Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Group Research Articles

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery for Cholecystectomy

To report our experience with single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for cholecystectomy and to perform a retrospective comparison with conventional 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Data were prospectively collected for all patients undergoing SILS for cholecystectomy at St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, England (n = 41 patients between June 13, 2008, and June 30, 2009) and compared with data for those who had undergone conventional 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the preceding year (n = 58 patients between June 26, 2007, and May 30, 2008). This included patient demographic data and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and SILS for cholecystectomy. Operative time, conversion to open operation, and length of hospital stay. Operative time was longer with SILS for cholecystectomy compared with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (P < .001). A correlation was seen between reducing SILS operative time and increasing experience (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, -0.29). Three patients in the SILS for cholecystectomy group required the addition of extra laparoscopic ports. No patients in the SILS for cholecystectomy group required conversion to open surgery compared with 4 patients in the standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. Patients stayed an average of 0.76 days following SILS for cholecystectomy and 1.53 days following conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One patient in each group had a postoperative biliary leak. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for cholecystectomy may be equal to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of safety and efficacy. Further randomized studies are required to investigate any significant advantages of this new and attractive technique.

Cardiopulmonary and immunologic effects of transvaginal natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery cholecystectomy compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a porcine survival model

A few studies have addressed the physiology related to a basic natural-orifice transluminal endoscopy surgery (NOTES) procedure, such as transgastric peritoneoscopy, but the physiologic impact of more complex NOTES procedures has not been previously examined. To evaluate the cardiopulmonary and immunologic effects of transvaginal NOTES cholecystectomy compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Survival experiments in 10 40-kg female pigs assigned to transvaginal cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy groups. Transvaginal cholecystectomy was performed with the assistance of a needlescopic device, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in the standard manner. Cardiopulmonary and immunologic parameters in the transvaginal cholecystectomy group were compared with those in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. Cardiopulmonary parameters included heart rate, blood pressure, saturation pulse oximetry, intratracheal pressure, and arterial blood gases. Immunologic parameters included white blood cell count, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. All procedures were performed successfully without complications. Although operation times were longer for transvaginal cholecystectomy than for laparoscopic surgery, cardiopulmonary changes were similar and stable in both groups. White blood cell count, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 did not differ between the 2 groups, and the increase in tumor necrosis factor α after transvaginal cholecystectomy was significantly smaller on postoperative day 1 than after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (133.4 pg/mL vs 200.4 pg/mL; P < .05). Animal model and small sample size. Transvaginal cholecystectomy resulted in cardiopulmonary stability and well preserved immune function similar to those of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, suggesting that NOTES may be less invasive than laparoscopic surgery.

A Case–control Study of Single‐Incision Versus Standard Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has been increasingly performed recently. Although it seems plausible that SILC will be associated with less pain compared to standard 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), there is currently no conclusive comparative study on the postoperative pain issues of SILC against LC. In this retrospective, case-control study, 30 patients who had SILC over a 6-month period were compared with a matched (sex, age group, race) group of 30 patients who underwent LC. Verbal pain score (VPS) on postoperative days (POD) 1, 2, 3, and 5; pain sites; analgesic requirement; and number of days (NoD) required to return to normal activities were compared. There were 4 (13%) acute cholecystitis cases in each group. Average VPS on POD 1, 2, 3, and 5 of SILC and (LC) cholecystectomy patients were 4.53 (5.14) (P=0.09), 3.43 (3.83) (P=0.36), 2.07 (2.52) (P=0.25), and 1.13 (1.24) (P=0.69), respectively. In the SILC group, 26 patients (87%) had umbilical pain, whereas in the LC group, 25 patients (83%) had similar symptoms. Epigastric pain was experienced by 5 patients in the two groups, and RHC pain was experienced by 1 patient in the SILC group (3%) and 2 patients in the LC group (7%). The SILC and the LC patients required 4.00 and 4.90 days (P=0.09) of paracetamol, respectively, to control pain. The NoD required before return to normal activity in the SILC and LC groups was 5.97 days and 7.79 days (P=0.008), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain, pain site and analgesia requirement; however, patients who underwent SILC returned to their normal activity 1.8 days earlier than the LC patients. Larger RCTs are needed to compare postoperative outcomes between SILC and LC.

