Completion Cholecystectomy Research Articles

Clinical and patient-reported outcomes following subtotal cholecystectomy: 10-year single-institution experience

ObjectiveSubtotal cholecystectomy provides a safe, bail-out alternative for difficult gallbladders. However, long-term outcomes comparing fenestrating and reconstituting subtotal cholecystectomy subtypes remain underexplored. MethodsThis retrospective cohort included patients who underwent subtotal cholecystectomy between 2010 and 2020 within a single hospital system. Subtotal cholecystectomy was identified by parsing operative notes for keywords. Demographic and clinical variables were collected by manual review. Patient-reported outcomes were collected via phone using an abbreviated Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index. ResultsWe identified 218 subtotal cholecystectomies, with 113 (51.8%) fenestrating subtotal cholecystectomy and 105 (48.2%) reconstituting subtotal cholecystectomy and a median follow-up of 63 months (interquartile range 27–106). Rates of bile duct injury (0.9% vs 1.0%; P > .99), bile leak (10.6% vs 9.5%; P > .99), and 30-day readmission (7.6% vs 8.0%; P > .99) did not differ between fenestrating and reconstituting subtotal cholecystectomy. For fenestrating subtotal cholecystectomy, the postoperative bile leak rate decreased fourfold when cystic duct closure was achieved (6.0% vs 24.1%; P = .012). Subtotal cholecystectomies completed laparoscopically had fewer postoperative bile leaks (2.9% vs 16.8%; P = .001), fewer wound complications (4.8% vs 13.3%; P = .035), and decreased length of stay (7.00 ± 9.07 vs 10.15 ± 13.50 days; P < .001) compared with open operations. The survey response rate was 38.9% (n = 51/131); 47 patients (92.2%) did not report recurrent biliary pain or postprandial nausea or vomiting, but 19 patients (37.2%) reported dietary restriction. Long-term completion cholecystectomy rate was 0.9%. ConclusionGiven no notable difference in postoperative or quality of life outcomes between subtotal cholecystectomy subtypes, consideration of technique depends on intraoperative conditions. Cystic duct closure during fenestrating subtotal cholecystectomy and laparoscopic completion of subtotal cholecystectomy are associated with improved postoperative outcomes.

Fenestrating vs reconstituting laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed procedures by general surgeons. Strategies for minimizing bile duct injuries including use of the critical view of safety method, as outlined by the SAGES Safe Cholecystectomy Program, are not always possible. Subtotal cholecystectomy has emerged as a safe "bail-out" maneuver to avoid iatrogenic bile duct injury in these difficult cases. Strasberg and colleagues defined two main types of subtotal cholecystectomies: reconstituting and fenestrating. As there is a paucity of studies comparing the two subtypes of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC), we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the reconstituting and fenestrating techniques for managing the difficult gallbladder. A search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted to identify prospective and retrospective studies comparing fenestrating and reconstituting LSC. The outcomes of interest were bile leak, reoperation, readmissions, completion cholecystectomy, postoperative ERCP, and retained CBD stones. We screened 2855 studies and included 13 studies with a total population of 985 patients. Among them, 330 patients (33.5%) underwent reconstituting LSC and 655 patients (55.5%) underwent fenestrating LSC. Twelve studies were retrospective, and one was prospective. Notably, reconstituting STC was associated with decreased incidence of bile leak (OR 0.29; CI 95% 0.16-0.55; p = 0.0002; I2 = 36%). We also noted increased rates of postoperative ERCP with fenestrating STC in sensitivity analysis (OR 0.32; CI 95% 0.16-0.64; p = 0.001; I2 = 31%). In addition, there was no difference between the two techniques regarding the rates of completion of cholecystectomy, reoperation, readmission, and retained CBD stones. Fenestrating LSC leads to a higher incidence of postoperative bile leakage. In addition, our sensitivity analysis revealed that the fenestrating technique is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative ERCP. Further randomized trials and studies with longer-term follow-up are still necessary to better understand these techniques in the difficult gallbladder cases.

