Intraoperative Bile Duct Injury Research Articles

Robotic-assisted cholecystectomy versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the established gold standard treatment for benign gallbladder diseases. However, robotic cholecystectomy is still controversial. Therefore, we aimed to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in LC and robotic-assisted cholecystectomy (RAC) in patients with nonmalignant gallbladder conditions. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies comparing RAC to LC in patients with benign gallbladder disease. Only randomized trials and non-randomized studies with propensity score matching were included. Mean differences (MDs) were computed for continuous outcomes and odds ratios (ORs) for binary endpoints, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. Statistical analysis was performed using Software R, version 4.2.3. A total of 13 studies comprising 22,440 patients were included, of whom 10,758 patients (47.94%) underwent RAC. The mean age was 48.5years and 65.2% were female. Compared with LC, RAC significantly increased operative time (MD 12.59min; 95% CI 5.62-19.55; p < 0.01; I2 = 79%). However, there were no significant differences between the groups in hospitalization time (MD -0.18days; 95% CI - 0.43-0.07; p = 0.07; I2 = 89%), occurrence of intraoperative complications (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.38-1.15; p = 0.14; I2 = 35%) and bile duct injury (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.64, 1.55; p = 0.97; I2 = 0%). RAC was associated with an increase in operative time compared with LC without increasing hospitalization time or the incidence of intraoperative complications. These findings suggest that RAC is a safe approach to benign gallbladder disease.

Efficacy of different indocyanine green doses in fluorescent laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.

Intraoperative bile duct injury is a significant complication in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography (NIFC) can reduce this complication. Therefore, determining the optimal indocyanine green (ICG) dosage for effective NIFC is crucial. This study aimed to determine the optimal ICG dosage for NIFC. This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial at a single tertiary referral center, including 195 patients randomly assigned to three groups: lower dose (0.01 mg/BMI) ICG (n = 63), medium dose (0.02 mg/BMI) ICG (n = 68), and higher dose (0.04 mg/BMI) ICG (n = 64). Surgeon satisfaction and detection rates for seven biliary structures were compared among the three dose groups. Demographic parameters did not significantly differ among the groups. The medium dose (72.1%) and higher dose ICG groups (70.3%) exhibited superior visualization of the common hepatic duct compared to the lower dose group (41.3%) (p < 0.001). No differences existed between the medium and higher dose groups. Similar trends were observed for the common bile duct and cystic common bile duct junction. In patients undergoing fluorescent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the 0.02 mg/BMI dose of indocyanine green demonstrated better biliary structure detection rates than the 0.01 mg/BMI dose and was non-inferior to the 0.04 mg/BMI dose.

Safety and feasibility of cystic duct control with suture ligation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background Securing the cystic duct in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) can be achieved through suturing ligation (intracorporeal or extracorporeal), clips, electrocautery, and ultramodern vessel sealing energy devices. Suturing ligation is a safe and a cost-effective measure in low-resource settings such as developing countries. Patients and methods The rationale of this current prospective study was to establish the safety and feasibility of intracorporeal suturing ligation for securing the cystic duct during LC in the local setting. Patients who were eligible for LC at the Aswan University Hospital’s General Surgery Department were included. Results In all, 260 patients were included in our study. Most of the participants were females, representing 92.69% of patients. The mean age of participants was 39.82±9.96 years, and 95.77% were overweight or obese. The mean±SD time for cystic duct ligation and closure was 3.03±0.64, and the median [interquartile range (IQR)] was 2.90 min (1.11 min). The mean±SD operative time was 88.19±27.81 min, and the median (IQR) was 84 min (31.75 min). Also, the mean±SD hospital stay was 1.11±0.55 days, and the median (IQR) was 1 day (0 day). There was no intraoperative significant bile duct injury, bile leak, or bleeding. No visceral injury was encountered. The success rate of the operation was 100%. None needed to be redone. No case needed conversion to open surgery. No bile leakage or other complication was seen during the follow-up period. Conclusion In resource-constrained settings, suture ligation of the cystic duct is a safe technique with low rates of postoperative complications. Cystic duct control with intracorporeal suture ligation is an essential technique that can be learned, requiring knot-tying skills.

Clinical application of magnetic anchor technique in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the first retrospective study in China.

