Cholecystectomy Group Research Articles

Cholecystectomy Increases the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Nationwide Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Background/Objectives: Growing evidence suggests that cholecystectomy is associated with adverse health outcomes, including the development of metabolic diseases. However, data on the association between cholecystectomy and kidney disease are limited. The present study aimed to investigate the association between cholecystectomy and chronic kidney disease (CKD) using a nationwide longitudinal cohort. Methods: Participants aged ≥20 years with cholecystectomy between 2010 and 2014 (n = 116,748) and age- and sex-matched control participants without cholecystectomy (n = 116,748) were analyzed using the Korea National Health Insurance Service data. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were calculated for incident CKD in the cholecystectomy group compared with the nonoperative controls. Results: A total of 233,496 participants were included (mean age, 54.7 ± 12.7 years; 52.6% men). During the mean follow-up period of 4.8 ± 1.7 years, 6450 patients (5.5%) were newly diagnosed with CKD in the cholecystectomy group. Cholecystectomy was an independent risk factor for the development of CKD after adjustment for confounders, including age, sex, income, health behaviors, and comorbidities. The risk of CKD was 21% higher in the cholecystectomy group compared to the non-cholecystectomy group (aHR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.17-1.26). The increased risk of CKD in the cholecystectomy group was consistently significant when a stratified analysis by age, sex, and presence or absence of comorbidities was conducted. Conclusions: Cholecystectomy was independently associated with an increased risk of developing CKD in a nationwide population-based study. Therefore, careful and long-term monitoring of the risk of CKD after cholecystectomy is necessary.

Multicenter analysis of the efficacy of early cholecystectomy and preoperative cholecystostomy for severe acute cholecystitis: a retrospective study of data from the multi-institutional database of the Hiroshima Surgical Study Group of Clinical Oncology

BackgroundSevere acute cholecystitis (AC) is a challenging disease because it comprises coexisting systemic infections that lead to vital organ dysfunction. This study evaluated the optimal surgical timing and efficacy of preoperative percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) for patients with severe AC.MethodsData of 142 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for severe AC between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively collected from the multi-institutional database of the Hiroshima Surgical Study Group of Clinical Oncology. Patients were divided into the early cholecystectomy (EC) group (within 72 h of symptom onset) and delayed cholecystectomy (DC) group. They were also subdivided into the upfront cholecystectomy group and preoperative PC before cholecystectomy group. The diagnosis and severity of AC were graded according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2018. Clinicopathological variables and outcomes were compared.ResultsNo significant differences in age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and Charlson comorbidity index between the EC and DC groups were observed. Preoperative drainage was more commonly performed for the DC group than for the EC group. Local severe AC features were more commonly detected in the DC group than in the EC group. The postoperative outcomes of the EC and DC groups were comparable. Compared to the PC before cholecystectomy group, the upfront cholecystectomy group included more patients with ASA physical status ≥ 3 and more patients who used oral warfarin. Warfarin usage and cardiovascular dysfunction rates of the PC after cholecystectomy group were higher than those of the upfront cholecystectomy group. PC was associated with significantly less intraoperative bleeding and shorter hospital stays.ConclusionsPatients who can tolerate general anesthesia are good candidates for EC. Patients who use warfarin and those with cardiovascular dysfunction are considered to be at high risk for postoperative complications; therefore, to prevent AC recurrence during the waiting period, PC before cholecystectomy during the same admission is more appropriate than upfront cholecystectomy for these patients.

Effect of smoking on the risk of gastrointestinal cancer after cholecystectomy: A national population-based cohort study.

The role of smoking in the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) or gastric cancer (GC) in populations undergoing cholecystectomy has not been investigated. To evaluate the effect of smoking on CRC or GC development in cholecystectomy patients. A total of 174874 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017 were identified using the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database. These patients were matched 1:1 with members of a healthy population according to age and sex. CRC or GC risk after cholecystectomy and the association between smoking and CRC or GC risk in cholecystectomy patients were evaluated using adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%CIs. The risks of CRC (adjusted HR: 1.15; 95%CI: 1.06-1.25; P = 0.0013) and GC (adjusted HR: 1.11; 95%CI: 1.01-1.22; P = 0.0027) were significantly higher in cholecystectomy patients. In the population who underwent cholecystectomy, both CRC and GC risk were higher in those who had smoked compared to those who had never smoked. For both cancers, the risk tended to increase in the order of non-smokers, ex-smokers, and current smokers. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the amount of smoking and the risks of both CRC and GC. Careful follow-up and screening should be performed, focusing on the increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer in the cholecystectomy group, particularly considering the individual smoking habits.

