2020 World Society of Emergency Surgery updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute calculus cholecystitis

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Acute Cholecystitis: Refining the Best Surgical Timing Through Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

BACKGROUND

Acute cholecystitis (AC) is largely diffused among population worldwide. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice. Current evidence suggests a clinical benefit of early cholecystectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the different "timing" ("early" vs. "delayed" cholecystectomy), through the application of network meta-analyses, to define the most adequate interval associated with the best outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted.

RESULTS

Early cholecystectomy ≤72 hours from symptoms reduced conversion rate in comparison to: cholecystectomy ≤7 days from symptoms ( P =0.044), delayed cholecystectomy within 1 to 5 weeks from first admission ( P =0.010) and 6 to 12 weeks from symptoms resolutions ( P =0.009). Delaying cholecystectomy to 6 to 12 weeks reduces operating time in respect to early cholecystectomy ≤72 hours from symptoms ( P =0.001), within 24 hours from admission ( P =0.001), ≤72 hours from admission ( P =0.001) and ≤7 days from symptoms ( P =0.001). Cholecystectomy ≤24 hours from admission was the best strategy to reduce total in-hospital stay, whereas delaying cholecystectomy to 6 to 12 weeks was the worst strategy. The same applied when cholecystectomy was performed ≤72 hours from symptoms in respect to both delayed strategies ( P =0.001 for both comparisons) or when it was performed ≤72 hours from admission ( P =0.001 for both comparisons). Cholecystectomy ≤72 hours from symptoms onset was the best strategy to reduce postoperative complications, the worst was represented by delayed cholecystectomy at 1 to 5 weeks from first admission.

CONCLUSION

AC should be operated as soon as possible. AC surgical management should be considered in a dynamic time conception to optimize clinical, organizational, and economical outcomes.

Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic using virtual basic laparoscopic training in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia: effects on confidence, knowledge, and skill

BACKGROUND

An international surgical team implemented a virtual basic laparoscopic surgery course for Bolivian general and pediatric surgeons and residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. This simulation course aimed to enhance training in a lower-resource environment despite the challenges of decreased operative volume and lack of in-person instruction.

METHODS

The course was developed by surgeons from Bolivian and U.S.-based institutions and offered twice between July-December 2020. Didactic content and skill techniques were taught via weekly live videoconferences. Additional mentorship was provided through small group sessions. Participants were evaluated by pre- and post-course tests of didactic content as well as by video task review.

RESULTS

Of the 24 enrolled participants, 13 were practicing surgeons and 10 were surgery residents (one unspecified). Fifty percent (n = 12) indicated "almost never" performing laparoscopic surgeries pre-course. Confidence significantly increased for five laparoscopic tasks. Test scores also increased significantly (68.2% ± 12.5%, n = 21; vs 76.6% ± 12.6%, n = 19; p = 0.040). While challenges impeded objective evaluation for the first course iteration, adjustments permitted video scoring in the second iteration. This group demonstrated significant improvements in precision cutting (11.6% ± 16.7%, n = 9; vs 62.5% ± 18.6%, n = 6; p < 0.001), intracorporeal knot tying (36.4% ± 38.1%, n = 9; vs 79.2% ± 17.2%, n = 7; p = 0.012), and combined skill (40.3% ± 17.7%; n = 8 vs 77.2% ± 13.6%, n = 4; p = 0.042). Collectively, combined skill scores improved by 66.3% ± 10.4%.

CONCLUSION

Virtual international collaboration can improve confidence, knowledge, and basic laparoscopic skills, even in resource-limited settings during a global pandemic. Future efforts should focus on standardizing resources for participants and enhancing access to live feedback resources between classes.

Biliary Sepsis Due to Recurrent Acute Calculus Cholecystitis (ACC) in a High Surgical-Risk Elderly Patient: An Unexpected Complication

Acute calculus cholecystitis (ACC) is increasing in frequency within an ageing population, in which biliary tract infection, including cholecystitis and cholangitis, is the second most common cause of sepsis, with higher morbidity and mortality rates. Patient's critical conditions, such as septic shock or anaesthesiology contraindication, may be reasons to avoid laparoscopic cholecystectomy-the first-line treatment of ACC-preferring gallbladder drainage. It can aid in patient's stabilization with also the benefit of identifying the causative organism to establish a targeted antibiotic therapy, especially in patients at high risk for antimicrobial resistance such as healthcare-associated infection. Nevertheless, a recent randomized clinical trial showed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy can reduce the rate of major complications compared with percutaneous catheter drainage in critically ill patients too. On the other hand, among the possibilities to control biliary sepsis in non-operative management of ACC, according to recent meta-analysis, endoscopic gallbladder drainage showed better clinical success rate, and it is gaining popularity because of the potential advantage of allowing gallstones clearance to reduce recurrences of ACC. However, complications that may arise, although rare, can worsen an already weak clinical condition, as happened to the high surgical-risk elderly patient taken into account in our case report.

Endoscopic ultrasound in the management of acute cholecystitis

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is increasingly utilised for patients with acute cholecystitis who are high-risk candidates for surgery. The technique to perform EUS-GBD has evolved and matured over the last two decades since EUS-GBD was first described in 2007 using a nasobiliary catheter. Compared to percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PT-GBD), EUS-GBD offers benefits of shorter hospitalisation stay and lesser procedural pain and need for reintervention. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated review of the equipment and techniques available for EUS-GBD, outcomes of the procedure and how it compares against endoscopic transpapillary drainage (ET-GBD), PT-GBD and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Controversies surrounding the procedure will also be discussed.

Endosonography-Guided Versus Percutaneous Gallbladder Drainage Versus Cholecystectomy in Fragile Patients with Acute Cholecystitis-A High-Volume Center Study

Background and Objectives: Acute cholecystitis is a frequent cause of admission to the emergency department, especially in old and frail patients. Percutaneous drainage (PT-GBD) and endosonographic guided drainage (EUS-GBD) could be an alternative option for relieving symptoms or act as a definitive treatment instead of a laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy (LC, OC). The aim of the present study was to compare different treatment groups. Materials and Methods: This is a five-year monocentric retrospective study including patients ≥65 years old who underwent an urgent operative procedure. A descriptive analysis was conducted comparing all treatment groups. A propensity score was estimated based on the ACS score, incorporated into a predictive model, and tested by recursive partitioning analysis. Results: 163 patients were included: 106 underwent a cholecystectomy (81 laparoscopic (LC) and 25 Open (OC)), 33 a PT-GBD and 21 EUS-GBD. The sample was categorized into three prognostic groups according to the adverse event occurrence rate. All patients treated with EUS-GBD or LC resulted in the low risk group, and the adverse event rate (AE) was 10/96 (10.4%). The AE was 4/28 (14.2%) and 21/36 (58.3%) in the middle- and high-risk groups respectively (p < 0.001). These groups included all the patients who underwent an OC or a PT-GBD. The PT-GBD group had a lower clinical success rate (55.5%) and higher RR (16,6%) when compared with other groups. Conclusions: Surgery still represents the gold standard for AC treatment. Nevertheless, EUS-GBD is a good alternative to PT-GBD in terms of clinical success, RR and AEs in all kinds of patients.

