Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis should be performed by a laparoscopic surgeon. Surg Endosc. 2010;24:2206-2209. [PMID: 20174934 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-010-0928-y]

Endoscopic Gallbladder Drainage Conversion versus Conservative Treatment Following Percutaneous Gallbladder Drainage in High-Risk Surgical Patients

Background/Aims

There are no consensus guidelines for patients with acute cholecystitis undergoing percutaneous cholecystostomy who are unfit for interval cholecystectomy. The current study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of endoscopic gallbladder drainage, i.e. conversion from percutaneous cholecystostomy (including endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage), and conservative treatment after percutaneous cholecystostomy tube removal.

Methods

This retrospective review included patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis between January 2017 and December 2020. Consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic gallbladder drainage or percutaneous cholecystostomy tube removal without interval cholecystectomy were included. Outcome measures included recurrent acute cholecystitis and unplanned readmission due to gallstone-related diseases.

Results

During the study period, 238 patients were selected (63 underwent endoscopic gallbladder drainage conversion and 175 underwent conservative treatment). Patients who underwent endoscopic gallbladder drainage conversion had lower rates of recurrent acute cholecystitis (3 [4.76%] vs 31 [17.71%], p=0.012) and unplanned readmission due to gallstone-related diseases (6 [9.52%] vs 40 [22.86%], p=0.022) than those who underwent conservative treatment following percutaneous cholecystostomy tube removal. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, calculus cholecystitis (odds ratio, 13.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.83 to 102.83; p=0.011) and conversion of endoscopic gallbladder drainage (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.06 to 0.78; p=0.019) were significant predictive factors for recurrent acute cholecystitis.

Conclusions

Endoscopic gallbladder drainage conversion led to more favorable outcomes than conservative treatment after percutaneous cholecystostomy tube removal. Therefore, endoscopic gallbladder drainage conversion may be considered a promising treatment option for patients undergoing percutaneous cholecystostomy who are at a high surgical risk.

Symptom Duration and Surgeon Volume: Impact on Early Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

The 'golden 72 hours' rule from the onset of symptoms still applies in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. This rule has been discussed with increasing experience in laparoscopic surgery in recent years.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the optimal symptom duration based on the surgeon's volume when deciding on early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 The patients were categorized into two groups: Group 1 (≤3 days) and Group 2 (>3 days) based on the symptom duration, and high-volume surgeons (performing >100 laparoscopic cholecystectomies in a year) and low-volume surgeons (performing <100 laparoscopic cholecystectomies in a year) based on the surgeon volume. All surgeons had received advanced training in laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference in postoperative outcomes between groups, except for a few data (p>0.05). The operative time was longer in Group 2, the postoperative hospital stay was longer for low-volume surgeons than for high-volume surgeons after three days, and operative time was longer after three days than the first three days in low-volume surgeons (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be recommended for acute cholecystitis with symptom duration of more than three days, regardless of the surgeon volume, as long as they are competent in laparoscopic surgeries.

Massive stone or is it glass: a curious case of porcelain gallbladder

Usage of computed tomography (CT) scans has increased exponentially over the past decade. This is associated with the rise in incidental findings and having to manage clinical scenarios previously never encountered in the pre-CT scan era. Once such finding is a porcelain gallbladder, specifically gallbladder wall calcification. We report one such case of a porcelain gallbladder mimic and propose some suggestions on the decision-making process when managing an incidentally discovered calcified gallbladder.

Long-Term Safety, Efficacy, Indications, and Criteria of Arteriovenous Fistula Ligation Following Kidney Transplant: A Patient-Driven Approach

OBJECTIVES

In patients with end-stage renal disease, arteriovenous fistulas are the standard of care to ensure long-term vascular access. Recent studies suggest some long-term posttransplant cardiac benefits and quality of life improvements in kidney transplant recipients due to arteriovenous fistula ligation. However, there are no guidelines regarding arteriovenous fistula management after transplant. Our study objective was to evaluate the long-term safety of arteriovenous fistula ligation and the frequency of returning to hemodialysis after ligation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective chart review from February 2014 to December 2020 identified 578 adult patients who underwent successful kidney transplant at our center. Of these patients, 47 underwent subsequent arteriovenous fistula ligation. Both medically driven and patient-driven cases were assessed and approved by a transplant nephrology team with regard to allograft function and ligation suitability.