A Comparative Study of Postoperative Outcomes: Open Cholecystectomy versus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: Surgery is usually necessary to treat gallstones, or cholelithiasis. Because laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less intrusive than open cholecystectomy, it is now the treatment of choice. Objectives: To evaluate and compare the postoperative results of open and laparoscopic cholecystectomies with regard to duration of hospital stay, complication rates, and amount of discomfort experienced during the procedure. Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on one hundred patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who were to undergo elective cholecystectomy. Patients were randomized into two groups: Among the patients, 50 patients were operated for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and 50 for Open Cholecystectomy. The data on the postoperative results of the operation, including the time spent during the operation, as well as the time spent on pain, the length of stay in the hospital, and complications were collected and compared using statistical methods with the chosen level of significance equals to p ≤0.05. Results: The mean operative time of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy was less than Open Cholecystectomy (48. 5 ± 12. 4 vs. 68. 5 ± 15. 3 minutes; p≤0.05). The overall postoperative pain was less in patients who undertook Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with the mean pain period of (18. 3 ± 5.2) hours compared with 30. 7 ± 7. For Open Cholecystectomy patients the time taken was 1 hours. The length of the hospital stay was also lesser in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy group which was (1.8 ± 1.2) days compared to Open Cholecystectomy group of (4.8 ± 1.5) days. Also, the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy group had less complication rate at 12% compared to the Open Cholecystectomy at 38% with p ≤0.05 Conclusion: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is shown to be more beneficial in terms of postoperative results than Open Cholecystectomy in terms of the operating time, pain, hospital stay, and complications. Thus, these results shows Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy as the most appropriate surgical management for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis; however, Open Cholecystectomy will still be required for cases that are not suitable for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Robotic compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program comparative analysis

BackgroundData demonstrating the clinical benefit of robotic cholecystectomy over the laparoscopic approach are lacking. Herein, we aim to evaluate whether robotic cholecystectomy is associated with improved surgical outcomes compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Study DesignThis is a retrospective cohort study that used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent robotic or laparoscopic cholecystectomy for benign indications in 2022. ResultsOf the 59,216 patients identified, 53,746 underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 5,470 robotic. Compared with the robotic cohort, the patients in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group were older (50.4 vs 49.7 years), were of the male sex (32.7% vs 29.7%), and comprised a greater percentage of other races than White, African American, and Asian (28.6% vs 14.8%). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that robotic cholecystectomy compared with the laparoscopic approach was independently associated with a lower risk of Clavien-Dindo complications grade 3 or 4 (odds ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.98), a lower rate of conversion to open (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–0.61), and lower odds of requiring hospitalization ≥24 hours (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.81). There were no significant differences between the 2 approaches in terms of reoperation (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–1.00) and readmission (odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–1.10). ConclusionRobotic cholecystectomy was independently associated with a lower risk of serious complications, lower rate conversion to open, and hospitalization ≥24 hours compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. These findings suggest that new technologies might enhance the safety of minimally invasive surgery.

Can Hemogram Parameters and Derived Ratios Predict Conversion From Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy?

