Surgical treatment and outcome of iatrogenic bile duct lesions after cholecystectomy and the impact of different clinical classification systems

Complex Roux en Y double hepaticojejunostomy following a sequalae of iatrogenic bile duct injury; case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Obstructive jaundice following iatrogenic biliary injury is a rare but serious complication, often resulting from procedures such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its complexity and potential for life-altering sequelae. Timely recognition and management are essential to prevent long-term morbidity. This report highlights the clinical course and successful surgical management of a complex biliary injury, underscoring the importance of advanced imaging, timing and prompt intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 53-year-old woman presented with a one-month history of obstructive jaundice, progressive pruritus, pale stools, and dark urine. She denied pain or systemic symptoms. Her medical history included a laparoscopic cholecystectomy six months earlier, complicated by biliary peritonitis, which necessitated an exploratory laparotomy. Imaging revealed extensive biliary disruption, including absence of the common hepatic duct and a laceration of the left hepatic duct. Surgical reconstruction was performed using a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Postoperatively, the patient had an uneventful recovery, with significant clinical improvement and normalization of liver biochemistry.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Iatrogenic biliary injuries, though uncommon, can result in significant morbidity. Early recognition through clinical suspicion and advanced imaging modalities is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Surgical intervention, particularly hepaticojejunostomy, remains the cornerstone of treatment for extensive biliary disruption, offering durable outcomes and resolution of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the importance of vigilance in diagnosing and managing complex biliary injuries. Multidisciplinary collaboration, advanced imaging, and timely surgical repair are key to achieving favorable outcomes in such challenging cases.

Replacement of the main bile duct by bioprosthesis in an experimental porcine model (24-month results)

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy for conditions like iatrogenic injury during cholecystectomy can lead to complications such as bile duct injuries, necessitating alternative options like bioprosthesis.

METHODS

This study evaluated a bioprosthesis's efficacy in maintaining bile duct continuity over 24 months in 16 male pigs.

RESULTS

The bioprosthesis was implanted in the common bile duct of three-month-old animals, with follow-ups at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Liver function remained stable, and biliary permeability was assessed through various imaging techniques. Despite mild stenosis, biliary flow was unimpeded. Histological analysis confirmed biliary epithelium presence in the regenerated area.

CONCLUSION

The bioprosthesis acted as a scaffold for tissue regeneration without compromising biliary function. Remnants of the bioprosthesis were observed but did not affect biliary excretion in the 24-month porcine model. This study highlights the bioprosthesis's potential in bile duct reconstruction, offering a safe and effective option for maintaining biliary continuity.

Bile Duct Injuries after Cholecystectomy: An Individual Patient Data Systematic Review

Background: Post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries (BDIs) represent a challenging complication, with negative impacts on clinical outcomes. Several surgical and endoscopic/interventional radiologist (IR) approaches have been proposed to manage these damages, though with high failure rates. This individual patient data (IPD) systematic review analyzes the potential risk factors for failure after treatment interventions for BDIs, both surgical and endoscopic/IR. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted on MEDLINE and Scopus for relevant articles published in English on the management of BDIs after cholecystectomy, between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2023. Our series of BDIs was included. BDIs were always categorized according to the Strasberg's classification. The composite primary endpoints evaluated were the failure of treatment interventions, defined as patient death or the requirement of any other procedure, whatever surgical and/or endoscopic/IR, after the primary treatment. Results: A total of 342 cases were retrieved from our literature analysis, including our series of 19 patients. Among these, three groups were identified: "upfront surgery", "upfront endoscopy and/or IR" and "no upfront treatment", consisting of 224, 109 and 9 patients, respectively. After eliminating the third group, treatment intervention failure was observed overall in 34.2% (114/333) of patients, of whom 80.7% (92/114) and 19.3% (22/114) in the "upfront surgery" and in the "upfront endoscopy/IR" groups, respectively. At multivariable analysis, injury type D and E, and repair in a non-specialized center represented independent predictors of treatment failure in both groups, whereas laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) converted to open and immediate attempt of surgical repair exclusively in the first group. Conclusions: Significant treatment failure rates are responsible for remarkable negative effects on immediate and longer-term clinical outcomes of post-cholecystectomy BDIs. Understanding the important risk factors for this outcome may better guide the most appropriate therapeutical approach and improve clinical decisions in case this serious complication occurs.

Four-Year Report of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injury Repair from a Referral Hepatobiliary Center

Background

Iatrogenic bile duct injury (BDI) is one of the most common complications that challenge surgeons performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). As the number of LC surgeries increases, a pattern of BDI is emerging, but little is known about this matter. The purpose of this study was to assess the pattern of post-LC BDIs directed in a referral center in Iran.

Methods

Post-BDI patients referred to a hepatobiliary center were studied. Demographic data, clinical status, diagnostic examinations, referral time, post-referral management, and morbidity were analyzed.

Results

Nine out of 68 patients had Charcot's cholangitis triad featuring right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and icter. Fever, icter, and itching were the most frequent symptoms. Increased bilirubin, leukocytosis, and abnormal liver function test (LFT) were the most common laboratory abnormalities. 30 patients experienced hepatic artery injury. Out of them, six patients experienced hepatectomy due to hepatic ischemia. Two patients were re-admitted and re-operated, and four patients died.

Conclusion

Early and correct treatment by a hepatobiliary surgeon experienced in the management of these types of injuries prevents further complications in patients suffering from iatrogenic BDI. Postoperative complications of bile duct repair, such as anastomosis stricture, are possible; thus, patients need long-term and thorough postoperative observation.

Pre-Operative Group and Save in Elective and Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Necessity, Cost-Effectiveness, and Own Experience

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with a high safety profile. This study seeks to quantify the incidence of blood transfusion in both the elective and emergency settings, examine related patient outcomes, and investigate selection criteria for pre-operative Group and Save (G&S) sampling. Methods: A prospective multi-centre observational study was conducted to investigate patients undergoing either elective or emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the UK between January 2020 and May 2021. Multivariate logistical regression models were used to identify patient factors associated with the risk of transfusion and explore outcomes linked to pre-operative G&S sampling. Results: This study comprised 959 patients, with 631 (65.8%) undergoing elective cholecystectomy and 328 (34.2%) undergoing emergency surgery. The median age was 48 years (range: 35-59), with 724 (75.5%) of the patients being female. Only five patients (0.5%) required blood transfusions, receiving an average of three units, with the first unit administered approximately six hours post-operatively. Among these cases, three patients (60%) had underlying haematological conditions. In adjusted models, male gender was significantly associated with the need for a blood transfusion (OR 11.31, p = 0.013), while the presence of a pre-operative Group and Save sample did not demonstrate any positive impact on patient outcomes. Conclusions: The incidence of blood transfusion following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is very low. Male gender and haematological conditions may present as independent risk factors. Pre-operative G&S sampling did not yield any positive impact on patient outcomes and could be safely excluded in both elective and emergency cases, although certain population subsets will warrant further consideration.

