Simultaneous/Incidental cholecystectomy during gastric/esophageal resection: systematic analysis of risks and benefits

Higher incidence of cholelithiasis with Roux-en-Y reconstruction compared with Billroth-I after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Cholelithiasis occurs often after gastrectomy. However, no consensus has been established regarding the difference in the incidence of postgastrectomy cholelithiasis with different reconstruction methods. In this study, we examined the frequency of cholelithiasis after two major reconstruction methods, namely Billroth-I (B-I) and Roux-en-Y (R-Y) following laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) for gastric cancer.

METHODS

Among 696 gastric cancer patients who underwent LDG between April 2000 and March 2017, after applying the exclusion criteria, 284 patients who underwent B-I and 310 who underwent R-Y were examined retrospectively. The estimated incidence of cholelithiasis was compared between the methods, and factors associated with the development of cholelithiasis in the gallbladder and/or common bile duct were investigated.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up of 61.2 months, 52 patients (8.8%) developed cholelithiasis postgastrectomy; 12 patients (4.2%) after B-I and 40 (12.9%) after R-Y (p = 0.0002). Among them, choledocholithiasis was more frequent in patients who underwent R-Y (n = 11, 27.5%) vs. B-I (n = 1, 8.3%) (p = 0.0056). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that male sex, body mass index > 22.5 kg/m2, and R-Y reconstruction were significant predictors of the development of postLDG cholelithiasis.

CONCLUSION

Regarding cholelithiasis development, B-I reconstruction should be preferred whenever possible during distal gastrectomy.

Gallstone formation and subsequent cholecystectomy after oncological gastric and esophageal resection

PURPOSE

Gallstone formation is increased after gastric (GR) or esophageal resection (ER); however, the exact pathophysiology is not fully understood yet. Symptomatic cholecystolithiasis and the need for subsequent cholecystectomy after upper gastrointestinal resection can alter the outcome in oncological patients. There is an ongoing discussion if these patients benefit from a simultaneous prophylactic cholecystectomy. This study aims to analyze the risk of gallstone formation after GR or ER and the perioperative course of a subsequent cholecystectomy.

METHODS

In this study, all patients were included, who underwent an oncological gastric or esophageal resection at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery in the years 2003-2021.

RESULTS

A simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed in 29.8% with GR and in 2.1% with ER (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in complications or length-of-stay between patients with simultaneous vs. no simultaneous cholecystectomy. Newly developed gallstones tended to be more common after GR (16% vs. 10% ER), after reconstruction without preservation of the duodenal passage (17% vs. 11% with) and after GR with lymph node dissection (19% vs. 5% without). After ER, subsequent cholecystectomy was significant less frequently (11.4% vs. 2.9% OR) (p = 0.005). The subsequent cholecystectomy was performed openly in 57.1% with major complications classified as Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3a in 14.3%.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings of our study, we do not recommend simultaneous cholecystectomy routinely in oncological gastric or esophageal resections. An individualized approach depending on risk factors like extensive lymphadenectomy or duodenal passage can be discussed.

Short-term outcomes after simultaneous gastrectomy plus cholecystectomy in gastric cancer: A pooling up analysis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes after simultaneous gastrectomy plus cholecystectomy in gastric cancer patients. PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to Apr 15, 2021. Short-term surgical outcomes were compared between the simultaneous gastrectomy plus cholecystectomy group and the gastrectomy only group. Five retrospective studies with 3,315 patients and 1 randomized controlled trial with 130 patients were included. There was no significant difference in age, sex, surgical methods, or reconstruction. In terms of short-term outcomes, no significance was found in postoperative complications (odds ratio, OR = 1.08, I ² = 24%, 95% CI = 0.78-1.50, P = 0.65), postoperative biliary complications (OR = 0.98, I ² = 0%, 95% CI = 0.43-2.25, P = 0.96), mortality (OR = 1.28, I ² = 0%, 95% CI = 0.49-3.37, P = 0.61), and postoperative hospital stay (MD = -0.10, I ² = 0%, 95% CI = -0.73-0.54, P = 0.77) between the two groups. Simultaneous gastrectomy plus cholecystectomy in gastric cancer patients is safe and does not increase the short-term outcomes.

