Use Of Intraoperative Cholangiogram Research Articles

Post cholecystectomy bile duct injury: a surgeon’s nightmare

Bile duct injury constitutes a major proportion of morbidity associated with cholecystectomy (laparoscopic>open). It has a lot of impact on patient health and subsequent medico-legal repercussions. Anatomical aberrations in the Calot's triangle anatomy is more common than meets the eye. A thorough understanding of anatomy, identification of the variant structures, Use of intraoperative cholangiogram and low threshold for conversion to open procedure could prove life-saving in many cases. Optimal timing of intervention has to be planned once the type of injury is identified. Minor leaks are usually managed with endoscopic interventions. More proximal leaks and complete transaction of bile duct usually require Roux En Y hepaticojejunostomy. The principal is to ensure complete drainage of all segments and prevention of sepsis. More grave scenarios like concomitant vascular injury, segmental atrophy and secondary biliary cirrhosis require referral to a tertiary centre and subsequent multidisciplinary approach. The aim of the study was to establish the true incidence, classification and management of bile duct injuries that could be life - saving in a few cases and career- saving in many others.

Benefits of intraoperative cholangiogram for acute cholecystitis

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in general surgery. The utility of intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) and its role in reducing postoperative complications is as yet unclear. The aim of this study is to determine whether routine use of IOC in non‐elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with an improvement in outcome.MethodsData were prospectively collected a single dedicated tertiary referral centre. All consecutive adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy on a non‐elective basis over a 6‐year period from October 2008 to December 2014 were included in the study. Chi squared analysis and multivariable logistic regression analyses were undertaken to determine the association between IOC and outcomes.ResultsA total of 676 patients underwent non‐elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy over the study period, of whom 51.6% were male and the median age was 51 years old (IQR 37–68). The majority of the study population (84.6%, n = 572/676) underwent an IOC. The overall complication rate was 8.1% (n = 55/676), this was lower in the IOC group (6.1%) compared with the non‐IOC group (19.2%, P < .001). In particular, there was a lower rate of retained stones (1.6% vs 3.8%, P < .001), bleeding (0.0% vs 2.9%, P < .001) and conversion to open surgery (0.7% vs 7.7%, P < .001). Rates of CBD injury (0.0% vs 0.3%, P = .5465) and bile leak were similar across both groups (1.9% vs 0.9%). During multivariable logistic regression analysis, the use of IOC was independently associated with a reduced chance of complications (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.15‐0.50, P < .001) as well as conversion to open (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03‐0.37, P < .001).ConclusionIn the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, IOC has a significant role to play. Our data show that it can reduce the likelihood of complications, retained stones and the need to convert to an open procedure. However, its routine use at present is difficult to justify given that the current study does not appear to make a difference in the most serious complications such as bile duct injury and bile leak. This study builds on previous work in justifying increased use of IOC during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Increasing use of intraoperative cholangiogram in Australia: is it evidence-based?

The role of routine intraoperative cholangiograms (IOCs) for prevention of bile duct injury (BDI) is contentious. There are recent reports of limited utility of IOC in preventing BDI. In Australia, IOCs are used more frequently than internationally. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of IOC use in Australia and explore potential changes in practice in light of evolving evidence for the utility of IOC. Data were collated using service item numbers in Medicare Benefits Scheme records on the Australian Government Medicare website, for services claimed between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2019. These data were used to analyse trends in rates of IOC, cholecystectomy and BDI repair. Data were age-standardized to account for changes in the population over time. The number of IOCs claimed increased by 31.8% and cholecystectomies by 7.0% over the study period. Age-standardized service rates per 100 000 persons increased by 5.5 and 32.6, respectively. Rates of IOC per 100 000 cholecystectomies steadily increased across the study period, while BDI repair rates remained low and erratic. Increasing use of IOC over the last 20 years reflects a trend towards routine rather than selective IOC; however, there is little discernible change in the number of BDIs requiring repair procedures. This suggests that routine IOC use to prevent or minimize BDI is unwarranted. Further investigation is required into the selective IOC use in high-risk patients rather than mandatory use in all patients.

Outcomes From Routine Use of Intraoperative Cholangiogram in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Factors Predicting Benefit From Selective Cholangiography.

Background and objectiveLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is used for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones. Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) is used to diagnose common bile duct (CBD) stones. There is controversy surrounding routine vs selective use of IOC based on clinical, biochemical and ultrasound criteria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes from routine IOC and its utility in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Materials and methodsThis was a UK-based single-centre retrospective study evaluating the outcomes from IOC for all laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed between May 2014 and February 2020. All adult patients undergoing elective, semi-elective or emergency operations were included. Demographics, biochemistry as well as radiological and endoscopic investigations were analysed. IOC was performed using a standardised technique and was interpreted by a single surgeon.ResultsA total of 744 out of 804 patients underwent IOC. The median age of the cohort was 51 years (SD: ±17.5); there were 468 females (62.9%) and 276 males (37.1%). Filling defects were identified in 43/744 (5.8%) patients, with 23/43 having stone extraction via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Logistic regression analysis identified alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as a predictor of filling defects in IOC (OR: 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001-1.005, p=0.015).ConclusionBased on our findings, the routine use of IOC during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and effective. Preoperative clinical, radiological and biochemical parameters apart from ALP have a limited role in predicting the diagnostic yield of IOC.

