Influence of endoscopic sphincterotomy on hepatolithiasis with Oddi sphincter-preserved cholangioplasty with hepatico-subcutaneous stoma: A three-decade, real word cohort study.

Background: Hepatolithiasis frequently presents with recurring cholangitis and complications. Oddi sphincter-preserved cholangioplasty with hepatico-subcutaneous stoma (OSPCHS), introduced in 1993, has shown favorable long-term results. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is commonly used, but its impact on OSPCHS outcomes remains unclear.

Methods: From January 1993 to June 2021, 254 patients with hepatolithiasis underwent OSPCHS. A total of 31 patients had prior EST (group with EST, n = 31), while 223 did not (group without EST, n = 223). Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared, and risk factors for stone and cholangitis recurrence were analyzed using a Cox regression model.

Results: The immediate and final stone clearance rates were 67.3% and 81.9%, respectively. Patients with prior EST had higher rates of stone recurrence (57.7% vs. 35.7%, p = .031), shorter stone-free duration (median: 51.5 vs. 112.0 months, p = .001), higher cholangitis recurrence (45.2% vs. 25.6%, p = .023), and shorter cholangitis-free duration (median: 71.0 vs. 134.0 months, p = .006). Multivariable analysis identified bilateral intrahepatic stones (HR: 1.815, p = .010) and prior EST (HR: 3.157, p = .000) as independent risk factors for stone recurrence, whereas combined hepatectomy was a protective factor (HR: 0.448, p = .001). For cholangitis recurrence, male gender (HR: 2.308, p = .001) and EST (HR: 2.241, p = .009) were independent risk factors, while complete stone clearance reduced recurrence risk (HR: 0.423, p = .002).

Conclusion: Prior EST adversely affects the long-term outcomes of OSPCHS. Therefore, in the management of hepatolithiasis, emphasis should be placed on preserving the Oddi sphincter.