Acute Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Research Articles

Preoperative MRCP is not Associated with Lower Complication Rates but Shorter Hospital Stay in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a very common procedure and while preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (pMRCP) is widely used for detection of choledocholithiasis and preoperative planning, the benefits in patients with normal preoperative cholestatic parameters remain unclear. Aims We aimed to investigate a large cohort of patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy to analyse the impact of pMRCP on complication rates. Methods This retrospective cohort study consecutively includes all patients receiving elective or acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2010 and 2020. Exclusion criteria were conversion to open cholecystectomy and preoperatively elevated cholestatic parameters. Complication rates were recorded and patients stratified depending on the use of pMRCP for preoperative planning. Results 3163 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2010 and 2020, 2568 of which showed normal cholestatic parameters preoperatively. Of these patients, 684/2568 (27%) were male and 1884/2568 (73%) female. The most frequent indications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were cholecystolithiasis in 72% (1845/2568) of cases, followed by cholecystitis in 18% (465/2568). The majority of patients (2267/2568, 88%) indeed received pMRCP, while the remaining 301/2568 patients did not. Postoperative complication rates did not significantly differ between the two groups (396/2267 (17%) in the pMRCP group and 58/301 (19%) without pMRCP, p=0.469). One case of pancreatitis occurred in the pMRCP group, versus two reported cases in the other group. Interestingly, the length of hospital stay after cholecystectomy was significantly shorter in the group with pMRCP versus without (4 days (range 1-61 days) versus 7 days (range 1 – 66 days), respectively, p = 0.023). Conclusion Preoperative MRCP seems to not prevent complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, since postoperative complication rates were comparable between the two patient groups with and without pMRCP. However, postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients undergoing pMRCP compared to patients without pMRCP.

Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in acute cholecystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients admitted with acute cholecystitis is considered the preferred, feasible and safe mode of managing gallstone disease. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of single-dose pre-operative prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing emergency LC for mild to moderate acute cholecystitis. All randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting the use of single-dose pre-operative prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing acute cholecystectomy were retrieved from the search of standard medical electronic databases and analysis was conducted by using the principles of meta-analysis on the statistical software RevMan version 5. Standard medical databases search produced only 3 RCTs on 781 patients undergoing acute cholecystectomy. There were 384 patients in single dose pre-operative antibiotics group whereas 397 patients were recruited in the no-antibiotics group. In the random effects model analysis, the use of single-dose preoperative prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing acute cholecystectomy for mild to moderate cholecystitis failed to demonstrate any extra advantage of reducing the risk of [risk ratio (RR) =0.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-1.03; Z=1.80; P=0.07] infective complications. There was no heterogeneity [Tau2 =0; Chi2 =1.74, df =2 (P=0.42; I2=0%)] among included studies. A preoperative single dose of prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing acute LC for mild to moderate acute cholecystitis does not offer extra benefits to reduce infective complications.

1162 Management of Acute Gallstone Disease at an Urban Acute Trust During the Pandemic – Closed-Loop Audit

Abstract Aim Acute gallstone disease is a surgical emergency with emphasis on early surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC)) to improve outcomes. Method Patients presenting with acute cholecystitis, biliary colic, and gallstone pancreatitis between September and December 2021 were retrospectively audited. We measured re-admission rates, emergency and elective cholecystectomies performed, and interval between operation and initial admission. This revealed a need for improvement in the service provided at this trust. An intervention was implemented with the Hot Cholecystectomy list being available for other surgeons as well as encouraging acute LC on the Emergency theatre list. A follow-up retrospective audit was carried out between July and September 2022 using the same criteria as per the initial data collection. Results 240 patients were admitted with acute gallstone disease during the initial audit period. At the end of audit period, 49 patients underwent LC, of which only 20% were performed acutely. However, 70% of acute operations were performed during re-admissions. During the re-audit, 109 patients were admitted with acute gallstone disease. Within the three months, 21% of patients underwent LC, out of which 52% were acute operations. 50% of the emergency operations were in re-admission patients. Patients from the initial audit were followed up which revealed average waiting time of 118.5 days from admission to LC Conclusions There was almost a 3-fold increase in the rate of Emergency LC post intervention. While there is an increase, provision of emergency cholecystectomies does not comply with national guidelines. Resources need to be allocated nationwide for timely treatment of acute gallstone disease.