A multi-national, video-based qualitative study to refine training guidelines for assigning an "unsafe" score in laparoscopic cholecystectomy critical view of safety

BACKGROUND

The critical view of safety (CVS) was incorporated into a novel 6-item objective procedure-specific assessment for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC-CVS OPSA) to enhance focus on safe completion of surgical tasks and advance the American Board of Surgery's entrustable professional activities (EPAs) initiative. To enhance instrument development, a feasibility study was performed to elucidate expert surgeon perspectives regarding "safe" vs. "unsafe" practice.

METHODS

A multi-national consortium of 11 expert LC surgeons were asked to apply the LC-CVS OPSA to ten LC videos of varying surgical difficulty using a "safe" vs. "unsafe" scale. Raters were asked to provide written rationale for all "unsafe" ratings and invited to provide additional feedback regarding instrument clarity. A qualitative analysis was performed on written responses to extract major themes.

RESULTS

Of the 660 ratings, 238 were scored as "unsafe" with substantial variation in distribution across tasks and raters. Analysis of the comments revealed three major categories of "unsafe" ratings: (a) inability to achieve the critical view of safety (intended outcome), (b) safe task completion but less than optimal surgical technique, and (c) safe task completion but risk for potential future complication. Analysis of reviewer comments also identified the potential for safe surgical practice even when CVS was not achieved, either due to unusual anatomy or severe pathology preventing safe visualization. Based upon findings, modifications to the instructions to raters for the LC-CVS OPSA were incorporated to enhance instrument reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

A safety-based LC-CVS OPSA has the potential to significantly improve surgical training by incorporating CVS formally into learner assessment. This study documents the perspectives of expert biliary tract surgeons regarding clear identification and documentation of unsafe surgical practice for LC-CVS and enables the development of training materials to improve instrument reliability. Learnings from the study have been incorporated into rater instructions to enhance instrument reliability.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy critical view of safety (LC-CVS): a multi-national validation study of an objective, procedure-specific assessment using video-based assessment (VBA)

BACKGROUND

A novel 6-item objective, procedure-specific assessment for laparoscopic cholecystectomy incorporating the critical view of safety (LC-CVS OPSA) was developed to support trainee formative and summative assessments. The LC-CVS OPSA included two retraction items (fundus and infundibulum retraction) and four CVS items (hepatocystic triangle visualization, gallbladder-liver separation, cystic artery identification, and cystic duct identification). The scoring rubric for retraction consisted of poor (frequently outside of defined range), adequate (minimally outside of defined range) and excellent (consistently inside defined range) and for CVS items were "poor-unsafe", "adequate-safe", or "excellent-safe".

METHODS

A multi-national consortium of 12 expert LC surgeons applied the OPSA-LC CVS to 35 unique LC videos and one duplicate video. Primary outcome measure was inter-rater reliability as measured by Gwet's AC2, a weighted measure that adjusts for scales with high probability of random agreement. Analysis of the inter-rater reliability was conducted on a collapsed dichotomous scoring rubric of "poor-unsafe" vs. "adequate/excellent-safe".

RESULTS

Inter-rater reliability was high for all six items ranging from 0.76 (hepatocystic triangle visualization) to 0.86 (cystic duct identification). Intra-rater reliability for the single duplicate video was substantially higher across the six items ranging from 0.91 to 1.00.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel 6-item OPSA LC CVS demonstrated high inter-rater reliability when tested with a multi-national consortium of LC expert surgeons. This brief instrument focused on safe surgical practice was designed to support the implementation of entrustable professional activities into busy surgical training programs. Instrument use coupled with video-based assessments creates novel datasets with the potential for artificial intelligence development including computer vision to drive assessment automation.

Detection and management of bile duct injury during cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Cholecystectomy represents one of the most performed surgical procedures. Bile duct injuries (BDIs) are a dangerous complication of this intervention. With the advent of the laparoscopy, the rate of BDIs showed a growing trend that was partially justified by the learning curve of this technique.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search was conducted on Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases to identify studies published up to October 2022 that analyzed the intraoperative detection and management of BDIs diagnosed during cholecystectomy.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

According to the literature, approximately 25% of BDIs is diagnosed during the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In the clinical suspicion of BDI, an intraoperative cholangiography is performed to confirm it. Complimentary technology, such as near-infrared cholangiography, can be also adopted. Intraoperative ultrasound represents a useful tool to furtherly define the biliary and the vascular anatomy. The proper classification of the type of BDI allows to identify the correct treatment. When a good expertise in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery is available, a direct repair is performed with good outcomes both in case of simple and complex lesions. When the local resources are limited or there is a lack of dedicated surgical experience, patient referral to a reference center shows better outcomes. In particular, complex vasculo-biliary injuries require a highly specialized treatment. The key elements to transfer the patients are a good documentation of the injury, a proper drainage of the abdomen, and an antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

BDI management requires a proper diagnostic process and prompt treatment to reduce the morbidity and mortality of this feared complication occurring during cholecystectomy.

Hepatico-Duodenal Fistula Following Iatrogenic Strasberg Type E4 Bile Duct Injury: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Gallstone disease (GSD) is among the most common disorders worldwide. Gallstones are established in up to 15% of the general population. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the "gold standard" for treatment of GSD but is associated with a higher rate of certain complications, namely, bile duct injury (BDI). Biliary fistulas (BF) are a common presentation of BDI (44.1% of all patients); however, they are mainly external. Post-cholecystectomy internal BF are exceedingly rare.

CASE REPORT

a 33-year Caucasian female was admitted with suspected BDI after LC. Strasberg type E4 BDI was established on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Urgent laparotomy established biliary peritonitis. Delayed surgical reconstruction was planned and temporary external biliary drains were positioned in the right and left hepatic ducts. During follow-up, displacement of the drains occurred with subsequent evacuation of bile through the external fistula, which resolved spontaneously, without clinical and biochemical evidence of biliary obstruction or cholangitis. ERCP established bilio-duodenal fistula between the left hepatic duct (LHD) and duodenum, with a stricture at the level of the LHD. Endoscopic management was chosen with staged dilation and stenting of the fistulous tract over 18 months until fistula maturation and stricture resolution. One year after stent extraction, the patient remains symptom free.

