Recurrent Cholecystitis Research Articles

Percutaneous Cholecystostomy for Acute Cholecystitis During Spaceflight

INTRODUCTION: Acute calculous cholecystitis is a common surgical emergency and cholecystectomy is the gold-standard treatment. However, alternative drainage modalities such as percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) placement have been proposed for poor surgical candidates or in remote environments, such as space. We reviewed the literature to assess the theoretical utility of PCT to treat acute cholecystitis during long-duration spaceflight or on the Moon or Mars. METHODS: A systematic review of 16 peer-reviewed articles published since 2018 was completed to describe the terrestrial efficacy of PCT placement for acute calculous cholecystitis. RESULTS: The mean initial clinical success rate after PCT was 89.9% (range 82.2–100.0%). Duration of indwelling PCT ranged from median 6 to 58 d. Mean rate of recurrent cholecystitis was 15.8% (range 5.0–36.4%). A mean 35.6% of patients (range 18.0–61.0%) required interval cholecystectomy. Mean 30-d mortality was 9.6% (range 5.8–14.0%). A mean 18.6% of patients (range 7.2–30.0%) required repeat percutaneous intervention due to PCT placement complications. DISCUSSION: While PCT achieves high rates of early resolution of cholecystitis, the long-term outcomes after PCT are relatively poor, with risk of recurrent cholecystitis, need for cholecystectomy, and frequent postprocedural complications requiring repeat procedural interventions. In cislunar space, the return to Earth for cholecystectomy following PCT may be achieved, eliminating some of these concerns. However, with long-duration space travel such as a mission to Mars, PCT is likely inadequate for the long-term treatment of cholecystitis. Prophylactic cholecystectomy, developing surgical capabilities in space, or preflight screening ultrasound for cholelithiasis should be seriously considered for long-duration spaceflight. Lazow SP, Siu M, Brown L, Kamine TH. Percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis during spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(10):771–776.

Effectiveness and Safety of Cholecystectomy Versus Percutaneous Cholecystostomy for Acute Cholecystitis in Older and High-Risk Surgical Patients: A Systematic Review.

Acute cholecystitis (AC) is a prevalent surgical emergency, particularly among elderly individuals who present with high perioperative risks. While early cholecystectomy (CCY) is the standard treatment, percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) isproposedas an alternative for high-risk patients. This systematic review aims to evaluate the comparative safety and efficacy of CCY versus PC in managing AC among elderly and high-risk surgical patients. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ScienceDirect, Europe PMC, ClinicalTrials.gov, and EBSCO Open Dissertations, from July 1to 15, 2024. Studies published from January 2019 to July 15, 2024, were included if they focused on patients aged 65 and older or those classified as high-risk surgical candidates. The review encompassed 72,366 participants across 22 studies, predominantly observational. Key outcomes assessed included postoperative complications, readmission rates, recurrence of cholecystitis, and mortality rates. This study highlights the need for individualized treatment strategies for managing AC in elderly populations. While CCY remains the preferred approach when feasible, PC offers a critical alternative for high-risk patients. Future research is necessary to optimize outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Benefits of endoscopic gallbladder stenting following percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage.

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage is challenging because of the complexity of the procedure and high incidence of adverse events (AEs). To overcome these problems, endoscopic gallbladder stenting (EGBS) after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) can be effective, as it mitigates inflammation and adhesion. To examine the benefits of EGBS after PTGBD to assess its efficacy and impact on AEs. We retrospectively analyzed data from 35 patients who underwent EGBS after PTGBD at a single center between January 2016 and December 2023. The primary outcomes were technical success and AEs, and the rate of recurrent cholecystitis was evaluated. In addition, the reasons for the failure of the procedure were identified. Among the 35 patients, the technical success rate was 77.1% and the final contrast of the cystic duct was successful in 97.1% of patients. The incidence of early AEs was relatively low (11.4%), with no instances of cystic duct perforation. The rate of recurrent cholecystitis was 3.7%, and no other biliary events were observed. EGBS after PTGBD may be significantly beneficial, with a substantial success rate and minimal AEs in both short- and long-term follow-ups.

