Cholangiocarcinoma With Sepsis Associated With Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD)

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) can be an alternative palliative treatment in resectable cholangiocarcinoma. One of the most common complications of PTBD is infection, with a prevalence of 3.6 – 67.4% in patients undergoing PTBD procedure, with mortality rate of 0.05-7%. We report a case of a 46-year old male with a history of fever 14 days after undergoing PTBD procedure. Physical examination revealed tachycardia, tachypnea, febris, jaundice, and decreased urine output. Laboratory results revealed hypochromic-microcytic anemia, leukocytosis, decreased renal function, elevated liver enzymes, obstructive icterus, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperkalemia. Blood and gall culture revealed a growth of Eschericia coli. The patient was given fluid resuscitation and antibiotic suitable to microbial sensitivity test, and treatment of acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia, including hemodialysis. The patient’s general condition improved after ten days of care, and was discharged on the twentieth day. Cholangitis is one of the most infectious complications following PTBD procedure. The prevalence of sepsis in biliary drainage procedures was reported 2.5-2.7%, with enteral bacteria gram-negative bacilli being the most common pathogen found in blood and bile. The administration of prophylactic antibiotics was not proven to decrease prevalence of infection. Bacterial translocation via portal vein due to loss of mucosal integrity in the intestines may contribute to bacteremia following PTBD procedure.

Retrospective analysis of the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in palliation of obstructive jaundice in patients with carcinoma gall bladder: Experience from tertiary care center in Northern India

Background: Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTBD) is a minimally invasive procedure to palliate the biliary obstruction caused by unresectable malignancy. Aims and Objective: To analyze the outcome of PTBD in patients of unresectable gall bladder cancer presenting with obstructive jaundice in terms of reduction in serum bilirubin levels, symptomatic improvement, and overall survival (OS) at 4 weeks and 12 weeks following the procedure. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, PTBD was attempted on 30 patients diagnosed with inoperable gall bladder cancer. Various patient and procedure-related variables were analyzed and recorded both pre and post-PTBD. Outcome data on OS was collected at 4 weeks and 12 weeks. Results: Technical success was achieved in 29 (99.66%) patients. The mean fall in the serum bilirubin at the 7th post-procedural day was 41.5% after the successful PTBD. The most common complication in our study was cholangitis noted in six (21%) patients. OS at 4 weeks and 12 weeks was 79% and 41%, respectively. Conclusion: Younger age and good performance status favored better survival rate in our study.

Outcome and Complications of Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage: Influence of Liver Entry Site

Objective: To determine the outcome and complications of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) performed via right lobe and left lobe duct puncture. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Interventional Radiology, Dow Institute of Radiology, Dow University of Health Sciences from July 2020 to March 2021. Methodology: Both adult male and female patients with obstructive jaundice having dilated intrahepatic biliary ducts on ultrasound were included. PTBD was performed under ultrasound guidance. Following intrahepatic biliary duct puncture, a guide wire was inserted followed by placement of 8 Fr or 10 Fr pigtail drainage catheter. Total bilirubin level was measured before and one day after the procedure. Cholangiogram was performed 48 hours after the procedure to check the drain placement and residual dilatation. Results: 130 patients were included with mean age of 55.3 ± 12.3 years. Success rate was same in patients with right and left lobe puncture i.e. 96.9%. The frequency of complication in right lobe puncture was higher (37.5%). Mean procedure time was significantly higher in patients who developed complications (75.92 ± 19.20 minutes) as well as mean exposure time was also significantly higher in patients who developed complications (12.00 ± 6.87 minutes) as compared to patients who did not develop any complication (8.08 ± 3.43 minutes) (p <0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the success rate in right and left lobe puncture was equal and complication rate in right lobe puncture was observed to be high as compared to left lobe puncture. Keywords: Biliary drainage, Complications, Effect, Liver