DISCUSSION

Management of post-cholecystectomy BDI is challenging. The optimal approach is determined by the level and extent of ductal lesion defined according to different classifications (Strasberg, Bismuth, Hannover). Type E BDI are managed mainly surgically with a delayed surgical approach generally deemed preferable. Only three cases of choledocho-duodenal fistulas following LC BDI currently exist in the literature. Management is controversial, with expectant approach, surgical treatment (biliary reconstruction), or liver transplantation being described. Endoscopic treatment has not been described; however, in the current paper, it proved to be successful. More reports or larger case series are needed to confirm its applicability and effectiveness, especially in the long term.

BILE: A Literature Review Based Novel Clinical Classification and Treatment Algorithm of Iatrogenic Bile Duct Injuries

PURPOSES

The management of patients with iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) is a challenging field, often with dismal medico legal projections. Attempts to classify IBDI have been made repeatedly and the final results were either analytical and extensive but not useful in everyday clinical practice systems, or simple and user friendly but with limited clinical correspondence approaches. The purpose of the present review is to propose a novel, clinical classification system of IBDI by reviewing the relevant literature.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted by performing bibliographic searches in the available electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Based on the literature results, we propose a five (5) stage (A, B, C, D and E) classification system for IBDI (BILE Classification). Each stage is correlated with the recommended and most appropriate treatment. Although the proposed classification scheme is clinically oriented, the anatomical correspondence of each IBDI stage has been incorporated as well, using the Strasberg classification.

CONCLUSIONS

BILE classification represents a novel, simple, and dynamic in nature classification system of IBDI. The proposed classification focuses on the clinical consequences of IBDI and provides an action map that can appropriately guide the treatment plan.

Major iatrogenic bile duct injury during elective cholecystectomy: a Czech population register-based study

PURPOSE

Bile duct injury (BDI) remains the most serious complication following cholecystectomy. However, the actual incidence of BDI in the Czech Republic remains unknown. Hence, we aimed to identify the incidence of major BDI requiring operative reconstruction after elective cholecystectomy in our region despite the prevailing modern 4 K Ultra HD laparoscopy and Critical View of Safety (CVS) standards implemented in daily surgical practice among the Czech population.

METHODS

In the absence of a specific registry for BDI, we analysed data from The Czech National Patient Register of Reimbursed Healthcare Services, where all procedures are mandatorily recorded. We investigated 76,345 patients who were enrolled for at least a year and underwent elective cholecystectomy during the period from 2018-2021. In this cohort, we examined the incidence of major BDI following the reconstruction of the biliary tract and other complications.

RESULTS

A total of 76,345 elective cholecystectomies were performed during the study period, and 186 major BDIs were registered (0.24%). Most elective cholecystectomies were performed laparoscopically (84.7%), with the remaining open (15.3%). The incidence of BDI was higher in the open surgery group (150 BDI/11700 cases/1.28%) than in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (36 BDI/64645 cases/0.06%). Furthermore, the total hospital stays with BDI after reconstruction was 13.6 days. However, the majority of laparoscopic elective cholecystectomies (57,914, 89.6%) were safe and standard procedures with no complications.

CONCLUSION

Our study corroborates the findings of previous nationwide studies. Therefore, though laparoscopic cholecystectomy is reliable, the risks of BDI cannot be eliminated.

Vascular injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: An often-overlooked complication

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed procedures in gastrointestinal surgery worldwide. Bleeding complications due to vascular injuries represent an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially when facing major bleeding during laparoscopy, where bleeding control can be technically challenging in inexperienced hands. Interestingly, the reported incidence rate of conversion to open surgery due to vascular lesions is approximately 0%-1.9%, with a mortality rate of approximately 0.02%. The primary aim of this article was to perform an up-to-date overview regarding the incidence and surgical management of vascular injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy according to the available scientific evidence.

Vascular injury during cholecystectomy: A multicenter critical analysis behind the drama

BACKGROUND

The management of a vascular injury during cholecystectomy is still very complicated, especially in centers not specialized in complex hepatobiliary surgery.

METHODS

This was a multi-institutional retrospective study in patients with vascular injuries during cholecystectomy from 18 centers in 4 countries. The aim of the study was to analyze the management of vascular injuries focusing on referral, time to perform the repair, and different treatments options outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were included. Twenty-nine patients underwent vascular repair (27.9%), 13 (12.5%) liver resection, and 1 liver transplant as a first treatment. Eighty-four (80.4%) vascular and biliary injuries occurred in nonspecialized centers and 45 (53.6%) were immediately transferred. Intraoperative diagnosed injuries were rare in referred patients (18% vs 84%, P = .001). The patients managed at the hospital where the injury occurred had a higher number of reoperations (64% vs 20%, P ˂ .001). The need for vascular reconstruction was associated with higher mortality (P = .04). Two of the 4 patients transplanted died.

CONCLUSION

Vascular lesions during cholecystectomy are a potentially life-threatening complication. Management of referral to specialized centers to perform multiple complex multidisciplinary procedures should be mandatory. Late vascular repair has not shown to be associated with worse results.

Actuarial Patency Rates of Hepatico-Jejunal Anastomosis after Repair of Bile Duct Injury at a Reference Center

Background: Bile duct injury complicates patients’ lives, despite the subsequent repair. Repairing the injury must restore continuity of the bile tree and bring the patient into a state of cure referred to as “patency”. Actuarial primary or actuarial secondary patency rates, depending on whether the patient underwent primary or secondary repair of injury, are proposed to be a proper metric in evaluating outcomes. This study was undertaken to assess outcomes of 669 patients with bile duct injuries Strasberg D and E type referred to the department from public surgical wards between 1990 and 2020. In 442 patients, no attempt was made to repair prior to a referral, and in 227 an attempt to repair was made which failed. Methods: Observations were summarized on December 31st, 2020. The retrospective analysis included: primary patency attained (Grade A result), secondary patency attained (Grade C result), patency loss, and actuarial patency rates of the bile tree at 2, 5, and 10 years. Results: Twenty-five (3.7%) patients died after repair surgery. Actuarial patency rates at 2, 5, and 10 years of follow-up were 93%, 88%, and 74% or 86%, 75%, and 55% in patients attaining Grade A and Grade C outcomes, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Bile duct injury stands out as a surgical challenge, requiring specialized management at a referral center. Improper proceeding after an injury is the factor leading to faster loss of anastomotic patency.

The role of interventional radiology in the management of refractory bile leaks

Refractory bile leaks represent a damaging sequela of hepatobiliary surgery and direct trauma. Management of bile leaks represents a challenging clinical problem. Despite advances in endoscopic techniques, interventional radiology continues to play a vital role in the diagnosis and management of refractory bile leaks. This article reviews strategies for optimizing the diagnosis and management of bile leaks and provides an overview of management strategies, including the management of complicated biliary leaks.

