Acute Gangrenous Cholecystitis Research Articles

An Unconventional Approach to Treating Atypical Acute Gangrenous Cholecystitis

An Unconventional Approach to Treating Atypical Acute Gangrenous Cholecystitis

S2951 Acute Gangrenous Cholecystitis Following a Diagnostic Colonoscopy, Case Report, and Literature Review

S2951 Acute Gangrenous Cholecystitis Following a Diagnostic Colonoscopy, Case Report, and Literature Review

S125 Predictors of Acute Gangrenous Cholecystitis and Its Complications: A Retrospective Cohort Study

S125 Predictors of Acute Gangrenous Cholecystitis and Its Complications: A Retrospective Cohort Study

For safe and fast surgery: Utilization of the SAND balloon catheter for acute cholecystitis.

The utility of the SAND balloon catheter in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis (AC) remains unclear. A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent emergency cholecystectomy at Shinshu University was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the SAND balloon catheter in cases of AC (SAND balloon utilization: Group S, n = 44; non-utilization: Group non-S, n = 47). The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in Group S than in Group non-S (p = .031). Despite comparable incidences of blood transfusions in the two groups, intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in Group S than in Group non-S (p = .013). The incidence of postoperative intraperitoneal infection tended to be higher in Group non-S (p = .076). Within Group non-S, bile spillage during operation was found in 16 (34.0%) patients. The multivariate analysis revealed that gangrenous AC was the strongest independent risk factor for bile spillage during operation (odds ratio [OR]: 19.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.84-78.4; p = .002), followed by surgeons with ≤10 years of experience (OR: 11.3; 95% CI: 1.81-70.6; p < .010). Implementation of the SAND balloon catheter in patients with AC is a safe and efficacious surgical option. This catheter is recommended in cases of gangrenous cholecystitis and for surgeons with limited experience.

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis: A retrospective study.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is a perioperative management theory aimed at reducing the injury of surgical patients and accelerating postoperative recovery. It has been widely recognized and applied in elective surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of the ERAS protocol during the perioperative period of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of the ERAS protocol during the perioperative period of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. We collected medical data from 126 elderly patients with acute cholecystitis from October 2018 to August 2021. Among the 126 patients, 70 were included in the ERAS group and 56 in the traditional group. We analyzed the clinical data and postoperative indicators of the 2 groups. No significant differences were observed regarding the general characteristics of the 2 groups (P > .05). The ERAS group had significantly earlier time to first flatus, time to first ambulation, and time to solid intake, compared with the traditional group (P < .001); additionally, the ERAS group had significantly shorter stay and gentler feeling of postoperative pain (P < .001). Furthermore, the ERAS group had significant incidences of lower postoperative lung (P = .029) and abdominal cavity infection (P = .025) compared to the traditional group. No significant difference was observed regarding the incidences of other postoperative complications between the 2 groups (P > .05). The ERAS protocol helps reduce elderly patients' stress reactions and accelerate postoperative recovery. Thus, it is effective and beneficial to implement the ERAS protocol during the perioperative period of elderly patients with acute cholecystitis.

Prognostic clinical indexes for prediction of acute gangrenous cholecystitis and acute purulent cholecystitis

BackgroundPreoperative prediction of severe cholecystitis (SC), including acute gangrenous cholecystitis (AGC) and acute purulent cholecystitis (APC), as opposed to acute exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis (ACC), is of great significance, as SC is associated with high mortality rate.MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively investigated medical records of 114 cholecystitis patients, treated in Shanghai No. 6 People’s Hospital from February 2009 to July 2020. Gallbladder wall thickness (GBWT), indexes of blood routine examination, including white blood cell (WBC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the percentage of neutrophil, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fibrinogen (FIB), gamma-glutamyl transferase, prothrombin time and total bilirubin were evaluated. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate significant differences between a certain kind of SC and ACC to select a prediction index for each kind of SC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to identify the prediction effectiveness of these indexes and their optimal cut-off values.ResultsHigher WBC and lower ALP were associated with AGC diagnosis (P < 0.05). Higher percentage of neutrophils was indicative of APC and AGC, while higher GBWT was significantly associated with APC diagnosis (P < 0.05) The optimal cut-off values for these indexes were established at 11.1*109/L (OR: 5.333, 95% CI 2.576–10.68, P < 0.0001, sensitivity: 72.73%, specificity: 66.67%), 79.75% (OR: 5.735, 95% CI 2.749–12.05, P < 0.0001, sensitivity: 77.92%, specificity: 61.9%) and 5.5 mm (OR: 22, 95% CI 4.757–83.42, P < 0.0001, sensitivity: 78.57%, specificity: 85.71%), respectively.ConclusionWe established a predictive model for the differentiations of APC and AGC from ACC using clinical indexes, such as GBWT, the percentage of neutrophil and WBC, and determined cut-off values for these indexes based on ROC curves. Index values exceeding these cut-off values will allow to diagnose patients as APC and AGC, as opposed to a diagnosis of ACC.

