy,nasobiliary drainage,and stent placement aim to alleviate the pressure within the bile duct,facilitating depressurization and promoting leak healing.Alongside ERCP,endoscopic ultrasound is playing an increasingly vital role in addressing challenging cases.Ongoing improvements in endoscopic technologies and methodologies offer promising prospects,often minimizing the need for invasive surgical interventions.Nonetheless,the management of biliary leaks continues to pose significant challenges for clinicians.An optimal approach for patients experiencing bile leakage should be determined on a case-by-case basis and discussed within a multidisciplinary team involving radiologists,endoscopists,and surgeons.This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the role of endoscopy in the management of various types of biliary leaks,providing clinicians with practical insights to navigate this complex field.
文摘This article discusses Wang et al’s essay.Endoscopic biliary stenting,a less invasive alternative to surgery,is effective for malignant obstructive jaundice.This article summarizes the pathophysiology of biliary obstruction,the technical aspects of stenting,and the clinical outcomes.By comparison of endoscopic stenting with percutaneous biliary drainage,improvements and complications are focused on.Additionally,patient selection for stenting and future advancements in stent technology are important.Overall,endoscopic biliary stenting is a valuable palliative option for patients with malignant jaundice,especially those ineligibles for surgery.
基金Supported by Cultivation Project of Hebei Natural Science Foundation-Precision Medicine Joint Fund,No.H2021206239.
文摘BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease.Nanoparticles encapsulating rapamycin(ImmTOR)suppress adaptive immune responses and induce the hepatic tolerogenic immune response.AIM To investigate the effects of ImmTOR in PBC mouse models.METHODS PBC models were induced in C57BL/6 mice by two immunizations of 2-octynoic acid-coupled bovine serum albumin at two-week intervals,and polycytidylic acid every three days.The PBC mouse models were separated into the treatment group and the control group.The levels of alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and alanine aminotransferase in the mice were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer.Liver and spleen mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry,and serum anti-mitochondrial antibodies(AMA)and the related cytokines were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Liver histopathology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and scored.RESULTS After treatment with ImmTOR,the ALP level was significantly decreased(189.60 U/L±27.25 U/L vs 156.00 U/L±17.21 U/L,P<0.05),the level of AMA was reduced(1.28 ng/mL±0.27 ng/mL vs 0.56 ng/mL±0.07 ng/mL,P<0.001)and the expression levels of interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factorαwere significantly decreased(48.29 pg/mL±10.84 pg/mL vs 25.01 pg/mL±1.49 pg/mL,P<0.0001)and(84.24 pg/mL±23.47 pg/mL vs 40.66 pg/mL±14.65 pg/mL,P<0.001).The CD4+T lymphocytes,CD8+T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in the liver were significantly reduced,with statistically significant differences(24.21%±6.55%vs 15.98%±3.03%,P<0.05;9.09%±1.91%vs 5.49%±1.00%,P<0.001;80.51%±2.96%vs 75.31%±4.34%,P<0.05).The expression of CD8+T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in the ImmTOR treatment group also decreased(9.09%±1.91%vs 5.49%±1.00%,P<0.001;80.51%±2.96%vs 75.31%±4.34%,P<0.05).The liver pathology of PBC mice in the treatment group showed reduced inflammation and a decreased total pathology score,and the difference in the scores was statistically significant(4.50±2.88 vs 1.75±1.28,P<0.05).CONCLUSION ImmTOR can improve biochemistry and pathology of liver obvious by inhibiting the expression of CD8+T cells and B cells,and reducing the titer of AMA.
基金Supported by The Key Research and Development Program of Anhui Province of China,No.1804h08020273The Key Research Project of Health Commission of Anhui Province of China,No.AHWJ2022a016.