Open versus laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy in patients with previous open partial cholecystectomy; a retrospective comparative study

Background: Some patients report recurrence or persistence of their manifestations after cholecystectomy, and retained gallstones may be a relevant etiology for their complaint. Completion cholecystectomy is advised for these cases to alleviate their manifestations. No previous studies have compared the outcomes of open versus laparoscopic outcomes in these patients, especially in patients who had initial open partial procedures. That is why we performed this study to report the perioperative outcomes of the two approaches in such patients. Methodology: This is a retrospective analysis of 80 patients who had a completion cholecystectomy in our center (40 open and 40 laparoscopic cases) after initial open partial cholecystectomy. Results: The duration elapsed since the primary procedure had an average of 18 months in the open group and 21 months in the laparoscopic group. Abdominal pain and dyspepsia were the most common presentations. Some patients had stump cholecystitis or jaundice. The intraoperative assessment revealed either the residual gallbladder or a long cystic duct stump. Laparoscopy yielded shorter operative time, earlier oral intake, and shorter hospitalization periods compared to the open approach (P&lt;0.05). The latter was associated with a 20% wound infection rate that was never encountered after laparoscopy (P =0.003). Conclusion: Previous open partial cholecystectomy does not hinder subsequent laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy. Additionally, laparoscopy is associated with better perioperative outcomes than the open approach.

648 Predictive Factors for Subtotal Cholecystectomy

Abstract Introduction Subtotal-cholecystectomy (STC) is a rescue procedure in dealing with difficult gallbladders undertaken when a critical view of safety is not possible to allow complete cholecystectomy, thereby avoiding complications. Aim Determine what patient factors increase risk of STC in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and therefore aid prediction in patients reduced suitability for day surgery. Method Data was collected between 01/01/2022 and 31/07/2023 from three hospitals throughout the Aneurin-Bevan University Health-Board, Wales, UK. All patients receiving elective LC had data collected on age, BMI, gender, ERCP preceding operation, surgical duration, length of stay and 30-day complications, amongst others. Results Of a total of 1060 patients were included in this study(77.36%female, 22.64%male), 81 where STC (7.64% of total LC; 56.8%female, 43.2%male). There were three 30-day mortalities, one of whom underwent STC(p= 0.09). The overall complication rate was 6.41%, significantly raised in the STC group(13.58%vs5.82%;p=0.007). As expected, there was a significant increase in bile-leak following subtotal(12.35%vs1.12%; p=0.0001) , however, there was no increase significance for bleed (0%vs0.41%;p=0.5644), wound infection(0%vs3.68%;p=0.079), collection(0.09%vs0.51%;p=0.404) or bile duct injury(0%vs1.02%; p=0.0001). Predictors for STC were higher age(70-79years;p=0.0016), male gender(p=0.0001), and ERCP preceding surgery(p=0.0001). Both length of stay(median 1vs 0days;p=0.0001) and length of procedure (median 122vs 76minutes;p=0.0001) were increased following STC. High BMI, diabetes(p=0.1991) and smoking(p=0.7921) had no association. Conclusions Subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe alternative when facing difficult cholecystectomy where critical view of safety is not achievable. Factors predicting STC were male gender, advanced age and prior ERCP.

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.