Prophylactic cholecystectomy: A valuable treatment strategy for cholecystolithiasis after gastric cancer surgery

The main treatment for gastric cancer is surgical excision. Gallstones are one of the common postoperative complications of gastric cancer. To avoid the adverse effects of gallstone formation after gastric cancer surgery, we reviewed the causes and risk factors and mechanisms involved in gallstone formation after gastric cancer surgery. The evidence and value regarding prophylactic cholecystectomy (PC) during gastric cancer surgery was also reviewed. Based on previous evidence, we summarized the mechanism and believe that injury or resection of the vagus nerve or changes in intestinal hormone secretion can lead to physiological dysfunction of the gallbladder and Oddi sphincter, and the lithogenic components in the bile are also changed, ultimately leading to CL. Previous studies also have identified many independent risk factors for CL after gastric cancer, such as type of gastrectomy, reconstruction of the digestive tract, degree of lymph node dissection, weight, liver function, sex, age, diabetes and gallbladder volume are closely related to CL development. At present, there are no uniform guidelines for the selection of treatment strategies. As a new treatment strategy, PC has undeniable advantages and is expected to become the standard treatment for CL after gastric cancer in the future. The individualized PC strategy for CL after gastric cancer is the main direction of future research.

Spontaneous acalculous gallbladder perforation mimicking duodenal stump leak after gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Spontaneous gallbladder (GB) perforation is a rare and severe condition. Herein, we present a case of spontaneous acalculous gallbladder perforation mimicking duodenal stump leak after a subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 83-year-old woman underwent a radical subtotal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. On postoperative day 5, mild leukocytosis was observed. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a slightly distended non-thickened GB with minimal air and fluid collection near the duodenal stump, and fluid collection in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. We considered a duodenal stump leak. The effluent of the Barovac located in the abdominal cavity was serosanguinous and the patient was stable, thus we observed and continued using antibiotics. On day 13, the Barovac stopped functioning properly, so we replaced it with a percutaneous catheter drain (PCD) under ultrasonography guidance, aided by the Barovac tract. The PCD drained over 1000 cc of bile daily. On day 16, a follow-up CT showed an increased fluid collection in the abdominopelvic cavity. After comparing this with the previous CT, we rediagnosed as spontaneous GB perforation. An emergency cholecystectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient's condition returned to normal and antibiotic therapy continued until day 14. The patient recovered without other complications and was discharged on day 28.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Spontaneous GB perforation is a rare but serious complication immediately after gastrectomy which should be looked out for.

CONCLUSION

We report a rare case of spontaneous GB perforation mimicking duodenal stump leak after radical subtotal gastrectomy in gastric cancer.

Ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of gallstone and subsequent cholecystectomy following gastric surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Patients who undergo gastric surgery are prone to form postsurgical gallstones. Debates still exist about the need for prevention and the selection of preventive methods. No studies had been reported comparing the efficacy of prophylactic ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and prophylactic cholecystectomy (PC) for lowering postsurgical gallstone formation and subsequent cholecystectomy (SC) in patients who have undergone gastric surgery.

METHODS

We did a systematic review to identify studies from PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database through 30 June 2020. We conducted direct and indirect comparisons of each prophylaxis using conventional and network meta-analysis. Studies with patients who have no history of cholecystectomy and who have not had preoperative gallstone were included.

RESULTS

The excellent preventive effects of PC and UDCA were demonstrated for gallstone formation (odds ratio [OR] 0.05, [95% CI 0.01, 0.22] and 0.20, [95% CI 0.16, 0.24], respectively) and the need for SC (OR 0.10, [95% CI 0.02, 0.57] and OR 0.22, [95% CI 0.14, 0.35], respectively) than control group. The UDCA group showed a tendency to generate more gallstones (OR 3.74, [95% CI 0.88, 15.82]) and a greater need for SC (OR 2.19, [95% CI 0.47-10.14]) than did the PC group without statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylaxis for gallstone formation may be needed for patients who undergo gastric surgery to reduce troublesome morbidities. Prophylactic UDCA seems to be a reasonable preventive method for postsurgical gallstone formation to ensure clinical benefit while reducing the burden of subsequent cholecystectomy for the patient as compared to a PC.

One-stage fluoroscopy-guided laparoscopic transcystic papillary balloon dilation and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with cholecystocholedocholithiasis who previously had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Patients with a history of gastrectomy have a higher incidence of cholecystocholedocholithiasis (CCL) and related morbidities than the general population. However, the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is challenging in patients after Roux-en-Y or Billroth II reconstruction because of the altered gastrointestinal anatomy. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of one-stage laparoscopic transcystic papillary balloon dilation and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LTPBD+LC) in patients with previous gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included five patients with CCL who had previously undergone gastrectomy. All five underwent LTPBD+LC between May 2015 and February 2020 at our institution. The primary end-point was complete clearance of the CBD stones.

