Symptomatic Cholelithiasis Research Articles

CONVERSION OF LAPAROSCOPIC TO OPEN CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Background: Globally, gallstone disease (GS) is a significant health issue, especially for adults although cholecystitis is common, there is an evidence of variance in its diagnosis and course of therapy, including surgery. In place of open cholecystectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now the preferred course of treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. In situations where laparoscopic cholecystectomy is dangerous; a surgeon may be forced to change from laparoscopy to an open procedure. The aim of the study was to clarify the benefits and role of minimally invasive surgery in comparison to the open conventional method of cholecystectomy, with a focus on the postoperative phase and to compare the ratio of Laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy between male and female genders. Methods: 185 Patients of cholecystitis aged between 10 years to 80 years (86.5% males and 13.5% females) were presented to Zawia Medical Center during the period from March 2005 till April 2006 that randomly get an open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy. They were divided into open and laparoscopic Cholecystectomy group. Results: In this study, a total of 185 patients were included: 160 females (86.5% of the total) and 25 males (13.5% of the total). Whereas, 86 females (53.7%) were operated on by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and 74 females (46%) were operated on by open cholecystectomy. In comparison, of a total of 25 males, 12 (48%) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 13 (52%) underwent open cholecystectomy. The conversion rate was eight cases (8.2%) due to technical, bleeding, or massive adhesion. Conclusion: From this study, we concluded that the laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus open cholecystectomy ratio (female: male ratio) was 86.5% to 13.5% of the total 185 patients, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy appears to be a safe procedure with quick recovery, early discharge from the hospital, and less postoperative pain as compared to open cholecystectomy.

Optimizing pediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomy: trocar reduction with percutaneous gallblader traction.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is typically carried out using four ports. The objective of this study was to describe the percutaneous gallbladder traction technique, which allows the number of ports to be reduced, thus optimizing the procedure, with a similar exposure of the surgical site. 2 pediatric patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis underwent laparoscopic surgery from January 2021 to January 2024. Cholecystectomy was performed using an umbilical port (5 mm, 30-degree scope) and two accessory ports. A laparoscopic loop with a running knot was used to conduct percutaneous gallbladder traction at the right intercostal level. All surgeries were successfully completed. Mean operating time was 90minutes. Hospital stay was 1-2 days. Postoperative progression was favorable in all patients. These results confirm that cholecystectomy with percutaneous gallbladder traction is safe, cost-effective, and easily reproducible, which means it can be an alternative to the classic technique.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid Prophylaxis and the Reduction of Gallstone Formation After Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Gallstone formation following bariatric surgery poses a significant clinical concern, prompting various preventive strategies, including ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prophylaxis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of UDCA in preventing gallstone formation after bariatric surgery. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in major databases up to September 2023, identifying 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria. The studies, spanning from 1993 to 2022, involved 2,767 patients who underwent diverse bariatric procedures. The primary outcome was the overall incidence of cholelithiasis, with secondary outcomes encompassing gallstone occurrences at three, six, and 12 months; symptomatic cholelithiasis; and rates of cholecystectomy. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was utilized for evaluating study quality, and statistical analyses were conducted using the RevMan software (Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). Patients receiving UDCA demonstrated a significantly lower overall incidence of gallstones post-bariatric surgery (risk ratio [RR] 0.13; P < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses confirmed reduced gallstone incidence at three months (P = 0.04), six months (P < 0.00001), and one year (P < 0.00001) with UDCA prophylaxis. Symptomatic cholelithiasis incidence was also lower in the UDCA group (RR 5.70; P < 0.00001), and cholecystectomy rates were significantly reduced (RR 3.05; P = 0.002). This meta-analysis supports the efficacy of UDCA prophylaxis in preventing gallstone formation after bariatric surgery. The findings suggest that UDCA administration not only lowers overall gallstone incidence but also reduces the occurrence of symptomatic cholelithiasis and mitigates the need for cholecystectomy. However, caution is warranted due to heterogeneity, diverse surgical procedures, and limited long-term follow-up in the included studies. Further research with standardized protocols and extended observational periods is recommended to strengthen the evidence base and guide clinical practice.