HPB P47 Management of acalculous cholecystitis: Experiences from a district general hospital

Abstract Background Acalculous cholecystitis (AC) is a serious inflammatory condition of the gallbladder with associated high morbidity and mortality. Definitive management of AC involves cholecystectomy and/or cholecystostomy in combination with antibiotic therapy. Due to the lack of consensus regarding the optimal management of AC leading to possible variability in clinical practice, this study aims to review the management of AC in this busy district general hospital. Methods Data were collected retrospectively on consecutive patients with diagnosis of cholecystitis from March 2018 to March 2020. The data was analysed and patients with confirmed gallstones on imaging and no clinical/radiological signs of cholecystitis were excluded. In this two-year study period, a total of 61 patients were treated for AC. Results Twenty-eight patients were managed conservatively with antibiotics (median age of 68 and median ASA of 2). Thirty-three patients were offered definitive management; cholecystostomy (2 inpatients), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (9 inpatients and 13 elective patients), 5 remain on the waiting list for surgery and 4 declined surgery. Among patients who were offered definitive management, the median age was 62 and median ASA was 2. Seven patients developed complications of AC; 2 patients underwent acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 2 patients were offered elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy after having a cholecystostomy, 1 patient underwent cholecystostomy, 1 patient was offered elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy after antibiotic treatment and 1 patient was treated with antibiotics alone. 30-day readmission rate was similar between patients with conservative management (5 patients) and definitive management (4 patients). Conclusions With similar re-admission rates, this small study suggests that definitive management options may not be superior to antimicrobial therapy alone and demonstrates that management can be tailored according to clinical needs. A larger prospective study is recommended to fully assess the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, cholecystostomy and antibiotic therapy in managing AC.

National clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease: 2021 recommendations from the Danish Surgical Society.

Gallstones are highly prevalent, and more than 9000 cholecystectomies are performed annually in Denmark. The aim of this guideline was to improve the clinical course of patients with gallstone disease including a subgroup of high-risk patients. Outcomes included reduction of complications, readmissions, and need for additional interventions in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease, acute cholecystitis, and common bile duct stones (CBDS). An interdisciplinary group of clinicians developed the guideline according to the GRADE methodology. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were primarily included. Non-RCTs were included if RCTs could not answer the clinical questions. Recommendations were strong or weak depending on effect estimates, quality of evidence, and patient preferences. For patients with acute cholecystitis, acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended (16 RCTs, strong recommendation). Gallbladder drainage may be used as an interval procedure before a delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with temporary contraindications to surgery and severe acute cholecystitis (1 RCT and 1 non-RCT, weak recommendation). High-risk patients are suggested to undergo acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy instead of drainage (1 RCT and 1 non-RCT, weak recommendation). For patients with CBDS, a one-step procedure with simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and CBDS removal by laparoscopy or endoscopy is recommended (22 RCTs, strong recommendation). In high-risk patients with CBDS, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is suggested to be included in the treatment (6 RCTs, weak recommendation). For diagnosis of CBDS, the use of magnetic resonance imaging or endoscopic ultrasound prior to surgical treatment is recommended (8 RCTs, strong recommendation). For patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease, observation is suggested as an alternative to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (2 RCTs, weak recommendation). Seven recommendations, four weak and three strong, for treating patients with symptomatic gallstone disease were developed. Studies for treatment of high-risk patients are few and more are needed. The Danish Surgical Society.

EP-434 Is Cholecystostomy the correct temporising strategy for complicated cholecystitis and how should it be utilised to meet the NICE criteria for ‘early cholecystectomy’

