title: Biliary ascariasis--role of endoscopic intervention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was undertaken to review the predisposing factors, presentation and management of patients diagnosed with biliary ascariasis while specifically emphasizing the role played by endoscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective analysis of nine patients diagnosed and admitted with biliary ascariasis at our center. The diagnosis was based on ultrasound findings and confirmed by detection of round worms in the biliary tract or the descending duodenum. The clinical presentation and management were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five of the nine patients had prior biliary sphincter ablative/bypass procedures for choledocholithiasis; including endoscopic sphincterotomy in four and lateral choledochoduodenostomy in one patient. All but one patient presented with acute onset pain abdomen radiating to the back. One patient presented with features of acute cholecystitis. Ultrasound detected the presence of round worms in all the patients. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatogram confirmed presence of worm in the biliary tree. Endoscopic extraction of the worm from the biliary tree or duodenum was successfully undertaken in all the patients and provided prompt relief. One patient had recurrence of infection after eight months which was re-treated by endoscopic extraction. Antihelminthics were instituted in all patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biliary ascariasis, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, particularly in patients who have undergone prior biliary sphincter ablation/bypass procedures like sphincterotomy or choledochoduodenostomy. Ultrasonography is a reliable diagnostic modality. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram confirms the diagnosis and precedes endoscopic extraction of the worm. This offers prompt relief from symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery and Surgical Gastroenterology, Hitech Medical College & Hospital, Bhubaneswar - 751010 Orissa, India. m_ibrarullah@yahoo.co.in
authors.forename: Md
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ibrarullah
authors.forename: Tapas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mishra
authors.forename: Ambika P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Dash
authors.forename: U N
authors.initials: UN
authors.lastname: Upadhaya
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001196:Ascariasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016717:Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D000871:Anthelmintics