15 Biliary Tract Cancers: Extrahepatic Management · 4. To gain access to the biliary system to perform other bile duct interventions, such as biopsy, stent placement, and transhe

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TARUN SABHARWAL and ANDREAS ADAM

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15Biliary Tract Cancers: Extrahepatic Management

Biliary Tract Cancers

INTRODUCTIONInterventional radiologists fi rst became involved in the man-agement of malignant obstruction of the biliary tree in the late 1960s, when Kaude et al.1 introduced nonsurgical biliary drain-age. Since then, improved diagnostic imaging techniques, signif-icant developments in interventional radiology, and the results of clinical trials have revolutionized and clearly defi ned the role of percutaneous biliary interventions.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) is now rarely employed for purely diagnostic purposes and has been largely replaced by noninvasive imaging techniques, such as ultrasonography (US), computed tomography, magnetic reso-nance cholangiography (MRC), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). PTC is now reserved for problematic cases and as a prelude to percutaneous intervention.

BILIARY DRAINAGE FOR MALIGNANT STRICTURES

Biliary obstruction is potentially fatal because of the adverse pathologic effects including depressed immunity, impaired phagocytic activity, reduced Kupffer cell function, and paucity of bile salts reaching the gut, with consequent endotoxemia, sep-ticemia, and renal failure. Most patients with malignant obstruc-tive jaundice caused by carcinoma of the gallbladder, carcinoma of the pancreas, and cholangiocarcinoma present with advanced disease2,3 and only 20% to 30% of such tumors are resectable at the time of diagnosis.2,4 Palliation of the malignant obstruc-tion relieves the patient of itching and jaundice, reduces the risk of infection and septicemia, and generally improves the qual-ity of life. Surgical, endoscopic, and interventional radiologic (IR) percutaneous techniques are available for biliary drainage. Because of the lower morbidity and mortality associated with ERC and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) compared to surgical methods, surgery is now rarely employed for palliative purposes.

Because most patients undergo endoscopic retrograde chol-angiopancreaticogram (ERCP) during the diagnostic workup for obstructive jaundice endoscopic insertion of biliary endo-prostheses is performed more often than percutaneous drainage. If ERCP demonstrates a malignant stricture, an endoprosthesis can be inserted immediately after cholangiography. In patients with strictures below the hilum of the liver, endoscopic drainage

achieves a high rate of success, is associated with fewer compli-cations than percutaneous intervention, and avoids the discom-fort of a percutaneous biliary catheter.

The majority of strictures of the mid and lower common bile ducts, which are mainly caused by carcinoma of the head of the pancreas, can be drained effectively by the endoscopic approach.5 Many hilar biliary strictures are diffi cult to treat en-doscopically, however, and are best dealt with interventional ra-diologic techniques.6 The indications for PTBD are summarized in Table 15.1.

Preoperative Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary DrainageThe practice of PTBD prior to surgery is controversial. It has not been shown to decrease surgical morbidity or mortality. It is advocated by some surgeons in certain circumstances before curative resection, however, as a method of correcting metabolic derangements produced by biliary obstruction prior to surgery. Either internal/external biliary drainage catheters or more plas-tic stents are inserted 2 to 6 weeks prior to elective surgery. Some surgeons favor PTBD because the biliary catheters are easy to locate at surgery, particularly during diffi cult dissections of lesions at the hepatic hilum.6

ROLE OF IMAGING BEFORE PALLIATIVE BILIARY DRAINAGE

Because the method of management of malignant biliary ob-struction depends on the resectability of the underlying tumor, patients should undergo accurate staging of the disease. One of the important goals of preoperative imaging is establishing whether there is vascular invasion by a tumor at the hepatic hi-lum. Previously, angiography was used to identify the vascular anatomy prior to surgery in carcinoma gallbladder7 and hilar cholangiocarcinoma.8–10 Recently, dual-phase helical computed tomography (CT) has been used to evaluate vascular invasion in hilar tumors11,12 and may soon be able to provide all the infor-mation required to comprehensively evaluate each patient for resectability.2

High-quality three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction im-ages made possible by helical CT are uniquely suitable for the depiction of the complex anatomy of the biliary tree.

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1. To manage infectious complications of biliary obstruction, such as cholangitis and sepsis

2. To relieve obstructive jaundice when an endoscopic retrograde approach fails or is not indicated

3. Preoperative decompression and stent placement to assist in surgical manipulation (controversial)

4. To gain access to the biliary system to perform other bile duct interventions, such as biopsy, stent placement, and transhe-patic brachytherapy for cholangiocarcinoma

Table 15.1

Indications for Percutaneous Transheptic Biliary Drainage

A B

FIGURE 15.1 A. CT scan shows a large right-sided tumor and therefore the left lobe was chosen for PTC. B. Poststenting the left duct.