RESULTS

Of the 311 patients who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer from December 2009 to December 2018 at our institution, six (1.9%) were later diagnosed with CCL. Five of the six patients did not need emergency biliary drainage and underwent conservative therapy and subsequent elective LTPBD+LC. LTPBD+LC was successfully performed in all cases. None of the patients required conversion to open surgery. The rate of complete clearance of the CBD stones was 100%. The mean operative time of the entire procedure was 126 minutes (range, 102-144 minutes), and the mean blood loss was 12.4 mL (range, 1-50 mL). There were no major perioperative complications, and the mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 4.2 days (range, 3-7 days).

CONCLUSION

One-stage LTPBD+LC may be a feasible procedure for patients with CCL who have previously undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Cholecystectomy during esophagectomy is safe but unnecessary

Background: Prophylactic cholecystectomy has been proposed as a concomitant procedure during upper gastrointestinal surgery. This study evaluates the safety and the need of concurrent cholecystectomy during esophagectomy for cancer.Methods: All consecutive esophagectomies for esophageal cancer at the Center for Esophageal Diseases in Padova (Italy) between 1992 and 2011 were included. The safety of concurrent cholecystectomy was evaluated by surgical outcomes (length of stay, postoperative mortality and perioperative complications). The need for concurrent cholecystectomy was evaluated by occurrence of biliary duct stones and of cholelithiasis/cholecystitis after esophagectomy.Results: Cholecystectomy was performed during 67 out of 1087 esophagectomies (6.2%). Cirrhosis or chronic liver disease was associated with receiving cholecystectomy during esophagectomy (OR: 1.99, 95%C.I. 1.10-3.56). Patients receiving and those not receiving cholecystectomy showed similar length of stay (median 14 days, p = .87), postoperative mortality (3.0% vs. 2.5%, p = .68), intraoperative complication (4.5% vs. 7.1%, p = .62), early complications (52.2% vs. 44.6%, p = .25) and late complications (20.9% vs. 24.8%, p = .56). Cholelithiasis/cholecystitis after esophagectomy occurred in 61 (6.1%) patients, with only four requiring cholecystectomy during follow-up. The biliary stone occurrence was nil. Only pathologic stage III-IV (OR: 2.17, 95%C.I. 1.19-3.96) was associated with cholelithiasis/cholecystitis after esophagectomy.Conclusion: Routine prophylactic cholecystectomy during esophagectomy could be safe but unnecessary.

A comparison of short-term postoperative outcomes including nutritional status between gastrectomy with simultaneous cholecystectomy and gastrectomy only in patients with gastric cancer

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the effect of simultaneous cholecystectomy on the short-term postoperative outcomes and nutritional status in patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 4,820 patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy from January 2011 to December 2016. Patients who underwent only gastrectomy (N=4,578) were matched to those who underwent simultaneous cholecystectomy during gastrectomy (N=242) at a 1:1 ratio using propensity score matching analysis. The nutritional status and inflammatory responses preoperatively and postoperatively and postoperative outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

The simultaneous cholecystectomy group showed more intraoperative blood loss and a longer operative time than the gastrectomy only group [150.0 (100.0, 200.0) mL vs. 100.0 (100.0, 200.0) mL, P=0.006; 176.0 (150.0, 210.0) min vs. 155.0 (128.0, 188.0) min, P<0.001, respectively]. Intraoperative event rate, postoperative complication rate, and postoperative recovery did not differ between the groups. All parameters including body weight, the hemoglobin level, absolute lymphocyte count, total protein level, albumin level, fasting glucose level, and prognostic nutritional index excluding the cholesterol level were not significantly different between the groups, and their changing patterns were similar. Although the cholesterol level was significantly lower in the simultaneous cholecystectomy group than in the gastrectomy only group at all follow-up points, the mean value of the decreased cholesterol level was within normal range.

Conclusions

In gastric cancer patients with gallbladder disease, simultaneous cholecystectomy is safe and not associated with additional nutritional loss.

Clinical analysis of prophylactic cholecystectomy during gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients: a retrospective study of 1753 patients

Background

Performance of gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients can lead to an increased incidence of cholecystolithiasis (CL) and a higher morbidity rate. However, the value of prophylactic cholecystectomy performed during gastric cancer surgery is still being debated.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study on patients with gastric cancer who underwent subtotal or total gastrectomy, with preservation of the gallbladder or simultaneous cholecystectomy from January 2010 to March 2018.

