Endoscopic treatment of a hepatic abscess arising from a biliary stricture due to intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage, primarily used for intra-abdominal abscesses/fluid collections, is increasingly used for hepatic abscesses that have been traditionally managed by external drainage or surgery. EUS interventions offer reduced morbidity and potentially lower complication rates. We present a case showcasing the efficacy and safety of EUS-guided drainage in treating a complex hepatic abscess ([Video 1]).

Endoscopic management of a large hepatic abscess secondary to a severe chronic biliary stricture due to intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct.Video 1

A 63-year-old man with abdominal pain and elevated alkaline phosphatase was found to have a dilated right-sided bile duct and mild-to-moderate intrahepatic biliary dilatation with stones ([Fig. 1] a). After an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with biliary sphincterotomy and stent placement had been performed, a follow-up ERCP revealed a benign-appearing biliary stenosis, with brush cytology showing benign epithelial cells. Four months later, the patient experienced worsening symptoms. A further scan revealed an hepatic abscess in segment 6 ([Fig. 1] b). Another ERCP confirmed a biliary stricture with prestenotic dilatation and debris in the dilated hepatic duct. Attempts to access the cavity via the transpapillary route failed, leading us to a planned EUS-guided drainage.

Fig. 1 Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography images showing: a mild-to-moderate intrahepatic biliary dilatation in liver segment 5; b an 8.8-cm thick-walled cystic lesion in the right hepatic lobe near the previously dilated biliary segment 4 months after ERCP and sphincterotomy.

EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) confirmed the presence of pus in the abscess, and EUS-guided cystoduodenostomy was performed ([Fig. 2]). A 10-mm×10-cm metal stent and a 7-Fr×15-cm double-pigtail plastic stent were placed, enabling significant pus drainage ([Fig. 3]). Both the biliary and cystoduodenostomy stents were correctly placed, and this was confirmed by fluoroscopy. The patient was monitored post-procedure on a liquid to low-residue diet progression, with antibiotics prescribed.

Fig. 2 Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) image during EUS-guided cystoduodenostomy.

Fig. 3 Endoscopic image showing copious pus draining from cystoduodenostomy tract after placement of a fully covered metal stent.

A follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan 1 month later showed resolution of the abscess and decreased biliary dilatation ([Fig. 4]). The cystoduodenostomy stents were removed, while the biliary stent was left in place. After review by the multidisciplinary team, the patient underwent robot-assisted right hepatectomy, which revealed an intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct with high grade dysplasia. The patient showed significant symptom improvement post-surgery.

Fig. 4 Follow-up computed tomography scan 1 month after the procedure showing abscess resolution and reduction in the biliary dilatation.

In conclusion, chronic biliary strictures can lead to cholangitis and hepatic abscesses. EUS-guided drainage is a safe and effective approach, which may be useful alone or with ERCP, for managing liver abscesses and as a bridge to surgery in complex biliary conditions.

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Conflict of Interest

S. Mahadev is a consultant for CONMED and Boston Scientific. R. Z. Sharaiha is a consultant for Cook Medical, Boston Scientific, Olympus, and Surgical Intuitive. K. Sampath is a consultant for CONMED. K. M. Hassan, D. Dawod, M. Hassan, and S. M. Salgado declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Publication History

Article published online:
08 March 2024