A European survey of perendoscopic treatment of biliary complications in patients with alveolar echinococcosis.

ABSTRACTBackground: Biliary complications represent a turning point in the course of Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE). We conducted a European survey to collect data on the current usage and results of perendoscopic interventions (PEIs) for their treatment.Methods: Patient’s characteristics and follow-up until January 31st, 2015 were recorded using an online questionnaire.Results: From 18 centers 129 PEIs were analyzed in 38 patients; 139 plastic stents were inserted during 85 PEIs; median time between stent placements was significantly longer when 3 stents or more were placed. Initial symptoms disappeared in 95% and long-term bile duct patency was obtained in 73% of cases. Cholangitis was a more frequent complication of the PEIs (10%) than in other indications; intensive lavage of the bile ducts may prevent this complication.Conclusion: European centers use perendoscopic biliary drainage as an efficient and safe alternative to surgery to treat AE biliary complications. Insertion of multiple plastic stents de...