Three-dimensional reconstructions can be produced success-fully by taking advantage of the negative contrast effect of low-attenuation bile in the dilated ducts relative to the adjacent enhanced liver13 and can determine the level and cause of biliary obstruction.14,15 CT is very helpful in the identification of vari-ant ductal anatomy and in the selection of the most appropriate duct for drainage (FIGURE 15.1).

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performs as well as CT in the demonstration of direct spread of the tumor to the liver and in the detection of hepatic metastases. Visualization of in-trahepatic bile ducts on MRI depends on the size of the ducts, the concentration of bile, motion artifact, and periportal high signal. CT and US are more sensitive than MRI in detecting in-trahepatic bile duct dilatation. Magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreaticography (MRCP) has been a very useful development for imaging the biliary tree.16–18 MRCP can accurately define the extent of ductal involvement in patients with malignant hi-lar and perihilar obstruction. Ductal dilatation, strictures, and anatomic variation are well depicted by this technique and this ability makes this modality well suited for planning the optimal therapeutic approach for patients with biliary obstruction.

In suspected malignant biliary obstruction, percutaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy can used for cytologic or histologic confirmation of the presence of a malignant tumor. Cy-tologic study is positive in roughly 50% of the patients with chol-angiocarcinoma, although the reported sensitivity varies widely.

If FNA fails, percutaneous biopsy can be done by cholangio-graphic or US guidance. Alternatively the cholangiographic tract could also be used to obtain brushings or a biopsy using forceps, or a cardiac bioptome (FIGURE 15.2).

Preparation for PTBDBlood Tests

Coagulation profile: The International normalized ratio (INR) should be less than 1.5. Vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets (as needed) should be administered to correct any coagulopathy.

Liver function tests: Serum bilirubin and alkaline phospha-tase levels should be checked to obtain baseline values (an elevated alkaline phosphatase level, even in the setting of a near-normal bilirubin indicates a low-grade obstruction).

Baseline renal function: Blood urea and creatinine should be checked, especially before administering preprocedure nephrotoxic antibiotics. IV fluids should be administered during drainage as a prophylactic measure against hepa-torenal failure.

Informed ConsentThe procedure should be explained completely to the patient, outlining the risks with specific attention to sepsis and bleeding.

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FIGURE 15.2 A. Percutaneous cholangiogram in a suspected cholangiocarcinoma patient. B. Myocardial biopsy needle used via PTC route and through 7 French sheath

A B

Prophylactic AntibioticsAppropriate antibiotics are administered to avoid biliary sepsis be-cause of the high incidence of bacterial colonization of obstructed biliary systems. The spectrum of antibiotic coverage must include both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Escherichia coli is the most common organism involved; enterococci, klebsiella species, and Streptococcus viridans are other frequently observed organisms. The antibiotics should be continued for 24 to 72 hours following the procedure. Antibiotic therapy should be modified according to the results of positive bile or blood cultures.

Sedation/AnalgesiaBiliary procedures are most often performed under conscious sedation (midazolam and fentanyl) with liberal infiltration of local anesthetic at the site and up to the capsule of the liver. Use of longer-acting local anesthetics may help to provide long

postprocedure pain relief. Intercostal blocks have also been used and in some cases general anaesthetic is required.

Skin PreparationIt is best to prepare a wide area, which will permit access to the biliary system from the left and right sides, as needed.Contrain-dications for PTBD are summarized in Table 15.2.

Biliary Drainage ProcedureTechniqueExternal DrainageA percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC) is per-formed prior to biliary drainage to define the biliary anatomy. A 22-gauge needle is inserted into the liver immediately anterior to the midaxillary line and advanced horizontally to the lateral

• Uncorrectablebleedingdiathesis.

• Largevolumeofascites(relative;proceduremaybedifficultwithpotentialforbileperitonitis.Consideraleft-sidedapproachand/or insert an ascitic drain).

• Segmentalisolatedintrahepaticobstructionsthatdonotcausesignificantsymptomsshouldnotbedrained.Bacterialcontamination usually occurs when an isolated ductal system is accessed. As a consequence of this contamination, it is often impossible to withdraw drainage even if the drainage is not required clinically. Thus a patient could be left with a permanent, unwanted, and potentially problematic drainage catheter.

