Malignant obstructive jaundice: justification of the method of biliary decompression

Abstract

Aim. To show the optimal algorithm of diagnostic and treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice, which allows to increase the effectiveness of primary surgery, reducing the number of complications and mortality in the operated patients.Materials and methods. The results of examination and surgical treatment of 325 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice who underwent minimally invasive decompression of the biliary tract were studied. Based on the results of treatment, an algorithm for examining and treating patients with malignant obstructive jaundice has been formed and tested.Results. Using such criterial like severity of obstructive jaundice by E.I. Galperin, anatomical level of biliary tract occlusion and staging oncology process by TNM classification could help to choose the rational method for its surgical treatment and determine the risk of complications and mortality. At the level of biliary occlusion I and II, endoscopic stenting is a fairly successful inter-vention with a minimum of complications. For a level III block, the operation of choice is percutaneous transhepatic drainage. Cholecystostomy is advisable in case of level I block below the cystic duct in flow level and class “C” obstructive jaundice or for technical impossibility to apply a different method.Realization of the developed algorithm allowed resolving obstructive jaundice in a palliative option in 71.4% of patients and preparing 28.6% for surgical treatment.Conclusion. Implementation of an improved algorithm for the diagnosis of malignant obstructive jaundice makes it possible to justify the choice of a rational option for its surgical treatment, increase the effectiveness of interventions and reduce postoperative mortality.