Functional gallbladder disorder: Interim analysis of a prospective cohort study

BackgroundFunctional gallbladder disorder (FGBD) remains a controversial indication for cholecystectomy. MethodsA prospective cohort study enrolled patients strictly meeting Rome criteria for FGBD, and cholecystectomy was performed. They were assessed pre- and 3 and 6 months postoperatively with surveys of abdominal pain and quality of life (RAPID and SF-12 surveys, respectively). Interim analysis was performed. ResultsAlthough neither ejection fraction nor pain reproduction predicted success after cholecystectomy, the vast majority of enrolled patients had a successful outcome after undergoing cholecystectomy for FGBD: of a planned 100 patients, 46 were enrolled. Of 31 evaluable patients, 26 (83.9 ​%) reported RAPID improvement and 28 (93.3 ​%) SF12 improvement at 3- or 6-month follow-up. ConclusionFGBD, strictly diagnosed, should perhaps no longer be a controversial indication for cholecystectomy, since its success rate for biliary pain in this study was similar to that for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Larger-scale studies or randomized trials may confirm these findings.

Choledocholithiasis: A Review of Management and Outcomes in a Regional Setting.

Background Choledocholithiasis is a common surgical presentation with an incidence of 8% to 16% in symptomatic cholelithiasis. Treatment often requires a multi-stage approach via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), which can prolong the length of stay (LoS) and expose patients to unnecessary risks. A single-stage procedure, such as LC with common bile duct exploration (CBDE), is a safe and effective option that may decrease LoS. This study compares patient outcomes and management in a regional center and aims to identify factors that predict the presence of confirmed choledocholithiasis. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed on all patients admitted to Toowoomba Hospital for management of diagnosed or suspected choledocholithiasis from January 2021 to March 2023. Patient demographics, ERCP findings, and operative data were collated. Results A total of 195 patients were identified, including 136 patients undergoing multi-stage management, 34 patients who had an ERCP alone, and 25 patients who underwent single-stage management. Single-stage procedures had an 80% success rate with an average LoS of 3.6 days. Multi-stage procedures had an average LoS of 8.1 days and an ERCP success rate of 93%. Complication rates between ERCP (11.7%) and LC with CBDE (9.7%) were comparable. Time to index ERCP and serum bilirubin level were found to be significantly lower in those with positive index ERCP findings compared to those without. Conclusion Single-stage procedures are a safe way to manage choledocholithiasis and are associated with a reduced LoS when compared to multi-stage management, with comparable efficacy and morbidity rates.

Increases in pediatric cholecystectomy during the COVID-19 pandemic: An interrupted time series analysis

BackgroundHistorically, cholecystectomy is infrequently performed in children. Lifestyle changes, delays in healthcare access, and increases in childhood obesity occurred during the COVID-2019 pandemic. It is unclear whether these changes impacted pediatric gallbladder disease and the need for cholecystectomy. MethodsA retrospective study of children ≤18 years old undergoing cholecystectomy from January 1, 2016, to July 31, 2022, at a tertiary children’s hospital was conducted. On March 19, 2020, a statewide mandatory coronavirus disease 2019 stay-at-home policy began. Differences in children undergoing cholecystectomy before and during the pandemic were identified using bivariate comparisons. An interrupted time series analysis identified differences in case volume trends. ResultsOverall, 633 children were identified—293 pre-pandemic and 340 pandemic. A majority were female sex (76.3%) and Hispanic (67.5%), with a median age of 15 years (interquartile range: 13.0–16.0). Children who underwent cholecystectomy during the pandemic had significantly higher body mass index (28.4 versus 25.8, P = .002), and obesity (body mass index >30) was more common (45.3% versus 31.7%, P = .001). During the pandemic, significant increases in complicated biliary disease occurred—symptomatic cholelithiasis decreased (41.5% versus 61.8%, P < .001) and choledocholithiasis (17.9% versus 11.6%, P = .026), gallstone pancreatitis (17.4% versus 10.6%, P = .015), and chronic cholecystitis (4.7% versus 1.0%, P = .007) increased. The number of cholecystectomies performed per month increased during the pandemic, and on interrupted time series analysis, there was a significant increase in month-to-month case count during the pandemic (P = .003). ConclusionCholecystectomy case volume significantly increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, possibly secondary to increases in childhood obesity. Future studies are needed to determine whether this increased frequency of pediatric cholecystectomy is representative of broader shifts in pediatric health and healthcare use after coronavirus disease 2019.