Abstract Aims The incidence of undiagnosed gallstones is reported in up to 22% of females, with acute cholecystitis (AC) being a common emergency presentation. NICE guidance recommends index cholecystectomy for patients with proven gallstones. Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) in co-morbid patients carries a risk, with percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PTC) insertion utilised as a temporising measure to relieve sepsis. Whilst effective at decompression, the long-term outcomes are unclear. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing emergency PTC between 2019 and 2021 in our hospital. Data collection included: demographics, ASA classification, Clavien-Dindo grades, cholecystostomy complications. Results A total 24 patients (12:12 male:female) underwent emergency PTC. Median age was 73 years (range 31–89) and median ASA grade of 3 (ASA 1 n=3, ASA 2 n=8, ASA 3 n=7, ASA 4 n=6). Median time from PTC insertion to LC was 20 weeks (range 6–73 weeks). Morbidity post PTC according to Clavien-Dindo grades were: 4 with grade 3 (16.7%), 5 with grade 4 (8.3%) and 5 with grade 5 (20.8%). 8 patients (33.3%) re-presented with further cholecystitis. 4 (16.7%) patients had completion LC, without complication. Conclusions Our findings highlight significant morbidity and mortality in this high-risk cohort secondary to complicated AC. 20 patients (83.3%) did not undergo a completion cholecystectomy, despite 18 being ASA 1–3. We suggest a judicious use of PTC and a greater focus on index multi-disciplinary surgical fitness assessment in order to optimise a patient for acute LC. This strategy is key to enable full adoption of AUGIS guidance for performing LC within 72 hours.

P11: NEAR INFRARED FLUORESCENT CHOLANGIOGRAPHY IN LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY: A SINGLE CENTRE FEASIBILITY STUDY. THE OPTIMUM DOSING REGIME, LIMITATIONS AND WHERE NEXT?

Abstract Introduction This study explored near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography (NIRFC) with Indocyanine Green (ICG) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) surgery in a tertiary referral hepatobiliary unit. ICG binds to albumin and is excreted in bile. NIRFC utilises the fluorescent and excretory properties of ICG to provide dynamic extrahepatic bile duct mapping during LC. Method Non-randomised single centre feasibility study. Twenty-two participants were sequentially allocated to four dosing subgroups prior to NIRFC assisted LC. Each received a single intravenous dose of ICG prior to LC with the Stryker Novadaq NIR laparoscope. The biliary anatomy was assessed with NIRFC at three time-points, detection was compared to radiological cholangiogram where available and surgeon satisfaction was assessed. Result Eight participants received 2.5mg ICG 20-40min before surgery, four 0.25mg/kg 20-40min, five 90min – 180min and five 12 – 36 hour pre-operatively. Average age 50 years (S.D±15), BMI 27.5m2 (S.D±3.6), 6/22 were acute LC procedures. The prolonged dosing interval produced increased extrahepatic biliary structure identification (p = 0.016), reduced noise to signal ratio and was consistently preferred by the operating surgeon. NIRFC was inferior to radiological cholangiogram (n = 10) (p = 0.014) for bile duct mapping. We observed iatrogenic bile spillage saturating the field and obscuring structure differentiation and peri-hilar inflammation impeding fluorescent detection in acute LC. Conclusion The dosing regimen 0.25mg/kg ICG 12 to 36 hours prior to surgery provides optimum NIRFC structure visualisation. Fluorescent tissue penetrance is limited in acute peri-hilar inflammation. More research in to the efficiency of NIRFC in emergency LC is required. Take-home message An intravenous dose of 0.25mg/kg of Indocyanine Green 12 to 36 hours before surgery is the optimum dosing regimen for increased extra-hepatic bile duct structures with near infrared fluorescent cholangiography. The role of NIRFC in acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery remains ill-defined.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in acute cholecystectomy revisited: results of a double-blind randomised controlled trial

PurposeEvidence supporting the value of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) in surgery for acute cholecystitis is lacking. This study aimed to shed light on whether PAP in acute cholecystectomy for cholecystitis reduces the postoperative infectious complication (PIC) rate. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of bacteriobilia, CRP values and leucocyte counts.MethodsThe study was performed as a single-centre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised study. Patients with acute cholecystitis amenable for acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to either PAP (piperacillin/ tazobactam) or placebo, and the subsequent clinical course was followed.ResultsA total of 106 patients were enrolled, 16 of whom were excluded due to protocol violation. PIC developed in 22 of the 90 patients included with no significant difference between the PAP and placebo groups (8 patients in the PAP group and 14 in the placebo arm, p = 0.193). The PIC rate was significantly higher in patients with a raised CRP at randomisation and on the day of surgery and in cases of conversion to an open procedure (p = 0.008, 0.004 and 0.017, respectively) but with no differences between the study groups.ConclusionPAP does not affect the risk for PIC in patients with acute cholecystitis. The major risk factors determining PIC in these patients need defining, in particular, the impact of bacteriobilia.Trial registrationThe study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02619149) December 2, 2015.