Near infrared indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography versus intraoperative cholangiography to improve safety in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease-a systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard surgical approach in the treatment of cholelithiasis. Diverse surgical techniques and different imaging modalities have been described to evaluate the biliary anatomy and prevent or early detect bile duct injuries. X-ray intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) and near infrared indocyanine green fluorescent cholangiography (NIR-ICG) are safe and feasible techniques to assess biliary anatomy. The aim of this systematic review will be to evaluate if NIR-ICG can visualize extrahepatic biliary anatomy more efficiently and safer than IOC in minimally invasive cholecystectomy for gallstone disease.

METHODS

Literature search will be performed via MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science Core Collection from 2009 to present. All randomized controlled clinical trials and prospective non-randomized controlled trials which report on comparison of NIR-ICG versus IOC will be included. All patients over 18 years old who require elective or urgent minimally invasive cholecystectomy (undergoing NIR-ICG during this procedure) due to gallstone disease both acute and chronic will be included. Since BDI has a low incidence, the primary outcome will be the ability to visualize extrahepatic biliary anatomy and the time to obtain relevant images of these structures. Two researchers will individually screen the identified records, according to a list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bias of the studies will be evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa score for non-randomized studies and with The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials. Quality of evidence for all outcomes will be determined with the GRADE system. The data will be registered in a predesigned database. If selected studies are sufficiently homogeneous, we will perform a meta-analysis of reported results. In the event of a substantial heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis will be provided. Subgroup analysis will be used to investigate possible sources of heterogeneity.

DISCUSSION

Understanding the benefits of this technique is critical to ensuring policymakers can make informed decisions as to where preventive efforts should be focused regarding specific imaging techniques. If ICG is proven to be faster and non-invasive, its routine use could be encouraged.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42020177991 .

Postprocedural Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Postprocedural complications encompass a wide array of conditions that vary in acuity, symptoms, index procedure, and treatment. Continued advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures have led to a significant shift of procedures to the ambulatory setting. This trend is of particular interest to the emergency physician, as patients who develop complications often present to an emergency department for evaluation and treatment. Here the authors examine a high-yield collection of procedures, both ambulatory and inpatient, notable for their frequent utilization and unique complication profiles including common laparoscopic surgical procedures, bariatric surgery, endoscopic procedures, interventional radiology procedures, and hernia repairs with implantable mesh.

MRI evaluation of bile duct injuries and other post-cholecystectomy complications

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common procedures performed each year and can be associated with various post-operative complications. Imaging is integral to diagnosis and management of patients with suspected cholecystectomy complications, and a thorough understanding of normal and abnormal biliary anatomy, risk factors for biliary injury, and the spectrum of adverse events is crucial for interpretation of imaging studies. Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) enhanced with hepatobiliary contrast agent is useful in delineating biliary anatomy and pathology following cholecystectomy. In this article, we provide a protocol for contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the biliary tree. We also review the classification and imaging manifestations of post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries in addition to other complications such as bilomas, retained/dropped gallstones, and vascular injuries.

2020 WSES guidelines for the detection and management of bile duct injury during cholecystectomy

Bile duct injury (BDI) is a dangerous complication of cholecystectomy, with significant postoperative sequelae for the patient in terms of morbidity, mortality, and long-term quality of life. BDIs have an estimated incidence of 0.4-1.5%, but considering the number of cholecystectomies performed worldwide, mostly by laparoscopy, surgeons must be prepared to manage this surgical challenge. Most BDIs are recognized either during the procedure or in the immediate postoperative period. However, some BDIs may be discovered later during the postoperative period, and this may translate to delayed or inappropriate treatments. Providing a specific diagnosis and a precise description of the BDI will expedite the decision-making process and increase the chance of treatment success. Subsequently, the choice and timing of the appropriate reconstructive strategy have a critical role in long-term prognosis. Currently, a wide spectrum of multidisciplinary interventions with different degrees of invasiveness is indicated for BDI management. These World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) guidelines have been produced following an exhaustive review of the current literature and an international expert panel discussion with the aim of providing evidence-based recommendations to facilitate and standardize the detection and management of BDIs during cholecystectomy. In particular, the 2020 WSES guidelines cover the following key aspects: (1) strategies to minimize the risk of BDI during cholecystectomy; (2) BDI rates in general surgery units and review of surgical practice; (3) how to classify, stage, and report BDI once detected; (4) how to manage an intraoperatively detected BDI; (5) indications for antibiotic treatment; (6) indications for clinical, biochemical, and imaging investigations for suspected BDI; and (7) how to manage a postoperatively detected BDI.

Routine versus selective intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy: systematic review, meta-analysis and health economic model analysis of iatrogenic bile duct injury

Background

Bile duct injury (BDI) is a severe complication following cholecystectomy. Early recognition and treatment of BDI has been shown to reduce costs and improve patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the effect and cost-effectiveness of routine versus selective intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in cholecystectomy.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis, combined with a health economic model analysis in the Swedish setting, was performed. Costs per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) for routine versus selective IOC during cholecystectomy for different scenarios were calculated.

Results

In this meta-analysis, eight studies with more than 2 million patients subjected to cholecystectomy and 9000 BDIs were included. The rate of BDI was estimated to 0.36 per cent when IOC was performed routinely, compared with to 0.53 per cent when used selectively, indicating an increased risk for BDI of 43 per cent when IOC was used selectively (odds ratio 1.43, 95 per cent c.i. 1.22 to 1.67). The model analysis estimated that seven injuries were avoided annually by routine IOC in Sweden, a population of 10 million. Over a 10-year period, 33 QALYs would be gained at an approximate net cost of €808 000 , at a cost per QALY of about €24 900.

Conclusion

Routine IOC during cholecystectomy reduces the risk of BDI compared with the selective strategy and is a potentially cost-effective intervention.

Endoscopic Treatment of Post-Cholecystectomy Biliary Leaks

Postcholecystectomy leaks may occur in 0.3-2.7% of patients. Bile leaks associated with laparoscopy are often more complex and difficult to treat than those occurring after open cholecystectomy. Furthermore, their incidence has remained unchanged despite improvements in laparoscopic training and technological developments. The management of biliary leaks has evolved from surgery into a minimally invasive endoscopic procedural approach, namely, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which decreases or eliminates the pressure gradient between the bile duct and the duodenum, thus creating a preferential transpapillary bile flow and allowing the leak to seal. For simple leaks, the success rate of endotherapy is remarkably high. However, there are more severe and complex leaks that require multiple endoscopic interventions, and clear strategies for endoscopic treatment have not emerged. Therefore, there is still some debate regarding the optimal time point at which to intervene, which technique to use (sphincterotomy alone or in association with the placement of stents, whether metallic or plastic stents should be used, and, if plastic stents are used, whether they should be single or multiple), how long the stents should remain in place, and when to consider treatment failure. Here, we review the types and classification of postoperative biliary injuries, particularly leaks, as well as the evidence for endoscopic treatment of the latter.