Optimal Timing of Cholecystectomy for Patients with Concurrent Acute Cholecystitis and Acute Cholangitis after Successful Biliary Drainage by Interventional Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Background: Concurrent acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis is a unique clinical situation. We tried to investigate the optimal timing of cholecystectomy after adequate biliary drainage under this condition. Methods: From January 2012 to November 2017, we retrospectively screened all in-hospitalized patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and then identified patients with concurrent acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis from the cohort. The selected patients were stratified into two groups: one-stage intervention (OSI) group (intended laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the same hospitalization) vs. two-stage intervention (TSI) group (interval intended laparoscopic cholecystectomy). Interrogated outcomes included recurrent biliary events, length of hospitalization, and surgical outcomes. Results: There were 147 patients ultimately enrolled for analysis (OSI vs. TSI, 96 vs. 51). Regarding surgical outcomes, there was no significant difference between the OSI group and TSI group, including intraoperative blood transfusion (1.0% vs. 2.0%, p = 1.000), conversion to open procedure (3.1% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.236), postoperative complication (6.3% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.342), operation time (118.0 min vs. 125.8 min, p = 0.869), and postoperative days until discharge (3.37 days vs. 4.02 days, p = 0.643). In the RBE analysis, the OSI group presented a significantly lower incidence of overall RBE (5.2% vs. 41.2%, p < 0.001) than the TSI group. Conclusions: Patients with an initial diagnosis of concurrent acute cholecystitis and cholangitis undergoing cholecystectomy after ERCP drainage during the same hospitalization period may receive some benefit in terms of clinical outcomes.

POSSIBILITIES OF USING PERIOPERATIVE ENERGY MONITORING IN INTENSIVE CARE IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CALCULOUS CHOLECYSTITIS

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To study possibilities of using perioperative energy monitoring in intensive care in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: 131 patients with ACC, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) under general anesthesia were studied. Risk of ASA II-IV. Group I (n = 63) - intensive care aimed at maintaining vital functions. Group II (n = 68) - additional use of indirect calorimetry data.

RESULTS

Results: At the stages of the reverse position of Trendelenburg, pneumoperitoneum and the beginning of the operation, a decrease in hemodynamic, a violation of the oxygen status and metabolism were observed with more pronounced manifestations in the I group, where there was a longer recovery. In patients of group II, on the background of enhanced infusion therapy and administration of glucocorticoids, their recovery was more intense, they woke up faster and were transferred to the ward. These patients had 2,4 times less nausea and vomiting, and less postoperative pain upon awakening (p<0,05).

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: In patients with ACC, correction of hemodynamic, oxygen status and metabolism, makes LC safer.

Performance of ultrasound in the diagnosis of cholecystitis: not so (ultra)sound?

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound has long been the radiological investigation of choice for right upper quadrant pain in the detection of gallstones and cholecystitis. However, previously reported sensitivity, specificity and other diagnostic metrics have varied widely and the underlying patient numbers have been small. We present robust and exhaustive diagnostic metrics based on a large series of 795 patients.

METHODS

All laparoscopic cholecystectomies at Portsmouth Hospitals University were prospectively logged between 2017 and 2020. Ultrasound findings, Nassar operative difficulty and histopathological findings were all collected in addition to patient biometrics.

RESULTS

In our large patient series, the sensitivity of ultrasound for cholecystitis was lower than previously reported at 75.7% for acute cholecystitis, 34.6% for chronic cholecystitis and 42.7% overall. Moreover, we show that sensitivity degrades with the time between ultrasound and cholecystectomy, falling below 50% at 140 days. Finally, we show that ultrasound strongly predicts the Nassar difficulty grade of cholecystectomy and that its ability to do so is greatest when the interval between ultrasound and cholecystectomy is less than 27 days.

CONCLUSIONS

We present robust diagnostic metrics for ultrasound in the diagnosis of cholecystitis. These should caution the clinician that ultrasound may miss a quarter of cases of acute cholecystitis and over half of all cases of cholecystitis. Conversely, the finding of a thickened gallbladder wall on ultrasound can predict a 'difficult cholecystectomy' and highlight the need for appropriate expertise and resources. Both this prediction and the diagnostic sensitivity are best if the ultrasound is done less than 27 days before cholecystectomy.

Perforated Gallbladder into the Abdominal Wall

OBJECTIVE

Perforation of the gallbladder (PG) is a dreaded complication of an acute cholecystitis and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Cholecystocutaneous abscess (CCA) is an extremely rare complication. There is usually a history of cholecystolithiasis or neglected chronic gallbladder disease. We report a case of perforated gallbladder into the abdominal wall.

METHODS

A 65-year-old female, obese, was admitted to our department complaining of right upper quadrant abdominal pain. The diagnosis of acute cholecystitis was based on the clinical picture, laboratory test, and ultrasound findings. She was treated with oral antibiotics for 10 days and readmitted due to a painful, erythematous mass on the right subcostal region. An abdominal computed tomography showed the presence of a subparietal formation in communication with the gallbladder, and a gallbladder perforation was postulated. The treatment consisted of percutaneous drainage of the abdominal wall abscess followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a two-stage protocol. Anatomical pathology analysis found chronic inflammation and excluded malignancy. The postoperative follow-up was uneventful. Discussion. This case demonstrates a very rare presentation of PG that created an abscess into the muscles of the abdominal wall. This kind of PG is rarely seen due to medicine improvements. When the conditions of the patient are good, rather than perform immediate surgery that could lead to serious complications, we propose a two-stage approach.

CONCLUSION

CCA is a possible complication of gallbladder's pathology that all surgeons have to know. There is no standard baseline management for this pathology, due to the few numbers of cases and to the differences in the quality of the patients' illness. We suggest a two-stage approach with drainage of the abscess followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy with abscess debridement.

A Proposal for a Classification Guiding the Selection of Appropriate Antibiotic Therapy for Intra-Abdominal Infections

Adequately controlling the source of infection and prescribing appropriately antibiotic therapy are the cornerstones of the management of patients with intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). Correctly classifying patients with IAIs is crucial to assessing the severity of their clinical condition and deciding the strategy of the treatment, including a correct empiric antibiotic therapy. Best practices in prescribing antibiotics may impact patient outcomes and the cost of treatment, as well as the risk of “opportunistic” infections such as Clostridioides difficile infection and the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This review aims to identify a correct classification of IAIs, guiding clinicians in the selection of the best antibiotic therapy in patients with IAIs.

Potential Risk of Misjudgment in the Decision-making Process Based on the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines in Older Patients with Acute Cholecystitis

Objective The 2018 Tokyo Guidelines (TG18) were published to facilitate the decision-making processes (DMP), including the diagnosis and operation of acute cholecystitis (AC). However, only a few guidelines consider older adults. This study evaluated the DMP based on the TG18, focusing on older patients with AC. Methods This was a single-armed, single-center retrospective study. The primary outcome measure was the "undiagnosable" AC rate, and the secondary outcome measure was the degree of concordance of "unfit for surgery" decisions. Patients Two hundred and nine patients with AC. Results Sixty (28.7%) of 209 patients with AC were "undiagnosable" on admission based on the TG18 criteria. The numbers and rate of "undiagnosable" AC in patients ≤59, 60-79, and ≥80 years old were 4 (10.0%), 20 (24.4%), and 36 (41.4%), respectively (P<0.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis following the univariate analysis revealed that age >73 years old was the most significant risk factor for undiagnosable AC (P=0.006, odds ratio [OR]: 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-6.81). Female sex (P=0.033, OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.06-4.09) and severe AC (P=0.049, OR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.01-8.76) were also significant risk factors for undiagnosable AC. The number of cases unfit for surgery based on the Charlson Comorbidity Index and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status was 90 (43.1%) and 75 (35.9%), respectively. The κ value between these 2 indicators revealed a minimal concordance of 0.33 (95% CI: 0.20-0.47). Conclusion The DMP based on the TG18 potentially harbors a misjudgment risk, especially in older patients with AC (UMIN000047715).