Risk factors for 30-day readmission and indication for ERCP following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective NSQIP cohort study.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the safest, most commonly performed surgical procedures, but postoperative complications including bile leak, retained stone, cholangitis, and gallstone pancreatitis following LC occur in up to 2.6% of cases and may require readmission with possible endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) intervention. There is a paucity of literature on factors predictive of need for ERCP following LC. The goal of this study is to describe the prevalence and risk factors for readmission with indication for ERCP. We queried the ACS/NSQIP 2012-2017 Participant User Files for patients who underwent LC. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operativecharacteristics, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for readmission with indication for ERCP intervention. Of 275,570 patients, 11,010 (4.00%) were readmitted within the 30-day postoperative period. Among these, 930 (8.44%) were admitted with indication for ERCP intervention. On multivariate regression, readmissions were more likely in older patients, inpatients, and patients with baseline comorbidities, acute preoperative morbidity, and those discharged to care facilities. The use of intraoperative cholangiogram was associated with lower odds of readmission. Less than 10% of readmitted patients had an indication for ERCP. Those who were readmitted with an indication for ERCP were more likely to have undergone emergency surgery, experienced longer operative times, and had elevated preoperative LFTs or gallstone pancreatitis prior to surgery. The risk of 30-day mortality was significantly higher among patients who experienced any complications after their surgery (OR 13.03, 95% CI 10.57-16.07, p < 0.001). Older patients, patients with greater preoperative morbidity, and those discharged to care facilities were more likely to be readmitted for any reason following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, whereas patients with evidence of complicated gallstone disease were more likely to be readmitted with an indication for ERCP, even when controlling for the use of intraoperative cholangiogram. Initiatives aimed at reducing readmission with indication for ERCP should focus on these patient subgroups.

Negotiating the Curve of Laparoscopic Hepatopancreaticobiliary Procedures (Basic to Advanced) at a Tertiary Rural Teaching Institute.

Background:We present here our experience of laparoscopic hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgeries at our rural institute and the hurdles we faced overcoming the various challenges.Aims and Objectives:The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility, successful completion, operative time, conversions/requirement of assistance, duration of hospital stay, and postoperative complications on the HPB procedures performed laparoscopically in our surgical unit; and to help young surgeons for smooth navigation through their laparoscopic career.Materials and Methods:All the patients admitted under our unit over the past 9 years for elective HPB surgeries operated by a single surgeon were included in this study.Results:Total 1304 basic laparoscopic biliary procedures were successfully completed laparoscopically. After getting well versed with the standard procedure, we switched over to difficult cases involving densely adhered gallbladder, frozen Calot's, Mirizzi's syndrome, use of intraoperative cholangiogram, and take down of cholecystoduodenal fistulas. Next step in evolution was doing laparoscopic common bile duct exploration and biliary procedures with decreased number of ports. Five hundred and sixty-eight procedures were advanced HPB surgeries. With time, we also started performing a variety of complex advanced laparoscopic procedures such as cystogastrostomy, hepaticojejunostomy, choledochoduodenostomy, and pancreaticojejunostomy. All these procedures have been discussed with respect to operative duration, conversion rates, blood loss, hospital stay, and complication rates in the initial and later parts of the learning curves and further compared with previous standard large case studies on specific surgeries.Conclusion:Several hurdles are met in a new institute, that too, a rural one. The present discussion will help the budding surgeons to identify their deficiencies and chart a way forward in a systematic scientific manner.

The Routine Use of Cholangiography for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in the Modern Era.

Background and Objectives:The use of routine versus selective intra-operative cholangiogram (IOC) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains an area of debate. In this study, we investigated the routine use of IOC in a single center, to determine whether it confers a reduced risk of common bile duct (CBD) injury and improved patient outcomes. We also identified several preoperative predictive factors for CBD stone detection on IOC to investigate the feasibility of a predictive model.Methods:We identified 1005 LCs with routine IOC over a 2-year period at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2015. Outcomes measured included CBD stone detection on IOC, CBD injury, complication rates, readmission rate, and mortality. We also calculated sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios for detection of CBD stones on IOC from preoperative biochemistry and radiological investigations.Results:We identified a CBD stone detection rate of 10.1% and a readmission rate of 0.03%, with no reported CBD injuries and 1 reported mortality. Of the preoperative predictive factors investigated, the most specific for CBD stone detection on IOC was bilirubin at 89%. The most sensitive was preoperative MRCP at 77%.Discussion:This study demonstrates that routine IOC is an effective method of detecting CBD stones and CBD injuries, resulting in improved patient outcomes and economic benefits for health services. We have also identified several predictive factors for CBD stones on IOC.