Post-operative biliary strictures

Post-operative biliary stricture is a cumbersome condition, secondary to biliary or vascular damage. Its risk factors include biliary or vascular anatomical variants, local inflammation, and poor surgical expertise. Intra-operative diagnosis is difficult, and in most cases, patients present with obstructive symptoms within a few weeks. Magnetic resonance cholangiography is a pivotal test to confirm the clinical picture, to study the level of the damage, and to guide treatment. Nowadays, endoscopic stenting is the first-line treatment in most centers. Multi-stenting treatment achieves long-term clinical success for more than 90% of patients, however multiple procedures are needed. In order to optimize healthcare provider costs, shorter duration endotherapies with covered metal stents are under evaluation. Radiological and surgical approaches are considered in the event of endoscopy failure.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Biliary Obstruction

Biliary obstruction is a serious condition that can occur in the setting of both benign and malignant pathologies. In the setting of acute cholangitis, biliary decompression can be lifesaving; for patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy, untreated obstructive jaundice may lead to biochemical derangements that often preclude continuation of therapy unless biliary decompression is performed (see the ACR Appropriateness Criteria® topic on "Jaundice"). Recommended therapy including percutaneous decompression, endoscopic decompression, and/or surgical decompression is based on the etiology of the obstruction and patient factors including the individual's anatomy. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Quality-of-life after bile duct injury repaired by hepaticojejunostomy: a national cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Reports on quality-of-life (QoL) after bile duct injury (BDI) show conflicting results. The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate QoL stratified according to type of treatment.

METHODS

QoL assessment using the SF-36 (36-item short form health survey) questionnaire. Patients with post-cholecystectomy BDI needing hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) were compared to all other treatments (BDI repair) and to patients without BDI at cholecystectomy (controls).

RESULTS

Patients needing a HJ after BDI reported reduced long-term QoL irrespective of time for diagnosis and repair in both the physical (PCS; p < .001) and mental (MCS; p < .001) domain compared to both controls and patients with less severe BDI. QoL was comparable for BDI repair (n = 86) and controls (n = 192) in both PCS (p = .171) and MCS (p = .654). As a group, patients with BDI (n = 155) reported worse QoL than controls, in both the PCS (p < .001) and MCS (p = .012). Patients with a BDI detected intraoperatively (n = 124) reported better QoL than patients with a postoperative diagnosis. Patients with an immediate intraoperative repair (n = 99), including HJ, reported a better long-term QoL compared to patients subjected to a later procedure (n = 54).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with postoperative diagnosis and patients with BDIs needing biliary reconstruction with HJ both reported reduced long-term QoL.

Management of Postcholecystectomy Biliary Complications: A Narrative Review

Every year approximately 750,000 cholecystectomies are performed in the United States, most of those are performed laparoscopically. Postcholecystectomy complications are not uncommon and lead to increased morbidity and financial burden. Some of the most commonly encountered complications with laparoscopic cholecystectomy include biliary injury (0.08%-0.5%), bile leak (0.42%-1.1%), retained common bile duct stones (0.8%-5.7%), postcholecystectomy syndrome (10%-15%), and postcholecystectomy diarrhea (5%-12%). Endoscopy has an important role in the diagnosis and management of biliary complications and in many cases can provide definitive management. There is no consensus on the best therapeutic approach for biliary complications. Therefore, biliary complications should be approached by an experienced multidisciplinary team. It is important for the gastroenterologist to be familiar with the management of such complications (Visual Abstract, Supplemental Digital content 1, http://links.lww.com/AJG/B544).

Bile leakage after loop closure vs clip closure of the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures. Cystic stump leakage is an underestimated, potentially life threatening complication that occurs in 1%-6% of the patients. With a secure cystic duct occlusion technique during LC, bile leakage becomes a preventable complication.

AIM

To investigate the effect of polydioxanone (PDS) loop closure of the cystic duct on bile leakage rate in LC patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort, the effect of PDS loop closure of the cystic duct on bile leakage complication was compared to patients with conventional clip closure. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop a risk score to identify bile leakage risk. Leakage rate was assessed for categories of patients with increasing levels of bile leakage risk.

RESULTS

Of the 4359 patients who underwent LC, 136 (3%) underwent cystic duct closure by a PDS loop. Preoperatively, loop closure patients had significantly more complicated biliary disease compared to the clipped closure patients. In the loop closure cohort, zero (0%) bile leakage occurred compared to 59 of 4223 (1.4%) clip closure patients. For patients at increased bile leakage risk (risk score ≥ 1) rates were 1.6% and up to 13% (4/30) for clip closure patients with a risk score ≥ 4. This risk increase paralleled a stepwise increase of actual bile leakage complication for clip closure patients, which was not observed for loop closure patients.

CONCLUSION

Cystic duct closure with a PDS loop during LC may reduce bile leakage in patients at increased risk for bile leakage.

Post cholecystectomy bile duct injury: early, intermediate or late repair with hepaticojejunostomy - an E-AHPBA multi-center study

BACKGROUND

Treatment of bile duct injuries (BDI) during cholecystectomy depends on the severity of injury and the timing of diagnosis. Standard of care for severe BDIs is hepaticojejunostomy. The aim of this retrospective multi-center study was to assess the optimal timing for repair of BDI with hepaticojejunostomy.

METHODS

Members of the European-African HepatoPancreatoBiliary Association were invited to report all consecutive patients with hepaticojejunostomy after BDI from January 2000 to June 2016. Patients were stratified according to the timing of biliary reconstruction with hepaticojejunostomy: early (day 0-7), intermediate (1-6 weeks) and late (6 weeks-6 months). Primary endpoint was re-intervention >90 days after the hepaticojejunostomy and secondary endpoints were severe 90-day complications and liver-related mortality.