Gallbladder and biliary pathology: lessons learned from multidisciplinary conference.

The radiologic diagnosis of biliary disease can be challenging due to atypical or delayed presentation, rare or less common entities, and imaging overlap of benign and malignant processes. Establishing a specific diagnosis, when possible, is important to avoid progression of infections to sepsis and multiorgan failure, and for appropriate staging and management in cases of malignancy. Gallstones are the most common biliary disease, and along with stone-related complications, including cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis, constitute the majority of acute biliary pathology. Late and atypical manifestations of acute cholecystitis demonstrate imaging overlap with primary gallbladder cholangiocarcinoma, especially with cases of exuberant inflammatory reaction such as xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis. Additional challenging scenarios related to gallbladder disease, that may be benign or malignant, include adjacent fistulas and lymphadenopathy. Dropped gallstones, especially in atypical locations, may be misdiagnosed as neoplastic. Recurrent cholecystitis after cholecystectomy, whether related to subtotal cholecystectomy or to stumpitis, is another entity that can be confusing to the radiologist with a documented history of cholecystectomy. Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as pseudotumors and IgG4 disease, are a less common but not infrequent cause of diagnostic dilemma. Furthermore, biliary strictures and hepatobiliary cystic lesions can be benign or malignant and could constitute a diagnostic and management challenge. The goal of this manuscript is to present the lessons learned from multidisciplinary conferences on the above entities and suggest tips and pearls to maximize the value of radiologists' contribution to patient management.

EP23 - A rare case of “Gastric Outlet Obstruction (GOO) Secondary to Hydrops of Gallbladder” caused by recurrent acalculous cholecystitis: a variant of Bouveret’s Syndrome -a rare case and review of literature

Abstract We present an extremely rare case of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in a young male attributed to hydrops of the gallbladder resulting from recurrent episodes of acute acalculous cholecystitis. Remarkably, approximately one and half years prior to this presentation, the patient was diagnosed with confirmed acute acalculous cholecystitis and had tested positive for Covid 19, despite exhibiting no respiratory symptoms. While it is established that Patients with acute acalculous cholecystitis can develop gallbladder mucoceles due to the mechanism akin to mechanical cystic duct obstructions. This functional condition leads to a non-emptying, distended gallbladder where biliary mucus replaces bile salts (1). Conventionally, hydrops of the gallbladder is associated with prolonged blockage of the cystic duct, often caused by an impacted gallstone in neck / cystic duct or a stricture in cystic duct. Bouveret’s Syndrome, characterized by GOO results from the impaction of a large gallstone in the duodenum or pyloric channel, typically secondary to a cholecystoenteric fistula (2),is a recognized rare entity. However, our case stands apart as it elucidates an infrequently reported cause of GOO- hydrops of gall bladder inducing extrinsic compression of the duodenum / pylorus and this case also emphasizes the distinction from Bouveret’s syndrome. This case underscores the importance of considering unusual etiologies in the diagnosis of GOO and emphasizes the need for timely recognition and intervention in such rare instances to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive review of existing literature, highlighting the scarcity of reported cases with such relevant presentations.

EP289 - Laparoscopic Management of Cholecystocoloic Fistula as a Day Surgery Case – A Case Report

Abstract Introduction Cholecystocoloic fistula (CF) is a rare sequelae of biliary stone disease with a 2% prevalence, previously it was considered a contraindication for laparoscopic management. Preoperative diagnosis can be very challenging, the pathognomonic triad of Pneumobilia, chronic diarrhoea, and vitamin K malabsorption should raise a high index of suspicion but is not always present, furthermore, preoperative imaging (EUS, ERCP, and Barium enema) help in the diagnosis, however, those are not routine practice in investigating typical biliary colic presentation. Case presentation We report a Cholecystocoloic fistula diagnosed intraoperatively and successfully managed with a laparoscopic approach. A 63-year-old male with a background of hemiplegia and aphasia followed a surgical treatment for intracranial haemorrhage 12 years ago. He presented with recurrent attacks of acute calculus cholecystitis investigated by US and CT scans, and both have failed to detect CF. During his previous admission, he was managed conservatively and added to the elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy list. His surgery was challenging, Intraoperative findings revealed a gallbladder adherent to the surrounding omentum and transverse colon, with a fistulous communication of the gallbladder fundus to the transverse colon, the fistula was divided, and the colonic opening was sutured. The surgery was uneventful and he was discharged home after 18 hours with no postoperative complications. Conclusion A high index of suspicion should be raised for Cholecystocoloic fistula diagnosis intraoperatively, especially with a history of long-term recurrent cholecystitis even in the absence of usual presentation and imaging. Moreover, a laparoscopic approach is possible and successful in experienced hands.