OGBN P10 Fenestrating versus reconstituting subtotal cholecystectomy for difficult gallbladder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background To evaluate comparative outcomes of fenestrating and reconstituting subtotal cholecystectomy (STC) in patients with difficult gallbladder. Methods A systematic search of electronic data sources and bibliographic reference lists were conducted. All comparative studies reporting outcomes of laparoscopic fenestrating and reconstituting STC were included and their risk of bias were assessed using ROBINS-I tool. Results Seven comparative studies were included enrolling 590 patients undergoing laparoscopic STC using either fenestrating (n=353) or reconstituting (n=237) approaches. Although fenestrating STC was associated with a significantly higher rate of bile leak (OR:2.47, p=0.007) compared to reconstituting STC, both approaches were comparable in terms of resolution of bile leak without (RD:-0.02, p=0.86) or with (OR:1.84, p=0.40) postoperative ERCP. Moreover, there was no significant difference in development of bile duct injury (RD:-0.02, p=0.16), need for postoperative ERCP (OR:1.36, p=0.49), wound infection (RD:0.03, p=0.27), re-operation (OR:0.95, p=0.95), gallbladder remnant cholecystitis (OR:0.21, p=0.09) or need for completion cholecystectomy (RD:0.01, p=0.59) between two groups. Conclusions Although fenestrating STC increases risk of bile leak compared with the reconstituting approach, this can be managed successfully with postoperative ERCP if not resolved spontaneously. We encourage low threshold for fenestrating approach in difficult situations, considering its relatively benign postoperative course and long-term outcomes.

Completion cholecystectomy for residual gallbladder: A re-emerging problem in the era of safe cholecystectomy

Incomplete gallbladder removal usually leads to residual gallbladder, which can act as a nidus for stone formation in later life. Stump cholecystitis is a condition in which, such a large gallbladder remnant left after subtotal cholecystectomy becomes inflamed. When this happens, a completion cholecystectomy is advised. We present a rare case of residual gall bladder in a 44-year-old woman who underwent a subtotal cholecystectomy procedure 12 years ago.

The use of indocyanine green and near-infrared imaging in laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy for the management of stump cholecystitis: A case series.

Stump cholecystitis is managed by performing a completion cholecystectomy, which can be done either laparoscopically or by an open method. The use of indocyanine green (ICG) is known to improve the identification of the biliary tree anatomy, facilitating Calot's triangle dissection and shortening surgery, thereby reducing the risk of bile duct injuries and making laparoscopic cholecystectomy safer. A retrospective analysis was performed of prospectively collected data from 15 patients at our institution from March 2016 to March 2021. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed in all 15 cases, showing remnant gall bladder in all cases with calculi within. Four cases had a dilated common bile duct (CBD) with CBD calculi. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stone removal followed by CBD stenting were performed in the four patients with CBD calculi. These four cases were scheduled for surgery 4 weeks post-ERCP. All 15 patients underwent laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy. The mean operating time was 80 min. The post-operative period of all cases was uneventful, and the patients were discharged on post-operative day 2 or day 3. All patients remained asymptomatic during 1-5 years of follow-up. Laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy was performed safely in cases of stump cholecystitis and resulted in symptom relief during short-term follow-up. The use of ICG and near-infrared imaging in such cases helps identify the biliary anatomy, may contribute to the safety of laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy and might reduce the duration of surgery.

Laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy for patients with residual gallstone disease: a single-center experience

Background The incidence of residual gallbladder after cholecystectomy procedures may reach 2.5%. That remnant part of the gallbladder may harbor or develop stones, leading to recurrent symptoms. Surgical excision is recommended in such patients. Herein, we describe our experience regarding laparoscopic management of patients with residual gallbladder or cystic duct stump stones. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the data of 24 patients with previous diagnosis, who were managed by laparoscopy in our tertiary-care setting. Relevant preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. Results The time interval since the previous cholecystectomy ranged between 3 and 120 months. Most patients had previously undergone an open cholecystectomy (75%), while the remaining cases were performed through laparoscopy. The laparoscopic assessment revealed residual gallbladder and cystic duct stump stones in 87.5% and 12.5% of cases, respectively. Conversion to the open approach was needed only in two cases (8.3%). Operative time ranged between 60 and 130 min (mean = 108.83), while intraoperative blood loss had a mean value of 111.88 mL (range, 50–150). The duration of hospitalization ranged between 1 and 4 days (median = 1). Postoperative morbidity occurred in eight patients (33.33%). Wound infection, gallbladder bed collection, and pulmonary embolism occurred in 16.7, 16.7, and 4.2% of patients, respectively. No specific risk factors for postoperative morbidity were identified. Conclusion Laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy is considered a safe and effective procedure in experienced hands for managing patients with symptomatic gallbladder residuals .

