Gallbladder Research Articles

Altering Trends in Pathological Spectrum of Cholecystectomy Specimen: Time to be More Vigilant

Abstract Background: Gall bladder cancer is a rare, most common and aggressive malignancy of the biliary tree, accounting for 80%–90% of biliary tract cancers. Gallstones are one of the major causes of the development of cholecystitis and long-term malignancy in developing countries. Cholecystectomy specimens have a great value in documenting various entities with clinical significance. Early detection is the most important step in improving the prognosis of gall bladder carcinoma (GBC) screening. Aim: Clinico- pathological spectrum of cholecystectomy specimen and Incidence of malignancy and its precursor lesion with gallstones. Patient and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all gall bladder specimens (cholecystectomy, laparoscopic, open or radical) from the period of January 2019–January 2022, including demographic data of the patients such as age and sex. Additional findings, such as the presence of gallstones, cholesterolosis, gastric or intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and histopathological type of GBC, were documented. Results: A total of 1221 gall bladder specimens were received, with a higher female preponderance and a female-to-male ratio of 2.6:1. The mean age of presentation was 45 years. The most common histopathological diagnosis made was chronic cholecystitis (97%), and malignant cases accounted for 3% of the total cases. Conclusions: The high propensity of GBC with non-cholelithiasis cases, more than half of cases with metaplasia and increased incidence of adenosquamous carcinoma indicate a high burden of tumours, alerting the clinician as well as the pathologist.

RpoS activates formation of Salmonella Typhi biofilms and drives persistence in the gall bladder.

The development of strategies for targeting the asymptomatic carriage of Salmonella Typhi in chronic typhoid patients has suffered owing to our basic lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms that enable the formation of S. Typhi biofilms. Traditionally, studies have relied on cholesterol-attached biofilms formed by a closely related serovar, Typhimurium, to mimic multicellular Typhi communities formed on human gallstones. In long-term infections, S. Typhi adopts the biofilm lifestyle to persist in vivo and survive in the carrier state, ultimately leading to the spread of infections via the fecal-oral route of transmission. In the present work, we studied S. Typhi biofilms directly, applied targeted as well as genome-wide genetic approaches to uncover unique biofilm components that do not conform to the CsgD-dependent pathway established in S. Typhimurium. We undertook a genome-wide Tn5 mutation screen in H58, a clinically relevant multidrug resistance strain of S. Typhi, in gallstone-mimicking conditions. We generated New Generation Sequencing libraries based on the ClickSeq technology to identify the key regulators, IraP and RpoS, and the matrix components Sth fimbriae, Vi capsule and lipopolysaccharide. We discovered that the starvation sigma factor, RpoS, was required for the transcriptional activation of matrix-encoding genes in vitro, and for S. Typhi colonization in persistent infections in vivo, using a heterologous fish larval model. An rpoS null mutant failed to colonize the gall bladder in chronic zebrafish infections. Overall, our work uncovered a novel RpoS-driven, CsgD-independent paradigm for the formation of cholesterol-attached Typhi biofilms, and emphasized the role(s) of stress signaling pathways for adaptation in chronic infections. Our identification of the biofilm regulators in S. Typhi paves the way for the development of drugs against typhoid carriage, which will ultimately control the increased incidence of gall bladder cancer in typhoid carriers.

High-grade mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney in a patient on hemodialysis: a case report and literature review

BackgroundEnd-stage renal disease is a risk factor for renal cell carcinoma. However, mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney is rare. We report a patient on hemodialysis who had high-grade mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney.Case presentationA 62-year-old Japanese woman had end-stage renal disease and had been on hemodialysis for the previous 4 years. However, periodic imaging examinations to detect kidney cancer had not been conducted. The patient visited our department of urology complaining of general fatigue and dyspnea. Computed tomography with enhancement revealed a solid renal mass with a diameter of 66 mm. It had invaded the right psoas muscle and had multiple lymph node metastases. In addition, the patient had massive ascites and right-sided predominant pleural effusion. We drained the pleural effusion, but she died 11 days after admission. An autopsy was performed. Pathological examination revealed high-grade mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the right kidney; multiple organ metastases to the bilateral lungs, liver, gall bladder, uterus, ovary, and inferior vena cava; cancerous pleuritis; and cancerous peritonitis. Our case indicates that high-grade mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma emerging in end-stage kidney causes a detrimental clinical course.ConclusionHigh-grade mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney had a severe clinical course. We recommend periodic screening of patients with end-stage renal disease, using computed tomography or ultrasound.