Single-stage laparoscopic treatment of a cholecystoduodenal fistula with perforated small bowel ileus and fibrinous purulent peritonitis. A single case study

Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of recurrent cholecystitis and one of the rarest causes of mechanical bowel obstruction, with an increasing incidence in the elderly. We present a case of multiple small bowel perforations of the jejunum due to gallstone obstruction and the incidental finding of high‑grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasia of the appendix. To our knowledge, this is the first such case to be described and completely resolved by a laparoscopic approach.
 An 83‑year‑old woman presented to our emergency department with severe vomiting, constipation, and deterioration of her general condition. A computed tomography scan revealed thickening of the gallbladder with a continuous aerobe to the duodenum, a mechanical obstruction of the small intestine at the transition to the ileum, and a thickened and calcified appendix. Due to a high suspicion of gallbladder perforation with the formation of a bilio‑duodenal fistula, the patient underwent an emergency exploratory laparoscopy, which revealed a small bowel perforation in three segments with marked local fibrinous, purulent, and stercoral peritonitis of the left hemiabdomen. The gallstone was retrieved through the perforated small bowel, and a partial small bowel resection and a cecal wedge resection were performed laparoscopically. Small bowel continuity was restored with an anisoperistaltic side‑to‑side jejuno‑jejunostomy. The patient was discharged on postoperative day eight.
 Despite advances in imaging, gallstone ileus remains a diagnostic challenge. Because the disease occurs predominantly in elderly patients, gallstone ileus remains associated with high morbidity and mortality. It remains unclear from the literature whether the optimal surgical management of bilioenteric fistula is best resolved by a single‑stage or a two‑stage approach.

Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting for acute cholecystitis

Background Cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for acute cholecystitis. However, the mortality rate of emergency cholecystectomy in high-risk patients with severe comorbidities remains unsatisfactory. Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (ETGBS) has emerged as a useful interventional endoscopic technique for the management of acute cholecystitis. Aim The purpose of this research was to assess the safety and effectiveness of ETGBS in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in elderly individuals who were not good candidates for surgery. Patients and methods We studied 35 elderly patients, 60 years of age or older, receiving treatment at Aswan University Hospital’s surgery department for acute cholecystitis. Every patient had ETGBS, involving the insertion of a 7-Fr stent into the gallbladder. If ETGBS was unsuccessful, percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder draining was carried out. The effectiveness of ETGBS was the primary outcome measure in this investigation. Results ETGBS was successful in 30 (85%) individuals with acute cholecystitis. 8.57% (3/35) of the cases had early adverse events (AEs). Three patients had endoscopic sphincterotomy hemorrhage, one had minor pancreatitis, and one patient experienced obstructive jaundice as early AEs. There were 8.57% (3/35) late AEs. Late AEs included cholangitis in one patient and cholecystitis recurrence in two others. Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage was used for the five individuals in whom ETGBS failed. Conclusion ETGBS appears to be a successful treatment for elderly patients with acute cholecystitis who are unsuitable for surgery.