Optimising the outcomes of index admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy and bile duct exploration for biliary emergencies: a service model

AimsThe rate of acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains low due to operational constraints. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a service model of index admission cholecystectomy with referral protocols, refined logistics and targeted job planning.MethodsA prospectively maintained dataset was evaluated to determine the processes of care and outcomes of patients undergoing emergency biliary surgery. The lead author has maintained a 28 years prospective database capturing standard demographic data, intraoperative details including the difficulty of cholecystectomy as well as postoperative outcome parameters and follow up data.ResultsOver five thousand (5555) consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed. Only patients undergoing emergency procedures (2399,43.2% of entire group) were analysed for this study. The median age was 52 years with 70% being female. The majority were admitted with biliary pain (34%), obstructive jaundice (26%) and acute cholecystitis (16%). 63% were referred by other surgeons. 80% underwent surgery within 5 days (40% within 24 h). Cholecystectomies were performed on scheduled lists (44%) or dedicated emergency lists (29%). Two thirds had suspected bile duct stones and 38.1% underwent bile duct exploration. The median operating time was 75 min, median hospital stay 7 days, conversion rate 0.8%, morbidity 8.9% and mortality rate 0.2%.ConclusionIndex admission cholecystectomy for biliary emergencies can have low rates of morbidity and mortality. Timely referral and flexible theatre lists facilitate the service, optimising clinical results, number of biliary episodes, hospital stay and presentation to resolution intervals. Cost benefits and reduced interval readmissions need to be weighed against the length of hospital stay per episode.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy by paediatric surgeons: can established standards of care be delivered?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) case volume is low for paediatric surgeons relative to the adult sector; coupled with service differences, internationally accepted standards may be more challenging to meet. This study sought to determine (i) the outcomes of LC in children, and (ii) whether recognised care pathways (e.g. acute LC, access to cholangiogram/ERCP and day-case LC provision) can be delivered. Patients who underwent LC were identified retrospectively in a single institution between January 2009 and January 2019. Data are presented as median [IQR] and continuous variables compared using a t test. 101 cases were included (age 12.9 years [10.2–15]; female 65/101). Indications for LC were symptomatic gallstones (98/101) and polyps (2/101). ERCP and/or endoscopic ultrasound were performed in 23/101. For acute presentations, 7/24 (29%) had LC during the same admission. Trainees performed LC in 33/101. 4/101 required intra-operative cholangiogram. Operative time was 109.5 min [90.8–139.5]: consultant vs. trainee times were similar (114 [93.3–149.5] vs. 99.5 [81.5–125.3], p = 0.06). Length of stay was one day [1–1] with 10/101 being day-cases. There were no major complications or re-operations. We report good outcomes from LC. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the capacity to deliver recognised standards of care within a paediatric setting.

Timing of cholecystectomy as the therapy for acute calculous cholecystitis.

Acute calculous cholecystitis is acommon disease treated mostly by surgical therapy - laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CHE), particularly upon the common failure of conservative therapy. Timing of the surgery is essential for the development of perioperative complications. We carried out aretrospective study with patients hospitalised at our Department of Surgery, University Hospital Královské Vinohrady between January 2013 and December 2015 for the treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis. We had aset of 209 patients. We looked for the presence of perioperative complications in relation to the time of surgery - cholecystectomy. Having compared patients with primary surgical treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis we found that twice as many patients after acute cholecystectomy done within 24 hours from admission developed 26% perioperative complications compared to those who had the surgery later than within 24 hours from their admission to the hospital (43.9%). We also found that there was ahigher number of conversions from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy in the group of patient undergoing cholecystectomy within 24 hours from admission. Timing of the surgical treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis is essential for the development of postoperative complications. Acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy done by an experienced surgeon within 24 hours from admission of the patient to the hospital should be the golden standard, irrespective of the duration of the symptoms or severity of the acute cholecystitis. The sooner, the better.

Efficacy of acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis regardless the length of symptoms

Efficacy of acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis regardless the length of symptoms

Economic Implications of Providing Emergency Cholecystectomy for All Patients With Biliary Pathology: A Retrospective Analysis.