Control and elimination of Schistosoma mansoni infection in adult individuals on Ukerewe island, northwestern Tanzania: baseline results before implementation of intervention measures

BackgroundCommunities living along the shoreline and on the islands of Lake Victoria in northwestern Tanzania remain endemic for schistosomiasis and suffer from the life-threatening morbidities associated with the disease. Nevertheless, the control measures particularly the mass drug administration do not cover the adult population. The current project on Ukerewe island aims to close this gap by involving adult community members in the control program. Here we report the baseline results of S. mansoni infection and associated hepatosplenic morbidities and factors before implementing the project activities.MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 4,043 participants aged ≥ 18 years living in 20 villages on Ukerewe island, northwestern Tanzania. Individual stool and urine samples were collected and examined using the Kato-Katz (KK) technique and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen testing(POC-CCA) to identify S. mansoni eggs and antigens, respectively. All study participants underwent ultrasound evaluation of S. mansoni hepatosplenic morbidities using the Niamey protocol. Rapid diagnostic tests were used to diagnose HIV infection, hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis B. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and reported clinical symptoms of study participants.ResultsA total of 4,043 participants took part in the study, of which 49.7% (n = 2,009) and 50.3% (n = 2,035) were male and female, respectively. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 30.4% (95%CI:29.0-31.9%) and 84.7% (95%CI:83.3–85.9%), respectively, based on the KK technique and the POC-CCA test. The geometrical mean eggs per gram of faeces (GMepg) was 105.3 (95%CI:98.7-112.3% GMepg) with 53.9%, 32.4% and 13.7% of the participants having mild, had moderate and severe intensity of infection. The prevalence of hepatitis C, HIV, and hepatitis B was 0.4%, 2.2% and 4.7%, with 0.2%, 2.2% and 5.4% of the infected individuals coexisting with S. mansoni infection. The prevalence of splenomegaly, periportal fibrosis, hepatomegaly, and portal vein dilatation was 40.5%(95%CI: 38.8–42.1%), 48.1%(95%CI:64.4–49.7%), 66.2%(95%CI:4.6–67.7%) and 67.7%(95%CI:66.2–69.2%), with their prevalence varying depending on the demographic information and infection status of the participants. Other detectable ultrasound-related morbidities included ascites (1.7%), collateral veins (18.3%) and gall bladder wall thickness (40.4%). Age groups, gender, reported clinical characteristics, reported non-use of the drug praziquantel, liver imaging pattern, and place of residence remained independently associated with hepatosplenic morbidities.ConclusionThe current study setting is endemic for S. mansoni infection and the population has a high prevalence of the disease associated hepatosplenic morbidities characterized by hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites, gall bladder wall thickening, periportal fibrosis and portal vein dilatation. Several demographic, clinical and epidemiological circumstances remained independently associated with S. mansoni infection and associated morbidities. These findings call for integrative intervention efforts, starting with whole community MDA that includes all out of schools community members.

Assessment of Pre-Operative Predictive Factors Favoring Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy in Acute Cholecystitis

Abstract Background Acute cholecystitis refers to inflammation of the gallbladder. The pathophysiologic mechanism of acute cholecystitis is blockage of the cystic duct. Accurate diagnosis of cholecystitis requires a multifactorial, systematic approach that involves a detailed history, physical exam, serologic tests, and imaging. The (Tokyo guidelines 2018) diagnostic criteria for acute cholecystitis is widely used now days and well accepted. Objective To asses pre-operative predictive factors favoring conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy into open cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis such as: (TLC- history of DM and previous abdominal surgery -gall bladder wall thickness _ pericholecystic fluid collection and loss of gallbladder wall enhancement on CT). Patients and Methods This study included 100 patients admitted to Ain Shams university hospitals diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, half of them converted to open cholecystectomy, the two groups are compared to each other to figure out preoperative factors favoring conversion cholecystectomy Results Obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2) in this study has shown to be associated with risk of conversion in this study. In converted group there is 25 (50%) patients who are obese compared to 14 (28%) patients in laparoscopic group with P-value of 0.04. In our study we haven’t assessed the role of intraoperative findings on conversion rate. We chose not to include this factor in our analysis to make primary concern regarding pre-operative factors. Conclusion Obesity, DM, previous abdominal surgery, loss of gallbladder wall enhancement in CT study and prolonged prothrombin time are risk factors of conversion cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis. Appropriate management of risk-related preoperative factors may improve patients’ outcomes making in mind the concept of conversion to open cholecystectomy should not be viewed as a complication or a failure but just the opposite. It is showing good judgment to complete the operation in the safest manner possible.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with or without Abdominal Drain in Benign Non Complicated Gall Bladder Disease