• Patientswithmultipleobstructedandisolatedbiliarysegments,oftencausedbynumeroushepaticmetastases.Inthese patients, drainage is often ineffective in relieving symptoms and can therefore be avoided.

• Unsafeaccessroutebecauseofeitherinterposedbowelorlung.

Table 15.2

Contraindications for Percutaneous Transheptic Biliary Drainage




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border of the vertebral column (FIGURE 15.3). Dilated ducts are located by withdrawing the needle and injecting contrast me-dium or aspirating until bile is obtained. The aspiration method has the advantage of avoiding a large stain of parenchymal con-trast if several passes are required. If the ducts are not dilated, the aspiration method is less effective and the injection method should be used. Some radiologists puncture the bile ducts using ultrasound guidance. Once a duct has been located, undiluted contrast medium is injected until the obstructed biliary system is outlined (FIGURE 15.4). A tilting table is helpful to convey contrast to the lower common bile duct (CBD). In many patients with obstruction of the CBD, flow of contrast medium may appear to stop immediately below the hilum, creating a false impression of hilar obstruction; tilting the fluoroscopy table is the best way of demonstrating the lower CBD in such cases.

Although it may be possible to use the duct catheterized by the PTC needle for drainage, the duct is usually at an angle to the needle track, which causes difficulty in cathetermanipulations, or is close to the liver hilum, which increases the risk of complications (vascu-lar injury). In most cases it is best to perform a second, peripheral puncture of a suitable duct with a horizontal course (FIGURE 15.5). Lateral screening using a C-arm is very helpful, although not es-sential, for localization of the duct in the anterior-posterior plane.

Although bile duct catheterization can be achieved with stan-dard 18-gauge needles and guidewires, most radiologists use one of several minimally invasive access sets, such as the Accustick set (Meditech, Boston Scientific Corp, MA) (FIGURE 15.6) or the Neff set (William Cook, Europe), for this purpose. These sys-tems allow the radiologist to drain the biliary tree using an initial puncture with a 21- or 22-gauge needle followed by sequential changes of increasingly larger guidewires and catheters.19 The use of suchsystems enables small ducts to beselected for drainage and probably reduces the risk of complications, such as hemo-bilia and bile leakage. The final result of either method is the

FIGURE 15.3 PTC with 22-gauge needle placed immediately ante-rior to the midaxillary line and advanced horizontally to the lateral border of the vertebral column

FIGURE 15.4 Undilutedcontrastmediuminjecteduntiltheobstructedbiliary system is outlined

FIGURE 15.5 Second puncture of a more peripheral and better angled duct is chosen

placement of a catheter with several side holes deep in the biliary tree. At this stage the tip of the catheter lies above the obstruct-ing lesion, which is referred to as external biliary drainage. The catheter is connected to a gravity drainage bag and the tube is secured to the skin to prevent inadvertent removal.

External-Internal DrainageExternal-internal drainage refers to percutaneous catheter drain-age of the bile ducts with the catheter passed through the stric-ture so that side holes are placed above and below the obstructing lesion. This offers increased stability compared with external drainage and also allows drainage of bile into the duodenum with the advantages of improved fluid and electrolyte balance. For these reasons, most radiologists aim for internal-external drainage if possible at the time of initial PBD. Most strictures can be catheterized with modern angled-tip catheters and hydro-philic guidewires. Occasionally, a stricture is so tight that it can-not be traversed. In this situation, an external catheter should be inserted. After a few days of external drainage, a channel through the stricture usually appears due to resolution of tissue edema, which can be negotiated by the radiologist at a second session.

Some patients are managed for long periods with internal-external catheters. This type of biliary drainage, however, is




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end is above the stricture and the lower end projects through the ampulla into the duodenum. It is usual to insert a temporary external biliary catheter, which is removed 24 hours later after check cholangiography (FIGURE 15.8).

Self-expanding metallic endoprostheses are metallic springs 6 to 10 cm long, which are introduced into the bile ducts in a com-pressed state and expand to a much larger diameter (8 to 12 mm) when the stents are released from their introducer (FIGURE 15.9). The main advantage of metallic stents is that they achieve a much larger diameter than plastic stents when deployed, which allows more efficient biliary drainage. Because they are inserted in a compressed state, the transhepatic track required for metallic stent insertion is generally smaller (5 to 7 French) than for plas-tic stents (10 to 12 French). This means that metallic stents can be inserted during the same procedure as PBD, which avoids the necessity for a period of external biliary drainage.

