Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Group Research Articles

Are laparoscopic cholecystectomy and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery gallbladder preserving cholecystolithotomy truly comparable? A propensity matched study.

BACKGROUNDCholecystectomy is the preferred treatment option for symptomatic gallstones. However, another option is gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy which preserves the normal physiological functions of the gallbladder in patients desiring to avoid surgical resection.AIMTo compare the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy vs laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for symptomatic gallstones.METHODSWe adopted propensity score matching (1:1) to compare trans-rectal NOTES cholecystolithotomy and LC patients with symptomatic gallstones. We reviewed 2511 patients with symptomatic gallstones from December 2017 to December 2020; 517 patients met the matching criteria (NOTES, 110; LC, 407), yielding 86 pairs.RESULTSThe technical success rate for the NOTES group was 98.9% vs 100% for the LC group. The median procedure time was 119 min [interquartile ranges (IQRs), 95-175] with NOTES vs 60 min (IQRs, 48-90) with LC (P < 0.001). The frequency of post-operative pain was similar between NOTES and LC: 4.7% (4/85) vs 5.8% (5/95) (P = 0.740). The median duration of post-procedure fasting with NOTES was 1 d (IQRs, 1-2) vs 2 d with LC (IQRs, 1-3) (P < 0.001). The median post-operative hospital stay for NOTES was 4 d (IQRs, 3-6) vs 4 d for LC (IQRs, 3-5), (P = 0.092). During follow-up, diarrhea was significantly less with NOTES (5.8%) compared to LC (18.6%) (P = 0.011). Gallstones and cholecystitis recurrence within a median of 12 mo (range: 6-40 mo) following NOTES was 10.5% and 3.5%, respectively. Concerns regarding the presence of abdominal wall scars were present in 17.4% (n = 15/86) of patients following LC (mainly women).CONCLUSIONNOTES provides a feasible new alternative scar-free treatment for patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo cholecystectomy. This minimally invasive organ-sparing procedure both removes the gallstones and preserves the physiological function of the gallbladder. Reducing gallstone recurrence is essential to achieving widespread clinical adoption of NOTES.

Comparison of Single Clip Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (SCLC) and Two Clip Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (TCLC): A randomized control study

Background: Advanced energy sources, such as the harmonic scalpel, though expensive, may provide the advantage of shorter operating time by reducing smoke, bloodless dissection in the GB bed, lower risk of bleeding from the cystic artery due to secure vessel sealing, and avoiding the use of a larger number of titanium clips. This study was undertaken to compare the advantages of Single clip laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SCLC) and Two Clip Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (TCLC). Material and Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted in the Department of Surgery IGMC, Shimla over a period of 1 year starting from 1st july 2019 to 30th june 2020. In this study 100 consecutive patients of symptomatic cholelithiasis confirmed by USG reporting were participated and randomized into 2 groups of 50 each. Group 1 patients underwent SCLC and Group 2 patients underwent TCLC. Outcomes were measured in terms of operative time, intra operative stone spillage, intra operative blood loss, amount of CO2 used , post operative pain , conversion into open cholecystectomy and post operative complications. Results: Among the total 100 patients, 24 were males and 76 were females. Among them, 10 males and 40 females underwent single clip laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SCLC) while 14 males and 36 females underwent Two Clips laparoscopic cholecystectomy (TCLC). Mean age of males were 48.50 ± 14.49 and females were 46.73 ± 16.16 in SCLC group while mean age of males were 45.36 ± 14.53 and females were 45.25 ± 15.97 in two clips laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. Present study showed that there was more Operative Time, more Mean CO2 used, more Approx. Blood Loss, more Intra Op. Stone spillage and more Use of Drain but less Average pain score at 6 and 24 hours and less Average Length of hospital stay in DCLC group as compared to SCLC group but this difference was not statistically significant. Similarly in both group equal number of patients Convered to Open Cholecystectomy and there was no Post op. Complications in both groups. Conclusion: Study concluded that there was no statistically significant difference among both SCLC and DCLC groups in terms of operative time , intra operative stone spillage , Use of Drain, intra operative blood loss , amount of CO2 used , post operative pain, Conversion to Open Cholecystectomy and post operative complications.

