Sex differences in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Clinical Demographics of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Gender-Specific Analysis

Given the evolving clinical demographics and both surgical and perioperative management strategies related to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LAP-CHOL), continued monitoring of patient characteristics undergoing this procedure is of value. In an analysis of 2 345 246 patients who underwent LAP-CHOL identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample from 1/2016-12/2019 (female n = 1 722 420 [73.4%] and male n = 622 827 [26.6%]), female patients were more likely to be younger and obese but less likely to be smoker and have medical comorbidity compared to male patients. Moreover, female patients were more likely to have a diagnosis of cholelithiasis but less likely to have a diagnosis of cholecystitis compared to male patients. This was particularly robust in younger age. In conclusion, this contemporary national-level analysis suggested that there are distinct differences in the clinical characteristics of patients undergoing LAP-CHOL according to gender. Awareness and reconciliation of these gender-specific differences would be important in clinical practice.

Risk Factors and Prevalence Associated With Conversion of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy to Open Cholecystectomy: A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience in Western Mexico

Introduction Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a common procedure used for the treatment of different pathologies caused by gallstones in the gallbladder, and one of the most common indications is acute cholecystitis. The definitive treatment for acute cholecystitis is surgery, and LC is the gold standard. Nevertheless, transoperative complications (like intraoperative bleeding, anatomical abnormalities of the gallbladder, etc.) of LC and some other preoperative factors (like dilatation of bile duct, increased gallbladder wall thickness, etc.) can cause or be a risk factor for conversion to open cholecystectomy (OC). The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors and prevalence associated with the conversion from LC to OC in patients with gallbladder pathology and the indication for LC. Materials and methods This was a prospective cohort study. We included patients of both sexes over 18 years of age with gallbladder disease. To determine the risk factors associated with conversion, we performed a bivariate analysis and then a multivariate analysis. Results The rate of conversion to OC was 4.54%. The preoperative factors associated with conversion, in the bivariate analysis, were common bile duct dilatation (p=0.008), emergency surgery (p=0.014), and smoking (p=0.001); the associated intraoperative variables were: laparoscopic surgery duration (p <0.0001), Calot triangle edema (p=0.033), incapacity to hold the gallbladder with atraumatic laparoscopic tweezers (p=0.036), and choledocholithiasis (p=0.042). Laparoscopic Surgery duration was the only factor with a significant association in the multivariate analysis (p=0.0036); we performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and found a cut-off point of 120 minutes for the duration of laparoscopic surgery with a sensitivity and a specificity of 67 and 88%, respectively. Conclusion The prevalence of conversion from LC to OC is similar to that reported in the international literature. The risk factors associated with conversion to OC, in this study, should be confirmed in future clinical studies, in this same population, with a larger sample size.

Preoperative Risk Factors for Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a standard treatment for patients with gallstones in the gallbladder. However, multiple risk factors affect the probability of conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery. A greater understanding of the preoperative factors related to conversion is crucial to improve patient safety. In the present systematic review, we summarized the current knowledge about the main factors associated with conversion. Next, we carried out several meta-analyses to evaluate the impact of independent clinical risk factors on conversion rate. Male gender (OR = 1.907; 95%CI = 1.254−2.901), age > 60 years (OR = 4.324; 95%CI = 3.396−5.506), acute cholecystitis (OR = 5.475; 95%CI = 2.959−10.130), diabetes (OR = 2.576; 95%CI = 1.687−3.934), hypertension (OR = 1.931; 95%CI = 1.018−3.662), heart diseases (OR = 2.947; 95%CI = 1.047−8.296), obesity (OR = 2.228; 95%CI = 1.162−4.271), and previous upper abdominal surgery (OR = 3.301; 95%CI = 1.965−5.543) increased the probability of conversion. Our analysis of clinical factors suggested the presence of different preoperative conditions, which are non-modifiable but could be useful for planning the surgical scenario and improving the post-operatory phase.

DOES MALE GENDER INCREASE THE RISK OF LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY?

Background:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferable treatment for chronic or acute cholecystitis. Some factors may increase the rate of laparoscopic conversion to open cholecystectomy and perioperative complications. The role of gender as a risk factor for laparoscopic cholecystectomy is controversial.

Aim:

To evaluate the role of the gender on the operative findings and outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Method:

All patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic or acute cholecystitis were included. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging exams, intraoperative and postoperative data were obtained and analyzed. The data was obtained retrospectively from electronic medical records and study protocols.

Results:

Of a total 1,645 patients who were subjected to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 540 (32.8%) were men and 1,105 (67.2%) were women. Mean age was similar in both genders (p=0.817). Operative time has longer in the male (72.48±28.50) than in the female group (65.46±24.83, p<0.001). The rate of acute cholecystitis was higher in the male (14.3%) than in the female group (5.1%, p<0.001). There was no difference between the genders in regard to the rate of conversion (p=1.0), intraoperative complication (p=1.0), postoperative complication (p=0.571), and operative mortality (p=1.0).

Conclusion:

Male gender is not an independent risk factor for laparoscopic conversion and perioperative complications.

Open Cholecystectomy Has a Place in the Laparoscopic Era: a Retrospective Cohort Study

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is considered the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic gallbladder stones and has replaced the traditional open cholecystectomy (OC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the proper indications of the primary OC and conversion from LC and their predictive factors. This study includes all patients who underwent cholecystectomy between January 2011 and June 2016, whether open from the start (group A), conversion from laparoscopic approach (group B), or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group C). There were 3269 patients underwent cholecystectomy. LC was completed in 3117 (95.4%) patients. The overall conversion rate was 83 (2.5%). The main two causes of conversion were adhesion in 35 (42.2%) patients and unclear anatomy in 29 (34.9%) patients. Primary OC was indicated in 69 (2.1%) patients due to previous history of upper abdominal operations in 16 (23.2%) patients and anesthetic problem in 21 (30.4%) patients. Age >60 years, male sex, diabetic patients, history of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, dilated common bile duct, gallbladder status, adhesion, and previous upper abdominal operation were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for OC. Open cholecystectomy still has a place in the era of laparoscopy. Conversion should not be a complication, but it represents a valuable choice to avoid an additional risk. Safe OC required training because of the causes of conversion, usually unsafe anatomy, occurrence of complications, or anesthetic problems, in order to prevent disastrous complications.

The use of patient factors to improve the prediction of operative duration using laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Reliable prediction of operative duration is essential for improving patient and care team satisfaction, optimizing resource utilization and reducing cost. Current operative scheduling systems are unreliable and contribute to costly over- and underestimation of operative time. We hypothesized that the inclusion of patient-specific factors would improve the accuracy in predicting operative duration.

METHODS

We reviewed all elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed at a single institution between 01/2007 and 06/2013. Concurrent procedures were excluded. Univariate analysis evaluated the effect of age, gender, BMI, ASA, laboratory values, smoking, and comorbidities on operative duration. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed using the significant factors (p < 0.05). The patient factors model was compared to the traditional surgical scheduling system estimates, which uses historical surgeon-specific and procedure-specific operative duration. External validation was done using the ACS-NSQIP database (n = 11,842).

RESULTS

A total of 1801 laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients met inclusion criteria. Female sex was associated with reduced operative duration (-7.5 min, p < 0.001 vs. male sex) while increasing BMI (+5.1 min BMI 25-29.9, +6.9 min BMI 30-34.9, +10.4 min BMI 35-39.9, +17.0 min BMI 40 + , all p < 0.05 vs. normal BMI), increasing ASA (+7.4 min ASA III, +38.3 min ASA IV, all p < 0.01 vs. ASA I), and elevated liver function tests (+7.9 min, p < 0.01 vs. normal) were predictive of increased operative duration on univariate analysis. A model was then constructed using these predictive factors. The traditional surgical scheduling system was poorly predictive of actual operative duration (R ² = 0.001) compared to the patient factors model (R ² = 0.08). The model remained predictive on external validation (R ² = 0.14).The addition of surgeon as a variable in the institutional model further improved predictive ability of the model (R ² = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

The use of routinely available pre-operative patient factors improves the prediction of operative duration during cholecystectomy.

Gastrointestinal quality-of-life after cholecystectomy: indication predicts gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal pain

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure, the impact on long-term gastrointestinal quality of life is not fully known.

