Assessment of the possible risk factors for primary common bile duct stone recurrence after cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus common bile duct exploration for extrahepatic bile duct stones and postoperative recurrence-associated risk factors

BACKGROUND

There remain controversies regarding the surgical treatment of extrahepatic bile duct stones (EHBDSs) in clinical practice.

AIM

To explore the curative effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) plus common bile duct exploration (CBDE) for the surgical treatment of EHBDSs and to analyze the risk factors that affect postoperative stone recurrence.

METHODS

Eighty-two patients with EHBDSs admitted between March 2017 and March 2023 were selected. Among them, patients treated with open choledocholithotomy plus LC or open cholecystectomy (OC) were set as the control group (n = 40), and those treated with LC plus CBDE served as the observation group (n = 42). The surgical outcomes of the two groups were compared, the surgical complications and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores were counted, and the one-year prognostic recurrence was recorded. Independent factors for postoperative recurrence were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable in the stone residual rate (P > 0.05). The operation time (P < 0.05), intraoperative bleeding (P < 0.05), and total complication rate (P = 0.005) were lower in the observation group than in the control group. The observation group exhibited a marked increase in the GIQLI score, which was higher than the control group (P < 0.05). A lower one-year recurrence rate was determined in the observation group vs the control group (P = 0.027). Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction [odds ratio (OR) = 5.712, P = 0.007] and the treatment scheme of open choledocholithotomy plus LC or OC (OR = 6.771, P = 0.008) were the independent risk factors for one-year recurrence in patients after surgery.

CONCLUSION

LC plus CBDE for patients with EHBDSs can reduce stone residuals, intraoperative bleeding, complications, and postoperative recurrence.

Analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Laparoscopy Plus Choledochoscopy Combined With Holmium Laser Lithotripsy for Choledocholithiasis and Hepatolithiasis

Background

With the advancement of laparoscopic technology, the combination of laparoscopy, choledochoscopy, and holmium laser lithotripsy has emerged as an effective treatment modality for both choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of this approach.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 76 patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis between April 2021 and March 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment plan: the control group, which underwent traditional laparotomy and choledochoscopy lithotripsy (n = 38), and the experimental group, which underwent laparoscopy combined with choledochoscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy (n = 38). Comparative analysis was performed on various operation-related parameters, stone-free rate, complication rates, and changes in biochemical, liver function, inflammatory, stress response indicators, and pain scores between the two groups.

Results

The experimental group demonstrated significantly shorter stone removal time, reduced intraoperative bleeding, and shorter hospital stay compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the experimental group exhibited lower incidence of postoperative complications and lower pain scores at 2 weeks to 3 months post-operation (P < 0.05). Biochemical indicators including total bile acid (TBA), total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, stress and inflammation indicators were also lower in the experimental group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The combination of laparoscopy, choledochoscopy, and holmium laser lithotripsy presents favorable therapeutic outcomes in the management of choledocholithiasis and hepatolithiasis, indicating its potential for widespread clinical application.

How traditional Chinese medicine can prevent recurrence of common bile duct stones after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography?

Common bile duct stones, as a type of cholelithiasis, are a benign biliary obstruction that easily acute abdominalgia, and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is usually the first choice for clinical treatment. However, the increasing recurrence rate of patients after treatment is troubling clinicians and patients. For the prevention of recurrence after ERCP, there is no guideline to provide a clear drug regimen, traditional Chinese medicine however has achieved some result in the treatment of liver-related diseases based on the "gut-liver-bile acid axis". On the basis of this, this article discusses the possibility of traditional Chinese medicine to prevent common bile duct stones (CBDS) after ERCP, and we expect that this article will provide new ideas for the prevention of recurrence of CBDS and for the treatment of cholelithiasis-related diseases with traditional Chinese medicine in future clinical and scientific research.

Recurrence of common bile duct stones after choledocholithotomy in elderly patients: risk factor analysis and clinical prediction model development

Background

The reasons for the recurrence of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in elderly patients after choledocholithotomy are still unclear. This study aims to establish a prediction model for CBDS recurrence by identifying risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1804 elderly patients aged 65 years and above who were diagnosed to have CBDS and were admitted to Nanjing First Hospital between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2021. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 706 patients were selected for the final analysis. The patients were assigned to two groups according to the presence or absence of CBDS recurrence, and their clinical data were then statistically analyzed. Subsequently, a prediction model and nomogram were developed, evaluating effectiveness using the concordance index (C-index).

Results

Of the 706 elderly patients, 62 patients experienced CBDS recurrence after surgery, resulting in a recurrence rate of 8.8%. The multivariate Cox analysis showed that prior history of cholecystectomy (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.931, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.051-3.547, p = 0.034), white blood cell (WBC) count ≥11.0 × 109/L (HR = 2.923, 95% CI: 1.723-4.957, p < 0.001), preoperative total bilirubin (TBIL) level ≥ 36.5 mmol/L (HR = 2.172, 95% CI: 1.296-3.639, p = 0.003), number of stones ≥2 (HR = 2.093, 95% CI: 1.592-5.294, p = 0.001), maximum stone diameter ≥ 0.85 cm (HR = 1.940, 95% CI: 1.090-3.452, p = 0.024), and T-tube drainage (HR = 2.718, 95% CI: 1.230-6.010, p = 0.013) were independent risk factors of CBDS recurrence in elderly patients after choledocholithotomy. A postoperative CBDS recurrence prediction model was constructed with a C-index value of 0.758 (95% CI: 0.698-0.818) and internal validation value of 0.758 (95% CI: 0.641-0.875).

Conclusion

A history of cholecystectomy, WBC count ≥11.0 × 109/L, preoperative TBIL level ≥ 36.5 mmol/L, number of stones ≥2, maximum stone diameter ≥ 0.85 cm, and T-tube drainage are the independent risk factors of CBDS recurrence after choledocholithotomy in elderly patients. Our developed prediction model for CBDS recurrence has good predictive ability and can help predict the prognosis of patients with CBDS.

High rate of stone-related complications after stapling the cystic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy-an underrecognized risk

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic staplers (LS) have been suggested as a safe alternative to metal clips in laparoscopic cholecystectomy when the cystic duct is too inflamed or wide for complete clip occlusion. We aimed to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of patients whose cystic ducts were controlled by LS and evaluate the risk factors for complications.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with LS used to control the cystic duct from 2005 to 2019 were retrospectively identified from an institutional database. Patients were excluded for open cholecystectomy, partial cholecystectomy, or cancer. Potential risk factors for complications were assessed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 262 patients, 191 (72.9%) were stapled for size and 71 (27.1%) for inflammation. In total, 33 (16.3%) patients had Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 complications, with no significant difference when surgeons chose to staple for duct size versus inflammation (p = 0.416). Seven patients had bile duct injury. A large proportion had Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 postoperative complications specifically related to bile duct stones [n = 29 (11.07%)]. Intraoperative cholangiogram was protective against postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR) = 0.18 (p = 0.022)].

CONCLUSION

Whether these high complication rates reflect a technical issue with stapling, more challenging anatomy, or worse disease, findings question whether the use of LS during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is truly a safe alternative to the already accepted methods of cystic duct ligation and transection. Based on these findings, an intraoperative cholangiogram should be performed when considering a linear stapler during laparoscopic cholecystectomy to: (1) ensure the biliary tree is free of stones; (2) prevent inadvertent transection of the infundibulum rather than the cystic duct; and, (3) allow opportunity for safe alternative strategies when an IOC is not able to confirm anatomy. Otherwise, surgeons employing LS devices should be aware that patients are at higher risk for complications.

Assessment of postoperative common bile duct stones after endoscopic extraction and subsequent cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Common bile duct stones (CBDSs) occasionally cause serious diseases, and endoscopic extraction is the standard procedure for CBDS. To prevent biliary complications, cholecystectomy is recommended for patients who present with gallbladder (GB) stones after endoscopic CBDS extraction. However, CBDS can occasionally recur. To date, the occurrence of CBDS after endoscopic CBDS extraction and subsequent cholecystectomy is not fully understood. Hence, the current study aimed to evaluate the incidence of postoperative CBDSs.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included consecutive patients who underwent postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography after endoscopic CBDS extraction and subsequent cholecystectomy between April 2012 and June 2021 at our institution. After endoscopic CBDS extraction, a biliary plastic stent was inserted to prevent obstructive cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed to evaluate postoperative CBDSs after cholecystectomy until hospital discharge. The outcomes were the incidence of postoperative CBDSs and CBDSs/sludge. Moreover, the predictive factors for postoperative CBDSs were evaluated via univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Of eligible 204 patients, 52 patients (25.5%) presented with postoperative CBDSs. The incidence rate of CBDS/sludge was 36.8% (n = 75). Based on the univariate analysis, the significant predictive factors for postoperative CBDSs were ≥ 6 CBDSs, presence of cystic duct stones, and ≥ 10 GB stones (P < 0.05). Moreover, male sex and < 60-mm minor axis in GB might be predictive factors (P < 0.10). Based on the multivariate analysis, ≥ 6 CBDSs (odds ratio = 6.65, P < 0.01), presence of cystic duct stones (odds ratio = 4.39, P < 0.01), and ≥ 10 GB stones (odds ratio = 2.55, P = 0.01) were independent predictive factors for postoperative CBDSs.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of postoperative CBDS was relatively high. Hence, patients with predictive factors for postoperative CBDS must undergo imaging tests or additional endoscopic procedure after cholecystectomy.