Sleeve Gastrectomy and Cholecystectomy are Safe in Obese Patients with Asymptomatic Cholelithiasis. A Multicenter Randomized Trial

BackgroundObesity is a severe health problem. Gallstones may symptomatize after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Concomitant laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with SG is controversial. The effects of SG and LC versus delayed LC following SG in obese patients with asymptomatic gallbladder stones were evaluated.MethodsA randomized trial of 222 morbidly obese patients with gallbladder stones divided them into two equal groups: SG + LC and SG-only. This multicenter study conducted from January 2016 to January 2019.ResultsExcept for operative time and postoperative hospital stay, there was no statistically significant difference between LSG + LC group and SG group (P < 0.001). In SG + LC group, LC added 40.7 min to SG, three patients (3%) required conversion, early postoperative complications occurred in 9 cases (9/111, 9%), three cases required re-intervention (3%). In SG group, the complicated cases required LC were 61 cases (61/111, 55%). Acute cholecystitis (26/61, 42.7%) was the most common gallstone symptoms. Most complicated cases occurred in the first-year follow-up (52/61, 85%). In the delayed LC group (61 patients), operative time was 50.13 ± 1.99 min, open conversion occurred in 2 cases (2/61, 3.2%), early postoperative complications occurred in four patients (4/61, 6.4%) and postoperative re-intervention were due to bile leaks and cystic artery bleeding (2/61, 3.2%).ConclusionsSG with LC prolongs the operative time and hospital stay, but the perioperative complications are the same as delayed LC; LC with SG minimizes the need for a second surgery. Concomitant LC with SG is safe.

Comparison of one-stage laparoscopic common bile duct exploration plus cholecystectomy and two-stage endoscopic sphincterotomy plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy for concomitant gallbladder and common bile duct stones in patients over 80 years old.

PurposeThis study was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of one-stage laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with those of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) plus LC for concomitant gallbladder (GB) and common bile duct (CBD) stones in elderly patients.MethodsThis single-center retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients aged >80 years who were diagnosed with concomitant GB and CBD stones between January 2010 and December 2020.ResultsOf the 137 patients included in this study, 46 underwent one-stage LCBDE + LC and 91 underwent two-stage EST + LC. The frequency of previous gastrectomy (23.9% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.002) and multiple stones (76.1% vs. 49.5%, p = 0.003) was higher in the LCBDE + LC group than in the EST + LC group. Further, patients in LCBDE + LC group had larger CBD stones (11.9 mm vs. 6.0 mm, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the clearance (91.3% vs. 95.6%, p = 0.311) and recurrence (4.3% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.345) rates between the groups. The incidence of posttreatment overall complications (17.4% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.530) and total hospital stay (12.7 days vs. 11.7 days, p = 0.339) were similar in the two groups.ConclusionOne-stage LCBDE + LC is a safe and effective treatment for concomitant GB and CBD stones, even in elderly patients, and may be considered as the first treatment option in elderly patients with previous gastrectomy, multiple large (≥ 15 mm) CBD stones, or inability to cooperate with endoscopic procedures.