RESULTS

In total 913 patients from 48 centers were included in the analysis. In 401 patients (44%) the bile duct injury was diagnosed intraoperatively, and 126 patients (14%) suffered from concomitant vascular injury. In multivariable analysis the timing of hepaticojejunostomy had no impact on postoperative complications, the need for re-intervention after 90 days nor liver-related mortality. The rate of re-intervention more than 90 days after the hepaticojejunostomy was significantly increased in male patients but decreased in older patients. Severe co-morbidity increased the risk for liver-related mortality (HR 3.439; CI 1.37-8.65; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

After BDI occurring during cholecystectomy, the timing of biliary reconstruction with hepaticojejunostomy did not have any impact on severe postoperative complications, the need for re-intervention or liver-related mortality. Individualised treatment after iatrogenic bile duct injury is still advisable.

[Management of bile duct injuries]

Bile duct injuries can occur after abdominal trauma, postoperatively after cholecystectomy, liver resection or liver transplantation and also as a complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The clinical appearance of bile duct injuries is highly variable and depends primarily on the underlying cause. In addition to the high perioperative morbidity, following successful initial complication management, bile duct injuries can lead to significant long-term complications. The treatment requires close interdisciplinary cooperation between surgery, interventional gastroenterology and interventional radiology. The treatment of bile duct injuries depends primarily on the time of diagnosis (intraoperative/postoperative) as well as the extent of the injury and is discussed in this review.

Does non-operative management of iatrogenic bile duct injury result in impaired quality of life? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported the effect of bile duct injury (BDI) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) with conflicting results. This systematic review aims to study the impact of patient and treatment factors on HRQOL after BDI.

METHODS

A search of the PubMed database was performed and studies were reviewed as per the PRISMA guidelines. Selected studies (n = 11) were then divided into two subgroups depending on whether they found HRQOL to be similar or worse between BDI and control groups. Pooled rates of surgical repair and major BDI were calculated for each of these subgroups.

RESULTS

Surgical repair rates were 99% (95% CI: 96%-99%) in studies where the BDI patients had similar outcomes to controls, compared to 78% (40%-100%) where their outcomes were significantly worse (p = 0.091). The major BDI rate was 51% (95% CI: 42%-61%) in studies where the BDI patients had similar outcomes to controls, compared to 72% (41%-94%) where their outcomes were significantly worse (p = 0.322). Considerable heterogeneity was present within the two subgroups (I²: 68-99%).

DISCUSSION

HRQOL may be adversely affected amongst patients with BDI who do not undergo surgical repair. Significant heterogeneity of data suggests the need for standardised HRQOL tools and injury severity systems when assessing outcomes after BDI.

Robotic-assisted repair of iatrogenic common bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Surgical technique and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury after cholecystectomy can be a life-threatening complication. Use of robotic approach to manage a complex biliary injury is in an early phase.

METHODS

We have performed an analysis of our prospectively maintained database that included 12 patients who underwent robotic-assisted repair of bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2014 and 2017.

RESULTS

All patients underwent robotic biliary repair within 2 weeks after primary injury. No conversion to open surgery was necessary, the estimated mean blood loss was 252 mL, and the mean operative time was 260 minutes. The mean length of stay was 9.4 days. The 30-day complication events were a subhepatic abscess and a recurrent episode of cholangitis. One patient underwent the reoperation. The mortality was null.

CONCLUSION

Robotic-assisted bile duct injury repair seems to be safe and feasible. It offers promising results, thus potentially capable of modifying the management of biliary injury.

An Update on Iatrogenic Biliary Injuries: Identification, Classification, and Management

Common bile duct injury is a feared complication of cholecystectomy, with an incidence of 0.1% to 0.6%. A majority of injuries go unnoticed at index operation, and postoperative diagnosis can be difficult. Patient presentation can vary from vague abdominal pain to uncontrolled sepsis and peritonitis. Diagnostic evaluation typically begins with ultrasound or CT scan in the acute setting, and source control is paramount at time of presentation. In a stable patient, hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan can be useful in identifying an ongoing bile leak, which requires intervention. A variety of diagnostic techniques define biliary anatomy. Treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Surgical management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) related major bile duct injuries; predictors of short-and long-term outcomes in a tertiary Egyptian center- a retrospective cohort study

Objectives

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy - associated bile duct injury is a clinical problem with bad outcome. The study aimed to analyze the outcome of surgical management of these injuries.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 69 patients underwent surgical management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy related major bile duct injuries in the period from the beginning of 2013 to the beginning of 2018.

Results

Regarding injury type; the Leaking, Obstructing, leaking + obstructing, leaking + vascular, and obstructing + vascular injuries were 43.5%, 27.5%, 18.8%, 2.9%, and 7.2% respectively. However, the Strasberg classification of injury was as follow E1 = 25, E2 = 32, E3 = 8, and E4 = 4. The definitive procedures were as follow: end to end biliary anastomosis with stenting, hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) with or without stenting, and RT hepatectomy plus biliary reconstruction with stenting in 4.3%, 87%, and 8.7% of patients respectively. According to the time of definitive procedure from injury; the immediate (before 72 h), intermediate (between 72 h and 1.5months), and late (after1.5 months) management were 13%, 14.5%, and 72.5% respectively. The hospital and/or 1month (early) morbidity after definitive treatment was 21.7%, while, the late biliary morbidity was 17.4% and the overall mortality was 2.9%, on the other hand, the late biliary morbidity-free survival was 79.7%. On univariate analysis, the following factors were significant predictors of early morbidity; Sepsis at referral, higher Strasberg grade, associated vascular injury, right hepatectomy with biliary reconstruction as a definitive procedure, intra-operative bleeding with blood transfusion, liver cirrhosis, and longer operative times and hospital stays. However, the following factors were significantly associated with late biliary morbidity: Sepsis at referral, end to end anastomosis with stenting, reconstruction without stenting, liver cirrhosis, operative bleeding, and early morbidity.

Conclusion

Sepsis at referral, liver cirrhosis, and operative bleeding were significantly associated with both early and late morbidities after definitive management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy related major bile duct injuries, so it is crucial to avoid these catastrophes when doing those major procedures.

Surgical management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) related major bile duct injuries; predictors of short-and long-term outcomes in a tertiary Egyptian center- a retrospective cohort study

Objectives

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy - associated bile duct injury is a clinical problem with bad outcome. The study aimed to analyze the outcome of surgical management of these injuries.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 69 patients underwent surgical management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy related major bile duct injuries in the period from the beginning of 2013 to the beginning of 2018.