Magnetic anchor technique (MAT) is frequently used in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, there are few reports on its clinical application in China. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical application of MAT in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in China. 25 patients (4 males, 21 females) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy assisted by MAT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were enrolled from November 2020 to March 2021. Their records were retrospectively analyzed. The magnetic anchor device was independently designed and developed by the authors and consisted of the anchor magnet and magnetic grasping apparatus. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative accidents, operator experience, postoperative incision pain score, postoperative complications, and other indicators were evaluated and analyzed. All patients successfully underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, including 3 cases of MAT-assisted transumbilical single-port LC, 16 cases of MAT-assisted 2-port LC and 6 cases of conventional 3-port LC. The median operation time was 50 min (range 30-95 min); intraoperative bleeding was less than 30 ml. The median score of surgical incision on day 1 and 3 after the operation was 3 (range 1-4) and 1 (range 1-3), respectively. All patients had no intraoperative bile duct injury, vascular injury, postoperative bleeding, bile leakage, biliary stricture and other complications. No adverse events (such as injury to adjacent organs or failure of the magnetic anchor device) occurred either during or after the operation. The MAT-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy appears to be safe, feasible and effective and exhibits unique assistance in transumbilical single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Role of Mesohepatectomy for Pediatric Centrally Located Liver Tumors.

Mesohepatectomy (MH) or central hepatectomy (CH) is a recognized surgical technique for centrally located pediatric liver tumors. This technique of liver resection avoids extended liver resections and thereby helps in the preservation of liver parenchyma. In this article, we aim to analyze our experience and outcome with this technique of liver resection. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent MH from January 2015 to June 2023 at our institute was performed. The variables analyzed include demographics, preoperative treatment, perioperative management, and postoperative outcome. A total of five patients underwent CH. Four patients had hepatoblastoma, and one patient had mesenchymal hamartoma. All four patients with hepatoblastoma received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All five patients had negative surgical margins, and one of the five developed disease recurrences necessitating resurgery and ultimately died of metastasis. one patient sustained intraoperative major bile duct injuries, and one patient had postoperative Abnormal, well-circumscribed, extra-biliary collection of bile. MH with clear margins is feasible in the selected subset of pediatric liver tumors involving segments IV, V, and VIII with outcomes equivalent to extended hepatic resections.

Real-time fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green during laparoscopic duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection

BackgroundLaparoscopic duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (LDPPHR) is a surgical method used to treat benign and low-grade malignant pancreatic head tumors. This study aimed to determine the protective effect of common bile duct in LDPPHR using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 30 patients treated with LDPPHR at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between January 2015 and November 2022 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups based on ICG use: ICG and non-ICG. ResultsThirty patients received LDPPHR, 11 males and 19 females, and the age was 50.50 (M (IQR)) years (range: 19–76 years). LDPPHR was successfully performed in 27 (90 %) patients, LPD was performed in 1 (3 %) patient, and laparotomy conversion was performed in 2 (7 %) patients. One patient (3 %) died 21 days after surgery. The incidence of intraoperative bile duct injury in the ICG group was lower than that in the non-ICG group (10 % vs 60 %, P = 0.009), and the operation time in the ICG group was shorter than that in the non-ICG group (311.9 ± 14.97 vs 338.05 ± 18.75 min, P < 0.05). Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 16 patients (53 %), including 10 with biochemical leakage (62.5 %), four with grade B (25 %), and two with grade C (12.5 %). Postoperative bile leakage occurred in four patients (13 %). ConclusionsThe ICG fluorescence imaging technology in LDPPHR helps protect the integrity of the common bile duct and reduce the occurrence of intraoperative bile duct injury, postoperative bile leakage, and bile duct stenosis.

Continuous suture closure using a LapraTy® suture clips is an effective method for reconstruction of cystic duct stump after laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy

ObjectiveRecently, number of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) has been increasing. Summary background dataLSC is suitable as a treatment as it can avoid intraoperative bile duct injury and bleeding for difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy. On the other hand, improper handling of remnant of GB can lead to postoperative bile leakage. MethodsHere, we report our positive experience utilizing new technique of continuous suture closure and omental covering using Lapra Ty® suture clips on the remnant of GB. ResultsFrom January 2016 to July 2021, we experienced 30 cases of LSC for LC patients who had difficulty securing critical view of safety (CVS). In six of the 30 cases, we repaired remnant of GB using continuous suture closure and omental covering with Lapra Ty® suture clips. The median operating time was 136 min (range 112–199 ml), and amount of bleeding was 1 ml (range 1–100). There were no cases of postoperative bile leakage (postope. BL), remnant cystic duct stone, and abscess formation in abdomen. Conclusionwe recommend this new suturing technique for closure of remnant of GB as it was very effective in preventing postope. BL after LSC.

