Outcome of a 'step-up approach' for recurrent cholangitis in patients with a non-stenotic hepaticojejunostomy after hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery: single center series.

Background: Recurrent non-stenotic cholangitis (NSC) is a challenging and poorly understood complication of a surgical hepaticojejunostomy (HJ). Optimal treatment remains unclear.

Methods: A retrospective single center series including patients with recurrent cholangitis with a non-stenotic HJ after hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery was conducted (2015-2022). Primary outcome was resolution of NSC (i.e. free of NSC during six months). Secondary outcomes included reduction of NSC monthly episode frequency and secondary sclerosing cholangitis.

Results: Overall, 50 of 1179 (4.2%) patients with HJ developed NSC. Treatment included a 'step-up approach' with short-course antibiotics (n = 50, 100 %), prolonged antibiotics (n = 26, 52%), and revisional surgery (n = 7, 14 %). Resolution of NSC was achieved in 15 patients (30%) and reduction of NSC frequency in an additional 21 patients (42%). Concomitant ursodeoxycholic acid use and discontinuation of proton pump inhibitors was the only predictor for resolution (OR 4.229, p = 0.035). Secondary sclerosing cholangitis occurred in 12 patients (24%) and was associated with the number of NSC episodes (OR 1.2, p = 0.050).

Conclusion: A 'step-up approach' to recurrent NSC after HJ resulted in 30 % resolution and further 42 % reduced frequency of NSC although still a quarter of patients developed secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Future prospective studies should assess whether a protocolized approach could improve outcomes.