Results

Regarding injury type; the Leaking, Obstructing, leaking + obstructing, leaking + vascular, and obstructing + vascular injuries were 43.5%, 27.5%, 18.8%, 2.9%, and 7.2% respectively. However, the Strasberg classification of injury was as follow E1 = 25, E2 = 32, E3 = 8, and E4 = 4. The definitive procedures were as follow: end to end biliary anastomosis with stenting, hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) with or without stenting, and RT hepatectomy plus biliary reconstruction with stenting in 4.3%, 87%, and 8.7% of patients respectively. According to the time of definitive procedure from injury; the immediate (before 72 h), intermediate (between 72 h and 1.5months), and late (after1.5 months) management were 13%, 14.5%, and 72.5% respectively. The hospital and/or 1month (early) morbidity after definitive treatment was 21.7%, while, the late biliary morbidity was 17.4% and the overall mortality was 2.9%, on the other hand, the late biliary morbidity-free survival was 79.7%. On univariate analysis, the following factors were significant predictors of early morbidity; Sepsis at referral, higher Strasberg grade, associated vascular injury, right hepatectomy with biliary reconstruction as a definitive procedure, intra-operative bleeding with blood transfusion, liver cirrhosis, and longer operative times and hospital stays. However, the following factors were significantly associated with late biliary morbidity: Sepsis at referral, end to end anastomosis with stenting, reconstruction without stenting, liver cirrhosis, operative bleeding, and early morbidity.

Conclusion

Sepsis at referral, liver cirrhosis, and operative bleeding were significantly associated with both early and late morbidities after definitive management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy related major bile duct injuries, so it is crucial to avoid these catastrophes when doing those major procedures.

•

Sepsis at referral was associated with poor outcome after management of LC related MBDIs.

•

Liver cirrhosis and operative bleeding were associated with poor outcome after management of these injuries.

•

It is crucial to avoid these catastrophes when doing those major procedures.

Safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review of bile duct injury prevention

BACKGROUND

Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), a substantial increase in bile duct injury (BDI) incidence was noted. Multiple methods to prevent this complication have been developed and investigated. The most suitable method however is subject to debate. In this systematic review, the different modalities to aid in the safe performance of LC and prevent BDI are delineated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search for articles describing methods for the prevention of BDI in LC was conducted using EMBASE, Medline, Web of science, Cochrane CENTRAL and Google scholar databases from inception to 11 June 2018.

RESULTS

90 studies were included in this systematic review. Overall, BDI preventive techniques can be categorized as dedicated surgical approaches (Critical View of Safety (CVS), fundus first, partial laparoscopic cholecystectomy), supporting imaging techniques (intraoperative radiologic cholangiography, intraoperative ultrasonography, fluorescence imaging) and others. Dedicated surgical approaches demonstrate promising results, yet limited research is provided. Intraoperative radiologic cholangiography and ultrasonography demonstrate beneficial effects in BDI prevention, however the available evidence is low. Fluorescence imaging is in its infancy, yet this technique is demonstrated to be feasible and larger trials are in preparation.

CONCLUSION

Given the low sample sizes and suboptimal study designs of the studies available, it is not possible to recommend a preferred method to prevent BDI. Surgeons should primarily focus on proper dissection techniques, of which CVS is most suitable. Additionally, recognition of hazardous circumstances and knowledge of alternative techniques is critical to complete surgery with minimal risk of injury to the patient.

Long-term effects and quality of life following definitive bile duct reconstruction

The study covered a cohort of 236 patients with transection of hepatic duct. It aimed to assess the long-term outcome of the reconstruction and a patient's quality of life.The literature contains many controversies over timing of biliary reconstruction and who ought to repair the injury but just few reports on the long-term outcomes and patient's quality of life.The bile duct system was reconstructed by hepaticojejunostomy in 236 patients. Of these, 139 patients were initially repaired at a public hospital and referred because of stricture (Group A, N = 59) or of an anastomosis dehiscence (Group B, N = 80); 97 were unrepaired and referred because of a surgical clip occluding the duct (Group C, N = 39) or bile leakage from an open duct (Group D, N = 58). All patients were surveyed in 2015 for quality of life using WHOQOL-BREF.The mean time of follow-up was 150 months. The time without symptoms amounted to >5 years in 78.6% of patients. The mean time before anastomosis renewal ranged from 8.9 to 4.7 years (P < .04). Multivariate analysis showed infection, failure of reconstruction in public hospital, and female sex as factors responsible for poor long-term outcome.Patients in Group C had better quality of life than the others (P < .001) with respect to physical health (median 67.85) and psychological condition (median 79.16). The overall mortality was 15.2%.The long-term result of reconstruction depends on the cause of referral which, in turn, arises from subsequent intervention taken in local hospitals.

ATOM Classification of Bile Duct Injuries During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Analysis of a Single Institution Experience

PURPOSE

Bile duct injuries (BDIs) are more frequent during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Several BDI classifications are reported, but none encompasses anatomy of damage and vascular injury (A), timing of detection (To), and mechanism of damage (M). Aim was to apply the ATOM classification to a series of patients referred for BDI management after LC.

METHODS

From 2008 to 2016, 26 patients (16 males and 10 females, median age 63 years, range 34-82 years) with BDIs were observed. Fifteen patients were managed by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC)+endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); five and six underwent PTC and ERCP alone, respectively. Median overall follow-up duration was 34 months. Three patients died from sepsis.

RESULTS

Out of 26 patients, 20 presented with main bile duct and six with nonmain bile duct injuries. Using the ATOM classification, every aspect of the BDI in every case was included, unlike with other classifications (Neuhaus, Lau, Strasberg, Bergman, and Hanover).

CONCLUSIONS

The all-inclusive European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) classification contains objective data and emphasizes the underlying mechanisms of damage, which is relevant for prevention. It also integrates vascular injury, necessary for ultimate management, and timing of discovery, which has diagnostic implications. The management complexity of these patients requires specialized referral centers.

Prospective Evaluation of Precision Multimodal Gallbladder Surgery Navigation: Virtual Reality, Near-infrared Fluorescence, and X-ray-based Intraoperative Cholangiography

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to prospectively evaluate NIR-C, VR-AR, and x-ray intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during robotic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND

Near-infrared cholangiography (NIR-C) provides real-time, radiation-free biliary anatomy enhancement. Three-dimensional virtual reality (VR) biliary anatomy models can be obtained via software manipulation of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, enabling preoperative VR exploration, and intraoperative augmented reality (AR) navigation.

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients were scheduled for cholecystectomy for gallbladder lithiasis. VR surgical planning was performed on virtual models. At anesthesia induction, indocyanine green was injected intravenously. AR navigation was obtained by overlaying the virtual model onto real-time images. Before and after Calot triangle dissection, NIR-C was obtained by turning the camera to NIR mode. Finally, an IOC was performed. The 3 modality performances were evaluated and image quality was assessed with a Likert-scale questionnaire.