Results

Cholecystolithiasis occurred in 152 of 1691 (8.98%) patients after gastric cancer surgery, with 45 (2.67%) patients undergoing subsequent cholecystectomy. Postoperative body mass index (BMI) decrease > 5% in 3 months was an independent risk factor for cholecystolithiasis [BMI decrease > 5%/≤5%: OR (95%CI): 1.812 (1.225–2.681), p = 0.003). Gastrectomy method and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for both cholecystolithiasis [gastrectomy method (no-Billroth I/Billroth I): OR (95%CI): 1.801 (1.097–2.959), p = 0.002; diabetes mellitus (yes/no): OR (95%CI): 1.544 (1.030–2.316), p = 0.036] and subsequent cholecystectomy [gastrectomy method (no-Billroth I/Billroth I): OR (95%CI): 5.432 (1.309–22.539), p = 0.020; diabetes mellitus (yes/no): OR (95%CI): 2.136 (1.106–4.125), p = 0.024]. Simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed in 62 of 1753 (3.5%) patients. The mortality and morbidity rates did not differ significantly between the combined surgery group and the gastrectomy only group (8.1% vs. 8.9 and 1.6% vs. 2.2%, respectively, p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Prophylactic cholecystectomy may be necessary in gastric cancer patients without Billroth I gastrectomy and with diabetes mellitus. Simultaneous cholecystectomy during gastric cancer surgery does not increase the postoperative mortality and morbidity rates.

The Cholegas trial: long-term results of prophylactic cholecystectomy during gastrectomy for cancer-a randomized-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The incidence of cholelithiasis has been shown to be higher for patients after gastrectomy than for the general population, due to vagal branch damage and gastrointestinal reconstruction. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the need for routine concomitant prophylactic cholecystectomy (PC) during gastrectomy for cancer.

METHODS

A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial was conducted between November 2008 and March 2017. Of the total 130 included patients, 65 underwent PC and 65 underwent standard gastric surgery only for curable cancers. The primary endpoint was cholelithiasis-free survival after gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Cholelithiasis was detected by ultrasound exam.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 62 months, eight patients (12.3%) in the control group developed biliary abnormalities (four cases of gallbladder calculi and four cases of biliary sludge), with only three (4.6%) being clinically relevant (two cholecystectomies needed, one acute pancreatitis). One patient in the PC group had asymptomatic biliary dilatation during sonography after surgery. The cholelithiasis-free survival did not show statistical significance between the two groups (P = 0.267). The number needed to treat with PC to avoid reoperation for cholelithiasis was 1:32.5.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant PC during gastric surgery for malignancies, although reducing the absolute number of biliary abnormalities, has no significant impact on the natural course of patients.

Analysis of gallstone disease after gastric cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

The incidence rate of newly developed gallstone disease after gastrectomy for gastric cancer is thought to be higher than that in the general population. However, the presentation and management of these gallstones remain under debate, and the role of prophylactic cholecystectomy remains questionable.

METHODS

Data on adult patients who were diagnosed with gastric cancer and received gastrectomy between 2000 and 2011 were extracted from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A patient was excluded if he or she had gallstone disease or received cholecystectomy before the index date. The incidence of newly developed gallstone disease and its subsequent management were recorded. Data were analyzed to evaluate the factors associated with gallstone development and treatment options.

RESULTS

A total of 17,325 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy were eligible for analysis. During the follow-up period (mean 4.1 years; median, 2.9 years), 1280 (7.4%) patients developed gallstone disease and 560 (3.2%) patients subsequently underwent cholecystectomy. The in-hospital mortality for cholecystectomy was 1.8% (10/560). Development of gallstone disease was associated with older age, total gastrectomy, duodenal exclusion, diabetes, cirrhosis, and more comorbidities. Factors associated with the use of cholecystectomy to treat gallstone disease included younger age, fewer comorbidities, medical center admission, and presentation as cholecystitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although few patients required further gallbladder removal after gastrectomy for gastric malignancy, the increased mortality rate for subsequent cholecystectomy was worth noting. The decision to undergo prophylactic cholecystectomy might be individualized based upon patient characteristics and the surgeon's discretion.

Incidence of gallstones after gastric resection for gastric cancer: a nationwide claims-based study

Purpose

Gallstone formation is one of the most common problems after gastrectomy. This retrospective cohort study used the South Korean nationwide claims database to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of gallstone after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer in South Korea in 2008-2010 were identified. Incidence of gallstone formation 5 years after gastrectomy in males and females, in various age groups, and after different types of gastrectomy was determined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis served to identify gallstone risk factors.