HPB P55 An audit of the quality standards for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Compliance with the AUGIS standards (AUGIS: Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland)

Abstract Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is a minimally invasive operation, is one of the most common surgical procedures in the UK and worldwide. Indications for LC include acute or chronic cholecystitis, symptomatic cholelithiasis, biliary dyskinesia, acalculous cholecystitis, gallstone pancreatitis, and gallbladder masses or polyps. The purpose of this audit was to assess and compare the outcomes after LC with the standards published by the association of upper GI surgeons (AUGIS) and to formulate measures to improve services at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. Methods A data of 56 patients who underwent cholecystectomy was analysed retrospectively by two different auditors. All patients who underwent both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomies were included in this study. Results Our results showed that the majority of the patients (40/56) were females. Only 3 patients had open cholecystectomy while the rest of the 53 patients had LC. 67% (38/56) were done as a day case and discharged home the same day after surgery. None of the patients had an emergency and thus timely management of the disease in terms of surgery within the first 7 days of presentation. 7/56 patients were readmitted with different complications. No bile duct injuries were recorded. Conclusions Our hospital was found out to be compliant with only ⅙ criteria assessed. This study concludes that there is a need to improve outcomes in all domains especially the easily reversible factors such as day case rates and readmission due to complications.

HPB P33 Evaluating the Disease Burden of Gram-negative Bacteraemia Secondary to Cholelithiasis in a Multi-site District General Hospital

Abstract Background The incidence of symptomatic cholelithiasis continues to rise. We are now observing an increasing number of cases within an elderly, frail, co-morbid patient population. Gram-negative bacteraemia (GNB) secondary to cholelithiasis in this high-risk patient cohort carries a significant morbidity and mortality rate. Reducing GNB rates has been identified as a national target by Public Health England. Our aim is to evaluate the burden of GNB due to cholelithiasis and the management received in a district general hospital in order to inform approaches to reducing the burden of GNB. Methods A cross-site audit was conducted across two ‘hot’ district general hospitals serving approximately 1 million people within the same NHS foundation trust. Patients with positive blood cultures for GNB secondary to cholelithiasis were identified. Data was collected regarding patient demographics, survival outcomes, whether definitive treatment for cholelithiasis was performed on the index admission and re-admission rates. Results A total of 176 GNB patients from a microbiology database were analysed of which 69 (39%) were identified to have gallstone disease on index admission. Median age of the cohort was 81 years old. Only 10 patients (14%) received a cholecystectomy. Previous gallstone-related admission was found in 23 patients, therefore 23/176 (13%) of GNBs were potentially preventable. Assessment of fitness found 11/176 (6%) were preventable as they were fit for surgery at index non-GNB biliary admission, 4 patients were on a waiting list. Overall, 25 patients were unfit for surgery of which 12 received a drain and 6 were readmitted. Conclusions This audit demonstrated a significant proportion of GNB is caused by gallstone disease however a minority of patients are receiving surgery during admission, relinquishing the opportunity to prevent readmission in surgically fit patients. With long waiting times for elective procedures, combatting the burden of GNB requires a shift towards the use of acute cholecystectomy lists. With an increasingly frail population optimal non-operative management is essential to reducing GNB burden, almost half of these patients received a drain which evidence suggests does not reduce recurrence. Greater use of cystic duct stents advised by NICE in this cohort may reduce GNB admissions.

Tackling a Post-COVID-19 Cholecystectomy Waiting List: Are We Meeting the Challenge?