Abstract Background Gallstone disease is the pathologic state of stones or calculi within the gallbladder lumen and biliary tree. This is a common digestive disorder worldwide, with occurrence varying from 6-20%. Patients and Methods This study was done on 60 patients from Ain Shams University Hospitals and El- Sahel teaching hospital, who were provisional diagnosed with chronic calcular cholecystitis. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups, 30 patients for each group. Group (A) Lap cholecystectomy with a drain and Group (B) Lap cholecystectomy without a drain, then the two groups were compared according to operative time, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain and post-operative complications as wound infection, fever and bile leakage. Results The collected data showed that the operative time was significantly longer in the drain group, also post-operative pain showed significant difference between the two groups being more in the drain group. This study showed significant difference in length of hospital stay which is more in drain type. However no significant difference in post-operative complications between both groups. The benefits of not inserting a drain include a reduction in hospital stay, post-operative pain. a higher incidence of longer hospital stay and post-operative pain associated with drainage. Conclusion This randomized controlled trial concludes that the routine use of a drain in uncomplicated elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy has no benefit; in contrast, it is associated with longer hospital stay and more post-operative pain, however beginner or under training surgeons prefer to leave a drain if they are worry about post-operative complication hemorrhage or bile leak.

Ejection fraction of normal gall bladder by ultrasonography in patients with biliary colic: Is it a parameter for cholecystectomy?.

Ejection fraction of normal gall bladder by ultrasonography in patients with biliary colic: Is it a parameter for cholecystectomy?.

Prospective Randomized Study Comparing the Outcomes of Single Anastomosis Sleeve Jejunal Bypass (SAS-J) with One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB)

Abstract Background One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass is one of the commonest bariatric surgeries worldwide, which has been demonstrated to produce excellent bariatric and metabolic outcomes. Single Anastomosis Sleeve Jejunal Bypass is a novel procedure that was developed in Hazrat e Rasool Hospital by Pazouki and Kermansavari in 2019 to form an anastomosis between the sleeved stomach and the jejunum rather than the ileum as a modification of the previously known SASI. Objective To compare the outcome of SASJ with OAGB as regards efficacy and safety in a 6- month postoperative follow up period. Patients and Methods This was a comparative prospective randomized study conducted in Ain Shams University Hospitals, over 40 patients devided into 2 groups. First group was composed of 20 patients who underwent SASJ operation, and second group was composed of 20 patients who underwent OAGB operation. Results The mean excess weight loss percentage after 6 months of SASJ group of patients was 51.55% ± 15.11, and 58.30% ± 24.32 in OAGB group. Both groups showed excellent outcomes as regards comorbidities resolution. In OAGB group, there was 1 patient who had postoperative bleeding. In SASJ group, we had one case of reflux alkaline gastritis that needed readmission. In addition, we had one case (5%) that needed reoperation and conversion to Roux-en Y configuration. In SASJ group, there were 7 patients complained from bile reflux, and 3 patients in OAGB group. In SASJ group of patients we had only 1 patient who developed postoperative gall bladder stones, and 6 patients in OAGB group. Conclusion Both OAGB and SASJ are effective bariatric procedures as regards weight loss and comorbidities resolution such as DM, HTN and hyperlipidemia. Incidence of biliary reflux was found more among the SASJ patients, but it was almost overcomed after performing the antireflux suture.