Iatrogenic bile duct injury: a stitch in time

Intraoperative bile duct injuries often are difficult to be identified intraoperatively can lead to a variety of complications and require complex surgical procedures for their definitive treatment. With multiple complicated treatment options, these injuries become a therapeutic challenge. We present a case of a 49-year-old lady diagnosed with symptomatic gallstone disease who underwent open cholecystectomy in an outside hospital, during which she had an iatrogenic bile duct injury which was diagnosed postoperatively. She was promptly referred to a higher centre. After investigations, the patient underwent a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with a subhepatic drain. The patient was discharged post-successful recovery on post-op day 7. Iatrogenic bile duct injury can be missed intraoperatively in a cholecystectomy. The patient provides non-specific symptoms, and a high degree of suspicion can help in early diagnosis. Prompt treatment by an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon is necessary for the successful treatment of the condition.

Dose and administration time of indocyanine green in near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DOTIG): study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

BackgroundOne of the most severe complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is intraoperative bile duct injury (BDI). Despite its low incidence, the medical implications for the patient can be serious. Besides,...

Efficacy of bailout surgery for preventing intraoperative biliary injury in acute cholecystitis.

Bailout surgery (BOS; partial cholecystectomy, open conversion, and fundus-first approach) has been recommended for difficult cases to ensure safe performance of cholecystectomy. However, the efficacy of BOS for preventing intraoperative massive bleeding and bile duct injury (BDI) remains unclear, especially in the context of acute cholecystitis (AC). This study aimed to retrospectively validate the feasibility of BOS for AC. We enrolled 479 patients who underwent emergency cholecystectomies for AC between 2011 and 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect the risk factors for BOS in patients with AC. Perioperative variables were compared between patients who underwent total cholecystectomy (TC) and those who underwent BOS. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to compare the two groups. Significant differences in American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores, TG18 severity grading, white blood cell count, and albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were found between the TC and BOS groups. Preoperative CT imaging demonstrated severe inflammation evidenced by gallbladder wall thickness, enhancement of the liver bed, and duodenal edema in the BOS group compared to the TC group. Postoperative complications were significantly higher in the BOS group than in the TC group. Further, BDI was completely prevented by BOS. Multivariate analysis identified TG18 grade ≥ II, CRP ≥ 7.7, and duodenal edema as independent risk factors for BOS. After PSM analysis, postoperative complications were not worse in patients who underwent BOS rather than TC. Among BOS procedures, laparoscopic BOS (lap-BOS) was the most efficacious in preventing intraoperative blood loss and postoperative bile leakage. Severity grading > II, elevated CRP levels, or duodenum edema revealed by CT were determined to be risk factors impeding total cholecystectomy. BOS is a safe, feasible, and efficacious procedure for preventing BDI. Among BOS procedures, lap-BOS showed better postoperative outcomes.

S2812 Cholelithiasis Resulting in Partial Mirizzi Syndrome and Liver Abscess

Introduction: Mirizzi syndrome is defined as common hepatic duct (CHD) obstruction caused by extrinsic compression from an impacted stone in the cystic duct or gallbladder infundibulum. Failure to recognize it prior to cholecystectomy, can result in intraoperative bile duct injury and subsequently in significant morbidity. Patients present with one or more of the following: right upper quadrant pain, fever and jaundice; classically with elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Case Description/Methods: A 67-year-old female presented with fever, right upper quadrant abdominal pain and emesis. Workup revealed leukocytosis, bilirubin 0.4 mg/dL (≤1.2), alkaline phosphatase 226 IU/L (35-104), aspartate aminotransferase 42 IU/L (< 32) and alanine transferase 86 IU/L (< 33). CT scan followed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed a 7.2 x 6.1 cm heterogenous lesion in the right hepatic lobe of the liver consistent with a liver abscess, contracted gallbladder with cholelithiasis, and a large gallbladder neck/cystic duct stone externally compressing the right hepatic duct causing upstream dilatation resulting in a partial Mirizzi syndrome (Figure A). The left hepatic duct, CHD, and common bile duct (CBD) were unaffected. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) confirmed a large gallbladder neck stone compressing the right hepatic duct, with a normal left hepatic duct, CHD, and CBD (Figure B). Biliary sphincterotomy with basket sweep of the CBD and stent placement was performed. Follow up cholangiogram revealed a decompressed biliary tree. The liver abscess was drained percutaneously, and patient was discharged on intravenous antibiotics. She underwent elective cholecystectomy with right hepaticojejunostomy after 8 weeks. Postoperative imaging showed intact hepaticojejunostomy and no residual abscess. Discussion: This case is unique as patient did not develop classic obstructive jaundice due to intact drainage on the left but developed a liver abscess due to prolonged biliary stasis on the right. The patient required a combined endoscopic, interventional, and surgical approach for therapeutic success. Recognition of Mirizzi syndrome was key to planning therapeutic steps with ERCP followed by abscess drainage prior to surgery to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.Figure 1.: A: MRCP showing right liver lobe abscess (white arrow). B: ERCP showing gallbladder (black arrow) with stone in gallbladder neck (block arrow) causing compression and upstream intrahepatic dilatation of right intrahepatic duct (white arrow). MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography), ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography).