Results

Of the 47,752 patients, 2,506 (5.2%) developed gallstone during the 5-year follow-up period. At 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, the cumulative incidences were 1.2%, 2.2%, 3.3%, and 4.3%, respectively. Males had a higher incidence than females (5.8% vs. 4.1%, P < 0.001). Older patients (60-89 years) had a higher incidence than younger patients (30-59 years) (6.1% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.001). Gallstone was most common after total gastrectomy (6.6%), followed by proximal gastrectomy (5.4%), distal gastrectomy (4.8%), and pylorus-preserving distal gastrectomy (4.0%) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.39), an older age (OR, 1.44), and total gastrectomy (OR, 1.40 vs. distal gastrectomy) were significant independent risk factors for postgastrectomy gallstone.

Conclusion

The cumulative incidence of gallstone 5 years after gastrectomy for gastric cancer was 5.2%. Male sex, an older age, and total gastrectomy were significant risk factors. More careful monitoring for gallstone may be necessary in patients with such risk factors.

[Simultaneous abdominal and retroperitoneal surgery]

AIM

To study the results of simultaneous abdominal and retroperitoneal interventions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The article presents analysis of 856 simultaneous operations whose proportion was 3.49% of total number of operations. Most of them was performed via videolaparoscopic approach (697, 81.4%), open access and mini-laparotomy were used rarer (111, 12.9%) and 48 (6,7%) respectively). Severity of great number of interventions corresponded to degree I and II of D. Lochlein and R. Pichlmayer classification. Modern diagnostic methods including sonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, endoscopy and laboratory data were used to define diagnosis.

RESULTS

Simultaneous approach increases duration of surgery 30.3% on the average that is significant risk factor in case of surgery of severity degree III and videolaparoscopic interventions. Simultaneous surgery does not significantly increase ICU-stay and incidence of postoperative complications.

Retrospective Analysis on the Gallstone Disease after Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Background. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of gallstone after gastrectomy, risk factors for gallstone formation, and the surgical outcome of cholecystectomy after gastrectomy. Methods. A total of 2480 gastric cancer patients who underwent curative resection at two institutions between January 1997 and December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' age, gender, diabetes mellitus, type of gastrectomy, extent of node dissection, and type of reconstruction were evaluated. Results. Gallstone formation occurred in 128 of 2480 (5.2%) patients who had undergone gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The incidence of gallstones was significantly higher after total compared with subtotal gastrectomy. Roux-en-Y reconstruction and lymph node dissection in the hepatoduodenal ligament were associated with a significantly higher incidence. In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus and reconstruction method were identified as significant risk factors for gallstone development. The proportion of silent stone was higher in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) group than in the open cholecystectomy (OC) group. Operation time and hospital stay were shorter in the LC group than in the OC group. Conclusions. Diabetes mellitus and Roux-en-Y reconstruction are risk factors for gallstones after gastrectomy. Only a few postoperative complications after subsequent cholecystectomy occurred, even when using a laparoscopic approach.

Incidental cholecystectomy in patients with asymptomatic gallstones undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The feasibility of incidental cholecystectomy during colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery has not been determined as yet. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of incidental cholecystectomy during CRC surgery.

METHODS

The clinicopathologic data of patients who underwent CRC surgery between January 2004 and May 2011 were assessed. Patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis were divided into groups that did and did not undergo incidental cholecystectomy. Their in-hospital morbidity and long-term biliary complications were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 282 patients identified, 143 (50.7%) underwent incidental cholecystectomy and 139 (49.3%) were observed without cholecystectomy. The two groups were similar in clinical characteristics, except for gender and operation time. Only one patient (0.7%) in the cholecystectomy group experienced an intraoperative biliary complication. There was no significant difference in overall in-hospital morbidity between the two groups. After a median follow-up period of 33 months, long-term biliary complications developed in 12 patients (8.6%) in the observation group, with 9 undergoing cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidental cholecystectomy was not associated with increased postoperative morbidity, whereas previously asymptomatic patients were at substantial long-term risk of becoming symptomatic. Thus, in the absence of clear contraindications, concomitant cholecystectomy might be a desirable treatment option during CRC surgery in patients with asymptomatic gallstones.

Additional procedures performed during elective colon surgery and their adverse impact on postoperative outcomes

BACKGROUND

The need for additional procedures during a segmental elective colectomy is considered to lead to increased postoperative morbidity, but there have been few data that have validated and quantified this risk.