Backgrounds Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for surgical removal of gallbladder today. In challenging cholecystectomy cases, conversion to an open technique may be necessary. Therefore, the preoperative prediction of conversion to open technique holds significant importance for patient safety and surgical strategy. In the literature, conversion to open cholecystectomy has been associated with many contradictory predictive factors. The aim of this study is to identify and comprehensively evaluate the predictive laboratory parameters and ratios associated with the conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy. Methods In this historical cohort study, the data of patients who were scheduled for and underwent LC between January 1, 2018, and September 1, 2023, were retrospectively evaluated. The preoperative laboratory findings and surgical notes of the patients were reviewed retrospectively from the archives. The correlation between patient data and the cholecystectomy groups was analyzed, and comparisons were made between the groups. Results All 160 patients initially underwent a laparoscopic approach. In emergency cases, a statistically significant association was found between lymphocyte count (p = 0.017) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) (p = 0.041) with operations completed laparoscopicallyand between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.007) and Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) (p = 0.031) with operations converted to open surgery. In elective cases, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p = 0.024) and total bilirubin (TBIL) (p = 0.003) were found to have a statistically significant association with operations converted to open surgery. In the logistic regression analysis, hematological parameters and ratios were not found to have a statistically significant relationship in predicting the conversion to open surgery. Conclusion Although significant differences were observed in laboratory parameters and derived ratios such as the NLR and LMR, logistic regression analysis did not identify any of these measures as significant predictors of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed in this area.

Is Cholecystectomy Necessary after Choledocholithiasis Treatment for the Elderly or Patients with Many Comorbidities?

We evaluated the prognosis after endoscopic treatment for choledocholithiasis, particularly in patients with borderline tolerance to surgery. Stone removal and cholecystectomy are generally recommended for patients with choledocholithiasis combined with gallstones to prevent recurrent biliary events. However, the prognosis after choledocholithiasis treatment in patients with borderline tolerance to surgery, such as the elderly or those with many comorbidities, remains controversial. We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with choledocholithiasis treated at our facility between January 2012 and December 2021. Patients who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy were dichotomized into the cholecystectomy (CHOLE) and conservation (CONS) groups depending on whether cholecystectomy was performed, and their prognoses were subsequently compared. Furthermore, we performed a logistic regression analysis of the factors contributing to recurrent biliary events in patients with high age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (aCCI) scores. Of 169 participants, 110 had gallstones and were divided into the CHOLE (n = 56) and CONS (n = 54) groups. The CONS group was significantly ordered, had more comorbidities, and higher aCCI scores, whereas the CHOLE group had fewer recurrent biliary events, although not significant (p = 0.122). No difference was observed in the recurrent incidence of grade ≥2 biliary infections and mortality related to biliary events between the groups. In patients with aCCI scores ≥5, conservation without cholecystectomy was not an independent risk factor for recurrent biliary events. Cholecystectomy after choledocholithiasis treatment prevents recurrent biliary events, but conservation without cholecystectomy is a feasible option for patients with high aCCI scores.

Clinical diagnosis and treatment of 37 cases of gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment approaches, and prognosis of gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma (GB-NEC).MethodsRetrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 37 patients with GB-NEC admitted to Shanxi Cancer Hospital from January 2010 to June 2023. The study included an examination of their general information, treatment regimens, and overall prognosis.ResultsTwelve cases, either due to distant metastasis or other reasons, did not undergo surgical treatment and received palliative chemotherapy (Group 1). Two cases underwent simple cholecystectomy (Group 2); four patients underwent palliative tumor resection surgery (Group 3), and nineteen patients underwent radical resection surgery (Group 4). Among the 37 GB-NEC patients, the average pre-surgery CA19-9 level was 113.29 ± 138.45 U/mL, and the median overall survival time was 19 months (range 7.89–30.11 months). Of these, 28 cases (75.7%) received systemic treatment, 25 cases (67.6%) underwent surgical intervention, and 16 cases (64.0%) received postoperative adjuvant treatment, including combined radiochemotherapy or chemotherapy alone. The median overall survival time was 4 months (0.61–7.40 months) for Group 1 (n = 12), 8 months for Group 2 (n = 2), 21 months (14.67–43.33 months) for Group 3 (n = 4), and 19 months (range 7.89–30.11 months) for Group 4 (n = 19). A significant difference in median overall survival time was observed between Group 1 and Group 4 (P = 0.004).ConclusionSurgery remains the primary treatment for GB-NEC, with radical resection potentially offering greater benefits to patient survival compared to other therapeutic options. Postoperative adjuvant therapy has the potential to extend patient survival, although the overall prognosis remains challenging.