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a tremendous backlog in elective surgical activity. Our hospital trust adopted an innovative approach to dealing with elective waiting times for cholecystectomy during the recovery phase from COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate trends in overall cholecystectomy activity and the effect on waiting times. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was undertaken, investigating patients who received a cholecystectomy at a large United Kingdom hospital trust between February 2021 and February 2022. There were multiple phased strategies to tackle a 533-patient waiting list: private sector, multiple sites including emergency operating, mobile theatre, and seven-day working. The correlation of determination (R2) and Kruskal-Wallis analysis were used to evaluate trends in waiting times across the study period. Results: A total of 657 patients underwent a cholecystectomy. The median age was 49 years, 602 (91.6%) patients had an ASA of 1-2, and 494 (75.2%) were female. A total of 30 (4.6%) patients were listed due to gallstone pancreatitis, 380 (57.8%) for symptomatic cholelithiasis, and 228 (34.7%) for calculous cholecystitis. Median waiting times were reduced from 428 days (IQR 373-508) to 49 days (IQR 34-96), R2 = 0.654, p < 0.001. For pancreatitis specifically, waiting times had decreased from a median of 218 days (IQR 139-239) to 28 (IQR 24-40), R2 = 0.613, p < 0.001. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the methodology utilised to safely and effectively tackle the cholecystectomy waiting list locally. The approach utilised here has potential to be adapted to other units or similar operation types in order to reduce elective waiting times.

Development of functional gastrointestinal disorder symptoms following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective cohort study.

The casual relationship between the role of cholecystectomy and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a controversial clinical challenge. This study aimed to investigate: (1) the overlap of FGIDs before cholecystectomy and its long-term outcome after surgery in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis, and (2) the incidence of new-onset FGIDs after cholecystectomy. Patients with symptomatic gallstone disease who underwent elective, laparoscopic cholecystectomy were prospectively enrolled. Healthy populations who underwent medical check-ups were selected as age- and sex-matched controls. Questionnaires regarding sociodemographic characteristics, gastrointestinal symptoms and a somatization symptom checklist (SSC) were completed at baseline and 12 months thereafter. The prevalence of all FGID symptoms before cholecystectomy were significantly higher in the group of patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis compared to the control group. In cholecystectomy group, the preoperative FGID symptoms improved after surgery, except for chronic diarrhea. Compared to the controls, the new-onset FGIDs, including functional dyspepsia (14.8% vs. 6.9%; p = 0.040), functional diarrhea (6.6% vs. 0.2%; p < 0.001), and chronic abdominal pain (11.9% vs. 4.4%; p = 0.024), were more common at 1 year after cholecystectomy. Somatization was independent predictors of new-onset dyspepsia and abdominal pain, while newly occurring diarrhea was not realted to somatization. Overlap of FGIDs was common in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis before surgery and at follow-up 1 year after cholecystectomy. Furthermore, new-onset FGIDs could be occurred after cholecystectomy. Therefore, a delicate diagnostic approaches and appropriate treatments about co-existent FGIDs should be given in patients with cholelithiasis before and after cholecystectomy.

Referral practices are associated with a delay in treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis and cholecystitis

BackgroundThe project was performed to determine if referrals to non-surgical providers after an initial presentation of symptomatic cholelithiasis are associated with a delay in surgical management. MethodsA single institution chart review of all adult patients who underwent a cholecystectomy from 2015 to 2019 was completed. Quantitative data was analyzed using independent t-tests. ResultsOf 574 reviewed, 482 patients met criteria. Following initial presentation, 295 (61.2%) received a referral to surgery and 187 (38.8%) received follow up with a non-surgical provider. Those in the latter group had a significantly longer time from initial symptom presentation to surgical evaluation (65.7 days vs. 10.3 days, p ​< ​0.001) and cholecystectomy (102.0 days vs 39.1 days, p ​< ​0.001) when compared to the surgery referral group. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that cholecystectomy was significantly delayed for patients who had been referred to non-surgical providers after initial presentation, prolonging symptoms and increasing use of healthcare resources.

D-line Approach for Safe Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Initial Experience.