FIGURE 15.6 Minimally invasive access set (Accustick, Boston Scientific)

associated with bile leaks, infection, patient discomfort, and psychological problems connected with catheters protruding through the skin. If possible, internal-external catheters should be exchanged for endoprostheses.

Internal DrainageEndoprostheses. Endoprostheses enable internal drainage of bile across the obstructing lesion and avoid the need for external catheters. There are two types of endoprostheses available for use in the biliary tract, plastic and metallic. Both types may be inserted using either the percutaneous or en-doscopic route. Metallic stents are not indicated for benign strictures. Therefore, if the diagnosis of malignancy is uncer-tain, the procedure should be delayed until histologic proof of disease is obtained.

Plastic endoprostheses consist of plastic or Teflon hollow tubes 8 to 14 cm long with end holes (e.g., Carey-Coons, Bos-ton Scientific Corp., Galway, Ireland), and in some cases side holes (Cook prosthesis, W. Cook Europe) (FIGURE 15.7) to allow drainage of bile from above a stricture to the duodenum. As previously mentioned, plastic stents are more easily deployed by the endoscopists. The caliber of radiologic plastic stents var-ies from 8 to 12 French. Ideally the largest size should always be used to provide optimal biliary drainage and reduce problems of occlusion by bile encrustation. As a result, a relatively large transhepatic track is required for percutaneous insertion. Be-cause of the increased risk of pain, bleeding and perihepatic bile leakage, which may be caused by the creation of a 12 French hole in the liver, insertion of plastic endoprostheses is generally car-ried out as a two-stage procedure. PBD isperformed and an 8F biliary drainage catheter is inserted. After a few days, the patient is brought back to the interventional radiology suite and the bili-ary catheter is removed over a guidewire. The transhepatic track is dilated from 8 French to 12 French followed by insertion of the plastic endoprosthesis across the stricture so that the upper

FIGURE 15.7 Plastic endoprostheses. (Top, Miller stent, COOK, withdoublemushroomeitherend;andbottom,theCarey-Coonsstent,BostonScientific)

FIGURE 15.8 Check cholangiography shows satisfactory position of Carey-Coons stent with proximal end lying above the stricture and the distal end projects through the ampulla into the duodenum




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Percutaneous biliary drainage is performed and a catheter is manipulated across the stricture. Instead of inserting a biliary drainage catheter, the stricture is predilated to 10 mm using a balloon catheter to facilitate rapid expansion of the metallic stent. After predilation, the stent on its introducer system is advanced across the lesion and is deployed so that the lower end projects through the ampulla and the upper end is well above the stric-ture. After stent deployment, a temporary small catheter is in-serted foraccess in case of complications and is removed the next day after cholangiography. Postprocedure management instruc-tions following biliary drainage are summarized in Table 15.3.

Technical Approach: Entry from Right or Left Side and Principles for DrainageAccording to the Bismuth classification system,20 a type 1 ob-struction occurs distal to the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts (primary confluence); type 2 involves the primary

FIGURE 15.9 Self-expanding metallic endoprostheses in a deployed state (10 mm in diameter and 7 cm long)

• Patientsshouldbehospitalizedforatleast24hoursfollowingbiliarydrainageandmonitoredforsepsisandvitalsigns.

• Anappropriateantibioticcombinationshouldbecontinuedafterdrainageisestablished.

• Theinternal-externalbiliarydrainagecathetershouldbeusedforexternaldrainageforthefirst12to24hours.Ifthecatheterpermits drainage of bile into the bowel, then the drainage catheter can be capped to allow internal drainage. If the patient is able to tolerate internal drainage for 8 to 12 hours, then he/she can be discharged. If internal drainage is not possible, then external bag drainage must be maintained. Bile output can range from 400 to 800 mL/day. With external drainage, dehydration can occur, unless adequate steps are taken to replace the lost fluids.

• Biliarydrainagecathetersshouldbeforwardflushedwithnormalsalineevery48hours.Thishelpspreventdebrisfrom accumulating in the catheter and causing it to occlude.

• Ifpatientsaretobesenthomeoninternaldrainage,theyshouldnotbedischargeduntiltheabilitytohavetheirbiledrainedinternally is demonstrated adequately without evidence of sepsis or pericatheter leakage.

• Completeinstructionsfortubecarearegivenpriortodischarge.Patientsshouldbeinstructedtoflushthetubegentlywith 10 cc of saline once or twice per day to keep it debris free. They should be instructed to call if they experience pain, chills, fever, or nausea or vomiting. Any malposition of the tube, bleeding within it, or leakage around the tube should also be taken seriously.