Two-stage Versus Single-stage Management of Patients with Choledocholithiasis: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Purpose: Current management of patients with choledocholithiasis involves two stages consisting of ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Following the advent of techniques of laparoscopic ductal stone clearance, an alternative single-stage laparoscopic treatment was introduced for these patients. Various randomized controlled trials (RCTs) done in past to compare these 2 modalities but with different and controversial results. Therefore, we conducted meta-analysis to compare the two-stage versus single-stage process for management of choledocholithiasis. Methods: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials & Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, and recent abstracts from major conference proceedings were searched (5/2010). RCTs comparing ERCP and LC versus single-stage laparoscopically-assisted CBD stone extraction were included. Standard forms were used to extract data by two independent reviewers. The effects of both the methods were analyzed by calculating pooled estimates for stone extraction efficacy, complications, and cross-over to other techniques. Separate analyses were performed for each outcome by using odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) by fixed and random effects models. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots. All were graded by Jadad score. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed by calculating I2 measure of inconsistency. Results: Five trials met inclusion criteria (N=607). Trials were of adequate quality (Jadad score ≥2). Three trials used ERCP pre-cholecystectomy whereas two other trials used ERCP post-cholecystectomy. No significant heterogeneity was noted for any of the outcomes. CBD stone extraction was noted in 89.0% with the two-stage process whereas 84.6% in the single-stage laparoscopy-assisted CBD stone removal. Trend of higher stone extraction was noted in the two-stage ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy group but did not reach a significant level (OR 1.39; 95% CI: 0.81-2.38, p=0.23). Similarly, a low incidence of lower complications and less cross-over to other techniques for stone removal were noted in ERCP group, but again, did not reach a significant level. (OR 0.77; 95% CI: 0.49-1.25, p=0.26; OR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.49-1.35, p=0.45), respectively. Funnel plot revealed no publication bias. Conclusion: The two stage process consisting of ERCP-assisted CBD stone extraction with LC resulted in similar outcomes to the single stage laparoscopically-assisted CBD stone. However there was trend towards a higher stone extraction and less complication rates with the two stage process. Future multicenter studies with higher number of subjects are required before making a final conclusion.

Feasibility of transvaginal endoscopic cholecystectomy

Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of transvaginal endoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods The clinical data of 88 female patients who underwent cholecystectomy at the Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from May to November, 2009 were retrospectively analysed. Among all the patients, 32 received transvaginal endoscopic cholecystectomy ( NOTES group) and the remaining 56 patients received laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Thirty-two patients who received LC at the same period were selected (LC group)acccording to age, body mass index, type and severity of disease to conduct a matched case-control study. The differences in time span of postoperative pain, anodyne dose, enterokinesia recovery time, operation time, out-ofbed activity time, average hospital stay and hospitalization expenses between the two groups were compared using the paired t test. Results Cholecystectomies were successfully carried out for all the patients. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, degree of pain, anodyne doses, enterokinesia recovery time, out-of-bed activity time,average hospital stay and hospitalization expenses were (5.7 ± 1.5 ) ml, ( 76 ± 27 ) minutes, 2.2 ± 0.6, ( 10 ±6) mg, (25±5) hours, (9±3) hours, (2.1 ±1.2) days and (1.12±0.34) ×104 yuan in NOTES group, and they were ( 13.9 ± 3.1 ) ml, (38 ± 16) minutes, 6.7 ± 1.5, (28 ± 8) mg, (45 ± 8) hours, (26 ± 6) hours,(4.3 ± 2.1 ) days and ( 1.54 ± 0.18 ) × 104 yuan in the LC group. There were significant differences between the two groups (t = 5.098, - 4.712, 2.417, 3.203, 3.089, 4.136, 4.786, 3.917, P ＜ 0.05 ). Conclusion Transvaginal endoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and feasible, and it is superior to tranditional LC. Key words: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, vaginal; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive; Cholecystectomy, laparoscopic

Laparoscopic versus open cholecystectomy in diabetic patients and postoperative outcome

Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of complications after abdominal surgery. We evaluated retrospectively the impact of preoperative risk factors and outcome of diabetic patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) compared with open cholecystectomy (OC) for symptomatic gallstones. Altogether 2,548 consecutive patients (1,581 LC, 967 OC) with symptomatic gallstones underwent cholecystectomy at our secondary referral center, being the only operative unit in the catchment area. Between the years 1995 and 2008, we operated 227 (9%) patients with diabetes, of whom 45 (20%) had type 1 diabetes. Preoperative data and operative outcome of the diabetic patients undergoing LC (n=102) and OC (n=125) were compared. The effect of comorbidities of diabetes on the risk for postoperative complications was analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. The percentage of morbidly obese diabetic patients did not change during the study period. Almost half of the cholecystectomies (n=111) in diabetics were performed as acute surgery due to cholecystitis. Conversion to open surgery was required in 16% of the diabetic patients undergoing LC compared with 7% in the nondiabetic controls (p<0.0001). Mortality rate was zero and nine patients (7.2%), respectively, in the LC and OC groups (p<0.01). Other complications were also more frequently observed in the OC than LC groups. This outcome difference was unchanged during time. On multivariate analysis, comorbidities of diabetes were associated with an elevated risk for complications, but obesity or acute surgery was not independently associated with postoperative complications. When feasible, LC was a safe procedure in diabetes. Open surgery with comorbidities increased the operative risks. Our study was not randomized, and therefore selection bias to type of procedure may affect the results.

ENBD tube placement prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy may reduce the rate of complications in cases with predictably complicating biliary anomalies

The risk factors predisposing to bile duct injury or postoperative bile leakage associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) include the presence of an accessory hepatic duct, the anomalous cystic duct confluence, and duct of Luschka. One method to prevent bile duct injury is preoperative placement of an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube (ENBD assisted LC). The aims of this investigation are first, to report the incidence of bile duct anomalies according to the classification system proposed by Wakayama Medical University and second, to evaluate the efficacy of ENBD assisted LC with regard to prevention of intraoperative bile duct injury and postoperative bile duct injury or leakage. A total of 1,835 consecutive LCs performed at our institution during a recent 10-year period were reviewed. Anomalous cystic duct confluence was detected in 11 cases and an accessory hepatic duct was detected in 37 cases. These anomalies were risk factors for bile duct injury in our series. However, there was no significant difference in the length of surgery, conversion rate to laparotomy, or frequency of bile duct injury or leakage between the standard LC group and ENBD assisted LC group. A bile duct anomaly was seen in 2.6% of LC cases. Placement of an ENBD tube prior to LC in predictably complicating bile duct anomalies may have successfully decreased the incidence of complications.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Under Spinal Versus General Anesthesia: A Prospective, Randomized Study

For laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), the use of spinal anesthesia may offer several advantages over general anesthesia. The aim of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the surgical outcome of LC performed under general anesthesia to that of LC performed under spinal anesthesia. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either the SALC (spinal anesthesia LC group, 30 patients) or GALC group (general anesthesia LC group, 30 patients). Intraoperative events related to spinal anesthesia, postoperative complications, and pain scores were recorded. Patient satisfaction as to the anesthetic technique received was assessed 2 weeks postoperatively by direct patient questionnaire. In both groups, all procedures were completed laparoscopically. In the SALC group, all procedures were completed under spinal anesthesia and there were no anesthetic conversions. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean operative time between both groups. For the first 2 and 4 hours postoperatively, the mean pain score of the SALC group was statistically significantly lower than that of the GALC group. For the first 24 hours postoperatively, the mean number of analgesic ampoules/patient was statistically significantly lower in the SALC group. In the SALC group, 28 patients (93.3%) considered the technique "very well," compared with 30 patients (100%) in the GALC group. The difference in the overall patient satisfaction scores between both studied groups was not statistically significant. LC performed under spinal anesthesia is feasible, safe, and is associated with significantly less early postoperative pain, compared to that performed under general anesthesia.

Laparoscopic completion radical cholecystectomy for T2 gallbladder cancer

The role of minimally invasive surgery in the surgical management of gallbladder cancer is a matter of controversy. Because of the authors' growing experience with laparoscopic liver and pancreatic surgery, they have begun offering patients laparoscopic completion partial hepatectomies of the gallbladder bed with laparoscopic hepatoduodenal lymphadenectomy. The video shows the steps needed to perform laparoscopic resection of the residual gallbladder bed, the hepatoduodenal lymph node nodes, and the residual cystic duct stump in a setting with a positive cystic stump margin. The skin and fascia around the previous extraction site are resected, and this site is used for specimen retrieval during the second operation. To date, three patients have undergone laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy with hepatoduodenal lymph node dissection for gallbladder cancer. The average number of lymph nodes retrieved was 3 (range, 1-6), and the average estimated blood loss was 117 ml (range, 50-200 ml). The average operative time was 227 min (range, 120-360 min), and the average hospital length of stay was 4 days (range, 3-5 days). No morbidity or mortality was observed during 90 days of follow-up for each patient. Although controversy exists as to the best surgical approach for gallbladder cancer diagnosed after routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the minimally invasive approach seems feasible and safe, even after previous hepatobiliary surgery. If the previous extraction site cannot be ascertained, all port sites can be excised locally. Larger studies are needed to determine whether the minimally invasive approach to postoperatively diagnosed early-stage gallbladder cancer has any drawbacks.