The Value of Ultrasonography in Predicting Acute Gangrenous Cholecystitis

Acute cholecystitis is a common clinical inflammatory lesion of the gallbladder. With the aggravation of inflammation, ischemic, necrosis, and even acute gangrenous cholecystitis occur in the gallbladder. At the same time, a variety of complications appear, seriously affecting the prognosis of patients. It is recommended that ultrasound can be utilized as the first choice for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, due to its fastness, convenience, non-radiation, and low cost. Here, we summarize the latest progress that can predict acute gangrenous cholecystitis in ultrasound, thus assisting us in identifying patients with high risk of gangrene in early stage, and treating these patients in time.

S3238 A Case of Concurrent Cholecystitis and Stauffer Syndrome

Introduction: Stauffer syndrome (SS) is a paraneoplastic syndrome seen in some malignancies, most commonly 4-15% of primary renal cell carcinomas, resulting in nephrogenic hepatic dysfunction. SS commonly results in elevated alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and prothrombin time (PT) as well as decreased albumin in the absence of liver metastasis. The etiology of SS is unknown, although three have been suggested: elevated interleukin-6, elevated colony stimulating factor or, least likely, autoimmune. We describe a case of a woman presenting with right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain who was found to have indirect predominant hyperbilirubinemia and acute cholecystitis and renal mass on ultrasound. Case Description/Methods: An 81-year-old female presented to an outside hospital for RUQ and epigastric pain that worsened after fatty meals. Imaging showed acute cholecystitis as well as a right renal mass. Physical exam at the time was remarkable only for diffuse tenderness to abdominal palpation, most notably in the RUQ. There was no scleral icterus or costovertebral angle tenderness on exam. Labs on presentation can be seen in Table 1. Given the elevated indirect bilirubin, gastroenterology was consulted and suggested Gilbert syndrome (GS) or SS given their concern for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The next day the patient underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy notable for acute gangrenous cholecystitis with cholelithiasis, and had rapid normalization of bilirubin over 48 hours. The patient followed with outpatient urology for renal biopsy, which was positive for clear cell RCC. Follow up imaging revealed scattered pulmonary nodules up to 1.1cm, with concern for metastasis. Surgery was deemed inappropriate and the patient was conservatively managed, given her wishes to prioritize quality of life and not undergo chemotherapy. (Figure) Discussion: This case illustrates an interesting clinical picture where a patient with confirmed cholecystitis also has a new renal mass, with elevated indirect bilirubin and PT, consistent with SS. The diagnosis of SS is made clinically, with hopeful resolution of abnormal lab values upon RCC resection. In this case, surgery was not indicated, hemolysis was ruled out with stable hemoglobin and normal peripheral smear, and the diagnoses of acute cholecystitis and RCC causing SS was made. In addition to hemolysis, GS, and Criggler-Najjar when working up indirect hyperbilirubinemia, it is imperative to include SS on the differential diagnosis.Figure 1.: CT abdomen with right renal mass. Table 1. - Patient labs on presentation and 2 days post-cholecystectomy Lab Admission Post-Op Day 2 Normal WBC Count (103 cells/uL) 17 14 4.1-9.3 Platelet (103/uL) 246 248 130-350 Hemoglobin (g/dL) 10.6 9.8 11-14.7 Albumin (g/dL) 3.3 2.7 3.5-5.2 Total Bilirubin (mg/dL) 2.8 0.9 0.1-1.2 Indirect Bilirubin (mg/dL) 2.4 0-0.9 Alkaline Phosphatase (IU/L) 96 102 30-115 AST (IU/L) 23 20 5-45 ALT (IU/L) 12 16 5-60 Lipase (U/L) 12 11-82 Prothrombin Time (s) 14.3 9.4-12.9 INR 1.2 0.83-1.14 AST = aspartate transaminase, ALT = alanine transaminase.