Introduction The critical view of safety is an important concept for safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, no standard step-by-step approach for achieving the critical view of safety has been established until now. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate a new approach for achieving the critical view of safety using the diagonal line of liver segment IV as an anatomical landmark. Patients and methods In this prospective non-randomized study, patients (n= 112) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis were included. The first 47 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the diagonal line approach (DLC group) whereas, the next 65 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy using the conventional method (CLC group). Results No significant difference between both groups regarding the preoperative characteristics, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy was performed more in the DLC group (6% vs 0%, p= 0.07). Whereas, in the CLC group, there was a tendency towards conversion to open cholecystectomy in difficult cases (6% vs 2%, p= 0.40). No intra- or postoperative complications occurred in either group. Conclusion The diagonal line approach is a feasible and useful step-by-step technique to achieve the critical view of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and enables surgeons to perform safe laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy in difficult cases.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy using totally homemade glove port versus conventional laparoscopic approach: A cross-sectional study in a developing country

PurposeSeveral home made glove ports for single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has been proposed but no comparison in surgical outcomes with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) was made. Therefore, we aimed to compare the outcomes of SILC using a totally homemade glove port versus CLC. MethodsThis cross-sectional study compared the surgical outcomes between 90 patients, who underwent SILC and 123 patients who underwent CLC. Patients with acute cholecystitis grade 3 according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2018, body mass index ≥30, and previous abdominal surgeries were excluded. Totally homemade glove port was made of a small and a big rubber ring and a surgical glove to creat the wound retractor. Trocars were inserted into the glove's fingers. ResultsThe proportion of patients with acute cholecystitis was lower in the SILC group (7.78%) than in CLC (21.79%). Intraoperative complication rate, the prevalence of additional trocar or conversion to open surgery, success rate, and postoperative complication rate were similar between the two groups. However, SILC showed a significantly longer operative time (62.9 ± 25.1 verus 50.4 ± 20.7 min) and lower postoperative pain than CLC. The discrepancy in operative time was more likely to be remarkable in acute cholecystitis (50.43 min) compared with symptomatic cholelithiasis (14.28 min). ConclusionsThe SILC using a totally homemade glove port is feasible and safe compared with the CLC. However, in the case of acute cholecystitis, SILC should be indicated with caution because of the longer operative time than CLC.

Achieving Critical View of Safety via a New Technique: The Triple One (111) Technique.

Misidentification of anatomical structures is one of the most common causes of bile duct injury following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Achieving Critical View of Safety (CVS) is a standard step in conducting safe cholecystectomy all over the world. In our institute, we achieve CVS via a unique technique called Triple One or 111 and find it very helpful and easy to achieve CVS. Moreover, the rate of conversion has also decreased while achieving CVS via this technique. The unique aspect of the Triple One technique is that by following this method, even new laparoscopic surgeons can achieve CVS very easily in difficult cases and, hence, it decreases the chances of vasculobiliary injury (VBI). This study aimed to determine how effective the Triple One technique is in achieving CVS as well as in lessening the chances of VBI. A total of 545 patients were admitted through the outpatient department, ranging in age from 30 to 70 years, with a mean of 50 years. The study comprised patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I & II, acute and chronic cholecystitis, and symptomatic cholelithiasis. The study excluded patients with co-morbidities, prior abdominal procedures, and suspected complications. On the second postoperative day, all patients received their discharge papers and on the seventh postoperative day, follow-up was completed. Successful gallbladder extraction using the Triple One technique was achieved in 540 (99%) cases. The other five (1%) cases converted to open cholecystectomy because of the difficult gallbladder anatomy and extensive scarring. No VBI or bile duct injury was noted. No mortality was recorded during the study period. By incorporating CVS using the Triple One technique into our policies and curriculum, we may encourage safe cholecystectomy practices and prevent bile duct injuries.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis: Review of the Surgical Technique