Single-stage intraoperative ERCP combined with laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus preoperative ERCP Followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the management of cholecystocholedocholithiasis: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

ObjectivesThe optimal treatment strategy for cholecystocholedocholithiasis is still controversial. We conducted an up-to-date meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of the intra- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) + LC procedure with the traditional pre-ERCP + laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) procedure in the management of cholecystocholedocholithiasis.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up to September 2020. Published randomized controlled trials comparing intra-ERCP + LC and pre-ERCP + LC were considered. This meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager Version 5.3, and outcomes were documented by pooled risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsEight studies with a total of 977 patients were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding CBD stone clearance (RR = 1.03, P = .27), postoperative papilla bleeding (RR = 0.41, P = .13), postoperative cholangitis (RR = 0.87, P = .79), and operation conversion rate (RR = 0.71, P = .26). The length of hospital stay was shorter in the intra-ERCP + LC group (MD = −2.75, P < .05), and intra-ERCP + LC was associated with lower overall morbidity (RR = 0.54, P < .05), postoperative pancreatitis (RR = 0.29, P < .05) and cannulation failure rate (RR = 0.22, P < .05).ConclusionsIntra-ERCP + LC was a safer approach for patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis. It could facilitate intubation, shorten hospital stay, and lower postoperative complications, especially postoperative pancreatitis, and reduce stone residue and reduce the possibility of reoperation for stone removal.

Changes in Liver Function Tests after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has developed to be the typical treatment for benign diseases of the gallbladder. Though, it was observed that the serum levels of some liver enzymes increased significantly after LC in patients with normal preoperative liver enzyme levels. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the consequence of pneumoperitoneum on serum bilirubin concentration and liver enzymes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to open cholecystectomy (OC). Study Design: A prospective case-control study. Place and Duration: In the Department of Surgery of LGH, Lahore for one-year duration from November 2020 to October 2021. Methods: This analysis encompassed 80 patients treated for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 40 patients treated for open cholecystectomy as a control group in the surgical department. Blood samples were drawn 24-hours before and 24 hours later to surgery for bio-chemical studies. Results: Despite a substantial increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the postoperative period, no remarkable change in serum alkaline phosphatase was observed in the LC group in comparison to the OC group. Conclusion: It was found that the increase in liver enzymes and serum bilirubin can be accredited to the adverse effect of pneumoperitoneum on hepatic flow of blood. Although these variations do not appear to be significant clinically, caution must be exercised in determining whether to accomplish laparoscopic cholecystectomy in subjects with hepatic impairment. Keywords: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, Pneumoperitoneum, Liver enzymes.

Timing of cholecystectomy in recurrent attacks of acute cholecystitis.

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis, its optimal timing is still controversial. In this study, our aim is to determine the appropriate cholecystectomy time by comparing the results of emergency and elective cholecystectomy in patients presenting with recurrent acute cholecystitis. Between January 2019 and January 2022, the data of 434 patients who were scheduled for late cholecystectomy and were admitted to our hospital with recurrent cholecystitis attacks during the waiting period were retrospectively evaluated. Demo-graphic data of patients, stage according to Tokyo Guidelines 2018, duration of hospital stay before and after surgery, surgery dura-tion, open surgery rate, drain use, hollow organ injury, biliary tract injury, bleeding, wound infection, post-operative collection, and mortality rates were analyzed. Emergency LC (group 1) was performed in 176 (40.5%) of 434 patients presenting with recurrent cholecystitis, and elec-tive LC (group 2) was performed in 258 (59.5%) patients. Pre-operative hospital stay was significantly longer in group 2, and mean surgery duration was significantly longer in group 1 (p=0.001 and p=0.035, respectively). Gastric or intestinal injury, biliary tract injury, wound infection, and mortality were not detected in either group. There was no significant difference between the groups in the rate of open surgery and postoperative collection rates (p>0.05). In centers experienced in hepatobiliary surgery, LC can be safely performed in recurrent acute cholecystitis attacks, regardless of symptom duration and the number of attacks.

Minimally Invasive Management of Acute Cholecystitis and Frailty Assessment in Geriatric Patients.