Cystic Duct Dissection Time as a Predictor of Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: The Tokyo 2018 guidelines call for the study of quantitative predictors of surgical difficulty in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for complete cholecystectomy in a safe context. Objective: To evaluate the cystic duct (CD) dissection time as a predictor of surgical difficulty. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 193 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 2022 and were grouped according to the indication for cholecystectomy: Urgent, Delayed, and Elective. Multiple linear regression and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to identify the preoperative and operative predictive variables of surgical difficulty. The predictive value of the time spent dissecting the CD was estimated using a ROC curve. Results: The CD dissection time of 13 min had 100% sensitivity and 99% specificity, PPV 100%, NPV 1%, OR 3.3 to predict the use of bailout techniques. Conclusions: The time required to dissect the cystic duct, with or without success, is a practical predictor of the subsequent use of bailout procedures and, consequently, predicts the "Risk/Difficult Cholecystectomy". Keywords: Difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy, predictors of difficult cholecystectomy, bailout procedures, cystic dissection time, risk of cholecystectomy.

Gall bladder stump cholelithiasis: a rare presentation

Laparascopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for the removal of a diseased gall bladder which has largely replaced open cholecystectomy since early 1990s. However some exhibit a certain ‘post cholecystectomy syndrome’ where there is a recurrence of symptoms similar to those before cholecystectomy. We reported a previously asymptomatic thirty eight year old woman with right hypochondrium pain and a history of laparascopic cholecystectomy seven years ago. Various causes for the same were evaluated and the patient was found to have gall bladder stump cholelithiasis on magnetic resonance cholangio pancreatography. A complete cholecystectomy was then performed and the patient achieved symptomatic resolution. It is important to be aware of this complication in post cholecystectomy patients who may present several years later.

Pyocolecyst in Elderly Patients with Jejunoileal Diverticulosis as a Transoperative Finding. Clinical Case

Introduction: Small intestine diverticulosis is a rare finding, recognized as a cause of non-specific symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract, and however, it is capable of causing life-threatening complications. It frequently occurs in older individuals, as was our case. An incidence between 0.2 to 4.5% is in autopsies reported. Small intestinal diverticula contain only mucosal and submucosal layers, which herniated through the muscular layer and pseudodiverticula classified. Clinical Case: A 95-year-old female with a history of hospitalization one year ago due to cholangitis associated with choledocholithiasis, which ERCP resolved, was discharged for not accepting elective cholecystectomy. She started with epigastric pain 48 hours before hospitalization, accompanied by nausea and vomiting on one occasion of gastro biliary content. Upon questioning, she reported abdominal pain in the right colic frame, present uresis, and no bowel movements. Integrated diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, emergency open cholecystectomy is determined and was done complete cholecystectomy was, later as a finding multiple thin-walled and vascularized diverticula were observed located in the jejunum 70 cm from the angle of Treitz and running towards the ileum, without apparent intestinal distress or perforation, thus concluding the surgical procedure. Discussion: Gallstone disease is a common health problem with an annual incidence of 1 to 4% in the general Western population. For uncomplicated jejunal diverticulosis, the treatment depends on the clinical stadium presentation and its complications, hence the importance of imaging techniques in pre-surgical diagnosis. In uncomplicated jejunal diverticulosis, the treatment is unnecessary; in uncomplicated jejunal diverticulitis, treatment is conservative, with only antibiotics; in perforated diverticulitis, intravenous antibiotic therapy and can be chosen CT-guided drainage and open or laparoscopic surgery is the choice in the case of peritonitis.

Surgical management of cystic duct stump calculi causing post-cholecystectomy syndrome: A prospective study.