RESULTS

The three-dimensional VR planning enabled the identification of 12 anatomical variants in 8 patients, of which only 7 were correctly reported by the radiologists (P = 0.037). A dangerous variant identified at VR induced a "fundus first" approach. The cystic-common bile duct junction was visualized before Calot triangle dissection at VR in 100% of cases, at NIR-C in 98.15%, and in 96.15% at IOC.Mean time to obtain relevant images was shorter with NIR-C versus AR (P = 0.008) and versus IOC (P = 0.00000003). Image quality scores were lower with NIR-C versus AR (P = 0.018) and versus IOC (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This high-tech protocol illustrates the multimodal imaging of biliary anatomy towards precision cholecystectomy. Those visualization techniques could complement to reduce the likelihood of biliary injuries (NCT01881399).

Routine intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy is a cost-effective approach when analysing the cost of iatrogenic bile duct injuries

BACKGROUND

The total cost of bile duct injuries (BDIs) in an unselected national cohort of patients undergoing cholecystectomy are unknown. The aim was to evaluate costs associated with treatment of cholecystectomy-related BDIs and to calculate cost effectiveness of routine vs. on-demand intraoperative cholangiography (IOC).

METHODS

Data from Swedish patients suffering a BDI during a 5 year period were analysed. Questionnaires to investigate loss-of-production and health status (EQ-5D) were distributed to patients who suffered a BDI during cholecystectomy and who underwent uneventful cholecystectomy (matched control group). Costs per quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) gained by intraoperative diagnosis were estimated for two strategies: routine versus on-demand IOC during cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

Intraoperative diagnosis, immediate intraoperative repair, and minor BDI were all associated with reduced direct treatment costs compared to postoperative diagnosis, delayed repair, and major BDI (all p < 0.001). No difference was noted in loss-of-production for minor versus major BDIs or between different treatment strategies. The cost per QALY gained with routine intraoperative cholangiography (ICER-incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) to achieve intraoperative diagnosis was €50,000.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative detection and immediate intraoperative repair is the superior strategy with less than half the cost and superior functional patient outcomes than postoperative diagnosis and delayed repair. The cost per QALY gained (ICER) using routine IOC was considered reasonable.

Quality-of-life after bile duct injury: intraoperative detection is crucial. A national case-control study

BACKGROUND

Existing reports on quality-of-life (QoL) after bile duct injury (BDI) are conflicting.

METHODS

Case-control study were QoL assessment was performed using SF-36 (36-item short Form health survey). Patients with BDI were compared to a matched control group (1:2) subject to cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

In total 168 BDIs (0.3%) were eligible for participation and 64% returned SF-36. Median follow-up was 4.3 years. Intraoperative cholangiography was performed/attempted in 93% of BDI patients and 92% were diagnosed intraoperatively. Lesions <5 mm dominated (59%) and QoL was comparable for BDIs and controls (physical composite score PCS; p = 0.052 and mental composite score MCS; p = 0.478). Patients with an immediate intraoperative repair reported a better PCS than patients subjected to a later repair and/or referral (p = 0.002). No difference in SF-36 was detected when the BDI was repaired by the index compared to non-index surgeon (PCS p = 0.446, MCS p = 0.525).

CONCLUSION

QoL after bile duct injury is comparable to uneventful cholecystectomy, as long as the injury is diagnosed intraoperatively. Immediate repair, in this cohort of mainly minor injuries, also performed by the index surgeon, resulted in similar QoL as in the control group. We suggest liberal use of cholangiography for early detection of BDI, and intraoperative repair whenever possible.

Bile Duct Injuries Associated With 55,134 Cholecystectomies: Treatment and Outcome from a National Perspective

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) is a rare complication associated with cholecystectomy, and recommendations for treatment are based on publications from referral centers with a selection of major injuries and failures after primary repair. The aim was to analyze the frequency, treatment, and outcome of BDIs in an unselected population-based cohort.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study including all BDIs registered in GallRiks (Swedish quality register for gallstone surgery and ERCP) during 2007-2011. Data for this study were based on a national follow-up survey where medical records were scrutinized and BDIs classified according to the Hannover classification.

RESULTS

A total of 174 BDIs arising from 55,134 cholecystectomies (0.3%) identified at 60 hospitals were included with a median follow-up of 37 months (9-69). 155 BDIs (89%) were detected during cholecystectomy, and immediate repair was attempted in 140 (90%). A total of 27 patients (18%) were referred to a HPB referral center. Hannover Grade C1 (i.e., small lesion <5 mm) dominated (n = 102; 59%). The most common repair was "suture over T-tube" (n = 78; 45%) and reconstruction with hepaticojejunostomy was performed in 30 patients (17%). A total of 31 patients (18 %) were diagnosed with stricture, 19 of which were primarily repaired with "suture over T-tube." The median in-hospital-stay was 14 days (1-149).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of BDIs were detected during the cholecystectomy and repaired by the operating surgeon. Although this is against most current recommendations, short-term outcome was surprisingly good.

Biliary tract injuries after lap cholecystectomy-types, surgical intervention and timing

Bile duct lesions, including leaks and strictures, are immanent complications of open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Endoscopic procedures have gained increasing potential as the treatment of choice in the management of postoperative bile duct injuries. Bile duct injury (BDI) is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of LC. Several series have described a 0.5% to 0.6% incidence of BDI during LC. Early recognition and an adequate multidisciplinary approach are the cornerstones for the optimal final outcome. Suboptimal management of injuries often leads to more extensive damage to the biliary tree and its vasculature. Early referral to a tertiary care center with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons and skilled interventional radiologists would appear to be necessary to assure optimal results.

Prognostication of Learning Curve on Surgical Management of Vasculobiliary Injuries after Cholecystectomy

Background. Concomitant vascular injury might adversely impact outcomes after iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI). Whether a new HPB center should embark upon repair of complex biliary injuries with associated vascular injuries during learning curve is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine outcome of surgical management of IBDI with and without vascular injuries in a new HPB center during its learning curve. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent surgical management of IBDI at our center. A total of 39 patients were included. Patients without (Group 1) and with vascular injuries (Group 2) were compared. Outcome was defined as 90-day morbidity and mortality. Results. Median age was 39 (20-80) years. There were 10 (25.6%) vascular injuries. E2 injuries were associated significantly with high frequency of vascular injuries (66% versus 15.1%) (P = 0.01). Right hepatectomy was performed in three patients. Out of these, two had a right hepatic duct stricture and one patient had combined right arterial and portal venous injury. The number of patients who developed postoperative complications was not significantly different between the two groups (11.1% versus 23.4%) (P = 0.6). Conclusion. Learning curve is not a negative prognostic variable in the surgical management of iatrogenic vasculobiliary injuries after cholecystectomy.