AB164. SOH22ABS178. Surgical management of intrahepatic choledocholithiasis in a patient with an aberrant right anterior hepatic duct draining into the cystic duct

Background: An aberrant right anterior hepatic duct (ARAHD) draining into the cystic duct is an extremely rare clinical entity, with isolated cases reported in the literature, and is associated with high risk for intraoperative bile duct injury.

Measures for preventing bile duct injuries during difficult cholecystectomies-Bail-out procedures

Cholecystectomies can sometimes be very complex operations, which place high demands on the surgeon. Are there preoperative and intraoperative procedures available for reducing the risk of intraoperative bile duct injuries during a complex cholecystectomy? The complexity of the operation should be estimated preoperatively. Extended diagnostic examinations, preoperative biliary stenting and the performance of the operation by an experienced surgeon may help to reduce the operative risk. In high-risk patients, postponing the cholecystectomy may be indicated. The timely intraoperative recognition of the impossibility to perform aregular cholecystectomy is of decisive importance. In this situation, so-called bail-out procedures, such as fundus-down cholecystectomy or subtotal cholecystectomy are warranted. Conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery is not always necessary. Bail-out procedures are useful to reduce the risk of bile duct injuries during complex cholecystectomy and can enable a safe completion of the operation.

Safety assessment of dextrin hydrogel adhesion barrier (AdSpray®) for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

ObjectiveAdhesion barriers have not traditionally been used during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (lap-chole), and so there are no data confirming the safety of the dextrin hydrogel adhesion barrier (AdSpray®) for the use during lap-chole. The aim of this prospective study is to investigate the safety of AdSpray® for elective lap-chole. MethodsBetween July 2019 and March 2021, we conducted a prospective study at Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital to assess the safety of applying AdSpray® around the hepatoduodenal ligament, liver surface, and port area after extraction of the gallbladder during elective lap-chole. We assessed patient morbidity, mortality, and laboratory data on postoperative day 1 and at the outpatient follow-up visit. ResultsA total of 100 patients (43 men, 57 women) received AdSpray® application during elective lap-chole at our institution. The mean patient age was 56.5 ± 14.8 y, and the mean body mass index was 25.1 ± 4.8 kg/m2. Preoperative gallbladder drainage was performed in 3 (3.0%) patients as conservative treatment for acute cholecystitis. The mean operative time was 91.7 ± 35.1 min, and the median blood loss was 5 mL (range, 5–120 mL). Intraoperative gallbladder perforation was observed in 4.0% of patients (n = 4). There was no intraoperative bile duct injury. One (1.0%) patient had a postoperative subhepatic fluid collection without bacterial infection. The mean white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level was significantly elevated on postoperative day 1 but returned to preoperative levels by the time of the follow-up visit. All patients were successfully discharged after surgery, and the median postoperative hospital stay was 2 d (range, 2–9 d). ConclusionApplying AdSpray® during elective lap-chole is safe, with an acceptable rate of postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic modified subtotal cholecystectomy is a safe method in the management of mirizzi syndrome type I

