Outcome of surgery for recurrent pyogenic cholangitis: a single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Although, recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) is prevalent in several parts of India, there is paucity of published literature from India. The aim of this study was to report on the short and long-term outcomes of surgery for RPC.

METHODS: All the patients, who underwent surgery for RPC between August 2007 and February 2016 in the Department of Surgical gastroenterology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS: Of the total 94 patients, 66 (70%) were women. The median age at presentation was 40 years. Left lobe was solely involved in 49% of patients. Left hepatectomy was performed in 23/44 (52%) patients who underwent liver resection. Thirty two postoperative complications developed in 27 patients (29%). Complete stone clearance was possible in 83% of patients after primary surgery. Over a median follow up of 36 months, seventy one of 87 patients (81%) remained free of stones. Recurrent cholangitis occurred 10 of 87 patients (11%).

CONCLUSIONS: Surgery plays an important role in the management of RPC achieving excellent short and long-term outcomes.