Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound findings after bile duct surgery in six cats
By DeJesus, Antonia A et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2021·Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ultrasonographic evaluation of cholecystoduodenostomy sites in six cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Six cats that had surgery to treat a blockage in their bile ducts were monitored using ultrasound to check how they were healing. After the operation, the ultrasound showed that the gallbladder was thick-walled and connected to the intestine, but some cats still had issues with bile flow. Three of the cats had worsening jaundice, which is a sign of bile problems, and one cat showed signs of a serious bile duct cancer. The study aimed to help veterinarians recognize normal healing versus complications after this type of surgery.
People also search for: cat bile duct surgery recovery · why is my cat jaundiced · cat gallbladder surgery complications
Abstract
CASE SERIES SUMMARY: This case series describes the postoperative ultrasonographic findings in six cats that underwent a cholecystoduodenostomy as treatment for extrahepatic biliary obstruction. The surgery site was identified in all six cats, most often within the right cranial abdomen as a thick-walled gall bladder, with a broad-based connection to the descending duodenum. Postoperatively, the biliary tree often remained distended, similar to its preoperative appearance. Recurrent extrahepatic biliary obstruction was suspected in three cats with worsening hyperbilirubinemia. Common bile duct distension was progressive in one of these cats and unchanged in another, but improved in the third. Intrahepatic bile duct distension resolved in one cat following surgery but reappeared with suspected recurrent biliary obstruction. In two cats, progressive echogenic biliary contents were associated with locally aggressive cholangiocarcinoma. Our findings suggest that in cats with cholecystoduodenostomy and progressive increases in hyperbilirubinemia following surgery, progressive or recurrent biliary distension and/or progressive echogenic biliary contents should prompt further investigation. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Biliary diversion surgery in cats is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The ultrasonographic appearance of a postoperative cholecystoduodenostomy site has not been described, making differentiation of the expected appearance from postoperative abnormalities difficult. The goal of this study was to determine the expected ultrasonographic appearance, in order to assist in managing cats with recurrent, persistent or worsening clinical signs and biochemical abnormalities following surgery.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32436775/