The aim was to compare laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with the percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) for the management of acute lithiasic cholecystitis in geriatric patients and investigate the decision-making using frailty assessment. A retrospective analysis was performed in all patients aged over 65 years who were treated for acute cholecystitis at our hospital in a period of 5 years. Patients were divided in LC and PC groups. In total, 111 (54.1%) patients were subjected to LC and 94 (45.9%) to PC. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the Clinical Frailty Score were lower for the LC group. However, for patients over 85 years of age, frailty scores between groups were not statistically different. Morbidity and mortality between groups were not statistically different. Both LC and PC are safe and efficient in geriatric patients. Frailty score may better drive the selection of patients to be managed laparoscopically.

Feasibility and Safety of Three-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Compared to Four-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

BackgroundThe standard four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard procedure. The various clinical trials and reports in the literature have suggested that the three-port technique LC can be done safely with acceptable results.Still, that the three-port LC offers any added benefits to the patient is a controversial issue especially in view of safety and feasibility. In this study, we report the experience of three-port LC compared to four-port LC technique, its safety, feasibility and outcomes.Materials and methodsA prospective randomized study was conducted between two groups which included 165 cases - 93 patients were included in three-port LC (Group A) and 72 patients in four-port LC (Group B). Operative time, intraoperative complications, postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, analgesics requirement, conversion to open and return to normal activities were parameters of evaluation.ResultsDemographic data was comparable in both the groups. Three-port LC Group A had lesser post-operative pain and analgesics requirements. The mean postoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score on day 1 was (4.16 and 6.24), on day 7 was (1.26 and 1.81) in three-port group and in four-port LC group, respectively. The mean days of analgesics requirement were 2.56 days and 4.21 days among three-port group and four-port group, respectivelyLength of hospital stay was less and returning to work was early in three-port group. There was no statistical difference in operative time. The mean operative time among three-port LC group A and four-port LC group B was 36+/-8.6 minutes (30-68) and 39+/-7 minutes (30-90), respectively. The overall outcomes were comparable to four-port LC.ConclusionThree-port LC is a feasible and safe procedure for LC with satisfactory outcomes like lesser postoperative pain, postoperative stay and less scars, when performed by experienced hands, especially in acute cholecystitis. The use of fourth port should be done when required in a difficult situation.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage Combined with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Versus Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for the Treatment of Moderate Acute Cholecystitis: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: We compared the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) with those of emergency LC (ELC) in patients with moderate acute cholecystitis (AC) as per the Tokyo Guidelines. Methods: A meta-analysis of clinical comparative studies investigating the efficacy of PTGBD combined with LC (PTGBD + LC) versus ELC for moderate AC patients was performed. Results: The PTGBD + LC group had a shorter operative time (mean difference [MD] = -25.02 minutes; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] -35.50 to -14.54; P < .00001), less intraoperative bleeding (MD = -33.38 mL; 95% CI -45.43 to -21.33; P < .00001), shorter postoperative hospital stay (MD = -2.37 days; 95% CI -3.30 to -1.44; P < .00001), lower conversion rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.23; 95% CI 0.11-0.48; P < .0001), and lower total postoperative morbidity (OR 0.26; 95% CI, 0.10-0.67; P = .005) compared with the ELC group. There was no significant difference in total hospital stay (MD = 1.71 days; 95% CI -0.17 to 3.60; P = .08) and the incidence of bile leak (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.07-1.29; P = .11). Conclusions: Compared with ELC, LC after PTGBD can effectively reduce the difficulty of operation, total postoperative morbidity, and conversion rate, and shorten the postoperative hospital stay and operative duration in patients with moderate AC as per the Tokyo Guidelines. In clinical practice, it is necessary to formulate individualized treatment plans based on the condition and willingness of the patients.

Robotic cholecystectomy with a new port placement: Is it really beneficial?