A prospective observational study of predictive factors for conversion of laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy

Background: Cholelithiasis affects about 10 to 15% of general population. LC became the procedure of choice for management of symptomatic gallstone disease for its minimally invasive nature, minimal pain and earlier recovery. Methods: This study was carried out on 300 consecutive patients who underwent LC for gall stone disease (patients falling under inclusion criteria) in the Department of General Surgery, The Calcutta Medical Research Institute, Kolkata. Results: In this study 9% patient were converted to open cholecystectomy while 91% of the patient underwent successfully LC. Increased wall thickness of gall bladder (p=0.01), pericholecystic fluid collection (p=0.04), stone impaction at gall bladder neck (p=0.001), pain abdomen (acute cholecystitis, recurrent acute cholecystitis) (p=0.03), previous abdominal surgery (p=0.001), pre-operative jaundice (p=0.005) were found significant in this study for conversion to open surgery. Increased TLC, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase (p<0.05) were also risk factors for conversion to open surgery. Conclusions: We conclude that LC is the gold standard treatment for gall stone disease. Identification and safeguarding the bile ducts and arteries is of utmost importance while performing LC.

Endoscopic Gallbladder Stenting to Prevent Recurrent Cholecystitis in Deferred Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Trial

Background and aimsEndoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (ETGS) has been proposed as one of the adjunctive treatments, apart from antibiotics, before surgery in patients with acute cholecystitis whose cholecystectomy could not be performed or deferred. Currently, there are no comparative data on the outcomes of ETGS in those who receive and do not receive ETGS. We aimed to compare the rates of recurrent cholecystitis at 3 and 6 months in these two groups. MethodsBetween 2020-2023, eligible acute-calculous-cholecystitis patients with a high probability of common bile duct (CBD) stone, who were surgical candidates but could not have an early cholecystectomy during COVID-19 surgical lockdown, were randomized into groups A (received ETGS) and B (did not receive ETGS). A definitive cholecystectomy was performed at 3 months or later in both groups. ResultsA total of 120 eligible patients were randomized into group A (n=60) and group B (n=60). In group A, technical and clinical success rates were 90% (54/60) and 100% (54/54), respectively. Based on intention-to-treat analysis, group A had a significantly lower rate of recurrence than group B at 3 months [0% (0/60) vs. 18.3% (11/60); p=0.001]. At 3-6 months, group A showed a non-significantly lower rate of recurrent cholecystitis compared to group B [0% (0/32) vs. 10% (3/30); p=0.11]. ConclusionsETGS could prevent recurrent cholecystitis in acute cholecystitis patients with CBD stone whose cholecystectomy was deferred for 3 months. In those who did not receive ETGS, the majority of recurrences occurred within 3 months. (Thaiclinicaltrials.org, number: TCTR20200913001)

Risk factor for the recurrent acute cholecystitis after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) without cholecystectomy

Risk factor for the recurrent acute cholecystitis after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) without cholecystectomy

Large Single-center Experience with Long-term Outcomes of EUS-guided Transmural Gallbladder Drainage.

To describe the long-term outcomes of patients after EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD), including those who underwent standardized stent exchanges for permanent plastic stents. EUS-GBD has become one of the first-line alternatives for gallbladder decompression, with outcomes and safety profiles comparable to that of percutaneous gallbladder drainage. However, the long-term outcomes of EUS-GBD are not well-described. We report our single-center experience of a large cohort who underwent EUS-GBD. Patients who underwent EUS-GBD from August 2014 to December 2022 were included in the study. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and procedure details were recorded. Patients were followed until complete stent removal, end of study period, or death. Short and long-term outcomes include technical and clinical success, stent patency, recurrent cholecystitis, cholecystectomy, and death. During the study period, 128 patients were included. One hundred and one patients had benign indications for EUS-GBD, including cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis. Of those with malignant indications, 23 of 27 had distal malignant biliary obstruction. Technical and clinical successes were 95.3% and 95.1%, respectively. Stents were exchanged for 2 permanent double pigtail plastic stents in 43.0%. The mean stent patency was 421 days (488 d among those still alive) without any recurrent cholecystitis. EUS-GBD demonstrates prolonged stent patency and minimal long-term adverse events, particularly among patients who underwent stent exchanges for permanent plastic stents. EUS-GBD is also promising for patients presenting with choledocholithiasis and biliary colic who are not surgical candidates.

Influence of Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Aspiration and Drainage for Severe Acute Cholecystitis on the Surgical Outcomes of Subsequent Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Post Hoc Analysis of the CSGO-HBP-017 (CSGO-HBP-017C).

Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration (PTGBA) and/or drainage (PTGBD) are useful approaches in the management of acute cholecystitis in patients who cannot tolerate surgery because of poor general condition or severe inflammation. However, reports regarding its effect on the surgical outcomes of subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) are sparse. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the influence of PTGBA on surgical outcomes of subsequent LC by comparing the only-PTGBA group, including patients who did not need the additional-PTGBD, versus the additional-PTGBD group, including those who needed the additional-PTGBD after PTGBA. We conducted a post hoc analysis of our multi-institutional data. This study included 63 patients who underwent LC after PTGBA, and we compared the surgical outcomes between the only-PTGBA group (n = 56) and the additional-PTGBD group (n = 7). No postoperative complications occurred among the 63 patients, and the postoperative hospital stay was 11 ± 12 days. Fourteen patients (22.2%) had a recurrence of cholecystitis, of whom 7 patients (11.1%) needed the additional-PTGBD after PTGBA. Significantly longer operative time (245 ± 74 vs 159 ± 65 min, P = 0.0017) and postoperative hospital stay (22 ± 27 vs 10 ± 9 d, P = 0.0118) and greater intraoperative blood loss (279 ± 385 vs 70 ± 208 mL, P = 0.0283) were observed among patients in the additional-PTGBD group compared with the only-PTGBA group, whereas the rates of postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3: 0% each) and conversion to open surgery (28.6% vs 8.9%, P = 0.1705) were comparable. PTGBA for acute cholecystitis could result in good surgical outcomes of subsequent LC, especially regarding postoperative complications. However, we should keep in mind that the additional-PTGBD after PTGBA failure, which sometimes happened, would be associated with increased operative difficulty and longer recovery.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Pregnancy: A Seven-Year Retrospective Study From an Australian Tertiary Center.

Background Cholecystectomy is the second most common non-obstetric indication for surgery during pregnancy; however, there is little recent literature specifically exploring perioperative care approaches, and a paucity of Australian data exists. This study investigates the incidence of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) during pregnancy, peri-operative management, and post-operative outcomes in a single Australian tertiary center. Methods A retrospective analysis of LCs performed on pregnant patients between the ages of 16 and 50 years at a tertiary hospital between 2016 and 2023 was completed. Results Twenty-three patients underwent LC. The median gestational age was 17+4weeks (4+3-30+6). Cases were performed in all three trimesters, with the majority in the second trimester (n=12, 52.2%). Surgery indications were recurrent biliary colic (n=11, 47.8%), acute cholecystitis (n=8, 34.8%), and gallstone pancreatitis (n=4, 17.4%). Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G) consultations occurred in 56.5% (n=13) of cases. Fetal heart rate (FHR) was recorded perioperatively in 82.6% (n=19) of cases. Preoperative steroids were given to 40% of eligible patients. An intraoperative cholangiogram was performed in 12 (52.2%) cases, of which eight (66.7%) utilized abdominal shielding. There was no perioperative maternal mortality nor fetal loss. Surgical morbidities were pancreatitis (n=1), bile leak (n=1), and intraoperatively recognized bile duct injury (n=1). Two threatened preterm labors and five (26.3%) preterm deliveries occurred. Conclusion Performing LC in pregnancy does carry a risk of major morbidity; however, there was no mortality or fetal loss across all trimesters. The decision to perform abdominal shielding during an intraoperative cholangiogram should be approached sensitively in a case-by-case manner, given recent paradigm shifts in radiology. A multidisciplinary approach with standardized local perioperative care policies regarding procedures such as O&G consultation, perioperative steroid use, and FHR monitoring is strongly recommended.