Antimicrobial Challenge in Acute Care Surgery

The burden of infections in acute care surgery (ACS) is huge. Surgical emergencies alone account for three million admissions per year in the United States (US) with estimated financial costs of USD 28 billion per year. Acute care facilities and ACS patients represent boost sanctuaries for the emergence, development and transmission of infections and multi-resistant organisms. According to the World Health Organization, healthcare-associated infections affected around 4 million cases in Europe and 1.7 million in the US alone in 2011 with 39,000 and 99,000 directly attributable deaths, respectively. In this scenario, antimicrobial resistance arose as a public-health emergency that worsens patients’ morbidity and mortality and increases healthcare costs. The optimal patient care requires the application of comprehensive evidence-based policies and strategies aiming at minimizing the impact of healthcare associated infections and antimicrobial resistance, while optimizing the treatment of intra-abdominal infections. The present review provides a snapshot of two hot topics, such as antimicrobial resistance and systemic inflammatory response, and three milestones of infection management, such as source control, infection prevention, and control and antimicrobial stewardship.

National clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease: 2021 recommendations from the Danish Surgical Society

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Gallstones are highly prevalent, and more than 9000 cholecystectomies are performed annually in Denmark. The aim of this guideline was to improve the clinical course of patients with gallstone disease including a subgroup of high-risk patients. Outcomes included reduction of complications, readmissions, and need for additional interventions in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease, acute cholecystitis, and common bile duct stones (CBDS).

METHODS

An interdisciplinary group of clinicians developed the guideline according to the GRADE methodology. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were primarily included. Non-RCTs were included if RCTs could not answer the clinical questions. Recommendations were strong or weak depending on effect estimates, quality of evidence, and patient preferences.

RESULTS

For patients with acute cholecystitis, acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended (16 RCTs, strong recommendation). Gallbladder drainage may be used as an interval procedure before a delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with temporary contraindications to surgery and severe acute cholecystitis (1 RCT and 1 non-RCT, weak recommendation). High-risk patients are suggested to undergo acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy instead of drainage (1 RCT and 1 non-RCT, weak recommendation). For patients with CBDS, a one-step procedure with simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and CBDS removal by laparoscopy or endoscopy is recommended (22 RCTs, strong recommendation). In high-risk patients with CBDS, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is suggested to be included in the treatment (6 RCTs, weak recommendation). For diagnosis of CBDS, the use of magnetic resonance imaging or endoscopic ultrasound prior to surgical treatment is recommended (8 RCTs, strong recommendation). For patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease, observation is suggested as an alternative to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (2 RCTs, weak recommendation).

CONCLUSIONS

Seven recommendations, four weak and three strong, for treating patients with symptomatic gallstone disease were developed. Studies for treatment of high-risk patients are few and more are needed.

ENDORSEMENT

The Danish Surgical Society.

Analysis of the Effect of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis after Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Puncture and Drainage

Objective

To assess the effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD).

Methods

A total of 70 patients with acute cholecystitis diagnosed and treated in our hospital between April 2020 and November 2021 were recruited and assigned to receive either conventional treatment (conventional group) or PTGBD plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (experimental group) according to the order of admission (with January 2021 as the cut-off time point), with 35 cases in each group. Outcome measures included treatment outcomes, surgical indices, and postoperative recovery.

Results

Patients in the experimental group showed significantly less intraoperative hemorrhage volume and shorter operative time, time-lapse before passing gas, and hospital stay (83.15 ± 31.17, 32.54 ± 12.61, 23.02 ± 4.61, 7.98 ± 3.24) versus those in the conventional group (120.56 ± 30.55, 61.01 ± 15.54, 28.15 ± 5.91, 11.95 ± 4.15) (P < 0.05). The incidence of conversion to open surgery and postoperative drainage in the experimental group was significantly lower (2.86%, 5.71%) than that of the conventional group (25.71%, 45.71%) (P < 0.05). The differences in the postoperative body temperature of the two groups did not come up to statistical standard (P > 0.05). The experimental group had faster body temperature recovery and leukocyte recovery and better leukocyte levels (1.25 ± 0.56, 2.36 ± 0.48, 7.92 ± 1.36) than the conventional group (3.11 ± 1.05, 5.41 ± 0.63, 10.52 ± 2.78) (P < 0.05). There was 1 (2.86%) case of pneumothorax and 1 (2.86%) case of intestinal bleeding in the experimental group, and there were 2 (5.71%) cases of biliary leakage, 3 (8.57%) cases of pneumothorax, 4 (11.43%) cases of intestinal bleeding, 5.71% cases of incisional infection, 1 (2.86%) case of respiratory failure, and 1 (2.86%) case of liver damage in the conventional group. The experimental group showed a significantly lower incidence of complications (5.71%) versus the conventional group (37.14%) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

PTGBD plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis effectively improves surgical safety, promotes patients' postoperative recovery, and reduces the incidence of conversion to open surgery and postoperative complications with a high safety profile. Further trials are, however, required prior to clinical promotion.

Cohort cholecystectomies in the Brazilian public system: is access to laparoscopy universal after three decades?

OBJECTIVE

videosurgery in Brazil started in 1990 with the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, being included by the public health system in 2008. We evaluated the current situation of the use of this technology in the Unified Health System (SUS - Sistema Único de Saúde).

METHODS

from 2013 to 2019, 1,406,654 patients registered at the SUS Informatics Department (DATASUS) were analyzed to calculate the rate of laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) in relation to open cholecystectomies (OC). Patient characteristics, disease presentation and postoperative mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

the LC rate reached 41.5% (growth of 68%) with no decrease in the absolute number of OC. In University Hospitals (UH), the LC rate reached 91.96%. The open technique in emergencies was more associated with male patients, aged 60 years or older, with prolonged hospitalization and in the ICU. Those undergoing LC were less predisposed to postoperative death, both electively (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.42 - 0.56; NNT=20) and urgently (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.20 - 0.25; NNT ≅1), providing a protective effect.

CONCLUSION

despite the increase in the indication of LC, the open technique during the years studied remained stable and the most used in the public health system in Brazil. The effectiveness of public health policies to shorten the complete implementation of videosurgery in SUS needs to be investigated in future epidemiological studies, as well as its impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Endoscopic Management of Acute Cholecystitis

Endoscopic drainage of the gallbladder for acute cholecystitis can be performed with the transpapillary method or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided method. EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is gaining popularity as the treatment of choice for acute cholecystitis in patients who are deemed high-risk for cholecystectomy (CCY). It provides an alternative to percutaneous drainage and laparoscopic CCY in these patients. With the development of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), the procedure is associated with high rates of technical and clinical success with low rates of adverse events (AEs). The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current status of EUS-GBD including the indications, techniques, stent systems in-use, and how the procedure compares to conventional techniques are outlined. Furthermore, the feasibility of cholecystoscopy and advanced gallbladder interventions is explored. Finally, a comparison in outcomes of EUS-GBD versus laparoscopic CCY is provided giving some initial data in support of the procedure as an alternative to surgery in a selected group of patients.