This study compared the effect of robotic cholecystectomy (RC) with a new port placement versus that of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) on surgical pain and postoperative complications. We prospectively collected medical data from 100 patients who underwent cholecystectomy (RC=50, LC=50) from March 2017 to January 2019. In the RC group, ports were positioned in the left-lower, mid-lower, and umbilical areas. In the LC group, ports were placed in the xiphoid, right-upper, and umbilical areas. Patient characteristics were similar between the two groups. Pain levels at 2, 4, and 8h were significantly lower in the RC group than in the LC group (p=0.04, 0.02, and 0.02, respectively). The LC group received more analgesics after surgery (RC=0.3±0.5 vs. LC=0.7±0.9, p=0.03). However, the total medical cost was significantly higher in the RC group (RC=7355.2±1270.9 USD vs. LC=4814.8±1572.5 USD, p<0.01). Mean operative time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications were not significantly different between the two groups. Regardless of the surgical procedure, postoperative complications were similar. RC with the new port placement can be recommended for patients who are more concerned about postoperative pain, incision, and hospital stay than surgical cost.

Surgical methods of treatment for cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis: six years’ experience of a single institution

IntroductionThe optimal treatment of choledocholithiasis combined with cholecystolithiasis remains controversial. Common surgical methods vary among endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE), laparoscopic transductal common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) with or without T-tube drainage. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of surgical methods and to determine the appropriate procedure for patients with cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis.MethodsFrom January 2013 to January 2019, a total of 1555 consecutive patients diagnosed with cholecystolithiasis combined with choledocholithiasis who underwent surgical treatment in Tongji Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Total 521 patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones underwent LC + LCBDE + T-Tube were excluded from the analysis. At last, 1034 patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups according to their surgical methods: preoperative ERCP + subsequent LC (ERCP + LC group, n = 275), LC + LCBDE + intraoperative endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) + primary duct closure (Tri-scope group, n = 479) and LC + laparoscopic transcystic CBD exploration (LTCBDE group, n = 280). Clinical records, operative findings and postoperative follow-up were collected and analyzed.ResultsThere was no mortality in three groups. Common bile duct (CBD) stone clearance rate was 97.5% in ERCP + LC group, 98.7% in Tri-scope group, and 99.3% in LTCBDE group. There were no difference in terms of demographic characteristics, biochemistry findings and presentations, but the Tri-scope group had the biggest diameter and amount of stones and diameter of CBD, the LTCBDE group had the least CBD stones and the biggest diameter of cystic gall duct (CGD). ERCP + LC group have the longest hospital stay (14.16 ± 3.88 days vs 6.92 ± 1.71 days vs 10.74 ± 5.30 days, P < 0.05), also has the longest operative time than others (126.08 ± 42.79 min vs 92.31 ± 10.26 min, 99.09 ± 8.46 min, P < 0.05). Compared to ERCP + LC group, LTCBDE group and Tri-scope group had lower postoperation-leukocyte, shorter surgery duration and hospital stay (P < 0.05). Compared to the Tri-scope group, the LTCBDE group had the shorter hospital stay, extubation time and operation time and less intraoperative bleeding. There were less postoperative complications in LTCBDE group (1.1%) compared to the ERCP + LC group (3.6%) and Tri-scope group (2.2%). Follow-up time was 6 to 72 months. Four patients in ERCP + LC group and 5 in Tri-scope group reported recurrent stones.ConclusionAll the three surgical methods are safe and effective. Tri-scope approach and LTCBDE approach have superiority to preoperative ERCP + LC. LC + LTCBDE shows priority over Tri-scope approach, but should be performed in selected patients. LC + LCBDE + T-Tube can be an alternative management if the other three procedures were failed. The surgeons should choose the most appropriate surgical procedure according to the preoperative examination results and intraoperative situation.

New Scoring System for Prediction of Surgical Difficulty During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy After Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage.