Evaluation of the Outcomes of Primary Closure after Open Common Bile Duct Exploration for Common Bile Duct Stones

Abstract Background The incidence of CBD stone develops in about 10–15% of patients with gall bladder stones and encountered in approximately 7–15% of patients undergoing cholecystectomy. It is common to be treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), however in cases who has large or multiple CBD stone or difficult to be cleared by ERCP. Aim of the Work To evaluate of the outcomes of primary closure after open common bile duct exploration for removal of common bile duct stones. Methods This descriptive prospective randomized clinical controlled trial was conducted on 30 patients at Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Department (HBP) - Faculty of Medicine – Ain Shams University from January 2022 until March 2023. Primary closure was performed after removal of CBD stones with follow up for 6 months. Results Operative time ranged from 1.3 to 3 hours with mean 2.03 and ± SD 0.48 hours. Biliary leakage was estimated 13.3% of the candidates (4 cases). One of the 30 patients developed CBD stricture. Total and direct bilirubin levels were statistically significant decrease in T and direct bilirubin in follow up “1st 5 days and post-operative 10th day”. Conclusion The primary closure after open common bile duct exploration for removal of common bile duct stones is a safe, effective and time saving procedure.

Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine versus Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine-Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Analgesia after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract Background Although laparoscopic operations are minimally invasive, many patients report moderate-to- severe pain in the early postoperative period, which is multifactorial and requires multimodal analgesia to relieve it. Pain after laparoscopic surgery is caused by three mechanisms: parietal, visceral, and shoulder pain. As a result, numerous studies were done to develop methods for good postoperative pain control. Aim of the Work This study aims to compare the efficacy of intravenous dexmedetomidine versus intraperitoneal bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 52 patients aged 21 to 60 years, of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I or II scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the medical ethical committee. They were allocated to two groups of 26 patients each: Group A: (n = 26): Patients received an intravenous infusion of 50 ml of normal saline containing dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg over 10 minutes after removal of the gall bladder, Group B: (n = 26): Patients received intraperitoneal instillation of dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg plus 40 ml of bupivacaine 0.25%. Results There was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding pain control and postoperative analgesic requirements while there was no significant difference between both groups regarding the demographic data and postoperative side effects (hypotension, bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting). Both intravenous dexmedetomidine and intraperitoneal bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine were effective for postoperative pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy but the intraperitoneal route provided a longer duration of analgesia and the lower postoperative analgesic consumption Conclusion The present study concluded that patients who received intraperitoneal administration of bupivacaine-dexmedetomidine had less VAS with a longer duration of analgesia and lower postoperative analgesic consumption than those who received intravenous dexmedetomidine.

Potential Role of Gall Bladder Wall Thickness as Non-Invasive Screening Parameter for Detecting Oesophageal Varices

Abstract Background Liver cirrhosis is defined pathologically as fibrosis and inflammation of the liver which is caused by chronic HBV, chronic HCV, NASH, NAFLD, chronic alcohol use and auto immune diseases which lead to portal hypertension. Aim and Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate whether non-inflammatory gall bladder wall thickness serve as predictor of oesophageal varices in combination and comparison with other non- invasive clinical and laboratory parameters. Subjects and Methods This case-control study was conducted at the Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, Ain Shams University, Egypt. The study was conducted over a period of one year, from January 2022 until January 2023. Result There was no statistically significant difference between both groups as regard age, sex and associated comorbidities. There was statistically significant higher rate of clinical findings either gastrointestinal or systematic in subjects with esophageal varices that those without varices. 37.78% of subjects with cirrhosis without esophageal varices have normal clinical examination. Conclusion According our study, measuring gallbladder wall thickness is very useful for detection of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients as we find significant association between gallbladder wall thickness and liver cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices. GBWT improve the non-invasive monitoring of liver disease patients to assess the risk for the presence of EV.

Potential Role of Gall Bladder Wall Thickness as a Non-Invasive Screening Parameter for Detecting Esophageal Varices

Potential Role of Gall Bladder Wall Thickness as a Non-Invasive Screening Parameter for Detecting Esophageal Varices