Can Residents Safely and Efficiently be Taught Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has recently emerged as an option for selected patients undergoing gallbladder removal. While SILC appears safe when performed by experienced surgeons under controlled conditions, there are no studies evaluating the SILC learning curve for incorporation into resident education and the effect on OR efficiency. Chief residents were taught and evaluated by a single attending surgeon facile with SILC techniques. Residents were transitioned from assistants to primary surgeon during their clinical rotation. Outcomes data were prospectively tabulated compared with data from standard laparoscopic SLC and attending surgeon SILC outcomes. The setting was an academic, tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants were chief residents rotating on hepatobiliary surgery service. Residents previously had demonstrated mastery of basic laparoscopic surgical techniques. Seven chief residents were evaluated with a total of 49 SILCs with a mean of 7 (range 5-12) SILCS/resident. Five conversions to SLC occurred, all within the first 3 SILCs performed by the resident as operative surgeon. Mean blood loss was 30 mL. Median length of stay was <1 day. Average length of operation increased after the first 2 cases, reflecting the transition of the attending surgeon from primary surgeon to assistant role. By the fifth case, operative times returned to the attending surgeon SILC baseline and historical operative times for SLC at our institution. Factors associated with longer-length of surgery were increasing BMI and presence of acute or chronic cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and use of intraoperative cholangiogram. Five postoperative complications occurred and were not associated with position along the resident's learning curve. One death occurred due to metastatic laryngeal cancer within 30 days of SILC. Residents can safely be taught the techniques of SILC with minimal disruption to operating room efficiency. Residents already proficient in the use of standard laparoscopic techniques transition to SILC quickly with a short learning curve and proper instruction.

To ‘gram or not’? Indications for intraopertive cholangiogram

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current practice patterns and results for use of intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent LC between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2009. Data variables included: preoperative laboratory and radiographic studies, indication for and findings of IOC, and perioperative management of choledocholithiasis and retained common bile duct (CBD) stones. There were 1,308 patients who underwent LC by 23 surgeons, of whom 266 also had an IOC (20%) performed. The majority had ultrasonography performed, 242 had an abdominal compute tomography (CT) scan, and 129 patients had a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan. Indications for an IOC included: diagnosis of choledocholithiasis or gallstone pancreatitis (n = 116), abnormal liver function tests (n = 187), and a dilated CBD ≥ 10 mm (n = 182). Of the 266 IOCs, 36 patients (13.5%) had a CBD stone with the majority (n = 26; 72%) having normal preoperative imaging studies. Only 6 patients (17%) with a CBD calculi on IOC underwent successful clearance of the calculi at the time of LC. Twenty-nine of the remaining 30 patients with a retained calculus on IOC underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with extraction of the calculi. Of the 1,042 LCs performed without an IOC, 31 patients (3%) were diagnosed with a retained stone managed successfully by ERCP. Our data reveals that the selective use of IOC is helpful in diagnosing and clearing CBD calculi, that the use of preoperative CBD size aids in selecting patients for IOC, and that choledocholithiasis identified with IOC or after discharge can be managed successfully with ERCP.

The Variation of Hepatic Duct Confluence and Asymptomatic Common Bile Duct Stone with Routine Intraoperative Cholangiogram during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been used to evaluate bile duct stone. But, the routine use of IOC remains controversial. With routine IOC during LC, we reviewed the variation of hepatic duct confluence and try to suggest the diagnostic criteria of asymptomatic common bile duct (CBD) stone. We reviewed the medical record of 970 consecutive patients who underwent LC with IOC from January 1999 to December 2009, retrospectively. Nine hundered seventy patients were enrolled. IOC were successful in 957 (98.7%) and unsuccessful in 13 (1.3%). Eighty two of 957 patients (8.2%) were excluded because of no or poor radiologic image. According to Couinaud's classification, 492 patients (56.2%) had type A hepatic duct confluence, 227 patients (26.1%) type B, 15 patients (17%) type C1, 43 patients (4.9%) type C2, 72 patients (8.2%) type D1, 21 patients (2.4%) type D2, 1 patient (0.1%) type E1, 1 patient (0.1%) type E2, 2 patients (0.2%) type F, and 1 patient (0.1%) no classified type. The CBD stone was found in 116 of 970 (12.2%) patients. In 281 patients, preoperative serologic and radiologic tests did not show abnormality. When preoperative findings were not remarkable, there was no difference of clinical features between patients with or without CBD stones. Although IOC during LC has some demerits, it is a safe and accurate method for the detection of CBD stone and the anatomic variation of intrahepatic duct.