BackgroundThe surgical difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) remains unknown. This study aimed to establish a scoring system (SS) to predict the necessity of a bailout procedure during LC after PTGBD and to evaluate the relationship between SS and perioperative complications.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 70 patients who underwent LC after PTGBD. Preoperative factors potentially predictive of the need for the bailout procedure were analyzed. The SS included significantly predictive factors, with their cutoff values determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. Patients were assigned a score of 1 when exhibiting only one of these abnormalities. We compared the perioperative factors between three groups with scores of 0, 1, or 2. The SS was applied to another series of 65 patients for validation. We compared the score‐2 patient perioperative factors between LC with the bailout procedure and open cholecystectomy from the beginning (OC).ResultsIndependent predictors were time until PTGBD after symptom onset and the maximal wall gallbladder thickness (cutoff values: 3 days and 10 mm, respectively). The high‐score group was significantly associated with bile duct injury (BDI). The sensitivity and specificity of our SS were 75.0% and 98.1% in validation, respectively. The score‐2 OC and laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) groups had no BDI.ConclusionsThe SS using time until PTGBD after symptom onset and gallbladder wall thickness for predicting the need for the bailout procedure correctly predicted the need. The scores might be associated with the risk of BDI, and LSC or OC might be a better choice for score‐2 patients.

Surgical outcome of Mirizzi syndrome: Value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and laparoscopic procedures.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with associated procedures and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have been the standard treatments for both common and rare biliary diseases. Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is a rare and complex biliary condition. We report our experience with MS treatment and investigate the value of laparoscopic procedures and ERCP in patient management. From 2004 to 2017, 100 consecutive patients with MS were diagnosed by ERCP and underwent surgery in a referral center. Sixty patients were treated with intended LC, and 40 patients were treated with open cholecystectomy (OC). The clinical manifestations, ERCP and associated procedures, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes were investigated. The surgical mortality rate was 1%, while the surgical morbidity rate was 15%. The patients treated with intended LC suffered from less morbidity (5%). The percentage of postoperative residual biliary stones was 32% (n=32), and only three patients underwent re-operation (laparotomy) for stone removal. The laparotomy conversion rate in the intended LC group was 16.7% (10/60). The length of hospitalization for the patients with successful LC was significantly shorter than that for the patients with conversion and intended OC. Csendes classification was a risk factor for conversion from LC to OC (type I vs types II to V, P<.0001). A combination of a laparoscopic procedure and ERCP may provide therapeutic benefits for patients with MS.

Predictors of Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Humanitarian Missions to Peru Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Surgical Missions

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard treatment of gallstone disease. On short-term surgical missions (STSMs), it is unclear what factors can predict safety of LC. This study evaluates patient risk factors of difficult LC in Northern Peru, towards optimizing outcomes. A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent LC during short-term surgical missions to Peru from 2016-2019 under the International Surgical Health Initiative (ISHI). Difficult and routine LC groups were compared for: age, weight, gender, symptom duration, pain on presentation, history of abdominal or pelvic surgery, diabetes and hypertension. 68 of 194 patients underwent LC; 42 patients (62%) were classified as difficult with OR (operating room) time > 70 min (90%), 2 cases converted to open (5%) and 2 aborted cases (5%). Higher weight class was found to correlate with difficult LC. Increased patient weight was correlated to longer operative time during STSMs. Patients undergoing LC must be selected carefully to mitigate risks of difficult operations on STSMs.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Gallbladder Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: a Case Series and Literature Review

Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinomas (GB-NECs) are a group of rare and heterogeneous neoplasms. There are few reports regarding laparoscopic surgery for GB-NEC cases diagnosed at advanced stage. Three patients, two females and one male, were admitted to our hospital. Two patients had the chief complaint of upper quadrant pain and one patient was found to have gallbladder occupation during a routine health checkup. No patient complained of jaundice, weight loss, or carcinoid syndrome–related symptoms including diarrhea, edema, flushing, and wheezing. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination showed local wall thickening of the gallbladder. In addition, one patient showed focal liver parenchymal invasion, and none of the three patients’ preoperative imaging examination revealed lymph node (LN) metastases. All three patients underwent laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy according to intraoperative frozen pathological examination, and they were diagnosed as GB-NEC based on postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry. TNM stages of these patients were IIIA (T3N0M0), IIIB (T3N1M0), and IVB (T3N2M0), respectively. Chromogranin A (CgA) and synaptophysin (Syn) were positive in all cases. No patient encountered postoperative bleeding, bile leakage, abdominal abscess, gastrointestinal fistulas, or pulmonary complication. Two patients underwent postoperative chemotherapy with two cycles and seven cycles of etoposide plus cisplatin, respectively. Another patient did not receive postoperative chemotherapy due to his poor general condition. The overall survival time of the three patients was 4.6 months, 16.8 months, and 8.5 months, respectively. All three patients presented with liver and/or bile duct recurrence after surgery with a tumor-free survival time of 2.3 months, 3.3 months, and 3.0 months, respectively. Laparoscopic surgery may be considered a potential treatment for advanced GB-NEC in selected patients. However, further studies are needed to investigate the tumor-free survival benefit of laparoscopic surgery, and whether expanding the resection scope could reduce postoperative recurrence.

Early vs late cholecystectomy in mild gall stone pancreatitis: An updated meta-analysis and review of literature.

BACKGROUNDGallstone pancreatitis is one of the most common causes of acute pancreatitis. Cholecystectomy remains the definitive treatment of choice to prevent recurrence. The rate of early cholecystectomies during index admission remains low due to perceived increased risk of complications. AIMTo compare outcomes including length of stay, duration of surgery, biliary complications, conversion to open cholecystectomy, intra-operative, and post-operative complications between patients who undergo cholecystectomy during index admission as compared to those who undergo cholecystectomy thereafter. METHODSStatistical Method: Pooled proportions were calculated using both Mantel-Haenszel method (fixed effects model) and DerSimonian Laird method (random effects model). RESULTSInitial search identified 163 reference articles, of which 45 were selected and reviewed. Eighteen studies (n = 2651) that met the inclusion criteria were included in this analysis. Median age of patients in the late group was 43.8 years while that in the early group was 43.6. Pooled analysis showed late laparoscopic cholecystectomy group was associated with an increased length of stay by 88.96 h (95%CI: 86.31 to 91.62) as compared to early cholecystectomy group. Pooled risk difference for biliary complications was higher by 10.76% (95%CI: 8.51 to 13.01) in the late cholecystectomy group as compared to the early cholecystectomy group. Pooled analysis showed no risk difference in intraoperative complications [risk difference: 0.41%, (95%CI: -1.58 to 0.75)], postoperative complications [risk difference: 0.60%, (95%CI: -2.21 to 1.00)], or conversion to open cholecystectomy [risk difference: 1.42%, (95%CI: -0.35 to 3.21)] between early and late cholecystectomy groups. Pooled analysis showed the duration of surgery to be prolonged by 39.11 min (95%CI: 37.44 to 40.77) in the late cholecystectomy group as compared to the early group.CONCLUSIONIn patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis early cholecystectomy leads to shorter hospital stay, shorter duration of surgery, while decreasing the risk of biliary complications. Rate of intraoperative, post-operative complications and chances of conversion to open cholecystectomy do not significantly differ whether cholecystectomy was performed early or late.

Early Outcome of Open Versus Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Symptomatic Gallbladder Stone Disease in A Resource-Limited Setting: A Retrospective Review