PURPOSE

We hypothesized that patients having additional procedures performed during a segmental colectomy have worse outcomes compared to patients undergoing a colectomy alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database who underwent an elective open or laparoscopic segmental colectomy during 2005-2009 and met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Using current procedural terminology (CPT) codes, patients were stratified into three groups. Group 1 only had CPT codes for a colectomy. Group 2 had additional CPT codes for procedures that were considered related to the colectomy, such as splenic flexure mobilization and endoscopy or a relatively minor procedure such as an appendectomy. Group 3 included patients that had additional procedures performed along with a segmental colectomy. Serious morbidity, overall morbidity, return to the operating room, and death were calculated and compared for each group.

RESULTS

There were 25,996 patients in the open and 20,396 patients in the laparoscopic colectomy group. Thirty-six percent of patients in the open colectomy group vs. 18 % in the laparoscopic colectomy group had additional procedures performed. After adjustment for available differences in the groups, patients undergoing open and laparoscopic segmental colectomy along with an additional procedure had worse postoperative outcomes compared to patients undergoing a colectomy alone.

LIMITATIONS

The study is limited by the possibility of coding errors in the ACS NSQIP database leading to a case ascertainment bias and a selection bias given the observational nature of the study. It also could not differentiate between additional procedures that were planned or incidental at the time of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

A proportion of patients undergoing elective open and laparoscopic segmental colon resections undergo additional procedures that adversely impact postoperative outcomes. This is mainly related to the type of additional procedures performed and therefore should be accounted for when counseling patients about the risks of surgery and in comparisons of outcomes.

Simultaneous cholecystectomy during gastric and oesophageal resection: a retrospective analysis and critical review of literature

The higher incidence of gallstone formation after gastrectomy for cancer has been reported as a common complication in many studies but the management strategies are still controversial and need further evaluation. We retrospectivaly analysed between 2007 and 2013, 206 patients who underwent gastric and or oesophageal resection. In 29/93 patients receiving an oesophagectomy a simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed, respectively 31 from 111 patients who underwent a gastrectomy received an incidental cholecystectomy. In 2 patients with an extended gastrectomy, the gallblader removing was performed simultaneously in one case. A subsequent cholecystectomy was performed in 11 cases. The increased surgical mortality was significant higher correlated with an intervention at a later stage point. That suggest that the prohylactic cholecystectomy can be safely performed during a major intervention in order to reduce complication and a reoperation.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis immediately after gastric operation: Case report and literatures review

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is a rare complication of gastric surgery. The most commonly accepted concepts regarding its pathogenesis are bile stasis, sepsis and ischemia, but it has not been well described how to identify and manage this disease in the early stage. We report three cases of AAC in elderly patients immediately after gastric surgery, which were treated with three different strategies. One patient died 42 d after emergency cholecystectomy, and the other two finally recovered through timely cholecystostomy and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage, respectively. These cases informed us of the value of early diagnosis and proper treatment for perioperative AAC after gastric surgery. We further reviewed reported cases of AAC immediately after gastric operation, which may expand our knowledge of this disease.

Review of the impact of antineoplastic therapies on the risk for cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Development of cholecystitis in patients with malignancies can potentially disrupt their treatment and alter prognosis. This review aims to identify antineoplastic interventions associated with increased risk of cholecystitis in cancer patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy was developed to identify articles pertaining to risk factors and complications of cholecystitis in cancer patients. FDA-issued labels of novel antineoplastic drugs released after 2010 were hand-searched to identify more therapies associated with cholecystitis in nonpublished studies.

RESULTS

Of an initial 2,932 articles, 124 were reviewed in the study. Postgastrectomy patients have a high (5-30 %) incidence of gallstone disease, and 1-7 % develop symptomatic disease. One randomized trial addressing the role of cholecystectomy concurrent with gastrectomy is currently underway. Among other risk groups, patients with neuroendocrine tumors treated with somatostatin analogs have a 15 % risk of cholelithiasis, and most are symptomatic. Hepatic artery based therapies carry a risk of cholecystitis (0.02-24 %), although the risk is reduced with selective catheterization. Myelosuppression related to chemotherapeutic agents (0.4 %), bone marrow transplantation, and treatment with novel multikinase inhibitors are associated with high risk of cholecystitis.