Laparoscopic Conversion to Open Cholecystectomy: Is Incidental Gallbladder Cancer Any Different?

A majority of gallbladder cancers presentincidentally. Operative risk factors and outcomes for laparoscopic converted to open cholecystectomy in incidental gallbladder cancer are not well characterized. Patients with incidental gallbladder cancer and acute cholecystitis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and conversion to open cholecystectomy in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) from 2010-2019 were reviewed. The primary endpoint was risk factors for conversion to open cholecystectomy in incidental gallbladder cancer. Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables.Continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. A total of 5,789 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were identified, of which, 50 (0.9%) had incidental gallbladder cancer. Forincidental gallbladder cancer patients, there were no differences in preoperative profile and risk factors between laparoscopic and converted to open cholecystectomy groups. Incidental carcinoma patients undergoing conversion to open cholecystectomy had lower preoperative sodium levels than the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (P=0.007). Hospital length of stay (days) was longer for those with a conversion to open cholecystectomy for incidental carcinoma compared to non-conversion, 14 (10.8, 18.8) vs 2 (0.3, 5) (P=0.004). The patients converted to open cholecystectomy also had higher rates of postoperative sepsis (50% vs 0%, P<0.001) and reoperation than the laparoscopic cohort (50% vs 2.2%, P<0.001). Readmission and mortality rates, among other complications, were not significantly different between both surgical approaches in incidental gallbladder cancer patients. Patients with conversion to open cholecystectomy had worse outcomes including longer hospital stays and higher rates of sepsis and reoperation. It remains difficult to predict which incidental gallbladder patients will require a conversion to open surgery. Further study examining whether more complicated recovery results in worse oncologicoutcomes is warranted.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus conservative management for adults with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones: the C-GALL RCT.

Gallstone disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder in industrialised societies. The prevalence of gallstones in the adult population is estimated to be approximately 10-15%, and around 80% remain asymptomatic. At present, cholecystectomy is the default option for people with symptomatic gallstone disease. To assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of observation/conservative management compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy for preventing recurrent symptoms and complications in adults presenting with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones in secondary care. Parallel group, multicentre patient randomised superiority pragmatic trial with up to 24 months follow-up and embedded qualitative research. Within-trial cost-utility and 10-year Markov model analyses. Development of a core outcome set for uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease. Secondary care elective settings. Adults with symptomatic uncomplicated gallstone disease referred to a secondary care setting were considered for inclusion. Participants were randomised 1: 1 at clinic to receive either laparoscopic cholecystectomy or observation/conservative management. The primary outcome was quality of life measured by area under the curve over 18 months using the Short Form-36 bodily pain domain. Secondary outcomes included the Otago gallstones' condition-specific questionnaire, Short Form-36 domains (excluding bodily pain), area under the curve over 24 months for Short Form-36 bodily pain domain, persistent symptoms, complications and need for further treatment. No outcomes were blinded to allocation. Between August 2016 and November 2019, 434 participants were randomised (217 in each group) from 20 United Kingdom centres. By 24 months, 64 (29.5%) in the observation/conservative management group and 153 (70.5%) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group had received surgery, median time to surgery of 9.0 months (interquartile range, 5.6-15.0) and 4.7 months (interquartile range 2.6-7.9), respectively. At 18 months, the mean