Interfacility Transfer for Nonelective Cholecystectomy in High MELD Patients: An ACS-NSQIP Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Interfacility transfer to a referral center is often considered for patients with liver disease undergoing nonelective cholecystectomy given management complexities and perioperative risk. We sought to determine the association between the Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, transfer frequency, and outcomes in those patients using a national database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ACS-NSQIP participant use files were queried for nonelective open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy from 2016 to 2018. Patients were grouped according to low (6-11), intermediate (12-18), or high (>18) MELD. In the high MELD group, patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between transferred and nontransferred patients and multivariate regression was performed to evaluate independent predictors of outcomes. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, complications, length-of-stay (LOS), and 30-d reoperation and readmission.

RESULTS

30,171 subjects were included. Transfer was more likely as MELD increased (19.5% high versus 12.1% low, P < 0.001). High MELD patients had increased LOS, reoperation, readmission, and mortality rates compared to low MELD. In high MELD patients (n = 1016), those transferred were more likely older, white, obese, and septic. Transferred patients had increased mortality (7.6% versus 4.2%, P = 0.044), LOS, reoperation, and complications. After controlling for differences between transferred and nontransferred patients, transfer status was not independently associated with mortality (OR = 1.593, P = 0.177), postoperative complications or LOS, but was associated with increased risk for reoperation. Sepsis and laparoscopic surgery were independently associated with higher and lower mortality, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Transfer status is not independently associated with mortality, postoperative complications, or prolonged LOS, suggesting patients with advanced liver disease undergoing acute cholecystectomy may not benefit from interfacility transfer.

Acute Calculous Cholecystitis Presenting as an Acute Abdomen in a Five-Month-Old Child

Acute cholecystitis is an exceedingly rare condition in young children; nevertheless, it should be considered while investigating an acute abdomen. We report a case of a five-month-old male who presented to the pediatric emergency department with inconsolable crying, decreased oral intake, vomiting, diarrhea, and a tender right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Laboratory studies revealed elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase and the abdominal ultrasound was suggestive of acute calculous cholecystitis. The patient was treated with intravenous hydration and antimicrobial therapy, avoiding the need for emergent cholecystectomy. A calcium bilirubinate calculus was observed in the feces but no etiology was found after extensive investigation. We aim to raise awareness of this diagnosis and the need for prompt initiation of therapy to avoid complications.

Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation Reduces Further Recurrence in Patients With Recurrent Common Bile Duct Stones: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Up to 60% of patients with common bile duct stone (CBDS) recurrence suffer from further recurrence after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There are no effective methods to prevent recurrence in most patients. In this study, we aimed to assess the short-term and long-term efficacies of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) for the management of recurrent CBDS in a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with recurrent CBDS were eligible and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the EPLBD group or the control group. The primary outcome was the CBDS recurrence rate within 2 years after ERCP. The analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS

From 2014 to 2021, 180 patients with recurrent CBDS were included, with 90 in each group. All patients underwent complete CBDS clearance by 1 or several sessions of ERCP. The rate of complete clearance in 1 session was significantly higher with EPLBD treatment (95.6% vs 85.6%, P = 0.017). During the follow-up, the CBDS recurrence rate within 2 years was significantly lower in the EPLBD group than in the control group (21.1% [19/90] vs 36.7% [33/90], relative risk 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.36-0.93, P = 0.021). At a median follow-up of approximately 56 months, CBDS recurrence was found in 34.4% of the patients (31/90) in the EPLBD group and 51.1% (46/90) in the control group (hazard ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.36-0.89, P = 0.012). Multiple recurrences (≥2) were also decreased in the EPLBD group (4.4% vs 18.9%, P = 0.020).

DISCUSSION

During the long-term follow-up, nearly half of the patients with recurrent CBDS experienced stone recurrence after traditional ERCP. Our study was the first to show that EPLBD effectively reduced the recurrence of CBDS.

Optimal Timing of Cholecystectomy in Secondary Choledocholithiasis Patients Who Underwent Preoperative Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Secondary choledocholithiasis occurs when stones leave the gallbladder. After therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stone removal, cholecystectomy should be performed to prevent recurrence. However, the optimal timing for cholecystectomy in secondary choledocholithiasis patients is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal timing for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with secondary choledocholithiasis. In total, 22,996 patients in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis from 1998–2015 were divided into three groups according to whether they underwent surgery as an inpatient (early cholecystectomy (ELC)), within 2 months of admission (intermediate cholecystectomy (ILC)), or 2 months after admission (delayed cholecystectomy (DLC)). The primary outcomes included the recurrence, complication, and mortality rates. After adjusting for confounders, according to the 2013 Tokyo guidelines (cut-off at 2013), a subgroup analysis showed that, compared to the ELC group, the ILC group had lower recurrence, complication, and mortality rates, whereas the DLC group exhibited statistically significantly higher recurrence and mortality rates. In conclusion, the optimal timing of cholecystectomy in secondary choledocholithiasis patients after preoperative ERCP is within 2 months (ILC) after hospital admission. Moreover, ELC is associated with a measurable risk of complications.

Revision of the AAST grading scale for acute cholecystitis with comparison to physiologic measures of severity

BACKGROUND

Grading systems for acute cholecystitis are essential to compare outcomes, improve quality, and advance research. The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grading system for acute cholecystitis was only moderately discriminant when predicting multiple outcomes and underperformed the Tokyo guidelines and Parkland grade. We hypothesized that through additional expert consensus, the predictive capacity of the AAST anatomic grading system could be improved.

METHODS

A modified Delphi approach was used to revise the AAST grading system. Changes were made to improve distribution of patients across grades, and additional key clinical variables were introduced. The revised version was assessed using prospectively collected data from an AAST multicenter study. Patient distribution across grades was assessed, and the revised grading system was evaluated based on predictive capacity using area under receiver operating characteristic curves for conversion from laparoscopic to an open procedure, use of a surgical "bail-out" procedure, bile leak, major complications, and discharge home. A preoperative AAST grade was defined based on preoperative, clinical, and radiologic data, and the Parkland grade was also substituted for the operative component of the AAST grade.

RESULTS

Using prospectively collected data on 861 patients with acute cholecystitis the revised version of the AAST grade has an improved distribution across all grades, both the overall grade and across each subscale. A higher AAST grade predicted each of the outcomes assessed (all p ≤ 0.01). The revised AAST grade outperformed the original AAST grade for predicting operative outcomes and discharge disposition. Despite this improvement, the AAST grade did not outperform the Parkland grade or the Emergency Surgery Score.

CONCLUSION

The revised AAST grade and the preoperative AAST grade demonstrated improved discrimination; however, a purely anatomic grade based on chart review is unlikely to predict outcomes without addition of physiologic variables. Follow-up validation will be necessary.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic Test or Criteria, Level IV.

It's time for a minimum synoptic operation template in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Despite the call to enhance accuracy and value of operation records few international recommended minimal standards for operative notes documentation have been described. This study undertook a systematic review of existing operative reporting systems for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to fashion a comprehensive, synoptic operative reporting template for the future.

METHODS

A search for all relevant articles was conducted using PubMed version of Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases in June 2021, for publications from January 1st 2011 to October 25th 2021, using the keywords: laparoscopic cholecystectomy AND operation notes OR operative notes OR proforma OR documentation OR report OR narrative OR audio-visual OR synoptic OR digital. Two reviewers (NOC, GMC) independently assessed each published study using a MINORS score of ≥ 16 for comparative and ≥ 10 for non-comparative for inclusion. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO. Synoptic operative templates from published data were assimilated into one "ideal" laparoscopic operative report template following international input from the World Society of Emergency Surgery board.