Background: Efforts to reveal the cystic duct and the cystic artery during standard cholecystectomy in Mirizzi Syndrome (MS) without preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis increase the risk of biliary and vascular injury due to intense fibrosis in the Calot’s triangle. We aim to evaluate the postoperative results of a group of MS type I patients who were diagnosed by video scope intraoperatively and underwent laparoscopic modified subtotal cholecystectomy (LMSC) in the same session since safe dissection of Calot’s triangle could not be performed. Methods: Ten out of 1680 patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute or chronic cholecystitis between 2017 and 2019 were diagnosed with MS type I intraoperatively. These 10 patients underwent LMSC and their demographic characteristics, preoperative clinical histories, radiological images, intraoperative and postoperative findings were evaluated retrospectively. Intraoperative MS type determination and LMSC technique are explained. Results: The diagnoses of MS type I in all our cases were made laparoscopically with the help of a videoscope during the operation where safe dissection of the Calot’s triangle could not be performed in either elective or emergency cholecystectomy. LMSC was performed without leaving any cavity behind, and there was no need for any intervention at the operation site (suture, staple closure) since the cystic duct orifice was already obstructed due to fibrosis as visually verified by the camera. There were no intraoperative bile duct injuries or postoperative biliary fistula. None of our patients developed postcholecystectomy syndrome (range 1-38 months) Conclusion: The LMSC is a safe procedure in the diagnosis and surgery of MS type I where safe dissection of Calot’s triangle could not be performed

Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury during Cholecystectomy: Characteristics, Consequences, Surgical Treatment

Introduction: Intraoperative bile duct injury is the most severe complication of cholecystectomy. Purpose of work was to study the nature, consequences and surgical treatment of iatrogenic injures of the bile duct obtained by cholecystectomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the nature of the injury and surgical techniques for the treatment of 16 patients with iatrogenic injures of the bile ducts during cholecystectomy from 2002 to 2020 which was 0,97% from all operated patients in a count of 1653. The Bektas H. et al., 2007 classification was used. Results: Type A1 - bile leakage while maintaining the main bile flow was observed in 2 (12.5%) cases after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Type B2 injury – stenosis (clipping) of the main bile duct without damage was observed in 1 (6.25%) patient after LHE. Combined injures of types B and C in the form of bile duct clipping and linear damage of the bile duct wall were observed in 2 (12.5%) cases after LHE. Type C (C2C4) injury was observed in 1 (6.25%) case during open cholecystectomy. Type D injury - complete crossing of the bile duct was diagnosed in 10 (62, 5%) patients - in 4 owing to open cholecystectomy and in 6 - to laparoscopic. This was the most severe and heterogeneous group of patients. All patients hepaticojejunostomy according to Ru was performed. Conclusions: Iatrogenic injures of the bile ducts are more common in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The most optimal method of correction of iatrogenic damage of bile ducts is a hepaticojejunostomy according to Ru.

Systematic review of the role of indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence in safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Review).

With the widespread introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the incidence of iatrogenic main bile duct lesions has significantly increased, with incidences ranging from 0.2 to 1.5% according to current studies. Although there are studies regarding the use of indocyanine green (ICG) for improved visualization of the biliary anatomy, there is no consensus on the dose, timing and optimal mode of administration, or the indications in which ICG provides a real benefit through increased safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). A systematic review was performed on articles in English published until March 2021, which were identified on PubMed, Springer Nature, Elsevier and Scopus via specific mesh terms: 'Indocyanine green'/'near-infrared fluorescence' and 'laparoscopic cholecystitis'. The most used method of administration of ICG was intravenously, only one study evaluated the efficiency of a near-infrared cholangiogram (NIRC) when ICG was administered directly in the gallbladder. The majority of the studies included in the review used 2.5 mg of ICG administered within 1 h before imaging. The intensity of the NIRC fluorescence signal was revealed to depend on several factors, with obesity and inflammation as the most clinically significant. NIRC was reported to be a simple, feasible, safe and cost-effective procedure, which may improve safety in difficult cases of LC. NIRC use in combination with white light has been demonstrated to be superior to white light alone in identifying extrahepatic biliary anatomy, thus decreasing the risk of intraoperative bile duct injuries (BDI). For its large-scale use, data on a higher number of patients to confirm its clinical value and specific indications is required.