Short Form-36 norm-based bodily pain score was 49.4 (standard deviation 11.7) in the observation/conservative management group and 50.4 (standard deviation 11.6) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. The mean area under the curve over 18 months was 46.8 for both groups with no difference: mean difference -0.0, 95% confidence interval (-1.7 to 1.7); p-value 0.996; n = 203 observation/conservative, n = 205 cholecystectomy. There was no evidence of differences in quality of life, complications or need for further treatment at up to 24 months follow-up. Condition-specific quality of life at 24 months favoured cholecystectomy: mean difference 9.0, 95% confidence interval (4.1 to 14.0), p < 0.001 with a similar pattern for the persistent symptoms score. Within-trial cost-utility analysis found observation/conservative management over 24 months was less costly than cholecystectomy (mean difference -£1033). A non-significant quality-adjusted life-year difference of -0.019 favouring cholecystectomy resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £55,235. The Markov model continued to favour observation/conservative management, but some scenarios reversed the findings due to uncertainties in longer-term quality of life. The core outcome set included 11 critically important outcomes from both patients and healthcare professionals. The results suggested that in the short term (up to 24 months) observation/conservative management may be a cost-effective use of National Health Service resources in selected patients, but subsequent surgeries in the randomised groups and differences in quality of life beyond 24 months could reverse this finding. Future research should focus on longer-term follow-up data and identification of the cohort of patients that should be routinely offered surgery. This trial is registered as ISRCTN55215960. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 14/192/71) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 26. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Comparative analysis of surgical outcomes: post-ERCP laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Aims: Gallstones are widespread in the adult population. In some patients, the stones are not confined to the gallbladder but are also found in the biliary tract. Although the treatment approach for this group of patients is controversial, the most widely accepted treatment is laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after removal of the stones by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP). Opinions differ as to whether LC should be performed early or late. With this study, we wanted to shed light on this question based on our own clinical experience. Methods: A total of 100 patients who underwent LC in our clinic were included in the study. These patients were divided into two groups: 50 patients who underwent ERCP and early cholecystectomy (group 1) and 50 patients who underwent elective LC for gallstones (group 2). Patients who underwent ERCP for malignant or benign stricture, patients with porcelain sac, patients with previous abdominal surgery, patients who underwent emergency LC, patients younger than 18 years old, and patients with incomplete data, incomplete records, or patients whose necessary information could not be accessed were excluded. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between age and preoperative amylase levels. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.9±1.6 days in patients who underwent elective LC and 5.5±3.2 days in patients who underwent LC after ERCP. There was a statistically significant difference between postoperative amylase level, hemoglobin level and length of hospital stay (p&lt;0.05). Postoperative amylase levels and length of hospital stay were higher in group 1. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of surgical procedure (p&lt;0.05). In group 1, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was performed in 76% of patients, while in group 2, LC was performed in 94% of patients. It was found that the rate of conversion to patency was higher in group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative and preoperative complications Conclusion: In conclusion, our study highlights early cholecystectomy after ERCP to reduce potential complications in the treatment of gallstones, while emphasising the need for close patient follow-up and further research validation.