文摘BACKGROUND Laparoscopic hepatectomy(LH)has been applied in the treatment of hepatolithiasisa in patients with a history of biliary surgery and has already achieved good clinical outcomes.However,reoperative LH(rLH)includes multiple procedures,and the no studies have examined the clinical value of individual laparoscopic procedures.AIM To evaluate the safety and feasibility of each rLH procedure for hepatolithiasisa in patients with a history of biliary surgery.METHODS Patients with previous biliary surgery who underwent reoperative hepatectomy for hepatolithiasis were studied.Liver resection procedures were divided into three categories:(1)Laparoscopic/open left lateral sectionectomy[reoperative laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy(rLLLS)/reoperative open left lateral sectionectomy(rOLLS)];(2)Laparoscopic/open left hemihepatectomy[reoperative laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy(rLLH)/reoperative open left hemihepatectomy(rOLH)];and(3)Laparoscopic/open complex hepatectomy[reoperative laparoscopic complex hepatectomy(rLCH)/reoperative open complex hepate ctomy(rOCH)].The clinical outcomes were compared between the rLLLS,rLLH,and rLCH groups,and subgroup analyses were performed for the rLLLS/rOLLS,rLLH/rOLH,and rLCH/rOCH subgroups.RESULTS A total of 185 patients were studied,including 101 rLH patients(40 rLLLS,50 rLLH,and 11 rLCH)and 84 reoperative open hepatectomy(40 rOLLS,33 rOLH,and 11 rOCH).Among the three types of rLH procedure,rLLLS required the shortest operation time(240.0 minutes vs 325.0 minutes vs 350.0 minutes,P=0.001)and the lowest blood transfusion rate(10.0%vs 22.0%vs 54.5%,P=0.005),followed by rLLH.The rLCH had the highest conversion rate(P<0.05)and postoperative intensive care unit stay rate(P=0.001).Most clinical outcomes in rLLLS and rLLH were superior or similar to those in the corresponding open surgery,while there were no differences in all outcomes between the rLCH and rOCH subgroups.CONCLUSION The rLH is safe for hepatolithiasis patients with a history of biliary surgery.The rLLLS and rLLH can be recommended for these patients,whereas rLCH should be applied with caution.
基金supported by Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(2021JJ31081,2024JJ5619)the Science Fund of State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacturing Technology for Vehicle(No 32215004).
文摘Biliary system,which is responsible for transporting bile from the liver into the intestine,is commonly damaged by inflammation or tumors eventually causing liver failure or death.The implantation of biliary stents can effectively alleviate both benign and malignant biliary strictures,but the plastic and metal stents that are currently used cannot degrade and nearly has no beneficial biological effects,therefore their long-term service can result into inflammation,the formation of sludges and re-obstruction of bile duct.In recent years,magnesium(Mg)metal has been received increasing attention in the field of biomedical application due to its excellent biocompatibility,adequate mechanical properties,biodegradability and other advantages,such as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.The research on biliary stents made of magnesium metals(BSMM)has also made significant progress and a series of experiments in vitro and vivo has proved their possibility.However,there are still some problems holding back BSMM’s clinical use,including rapid corrosion rate and potential harmful reaction.In this review,we would summarize the current research of BSMM,evaluate their clinical benefits,find the choke points,and discuss the solving method.
基金supported by the MISP program at Merck Sharp&Dohme Corp.,USAa grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute(KHIDI)funded by the Ministry of Health&Welfare,Republic of Korea(Grant Number:HR20C0025).
文摘Background:Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)are effective in a subset of patients with metastatic solid tumors.However,the patients who would benefit most from ICIs in biliary tract cancer(BTC)are still controversial.Materials and methods:We molecularly characterized tissues and blood from 32 patients with metastatic BTC treated with the ICI pembrolizumab as second-line therapy.Results:All patients had microsatellite stable(MSS)type tumors.Three of the 32 patients achieved partial response(PR),with an objective response rate(ORR)of 9.4%(95%confidence interval[CI],2.0–25.2)and nine showed stable disease(SD),exhibiting a disease control rate(DCR)of 37.5%(95%CI,21.1–56.3).For the 31 patients who had access to PD-1 ligand 1(PD-L1)combined positive score(CPS)testing(cut-off value≥1%),the ORR was not different between those who had PD-L1-positive(PD-L1+;1/11,9.1%)and PDL1-(2/20,10.0%)tumors(p=1.000).The tumor mutational burden(TMB)of PD-L1+BTC was comparable to that of PD-L1-BTC(p=0.630).TMB and any exonic somatic mutations were also not predictive of pembrolizumab response.Molecular analysis of blood and tumor samples demonstrated a relatively high natural killer(NK)cell proportion in the peripheral blood before pembrolizumab treatment in patients who achieved tumor response.Moreover,the tumors of these patients presented high enrichment scores for NK cells,antitumor cytokines,and Th1 signatures,and a low enrichment score for cancer-associated fibroblasts.Conclusions:This study shows the molecular characteristics associated with the efficacy of pembrolizumab in BTC of the MSS type.