CONCLUSIONS

There are several risk factors for gallbladder-related surgical emergencies in patients with advanced malignancies. Incidental cholecystectomy at index operation should be considered in patients planned for gastrectomy, and candidates for regional therapies to the liver or somatostatin analogs. While prophylactic cholecystectomy is currently recommended for patients with cholelithiasis receiving myeloablative therapy, this strategy may have value in patients treated with multikinase inhibitors, immunotherapy, and oncolytic viral therapy based on evolving evidence.

Prophylactic cholecystectomy during abdominal surgery

The presence of asymptomatic gallstones is no longer an indication for elective prophylactic cholecystectomy (PC) according to the recommendations of the 1991 French Consensus Conference on cholelithiasis. However, there may be potential benefits of performing prophylactic cholecystectomy during certain abdominal procedures for non-biliary disease; this remains a subject of debate. This debate has become livelier with the recent increase in bariatric surgery. Gastrectomy for cancer, small bowel resection, colonic resection, and splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis as well as all bariatric surgical interventions can all alter the physiology of gallstone disease raising the question of the value of PC, but the specific morbidity of cholecystectomy must be kept in mind. The purpose of this study was to report epidemiological and pathophysiological data and the results from literature reports in order to assess the value of concomitant prophylactic cholecystectomy during various common surgical situations.

The Cholegas Study: safety of prophylactic cholecystectomy during gastrectomy for cancer: preliminary results of a multicentric randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Cholelithiasis is more frequent in patients after gastrectomy, due to dissection of vagal branches and gastrointestinal reconstruction.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2008 to March 2012. Patients were randomized into two groups: prophylactic cholecystectomy (PC) and standard gastric surgery only (SS) for curable cancers. We planned three end points: evaluation of the number of patients who developed symptoms and needed further surgery for cholelithiasis after standard gastric cancer surgery, evaluation of the incidence of cholelithiasis overall after standard gastric cancer surgery and perioperative complications or costs of prophylactic cholecystectomy. The present study answers to the last end point only.

RESULTS

After 40 months from the beginning of study, 172 patients were eligible from 9 Centers. Ten patients refused consent and 32 were excluded due to flawing of inclusion criteria (not confirmed adenocarcinomas and no R0 surgery). Therefore, final analysis included 130 patients: 65 in PC group and 65 in SS. Among PC group, 12 patients had surgical complications during the perioperative period; only 1 biliary leakage, conservatively treated, might have been caused by prophylactic cholecystectomy. 6 patients had surgical complications in SS group. One postoperative death occurred in PC group due to pulmonary embolism. Differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, no differences were significant in duration of surgery, blood loss, hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant cholecystectomy during standard surgery for gastric malignancies seemed to add no extra perioperative morbidity, mortality and costs to the sample included in the study.

Combined cholecystectomy in gastric cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Many studies have described the risk factors of gallstone formation in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy, but few studies focus on the management of asymptomatic gallstones. Our goal is to examine the rationale of simultaneous cholecystectomy during gastric cancer surgery, and influence of surgical mortality, morbidity and overall survival after combined cholecystectomy and gastrectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 445 gastric cancer patients and the gallbladders evaluated by abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography preoperatively and postoperatively. Clinicopathologic factors, including surgical morbidity, mortality and overall survival of combined surgery, were compared between patients receiving gastrectomy with simultaneous cholecystectomy and patients receiving gastrectomy only. We also evaluated the risk factors of gallstone formation after gastrectomy and the probability of subsequent cholecystectomy after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients with or without asymptomatic gallstones.

RESULTS

Of 445 gastric cancer patients, 52 (11.7%) patients had asymptomatic gallstones upon diagnosis of gastric cancer. Among patients with healthy gallbladders, 15.2% developed gallstones after gastrectomy. Men and older patients (age over 60) had significantly higher risk of gallstone formation. Rate of subsequent cholecystectomy in patients with and without preoperative asymptomatic gallstones was 30.8% and 4.5%, respectively (p = 0.005). The rates of mortality and morbidity were not significantly different between combined surgery (3.4%, 24.2%) and gastrectomy only (3.1%, 22%). There was also no significant difference in 5-year survival between combined surgery (61%) and gastrectomy only (63%) groups.

CONCLUSION

Combined cholecystectomy for asymptomatic gallstone in gastric cancer surgery may be considered. It was not associated with increased surgical morbidity or mortality, and had no significant effect on overall survival.

Increased cancer incidence in some gallstone diseases, and equivocal effect of cholecystectomy: a long-term analysis of cancer and mortality

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to investigate cancer incidence and the cause of long-term mortality in different gallstone diseases and conditions.