• Thedressingaroundthedrainagecathetershouldbechangedatleastevery48hoursandbathingavoided.Also,thebiliarydrainage catheters should be changed every 3 to 4 months.

• Pericatheterleakageistheresultofcatheterkinking,occlusion,ordisplacement.Fluoroscopicevaluationisessentialfordetermin-ing and correcting this problem depending on the causes as mentioned. Sometimes upsizing the catheter is the only solution.

• Serumbilirubinvaluesmaybefollowedasanindicatorofadequatedrainage.Dependingonthesizeandtypeofdrain,ittakes, on an average, 10 to 15 days for the bilirubin levels to drop by 50%. If the bilirubin level starts rising, catheter occlusion should be suspected.

• Afteradequatedrainage,biliarysepsisshouldberelieved.Ifsepsisremainsaproblem,thenadditionalstudiesshouldbeper-formed to determine the cause, which can be catheter occlusion or undrained biliary ducts. A thorough cholangiogram with special attention to the ductal anatomy can sometimes identify a missing ductal segment, indicating an isolated undrained system. Alternatively, an MRCP or a CT cholangiogram can be performed.

• Latesepsis,manifestingasfeverseveraldaysorweeksafterthepatienthasbeenadequatelydrained,isusuallyindicativeof obstruction of the drainage catheter. If the patient has a capped biliary catheter, the tube should be uncapped to allow the bile to drain externally. If externalizing the drainage catheter resolves the infection, then fluoroscopic evaluation of the catheter can be performed electively. If fever persists after externalization, however, then an emergency catheter evaluation should be performed. If catheter obstruction is not the source of sepsis, then the patient should be evaluated for undrained ductal segments.

Table 15.3

Postprocedure Management Instructions Following Biliary




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can still be accomplished if metallic stents are used. A metallic stent is placed from one hepatic duct to the other across the he-patic duct confluence, followed by placement of a second long stent from the ipsilateral lobe to the duodenum (FIGURE 15.11). Although this T configuration achieves drainage of both liver lobes, the Y configuration is preferable because it allows easier intervention if the stents become occluded. Biliary side branches covered by the uncovered stents during placement are not as-sociated with branch occlusion.

It is important to be aware of the anatomy of the right and left hepatic ducts. The right hepatic duct is short, unlike the left, which is 2 to 3 cm long, until its bifurcation into the segmental ducts. Thus a catheter placed in the right system initially drains a greater part of the liver because of the size difference between the lobes. Once the tumor grows, the situation reverses because the catheter placed in the right side now drains only one seg-ment, whereas the left-sided catheter drains the entire left lobe. Thus, for type 2 lesions either the right anterior system or the left system is chosen (left is chosen if the left lobe of the liver is of good size). For type 3a lesions, if there is extensive involve-ment of the right secondary confluence, we do either a single left-sided drainage or ideally combine it with right anterior or posterior drainage (keeping in mind the cost of the procedure, life expectancy and the subjective assessment of the amount of liver to be drained as seen on CT). It has been shown that drain-age of 25% of the liver volume using a single catheter/endopros-thesis may be sufficient.21 An endoscopic study has shown that draining both lobes in patients with hilar lesions prolongs life expectancy.22 For type 3b lesions the approach is similar. For type 4 lesions one should use at least two drains. Lobes and seg-ments that are atrophic or have extensive tumor burden are not drained unless they are infected. Another approach in type 4

confluence but not the secondary confluence; type 3 involves the primary confluence and, additionally, either right (3a) or left (3b) secondary confluence; and type 4 involves the secondary confluence of both the right and left hepatic ducts.

Strictures in the common hepatic duct or the CBD can be treated with a single stent. In the case of a type 1 lesion, there are two advantages in approaching from the right side: the angle of approach to the point of obstruction is 90° or greater, making for easy catheter insertion; and the radiologist’s hands are well away from the x-ray beam. Care should be taken to avoid the pleural reflection so as not to breach the pleural space.

The advantage of using the left-sided approach is that US can be utilized for the initial puncture and avoids the accidental breach of pleural space. With left-sided drains, patients have less catheter-related discomfort (the right intercostal approach be-ing more painful) and they can more easily manage the catheter when it exits out from the midline, rather than the midaxillary line. The left-sided approach is also preferable when there is as-cites because the risk of peritoneal leak is reduced. For left-sided approach, the operator needs to ensure that the catheter enters the medial, rather than the lateral, ducts. The lateral ducts are more posterior and, therefore, the catheter pathway will be di-rected posteriorly and then anteriorly, thus affecting the push-ability, while negotiating the more distal obstruction.