RESULTS

Our results showed that, of the 47 renal transplant patients, 70.2% chose to undergo arteriovenous fistula ligation due to aneurysmal formation, 44.7% due to pain, and 14.9% due to high-output heart failure. In total, 68.1% of arteriovenous fistula ligations performed were primarily patient driven. There was an average follow-up of 2.9 years after ligation, with 1 unrelated reoperation and no returns to dialysis for all patients who underwent arteriovenous fistula ligation.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the long-term risks of surgical complications and allograft impairment after ligation were negligible. As a result of our current findings and known positive cardiovascular benefit, patient-driven arteriovenous fistula ligation after kidney transplant should be routinely considered in patients with stable allograft function.

Management of Porcelain Gallbladder, Its Risk Factors, and Complications: A Review

The porcelain gallbladder condition describes gallbladder calcification. While gallbladder calcification is believed to increase the risk of developing gallbladder cancer, recent reports have shown that the malignancy risk is much lower than previously reported. Symptomatic patients with porcelain gallbladder should be recommended for cholecystectomy, but the management of asymptomatic patients is debatable. Based on recent evidence, prophylactic cholecystectomy is not routinely recommended in all patients with porcelain gallbladder. From the assessment of the current literature, there are three essential factors in the management of patients with porcelain gallbladder: (1) symptoms or complications of gallbladder disease, (2) calcification pattern and (3) patient age and comorbidities. Patients who do not undergo cholecystectomy should be educated about the symptoms of gallbladder diseases, and a thorough discussion is essential between patients and clinicians.

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.

Predicting a 'difficult cholecystectomy' after mild gallstone pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy after gallstone pancreatitis may be technically demanding. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for a difficult cholecystectomy after mild pancreatitis.

METHODS

This was a prospective study within a randomized controlled trial on the timing of cholecystectomy after mild gallstone pancreatitis. Difficulty of cholecystectomy was scored on a 0 to 10 visual analogue scale (VAS) by the senior attending surgeon. The primary outcome 'difficult cholecystectomy' was defined by presence of one or more of the following features: a VAS score ≥ 8, duration of surgery > 75 minutes, conversion or subtotal cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

249 patients were included in the primary analysis. A difficult cholecystectomy occurred in 82 patients (33%). In the 'same-admission cholecystectomy' group 29 of 112 cholecystectomies were difficult (26%) versus 49 of 127 patients (39%) who underwent surgery after 2 weeks (p = 0.037). After multivariable analysis, male sex (OR 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-3.13; p = 0.037), prior sphincterotomy (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.01-3.16; p = 0.046), and delaying cholecystectomy for at least two weeks (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.04-3.16; p = 0.036) were independent predictors of a difficult cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons should anticipate a difficult cholecystectomy after mild gallstone pancreatitis in case of male sex, prior sphincterotomy and delayed cholecystectomy.

Acute cholecystitis in elderly patients: A case for early cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in laparoscopic techniques and perioperative care have changed the indications for surgery in elderly patients. Consequently, the willingness to offer early surgery for acute cholecystitis continues to increase. This study aims to assess the perioperative outcome of early cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis in elderly patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All consecutive patients treated by early cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis in a major teaching hospital, between January 2002 and November 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. The outcome of elderly patients (≥75 years) was compared to that of all others. Conversion rate, 30 days morbidity, 30 days mortality and length of hospital stay were assessed.

RESULTS

Early cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis was performed in 703 patients: 121 (17%) aged ≥75 years and 582 (83%) aged <75 years. Significantly more elderly patients had an ASA score ≥3 (37% vs. 8%, P<0.001). Morbidity was higher in the elderly group (17% vs. 8%, P<0.004), mainly attributable to the high incidence of cystic stump leakage in this group; a complication that no longer occurred after changing the technique of ligation of the cystic stump. The cardiopulmonary complication rate (4% vs. 3%, P=0.35) as well as mortality did not significantly differ (3% vs. 1%, P=0.07). The conversion rate was higher in the elderly group (18% vs. 5%, P<0.001) and the median postoperative length of hospital stay was longer (5.0 vs. 3.0 days, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a treatment well suited to elderly patients with mild and moderate acute cholecystitis.