STUDY DESIGN

The study population consisted of 2034 subjects: 224 persons diagnosed with asymptomatic gallstones in 1983, 254 patients who underwent cholecystectomy in 1983, and 513 patients with symptomatic uncomplicated gallstones (SGS, n = 337) or acute cholecystitis (AC, n = 176) between 1992 and 1994. One thousand and forty-three people who participated in a population study in 1983 were controls.

RESULTS

An overall increased risk of cancer, as well as higher mortality, was found among persons with asymptomatic gallstones compared to controls (HR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.06-2.00 and HR 1.39, 95% CI: 1.08-1.78), whereas patients who underwent cholecystectomy in 1983 showed a slightly higher risk (not significant) for both cancer and death than controls. Among patients with SGS from 1992 to 1994 there was a significantly higher risk of contracting cancer in patients who had undergone surgery (HR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.13-5.83). For patients with AC, there was no significant difference between surgically treated and non-surgically treated subjects, but there was a higher risk of cancer in all AC compared to SGS patients (HR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.20-3.43). Mortality did not differ significantly between surgically treated and non-surgically treated patients with SGS or AC.

CONCLUSION

Gallstone patients had a greater risk than the general population for developing cancer, but this was dependent on the type of gallstone condition and treatment. The effect of cholecystectomy seemed dubious.

Diagnosis and management of gallbladder calculus disease

BACKGROUND

The number and rate of cholecystectomy are increasing worldwide, although indications for operative treatment remain empirical, and several issues in the understanding of the condition are not concisely outlined. Our intention is to summarize and interpret current opinion regarding the indications and timing of cholecystectomy in calculous gallbladder disease.

METHODS

Publications concerned with gallstone disease and related topics were searched for in MEDLINE using PubMed and summarized according to clinical scenarios with an emphasis on recent research.

RESULTS

Only one randomized controlled trial has investigated the management (conservative vs. surgery) of patients with acute cholecystitis and several have compared early with deferred surgery. Two RCTs have examined treatment of uncomplicated, symptomatic gallstone disease. Apart from these, the overwhelming majority of publications are retrospective case series.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent literature confirms that cholecystectomy for an asymptomatic or incidental gallstone is not justified. Symptomatic, uncomplicated gallstone disease may be classified into four severity groups based on severity and frequency of pain attacks, which may guide indication for cholecystectomy. Most patients below the age of 70 seem to prefer operative treatment. Acute cholecystitis may be treated with early operation if reduction of hospital days is an issue. Patients older than 70 years with significant comorbidities may forego surgical treatment without undue hazard. Symptoms following cholecystectomy remain in 25% or more and recent evidence suggest these are caused by a functional gastrointestinal disorder.

Multivariable analysis of cholecystectomy after gastrectomy: laparoscopy is a feasible initial approach even in the presence of common bile duct stones or acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

When performing cholecystectomy after gastrectomy, we often encounter problems, such as adhesions, nutritional insufficiency, and bowel reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors related to surgical outcome of these associated procedures, with emphasis on the use of a laparoscopic approach.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 58 patients who had a history of cholecystectomy after gastrectomy. Differences between subgroups with respect to operation time, length of postoperative hospital stay, and complications were analyzed. To identify the factors related with outcomes of cholecystectomy after gastrectomy, we performed multivariable analysis with the following variables: common bile duct (CBD) exploration, laparoscopic surgery, gender, acute cholecystitis, history of stomach cancer, age, body mass index, period of surgery, and interval between cholecystectomy and gastrectomy.

RESULTS

We found one case (2.9%) of open conversion. The CBD exploration was the most significant independent factor (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 45.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.53-450.55) related to longer operation time. Acute cholecystitis also was a significant independent factor (adjusted OR, 14.66; 95% CI, 1.46-147.4). The laparoscopic approach was not related to operation time but was related to a shorter hospital stay (adjusted OR, 0.057; 95% CI, 0.004-0.74). Acute cholecystitis was independently related to the occurrence of complications (adjusted OR, 27.68; 95% CI, 1.15-666.24); however, CBD exploration and laparoscopic surgery were not. A lower BMI also was an independent predictor of the occurrence of complications (adjusted OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.2-0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

The laparoscopic approach is feasible for cholecystectomy after gastrectomy, even in cases with CBD stones or acute cholecystitis. This approach does not appear to increase operation time or complication rate and was shown to decrease the length of postoperative hospital stay.