RESULTS

A total of 3567 articles were reviewed. Following MINORS grading 25 studies were selected spanning 14 countries and 4 continents. Twenty-two studies were prospective. A holistic overview of the operative procedure documentation was reported in 6/25 studies and a further 19 papers dealt with selective surgical aspects of LC. A unique synoptic LC operative reporting template was developed and translated into Chinese/Mandarin, French and Arabic.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review identified a paucity of publications dealing with operative reporting of LC. The proposed new template may be integrated digitally with hospitals' medical systems and include additional narrative text and audio-visual data. The template may help define new OR (operating room) recording standards and impact on care for patients undergoing LC.

Prenatal Isoflurane Exposure Induces Developmental Neurotoxicity in Rats: the Role of Gut Microbiota

Fetal exposure to inhaled anesthetics, such as isoflurane, may lead to neurodevelopmental impairment in offspring. Yet, the mechanisms of prenatal isoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity have not been fully elucidated. Gut microbiota is a pivotal modulator of brain development and functions. While the antibiotic effect of isoflurane has been previously investigated, the relationship between prenatal isoflurane exposure and postnatal gut microbiota, brain biology, and behavior remains unknown. In the present study, we treated pregnant rats with 2% isoflurane for 4 h on gestational day 14. Their offspring were tested with novel object recognition task on postnatal day 28 (P28) to assess cognition. Fecal microbiome was assessed using 16S RNA sequencing. We also analyzed hippocampal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in P28 rat brains. To further explore the role of gut microbiota on prenatal isoflurane-induced developmental neurotoxicity, we treated rats with mixed probiotics on P14 for 14 days and evaluated novel object recognition and hippocampal expression of BDNF on P28. Results indicate that prenatal exposure to isoflurane significantly decreased novel object recognition (novel object preference ratio: mean difference (MD) - 0.157; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.234 to - 0.080, P < 0.001) paralleled by diminished expression of hippocampal BDNF in juvenile rats. Prenatal exposure to isoflurane also significantly altered the diversity and composition of gut microbiota. Treatment with probiotics mitigated these changes in cognition (novel object preference ratio: isoflurane group vs. control group: MD - 0.177; 95% CI - 0.307 to - 0.047, P = 0.006; probiotic group vs. isoflurane group: MD 0.140; 95% CI 0.004 to 0.275, P = 0.042) and BDNF expression. Taken together, our findings suggest that gut dysbiosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of maternal isoflurane exposure-induced postnatal cognitive impairment. To determine the causal relationship between gut microbiota and cognition in prenatal anesthetic-induced developmental neurotoxicity, further studies are needed.

Regional variations in Sweden over time regarding the surgical treatment of acute cholecystitis: a population-based register study

OBJECTIVE

To provide optimal health care for patients with acute cholecystitis in need of acute cholecystectomy, resource allocation has to be optimized. The aim of this study was to assess possible regional inequity regarding the treatment of acute cholecystitis and explore regional differences in the management of acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from the Swedish National Register for Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography. Between January 2010 and December 2019, 22,985 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and without prior history of acute cholecystitis were included in the study. The ratio of cholecystectomies with acute cholecystitis performed within two days of admission to hospital compared to population density was studied. Furthermore, the proportion of acute performed cholecystectomies within two days of admission in regions, with or without tertiary care centers, was also examined.

RESULTS

No correlation between population density and proportion of acute performed cholecystectomies was found. Regions without tertiary care centers had a higher proportion of acute cholecystectomies performed within two days (5-10%). The difference in the ratio of acute cholecystectomies within two days of admission was significant for all years investigated except 2010.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a tertiary referral center within the region had a greater influence than the population density on the chance of undergoing acute cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis. There are several potential explanations for this, one being an interference of the needs of patients requiring tertiary referral center care with the needs of patients in need of acute care surgery.

Different Surgeon, Different Duration: Lack of Consensus on the Appropriate Duration of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis and Therapy in Surgical Practice

Background: The principles of antimicrobial stewardship promote the appropriate prescribing of agents with respect to efficacy, safety, duration, and cost. Antibiotic resistance often results from inappropriate use (e.g., indication, selection, duration). We evaluated practice variability in duration of antimicrobials in surgical infection treatment (Rx) or prophylaxis (Px). Hypothesis: There is lack of consensus regarding the duration of antibiotic Px and Rx for many common indications. Methods: A survey was distributed to the Surgical Infection Society (SIS) regarding the use of antimicrobial agents for a variety of scenarios. Standard descriptive statistics were used to compare survey responses. Heterogeneity among question responses were compared using the Shannon Index, expressed as natural units (nats). Results: Sixty-three SIS members responded, most of whom (67%) have held a leadership position within the SIS or contributed as an annual meeting moderator or discussant; 76% have been in practice for more than five years. Regarding peri-operative Px, more than 80% agreed that a single dose is adequate for most indications, with the exceptions of gangrenous cholecystitis (40% single dose, 38% pre-operative +24 hours) and inguinal hernia repair requiring a bowel resection (70% single dose). There was more variability regarding the use of antibiotic Px for various bedside procedures with respondents split between none needed (range, 27%-66%) versus a single dose (range, 31%-67%). Opinions regarding the duration of antimicrobial Rx for hospitalized patients who have undergone a source control operation or procedure varied widely based on indication. Only two of 20 indications achieved more than 60% consensus despite available class 1 evidence: seven days for ventilator-associated pneumonia (77%), and four plus one days for perforated appendicitis (62%). Conclusions: Except for peri-operative antibiotic Px, there is little consensus regarding antibiotic duration among surgical infection experts, despite class 1 evidence and several available guidelines. This highlights the need for further high-level research and better dissemination of guidelines.

Comparison of Fenestrating and Reconstituting Subtotal Cholecystectomy Techniques in Difficult Cholecystectomy

Purpose

Cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgeries. Although laparoscopy is considered the gold standard approach, it cannot prevent biliary injuries. Subtotal cholecystectomy has been performed mainly to prevent biliary injuries during difficult cholecystectomies. This study aimed to analyse our subtotal cholecystectomy results for difficult cholecystectomy cases and to evaluate the fenestrating and reconstituting techniques.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected and analysed statistically for cases that underwent subtotal cholecystectomy in a single referral centre between 2015 and 2020. Comparisons were made of the patients’ age, gender, preoperative American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, comorbidities, surgical timing, surgical procedure choice, postoperative complications, and mortality.

Results

The number of patients who underwent subtotal cholecystectomy was 46; 30.4% underwent emergent surgery and 69.6% underwent elective surgery. Twelve patients had subtotal fenestrating cholecystectomy and 34 had subtotal reconstituting cholecystectomy. Wound issues were noted in 17.4% of the patients, while 10.9% had temporary biliary fistulas that resolved spontaneously. Reoperation was performed in one patient due to high-output biliary drainage. Patients with postoperative complications had significantly higher co-morbid conditions (p=0.000), but surgery timing (p=0.192) and type of subtotal cholecystectomy (p=0.409) had no statistically significant effect on complications. Mortality showed a statistically significant correlation with patient comorbidities, surgery timing, and the type of procedure (p<0.05). Postoperative complications showed a statistically significant correlation with mortality (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Subtotal cholecystectomy prevents major biliary complications after cholecystectomy. Yet, the frequency of postoperative complications after subtotal cholecystectomy is incontrovertible. Intraoperative characteristics and the surgeon’s expertise decide the optimal choice of the subtotal cholecystectomy technique.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a higher rate of acute cholangitis among patients with common bile duct stones: A retrospective study