A contemporary analysis of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis in a Western cohort

BackgroundXanthogranulomatous cholecystitis is a particularly destructive variant of cholecystitis marked by unique inflammatory changes evident in pathologic specimens. Multiple case series have evaluated this process. However, these often focus on differentiating it from malignancy and have largely been conducted in Asia, where the disease may differ from that seen in the Western hemisphere. This study evaluated surgical outcomes after cholecystectomy for xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis at a high-volume tertiary care institution in the United States. The goal was to determine whether the process can be identified preoperatively and whether modifications should be made to the operative approach in this setting. MethodsPatients with histopathological confirmation of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis who underwent cholecystectomy between 2002 and 2019 were identified from an updated institutional database. Data regarding demographics, imaging findings, surgical procedures, and perioperative complications were reviewed retrospectively. A cohort of patients undergoing cholecystectomy for more typical diagnoses was also identified for comparison. ResultsTwenty-seven patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis were identified. The median age was 64, and 17/27 (63.0%) were male. The majority of cases were done electively on patients admitted that day (17/27). Seventeen patients were evaluated with diagnostic ultrasonography, 21 with computed tomography scan, and 8 with magnetic resonance imaging; 21/27 patients had multiple modality studies. The most common singular finding was gallbladder wall thickening, but the radiographic findings were otherwise inconsistent. Twenty-five patients had planned laparoscopic cholecystectomies, but only 10 were completed. Only 8 of the 15 converted procedures were completed as simple cholecystectomies. Five patients required subtotal cholecystectomy. Median estimated blood loss was 250 cm3, and the median time of procedure was nearly 3 hours. Eight patients had complications, including 6 severe complications such as intraoperative bile duct injury. ConclusionXanthogranulomatous cholecystitis unfortunately has a nonspecific presentation, which can make it difficult to recognize preoperatively. It is to be suspected in cases featuring a distended, severely inflamed gallbladder that does not match the benign appearance of the patient. When the diagnosis is suspected, an open approach is justified and patients should be counseled as to the increased likelihood of atypical approaches and elevated risk of complication. Referral to a hepatobiliary specialist is to be considered.

Development of Endoscopic Surgery Navigated by Artificial Intelligence

Endoscopic surgery, which was first introduced in the late 1980s, has rapidly become widespread. However, despite its popularity, the occurrence of intraoperative organ damage has not necessarily decreased. To avoid intraoperative bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is one of the most popular procedures in endoscopic surgery, we are developing a laparoscopic surgical system that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify four anatomical landmarks (cystic duct of the gallbladder, common bile duct, lower surface of hepatic S4, and Rouviere’s sulcus, related to “Calot’s triangle") in real time during surgery. The development process consists of 5 steps: 1) identification of anatomical landmarks, 2) collection and creation of teaching data, 3) annotation and deep learning, 4) validation of development model, and 5) actual clinical performance evaluation. At present, anatomical landmarks can be identified with high accuracy in an actual clinical performance test in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, whereas issues for practical clinical use, such as a need to recognize the scene of surgical steps and surgical difficulties related to inflammation of the gallbladder, have also been clarified. The development of an AI-navigation system for endoscopic surgery, which could identify anatomical landmarks in real time during surgery, could be expected to support surgeons' decisions, reduce surgical complications, and contribute to improving the quality of surgical treatments.

Donor Biliary Anatomy: Not a Determinant of Biliary Complications after Right Lobe Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Background: Donor biliary anatomy may contribute to postoperative biliary complications in donors and recipients following right lobe living-donor liver transplantation (RL-LDLT). Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 1105 consecutive (12/ 2011 - 06/2019) donors and recipients who underwent RL-LDLT at our center. The donors and recipients were divided into 2 groups (with and without postoperative biliary complications) and were compared. The primary endpoints were donor biliary anatomy type and postoperative biliary complication incidence; the secondary endpoints were 1-, 3- and 5-year graft and patient survival rates. Results: Based on intraoperative cholangiogram among donors, 855 (77.3%) had type A, 141 (12.8%) had type B, 71 (6.4%) had type C, 25 (2.2%) had type D, and 13 (1.2%) had type E biliary anatomy. Biliary complications occurred in 37 donors (3.3%): bile leakage in 33, intraoperative bile duct injury in 2, and biliary stricture in 2. The most common reason for biliary complications among donors was missed caudate duct(s). Seventy-four (6.7%) recipients developed biliary complications: 20 had bile leak, 43 had biliary stricture, and 11 developed blie leak + stricture. Sarcopenia was the only significant factor for biliary complications in recipients. None of the donor had long-term sequelae. Recipients with biliary complications had inferior graft and patient survival. Conclusions: The incidence of biliary complications in donors or recipients after RLDLT was not related to donor biliary anatomy type. With standardized surgical technique, biliary complications can be minimized and donor biliary anatomy should not be considered a contraindication to right lobe liver donation.