Vergleich zwischen transvaginaler und laparoskopischer Cholezystektomie – eine retrospektive Fall-Kontroll-Studie

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) appears to be established in specialised surgical centres. Potential advantages of these operating techniques include surgery without scars as well as faster and more comfortable recovery. However, to date there are no controlled studies evaluating the assumed advantages of NOTES compared with both minimally invasive and open surgery. PATIENT / MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective case-controlled study 47 women undergoing transvaginal cholecystectomy (TV-ChE) have been compared with 46 women undergoing conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LAP-ChE). Both groups were evaluated with regard to intraoperative respiratory and oxygenation parameters, pain intensity and need for analgesics postoperatively, rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), duration of stay in recovery room as well as hospital stay. Demographic data of both groups were comparable to a great extent. However, in comparison with the women of TV-ChE group those of the LAP-ChE group were 5 years older on average (49 ± 15 vs. 54 ± 16 years). Even so, there were no differences in preoperative risk assessment (ASA classification) as well as intraoperative respiratory and haemodynamic parameters. Compared to the LAP-ChE group, women of TV-ChE group reported less postoperative pain (p < 0.001), less nausea or vomiting (p < 0.001) and a lower analgesic consumption in both opiates (p < 0.001) and non-opiates (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the duration of stay in recovery room was shorter in the TV-ChE group (40 minutes vs. 60 minutes, p < 0.001). Hospital stay in the TV-ChE group was 3 days on average compared to 4 days for the LAP-ChE group. The rate of general and surgical complications was lower in TV-ChE group (1 / 47) compared to the LAP-ChE group (4 / 46). In 9 women undergoing transvaginal cholecystectomy negligible vaginal bleeding was seen which stopped spontaneously in each case. The transvaginal cholecystectomy is a safe and less invasive surgical technique. Compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there seem to be some advantages such as better cosmetic results, lower need for analgesics, faster mobilisation, more comfortable recovery and shorter hospital stay. These effects should be confirmed in prospective controled studies.

Early Cholecystectomy Safely Decreases Hospital Stay in Patients With Mild Gallstone Pancreatitis

We hypothesized that laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed within 48 hours of admission for mild gallstone pancreatitis, regardless of resolution of abdominal pain or abnormal laboratory values, would result in a shorter hospital stay. Although there is consensus among surgeons that patients with gallstone pancreatitis should undergo cholecystectomy to prevent recurrence, the precise timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for mild disease remains controversial. Consecutive patients with mild pancreatitis (Ranson score <or=3) were prospectively randomized to either an early laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (within 48 hours of admission) versus a control laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (performed after resolution of abdominal pain and normalizing trend of laboratory enzymes). The primary end point was hospital length of stay. Secondary end point was a composite of rates of conversion to an open procedure, perioperative complications, and need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. The study was designed to enroll 100 patients with an interim analysis after 50 patients. At interim analysis, 50 patients were enrolled at a single university-affiliated public hospital. Of them, 25 patients were randomized to the early group and 25 patients to the control group. Patient age ranged from 18 to 74 years with a median duration of symptoms of 2 days upon presentation and a median Ranson score of 1. There were no baseline differences between the groups with regards to demographics, clinical presentation, or the presence of comorbidities. The hospital length of stay was shorter for the early cholecystectomy group (mean: 3.5 [95% CI, 2.7-4.3], median: 3 [IQR, 2-4]) compared with the control group (mean: 5.8 [95% CI, 3.8-7.9], median: 4 [IQR, 4-6] [P = 0.0016]). Six patients from the early group required endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, compared with 4 in the control group (P = 0.72). There was no statistically significant difference in the need for conversion to an open procedure or in perioperative complication rates between the 2 groups. In mild gallstone pancreatitis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed within 48 hours of admission, regardless of the resolution of abdominal pain or laboratory abnormalities, results in a shorter hospital length of stay with no apparent impact on the technical difficulty of the procedure or perioperative complication rate.