Evaluating cumulative and annual surgeon volume in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Although there is a large body of published data demonstrating improved outcomes for complex operations when performed by high-volume surgeons at high-volume hospitals, the literature is mixed regarding whether this same relationship applies in less complex and more common surgeries such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

This study utilized the New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database to identify patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute and chronic biliary pathology. Rates of perioperative outcomes were compared among 4 distinct categories of surgeons based on surgeon annual and cumulative volume: low cumulative/low annual, low cumulative/high annual, high cumulative/low annual, and high cumulative/high annual.

RESULTS

A total of 150,938 patients undergoing operation by 3,306 surgeons at 250 hospitals across New York state were included for analysis from 2000-2014. There was no difference in adjusted 30-day in-hospital mortality, major events, procedural complications, bile duct injury, or reintervention rates between the 4 groups of surgeons. However, patients undergoing operation by high cumulative/high annual volume surgeons were less likely to experience 30-day readmission, prolonged duration of stay, and high charges when compared with low cumulative/low annual volume surgeons.

CONCLUSION

In New York state, increased surgeon annual and cumulative volume predicts lower rates of 30-day readmission, prolonged duration of stay, and high charges in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but has no effect on in-hospital mortality, major events, bile duct injury, procedural complications, or reintervention. There is no evidence to support regionalization of this procedure as operative outcomes are comparable even in less experienced hands.

Economic Implications of Providing Emergency Cholecystectomy for All Patients With Biliary Pathology: A Retrospective Analysis

INTRODUCTION

This study assessed the safety and efficacy of acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ALC) in patients presenting with biliary pathology. The potential savings plus income generation for the hospital were calculated.

METHODS

All patients undergoing emergency cholecystectomy were identified from computerized and hand-written theater records to ensure complete capture. Length of stay, procedure time, patient demographics, and postoperative complications were recorded. Tariffs for conservative versus acute management were calculated. Total admissions and readmissions with biliary pathology (acute cholecystitis, biliary colic, gallstone pancreatitis, and obstructive jaundice) over a 12-month period were recorded.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients undergoing ALC were identified. There was only 1 major complication (1 postoperative bleed managed laparoscopically). ALC for all admissions would result in savings of £ 695,918 over 12 months. The implementation of ALC for all patients would result in a small loss in revenue when compared with elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (£ 15,495) provided that all operations could be accommodated on established operating lists. Implementing ALC on all appropriate biliary admissions could generate up to 3 cholecystectomies daily for a population base of 1 million.

CONCLUSIONS

ALC is cost-effective and safe. It can be offered to all patients with biliary pathology provided they are fit enough for surgery.

Anticipation of complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: prediction of individual outcome

BACKGROUND

Complication rates after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy are still up to 10 %. Knowledge of individual patient risk profiles could help to reduce morbidity.

AIM

The aim of this study is to create risk profiles for specific complications to anticipate on individual outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Individual patient outcome for a specific post-operative complication was assessed from a retrospective database of two major teaching hospitals, using uni- and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 4359 patients were included of which 346 developed one or more complications (8 %). Five risk profiles were found to predict specific complications: older patients (>65 year) are at risk for pneumonia (OR 7.0, 95 % CI 3.3-15.0, p < 0.001) and bleeding (OR 2.2, 95 % CI 1.2-3.9, p = 0.014), patients with acute cholecystitis are at risk for intra-abdominal abscess (OR 5.9, 95 % CI 3.4-10.1, p < 0.001), bile leakage (OR 3.6, 95 % CI 2.0-6.6, p < 0.001) and pneumonia (OR 3.5, 95 % CI 1.6-7.6, p < 0.002), previous history of cholecystitis is predictive for wound infection (OR 5.1, 95 % CI, (2.7-9.7), p < 0.001), intra-abdominal abscess (OR 6.1, 95 % CI 2.8-13.8, p < 0.001), post-operative bleeding (OR 4.8, 95 % CI 2.1-11.1, p < 0.001), bile leakage (OR 7.2, 95 % CI 3.4-15.4, p < 0.001) and pneumonia (OR 3.9, 95 % CI 1.3-11.9, p = 0.018), pre-operative ERCP is predictive for intra-abdominal abscess (OR 3.3, 95 % CI 2.0-5.7, p < 0.001), post-operative bleeding (OR 2.1, 95 % CI 1.2-3.9, p = 0.058) and pneumonia (OR 3.8, 95 % CI 1.9-7.8, p = 0.001), and converted patients are at risk for wound infection (OR 4.0, 95 % CI 2.1-7.7, p < 0.001) and intra-abdominal abscess (OR 3.5, 95 % CI 1.6-7.7, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Individual risk prediction of outcome after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible. This facilitates individual pre-operative doctor-patient communication and may tailor surgical strategies.

Cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia: how did we get there?

BACKGROUND

The focus of biliary dyskinesia (BD) shifted within the last 30 years, moving from symptoms after cholecystectomy (CCY) to symptoms with morphological normal gallbladder, but low gallbladder ejection fraction.

METHODS

We searched the pubmed database to systematically review studies focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder dysfunction.

RESULTS

Impaired gallbladder contraction can be found in about 20% of healthy controls and an even higher number of patients with various other disorders. Surgery for BD increased after introduction of laparoscopic CCY, with BD now accounting for >20% of CCY in adults and up to 60% in pediatric patients. The majority of cases reported were operated in the USA, which differs from surgical series for cholelithiasis. Postoperative outcomes do not differ between groups with abnormal or normal gallbladder function.

CONCLUSION

Functional gallbladder testing should not be seen as an indicator of relevant biliary tract disease or prognostic marker to identify patients who may benefit from operative intervention. Instead biliary dyskinesia should be considered as a part of a spectrum of functional disorders, which are generally managed conservatively. Small proof of concept studies have demonstrated effects of medical therapy on biliary dysfunction and should thus be never tested in appropriately designed trials.

Surgeon's volume is not associated with complication outcome after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

AIM

Complication rates after laparoscopic cholecystectomy vary but are still reported to be up to 17 %. Identifying risk factors for an adverse complication outcome could help to reduce morbidity after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our aim was to analyze whether surgeon volume is a vital issue for complication outcome.

METHODS

All complications-minor, major, local and general-were reviewed in a single institution between January 2004 and December 2008 and recorded in a database. Patient's variables, disease related variables and surgeon's variables were noted. The role of surgeon's individual volume per year was analyzed. A stepwise logistic regression model was used.

RESULTS

A total of 942 patients were analyzed, among which 70 (7 %) patients with acute cholecystitis and 52 (6 %) patients with delayed surgery for acute cholecystitis. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) had been performed in 142 (15 %) patients. Complication rates did not differ significantly for surgeon's individual volume (≤10 vs. >10 LC/year, 5.2 vs. 8.2 %, p = 0.203) nor for specialization (laparoscopic vs. non-laparoscopic; 9.2 vs. 6.4 %, p = 0.085) and experience (specialty registration ≤5 vs. >5 years; 5.1 vs. 8.7 %, p = 0.069). The only significant predictors for complications were acute surgery (OR 3.9, 95 % CI 1.8-8.7, p = 0.001) and a history preceding laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) (ERC and delayed surgery for cholecystitis) (OR 8.1, 95 % CI 4.5-14.6: p <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Complications after LC were not significantly associated with a surgeon's individual volume, but most prominently determined by the type of biliary disease.

Porcelain gallbladder: a benign process or concern for malignancy?

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder wall calcifications, otherwise known as porcelain gallbladder, have received considerable attention due to its perceived association with gallbladder carcinoma. While the perception of a strong correlation persists, more recent reports raise conceivable doubts.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic literature search was conducted of human studies describing gallbladder wall calcification and its association with gallbladder malignancy.

RESULTS

The 111 articles which met inclusion criteria identified 340 patients with gallbladder wall calcification. Of the 340 patients, 72 (21 %) were diagnosed with malignancy of the gallbladder. When examining a subgroup of 13 studies (n = 124) without obvious selection bias, the rate of gallbladder malignancy was only 6 % (0-33 %) compared to 1 % (0-4 %) in a matched cohort of patients without gallbladder wall calcification (p = 0.036, relative risk 8.0 (95%CI 1.0-63.0)). Multivariate analysis identified the presence of symptoms typical for gallbladder cancer (odds ratio 83.6, 95%CI 2.3-2979.1, p = 0.015) and the presence of a gallbladder mass (odds ratio 3226.6, 95%CI 17.2-603884.8, p = 0.003) as the only independent prognostic factors for harboring gallbladder malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of harboring gallbladder cancer in patients with gallbladder wall calcifications is lower than recently anticipated. The risk factors identified have only limited clinical value, since they are stigmatic for advanced gallbladder cancer. In the absence of better risk stratification and in the presence of a relative low rate of associated malignancy, prophylactic cholecystectomy appears appropriate for otherwise healthy patients; whereas a non-operative approach should be considered in patients with significant co-morbidity.