This study assessed the safety and efficacy of acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ALC) in patients presenting with biliary pathology. The potential savings plus income generation for the hospital were calculated. All patients undergoing emergency cholecystectomy were identified from computerized and hand-written theater records to ensure complete capture. Length of stay, procedure time, patient demographics, and postoperative complications were recorded. Tariffs for conservative versus acute management were calculated. Total admissions and readmissions with biliary pathology (acute cholecystitis, biliary colic, gallstone pancreatitis, and obstructive jaundice) over a 12-month period were recorded. Eighty-four patients undergoing ALC were identified. There was only 1 major complication (1 postoperative bleed managed laparoscopically). ALC for all admissions would result in savings of £ 695,918 over 12 months. The implementation of ALC for all patients would result in a small loss in revenue when compared with elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (£ 15,495) provided that all operations could be accommodated on established operating lists. Implementing ALC on all appropriate biliary admissions could generate up to 3 cholecystectomies daily for a population base of 1 million. ALC is cost-effective and safe. It can be offered to all patients with biliary pathology provided they are fit enough for surgery.

Taşlı Kolesistitte Semptomların Süresinden Bağımsız Olarak Gerçekleştirilen Acil Laparoskopik Kolesistektominin Etkinliği

Taşlı Kolesistitte Semptomların Süresinden Bağımsız Olarak Gerçekleştirilen Acil Laparoskopik Kolesistektominin Etkinliği

Modular acute system for general surgery: hand over the operation, not the patient

Various models have been proposed to effectively provide acute surgical care in Australasia. Recently, General Surgeons Australia (GSA) has published a 12-point plan with guiding principles on this matter. This study describes a model of providing acute general surgical care in a high-volume institution, evaluates clinical outcomes and critically appraises the system against the GSA 12-point plan. The acute care system is qualitatively described with quantitative measures of workload. The outcomes of acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy were used as a proxy of system performance. The system was critically appraised against the GSA 12-point plan. Teams are on call once per week with each surgeon on call once per fortnight. The three key elements of acute management - collecting patients, post-acute ward round and operating - are treated as modules. The patient remains under the care of the admitting consultant but is often operated on by another team. From June 2009 to 2010, there were 7429 acute general surgical admissions (mean: 20.4 patients per day) with 2999 acute operations (mean: 8.4 operations per day). The other activities of the department were not compromised. In that time, 388 acute laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed with a conversion rate of 1.3% and no major bile duct injury. The system is compatible with the GSA 12-point plan. This study describes an efficient and safe system for providing acute general surgical care in a high-volume setting with satisfactory clinical outcomes. It is compatible with the GSA 12-point plan.

Acute Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Delays in Acute Surgery and Cost Analysis of Aproposed New Service

Acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ALC) is widely considered the most appropriate management for patients presenting with acute cholecystitis as supported by a recent meta-analysis and Cochrane review. Although the benefit of ALC is less clear in patients with biliary colic, few would disagree that earlier cholecystectomy is preferable for most patients with symptomatic gallstone disease. ALC has similar complication rates to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) and a reduced total length of hospital stay. Recurrent symptoms from untreated gallstone disease are common, with the risk of developing more severe complications such as acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis or cholangitis while waiting for an operation. It has been reported that patients awaiting ELC after an acute admission have significantly more general practitioner (GP) attendances than those who receive ALC, that they have an average of one emergency department attendance for symptom recurrence and that one in six requires hospital admission due to the severity of recurrent symptoms.

Index laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute admissions with cholelithiasis provides excellent training opportunities in emergency general surgery

Background There is minimal data on the outcome of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute gallbladder disease when performed by trainees. This study assesses the outcomes of a policy of same admission LC incorporated into a surgical training programme in a major teaching hospital. Methods 447 index LCs performed over a 3-year period were reviewed retrospectively. The indications, operating surgeon, operating time, use of IOC, conversion rates, reasons for conversion and post-operative stay were analysed. Multivariate analysis of reasons for conversion was performed. Results 150 LCs were performed by consultants and 297 by registrars; 67 were performed by year 1–3 specialist registrars (SpR) and 230 by year 4–6 SpRs. The indications were biliary colic ( n = 7), acute cholecystitis ( n = 180), chronic cholecystitis ( n = 260), carcinoma ( n = 1). No difference was found in demographics, operating time (105 min Vs 115 min), use of IOC (34% Vs 29%; P = 0.2) and post–operative stay (2 days Vs 1 day) between consultants and registrars. The conversion rates were higher for consultants compared to registrars (29 (19%) Vs 28 (9%), P = 0.004). The overall conversion rate was 11%. There were no bile duct injuries. Predictors for conversion were CRP > 50 at admission and acute cholecystitis. Conclusion In a teaching hospital setting most acute admission LCs (66%) were performed by trainees. A step wise training programme with active consultant supervision of all index LCs results in low morbidity, low conversion rates, and a short post-operative stay for acute gallbladder disease. This model of same admission cholecystectomy provides a good training opportunity in emergency general surgery.