Endoscopic gallbladder inside-stenting combined with aspirated lavage for calculous cholecystitis in poor surgical candidates: a prospective pilot study

Although long-term stent placement via endoscopic gallbladder stenting (EGBS) reportedly reduces cholecystitis recurrence in patients unfit to undergo cholecystectomy, it can increase the frequency of other late adverse events (AEs) such as cholangitis. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of endoscopic gallbladder inside-stenting (EGB-IS) with lavage and aspiration. This prospective, single-center, pilot study enrolled 83 patients with acute calculous cholecystitis who were poor candidates for surgery. A dedicated catheter with eight side holes was used for lavage and aspiration, and a dedicated single-pigtail stent equipped with a thread was used for EGB-IS. Outcomes such as technical success, clinical success, early AEs, recurrence of cholecystitis, and other symptomatic late AEs associated with EGB-IS with lavage and aspiration were evaluated. The technical and clinical success rates were 80.7% (67/83) and 98.5% (66/67), respectively. The rate of early AEs was 3.6% (3/83). The rate of recurrent cholecystitis was 4.5% (3/66) and that of symptomatic late AEs (besides cholecystitis) was 6.1% (4/66). Consequently, the rate of overall late AEs (cholecystitis plus other events) was 10.6% (7/66). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative incidence rates of all late AEs were 3.2%, 11.2%, and 18.9%, respectively. EGB-IS with lavage and aspiration for calculous cholecystitis showed promising results in poor surgical candidates. EGB-IS may be useful when EGBS with long-term stent placement is planned, since prevention of cholecystitis recurrence, without a rise in the incidence of other AEs, is anticipated.

Long-term results after EUS gallbladder drainage in high-surgical-risk patients with acute cholecystitis: A 3-year follow-up registry.

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) has become the favorite drainage option for high surgical-risk patients with acute cholecystitis. However, data on long-term outcomes regarding efficacy and security over 1 year are scarce. Patients and methods We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database to analyze the 3-year long-term outcomes of EUS-GBD with lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) in high-surgical-risk patients with acute cholecystitis. Results Fifty patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent EUS-GBD with LAMS and 3-year follow-up or until death were included in this study. No endoscopic revisions were scheduled unless an adverse event (AE) or suspected LAMS dysfunction occurred. AEs occurred in 18%, 20%, and 26% of patients in the first, second, and third years, respectively. Thirteen patients developed at least one AE, and six presented with a second AE during follow-up. Recurrence of cholecystitis occurred in two patients (4%). Seven stent migrations (14%) occurred but all were asymptomatic. Symptomatic LAMS-related AEs (LAMS-RAEs) (37.5%) were related to gastric location of the stent compared with duodenal location (66.7% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.03). No stent-related bleeding or stent-related mortality was observed. Conclusions EUS-GBD with LAMS without scheduled removal is an effective and safe long-term treatment in high-surgical-risk patients with acute cholecystitis. Late LAMS-RAEs tend to be more asymptomatic over time. Symptomatic LAMS-RAEs are associated with gastric location, and overall, AEs tend to recur.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Naso-gallbladder Drainage Using a Dedicated Catheter for Acute Cholecystitis After Transpapillary Metal Stent Placement for Malignant Biliary Obstruction.

Acute cholecystitis is a significant adverse event after self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement for malignant biliary obstruction (MBO); however, no appropriate treatment strategy has been established for its management. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and utility of endoscopic ultrasound-guided naso-gallbladder drainage (EUS-NGBD) for the management of acute cholecystitis occurring after SEMS placement. This retrospective study investigated consecutive patients with acute cholecystitis after SEMS placement for unresectable MBO, in whom EUS-NGBD was attempted. The study outcomes included technical success, clinical success, procedure time, adverse event, and cholecystitis recurrence, associated with the procedure. During the study period, EUS-NGBD was performed for SEMS-related acute cholecystitis in 30 patients with MBO. The technical and clinical success rates were 96.7% (29/30) and 96.6% (28/29), respectively. The median procedure time was 15min, and rate of procedure-related adverse event was 3.3% (1/30). The median duration from the procedure to tube removal was 9days. No adverse events were observed after removal. The median hospitalization duration after the procedure was 14days, and the median duration to the (re-)start of chemotherapy from cholecystitis onset was 13days. The median overall survival after EUS-NGBD was 123days, and the rate of cholecystitis recurrence until death was 4.2% (1/28). This study demonstrated that EUS-NGBD possesses good technical and clinical feasibility with an acceptable adverse event rates and short hospitalization and chemotherapy withdrawal period. Therefore, EUS-NGBD may be a good option for the treatment of SEMS-related cholecystitis in patients with MBO.