Utilization of the modified Kama scoring system for predicting bail-out cholecystectomy: a valuable tool in the era of rising laparoscopic surgery prevalence.

Recently, bail-out cholecystectomy (BOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy to avoid severe complications, such as vasculobiliary injury, has become widely used and increased in prevalence. However, current predictive factors or scoring systems are insufficient. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to test the validity of existing scoring systems and determine a suitable cutoff value for predicting BOC. We retrospectively assessed 305 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and divided them into a total cholecystectomy group (n = 265) and a BOC group (n = 40). Preoperative and operative findings were collected, and cutoff values for the existing scoring systems (Kama's and Nassar's) were modified using a prospectively maintained database. The BOC rate was 13% with no severe complications. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the Kama's score (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval 0.91-0.96; P < 0.01) was an independent predictor of BOC. A cutoff value of 6.5 points gave an area under the curve of 0.81, with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 67%. Kama's difficulty scoring system with a modified cutoff value (6.5 points) is effective for predicting BOC.

Gallstones as a cause in presumed acute alcoholic pancreatitis: observational multicentre study.

Data on the incidence and clinical relevance of gallstones in patients with suspected acute alcoholic pancreatitis are lacking and are essential to minimize the risk of recurrent acute pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of gallstones and the associated rate of recurrent acute pancreatitis in patients with presumed acute alcoholic pancreatitis. Between 2008 and 2019, 23 hospitals prospectively enrolled patients with acute pancreatitis. Those diagnosed with their first episode of presumed acute alcoholic pancreatitis were included in this study. The term gallstones was used to describe the presence of cholelithiasis or biliary sludge found during imaging. The primary outcome was pancreatitis recurrence during 3 years of follow-up. A total of 334 patients were eligible for inclusion, of whom 316 were included in the follow-up analysis. Gallstone evaluation, either during the index admission or during follow-up, was performed for 306 of 334 patients (91.6%). Gallstones were detected in 54 patients (17.6%), with a median time to detection of 6 (interquartile range 0-42) weeks. During follow-up, recurrent acute pancreatitis occurred in 121 of 316 patients (38.3%), with a significantly higher incidence rate for patients with gallstones compared with patients without gallstones (59% versus 34.2% respectively; P < 0.001), while more patients with gallstones had stopped drinking alcohol at the time of their first recurrence (41% versus 24% respectively; P = 0.020). Cholecystectomy was performed for 19 patients with gallstones (36%). The recurrence rate was lower for patients in the cholecystectomy group compared with patients who did receive inadequate treatment or no treatment (5/19 versus 19/34 respectively; P = 0.038). Gallstones were found in almost one in every five patients diagnosed with acute alcoholic pancreatitis. Gallstones were associated with a higher rate of recurrent pancreatitis, while undergoing cholecystectomy was associated with a reduction in this rate.

The impact of cholecystectomy on the symptom relief and quality of life of patients with gallbladder dysmotility.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the physical and mental health of patients with gallbladder dysmotility. Retrospective data was collected from 314 patients who had undergone a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan between June 2012 and June 2022 in a District General Hospital in South East England. Sixty-three patients who were diagnosed with gallbladder dysmotility were then contacted and asked to participate in a telephone interview regarding their symptoms. We measured their health-related quality of life using the HRQoL SF-12 v2 (Health Related Quality of Life Short Form-12 version 2) questionnaire. Differences in the resolution of symptoms between those that had undergone a cholecystectomy and those who did not, were assessed using a chi square test. The two groups were then compared using the student t-test to assess statistically significant differences. 94% (n=31/33) of the participants in the non-cholecystectomy group demonstrated persistent biliary pain symptoms as opposed to the 6% (n=2/30) in the cholecystectomy group. A statistically significant improvement in five out of the eight domains of the HRQoL SF-12 questionnaire was demonstrated. These domains include PCS (physical component summary), MCS (mental component summary), mental health, general health and bodily pain. The results of our retrospective analysis demonstrate an improvement in both the physical and mental health-related quality of life symptoms in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. These findings support the use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an effective method for managing gallbladder dysmotility.

Association between Cholecystectomy and the Incidence of Pancreaticobiliary Cancer after Endoscopic Choledocholithiasis Management.

(1) Background: Previous studies have raised concerns about a potential increase in pancreaticobiliary cancer risk after cholecystectomy, but few studies have focused on patients who undergo cholecystectomy after receiving endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for choledocholithiasis. This study aims to clarify cancer risks in these patients, who usually require cholecystectomy, to reduce recurrent biliary events. (2) Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study linked to the National Health Insurance Research Database, the Cancer Registry Database, and the Death Registry Records to evaluate the risk of pancreaticobiliary cancers. All patients who underwent first-time therapeutic ERCP for choledocholithiasis from 2011 to 2017 in Taiwan were included. We collected the data of 13,413 patients who received cholecystectomy after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and used propensity score matching to obtain the data of 13,330 patients in both the cholecystectomy and non-cholecystectomy groups with similar age, gender, and known pancreaticobiliary cancer risk factors. Pancreaticobiliary cancer incidences were further compared. (3) Results: In the cholecystectomy group, 60 patients had cholangiocarcinoma, 61 patients had pancreatic cancer, and 15 patients had ampullary cancer. In the non-cholecystectomy group, 168 cases had cholangiocarcinoma, 101 patients had pancreatic cancer, and 49 patients had ampullary cancer. The incidence rates of cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and ampullary cancer were 1.19, 1.21, and 0.3 per 1000 person-years in the cholecystectomy group, all significantly lower than 3.52 (p < 0.0001), 2.11 (p = 0.0007), and 1.02 (p < 0.0001) per 1000 person-years, respectively, in the non-cholecystectomy group. (4) Conclusions: In patients receiving ERCP for choledocholithiasis, cholecystectomy is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing pancreaticobiliary cancer.