Common bile duct (CBD) stone is a commonly encountered disease that is associated with various clinical presentations ranging from the mild form of biliary colic to the severe complication of acute cholangitis. Recently, diabetes mellitus (DM) has been linked to the development of biliary diseases; however, no data regarding the association of DM with acute cholangitis development in the setting of CBD stone exist. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether DM represents a risk factor for acute cholangitis in patients with CBD stone. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study from January 1, 2010 till June 1, 2020 of all patients presenting to Galilee Medical Center with various clinical presentations of documented CBD stone, including cholangitis, biliary pancreatitis, and biliary colic with abnormal liver enzymes. Overall, 687 patients were included in the final analysis. Among them, 101 patients (14.7%) had CBD stone associated with acute cholangitis (group A), as compared to 586 patients (85.3%) without acute cholangitis (group B). The average ages in groups A and B were 77.7 ± 13.6 and 62.5 ± 20.5 years, respectively (P < .0001). The prevalence of DM was significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (52.5% vs 36.3%, P = .001). On univariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, P < .0001), male gender (OR 1.54, P = .04), and DM (OR 1.92, P = .002) were associated with acute cholangitis development, and on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the correlation was preserved for DM (OR 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.26-2.96, P = .002). DM showed a significant association with acute cholangitis development among patients with CBD stone. Identification of bile duct stones in diabetic patients is of paramount importance since early diagnosis and treatment might prevent further life-threatening complications.

Incremental net benefit of cholecystectomy compared with alternative treatments in people with gallstones or cholecystitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cost–utility studies

Introduction

Cholecystectomy is a standard treatment in the management of symptomatic gallstone disease. Current literature has contradicting views on the cost-effectiveness of different cholecystectomy treatments. We have conducted a systematic reappraisal of literature concerning the cost-effectiveness of cholecystectomy in management of gallstone disease.

Methods

We systematically searched for economic evaluation studies from PubMed, Embase and Scopus for eligible studies from inception up to July 2020. We pooled the incremental net benefit (INB) with a 95% CI using a random-effects model. We assessed the heterogeneity using the Cochrane-Q test, I2 statistic. We have used the modified economic evaluation bias (ECOBIAS) checklist for quality assessment of the selected studies. We assessed the possibility of publication bias using a funnel plot and Egger’s test.

Results

We have selected 28 studies for systematic review from a search that retrieved 8710 studies. Among them, seven studies were eligible for meta-analysis, all from high-income countries (HIC). Studies mainly reported comparisons between surgical treatments, but non-surgical gallstone disease management studies were limited. The early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) was significantly more cost-effective compared with the delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) with an INB of US$1221 (US$187 to US$2255) but with high heterogeneity (I2=73.32%). The subgroup and sensitivity analysis also supported that ELC is the most cost-effective option for managing gallstone disease or cholecystitis.

Conclusion

ELC is more cost-effective than DLC in the treatment of gallstone disease or cholecystitis in HICs. There was insufficient literature on comparison with other treatment options, such as conservative management and limited evidence from other economies.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020194052.

Colecistectomias em coorte no sistema público brasileiro: o acesso à laparoscopia é universal após três décadas?

RESUMO Introdução: a videocirurgia no Brasil iniciou em 1990 com a realização da colecistectomia laparoscópica, sendo incluída pelo sistema público de saúde em 2008. Avaliamos a situação atual do emprego desta tecnologia no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos: de 2013 a 2019, 1.406.654 pacientes registrados no Departamento de Informática do SUS (DATASUS) foram analisados para calcular a taxa de colecistectomias laparoscópicas (CL) em relação a colecistectomias abertas (CA). Avaliaram-se características dos pacientes, apresentação da doença e mortalidade pós-operatória. Resultados: a taxa de CL atingiu 41,5%, com crescimento de 68%, sem ocorrer diminuição do número absoluto de CA. Já em Hospitais Universitários (HUs) a taxa de CL chegou a 91,96%. A técnica aberta em urgências esteve mais associada a pacientes masculinos, com 60 anos ou mais, à internação prolongada e em UTI. Aqueles submetidos à CL estiveram menos predispostos à morte pós-operatória, tanto em caráter eletivo (OR 0,49; IC 95% 0,42 - 0,56; NNT = 20) como na urgência (OR 0,23; IC 95% 0,20 - 0,25; NNT ≅ 1), conferindo efeito protetor. Conclusão: apesar do aumento da indicação da CL, a cirurgia aberta durante os anos estudados se manteve estável e a técnica mais utilizada no sistema público de saúde do Brasil. A efetividade de políticas de saúde pública para abreviar a completa implementação da videocirurgia no SUS necessita ser investigada em estudos epidemiológicos futuros, assim como seu impacto na morbimortalidade pós-operatória.

[Modern principles of safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has many advantages over open surgery. Nevertheless, incidence of intraoperative bile duct injury is consistently higher for laparoscopic technique. This review is devoted to modern principles of identifying the anatomical elements in hepatoduodenal ligament and rules for safe tissue dissection in this area. The last ones mainly consist in formation of «critical view of safety» before clipping and transection of tubular structures. The key for «critical view of safety» is mobilization of fatty and fibrous tissues of hepatocystic triangle starting from the lower third of the gallbladder.

Access to Surgery and Quality of Care for Acute Cholecystitis During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020 and 2021 - an Analysis of 12,545 Patients from a German-Wide Hospital Network

PURPOSE

To determine effects on admission, treatment, and outcome for acute cholecystitis during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of claims data from 74 German hospitals. Study periods were defined from March 5, 2020 (start of first wave) to June 20, 2021 (end of third wave) and compared to corresponding control periods (March 2018 to February 2020). All in-patients with acute cholecystitis were included. Distribution of cases, type of surgery, comorbidities, surgical outcome, and length of stay of all cases with acute cholecystitis and cholecystectomy were compared. In addition, we analyzed the type of treatment (non-surgical, cholecystostomy, or cholecystectomy) for all cases with main diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.

RESULTS

We could not demonstrate differences in daily admissions over the course of the pandemic (11.2-12.7 patients vs. 11.9-12.6 patients for control periods). Proportion of patients with non-surgical treatment was low and not increased (11.7-17.3% vs. 14.5-18.4%). Cholecystostomy was rare throughout all periods (0-0.5% of all patients). We did not observe an increase in open surgery (proportion of open cholecystectomies 3.4-5.5%). Mortality was generally low (1.5-1.9%) with no differences between periods. Median length of stay was 4 days throughout all periods.

CONCLUSION

The numerous restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic did not result in an increase of admissions or surgery for acute cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been safely applied during the pandemic. Our results may assure the ability to maintain high quality of surgical care even in times of disruptions to the health care system.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Complications of Cholelithiasis in Adults With Short Bowel Syndrome: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Background: Patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) are at a high risk of cholestasis or cholelithiasis. This study aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors, and clinical consequences of cholelithiasis in adults with SBS over an extended period.

Methods: All eligible adults diagnosed with SBS and admitted to a tertiary hospital center between January 2010 and December 2019 were retrospectively identified from the hospital records database. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of SBS during the 10-year period. For assessment the risk factors for cholelithiasis, we used multivariate Cox proportional hazards model with estimation of hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95 %CI).

Results: This study enrolled 345 eligible patients with SBS. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that 72 patients (20.9%) developed cholelithiasis during the 10-year observation period. In multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model revealed that the remnant jejunum (HR = 2.163; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.156–4.047, p = 0.016) and parenteral nutrition dependence (HR = 1.783; 95% CI: 1.077–2.952, p = 0.025) were independent risk factors for cholelithiasis in adults with SBS. Twenty-eight patients developed symptoms and/or complications in the cholelithiasis group. Proportions of acute cholecystitis or cholangitis and acute pancreatitis were significantly increased in the cholelithiasis group compared with the non-cholelithiasis group (31.9 vs. 7.7%, p < 0.01; and 6.9 vs. 1.1%, p = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion: Because of the adverse clinical consequences of cholelithiasis, adult patients with SBS should be closely monitored, and preventive interventions should be considered.

Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04867538.

When to remove the drainage catheter in patients with percutaneous cholecystostomy?

OBJECTIVE

The treatment for patients with acute calculous cholecystitis who have high surgical risk with percutaneous cholecystostomy instead of surgery is an appropriate alternative choice. The aim of this study was to examine the promising percutaneous cholecystostomy intervention to share our experiences about the duration of catheter that has yet to be determined.

METHODS

A total of 163 patients diagnosed with acute calculous cholecystitis and treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy between January 2011 and July 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 were used to diagnose and grade patients with acute cholecystitis.

RESULTS

The mean age was 71.81±12.81 years. According to the Tokyo grading, 143 patients had grade 2 and 20 patients had grade 3 disease. The mean duration of catheter was 39.12±37 (1-270) days. Minimal bile leakage into the peritoneum was noted in 3 (1.8%) patients during the procedure. The rate of complications during follow-up of the patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy was 6.9% (n=11), and the most common complication was catheter dislocation. Cholecystectomy was performed in 33.1% (n=54) of the patients at follow-up. Post-cholecystectomy complication rate was 12.9%. At the follow-up, the rate of recurrent acute cholecystitis episodes was 5.5%, while the mortality rate was 1.8%. The length of follow-up was five years.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of recurrence was significantly higher among the patients with catheter for <21 days. We recommend that the duration of catheter should be minimum 21 days in patients undergoing percutaneous cholecystostomy.

Risk factors for necrotic cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: the ChoCO-WSES prospective collaborative study's experience

Objectives

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have reported a decrease in in the admission surgical patients and emergency surgical procedures, and an increase in more severe septic surgical diseases, such as necrotic cholecystitis. It was probably due to to a critical delay in time-to- diagnosis and time-to-intervention resulting to limited access to the operating theatres as well as intensive care units. Early laparoscopic cholecystec- tomy is the standard of care for acute cholecystitis. Moreover early data from COVID-19 pandemic reported an increase in the incidence of necrotic cholecystitis among COVID-19 patients. The ChoCO-W prospective observational collaborative study was conceived to investigate the incidence and management of acute cholecystitis under the COVID-19 pandemic.

Material and Methods

The present research protocol was. conceived and designed as a prospective observational international collaborative study focusing on the management of patients with to the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis under the COVID-19 pandemic. The study obtained the approval of the local Ethics Committee (Nimes, France) and meet and conform to the standards outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Eligible patients will be prospectively enrolled in the recruitment period and data entered in an online case report form.

Results

The ChoCO-W study will be the largest prospective study carried out during the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic with the aim to inves- tigate the management of patients with acute cholecystitis, in the lack of studies focusing on COVID-19 positive patients.

Conclusion

The ChoCO-W study is conceived to be the largest prospective study to assess the management of patients presenting with acute chol- ecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic and risk factors correlated with necrotic cholecystitis to improve the management of high-risk patients.

APACHE IV system helps to determine role of cholecystostomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis

Objective

Cholecystostomy is a palliative treatment for patients unfit to undergo immediate cholecystectomy. Nevertheless, the role of cholecystostomy in the clinical management of such patients remains unclear. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) scoring system is useful for estimating the hospital mortality of high-risk patients. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of cholecystostomy by the APACHE IV scoring system in patients aged >65 years with acute cholecystitis.

Methods

In total, 597 patients aged >65 years with acute cholecystitis were retrospectively analyzed using APACHE IV scores.

Results

The fitness of the APACHE IV score prediction was good, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.894. The chi square independence test indicated that compared with conservative treatment, cholecystostomy may have different effects on mortality for patients whose estimated mortality rate was >10%. Comparison of the estimated mortality of patients before and after cholecystostomy indicated that the estimated mortality was significantly lower after than before puncture, both in the whole patient group and in the group with an estimated mortality of >10%.

Conclusion

The APACHE IV scoring system showed that cholecystostomy is a safe and effective treatment for elderly high-risk patients with acute cholecystitis.

A nationwide analysis of gallbladder surgery in England between 2000 and 2019

BACKGROUND

There are no reports on nationwide trends in subtotal cholecystectomy (STC) and cholecystostomy in England. We hypothesized that, as in the United States, a substantial increase in the utilization of these surgical procedures, over time, may be observed. We aimed to generate a reliable report on 4 of the most common gallbladder surgical procedures in England to allow cross-procedure comparisons and highlight significant changes in the management of benign gallbladder disease over time.

METHODS

We obtained data from NHS Digital and extracted population estimates from the Office of National Statistics. We examined the trends in the use of STC, cholecystostomy, cholecystolithotomy and total cholecystectomy (TC) between 2000 and 2019.

RESULTS

Of the 1,234,319 gallbladder surgeries performed, TC accounted for 96.8% (n = 1,194,786) and the other 3 surgeries for 3.2% (n = 39,533). The total number of gallbladder surgeries performed annually increased by 80.4% from 2000 to 2019. We detected increases in the counts of cholecystostomies by 723.1% (n = 290 in 2000 vs n = 2,387 in 2019) and STCs by 716.6% (n = 217 in 2000 vs n = 1,772 in 2019). Consequently, there was a decrease in the ratio of TC to STC (180:1 in 2000 vs 38:1 in 2019). A similar decrease was observed in the ratio of cholecystectomy to cholecystostomy (135:1 in 2000 vs 29:1 in 2019).

CONCLUSION

Increased utilization of STC and cholecystostomy was detected in England. These findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring of nationwide trends in gallbladder surgery and the associated clinical outcomes.

A comparative analysis of gallbladder torsion and acute gallbladder disease without torsion: a single-center retrospective case series study

Background

Acute gallbladder disease (AGD) is frequent in the emergency department (ED), and usually requires surgical intervention. Gallbladder torsion (GT) is a rare entity among patients with AGD. There are sparse reviews of GT’s clinical characteristics, and there is no comparative study between them in the same patient cohort. Therefore, we report the case series of GT, and compare the statistical differences between GT and non-GT with AGD.

Methods

We collected retrospective data from patients who visited ED with AGD and underwent emergency cholecystectomy between January 2005 and December 2020. We combined consecutive case series of GT and compared them with non-GT gallbladder disease.

Results

Six GT cases were diagnosed over the study duration. Five were female (83%) and the average age was 77.8 years. All patients presented with abdominal pain, and the median duration of pain was two days. Only two cases were suspected for GT pre-operatively (33%). One patient underwent laparotomy, and the others underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a mean operation time of 59 min. The torsion direction was of the same proportion in both directions; five (83%) were rotated completely. The mean length of hospital stay was 9.3 d and outcomes were favorable in most GT cases. In the comparative study between GT and non-GT, age was higher in the GT group (P=0.048), and duration or severity of pain showed no statistical difference (P=0.528; P=0.637, respectively). Body temperature was higher in the non-GT group without statistical significance (P=0.074). Gallstones were present in 68.8% of the non-GT group, which is significantly higher than that of the GT group (P=0.036).

Conclusions

Six exceptional GT cases were managed successfully. The overall characteristics of each GT case demonstrated similar with previous reviews. Our comparative analysis showed that age, pulse rate, serum creatinine level, and gallstone presence showed statistical differences. Contrary to the traditional knowledge of GT, some distinct features like sex, duration or severity of pain, and fever showed no significant differences within AGD in our research.

