Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis

Hobart W. Harris, Zindaba L. Kumwenda, Shyr Ming Sheen-Chen, Amish Shah, William P. Schecter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

53 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis is a complex biliary tract disease characterized by intrahepatic pigment stones, endemic to South-east Asia and seen with increasing frequency in the United States. The purpose of this study was to review the management of this disorder in a county hospital. METHODS: A retrospective review of 45 patients with recurrent pyogenic cholangitis evaluated between 1984 and 1995. The clinical and surgical management of patients with localized versus bilateral hepatolithiasis were compared. RESULTS: The prevalence of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis at our hospital has more than doubled since 1983. Fourteen of 45 patients (31%) had bilateral disease and required more abdominal computed tomography scans (P <0.01), percutaneous cholangiograms (P <0.05), endoscopies (P <0.01), clinic visits (P <0.05), and hospital admissions (P <0.02) as compared with patients with localized disease. CONCLUSIONS: The effective treatment of recurrent pyogenic cholangitis requires definition of the patients' intrahepatic distribution of disease, prior to surgical intervention, and the coordinated efforts of gastroenterologists, radiologists, and surgeons.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)34-37
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Surgery
Volume176
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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