文摘BACKGROUND Malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)is characterized by the presence of malignant tumors infiltrating or compressing the bile duct,causing poor bile drainage,generalized yellowing,pain,itching,and malaise.MOJ is burdensome for both the society and the families of affected patients and should be taken seriously.AIM To evaluate the clinical effect of stent placement during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for relieving MOJ and the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in terms of liver function improvement,complication rates,and long-term patient outcomes.METHODS The clinical data of 59 patients with MOJ who were admitted to our hospital between March 2018 and August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the treatment method,the patients were divided into an observation group(29 patients)and a control group(30 patients).General data,liver function indices,complications,adverse effects,and 3-year survival rates after different surgical treatments were recorded for the two groups.RESULTS There were no significant differences in baseline information(sex,age,tumor type,or tumor diameter)between the two groups(P>0.05).Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and total bilirubin levels were significantly better in both groups after surgery than before surgery(P<0.05).The overall incidence of biliary bleeding,gastrointestinal bleeding,pancreatitis,and cholangitis was 6.9%in the observation group and 30%in the control group(P<0.05).No significant differences in the rates of blood transfusion,intensive care unit admission,or death within 3 years were observed between the two groups at the 1-month follow-up(P>0.05).The 3-year survival rates were 46.06%and 39.71%in the observation and control groups,respectively.CONCLUSION Endoscopic biliary stenting effectively relieves MOJ and significantly improves liver function,with minimal complications.This technique is a promising palliative approach for patients ineligible for radical surgery.However,further research is needed to optimize current treatment strategies and to explore their potential in treating nonmalignant cases of obstructive jaundice.
基金Supported by The Catholic Medical Center Research Foundation Made in The Program Year of 2022.
文摘BACKGROUND Brush cytology is the most commonly used technique for tissue acquisition during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the evaluation of biliary strictures.Nonetheless,brush cytology is limited by its low sensitivity due to insufficient cellular yield.AIM To evaluate the impact of the sheath-rinse technique on improving the cellularity yield.METHODS A total of 112 patients with suspected malignant biliary strictures were enrolled at two tertiary centers in South Korea.The sample cellularity and diagnostic accuracy of brush-wash and sheath-rinse specimens were compared.RESULTS A significantly increased number of total cell clusters per representative 20×field was recorded in the sheath-rinse compared with the brush-wash specimens(median:12 vs 3,P<0.001).This trend persisted when large(>50 cells)clusters(median:8 vs 3,P<0.001),medium(6-49 cells)(median:7 vs 3,P<0.001),and small(2-5 cells)clusters(median:9 vs 3,P<0.001)were evaluated.Diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity for differentiating malignancy were superior with sheath-rinsing than with the brush-wash method(72.3%vs 62.5%,P<0.001 and 69.9%vs 59.2%,P<0.001,respectively).CONCLUSION Incorporating sheath-rinse specimens significantly improved the yield and diagnostic accuracy of biliary brush cytology.Sheath-rinsing should be integrated into routine clinical practice to improve diagnostic performance for biliary strictures.
基金supported by the Sci-ence and technology commission of Shanghai Municipal-ity(No.19441905600)the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Interdisciplinary(Biomedical Engineering)Research Fund(No.ZH2018ZDA09)+2 种基金Clinical Research Plan of SHDC(No.SHDC2020CR3036B)China Postdoctoral Science Founda-tion(No.2021M702090)Changshu Science and Technology Program(Industrial)Project(No.CG202107).
文摘Magnesium and its alloys have been initially applied to biliary tract surgery.Currently,few reports on the degradation behavior of magnesium in the bile environment were investigated.Thus,in-depth research on the degradation behavior of Mg and its alloys in bile is beneficial to the further application of Mg in biliary tract surgery.In this study,the degradation behavior of HP-Mg(HPM)and Mg-2 wt.%Zn(MZ2)alloys in human bile and Hanks balanced salt solution(HBSS)was systematically investigated.The MZ2 alloy biliary stent was implanted into the porcine common bile duct to study the degradation behavior of MZ2 alloy in vivo,and to verify the biosafety of MZ2 alloys degradation in the bile duct.It was found that the degradation product layer formed by MZ2 alloys in bile consisted of three layers,including organic matter(fatty acid,etc.),calcium and magnesium phosphate,and Mg(OH)2/MgO,respectively from the outside to the inside.The multi-layered degradation product layer slowed down the corrosion of the Mg matrix.During the 21 days of stent implantation,the degradation rate of the MZ2 stent was about 0.83 mm/y,there was no blockage and stenosis of the tube diameter,and the bile drainage function was normal.
文摘A clinical trial of nab-paclitaxel plus capecitabine as a first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancers was conducted.We analyzed the development of systemic therapy recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and the development of nab-paclitaxel combination chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancers(BTCs)and concluded that nab-paclitaxel plus capecitabine is a promising first-line regimen for advanced BTCs.