The Cost of Ignoring Acute Cholecystectomy

Biliary symptoms whilst awaiting elective cholecystectomy are common, resulting in hospital admission, further investigation and increased hospital costs. Immediate cholecystectomy during the first admission is safe and effective, even when performed laparoscopically, but acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy has only recently become increasingly commonplace in the UK. This study was designed to quantify this problem in our hospital and its cost implications. The case notes of all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our hospital between January 2004 and June 2005 were examined for details of hospital admissions with biliary symptoms or complications whilst waiting for elective cholecystectomy. Additional bed occupancy and radiological investigations were recorded and these costs to the trust calculated. We compared the potential tariff income to the hospital trust for the actual management of these patients and if a policy of acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy on first admission were in place. In the 18-month study period, 259 patients (202 females) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Of these, 147 presented as out-patients and only 11% required hospital admission because of biliary symptoms whilst waiting for elective surgery. There were 112 patients who initially presented acutely and were managed conservatively. Twenty-four patients were re-admitted 37 times, which utilised 231 hospital bed-days and repeat investigations costing over 40,000 pounds. There would have been a marginal increase in tariff income if a policy of acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy had been in place. Adoption of a policy of acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the index admission would result in substantial cost savings to the trust, reduce elective cholecystectomy waiting times and increase tariff income.

Enterocutaneous fistula as a complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard method for treating gallstone related disease. Despite its widespread and well established application, clear consensus is not arrived at regarding the comparative risks and benefits of acute versus interval cholecystectomy. The complications of this technique are well known, with respect to both the operative intervention and the technique used. This case describes a case of cholecystitis in a 76-year-old man, who underwent acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis refractory to antibiotic therapy. Postoperative complications included subhepatic collections bilaterally, eventually leading to the formation of an enterocutaneous fistula to the left chest wall - a previously undocumented phenomenon. The protracted course of the disease is discussed, with reference to investigations performed and the eventual successful outcome.

Outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute and chronic cholecystitis.

To evaluate the role of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) in Acute Cholecystitis (AC) and Chronic Cholecystitis (CC) in terms of hospital stay, operation time, reason and rate of conversion and complications. Quasi experimental. Shafieeh Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran. The study was carried out prospectively between October 2003 and September 2006. Fifty patients with Acute Cholecystitis (AC) were admitted to the emergency and performed LC in the first 72 hours following admission labelled as Acute Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (ALC). One hundred and forty-one patients with AC were admitted for chronic LC, labelled as Chronic Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (CLC). Patients were excluded with bilirubin greater than 3.5 mg/dl, alkaline phosphates greater than 250 (UL), age >90 years, choledocholithiasis and biliary pancreatitis. Data were collected prospectively which included patients' demographics, medical history, presentation, operative and postoperative time. For the comparison of groups, chi-square analysis, the Student 't' test and Mann-Whitney U test were used. P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The median of hospital stay were 2 and 3 days in CLC and ALC respectively (P=0.0005). The median of post operative stay were 0.83 and 1 day in CLC and ALC respectively (P=0.0005). The mean of operation time were 39.9, 58.8 minutes in CLC and ALC respectively. Conversion occurred in 5 (3.6%) patients in CLC and in 7 (14%) patients in ALC groups. Major complications were observed in 5 patients (3.6%) in CLC and 2 patients (5.1%) in ALC. 63 (46.3%) patients in CLC, 11 (22%) patients in ALC were discharged less than 10 hours after surgery. This study showed that statistical differences exist in hospital stay, operation time, reason and rate of conversion in two groups, but no such difference in major complications. Laparoscopy appears to be safe and good approach for emergency cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis.