Timing of percutaneous cholecystostomy affects conversion rate of delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for severe acute cholecystitis

Current Operative Approaches to the Diseased Gallbladder. Diagnosis and Management Updates for General Surgeons

Cholecystitis is a common diagnosis which requires management by general surgeons. Morbidity from cholecystitis is often life-threatening, especially in patients with underlying liver cirrhosis or other medical comorbidities. Diagnosis and management of this disease can vary among providers and hospitals. The decision to utilize a radiological or endoscopic temporizing maneuver in severe acute cholecystitis and the timing of later definitive cholecystectomy are relevant points of discussion within general surgery societies. In the last 5 years, the use of intraoperative ductal imaging by conventional vs fluorescence cholangiography had gained significant interest due to the widespread availability of indocyanine green. Finally, the operative strategies and how to manage intra-/postoperative complications are very important to optimizing patient outcomes. In this review paper, we discuss all treatment aspects of cholecystitis and provide updates in its management.

Assessment of Gallbladder Drainage Methods in the Treatment of Acute Cholecystitis: A Literature Review

Gallbladder drainage is a treatment option in high-risk surgical patients with moderate or severe acute cholecystitis. It may be applied as a bridge to cholecystectomy or a definitive treatment option. Apart from the simple and widely accessible percutaneous cholecystostomy, new attractive techniques have emerged in the previous decade, including endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage and endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage. The aim of this paper is to present currently available drainage techniques in the treatment of AC; evaluate their technical and clinical effectiveness, advantages, possible adverse events, and patient outcomes; and illuminate the decision-making path when choosing among various treatment modalities for each patient, depending on their clinical characteristics and the accessibility of methods.

The impact of interval cholecystectomy timing after percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy on post-operative adverse outcomes

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore how timing of interval of cholecystectomy (IC) after percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy tube (PTC) placement impacts post-operative outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective database analysis of New York State SPARCs database of IC between 2005 and 2015. The timing for IC ranged between > 1 week and < 2 years. Patients undergoing this procedure were further divided into quartiles using 4-time intervals; 1-5 weeks (Q1), 5-8 weeks (Q2), 8-12 weeks(Q3), and > 12 weeks(Q4). The study's primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included discharge status, 30-day readmission, 30-day ED visit, and 90-day reoperation, surgery type, complication, and bile duct injury. Multivariable regression models were used to compare patients across the four-time intervals after adjusting for confounding factors.

RESULTS

A total of 1038 patients with a history of PTC followed by IC between > 1 week and < 2 years were included in the final analysis. The median time to IC was 7.7 weeks. Q2 and Q3 both had a significantly higher median LOS of 3 days versus Q1 and Q4 at median of 5 days (p < 0.0001). Patients from racial and ethnic minorities (e.g., African Americans and Hispanics) were more likely to get their IC after 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Further, Black patients had a significantly higher median LOS than White, non-Hispanic patients (8 days vs 4 days, p < 0.0001) and were more likely to have open procedure. Multivariable regression analysis identified shorter LOS during Q2 (Ratio, 0.76, 95%, 0.67-0.87, p < 0.0001), and Q3 (Ratio 0.75, 95% CI, 065-0.86, p < 0.0001) compared to those who got their IC in Q4. Similar findings exist when comparing Q2 and Q3 to those receiving treatment during Q1.

CONCLUSION

A time interval of 5-12 weeks between PTC and IC was associated with a decreased LOS. This study also suggests the persistence of racial disparities among these patients.

Factors affecting the recurrence of acute cholecystitis after treatment with percutaneous cholecystostomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the recurrence rate of patients who did not have interval cholecystectomy after treatment with percutaneous cholecystostomy and to investigate the factors that may affect the recurrence.

METHODS

Patients who did not undergo interval cholecystectomy after percutaneous cholecystostomy treatment between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively screened for recurrence.