Hilar strictures may be treated by a single stent or by bilat-eral stents, depending on the pattern of biliary obstruction. If there is free communication between the left and right systems, unilateral stenting is sufficient. If both the right and left ducts are obstructed, bilateral stents may be necessary (FIGURE 15.10).

Bilateral stenting is performed usually using a side-by-side or Y configuration. If only unilateral biliary drainage has been per-formed, but it is necessary to drain both lobes, bilateral drainage

FIGURE 15.10 RightandlefthepaticducttoCBDmetallicstents(Yconfiguration)

A B




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FIGURE 15.11 T-stentconfiguration

lesions is to perform T (chi configuration) stenting, which al-lows drainage of the entire major segmental ducts.23 One stent extends from the left duct through the hilar stricture to the right anterior duct; the other stent is placed across the right poste-rior segmental duct through the hilar stricture into the CBD or through the papilla into the duodenum. Stent deployment should be performed simultaneously. Ultimately the two stents form a chi-shaped configuration.23

It is generally advisable to have the distal end of the stent project just through the ampulla into the duodenum.6 This is be-cause the rigid nature of the stent can sometimes cause kinking of the lower part of the CBD, which may cause obstruction (with the newer flexible nitinol stents, this may probably be unneces-sary). Additionally, it is easier to cannulate them endoscopically for clearance or for additional endoprosthesis insertion. If the

stent projects too far into the duodenum, it can cause erosion of the opposite wall.24

Metallic or plastic stents? Both types of stents provide good palliation of malignant obstructive jaundice. Plas-tic stents are placed by many endoscopists because of their acceptable patency rates, retrievability, low cost, and the abil-ity of the endoscopist to insert plastic stents in a single-stage procedure.

Metallic stents are more expensive than plastic endoprosthe-ses and there has been considerable debate since metallic stents were introduced as to whether the results of metallic stents compared with plastic devices justify their additional costs.24 Although most retrospective studies suggest that both types of stents produce acceptable palliation,25 the results of randomized


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ingrowth.31 It was concluded that such a type of covered stent had no signifi cant advantages versus bare stents.31,32 Now polytetrafl uoroethylene and fl uorinated ethylene propylene (ePTFE/FEP)–covered metallic stents have been introduced. The stent consists of an inner ePTFE/FEP lining and an outer supporting structure of nitinol wire. Multiple wire sections el-evated from the external surface provide anchoring. Stents are available in two versions, with or without holes in the proxi-mal stent lining. Holes should provide drainage of the cystic duct or biliary side branches when covered by the proximal stent end. They are more effective thanpolyurethane-covered Wallstents.33,34 In 10% of cases, however, one can still get branch duct obstruction.34,35 These early studies are promis-ing; however, signifi cant improvements in patency would be still desirable.

COMBINED BILIARY AND DUODENAL OBSTRUCTION

In some advanced cases of pancreatic cancer, metastasis or malignant lymphadenopathy patients can present with both biliary and duodenal obstruction. As a palliative procedure the combined stenting of both the biliary stricture and duodenal stricture can be performed in one sitting by the radiologist. The biliary stent is placed from the percutaneous route as described previously, whereas the duodenal stent can be placed via the transoral route. There are essentially two ways for these place-ment, that is, placing the duodenal stent fi rst and then the biliary stent just through the mesh of the duodenal stent (FIGURE 15.12)

or placing both stents side to side within the duodenal lumen.

trials indicate that metallic stents have signifi cantly longer pa-tency rates than plastic stents.26–28 These trials reported that me-tallic stents are, in fact, more cost effective than plastic devices because of the reduced number of reinterventions required for the patients with metallic stents compared with plastic stents and the shorter stay in hospital.26–28 As a result of these data and the smaller introducer systems of metallic stents, most interven-tional radiologists choose metallic endoprosteses for internal biliary drainage.29

Percutaneous management of the occluded stent. Plastic stents are prone to occlusion by bile encrustation. The main cause of occlusion of metallic stents is tumor ingrowth or over-growth; bile encrustation seldom occurs. The best method of treatment of blocked biliary stents is endoscopic replacement, in the case of plastic endoprostheses, or endoscopic insertion of a plastic stent inside a metallic endoprosthesis. Percutaneous evaluation and therapy of occluded stents is usually reserved for patients in whom endoscopy has been unsuccessful or is not possible. The percutaneous method involves an initial PTC to confi rm stent occlusion and to defi ne the biliary anatomy, followed by catheterization of a suitable duct. If the occluded stent is plastic, the stent must be removed before a new endo-prosthesis is inserted. Plastic stents can be removed either by withdrawing them through the transhepatic track by grasping them with a wire loop snare or balloon catheter, or by pushing them into theduodenum and allowing them to pass through the digestive tract.