Treatment of Bouveret syndrome with stone fragmentation using an endoscopic submucosal dissection knife

Video 1Treatment of Bouveret syndrome with stone fragmentation using an endoscopic submucosal dissection knife. A 61-year-old man with a 3-decade history of recurrent cholecystitis presented to the community emergency department with severe right upper quadrant pain. A CT scan was performed and revealed gangrenous cholecystitis with likely cholecystoduodenal fistulous communication.After discussion with the patient and the HPB team, the plan was made to attempt endoscopic extraction of the obstructing stone. This would be performed in the operating room, such that if endoscopic extraction was not possible, surgical management would proceed.During the endoscopy, 1 L of liquid material was suctioned and the retained solids were cleared as best as possible. The large obstructing stone was then seen in the duodenal cap. In the cap, we could appreciate the obstructing stone and the fistulous tract.We then passed a guidewire distal to the stone and advanced a 15- to 20-mm extraction balloon over the guidewire. The balloon was passed distal to the stone and inflated to 20mm. We then applied firm, steady traction in an attempt to extract the stone.With the double-channel gastroscope, we passed a second wire and extraction balloon distal to the stone to increase the amount of traction that could be applied. Both balloons were inflated distal to the stone, and steady, firm traction was again applied. Unfortunately, this was not successful either.We then decided to use a regular ERCP needle knife to incise the stone. Because the knife was delicate, it was easily deformable, so we decided to switch to a triangle-tip knife.Using the "PreciseSECT" mode on the electrosurgical unit, the stone was repeatedly incised. Particular care was taken to avoid flinging the knife and damaging the duodenal wall.Saline was used as the irrigation solution to ensure electrosurgical conductivity when the current was applied.At this point, we could appreciate fragmentation of the stones after repeated incision.After about 3 hours of stone incision and fragmentation, the guidewire was passed beyond the stone; the extraction balloon was advanced over the wire; and the balloon was again inflated with steady traction applied. This time, the stone was successfully extracted from the stomach.The duodenum was then examined. There were no remaining large pieces of stone or any significant mucosal damage or perforation.Using a mechanical lithotripter, the remaining larger fragments of stone were fragmented and extracted. However, because the stone had a large diameter, lithotripsy at the center was not initially possible, and the smaller lateral aspects had to be performed until the stone was completely fragmented.This case demonstrates the incision and fragmentation of a massive gallstone with the use of an endoscopic submucosal dissection knife and electrosurgical unit.With cautious application of this technique, successful endoscopic management of a large gallstone causing Bouveret syndrome was achieved. This technique avoided open surgical management and allowed for elective cholecystectomy at a later date with less morbidity.

Laparoscopic evaluation of nonspecific vague abdominal pain

Objective: To find out if laparoscopy has any diagnostic utility for individuals with non-specific, vague abdominal discomfort. Methodology: Laparoscopies for diagnosis were performed on patients who complained of vague, nonspecific stomach discomfort. SPSS version was used to gather and evaluate the data. Three months of patient follow-up occurred in the OPD. Results: There were 50 patients listed for the study where men outnumber women by a factor of 2. Individuals were between the ages of 20 and 60, having an average age of 36.0. Umbilical pain affected more than 50% of patients, followed by lower-body discomfort in the right (25%) and left (10%) quadrants. While some individuals had abdominal TB, 30% of the patients had appendicular pathology. About 13% of individuals experienced chronic and recurrent cholecystitis, and 11% had postoperative adhesions and bands. Wound infections made up 8% of the postoperative complications of the operation, whereas RTI made up 5%, 5 % of patients were diagnosed to have torsion of ovarian cyst, and 5 patients were diagnosed to have pelvic inflammatory disease. In 95% of the instances, a firm diagnosis was made.

Recurrent cholecystitis with complete internal migration of a pigtail stent treated with EUS-guided gallbladder drainage.

Video 1Complete internal migration of a cholecystoduodenal pigtail stent leading to recurrent cholecystitis, which was then rescued with new EUS-guided gallbladder drainage.