RESULTS

36.3% of the patients had recurrence. Recurrence was found more frequently in patients with fever symptoms at the time of admission to the emergency department (p = 0.003). Recurrence was found to be more frequent in those who had a previous cholecystitis attack (p = 0.016). It was determined that patients with high lipase and procalcitonin levels had statistically more frequent attacks (p = 0.043, p = 0.003). It was observed that the duration of catheter insertion was longer in patients who had relapses (p = 0.019). The cut-off value for lipase was calculated as 15.5, and the cut-off value for procalcitonin as 0.955, in order to identify patients at high risk for recurrence. In the multivariate analysis for the development of recurrence, presence of fever, a history of previous cholecystitis attack, lipase value higher than 15.5 and procalcitonin value higher than 0.955 were found to be risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous cholecystostomy is an effective treatment method in acute cholecystitis. Insertion of the catheter within the first 24 h may reduce the recurrence rate. Recurrence is more common in the first 3 months following removal of the cholecystostomy catheter. Having a previous history of cholecystitis attack, fever symptom at the time of admission, elevated lipase and procalcitonin are risk factors for recurrence.

Does percutaneous cholecystostomy timing in high anaesthetic-risk patients impact on outcome?

The optimal timing for percutaneous cholecystostomy (PCT) in patients with acute biliary sepsis, who are high-risk for cholecystectomy, requires further investigation. We aimed to study local factors influencing the timing to PCT placement, and investigate patient outcomes in early (≤ 48 h) vs. delayed PCT over a six-year period. A retrospective observational study investigating patients who required a PCT at a single hospital in the UK between January 2014 and December 2019. Placement of a PCT was at the discretion of the on-call surgical consultant according to their own personal experience and not based on a standard local protocol. Clinical outcomes, hospital statistics and details of any subsequent bridging surgery were analysed using multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade. There were 72 patients with 35/72 (48.6%) classed as TG18 AC grade 3; 26/72 (36.1%) had an early PCT placed and 46/72 (63.9%) delayed. Median age was 76 (65-83) years, 52.8% were female, and 51.4% were classed ASA ≥ 3 with 94.0% scoring CCI > 2. Trial on antibiotic therapy was the primary reason for delayed PCT. In adjusted models, early PCT was associated with a shorter length in hospital stay (OR 3.02, p = 0.044), successful definitive treatment (OR 6.26, p = 0.009); and reduced likelihood for catheter dislodgment (OR 0.12, p = 0.004) with fewer patients bridging to later emergency open surgery (OR 0.19, p = 0.024). Clinical outcomes may be superior in urgent or early PCT for high anaesthetic-risk patients following acute biliary sepsis.

Safe and effective short-time percutaneous cholecystostomy: A retrospective observational study

The introduction of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PCT) has shifted the paradigm in treatment of acute calculous and acalculous cholecystitis. PCT has high success and low complication rates, but there are still unresolved issues regarding the duration of the procedure. The aim of our study is to determine the characteristics and outcome of patients treated with short-term PCT drainage. Patients who were admitted to the Department of gastroenterology and the Department of Abdominal Surgery at the University Hospital Center Split under the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis and who were treated with the PCT, in a period between January 2015 and January 2020, were retrospectively included in the study. During that timeframe we identified 92 patients and have analyzed their characteristics and clinical outcomes. The statistical analysis included the Kaplan-Meier method for calculating survival curves for grades 2 and 3, the log-rank test for testing the difference between survival rates of grade 2 and 3 patients, and logistic regression to determine variables that affected the outcome of our patients. According to the Tokyo guidelines, most of the patients (74, 80.43%) met the criteria for grade 2 cholecystitis, and the minority had grade 1 (9, 9.78%) and grade 3 (9, 9.78%) cholecystitis. The average drainage duration was 10.1 ± 4.8 (3-28) days. We identified mild complications in 6 cases. Nine patients (10%) had lethal outcome. The mortality in the largest group of patients with grade 2 cholecystitis was 5.48% and as high as 71.43% in patients with grade 3 cholecystitis. The complication rate was 6.5%. One quarter of gallbladder aspirates showed a ciprofloxacin resistance. Short-time PCT lasting approximately 10 days can be used safely and effectively for the treatment of patients with acute cholecystitis.

Persistent acute cholecystitis after cholecystostomy - increased mortality due to treatment approach?

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is a treatment option for acute cholecystitis (AC) in cases where cholecystectomy (CCY) is not feasible due to limited health conditions. The use of PC remains questionable. The aim was to retrospectively analyse the outcome of patients after PC.

METHODS

All patients who underwent PC for AC at a tertiary referral hospital over 10 years were included. Descriptive statistics, analysed mortality with and without CCY after PC, and a multivariable logistic regression for potential confounder and a landmark sensitivity analysis for immortal time bias were used.

RESULTS

Of 158 patients, 79 were treated with PC alone and 79 had PC with subsequent CCY. Without CCY, 48% (38 patients) died compared to 9% with CCY. In the multivariable analysis CCY was associated with 85% lower risk of mortality. The landmark analysis was compatible with the main analyses. Direct PC-complications occurred in 17% patients. Histologically, 22/75 (29%) specimens showed chronic cholecystitis, and 76% AC.

CONCLUSION

Due to the high mortality rate of PC alone, performing up-front CCY is proposed. PC represents no definitive treatment for AC and should remain a short-term solution because of the persistent inflammatory focus. According to these findings, almost all specimens showed persistent inflammation.

Management of Patients With Acute Cholecystitis After Percutaneous Cholecystostomy: From the Acute Stage to Definitive Surgical Treatment

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) has become an important procedure for the treatment of acute cholecystitis (AC). PC is currently applied for patients who cannot undergo immediate laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the management following PC has not been well-reviewed. The efficacy of PC tubes has already been indicated, and compared to complications of other invasive biliary procedures, complications related to PC are rare. Following the resolution of AC, patients who can tolerate anesthesia and the surgical risk should undergo interval cholecystectomy to reduce the recurrence of biliary events. For patients unfit for surgery, whether owing to comorbidities, anesthesia risks, or surgical risks, expectant management may be applied; however, a high incidence of recurrence has been noted. In addition, several interesting issues, such as the indications for cholangiography via the PC tube, removal or maintenance of the PC catheter before definitive treatment, and timing of elective surgery, are all discussed in this review, and a relevant decision-making flowchart is proposed. PC is an effective and safe intervention, whether as expectant treatment or bridge therapy to definitive surgery. High-level evidence of post-PC care is still necessary to modify current practices.

An Image-Based Mobile Health App for Postdrainage Monitoring: Usability Study

Background

The application of mobile health (mHealth) platforms to monitor recovery in the postdischarge period has increased in recent years. Despite widespread enthusiasm for mHealth, few studies have evaluated the usability and user experience of mHealth in patients with surgical drainage.

Objective

Our objectives were to (1) develop an image-based smartphone app, SurgCare, for postdrainage monitoring and (2) determine the feasibility and clinical value of the use of SurgCare by patients with drainage.

Methods

We enrolled 80 patients with biliary or peritoneal drainage in this study. A total of 50 patients were assigned to the SurgCare group, who recorded drainage monitoring data with the smartphone app; and 30 patients who manually recorded the data were assigned to the conventional group. The patients continued to record data until drain removal. The primary aim was to validate feasibility for the user, which was defined as the proportion of patients using each element of the system. Moreover, the secondary aim was to evaluate the association of compliance with SurgCare and the occurrence of unexpected events.

Results

The average submission duration was 14.98 days, and the overall daily submission rate was 84.2%. The average system usability scale was 83.7 (SD 3.5). This system met the definition of “definitely feasible” in 34 patients, “possibly feasible” in 10 patients, and “not feasible” in 3 patients. We found that the occurrence rates of complications in the SurgCare group and the conventional group were 6% and 26%, respectively, with statistically significant differences P=.03. The rate of unexpected hospital return was lower in the SurgCare group (6%) than in the conventional groups (26%) (P=.03).

Conclusions

Patients can learn to use a smartphone app for postdischarge drainage monitoring with high levels of user satisfaction. We also identified a high degree of compliance with app-based drainage-recording design features, which is an aspect of mHealth that can improve surgical care.

Clinical and Survival Outcomes Using Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Tube Alone or Subsequent Interval Cholecystectomy to Treat Acute Cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PCT) is a safe method of gallbladder drainage in the setting of severe or complicated acute cholecystitis (AC), particularly in patients who are high-risk surgical candidates. Small case series suggest that PCT aids resolution of acute cholecystitis in up to 90% of patients. However, reluctance is observed in utilising PCT more frequently, due to concerns that we are committing comorbid patients to an interval surgical procedure for which they may not be suitable.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and survival outcomes of PCT use, with particular emphasis on a subgroup of patients who did not proceed to cholecystectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients with severe acute cholecystitis who required PCT insertion in a tertiary referral hospital from 2010 to 2015. Patient demographics and clinical data including systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) scores at presentation, readmissions and clinical and survival outcomes were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.22 and GraphPad Prism v.7.

RESULTS

In total, 157 patients (59% males) with AC underwent PCT insertion during the study period. Median age at presentation was 71 years (range 29-94). A median SIRS score of 3 was noted at presentation. Patients required a median of two cholecystostomy tube changes/replacements (range 1-10) during treatment. Transhepatic tube placement was the preferred approach (69%) with 31% of tubes being placed via transabdominal approach. Only 55% proceeded to interval cholecystectomy. Of the 70 patients treated with PCT alone, their median age was 75 years. In this subgroup, only 12.9% (n = 9) developed recurrent biliary sepsis necessitating readmission following initial resolution of symptoms and tube removal. All episodes of recurrent biliary sepsis presented within 6 months of index presentation, and definitive PCT removal in this group was performed at a median of 3 months. No difference in survival was observed between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Almost 90% of patients with AC who are managed definitively with a PCT will recover uneventfully without recurrent sepsis following PCT removal. This is a viable option for older, comorbid patients who are unfit for surgical intervention and is not associated with significantly increased mortality.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy as treatment for acute cholecystitis: What has happened over the last five years? A literature review

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most frequent diseases faced by the general surgeon. In recent decades, different prognostic factors have been observed, and effective treatments described, to improve the results in patients with said pathology (lower morbidity and mortality, shorter hospital stay, and minimum conversion of laparoscopic to open procedures). In general, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis, but it is not exempt from complications, especially in patients with numerous comorbidities or those that are critically ill. Percutaneous cholecystostomy emerged as a less invasive alternative for the treatment of acute cholecystitis in patients with organ failure or a prohibitive surgical risk. Even though it is an effective procedure, its usefulness and precise indications are subjects of debate. In addition, there is little evidence on cholecystostomy catheter management. We carried out a review of the literature covering the main aspects physicians involved in the management of acute cholecystitis should be familiar with.

Advances in the management of acute cholecystitis

The diagnosis and management of acute cholecystitis (AC) continues to evolve. Among the most common surgically treated conditions in the USA, appropriate diagnosis and management of AC require astute clinical judgment and operative skill. Useful diagnostic and grading systems have been developed, most notably the Tokyo guidelines, but some recent clinical validation studies have questioned their generalizability to the US population. The timing of surgical intervention is another area that requires further investigation. US surgeons traditionally pursue laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for AC patients with symptoms onset <72 hours, but for patients with symptoms over 72 hours, surgeons often elect to treat the patients with antibiotics and delay LC for 4-6 weeks to permit the inflammation to subside. This practice has recently been called into question, as there are data suggesting that LC even for AC patients with over 72 hours of symptoms confers decreased morbidity, shorter length of stay, and reduced overall healthcare costs. Finally, the role of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) needs to be better defined. Traditional role of PC is a temporizing measure for patients who are poor surgical candidates. However, there are data suggesting that in AC patients with organ failure, PC patients suffered higher mortality and readmission rates when compared with a propensity-matched LC cohort. Beyond diagnosis, the surgical management of AC can be remarkably challenging. All surgeons need to be familiar with best-practice surgical techniques, adjunct intra-operative imaging, and bail-out options when performing LC.

Cholecystectomy following percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement leads to higher rate of CBD injuries

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) placement is often the management of severe acute cholecystitis in the unstable patient. PCT can be later reversed and cholecystectomy performed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of subsequent cholecystectomy and clinical factors associated with subsequent procedure.

METHODS

The SPARCS, an administrative database, was used to search all patients undergoing PCT placement between 2000 and 2012 in the state of New York. Using a unique identifier, all patients were followed for subsequent cholecystectomy procedures for at least 2 years. Patients were also followed up to 2014 for potential CBD injury during subsequent laparoscopic (LC) or open cholecystectomy (OC). Univariate and multivariable regression analysis were performed when appropriate.

RESULTS

There were 9738 patients identified who underwent PCT placements. The incidence of patients who had a PCT in 2000-2012, which subsequently underwent cholecystectomy increased from 25.0% in 2000 to 31.7% in 2012. In addition, patients undergoing subsequent LC increased from 11.8% in 2000 to 22.2% in 2012, while the incidence of OC decreased from 13.2% in 2000 to 9.5% in 2012. After accounting for other confounding factors, younger male patients, race as white compared to black, who didn't have any complications during PCT placement were more likely to undergo subsequent cholecystectomy (p < 0.05). Average time to LC was 122.0 days versus 159.6 days for OC (p < 0.0001). From the patients who underwent cholecystectomy following PCT, 47 patients experienced CBD injury (1.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of cholecystectomy following PCT increased during the study period. Surgeons seem to be more comfortable performing LC as rate of LC increased from 11.8 to 22.2%. However, rate of CBD injury is higher during subsequent cholecystectomy compared to that of the general population. Caution should be used when performing subsequent cholecystectomy following PCT, as these procedures may be more technically challenging.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy… why, when, what next? A systematic review of past decade

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube drainage has played a vital role in management of cholecystitis in patients where surgery is not appropriate. However, management differs from unit to unit and even between different consultants in the same unit. We conducted this systematic review to understand which of these resulted in the best patient outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review using the PubMed database for publication between January 2006 to December 2016. Keyword variants of 'cholecystostomy' and 'cholecystitis' were combined to identify potential relevant papers for inclusion.

FINDINGS

We identified 46 studies comprising a total of 312,085 patients from 20 different countries. These papers were reviewed, critically appraised and summarised in table format. Percutaneous cholecystostomy tube drainage is an important treatment modality with an excellent safety profile. It has been used successfully both as a definitive procedure and as a bridge to surgery. There continues to be great variation, however, when it comes to the indications, timing and management of these drains. As far as we are aware, this is the only systematic review to cover the past 10 years. It provides a much-needed update, considering all the technological development and new treatment options in laparoscopic surgery and interventional radiology.

Effect of Clonidine on Hemodynamic Responses During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Clonidine might be beneficial to the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This meta-analysis focused on the influence of clonidine on hemodynamic responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

We searched several databases including PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases. This meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials regarding the influence of clonidine versus placebo on laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary outcomes were mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) at pneumoperitoneum. The random-effect model was applied for this study.

RESULTS

Compared with control intervention, clonidine intervention was found to significantly reduce the MAP at pneumoperitoneum [standard mean difference=-2.58; 95% confidence interval (CI),-4.63 to -0.53; P=0.01), HR at pneumoperitoneum (standard mean difference=-3.67; 95% CI, -6.57 to -0.76; P=0.01), MAP at intubation (standard mean difference=-2.40; 95% CI, -4.75 to -0.06; P=0.04), HR at intubation (standard mean difference=-3.39; 95% CI, -5.75 to -1.02; P=0.005), propofol requirement (standard mean difference=-2.25; 95% CI, -4.01 to -0.48; P=0.01), as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.19-0.63; P=0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with control intervention, clonidine intervention was found to significantly reduce MAP and HR at pneumoperitoneum and intubation, propofol requirement, as well as postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy for severe (Tokyo 2013 stage III) acute cholecystitis

PURPOSES

To evaluate the impact of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) on severe acute cholecystitis (AC).

METHODS

According to the ICD-9 classification, we retrospectively retrieved medical records of patients discharged with a diagnosis of AC from January 2007 to December 2016 at our hospital. Patients were then stratified according to the Tokyo 2013 (TG 13) AC severity criteria. Grade III AC was diagnosed according to the TG 13 criteria. Indications for PC were failure of optimal medical treatment within 48 h, worsening of clinical condition within early medical treatment, patients unfit for upfront surgery and patient's preference. Ascites was considered a contraindication to PC while coagulopathy was considered a minor contraindication. Primary end points were: clinical improvement, morbidity and related mortality. Secondary endpoints were AC recurrences and elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LS). Response was evaluated by clinical and blood test improvement. Morbidity was evaluated according to the Dindo-Clavien scale.

RESULTS

A total of 117 eligible patients were diagnosed as grade III AC. Of these, 29 (24.7%) underwent PC. The procedure was completed in all cases. Overall morbidity rate was 20.6%. Main complication was the drainage dislodgement due to involuntary patient's movement. Overall mortality was 17.2% but no causes of death were dependent upon the procedure. Clinical improvement was reported in 95.5% of surviving patients.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that PC is a valuable tool in the treatment of severe AC. Randomized trials are needed to clarify the criteria for patient selection and to optimize the timing for both cholecystostomy and cholecystectomy.

Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage followed by elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with moderate to severe acute cholecystitis

Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (PTGBD+LC) is one treatment option for patients with moderate to severe acute cholecystitis (AC). However, the impact of PTGBD on operative difficulties in performing LC is controversial. We designed this retrospective study to clarify the surgical outcomes after PTGBD+LC for the management of patients with moderate to severe AC.The medical records of 85 patients who underwent LC for moderate to severe AC from January 2013 to September 2016 were evaluated. They were divided into 2 groups based on the type of management: group A received PTGBD+LC, and group B received LC without drainage. We compared the patient characteristics, laboratory data which were obtained immediately before surgery or PTGBD at index admission, and surgical outcomes between the 2 groups. We also evaluated possible predictive factors associated with prolonged operative duration after PTGBD+LC.Patients in group A were older and had more comorbidities than those in group B. The laboratory tests obtained at index admission in group A showed higher serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and alkaline phosphatase, and lower albumin levels than those in group B. The surgical outcomes after LC were similar between the 2 groups. However, operative duration was significantly shorter in group A (P = .012). In group A, a higher serum level of CRP was a predictive factor for a prolonged operation (hazard ratio 1.126; 95% confidence interval 1.012-1.253; P = .029). In conclusion, PTGBD+LC can shorten the operative duration in patients with moderate to severe AC, which might improve surgical outcomes in elderly patients with comorbidities, and elevated CRP values predicted a prolonged operation after PTGBD.

Outcomes of Consistent Conservative Management for Acute Cholecystitis Followed by Delayed Cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE

This study's objective was to assess outcomes of a totally conservative strategy for acute cholecystitis (AC) followed by delayed elective cholecystectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent cholecystectomy for AC were divided into the Emergent and Elective cholecystectomy groups. Patients in the elective cholecystectomy group were divided into early, medium, and late groups according to time from symptoms onset.

RESULTS

The success rate for conservative management reached 97.2%. Increased blood loss and a higher conversion rate were significantly associated with the emergent group. Patients in the late group had significantly lower operative time and tended to have lower blood loss and less frequent conversion to open surgery than those in the early and medium groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Most AC cases could be managed conservatively, and elective cholecystectomy was performed safely regardless of the time. Elective cholecystectomy carried out in late phase was likely to be associated with decreased surgical difficulty.