Objective: To present a patient with situs inversus totals and symptomatic cholelithiasis treated by laparoscopy, highlighting the usefulness of minimally invasive surgery in patients with anatomical variants. Background: Situs Inversus Totalism is a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by the transposition of the thoracoabdominal organs in a sagittal direction, providing a so-called “mirror” image. Methods: Report of a 40-year- old female patient with symptomatic cholelithiasis of 3 months evolution, in whom situs inversus totals was identified, after imaging tests performed. The intervention proceeded without complications and the patient was discharged after 24 hours. Conclusions: Gallbladder lithiasis in situs inversus totals is a rare clinical condition that can be treated safely and effectively by laparoscopy. We believe that an exhaustive preoperative study is convenient to detect possible added anatomical variants in these patients, since their knowledge can help us to design the operation.

A comparative study of umbilical port versus epigastric port for gall bladder extraction in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Postoperative pain is important factor that decide requirement of injectable analgesics and post-operative hospital stay. Gall bladder (GB) can be extracted from umbilical or epigastric port. Excessive manipulation during GB extraction can cause postoperative pain. Methods: Study was carried out in 60 patients between January 2022 to December 2022, including patients who have symptomatic gall bladder stone and required laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients with perforated GB and required emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy and patient having GB carcinoma and required elective laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy and patients requiring laparoscopy converted to open cholecystectomy were not included in the study. In this study, patients were randomly allocated in two groups: group A (n=30) includes laparoscopic cholecystectomy with GB retrieval from epigastric port and group B (n=30) includes laparoscopic cholecystectomy with GB retrieval from umbilical port. Author have compared two groups in terms of intraoperative time, postoperative pain, wound infection and port site hernia development. Results: This study shows that there is no significant difference in intraoperative time, wound infection and port site hernia development between two groups but there is significant less postoperative pain in group B patients with GB retrieval from umbilical port. Conclusions: In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there is no significant difference in GB retrieval from umbilical port and epigastric port in terms of intraoperative time, wound infection and port site hernia development. But GB retrieval from umbilical port reduce post-operative pain in comparison to epigastric port GB retrieval.

Transgastric versus transrectal: Which access route is the best for NOTES gallbladder-preserving gallstone therapy?

To compare the effectiveness and safety of transgastric and transrectal pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) for cholecystolithotomy. This was a single-center retrospective comparative study of consecutive patients who underwent pure NOTES for eithertransrectal or transgastric gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy between September 2017 and April 2020. Patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis were assigned for transrectal or transgastric NOTES based on the patients' choice. Treatment success, postoperative pain, peritonitis, time to resume normal diet, and duration of hospitalization were compared. The technical success rate was 100%. Forty-eight patients underwent successful NOTES cholecystolithotomy via the transrectal (n = 26) or transgastric route (n = 22). One (3.8%) patient in the transrectal NOTES group experienced postoperative abdominal pain compared to 6 (27.3%) in the transgastric NOTES group (P = 0.04). Fever and bile peritonitis developed in one (3.8%) patient in the transrectal NOTES group versus 8 (36.4%) in the transgastric NOTES group (P = 0.005). A postoperative fluid diet was commenced at 6 h with the transrectal approach versus on day 3 for the transgastric NOTES group. The mean postoperative hospitalization for transrectal and transgastric NOTES groups was 4.5 days versus 7 days (P = 0.001). Three patients in the transgastric NOTES group developed postoperative gastric fistula. Transrectal NOTES has advantages over transgastric NOTES, including preserved spatial orientation, relatively easier removal of specimens, early food intake, shorter hospitalization, fewer postoperative complications and less pain. Multicenter clinical trials with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of both approaches.