A case of acute gangrenous cholecystitis in an ectopic left sided gallbladder: a challenging laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Left sided gallbladder is a rare entity and can be associated with other anomalies of portal vein and biliary system. It can be dangerous as it can create clinical confusion and hence radiological identification with the help of CT scan or USG is of great importance. A 60 years old lady, presented with pain and tenderness in the epigastrium and right hypochondrium, on USG got diagnosed with acute cholecystitis. Intra operatively she was found to have a gangrenous left sided ectopic gallbladder (GB). The incidence of ectopic GB is only 0.1-0.7% and can be found in wide range of locations including the lesser omentum, the retro-duodenal area, falciform ligament, abdominal wall muscles. Mal-positioning of the gallbladder can confound presenting signs and symptoms of the disease creating technical problems during surgical procedures and hence it is advised to always resect it out whenever diagnosed.

Delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 who developed gangrenous cholecystitis: a case report

BackgroundGangrenous cholecystitis has a high risk of perforation and sepsis; therefore, cholecystectomy in the early stage of the disease is recommended. However, during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the management of emergent surgeries changed to avoid contagion exposure among medical workers and poor postoperative outcomes.Case presentationA 56-year-old man presented to our hospital with abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed intraluminal membranes, an irregular or absent wall, and an abscess of the gallbladder, indicating acute gangrenous cholecystitis. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy seemed to be indicated; however, a COVID-19 antigen test was positive despite no obvious pneumonia on chest computed tomography and no symptoms. After discussion among the multidisciplinary team, antibiotic therapy was started and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) was planned for the following day because the patient’s vital signs were stable and his abdominal pain was localized. Fortunately, the antibiotic therapy was very effective, and PTGBD was not needed. The cholecystitis improved and the patient was discharged from the hospital on day 10. One month later, laparoscopic delayed cholecystectomy was performed after confirming a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test result. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 2 in satisfactory condition.ConclusionWe have reported a case of acute gangrenous cholecystitis in a patient with asymptomatic COVID-19 disease. This report can help to determine treatment strategies for patients with gangrenous cholecystitis during future pandemics.

Prediction of extensive necrotic change in acute gangrenous cholecystitis.

Gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) is a severe type of acute cholecystitis that implies higher mortality and morbidity rates than uncomplicated cholecystitis. The characteristics of GC are various for each case. However, preoperative predictors of GC with extensive necrotic change have not been investigated well. A total of 239 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with GC underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our hospital between January 2013 and December 2021. Of these, 135 patients were included in this study and were subdivided into the extensive necrosis group (patients with necrotic change extending to the neck of the gallbladder, n = 18) and the control group (patients with necrotic change limited to the fundus or body, not extending to the neck, n = 117) according to each operation video. Patient characteristics and perioperative factors predicting extensive necrotic change were investigated. Pericholecystic fat stranding (83.3 vs. 53.8%, p = 0.018) and absence of wall enhancement on preoperative CT images (50.0 vs. 24.7%, p = 0.026) were significantly associated with extensive necrosis. Seven of 18 patients in the extensive necrosis group showed necrotic changes beyond the infundibulum. The absence of wall enhancement on preoperative CT images (71.4 vs. 28.8%, p = 0.018) was significantly associated with necrotic changes beyond the infundibulum. Pericholecystic fat stranding and absence of wall enhancement on preoperative enhanced CT are predictors of extensive necrotic change in patients with GC. In addition, the absence of wall enhancement also predicts the presence of necrotic changes beyond the infundibulum.

Pleural empyema caused by dropped gallstones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a case report

BackgroundDropped gallstones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) sometimes induce postoperative infectious complications. However, pleural empyema rarely occurs as a complication of LC.Case presentationWe present the case of a 66-year-old woman with right pleural empyema. She previously underwent LC for acute gangrenous cholecystitis 11 months ago. The operative report revealed iatrogenic gallbladder perforation and stone spillage. The bacterial culture of the gallbladder bile was positive for Escherichia coli. Chest and abdominal computed tomography revealed right pleural effusion, perihepatic fluid collection, and multiple small radiopaque density masses. Although ultrasound-guided transthoracic drainage was performed, the drainage was incomplete, and systemic inflammatory reaction persisted. Consequently, thoracotomy and laparotomy with gallstone retrieval were performed, and the patient recovered completely. The patient has remained well without complications after 14 months of follow-up.ConclusionsWe report a rare case of pleural empyema caused by dropped gallstones after LC. This case emphasized the importance of completely retrieving the dropped gallstones to prevent late infectious complications after LC.