Most metallic stents cannot be removed (there are a new generation of retrievable metallic stents now available). Occlu-sion of metallic stents is managed percutaneously by inserting a new metallic endoprosthesis coaxially within the fi rst stent. If the cause of occlusion is overgrowth of tumor, the new device must extend beyond the upper limit of the tumor.

Access loops. Surgeons often affix the afferent loop of je-junum to the parietal peritoneum at the time of the creation of the bilioenteric anastomosis to allow easy percutaneous access to the biliary tree if a stricture occurs at a later date. The apex of the loop is marked by a circle of metallic clips, enabling the entry site of the loop to be visualized on fluo-roscopy. If an access loop is present, it can be punctured with a fine needle under fluoroscopic guidance. Contrast medium is injected to opacify the loop and identify the route to the bilioenteric anastomosis. A minimally invasive access set (e.g., Accustick) is used to dilate the percutaneous track and to pass a catheter and guidewire to the site of theanastomosis. The catheter is advanced across the stricture into the bili-ary tree and a stiff guidewire is inserted into the intrahepatic ducts. This method of access allows repeated percutaneous dilatation of the stricture without the discomfort of the transhepatic route.

Covered biliary stents. Covered stents represent an evolu-tion of bare stents and are aimed mainly to prevent obstruc-tion caused by tumor ingrowth within the stent lumen.30

The fi rst clinical studies of polyurethane-covered Wallstents showed that these stents can be safely implanted.30,31 The 6-month patency rate was found to be inferior to that of non-covered Wallstents (46.8% vs. 67%), however, partly because of a breach in the covering membrane that allowed tumor

FIGURE 15.12 Transoral duodenal and percutaneous biliary stent placements in a patient with pancreatic carcinoma




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to maintain its patency and to clear any thrombus from the bile ducts (FIGURE 15.13). If hemobilia does not resolve with these measures or is severe, vascular embolization should be performed through the transhepatic track or by hepatic arteriography (FIGURE 15.14).

3. Sepsis: Manipulation of catheters and guidewires within an infected biliary tract can produce rapid bacteremia, which may progress to septicemic shock if antibiotic coverage is not administered prior to the procedure. Intravenous anti-biotics should be continued following biliary drainage until the catheter is removed.

4. Pericatheter leak in approximately 15% of the patients.45

5. Pancreatitis (0%–4%).45

6. Pneumothorax, hemothorax, bilothorax (,1%).46,47

7. Contrast reaction (,2%).45

Delayed ComplicationsThese include the following:

1. Cholangitis: Approximately 50% of bile cultures will be positive when obtained at initial puncture.41 When an in-ternal-external drainage is performed with an 8F catheter, recurrent cholangitis secondary to inadequate drainage is possible. The rate of sepsis will decrease if this is replaced by a 10 to 12 French drain.44

2. Catheter dislodgment (approximately 15%–20%).38,48

3. Peritonitis (1%–3%).45

4. Hypersecretion of bile (0%–5%)42: This can cause signifi-cant fluid and electrolyte imbalance and is usually seen within several days of drainage.

5. Cholecystitis caused by blockage of the cystic duct by covered stents. To address this complication, holes in the proximal stent lining are made, which should hypotheti-cally allow for drainage of cystic or branch biliary ducts when their orifice is covered by the stent.39,40 But still, this complication may be seen, for which percutaneous cystic duct stent placement,49 percutaneous cholecystostomy, or cholecystectomy may be required.

6. Biliopleural fistula.46

7. Skin infection, irritation. 8. Intrahepatic/perihepatic abscess. 9. Metastatic seeding of the serosa or tract with cholangiocar-

cinoma42 and pancreatic carcinoma38,50 has been reported.

