Clinical analysis and management of infections relative to percutaneous biliary drainage or stenting dilation

Objective: To analyze the occurrence of infectious relative to percutaneous biliary drainage (PTBD)or stenting for malignant obstructive jaundice and explore the therapy and prevention. Methods: 181 patients (130 male and 51 female; median age 64.5 years old) with malignant biliary obstructive jaundice were investigated including 81 hepatobiliary cancers, 42 pancreatico-ampullae tumors, 58 gestro-intestinal portal lymphatic metastasis. All cases accepted PTBD or placement of metallic stents and the perioperative complications were recorded and analysed including the occurance and treatment. Results: All cases accepted PTBD or stenting successfully. The perioperative biliary infection was the major complication including 50 out of 62 preoperative infected cases (34.25%). 18 cases (15.13%)suffered from biliary infection after operation with 13 under control, 5 without control, 4 complicated with pulmonary infection and 17 (9.39%)died of serious biliary infections. Gram-negative bacilli and endotoxin were the main cause of the severe biliary infection. Postoperative mild pancreatitis occurred in 65 cases (35.91%)without severe necrotic changes and were cured alter anti-inflammatory treatment. Hepatic abscess due to biliary leak occurred in 1 case (0.55%), and was cured by CT-guided drainage. Conclusion: Biliary infection is the most common complication after interventional therapy and should be promptly under control for preventing mortality and prolonging survival. Simultaneously, acute pancreatitis should also be on alert but good prognosis would be obtained with apt therapy. (authors)