Simultaneous cholecystectomy for asymptomatic gallstones during elective colorectal cancer surgery

Asymptomatic gallstones are commonly detected using preoperative imaging in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), but its management remains a topic of debate. Clinicopathologic characteristics of patients who had asymptomatic gallstones presenting during the colorectal procedure were retrospectively reviewed. Medical records, including postoperative morbidity, mortality, and long-term gallstone-related diseases, were assessed. Of 134 patients with CRC having asymptomatic gallstones, 89 underwent elective colorectal surgery only (observation group), and 45 underwent elective colorectal surgery with simultaneous cholecystectomy (cholecystectomy group). After propensity score matching (PSM), the complications were similar in the 2 groups. During the follow-up period, biliary complications were noted in 11 patients (12.4%) in the observation group within 2 years after the initial CRC surgery, but no case was found in the cholecystectomy group. After PSM, the incidence of long-term biliary complications remained significantly higher in the observation group than in the cholecystectomy group (26.5% vs 0.0%; P<.01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified female gender, old age (≥65 years old), and small multiple gallstones as independent risk factors for the development of long-term gallstone-related diseases in patients from the observation group. Simultaneous prophylactic cholecystectomy during prepared, elective CRC surgery did not increase postoperative morbidity or mortality but decreased the risk of subsequent gallstone-related complications. Hence, simultaneous cholecystectomy might be a preferred therapeutic option for patients with CRC having asymptomatic gallstones in cases of elective surgery, especially for older patients (≥65 years old), female patients, and those with small multiple calculi.

Predictive Factors for Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies in Acute Cholecystitis

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard treatment in acute cholecystitis. However, one in six cases is expected to be difficult due to intense inflammation and suspected adherence to and involvement of adjacent important structures, which may predispose patients to higher risk of vascular and biliary injuries. In this study, we aimed to identify the preoperative parameters with predictive value for surgical difficulties. A retrospective study of 255 patients with acute cholecystitis admitted in emergency was performed between 2019 and 2023. Patients in the difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) group experienced more complications compared to the normal LC group (33.3% vs. 15.3%, p &lt; 0.001). Age (p = 0.009), male sex (p = 0.03), diabetes (p = 0.02), delayed presentation (p = 0.03), fever (p = 0.004), and a positive Murphy sign (p = 0.007) were more frequently encountered in the DLC group. Total leukocytes, neutrophils, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significantly higher in the DLC group (p &lt; 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001 respectively). The Tongyoo score (AUC ROC of 0.856) and a multivariate model based on serum fibrinogen, thickness of the gallbladder wall, and transverse diameter of the gallbladder (AUC ROC of 0.802) showed a superior predictive power when compared to independent parameters. The predictive factors for DLC should be assessed preoperatively to optimize the therapeutic decision.

Bailout Surgery for Difficult Gallbladders: Surgical Approach and Outcomes.

Inflammation in acute cholecystitis may cause a cholecystectomy to be more challenging. Due to the difficult dissection, conversion to subtotal cholecystectomy via laparoscopic or open procedure may be required. This is done to reduce the risk of bile duct injury and hemorrhage. We sought to describe the incidence and risk factors, safety, morbidity, and outcomes associated with bailout procedures. A single academic center, retrospective review of laparoscopic cholecystectomies that resulted in bailout procedures performed between January 2015 and December 2020. Data collected from the chart review included demographics, comorbidities, length of presenting symptoms, vital signs, laboratory and imaging, intraoperative findings, length of surgery, and outcome. A total of 1892 cholecystectomies were performed with 147 bailout procedures. For bailout 92 (63.4%) were converted to open, with 66% resulting in complete cholecystectomy. Hypertension and diabetes were the most common comorbidities. The median duration of symptoms was 4days. Difficult anatomy in the hepatocystic triangle (66%) and dense adhesions (31%) were the most common reasons for bailout. The mean duration of surgery was 145.76 (SD 102.94) minutes. There were 2 bile duct injuries, both in open total cholecystectomy subgroup. Bile leak occurred in 23.8% with majority in subtotal cholecystectomy group. There was no difference in hospital length of stay, surgical site infection, or mortality among different bailout procedures. Subtotal cholecystectomy represents a safe alternative to total cholecystectomy during challenging cases to avoid damaging surrounding structures. The choice of laparoscopic or open subtotal approach is dependent on the surgeons' expertise.