Comparison between single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy using conventional laparoscopic instruments vs. four port laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients of symptomatic cholelithiasis: a prospective randomised study

Background: The desire to reduce invasiveness, pain, discomfort and improve cosmesis and early return of patient to normal activities is the basis for single incision laparoscopic surgery. The primary aim was to compare post-operative pain and the secondary aim to compare duration of surgery, intraoperative bile spill or stone spill, duration of hospital stay, any postoperative complications and cosmetic outcome between SILC and the gold standard for symptomatic gall stone disease, FPLC (Four port laparoscopic cholecystectomy). Methods: A total of 150 patients were randomized into two groups, A (SILC) and B (FPLC). Post-operative pain and other intra-operative and post -operative parameters were compared. Results: The age ranged between 20 years to 76 years most of them being females with body mass index ranging between 19 and 35 kg/m2. Comparison of pain score was done using MEWS scale; which was found to be statistically significantly SILC at 6 hours, mean difference (MD)-0.833 while at 24 hours the difference was not significant (MD- 0.234). Duration of surgery was significantly more (MD-12.17 minutes) in SILC. No addition of port or conversion to open cholecystectomy was required. There were no significant difference between post-operative complications between the two groups. Cosmesis was significantly better in terms of look of the scar (MD-0.867) and recommending it to their relatives (MD-0.700) in SILC group. Conclusions: SILC is a safe and easily learnable procedure which can be safely be done using conventional laparoscopic instruments in low risk patients. Duration of surgery even after expertise is gained remains to be more than FPLC.

Evaluation of role of peri portal infiltration of ropivacaine in post laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain management: a randomized controlled double-blind study

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered as the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis. The present study was conducted to assess the role of peri-portal infiltration of ropivacaine in post laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain management. Methods: A total of 100 eligible cases undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated in two groups: group A (received infiltration of total 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine, 5 ml in each port site after removal of trocar, and group B (received placebo i.e., 20 ml normal saline). Postoperative pain was assessed using Wong Baker facial pain scale at 6, 12 and 18 hours and use of rescue analgesics were noted. Results: Group I comprised of 27 males and 23 females and group II had 25 males and 25 females. The mean heart rate in group I was 85.4 and in group II was 86.2. Respiratory rate was 14.2 cycles/minute in group I and 15.2 cycles/minute in group II. The mean blood pressure was 134.2/74.6 mmHg in group I and 136.4/75.2 mmHg in group II and oxygen saturation was 99.2% in group I and in group II was 99.5%. The mean VAS scores were significantly lower in group A cases as compared to group B, throughout the study follow up (p&lt;0.01). 70% in group A and 90% in group B required 1 dose and 10% in group II required 2 doses. Duration of rescue analgesia was 21.49 minutes in group A and 17.3 minutes in group B. Conclusions: Peri-portal infiltration of ropivacaine is effective in reducing post laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain. Mean duration of analgesia was significantly more and requirement of rescue analgesics were significantly less in cases managed by peri-portal infiltration of ropivacaine as compared to control group (using NSAIDs).

A Comparison of Three-Dimensional Visualization Systems and Two-Dimensional Visualization Systems During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Narrative Review.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common procedure for the definitive treatment for cholecystitis and symptomatic cholelithiasis. One advancement in minimally invasive surgery has been the development of three-dimensional (3D) visualization systems to provide stereopsis. It is yet to be determined whether this innovation is beneficial to the surgeon or simply just a gimmick. This narrative review aims to answer the following research question, what is the impact of 3D visualization systems on surgical efficiency compared with two-dimensional visualization systems in laparoscopic cholecystectomy? Methods: Through a broad literature search it was determined that operative time and intraoperative errors have been used in published research to assess intraoperative efficiency. Results: Studies published to date have used operative time, intraoperative errors, and intraoperative bleeding as current measures for intraoperative efficiency. Previous meta-analysis have shown a slight improvement in operative time for 3D visualization systems; however, subsequent randomized control trials have not shown a significant difference in operative time. Reporting of intraoperative errors has been quite subjective and a difference between visualisation modality has not been shown. Conclusion: 3D visualization systems have shown a minor improvement in operative time compared with traditional laparoscopic systems and it is unlikely to be of any clinical significance. Studies that measure intraoperative error vary greatly in what they report, and which assessment tool is used. Across existing literature, studies do not control for surgeon's experience, elective/emergent cases, and grade of gallbladder/difficulty. Further research is required, using novel tools for assessment in laparoscopic cholecystectomy to determine intraoperative differences through objective and quantitative variables.