Risk Factors for Difficult Three-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Background Standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a four-port technique in which a camera port and three additional ports are used. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery with reduced-port surgery have been reported. However, evidence on the indications for minimally invasive surgery in patients with severe acute cholecystitis or previous upper abdominal surgery in whom laparoscopic surgery is considered challenging is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors that complicate reduced-port LC. Methods Data from 47 consecutive patients who underwent three-port LC using two 5 mm ports and 12 mm umbilical ports for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis, chronic cholecystitis, and acute cholecystitis between November 2021 and November 2023 by a single surgeon were retrospectively collected. Noncomplete LC was defined as a change of 5 mm to 12 mm port, the addition of ports, a change to subtotal cholecystectomy, or open conversion cholecystectomy. The patients were divided into two groups according to complete or noncomplete LC, and the risk factors that might have contributed to noncomplete LC were explored. Results Among the 47 patients, the median (range) age was 74 (25-97) years, 21 were men and 26 were women, 30 (63.8%) had acute cholecystitis, and 21 (44.7%) underwent emergency LC. No conversion to open cholecystectomy was performed. Six of the 47 patients had noncomplete LC, three of whom were converted to subtotal cholecystectomy, one had the midepigastric port changed from 5 mm to 12 mm to use an automatic anastomosis device, and two were converted to subtotal cholecystectomy with a 12 mm midepigastric port. In the univariate analysis, the noncomplete LC group had significantly more cases of preoperative gallbladder drainage and a smaller body mass index than the complete group. No significant differences were found in previous epigastric surgeries or in the presence of acute cholecystitis. Postoperative outcomes showed a significantly longer operative time, more intraoperative blood loss, longer postoperative hospital stay, and higher Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress and surgical stress score in the noncomplete LC group than in the complete group. Conclusions Three-port LC may be difficult to perform in patients with preoperative gallbladder drainage and severe scarring of the gallbladder neck. For patients with risk factors for three-port LC, adequate manpower and early conversion to subtotal or open cholecystectomy are necessary to avoid intraoperative complications. Further studies are required to determine significant risk factors for noncomplete LC.

Anatomical parameters do not determine linear breaking strength or dimensions of the porcine biliary system

Abstract Background The porcine gall bladder and cystic duct gained attention in experimental research aimed at improving human clinical care. While the common bile duct has been investigated before, there is almost no data on the porcine cystic duct. Its relevance for research originates from its potential use in xenotransplantation. Methods We included 10 consecutive pigs (1♀, 9♂) that had been sacrificed after participation in another study. At necropsy, the distance from the biliary papilla to the gall bladder (gall bladder distance) was measured. The cystic duct was then subjected to linear traction. Ethical approval for the study was granted. Associations between force measurements and anatomical parameters were tested by correlation analysis. Results The pigs had a mean body weight of 21.9 kg (standard deviation 2 kg), a mean liver weight of 590 g (standard deviation 88 g), and a mean crown rump length of 67.3 cm (standard deviation 3 cm). The gall bladder distance was 8.2 cm (95% confidence interval: 7.6–8.7 cm). The cystic duct withstood mean linear traction forces of 4.8 N (95% confidence interval: 3.7–5.8 N) and could be elongated by a mean of 6 mm (95% confidence interval: 3.9–8 mm). Linear breaking strength was neither correlated to gall bladder distance (R = 0.3, 95% confidence interval: − 0.41 to 0.78, P = 0.406) or crown rump length (R = 0.42, 95% confidence interval: − 0.28 to 0.83, P = 0.222) nor liver weight (R = 0.02, 95% confidence interval: − 0.62 to 0.64, P = 0.954) or body weight (R = 0.36, 95% confidence interval: − 0.35 to 0.81, P = 0.304). This was also true for gall bladder distance. Conclusions Our study indicates that allometric parameters were not associated with the gall bladder distance or its resistance to traction forces. Consequently, substantial variation of these parameters can be expected in these surgically important parameters, which cannot be derived from easily accessible anatomical parameters.

A Case Report of Chronic Migraine Lasting 30 Years and Treated with Acupuncture

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to report the effectiveness of Korean medicine in the treatment of chronic migraine persisting for 30 years. This patient had been taking various painkillers (acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, caffeine hydrate, etc.) every day for 30 years.Methods: The patient with chronic migraine was treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture treatment was performed on the gall bladder meridian (足少陽膽經) and bladder meridian (足太陽膀胱經) line passing through 24 of the 31 injection sites used for chronic migraine prevention treatment with botulinum toxin type A. The severity of the symptom was assessed by the daily Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score of pain.Results: The patient received outpatient treatment 42 times and received only acupuncture treatment each time. The patient said that after 4 sessions of acupuncture treatment, the severity of pain was reduced from NRS 7 to NRS 5 and that the frequency and duration of the symptoms were lower. After 8 sessions of acupuncture treatment, the symptoms were reduced to NRS 3 and, after 14 days of treatment, to 0~1. Now she barely has any severe headaches.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that treatment with Korean medicine can be an effective option in treating chronic migraine. In addition, acupuncture can be a good treatment method for chronic migraine that cannot be fundamentally controlled by Western pain relievers.