Prediction of the surgical difficulty of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The aim of this study was to use the difficulty score for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure to predict the surgical difficulty of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. From January 2009 to April 2011, single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 30 patients at our institution. The patients were evaluated using the difficulty score and classified into 3 groups: low, intermediate, and high difficulty. All surgeries were successfully completed without conversion to conventional laparoscopic surgery. A strong relationship was observed between the increasing score and longer surgical time. The mean surgical time was longer and the amount of blood loss was greater in the intermediate-difficulty and high-difficulty groups than in the low-difficulty group. Moreover, the high-difficulty group had a higher rate of insertion of an additional trocar than the low-difficulty group. Thus, the difficulty of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is well predicted using the difficulty score.

Comparison of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis within and beyond 72 h of symptom onset during emergency admissions

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) performed for acute cholecystitis (AC) is usually advised within 72 h of symptom onset. It can be difficult to accommodate all these patients within 72 h. LC beyond this early phase potentially increases the chances of LC-related complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of LC both within and beyond 72 h of presentation during the emergency admission.

METHODS

A retrospective clinical study was performed from February 2004 to December 2009. A total of 133 patients underwent LC for AC during the emergency admission according to the protocol: 34 patients underwent early LC (ELC) (i.e., operation within 72 h of symptom onset) and 99 underwent late LC (LLC) (i.e., operation beyond 72 h of symptom onset). Pathologic type of cholecystitis, duration of the procedure, conversion rate, complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), and total charges were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing ELC experienced a significantly shorter operating time (44.1 ± 5.32 vs. 66.4 ± 3.05 min, p < 0.01). Most of the AC (95/133, 71 %) was pathologically simple cholecystitis. There was no significant difference regarding wound infection rates [1/34 (2.94 %) vs. 2/99 (2.02 %), p > 0.05] or postoperative hospital stay (6.50 ± 1.31 vs. 6.67 ± 0.73, p > 0.05) between groups. There were no conversions to open cholecystectomy, no biliary tract injury or biliary leak, no other complications, and no 30-day readmission rates in either group. ELC was less costly than LLC (6,692 ± 794 vs. 8,378 ± 802 RMB, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both ELC and LLC are safe for treating of AC, but the operative difficulty of LLC is greater. ELC is superior to LLC as it tends to shorten the total LOS and is less expensive.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is more difficult after a previous endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) followed by a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is generally accepted as the treatment of choice for patients with choledochocystolithiasis who are eligible for surgery. Previous studies have shown that LC after ES is associated with a high conversion rate. The aim of the present study was to assess the complexity of LC after ES compared with standard LC for symptomatic uncomplicated cholecystolithiasis.

METHODS

The study population consisted of two patient cohorts: patients who had undergone a previous ERCP with ES for choledocholithiasis (PES) and patients with cholecystolithiasis who had no previous intervention prior to LC (NPES).

RESULTS

The PES group consisted of 93 patients and the NPES group consisted of 83 consecutive patients. Patients in the PES group had higher risks for longer [more than 65 min, odds ratio (OR) = 4.21 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.79-9.91)] and more complex [higher than 6 points, on a 0-10 scale, OR 3.12 (95% CI 1.43-6.81)] surgery. The conversion rate in the PES and NPES group (6.5% versus 2.4%, respectively) and the complication rate (12.9% versus 9.6%, respectively) were not significantly different.

DISCUSSION

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy after ES is lengthier and more difficult than in uncomplicated cholelithiasis and should therefore be performed by an experienced surgeon.

[Typical intraoperative complications in laparoscopic surgery]

For all common laparoscopic procedures (e. g. cholecystectomy, appendectomy, inguinal hernia repair, fundoplication and colorectal resection) it has been possible to demonstrate in systematic reviews and meta-analyses that they produce better results in terms of perioperative outcome than open surgery. Accordingly, there are very few publications that report on intraoperative complications and their management. In this respect a distinction must be made between positioning complications, access complications and complications related to the pneumoperitoneum, which can manifest in all laparoscopic procedures, as well as the specific complications associated with individual procedures.The main focus of any consideration of intraoperative complications must of course be on strategies to prevent the occurrence. If intraoperative complications have occurred, the most important aspect is the diagnosis and control with prime importance accorded to which complications can still be controlled using a laparoscopic approach and when an open procedure must be used. In general a switch to open surgery should be made in the event of serious complications. Only a highly experienced laparoscopic surgeon will be able to safely manage complications once they have occurred without putting the patient at further risk. In doubtful situations the approach that poses least risk is open surgery for complications that have already occurred.

Outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy conversion: is the surgeon's selection needed?

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for conversion in cholecystectomy may be of clinical value. This study aimed to investigate whether a set of risk factors, including the surgeon's specialization, can be used for the development of a preoperative strategy to optimize conversion outcome.

METHODS

The data for all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a single institution between January 2004 and December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Factors predictive for conversion were identified, and a preoperative strategy model was deduced.

RESULTS

Of the 1,126 patients analyzed, 106 (9%) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an emergency setting. Delayed surgery was performed for 63 (46%) of 138 patients (12%) with acute cholecystitis. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was achieved for 161 of the patients (14%). Risk factors predictive of conversion (for 65 patients) were male gender [odds ratio (OR), 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-3.9; p = 0.004], age older than 65 years (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4-4.8; p = 0.002), body mass index (BMI) exceeding 25 kg/m(2) (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.7-7.1; p < 0.001), history of complicated biliary disease (HCBD) (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 3.2-9.8; p = < 0.001), and surgery by a non-gastrointestinal (non-GI) surgeon (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.2-10.6; p < 0.001). The conversion rate for patients with a history of no complications who had two or more risk factors (gender, age, BMI > 25) and for patients with a HCBD who had one or more risk factors was significantly higher if the surgery was performed by non-GI rather than GI surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Male gender, age older than 65 years, BMI exceeding 25 kg/m(2), HCBD, and surgery by a non-GI surgeon are predictive for conversion. A preoperative triage for surgeon selection based on risk factors and a HCBD is proposed to optimize conversion outcome.

Acute cholecystitis in high risk surgical patients: percutaneous cholecystostomy versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CHOCOLATE trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute calculous cholecystitis in high risk patients can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Percutaneous cholecystostomy may be an alternative treatment option but the current literature does not provide the surgical community with evidence based advice.

METHODS/DESIGN

The CHOCOLATE trial is a randomised controlled, parallel-group, superiority multicenter trial. High risk patients, defined as APACHE-II score 7-14, with acute calculous cholecystitis will be randomised to laparoscopic cholecystectomy or percutaneous cholecystostomy. During a two year period 284 patients will be enrolled from 30 high volume teaching hospitals. The primary endpoint is a composite endpoint of major complications within three months following randomization and need for re-intervention and mortality during the follow-up period of one year. Secondary endpoints include all other complications, duration of hospital admission, difficulty of procedures and total costs.

DISCUSSION

The CHOCOLATE trial is designed to provide the surgical community with an evidence based guideline in the treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis in high risk patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2666.

Safety measures during cholecystectomy: results of a nationwide survey

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to identify safety measures practiced by Dutch surgeons during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHOD

An electronic questionnaire was sent to all members of the Dutch Society of Surgery with a registered e-mail address.

RESULTS

The response rate was 40.4% and 453 responses were analyzed. The distribution of the respondents with regard to type of hospital was similar to that in the general population of Dutch surgeons. The critical view of safety (CVS) technique is used by 97.6% of the surgeons. It is documented by 92.6%, mostly in the operation report (80.0%), but often augmented by photography (42.7%) or video (30.2%). If the CVS is not obtained, 50.9% of surgeons convert to the open approach, 39.1% continue laparoscopically, and 10.0% perform additional imaging studies. Of Dutch surgeons, 53.2% never perform intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), 41.3% perform it incidentally, and only 2.6% perform it routinely. A total of 105 bile duct injuries (BDIs) were reported in 14,387 cholecystectomies (0.73%). The self-reported major BDI rate (involving the common bile duct) was 0.13%, but these figures need to be confirmed in other studies.

CONCLUSION

The CVS approach in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is embraced by virtually all Dutch surgeons. The course of action when CVS is not obtained varies. IOC seems to be an endangered skill as over half the Dutch surgeons never perform it and the rest perform it only incidentally.