Different pain scores in single transumbilical incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus classic laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

The attempt to further reduce operative trauma in laparoscopic cholecystectomy has led to new techniques such as natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). These new techniques are considered to be painless procedures, but no published studies investigate the possibility of different pain scores in these new techniques versus classic laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In this randomized control study, we investigated pain scores in SILS cholecystectomy versus classic laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Forty patients (34 women and 6 men) were randomly assigned to two groups. In group A (n = 20) four-port classic laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Patients in group B (n = 20) underwent SILS cholecystectomy. In all patients, preincisional local infiltration of ropivacaine around the trocar wounds was performed. Infusion of ropivacaine solution in the right subdiaphragmatic area at the beginning of the procedure plus normal saline infusion in the same area at the end of the procedure was performed in all patients as well. Shoulder tip and abdominal pain were registered at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively using visual analog scale (VAS). Significantly lower pain scores were observed in the SILS group versus the classic laparoscopic cholecystectomy group after the first 12 h for abdominal pain, and after the first 6 h for shoulder pain. Total pain after the first 24 h was nonexistent in the SILS group. Also, requests for analgesics were significantly less in the SILS group, while no difference was observed in incidence of nausea and vomiting between the two groups. SILS cholecystectomy, as well as the invisible scar, has significantly lower abdominal and shoulder pain scores, especially after the first 24 h postoperatively, when this pain is nonexistent. (Registration Clinical Trial number: NTC00872287, www.clinicaltrials.gov ).

Laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy and Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy for gallbladder cancer

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy was one of the first laparoscopic procedures, gallbladder cancer has been one of the last malignancies tackled with minimally invasive techniques. This video reviews the minimally invasive approaches to preoperatively suspected gallbladder cancer. Like the standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the minimally invasive procedure is performed with four trocars. The surgeon operates with the patient in the French position. A totally laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy including wedge resections of segments IVB and V is undertaken with hepatoduodenal lymphadenectomy and common bile duct excision. The biliary system is reconstructed via a laparoscopic choledochojejunostomy. Six patients have undergone laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy. Three of these patients were found to have gallbladder cancer according to the final pathology. All the final surgical margins were negative, and the average lymph node retrieval was 3 (range, 1-6). The minimally invasive approach to gallbladder cancer is feasible and safe. It should currently be performed in high-volume centers with expertise in both hepatobiliary and minimally invasive surgery. Larger trials are needed to determine whether either the open or laparoscopic approach offers any advantage.

A Randomized, Clinical Trial to Compare Endoscopic Sphincterotomy and Subsequent Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy with Primary Laparoscopic Bile Duct Exploration During Cholecystectomy in Higher Risk Patients with Choledocholithiasis

Outcomes after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) and subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) versus laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) during LC are comparable in fit patients with choledocholithiasis. This randomized, clinical trial aimed to determine the optimum treatment in patients with higher medical risk. Ninety-one higher risk patients with evidence of bile duct stones were randomized to ES/LC (group A) or LBDE during LC (group B). The primary outcome measure was duct clearance. Secondary outcome measures were complications, number of procedures per patient, conversion, and postoperative hospital stay (POS). Forty-seven patients were randomized to ES/LC and 44 to LBDE. The median age was 74.56 years. On an intention-to-treat basis, duct clearance was achieved in 29 of 47 of group A and 44 of 44 of Group B patients (P < 0.001). Clavien Grade II-V complications occurred in 8 of 47 and 8 of 44 patients (P = 0.884), the median number of procedures was 2 (2-3) and 1 (1-1) (P < 0.001), 2 of 47 and 4 of 44 patients required conversion (P = 0.676), and the median POS was 3 (2-7) and 5 (2-7) days (P = 0.825), respectively. There was no difference between approaches to duct clearance in terms of postoperative stay, complications, or conversion in higher risk patients, but the laparoscopic approach was more effective and efficient and avoided unnecessary procedures.

Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Cholecystectomy: A Safe and Reproducible Alternative

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy via the three-trocar technique is widely used for symptomatic gallbladder stones. In this article, we describe the initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) cholecystectomy. Between February and April 2009, patients referred for cholecystectomy to the General Surgery Unit of our institution who agreed to undergo LESS were included in a prospective study. All operations were performed by the same surgical team that was specially trained in this type of surgery. The umbilicus was the sole point of entry for all patients. The same operative technique was used in all patients. Data of patients undergoing LESS cholecystectomy were compared with those from an uncontrolled group of patients undergoing standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the same study period. The LESS and standard cholecystectomy groups included 19 patients each. LESS was successfully performed in all patients and none required conversion to an open procedure or a conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy by adding more entry ports. The median operating time of 62 minutes in the LESS group was not significantly different than that in the standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. LESS cholecystectomy was technically feasible, safe, and represents a reproducible alternative to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy for severe cholecystitis