Two institutes' experience in laparoendoscopic "rendezvous" technique for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for stones in the gallbladder and bile duct: a prospective randomized comparative clinical trial.

There is stilldisagreement on the best treatment optionfor cholecystocholedocholithiasis.Although there are some benefits to the single-step procedure, the "laparoendoscopic rendezvous" (LERV) technique that include a lower risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis and a shorter hospital stay,the standard technique isstill the two-step approach forclearing the common bile duct (CBD) using ERCP and then performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The purpose of this study was to assess theeffectiveness and safety of the LERV technique vs.the standard two-step approach. Four hundred thirty-six patients with symptomatized concomitant stones at both the gall bladder (GB) and the (CBD), at two gastroenterology centers in Zagazig city, Egypt, from January 2010 till April 2022, were analyzed. Patients were randomly divided into two equally groups. The overall length of hospital stay was the primary outcome, and the success of CBD clearance and morbidity, particularly post-ERCP pancreatitis, were the secondary endpoints. The LERV group experienced a significantly shorter hospital stay (median 2(2-8) days compared to 4.5 (4-11) days for the two-stage approach (p < 0.001)). The two groups did not differ in terms of CBD clearing success. Also, there was no significant difference in the number of patients with post-ERCP pancreatitis between the LERV group [14 patients (6.4%)] and the two-stage approach [26 patients (11.9%)] with p value = 0.703. For patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis, the optimal treatment must be determined by the knowledge and resources that are accessible locally. Our data further supported the idea that treating patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis in one stage is a safe and successful strategy.

Efficacy of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy In Cholelithiasis Before Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: The most prevalent condition affecting the gallbladder and biliary tree is cholelithiasis. Presence of gall stones is discovered commonly during imaging tests for other pathologies. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a preferred modality for the treatment of gallstone disease. Objective: The primary aim of the study is to determine the efficacy of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as a routine investigative modality in symptomatic presentation of cholelithiasis prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A total 50 participants having single or multiple stones in the gall bladder found on ultrasound were included in the study. Enrolled patients underwent routine investigations. The baseline demographic details like patient name, age, gender, clinical presentation, and upper endoscopy findings were documented. The intensity of the pain was measured by visual analogue scale. Results: A total of 36% patients were in the age-group of &lt; 30 years. The highest incidence of cholelithiasis was observed in female gender. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom. The most common upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings were gastritis followed by gastritis erosion. A significant reduction of pain was noted in group I as compared to group II at first- and fourth-week time durations. Conclusion: Cholelithiasis has common clinical presentations in similarity to other upper gastrointestinal diseases. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy can be recommended for patients with atypical presentation to prevent post-surgical adverse outcomes.

ArtiSential® laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus single-fulcrum laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Which minimally invasive surgery is better?

In recent years, many minimally invasive techniques have been introduced to reduce the number of ports in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), offering benefits such as reduced postoperative pain and improved cosmetic outcomes. ArtiSential® is a new multi-degree-of-freedom articulating laparoscopic instrument that incorporates the ergonomic features of robotic surgery, potentially overcoming the spatial limitations of laparoscopic surgery. ArtiSential® LC can be performed using only two ports. This study aims to compare the surgical outcomes of ArtiSential® LC with those of single-fulcrum LC. This retrospective study compared ArtiSential® LC and single-fulcrum LC among LCs performed for gallbladder (GB) stones at the same center, analyzing the basic characteristics of patients; intraoperative outcomes, such as operative time, estimated blood loss, and intraoperative GB rupture; and postoperative outcomes, such as length of hospital stay, incidence of postoperative complications, and postoperative pain. A total of 88 and 63 patients underwent ArtiSential® LC and single-fulcrum LC for GB stones, respectively. Analysis showed that ArtiSential® LC resulted in significantly fewer cases of surgeries longer than 60 minutes (30 vs. 35 min, p = 0.009) and intraoperative GB ruptures (2 vs. 10, p = 0.007). In terms of postoperative outcomes, ArtiSential® LC showed better results in the respective visual analog scale (VAS) scores immediately after surgery (2.59 vs. 3.73, p < 0.001), and before discharge (1.44 vs. 2.02, p = 0.01). ArtiSential® LC showed better results in terms of surgical outcomes, especially postoperative pain. Thus, ArtiSential® LC is considered the better option for patients, compared to single-fulcrum LC.

