Hepatolithiasis: Epidemiology, presentation, classification and management of a complex disease

Abstract

The term hepatolithiasis describes the presence of biliary stones within the intrahepatic bile ducts, above the hilar confluence of the hepatic ducts. The disease is more prevalent in Asia, mainly owing to socioeconomic and dietary factors, as well as the prevalence of biliary parasites. In the last century, owing to migration, its global incidence has increased. The main pathophysiological mechanisms involve cholangitis, bile infection and biliary strictures, creating a self-sustaining cycle that perpetuates the disease, frequently characterised by recurrent episodes of bacterial infection referred to as syndrome of “recurrent pyogenic cholangitis”. Furthermore, long-standing hepatolithiasis is a known risk factor for development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Various classifications have aimed at providing useful insight of clinically relevant aspects and guidance for treatment. The management of symptomatic patients and those with complications can be complex, and relies upon a multidisciplinary team of hepatologists, endoscopists, interventional radiologists and hepatobiliary surgeons, with the main goal being to offer relief from the clinical presentations and prevent the development of more serious complications. This comprehensive review provides insight on various aspects of hepatolithiasis, with a focus on epidemiology, new evidence on pathophysiology, most important clinical aspects, different classification systems and contemporary management.

Keywords: Cholelithiasis; Intrahepatic stones; Cholangiocarcinoma; Biliary parasites; Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis; Oriental cholangiohepatitis; Hepatectomy; Cholangioscopy; Liver transplant; Paediatric

Core Tip: Hepatolithiasis is a chronic disease, mostly prevalent in Asia, commonly characterised by recurrent episodes of cholangitis and relevant clinicopathological syndromes, while it constitutes a risk factor for development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Its management in complex cases can be challenging and relies upon multidisciplinary input from hepatologists, endoscopists, interventional radiologists and hepatobiliary surgeons. This comprehensive review provides insight on various aspects of hepatolithiasis, with a main focus on the epidemiology, new evidence on pathophysiology, most important clinical aspects, different classification systems and contemporary management.