Is Single-incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Feasible for Acute Cholecystitis? A Consecutive Study of 60 Cases

The feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SIL-C) for patients with acute cholecystitis were evaluated based on the timing of operation after onset of symptoms. Sixty patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent SIL-C were divided into 2 groups according to the timing of operation: group E included 23 patients who underwent SIL-C within 72 hours, and group O included 37 patients who underwent SIL-C later. There were no statistical differences between group E and group O in clinicopathologic characteristics. Group E demonstrated significantly shorter operating time and less blood loss than group O. Although the incidences of additional port(s) requirements were not significantly different, 8 patients in group O required open conversion, indicating significantly higher rate. As group E demonstrated favorable surgical outcomes compared with group O, SIL-C for acute cholecystitis seems to be a feasible therapeutic procedure when performed within 72 hours as updated Tokyo Guidelines recommended.

Optimal timing of cholecystectomy after percutaneous gallbladder drainage for severe cholecystitis

Background

The Tokyo guideline for acute cholecystitis recommended percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage followed by cholecystectomy for severe acute cholecystitis, but the optimal timing for the subsequent cholecystectomy remains controversial.

Methods

Sixty-seven patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage for severe acute cholecystitis were enrolled and divided into difficult cholecystectomy (group A) and non-difficult cholecystectomy (group B). Patients who had one of these conditions were placed in group A: 1) conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy; 2) subtotal cholecystectomy and/or mucoclasis; 3) necrotizing cholecystitis or pericholecystic abscess formation; 4) tight adhesions around the gallbladder neck; and 5) unsuccessfully treated using PTGBD. Preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The interval between percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and cholecystectomy in Group B was longer than that in Group A (631 h vs. 325 h; p = 0.031). Postoperative complications occurred more frequently when the interval was less than 216 h compared to when it was more than 216 h (35.7 vs. 7.6%; p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Cholecystectomy for severe acute cholecystitis was technically difficult when performed within 216 h after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-017-0631-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Current role of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration: from palliative to curative management for acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

The present study assessed conservative management of acute cholecystitis (AC) with a focus on percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration (PTGBA).

METHODS

Consecutive 275 patients with AC who underwent PTGBA were reviewed. Patients aged ≥80 years and/or with American Society of Anesthesiologists score III to IV and/or performance status 3 to 4 were defined as high risk. Patients were classified according to duration from symptom onset to first PTGBA: within 3 days (early PTGBA) or over 3 days (late PTGBA). They were also classified according to duration from first PTGBA to surgery: within 30 days (early surgery) or over 30 days (late surgery).

RESULTS

A total of 263 patients (95.6%) showed recovery after PTGBA. There were no significant differences in operating time, blood loss, operating procedure, conversion rate to open surgery, postoperative complications, or postoperative hospital stay between the early and late PTGBA groups or between the early and late surgery groups. No significant complications associated with PTGBA or surgery were observed, including in those at high risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration can be a useful alternative for most patients with AC, including those at high risk. Elective cholecystectomy can be performed safely regardless of the timing of PTGBA or surgery.

Systematic review of antibiotic treatment for acute calculous cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Intravenous antibiotics are frequently used in the initial management of acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC), although supportive care alone preceding delayed elective cholecystectomy may be sufficient. This systematic review assessed the success rate of antibiotics in the treatment of ACC.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Primary outcomes were the need for emergency intervention and recurrence of ACC after initial non-operative management of ACC. Risk of bias was assessed. Pooled event rates were calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Twelve randomized trials, four prospective and ten retrospective studies were included. Only one trial including 84 patients compared treatment with antibiotics to that with no antibiotics; there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of length of hospital stay and morbidity. Some 5830 patients with ACC were included, of whom 2997 had early cholecystectomy, 2791 received initial antibiotic treatment, and 42 were treated conservatively. Risk of bias was high in most studies, and all but three studies had a low level of evidence. For randomized studies, pooled event rates were 15 (95 per cent c.i. 10 to 22) per cent for the need for emergency intervention and 10 (5 to 20) per cent for recurrence of ACC. The pooled event rate for both outcomes combined was 20 (13 to 30) per cent.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotics are not indicated for the conservative management of ACC or in patients scheduled for cholecystectomy.