Efficacy, safety and differential outcomes of immune-chemotherapy with gemcitabine, cisplatin and durvalumab in patients with biliary tract cancers: A multicenter real world cohort.

Combined Immuno-chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine, cisplatin and the programmed death-ligand one inhibitor durvalumab (GCD) is the new standard of care for patients with biliary tract cancers (BTC) based on positive results of the TOPAZ-1 study. We here evaluated the efficacy and safety of GCD for BTC in a German multicenter real-world patient cohort. Patients with BTC treated with GCD from 9 German centers were included. Clinicopathological baseline parameters, overall survival (OS), response rate and adverse events (AEs) were retrospectively analyzed. The prognostic impact was determined by Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox regression models. A total of 165 patients treated with GCD between 2021 and 2024 were included in the study. Median OS and median progression-free survival were 14 months (95% CI 10.3-17.7) and 8months (95% CI 6.8-9.2), respectively. The best overall response rate was 28.5% and disease control rate was 65.5%. While extrahepatic and intrahepatic BTC showed similar outcomes, mOS was significantly shorter in patients with gall bladder cancer (GB-CA) with 9months (95% CI 5.5-12.4; p=0.02). In univariate analyses age ≥70years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) ≥1, status post cholecystectomy, GB-CA and high baseline CRP values were significantly associated with OS. ECOG PS≥1 and GB-CA remained independent prognostic factors for OS in multivariable cox regression analysis. AEs have been reported in 130 patients (78.8%), including 149 grade 3-4 AEs (25.5%). One patient died of severe infectious pneumonia. Immune-related (ir)AEs occurred in 17 patients (10.3%), including 9 grade 3-4 irAEs (2.2%), which led to treatment interruption in 4 patients. Immuno-chemotherapy in patients with BTC was feasible, effective and safe in a real-life scenario. Our results were comparable to the phase 3 clinical trial results (TOPAZ-1). Reduced efficacy was noted in patients with GB-CA and/or a reduced performance status that warrants further investigation.

Automated gall bladder cancer detection using artificial gorilla troops optimizer with transfer learning on ultrasound images

The gallbladder (GB) is a small pouch and a deep tissue placed under the liver. GB Cancer (GBC) is a deadly illness that is complex to discover in an initial phase. Initial diagnosis can significantly enhance the existence rate. Non-ionizing energy, low cost, and convenience make the US a general non-invasive analytical modality for patients with GB diseases. Automatic recognition of GBC from US imagery is a significant issue that has gained much attention from researchers. Recently, machine learning (ML) techniques dependent on convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures have prepared transformational growth in radiology and medical analysis for illnesses like lung, pancreatic, breast, and melanoma. Deep learning (DL) is a region of artificial intelligence (AI), a functional medical tomography model that can help in the initial analysis of GBC. This manuscript presents an Automated Gall Bladder Cancer Detection using an Artificial Gorilla Troops Optimizer with Transfer Learning (GBCD-AGTOTL) technique on Ultrasound Images. The GBCD-AGTOTL technique examines the US images for the presence of gall bladder cancer using the DL model. In the initial stage, the GBCD-AGTOTL technique preprocesses the US images using a median filtering (MF) approach. The GBCD-AGTOTL technique applies the Inception module for feature extraction, which learns the complex and intrinsic patterns in the pre-processed image. Besides, the AGTO algorithm-based hyperparameter tuning procedure takes place, which optimally picks the hyperparameter values of the Inception technique. Lastly, the bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) model helps classify gall bladder cancer. A series of simulation analyses were performed to ensure the performance of the GBCD-AGTOTL technique on the GBC dataset. The experimental outcomes inferred the enhanced abilities of the GBCD-AGTOTL in detecting gall bladder cancer.