Застосування принципів бриджинг-терапії при супутній гострій печінковій недостатності

У статті описано випадок застосування основних принципів бриджинг-терапії в пацієнта з попередньою заміною аортального клапана, у якого виникла необхідність проведення ургентного хірургічного втручання з приводу гострого гангренозного калькульозного холециститу, ускладненого холедохолітіазом, гнійним холангітом, підпечінковим абсцесом із дренуванням у черевну порожнину на фоні змішаної жовтяниці та постійного прийому пероральних антикоагулянтів.

Use of idarucizumab for emergency surgery in patients taking dabigatran

This article presents modern possibilities for the provision of emergency surgical care to patients with atrial fibrillation, who administered dabigatran etexilate. We describe two clinical situations, in which idarucizumab, a specific dabigatran antagonist, which is a monoclonal antibody fragment that binds dabigatran, was used to neutralize the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran etexilate before emergency surgery. In the first case, the patient developed acute gangrenous calculous cholecystitis, in the second a patient required an urgent epicystostomy. In both cases, the successful outcome of surgical interventions was due to the effective interactions of the team of specialists and adherence to the algorithm for providing emergency care to such patients, as well as the presence of idarucizumab in hospitals. The postoperative management of patients and the timely resumption of anticoagulant therapy to prevent thromboembolic complications is no less important. The presented clinical cases confirm the feasibility of using idarucizumab to provide emergency surgical care to patients on dabigatran etexilate, as well as the need to take into account the possible risk of emergency interventions when anticoagulant therapy is prescribed to patients with atrial fibrillation. This paper discusses special risk groups of patients in whom rapid reversal of anticoagulation is required due to altered hemostasis.We outline data of a prospective cohort study (RE-VERSE AD), which examined the efficacy and safety of idarucizumab in patients with uncontrolled bleeding and in patients requiring urgent surgery. We also present the RE-VECTO study data on the use of idarucizumab in real-life clinical practice.

Adenocarcinoma of Gall Bladder, Imitator in Clinical Manifestations, Radiological and Histopathological Findings

Gall bladder adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy with female predominance. Main patients are in the fifth to seventh decades. Clinical findings of gall bladder adenocarcinoma can be non-specific and the same as cholecystitis .The imaging is also non-specific with considerable overlap between benign and malignant lesions. Gall bladder adenocarcinoma may be overdiagnosed in histopathology by considering Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses as malignant. It may be underdiagnosed in the cases of well-differentiated minimally invasive carcinoma. Incidental tumors are mainly in fundus and body of gall bladder. The first case was 80-year-old female with right upper quadrant pain, nausea and vomiting. Ultrasound was in favor of emphysematous cholecystitis. Postoperative diagnosis was acute gangrenous cholecystitis with tumor lesion suspicious for malignancy. Pathologist reported, moderately differentiated gall bladder adenocarcinoma extended to serosa in the neck of gall bladder. The second case was 58-year-old female with right upper quadrant severe pain, odynophagia, dysphagia, nausea and vomiting. Ultrasound examination showed gall bladder mass in the fundus and suggested gall bladder cancer. Pathologist reported, Poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of gall bladder extended full wall thickness. Precise macroscopic evaluation is very important for finding of cases of gall bladder carcinoma even without clinical suspicion. For detection of malignancy, microscopic evaluation of all cholecystectomy samples is recommended. We suggest careful examination of cholecystectomy specimens especially in females more than forty with careful sampling of body and fundus.

Marbelization of the gallbladder, a variant of acute gangrenous cholecystitis

Cholelithiasis can present from a milder form of biliary colic to a more severe and complicated one like empyema gallbladder and a lesser-known variant of gangrenous gallbladder called marbleization of the gallbladder. The clinical signs and symptoms are similar to acute cholecystitis. Diabetes mellitus could have a role in the process of marbleization. Diagnosing marbleization of the gall bladder is not easy preoperatively. Computerized tomography is a better diagnostic modality when compared to laboratory investigations. Urgent cholecystectomy is the only option, and there is no role of conservative treatment. We report a case of a 36-year-old man with newly diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus diagnosed initially as acute cholecystitis and managed conservatively. He did not respond to treatment and hence underwent cholecystectomy and intraoperatively was found to have marbleization of the gall bladder.