To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) for patients with severe cholecystitis. Between April 1992 and May 2008, 1226 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). From 2000 onward 60 patients with severe cholecystitis underwent LSC. The outcomes of LC were compared between patients who underwent the procedure between 1992 and 1999 (group A; n = 643) and those who underwent the procedure between 2000 and 2008 after the introduction of LSC (group B; n = 583), respectively. In Group B, operative outcomes were also compared between the LC and LSC groups. The incidence of bile duct injury (1.6% vs 0.3%, P = 0.040) and conversion to open cholecystectomy (2.2% vs 0.3%, P = 0.046) was significantly lower in group B. The mean operative time was significantly longer (119.6 min vs 71.0 min., P < 0.001), and the mean blood loss was significantly higher (53.4 ml vs 12.9 ml, P < 0.001) in the LSC group. No significant differences were observed between LC and LSC in the incidence of postoperative morbidities or postoperative hospital stay. No patient had remnant gallstones or gallbladder cancers after a median follow-up of 42 months. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is safe and effective for preventing bile duct injuries and lowering the conversion rate in patients with technically difficult severe cholecystitis.

Laparoscopic Radical Cholecystectomy

Controversy exists as to the role of minimally invasive techniques in the management of early gallbladder cancer. The majority of early gallbladder cancers are diagnosed upon final pathology after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. For stage pT1a tumors, no further surgery is warranted; however, for pT1b or greater lesions, patients usually undergo port-site excisions and completion of open radical cholecystectomy involving a partial hepatectomy of segments IV and V and a lymphadenectomy of the hepatoduodenal ligament. Presented in this paper is a totally laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy performed for suspected early gallbladder cancer. Despite the fact that a preoperative serum IgG4 level was within normal limits, final pathology was consistent with autoimmune cholecystitis. As a result, the laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy may be useful in select patients with a preoperative suspicion of early-stage gallbladder cancer by sparing them the necessity of a second-stage open procedure.

Fibrinolytic and coagulation pathways after laparoscopic and open surgery: a prospective randomized trial

Tissue injury poses increased risk for postoperative thromboembolic complications. Laparoscopic surgery, by causing limited tissue injury, is associated with lower risk for thromboembolism than is open surgery. We conducted a prospective randomized study in order to detect potentially existing differences in activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways between open and laparoscopic surgery. Forty patients with chronic cholelithiasis were randomly assigned to undergo open (group A) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group B). Blood samples were taken preoperatively, at the end of the procedure, and at 24 and 72 h postoperatively. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ratio (INR), platelets (PLT), soluble fibrin monomer complexes (F.S. test), fibrin degradation products (FDP), D-dimers (D-D), and fibrinogen (FIB) were measured and compared within each group and between groups: Thrombin-antithrombin complexes (TAT) and prothrombin fragments (F1 + 2) were measured at 24 and 72 h postoperatively. Demographics were comparable between groups. Immediately postoperatively, TAT and F1 + 2 were significantly higher in group A (p < 0.05). They also increased significantly postoperatively as compared with preoperative levels within each group (p < 0.05). D-dimers were significantly higher in group A (p < 0.01) immediately postoperatively. D-dimers also increased significantly postoperatively in group B as compared with preoperative levels (p < 0.001). FIB decreased slightly in both groups at 24 h postoperatively but there was a significant increase in group A (p < 0.01). Soluble fibrin monomer complexes (SFMC) were detected twice in group A and only once in group B. FDP levels over 5 μg/ml were detected more often in group A (p < 0.05). There was not any case of thromboembolism or abnormal bleeding. Open surgery leads to higher activation of the clotting system than do laparoscopic procedures. Although of a lower degree, hypercoagulability is still observed in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and therefore routine thromboembolic prophylaxis should be considered.

The effects of aviation-style non-technical skills training on technical performance and outcome in the operating theatre

Unintended harm to patients in operating theatres is common. Correlations have been demonstrated between teamwork skills and error rates in theatres. This was a single-institution uncontrolled before–after study of the...

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in geriatric patients

Materials and methods We performed a retrospective study from 1998 until 2007 for two groups of patients. The first group is composed by 110 patients underwent to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group A) and the second group composed by 60 patients underwent to traditional laparotomy (group B). Both groups were compared for the duration of surgical procedures, for intra-operative and post-operative complications and for post-operative pain.