Therapeutic value and outcome of gastric access loops created during hepaticojejunostomy for iatrogenic bile duct injuries

Abstract

Background and purpose: Hepaticojejunostomy is the reconstructive procedure performed for iatrogenic bile duct injuries. Anastomotic site stricture is the most significant complication of this operation. Revision surgery is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. Creation of access to the anastomotic site facilitates the management of such strictures by minimal access techniques and reduces the need for revision surgery. This retrospective study aims to investigate the technical accessibility, usefulness, morbidity related to and the outcome of hepaticojejunostomy with gastric access loops performed as the treatment for iatrogenic bile duct injuries.

Methodology: Twenty-seven consecutive patients who have undergone hepaticojejunostomy (including three revision surgeries and a re-revision surgery) with gastric access loops from July 2005 to October 2009 were followed up for clinical, biochemical, radiological and endoscopic evidence of anastomotic site occlusion and the need for intervention. Morbidity related to gastric access loops was assessed by dyspepsia disability score.

Results: Mean follow up was 35.4 (range 6-61) months. Three patients developed anastomotic strictures at 4, 22 and 5 months after hepaticojejunostomy and had successful endotherapy via the gastric access loop. They remain well at 33rd, 31st and 3rd months, respectively, following intervention. Based on the dyspepsia disability score none of the patients had symptomatic dyspepsia affecting daily activities.

Conclusions: Gastric access loop is accessible and useful for stricture dilation and other endotherapeutic procedures. In the absence of significant symptoms related to bile reflux, gastric access loop could be considered as a useful and safe adjunct in the management of hepaticojejunostomy by surgeons especially in settings with limited facilities and expertise for radiological manipulations.