Use of percutaneous cholecystostomy for complicated acute lithiasic cholecystitis: solving or deferring the problem?

<b>Introduction:</b> Percutaneous cholecystostomies are not infrequently used as an adjunct in the treatment of severe lithiasic cholecystitis, particularly in unstable and comorbid patients. However, their out of proportion liberal use tends to substitute the performance of emergency cholecystectomy, which the definitive treatment. </br></br> <b>Aim:</b> Our aim was to assess the short and long-term outcomes of patients who had percutaneous cholecystostomy insertion due to severe lithiasic cholecystitis, aiming to define areas for improvement of our institutional practice. </br></br> <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Retrospective review of our institutional practice including all patients who had a percutaneous cholecystostomy for complex lithiasic cholecystitis, over a 5-year period, allowing for an additional 1-year follow up. </br></br> <b>Results:</b> A total of 34 patients were included in our final analysis. Percutaneous cholecystostomy insertion enabled quick and efficient control of the source of biliary sepsis without major procedural complications in all cases. In 14 (41.2%) patients, cholecystostomy alone served as definitive treatment, while in 20 (58.9%) cases it was used as bridging strategy for delayed elective cholecystectomy. In the delayed cholecystectomy group of patients, we noted a high conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery rate of 70%, with an overall subtotal cholecystectomy rate of 60%. </br></br> <b>Conclusion:</b> Percutaneous cholecystostomies should be reserved only for complex lithiasic cholecystitis patients who are unwilling and/or unfit for surgery. We advocate the performance of upfront emergency cholecystectomy in any other case with liberal use of operative bail-out strategies, as a delayed elective operation is anyway likely to be converted to open and/or subtotal cholecystectomy.

WSES/GAIS/SIS-E/WSIS/AAST global clinical pathways for patients with intra-abdominal infections

Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are common surgical emergencies and have been reported as major contributors to non-trauma deaths in hospitals worldwide. The cornerstones of effective treatment of IAIs include early recognition, adequate source control, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and prompt physiologic stabilization using a critical care environment, combined with an optimal surgical approach. Together, the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery (GAIS), the Surgical Infection Society-Europe (SIS-E), the World Surgical Infection Society (WSIS), and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) have jointly completed an international multi-society document in order to facilitate clinical management of patients with IAIs worldwide building evidence-based clinical pathways for the most common IAIs. An extensive non-systematic review was conducted using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases, limited to the English language. The resulting information was shared by an international task force from 46 countries with different clinical backgrounds. The aim of the document is to promote global standards of care in IAIs providing guidance to clinicians by describing reasonable approaches to the management of IAIs.

[Acute Cholecystitis in high-risk surgical patients: sonographic and endoscopic treatment options]

Cholecystectomy is the gold standard in the treatment of acute cholecystitis, but has a significantly increased risk in multimorbid patients or in the severe course of acute cholecystitis. In such cases, drainage of the damaged gallbladder in combination with antibiotic therapy may be superior to primary surgery. The drainage can either be performed as sonographically guided percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage or as EUS-guided transmural stent placement or endoscopic-transpapillary gallbladder drainage. These minimally invasive alternatives to cholecystectomy can be used both as long-term therapy for permanently inoperable patients and temporarily for patients in whom the cholecystectomy is intended after improvement of the general condition. In this overview, the various drainage methods are discussed with regard to technical requirements, immediate and long-term clinical results and complications. With advances in stent design, EUS-guided transmural stent placement from the stomach or duodenum into the gallbladder is becoming the preferred method of gallbladder drainage in centers with the appropriate expertise.

Laparoscopy in Emergency: Why Not? Advantages of Laparoscopy in Major Emergency: A Review

A laparoscopic approach is suggested with the highest grade of recommendation for acute cholecystitis, perforated gastroduodenal ulcers, acute appendicitis, gynaecological disorders, and non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP). To date, the main qualities of laparoscopy for these acute surgical scenarios are clearly stated: quicker surgery, faster recovery and shorter hospital stay. For the remaining surgical emergencies, as well as for abdominal trauma, the role of laparoscopy is still a matter of debate. Patients might benefit from a laparoscopic approach only if performed by experienced teams and surgeons which guarantee a high standard of care. More precisely, laparoscopy can limit damage to the tissue and could be effective for the reduction of the overall amount of cell debris, which is a result of the intensity with which the immune system reacts to the injury and the following symptomatology. In fact, these fragments act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). DAMPs, as well as pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), are recognised by both surface and intracellular receptors of the immune cells and activate the cascade which, in critically ill surgical patients, is responsible for a deranged response. This may result in the development of progressive and multiple organ dysfunctions, manifesting with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), coagulopathy, liver dysfunction and renal failure. In conclusion, none of the emergency surgical scenarios preclude laparoscopy, provided that the surgical tactic could ensure sufficient cleaning of the abdomen in addition to resolving the initial tissue damage caused by the “trauma”.

The Direct Medical Cost of Acute Appendicitis Surgery in a Resource-Limited Setting of Papua New Guinea

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency, and challenges in access to surgery in a low middle-income country can direct cost implications.

METHODS

A prospective cost of illness study was conducted at Alotau Provincial Hospital (APH) from October 14, 2019, to June 1, 2020. A bottom-up approach of microcosting was used to estimate the direct medical cost of consecutive patients with acute appendicitis undergoing surgery.

RESULTS

The mean cost of acute appendicitis surgery for each patient was K39,517.66 (US$11,460.12) for uncomplicated appendicitis, K45,873.99 (US$13,303.46) for complicated appendicitis and K38,838.80 (US$ 11,263.25) for a normal appendix. In total, the direct medical cost for acute appendicitis in this study was K4,562,625.29 (US$ 1,323,161.33) with the majority of expenditure incurred by surgical ward expenses.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that direct medical costs for uncomplicated appendicitis surgery in a resource-limited hospital are less expensive. As the pathology progresses, the cost also exponentially increases. Policy makers and clinicians must establish appropriate curative surgical services at secondary (NOM of acute appendicitis and laparoscopic surgery) and primary health-care levels to address acute appendicitis surgery as this can reduce costs.

Role of serum procalcitonin in predicting the surgical outcomes of acute calculous cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Acute calculous cholecystitis (AC) is a syndrome of right upper quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis associated with gallbladder inflammation. In the preoperative planning, the severity of AC should be considered as well as time of onset of symptoms and patient comorbidities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of an early PCT assessment in the emergency department in predicting the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for AC.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, mono-centric study conducted in a teaching urban hospital. We evaluated all patients admitted to our ED from January 1st, 2015, to December 31st, 2019, underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for AC having a preoperative PCT determination in ED.

RESULTS

A total of 2285 patients in our ED were admitted for AC. Among them 822 patients were treated surgically, 174 had a PCT determination in ED. Median age was 63 [50-74]. Overall, 33 patients (19.0%) had major complications (MC): 32 needed an open surgery conversion, and 3 among them deceased. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that PCT, WBC, BUN, and CCI were significantly associated to MC in our cohort. When we calculated the area under the ROC curve with regard to MC, a procalcitonin value > 0.09 at admission had sensitivity = 84.8% [68.1-94.9] and specificity = 51.8% [43.2-60.3] for the occurrence of MC.

CONCLUSION

Our results, suggest that a PCT > 0.09 ng/mL at ED admission, could be associated to a poor surgical outcome in patients treated by laparoscopic surgery for AC.