Remnant cystic duct stump calculi are an uncommon but important cause of 'post-cholecystectomy syndrome'. High index of suspicion is needed to diagnose this condition in a symptomatic post-cholecystectomy patient. We present our experience with the surgical management of this condition. This prospective study included 19 patients with residual gallstone disease who underwent completion cholecystectomy between August 2016 and October 2021. Investigations included abdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. The demographic, clinical, surgical and early post-operative variables of these patients were prospectively maintained and analysed. The study included 14 women and 5 men. The mean age was 42.1 years (range, 14-80 years). The median duration between index surgery and completion cholecystectomy was 36 months (range, 2-178 months) (interquartile range, 105 months). The follow-up duration was 2 months. The initial surgery was open cholecystectomy in 17 and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 2 patients. All patients with residual stump stone presented with pain, while 10 out of 19 patients complained of dyspepsia. Completion cholecystectomy could be performed laparoscopically in 16 cases, whereas 3 patients underwent open surgery. The mean operative time was 80 min (range, 55-140 min), and the mean blood loss was 100 ml (range, 50-160 ml). The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range, 2-10 days). No post-operative mortality or major morbidity was recorded in any of our patients. Laparoscopic excision of the cystic duct stump is feasible and safe even after previous open cholecystectomy. It is increasingly becoming the treatment of choice where expertise is available.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A retrospective Cohort study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a significant impact on elective surgery for benign disease. We examined the effects of COVID-19 related delays on the outcomes of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in an upper gastrointestinal surgery unit in the UK. We have analysed data retrospectively of patients undergoing elective LC between 01/03/2019 to 01/05/2019 and 01/04/2021 to 11/06/2021. Demographics, waiting time to surgery, intra-operative details and outcome data were compared between the two cohorts. Indications for surgery were grouped as inflammatory (acute cholecystitis, gallstone pancreatitis, CBD stone with cholangitis) or non-inflammatory (biliary colic, gallbladder polyps, CBD stone without cholangitis). A p value of <0.05 was used for statistical significance. Out of the 159 patients included, 106 were operated pre-pandemic and 53 during the pandemic recovery phase. Both groups had similar age, gender, ASA-grades and BMI. In the pre-pandemic group, 68 (64.2%) were operated for a non-inflammatory pathology compared to 19 (35.8%) from the recovery phase cohort (p < 0.001). The waiting time to surgery was significantly higher amongst patients operated during the recovery phase (p = 0000.1). Less patients had complete cholecystectomy during the pandemic recovery phase (p = 0.04). There were no differences in intraoperative times and patient outcomes. These results demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 related delays to our cohort, however due to the retrospective nature of this study, the current results need to be backed up by higher evidence in order for strong recommendations to be made.

OGBN P07 Fenestrating vs Reconstituting - Outcomes following 170 subtotal cholecystectomies

Abstract Background Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) is a recognised option when the “critical view” cannot be safely delineated. It carries a high morbidity rate with increased frequencies of a bile leak occurring however reducing the risk of bile duct injury. LSC can be classified into fenestrating or reconstituting cholecystectomy and surgical practice varies as reconstituting is considered to be more complex. Our aim of the study was to look at LSC with respect to the techniques used, complications and the overall outcomes. Methods All adult patients undergoing LSC between January 2015 – December 2021 were retrospectively identified on our electronic database. Data gathered included: Patient demographics, previous acute biliary presentations, operative details/technique, length of stay (LOS), 30-complications, 30-day mortality, readmissions and follow up investigations/procedures. Descriptive statistics, Chi squared, and relative risk were used to analyse results. Results 170 patients underwent LSC in the study period with the rate increasing most years. Median age was 67 with 86:84 Female to Male ratio. Rates varied drastically between different surgeons from 0.1% to 19% compared to total number of laparoscopic cholecystectomies. 130 (76%) were performed in the acute setting and 63/170 (37%) had previous acute biliary presentations. Median LOS was 5 days. Most patients had Fenistrating LSC (155 [67.6%] vs. 55 [32.3%]). 80 (47%) patients had complications. These were graded by Clavin-dindo grade: I – 3 (3.7%); II – 34 (42.5%); IIIa – 26 (32.5%); IIIb – 16 (20%) and IV – 1 (1.25%). The most frequent complication was bile leak; 60 (35.2%) followed by collection 8 (4.7%). Other notable complications were pancreatitis; 3 (1.7%), AKI; 2 (1%), bile duct injury; 1 (0.5%) and duodenal injury; 1 (0.5%). 16 (9.4%) patients had returns to theatre, 14 (8.2%) patients had readmissions and 35 (20.5%) had multiple attendances to the day unit following discharge. Further analysis demonstrated that that fenestrated technique was associated with a greater risk of bile leak (p&amp;lt;0.01 RR 2.1 [95% C.I. 1.3–6.3]) and post operative ERCP (p&amp;lt;0.01 RR 3.8 [95% C.I. 1.6–14]). 2 (1.1%) patients required completion cholecystectomy, one form each technique. Conclusions We present one of the largest single unit datasets on LSC, and the 2nd largest from UK population. Our rate of LSC is increasing, likely as a safe alternative to open conversion, with large surgeon variability. The majority are performed in the acute setting with the fenestrated technique. We have demonstrated however that LSC has a high morbidity, both in reoperation/reintervention rate, readmission and complications accompanied by high follow-up requirement. Despite fenestrated being the favoured technique in our unit we have shown that it has poorer outcomes. Our data would suggest that if LSC is to be performed then the reconstituted technique should be used if possible.

S2885 Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage of a Remnant Gallbladder

Introduction: Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) guided drainage of a remnant gallbladder (RGB) with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) can be safely performed for suppurative cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis following subtotal cholecystectomy (STC). Case Description/Methods: A 68-year-old man presented with recurrent bacteremia secondary to symptomatic RGB after undergoing STC for severe necrotizing gallstone pancreatitis. His preceding course was complicated by infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis, recurrent choledocholithiasis with ascending cholangitis, liver abscess, and bacteremia. His treatments included EUS-guided necrosectomy, multiple endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatopgraphies (ERCPs) with unsuccessful attempts at transpapillary gallbladder drainage, and percutaneous cholecystostomy followed by laparoscopic STC. Given his life-threatening complications and poor surgical candidacy EUS-guided drainage of the RGB was pursued. Linear EUS identified the RGB measuring 19.4mm in diameter. Using a 19-gauge FNA needle, the RGB was instilled with 80cc of sterile saline to a diameter of 28.5mm (Figure a). EUS-guided cholecystogastrostomy was then performed using a 10 x 15 mm electrocautery-enabled access catheter-enhanced LAMS. The LAMS was dilated to 12mm sequentially using a controlled radial expansion balloon. Multiple large, pigmented stones passed with several remaining in the gallbladder (Figure b). A 10Fr by 5cm double pigtail stent was passed over a wire into the gallbladder to complete the procedure (Figure c). At one month follow-up ERCP, the LAMS was removed leaving a mature gastrocholecystic fistula. No recurrence of symptoms noted at 12-month follow-up. Discussion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy after recovery of gallstone pancreatitis is recommended to reduce risk of recurrent pancreatitis. In some patients, difficult anatomy and inflammation necessitates STC to avoid injury to the extrahepatic bile ducts and surrounding blood vessels. STC is associated with significant morbidity. Completion cholecystectomy for symptomatic complications from RBG is recommended if possible. However, our patient was deemed a poor surgical candidate. Transpapillary drainage of the RBG was also precluded by difficult anatomy with sharp angulation at the confluence of the common hepatic and cystic ducts. This case describes the novel application of EUS-guided drainage of an RBG as a safe and effective alternative to completion cholecystectomy for patients who are poor operative candidates.Figure 1.: EUS used to measure dimensions of remnant gallbladder after injecting 80mL of sterile saline (A). Cholecystogastrostomy was performed using a 10 mm X 15 mm LAMS with cautery tip over a wire and dilated using a controlled radial expansion balloon (B). A double pigtail stent was placed through the lumen of the LAMS (C).

Indications and Outcomes of Completion Cholecystectomy: A 5-year Experience From a Rural Tertiary Center.

Completion cholecystectomy (CC) is performed for recurrent or persistent biliary symptoms following subtotal cholecystectomy (STC) or incomplete cholecystectomy (IC). Due to its complexity, cases are often referred to hepato-pancreato-biliary (HBP) surgeons. There is little published literature on indications or outcomes of CC. Completion cholecystectomy cases performed between 2016 and 2021 by the sole HPB surgeon covering a rural referral base of >250-mile radius in West Texas were included. Primary variables of interest include indications and outcomes of CC. Of the eleven patients included, 5 (45.5%) had laparoscopic STC, 3 patients (27.3%) had laparoscopic converted to open STC, and 2 (18.2%) had laparoscopic IC. Most STC cases (6/9, 66.6%) were reconstituting, while 3 STC cases were fenestrating (all had persistent bile leak). For reconstituting STC, indications were symptomatic cholelithiasis in 5 patients (45.5%), and choledocholithiasis in 3 patients (27.3%). The median (IQR) duration between index procedure and subsequent CC was 15 (1.4-92) months. The median (IQR) remnant gallbladder length was 4 (3-4.5) cm. Completion cholecystectomy was performed robotically in 8 cases (72.7%). Post-CC complications occurred in 3 patients (27.3%); these were 1 superficial surgical site infection, 1 hepatic abscess requiring percutaneous drainage, and lastly atrial fibrillation. All patients requiring CC had residual gallbladder remnant >2.5cm; this is longer than recommended for STC. Completion cholecystectomy is a complex operation that carries significant morbidity, even when performed using minimally invasive techniques. As bailout procedures become more common in severely inflamed cholecystitis, it is important to collate more data on the outcomes of requiring CC.

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.

Choledochal cyst type I with dilated intrahepatic biliary radicles: a type IVA mimic

BackgroundA choledochal cyst is a relatively rare congenital anomaly of the biliary tree requiring surgery as the definitive treatment. Amongst the five Todani variants, type I poses a diagnostic and treatment challenge owing to its infrequent, yet clinically significant mimicry for type IVA cysts.Case presentationWe present a case of a 4-year-old female diagnosed to have a giant type IA choledochal cyst that mimicked a type IVA cyst on radiological imaging. The patient was treated by complete cyst excision, cholecystectomy, and restoration of the biliary-enteric communication by a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Regression of the dilated intrahepatic radicles that counterfeited a type IVA cyst was confirmed on follow-up imaging studies.ConclusionSuch an encounter, although rare, can significantly alter the course of management. We recommend extrahepatic cyst excision with biliary reconstruction as the standard treatment when preoperative and intraoperative imaging studies fall short in differentiating the aforementioned variants.

Cognitive and motor skill competence are different: Results from a prospective randomized trial using virtual reality simulator and educational video in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background and purposeCognitive transfer represents an important issue in surgical education. It is essential for the acquisition of competence, such as decision making and error avoidance. This randomized study aims to compare the effectivity of cognitive transfer by observing the surgery versus using modern virtual reality simulators for learning a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MethodThis was a prospective, randomized, single centre study. 40 medical students from a university hospital, a tertiary care teaching institution, were enrolled. After a short introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, they were randomized into two groups (video group and simulator group). In the video group, participants watched the step-by-step educational video twice. In the simulator group, participants underwent training using the virtual reality simulator, including tutorial procedural tasks of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as well as a complete cholecystectomy on the simulator. After the training, cognitive competence including decision making and error awareness was assessed using a questionnaire. ResultsIn the most critical step of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, “Dissection in Calot's triangle”, as well as in the aspect of planning next step, the video group was superior significantly (P = 0.038 and P = 0.04). No significant differences concerning the recognition of critical anatomical structures, choosing the necessary instruments as well as error awareness were found. ConclusionsLearning by watching a high-quality educational video is more effective in acquiring the cognitive competence to combine learned single tasks. Traditional learning means as watching educational videos and modern, sophisticated VRS should be deployed complementarily to establish cognitive and motor competencies separately.