SARS-CoV-2-related injury of biliary tract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‑2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), which causes coronavirus disease‑2019 (COVID‑19), affects several organs and systems. The ways of the virus penetration into tissues have been studied. Liver is affected in 15 — 53 % of cases. Data on the RNA‑seq sequencing in the Human Protein Atlas database confirm the expression of ACE2 (angiotensin 2 converting enzyme receptor) in the liver and epithelium of the bile ducts and gallbladder. At the same time, a high frequency of ACE2 expression is observed only in cholangiocytes, but not in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells or endothelial cells. The amount of ACE2 in bile duct cells is significantly higher than in hepatocytes, and is comparable to the level in type 2 alveolar cells in the lungs, which makes the biliary tract a potential target for the virus.Binding of SARS‑CoV‑2 to gallbladder epithelial cells can lead to mucosal inflammation. A systematic review describes the formation of bile clots in small bile ducts. Presence of COVID‑19 in the wall of the gallbladder ­(qrt‑RCR) has been revealed. With this, acute cholecystitis develops clinically, and radiological investigations show thickening of the gallbladder wall, biliary sludge and perivesicular fluid. Onset of acute gangrenous cholecystitis as a late complication of COVID‑19 infection is described. Histologically, inflammatory infiltrates are found in the gallbladder wall, which diffusely affect medium‑sized arteries with obliteration of their lumen, ischemia of the bladder wall; the perineural inflammation take place. These features indicate vasculitis with thrombosis.Thus, despite the theoretical information about the biliary tract injury by the COVID‑19 virus, this aspect of the infection has not been clinically studied, and the published papers are limited to the description of single clinical cases. In our opinion, a deeper and long‑term study of the biliary tract pathology in COVID‑19 infection is needed to provide rationale for the treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid.

Acute gangrenous appendicitis and acute gangrenous cholecystitis in a pregnant patient, a difficult diagnosis: a case report

Abdominal pain is a common complaint in pregnancy, especially given the physiological and anatomical changes that occur as the pregnancy progresses. The diagnosis and treatment of common surgical pathologies can therefore be difficult and limited by the special considerations for the fetus. While uncommon in the general population, concurrent or subsequent disease processes should be considered in the pregnant patient. We present the case of a 36 year old, 13 weeks pregnant female who presented with both acute appendicitis and acute cholecystitis.

Fatal Clostridium Perfringens Sepsis with Spleen Rupture and Intraabdominal Massive Bleeding in a 37-Week Pregnancy

The maternal death rate remains unacceptably high worldwide, predominantly in areas of poor access to quality health services. According to the WHO, in 2017, 810 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Causes of maternal death are plenty, including previous morbidity and unexpected causes. Among the latter are infectious disease-related deaths. Herein, we describe a case of a 29-year-old woman at 37 weeks’ gestation who presented with right upper quadrant pain, which was initially considered to be pregnancy-related. However, she collapsed shortly after the hospital admission. The physical examination revealed severe hypovolemic shock due to a large amount of intraperitoneal free fluid. The patient was immediately rushed into an emergency cesarean section followed by exploratory laparotomy, which demonstrated a large intra-abdominal hemorrhage. The patient and her fetus died in the operating room. An autopsy revealed acute gangrenous cholecystitis along with abundant rod-shaped bacteria within the mucosa and vessels of the gallbladder, gas gangrene and rupture of the spleen, and signs of shock.Clostridium perfringens (CP) was isolated in the culture of a splenic sample. Although CP is a well-known and dreadful infectious etiological agent, catastrophic cases still happen. The acquaintance of this infection by the caregivers is crucial for the early diagnosis and treatment. This is a quite unique way to provide a dismal chance of survival in sepsis cases by this agent.

The inclusive use of effect size conversion and Bayes factor in digestive disease research.

An important article was published, whicht evaluated statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) using the odds ratio (OR), in the first issue of volume 113 of this journal. The study evaluated a relationship between C-reactive protein levels (CRP > 100) and the histological diagnosis of gangrenous acute cholecystitis in patients who underwent cholecystectomy (OR = 3.1).