Combined Transhepatic Endoscopic Approach (Rendezvous Procedure)Transhepatic placement of a catheter of small diameter across the obstructed duct and into the duodenum offers a second chance for the endoscopist. This arrangement is very useful when the endoscopist has initially failed to negotiate the ob-struction at an earlier attempt,36 and it is not advisable to create a large transhepatic track because of the risk of bile leakage into the peritoneum, or in patients with coagulopathy. With a tran-shepatically inserted 4 or 5 French catheter negotiated across the obstruction into the duodenum, a 450-cm exchange guidewire, such as Zebra (Microvasive), is inserted into the catheter. The patient is placed in the prone oblique position for the inser-tion of the endoscope. The endoscopist grasps the lower end of the guidewire with a snare or biopsy forceps and brings it out of the proximal end of the endoscope biopsy channel while the radiologist keeps feeding the wire at the skin entry site. The transhepatic catheter is now withdrawn so that its tip lies in the intrahepatic portion of the biliary tree above the malignant stricture. The endoscopist now proceeds with the placement of a large-bore biliary endoprosthesis in the standard fashion while the guidewire is held taut between the endoscopic and percutaneous ends. When the endoprosthesis is in position and free egress of bile is documented, the transhepatic catheter can be removed. If adequacy of decompression is questionable, the transhepatic catheter may be retained for observation and rein-tervention, if required.

COMPLICATIONSComplications of percutaneous biliary interventions can be divided into early, that is, procedural complications and late complications.6 Most procedural complications are related to the initial biliary drainage with mortality ranging from 0% to 2.8%37,38 and major complications occurring in 3.5% to 9.5%.39,40 Also, higher procedure-related deaths have been reported for malignant diseases (3%) compared to benign diseases (0%).41,42 This is also true of procedure-related complications (7% vs. 2%). Minor complications, such as mild self-limiting hemobilia, fever, and transient bacteremia, occur in up to 66% of patients.43

Immediate ComplicationsThese may be the following:

1. Sedation: Problems may occur if care is not taken to con-stantly monitor patients during and after the procedure for complications of cardiorespiratory depression. Pulse oxim-etry should be used for monitoring all patients undergoing procedures involving conscious sedation.

2. Hemorrhage: Mild hemobilia is common, occurring in up to 16% of cases.38 More severe bleeding requiring trans-fusion occurs in approximately 3% of patients.44 Hemor-rhage is minimized by the correction of coagulation defects and avoidance of percutaneous intervention in patients with severe incorrectable coagulopathies. It is usually self-limited and seldom requires treatment. If bleeding is mild and venous in origin, repositioning the catheter so that the trailing side holes are located within the biliary tree and not within the hepatic parenchyma, and, if required, upsizing the catheter to tamponade the bleeding point usually suf-fices. The catheter should be regularly irrigated with saline

FIGURE 15.13 Cholangiogram demonstrating significant filling defects consistent with hemobilia




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A B

FIGURE 15.14 A. Selective angiography demonstrating the bleeding site in the right lobe liver. B. Coils placed through a microcatheter. Note that coiling is performed beyond and proximal to pseudoaneurysm/hemorrhage site to close the front and back doors.

Sepsis Antibiotic prophylaxis

Hemorrhage Minimal manipulation

Bile leak Restrict volume of contrast injected and aspirate bile prior to contrast injection

Cholangitis Normalize coagulation factors

Catheter dislodgment Fine-needle coaxial technique

Peripheral duct puncture

Careful positioning of side holes to avoid communication with an intrahepatic vessel

Avoid puncture of extrahepatic ducts

Single puncture site in liver capsule

Careful positioning of side holes

Ensure adequate drainage by careful positioning of side holes

Irrigation of catheter with sterile saline

Large-diameter catheters (12 French) for long drainage

Routine tube exchange every 2 to 3 months

Safety stitch method

Self-retaining (pigtail) catheter

Table 15.4

Methods of Reducing Frequency of Common Complications

Some routine precautions that help in significantly reducing the incidence of complications are provided in Table 15.4.

CLINICAL RESULTS AND PATIENT SURVIVALIn general, the technical success rate has varied from 86% to 100% with successful drainage rates of 81% to 96%. The 30-day mortality rate has been 1% to 49% and complication rate of 6% to 58%.48,51–57 This marked variation in results is probably caused by differences in the criteria for patient selection, the ex-perience and expertise of different operators, and the criteria used to define success and complications.

Patient survival after metallic stent placement is difficult to estimate and compare among various reports and this would be attributable to variations in population, additional treatment, patient selection, and the stage of the tumor. In the literature, patients receiving this treatment have been reported to live 93 to 420 days longer.58,59 In patients with hilar obstruction, lon-ger survival rates have been observed after both lobes have been drained as compared to those who had one lobe drained.59,60,61

This may be attributable to the higher septic complications that may occur in patients with unilateral drainage. The drawbacks for multisegment drainage, however, are increased cost, longer procedure time, and greater technical difficulty.




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15 Biliary Tract Cancers: Extrahepatic Management · 4. To gain access to the biliary system to perform other bile duct interventions, such as biopsy, stent placement, and transhe

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