Backgorund Gallbladder diseases requiring surgery are a common condition among general surgical practice. Cholecystectomy is thus commonly practiced/practice with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) as the gold standard. Seven years now, LC has slowly developed at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) but proportional numbers of patients still receive open cholecystectomy. This study was therefore undertaken to assess and compare the outcomes of the two methods of surgical treatment in a resource-limited setting in order to provide evidence based data for informed change in surgical care of patients with symptomatic gallbladder stone disease. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients who had cholecystectomy from February 2012 to February 2017 was carried out. Medical records in the operating room were searched and case notes retrieved. Information regarding demography, operative time, post-operative stay, complications, and mortality was extracted. Between groups comparison of variables was done using chi square test, where p value of greater than 0.05 indicated similarity between the two groups. An independent sample t test was used to compare the operative time, hospital stay and for post-operative complications. Results This retrospective study reviewed 182 cases for the period of 6years. The patients undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy or or open cholecystectomy. The hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LC group compared to open cholecystectomy (OC) group with mean hospital stay of 2.15± 1.165 days and 3.82±2.25 days respectively (p< 0.001). The mean operative time for LC was longer 109.78±40.38 minutes compared with patients in the OC group 79.78±27.23 minutes (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in complications and mortality between the two groups. Conclusion LC and OC are comparable procedures for the treatment of gallstone disease in terms of morbidity and mortality although LC had significantly shorter hospitals stay. However, the operative time was longer in LC group. At MNH, LC should be a procedure of choice and further study on cost-effectiveness of LC should be conducted. Key words: Gall stones, Laparascopy Gallstones, Laparoscopy Cholecystectom.

Intraoperative strategies to overcome difficulties in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic calculous cholecystitis

Background: Surgery in chronic cholecystitis is very challenging because of inability to hold the gall bladder, dense adhesions, frozen Calot’s triangle and difficulty in applying clips. Precise and meticulous dissection is required to establish critical view of safety. There is no consensus among surgeons about appropriate intraoperative steps in difficult gall bladder (GB) surgery. The authors aim to present various intraoperative difficulties and strategies to overcome them. Methods: A prospective study of 81 patients of chronic cholecystitis was done in our institution. They were divided in two groups. Group A in which surgery could be done easily. Group B in which surgery was difficult and different intraoperative strategies were applied to overcome them. Results: Total 42 patients were included in group A and 39 patients in group B. Various difficulties encountered while performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in group B were adhesions (53.8 %), inability to grasp the fundus of GB (15.3%), frozen Calot’s triangle (15.3%), inability to grasp the Hartmann’s pouch (12.8%) and cystic duct edema (2.5%). Conclusions: Intraoperative technique of identification of Rouviere′s sulcus first, followed by high peritoneal incision on the GB body. Subsequently blunt dissection of Calot’s triangle using gauze piece and hydro dissection by suction irrigation canula ventral to the sulcus. It created a retro gall bladder tunnel safely. It established the critical view of safety in all our cases.

Difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and preoperative predictive factors

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard technique for treatment of gallbladder disease. In case of acute cholecystitis we can identify preoperative factors associated with an increased risk of conversion and intraoperative complications. The aim of our study was to detect preoperative laboratory and radiological findings predictive of difficult LC with potential advantages for both the surgeons and patients in terms of options for management. We designed a retrospective case–control study to compare preoperative predictive factors of difficult LC in patients treated in emergency setting between January 2015 and December 2019. We included in the difficult LC group the surgeries with operative time > 2 h, need for conversion to open, significant bleeding and/or use of synthetic hemostats, vascular and/or biliary injuries and additional operative procedures. We collected 86 patients with inclusion criteria and difficult LC. In the control group, we selected 86 patients with inclusion criteria, but with no operative signs of difficult LC. The analysis of the collected data showed that there was a statistically significant association between WBC count and fibrinogen level and difficult LC. No association were seen with ALP, ALT and bilirubin values. Regarding radiological findings significant differences were noted among the two groups for irregular or absent wall, pericholecystic fluid, fat hyperdensity, thickening of wall > 4 mm and hydrops. The preoperative identification of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides an important advantage not only for the surgeon who has to perform the surgery, but also for the organization of the operating block and technical resources. In patients with clinical and laboratory parameters of acute cholecystitis, therefore, it would be advisable to carry out a preoperative abdominal CT scan with evaluation of features that can be easily assessed also by the surgeon.