METHODS

All surgical procedures for gallstone disease performed at Mora County Hospital, Sweden, between 2 January 2002 and 2 January 2005, were registered on a standard database form. In 2007, all patients under the age of 80 years at follow-up were requested to fill in a form containing the Gastrointestinal Quality-of-Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire and a number of additional questions. The outcome was analysed with respect to age, gender, smoking, surgical technique, and original indication for cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 627 patients (447 women, 180 men) underwent cholecystectomy, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy (N = 524), laparoscopic cholecystectomy converted to open cholecystectomy (N = 43), and open cholecystectomy (N = 60). The mean time between cholecystectomy and follow-up with the questionnaire was 49 months. The participation rate was 79 %. Using multivariate analysis in the form of generalised linear modelling, the original indication for cholecystectomy in combination with gender (p = 0.0042) was found to predict the GIQLI score. Female gender in combination with biliary colic as indication for cholecystectomy correlated with low GIQLI scores. Female gender also correlated with a higher risk for pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant after cholecystectomy (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

We found the original indication for cholecystectomy, together with gender, to predict gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal pain after cholecystectomy. Careful evaluation of symptoms is important before planning elective cholecystectomy.

Is gallbladder inflammation more severe in male patients presenting with acute cholecystitis?

BACKGROUND

The male gender is considered a risk factor for complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The reasons for this gender associated risk are not clearly understood. The extent of gallbladder inflammation has been shown to influence surgical outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not gallbladder inflammation is more severe in male patients presenting with acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

A retrospective gender dependent comparison of the data of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a primary care facility within a five-year period was performed.

RESULTS

138 patients, 69 males and 69 females were included for analysis. Severe gallbladder inflammation (gangrenous and necrotizing cholecystitis) was seen in a significant portion of the male population compared to the female population (p = 0.002). The male gender was confirmed in a multivariate analysis as an independent risk factor for severe cholecystits (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

The male gender is a risk factor for severe gallbladder inflammation. An early surgical intervention may be needed to prevent complications.

Trends in cholecystectomy rates in a defined population during and after the period of transition from open to laparoscopic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate cholecystectomy rates in a Norwegian county during the transition time from open to laparoscopic surgery, with focus on the incident rate of laparoscopic operations, sex differences, age at operation, and indications for cholecystectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All 2615 patients living in North Trondelag County and operated with cholecystectomy for benign biliary disease between 1990 and 2011 were identified. Poisson regression was used to analyze factors associated with cholecystectomy incidence rate ratios (IRRs).

RESULTS

The proportion of completed laparoscopic cholecystectomies was 8% in 1992, 50% in 1994, 94% in 2003 and 99% in 2011. The incidence of cholecystectomy increased from 6.2 per 10 000 person-years in 1990-1992, 8.0 in 1993-1997, to 10.0 in 1998-2003 and remained at this level with a rate of 10.7 during 2004-2011. Adjusting for age at each year of surgery the IRR for females compared with males was 2.3(2.1-2.5) p < 0.001. The median age at operation was 60.2 years (13-90) in males, 50.1 years (12-93) in females p < 0.001. The median age diminished by 5 years in both males and females. A conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery decreased significantly by calendar year of surgery, increased with age of the patient, and was less often in surgery for gallstone colic than for other indications.

CONCLUSIONS

During the introduction of laparoscopic surgery, the rates of cholecystectomy increased and remained stable at a higher level during the later years of the study. The rate of completed laparoscopic operations increased from 8% in 1992 to 99% in 2011.

Preoperative administration of intramuscular dezocine reduces postoperative pain for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Postoperative pain is the most common complaint after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study was carried out to evaluate whether preoperative administration of intramuscular dezocine can provide postoperative analgesia and reduce postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients (ASA I or II) scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned into intramuscular dezocine group (group 1) or intramuscular normal saline group (group 2). Dezocine and equal volume normal saline were administered intramuscularly 10 min before the induction of anesthesia. After operation, the severity of postoperative pain, postoperative fentanyl requirement, incidence and severity of side-effects were assessed. Postoperative pain and postoperative patient-controlled fentanyl consumption were reduced significantly in group 1 compared with group 2. The incidence and severity of side effects were similar between the two groups. Preoperative single-dose administration of intramuscular dezocine 0.1 mg/kg was effective in reducing postoperative pain and postoperative patient-controlled fentanyl requirement in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Does sex affect the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy? A retrospective analysis of single center experience