Comparative Analysis of Microbial Species and Multidrug Resistance Patterns in Acute Cholangitis Patients with Cholecystectomy: A Single-Center Study.

This study aimed to compare microbial species and multidrug resistance patterns in acute cholangitis patients with and without a history of cholecystectomy, highlighting potential differences We hypothesized that post-cholecystectomy patients would exhibit distinct microbial spectra and resistance patterns. Conducted at a western Romanian hospital specializing in gastroenterology and hepatobiliary diseases from 2020 to 2023, this retrospective study included 488 acute cholangitis patients, divided into groups based on their cholecystectomy history. Bile and blood samples were analyzed for microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility using VITEK®2. Positive biliary cultures were found in 66% of patients. The cholecystectomy group showed a higher prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms, with 74.4% exhibiting resistance compared to 31.5% in the non-cholecystectomy group (p < 0.001). Notable microbial differences included higher occurrences of Escherichia coli (40.2%) and Enterococcus spp. (32.4%) in the cholecystectomy group. Resistance to Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Penems was significantly higher in this group, with odds ratios of 3.25 (p < 0.001) and 2.80 (p = 0.001), respectively, for the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial species. The study confirmed our hypothesis, revealing distinct microbial profiles and a higher prevalence of multidrug resistance in acute cholangitis post-cholecystectomy patients. These findings underscore the need for tailored antibiotic strategies in managing acute cholangitis in this patient demographic.

Comparative Analysis of Haemodynamic and Capnographic Changes in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Open Cholecystectomy: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now preferred over the open procedure due to advantages such as reduced blood loss and shorter hospital stays. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for increased Intra-abdominal Pressure (IAP) during laparoscopic procedures, which may impact haemodynamic stability and respiratory parameters. However, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis directly comparing both surgical approaches from both haemodynamic and capnographic perspectives. Aim: To compare the haemodynamic and capnographic changes between laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical study was conducted at Department of Anaesthesiology, Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, India from May 2021 to June 2022. The study included 300 patients scheduled for cholecystectomy, divided into two groups: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) Group I (n=150) and Open Cholecystectomy (OC) Group II (n=150). Haemodynamic parameters, including Pulse Rate (PR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), and Oxygen Saturation (SpO2 ), were recorded. Capnographic parameters, such as End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO2 ) levels, were also measured at regular intervals. Data analysis was performed using the student’s t-test and Chi-square test with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software and Microsoft excel. Results: There were no significant differences in age, body weight, and sex distribution between Group I and Group II. However, significant differences were observed in PR and SBP at 15 minutes (PR: 101.46 and 95.86; SBP: 148.57 and 140.97), 30 minutes (PR: 104.52 and 99.82; SBP: 141.28 and 136.07), and 45 minutes (PR: 102.52 and 97.70; SBP: 140.59 and 133.95) (p-value &lt;0.01). Highly significant differences were observed in MAP and EtCO2 postinsufflation at 15 minutes (MAP: 118.38 and 108.61; EtCO2: 36.48 and 33.89), 30 minutes (MAP: 111.11 and 106.01; EtCO2: 41.02 and 36.15), 45 minutes (MAP: 110.73 and 103.48; EtCO2: 42.65 and 38.36), and 60 minutes (MAP: 106.08 and 101.45; EtCO2: 41.10 and 38.21) (p-value &lt;0.01). DBP showed high significance at 15 minutes (103.21 and 93.23), 30 minutes (96.74 and 92.57), and 60 minutes (93.14 and 86.92) (p-value &lt;0.01), and significant (p-value=0.01) at 45 minutes (95.53 and 87.59). Oxygen saturation showed significance (p-value &lt;0.05) at 15 minutes (99.93 and 100). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a significant increase in both haemodynamic and capnographic parameters, even in American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) Grade-I and Grade-II patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to the open surgical technique. These findings emphasise the need for careful monitoring during laparoscopic procedures.