The use of intraoperative cholangiogram during laparoscopic double cholecystectomy.

Double gallbladder is a rare finding in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis or acute cholecystitis. The incidence has been described as 1 in every 4000-5000 patients during autopsy. To identify the gallbladder (GB) duplication prior to surgical removal of the GB is of upmost importance. It is not unusual to identify this diagnosis intraoperatively, but by using US, ERCP or MRCP more than 50% of the cases are diagnosed preoperatively. The use of intraoperative cholangiogram helps to identify the anatomy and confirm the diagnosis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with gallbladder duplication.

Long-Term Effects of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy

The aim of this study was to study survival, factors influencing survival, and causes of death after iatrogenic reconstructed bile duct injury in a large population-based Swedish cohort. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy in the period from 1965 to 2005 were identified from the Swedish Inpatient Register. The bile duct injury cohort consisted of patients with procedure codes indicating reconstructive biliary surgery within 1 year of the cholecystectomy, excluding patients with reconstruction owing to other causes than bile duct injury. Of 374,042 cholecystectomy patients, 1386 were classified as afflicted by bile duct injury requiring reconstructive surgery. Survival was significantly lower in the injured cohort compared with the noninjured cohort, with a hazard ratio of 3.73 (95% confidence interval, 3.30-4.22) at 1 year that gradually evened out thereafter. The risk of dying from liver diseases was increased 4-fold in the bile duct injury cohort compared with the general population. Older age and comorbidity increased the risk of dying, whereas the use of intraoperative cholangiogram improved survival. Patients with iatrogenic reconstructed bile duct injury have a decreased survival rate compared with noninjured cholecystectomy patients. Patients' younger age, absence of other diseases, and routine use of intraoperative cholangiogram seem to be positive prognostic survival factors. These patients also may be at increased risk of dying from liver diseases, although this issue requires further study.

PROSPECTIVE AUDIT OF LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY EXPERIENCE AT A SECONDARY REFERRAL CENTRE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now the gold standard procedure for symptomatic gallstone disease. Nevertheless, there are still several controversies such as the need for routine intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC), the indications for and results of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the setting of acute cholecystitis and the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography versus laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration for intraoperatively detected choledocholithiasis. The aim of this study was to investigate some of these controversies. All laparoscopic cholecystectomies carried out at our institution, a secondary referral centre in Adelaide, South Australia, over a 9-month period were prospectively audited. Data were collected regarding indications for surgery, rate of conversion to open operation, use of IOC, rate of choledocholithiasis and complication rate. There were 202 patients, of whom 152 were women and 50 men. Age range was 15-83 years. Sixty-one per cent of emergency operations were for acute cholecystitis. The conversion rate for emergency operations was 20.6% and for elective procedures was 4.2% (P = 0.003). One hundred and eighty-four patients had an IOC performed. Twelve of these patients had choledocholithiasis. Six of these 12 patients had both normal preoperative ultrasound and liver function tests. Four of the patients went on to postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, four had successful laparoscopic CBD exploration, two had open CBD exploration and two had their distal CBD filling defects flushed away with normal saline. There was no morbidity associated with performance of the IOC. There were three patients with postoperative bile leak and one with a bile duct injury. Selective IOC would miss a proportion of patients with choledocholithiasis. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is associated with a higher conversion rate than elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Overall complication rate is low, with 95% of patients having no complications. Laparoscopic CBD exploration is feasible with a reasonable success rate. This can all be achieved at a secondary referral centre staffed by general surgeons.

Selective Intraoperative Cholangiography and Single‐Stage Management of Common Bile Duct Stone in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

There are still debates and controversies in the detection and the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This prospective study was performed to evaluate a single-stage management of CBD stone during LC. Between May 1998 and January 2000, 249 consecutive patients with gallstone and cholecystitis were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 52.5 +/- 12.4 years. Male to female ratio was 106:143. All patients underwent abdominal sonography and the determination of the serum biochemical profile preoperatively. Patients presented with sepsis or with total bilirubin > or = 6 ng/dL were excluded from the study. 244 (98%) patients underwent LC and 5 (2%) patients were converted to open cholecystectomy. Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) was only performed in patients who fulfilled our predetermined criteria. Among 90 patients who had IOC, only 23 patients had CBD stones that were removed either by transcystic duct stone extraction (61%) or CBD exploration (39%). The additional procedures to remove CBD stone did not prolong the hospitalization. There were four wound infections and one cystic stump leakage. One patient developed CBD stone during the follow-up period up to 37 months. Our study indicates that routine use of IOC during LC is not necessary. In addition, single-stage approach for the management of CBD stone during LC is feasible and should be considered by laparoscopic surgeons.