INTRODUCTION

The aim of our study was to determine the effect of sex on the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of operative time, conversion to open cholecystectomy, postoperative complications and mean hospital stay.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed the medical records of 2061 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the surgical department of Khyber Teaching Hospital (Peshawar, Pakistan) between March 2008 and January 2010. χ(2) test and t-test were respectively used to analyze categorical and numerical variables. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The study included 1772 female and 289 male patients. The mean age for male patients was 44.07 ± 11.91 years compared to 41.29 ± 12.18 years for female patients (P = 0.706). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully completed in 1996 patients. The conversion rate was higher in men (P < 0.001), and the mean operating time was longer in men (P < 0.001). Bile duct injuries occurred more frequently in men (P < 0.001). Gallbladder perforation and gallstone spillage also occurred more commonly in men (P = 0.001); similarly severe inflammation was reported more in male patients (P = 0001). There were no statistically significant differences in mean hospital stay, wound infection and port-site herniation between men and women. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the male sex is an independent risk factor for conversion to open cholecystectomy (odds ratio = 2.65, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-6.94, P = 0.041) and biliary injuries (odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.91-0.99, P-value = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is often challenging in men on account of more adhesions and inflammation. This leads to higher conversion rates and more postoperative complications. Optimized planning and a more experienced operating surgeon may help overcome these problems.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a single, non-teaching hospital: an analysis of 1557 patients

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy may lead to serious complications, although it is the gold standard treatment for gallstones. In this article, the aim was to review our experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

All laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed in a single, non-teaching hospital between January 2000 and October 2010 and were reviewed retrospectively to analyze the effect of preoperative risk factors on outcome and the associated major complications.

RESULTS

This study included 1557 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, and the mean age of the patients was 54.1±12.3 years. The mean duration of the operation and the mean length of stay were 43.4 minutes and 1.2 days, respectively. Conversion to an open cholecystectomy was necessary in 39 patients, and thus the conversion rate was 2.5%. In total, 57 (3.7%) complications occurred in 51 patients. Serious common bile duct injury was seen in 4 (0.27%) cases. The other common complications included bile leakage in 10 (0.64%) and postoperative bleeding in 7 (0.45%) patients. The mortality rate was 0.13%. Risk factors for conversion to open surgery were male gender, age >55 years, emergency admission due to acute cholecystitis, and a history of previous acute cholecystitis attacks. Factors that increased the morbidity rate were male gender, an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of III, emergency admission due to acute cholecystitis, and a history of previous acute cholecystitis attacks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results may serve as a baseline for comparison with future studies done at single, non-teaching hospitals where surgical teams perform laparoscopic cholecystectomies over a long period of time.

[Analysis of factors for conversion of laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy: a prospective study of 703 patients with acute cholecystitis]

AIMS

Conversions to open surgery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy are performed in 20% of patients with acute cholecystitis, and are associated with increased morbidity and costs. The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors for conversion and to evaluate morbidity, mortality and hospital stay.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of patients admitted to the emergency department with acute cholecystitis. We evaluated the statistical significance of the demographic, clinical, biochemical, imaging and surgical factors at admission, associated with conversion to open surgery using a univariate model. The associated factors evaluated during initial analysis were then included in a multivariate analysis. Finally a comparative analysis was made of the morbidity and mortality in both models.

RESULTS

A total of 703 patients were included. Conversion rate was 13.8%. Univariate analysis identified as factors: male gender, previous ERCP, leucocytes>12,000 mm(3), age>70 years, hypertension, jaundice, cholangitis, total bilirubin>2mg/dl, ASA III-IV, gallbladder wall enlargement and choledocholithiasis. Logistic regression identified as predictive factors: previous ERCP, leucocytes, age>70 years and male gender. Converted patients had a higher morbidity rate, further operations and longer hospital stays (P<.001). No difference was seen in mortality.

DISCUSSION

It is important to recognise patients with a higher risk of conversion in order to optimise planning and performing of the surgical procedure, and to decrease the morbidity associated with laparotomy, given that the independent factors identified are not modifiable.