A nomogram for predicting stones recurrence in patients with bile duct stones undergoing laparoscopic common bile duct exploration

Background

The recurrence of bile duct stones is a long-term outcome for patients undergoing laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) that is worthy of attention. This study aimed to investigate long-term risk factors for stones recurrence after LCBDE and develop a nomogram for predicting the risk.

Methods

The clinical data on consecutive patients with bile duct stones undergoing LCBDE at Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital between January 2014 and February 2019 with a follow-up period longer than 2 years were reviewed. Independent risk factors of stones recurrence identified by the Cox regression model were used to develop a nomogram in predicting stones recurrence after LCBDE.

Results

Eight hundred and twenty-two patients were eventually included in this study. Of these patients, 42 (5.11%) developed stones recurrence. The cumulative incidences of stones recurrence at 1, 3, and 5 years after LCBDE were 1.34%, 4.36%, and 7.14%, respectively. Independent risk factors of stones recurrence were identified to be age (HR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02-1.07), T-tube drainage (HR = 3.28, 95% CI = 1.23-8.72), fatty liver (HR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.39-5.20), urinary calculus (HR = 4.68, 95% CI = 2.29-9.56), post-cholecystectomy (HR = 5.21, 95% CI = 2.39-11.33), and post-ERCP + EST (HR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.18-6.96). By these factors, a developed nomogram showed a C-index of 0.770 to predict stones recurrence.

Conclusions

The nomogram, based on identified risk factors, showed good accuracy for predicting stones recurrence, which is valuable to guide these patients' follow-up and prevention.

Implementation of the gut microbiota prevents anastomotic leaks in laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer:the results of the MIRACLe study

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a novel perioperative treatment for the implementation of the gut microbiota, to prevent anastomotic fistula and leakage (AL) in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections for cancer. A series of 60 patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery at S. Eugenio Hospital (Rome-Italy) between December 1, 2020 and November 30, 2021 and received a novel perioperative preparation following the MIRACLe (Microbiota Implementation to Reduce Anastomotic Colorectal Leaks) protocol (oral antibiotics, mechanical bowel preparation and perioperative probiotics), was compared to a group of 500 patients (control group) operated on between March 2015 and November 30, 2020, who received a standard ERAS protocol. In the MIRACLe Group only 1 anastomotic leak was registered. In this group the incidence of AL was just 1.7% vs. 6.4% in the control group (p = 0.238) and the incidence of surgical site infections (1.7% vs. 3.6%; p = 0.686), reoperations (1.7% vs. 4.2%; p = 0.547) and postoperative mortality (0% vs. 2.2%; p = 0.504) were lower. The postoperative outcomes were also better: the times to first flatus, to first stool and to oral feeding were shorter (1 vs. 2, 2 vs. 3 and 2 vs. 3 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Additionally, the postoperative recovery was faster, with a shorter time to discharge (4 vs. 6 days; p < 0.001). In this pilot study, the MIRACLe protocol appeared to be safe and considerably reduced anastomotic leaks in elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer, even if not statistically significant, due to the small number of cases.

New common bile duct morphological subtypes: Risk predictors of common bile duct stone recurrence

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the primary treatment for removing common bile duct (CBD) stones. The risk factors for CBD stone recurrence after ERCP have been discussed for many years. However, the influence of CBD morphology has never been noticed.

AIM

To evaluate CBD morphology and other predictors affecting CBD stone recurrence in average patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 502 CBD stone patients who underwent successful therapeutic ERCP for stone extraction at our centre from February 2020 to January 2021 was conducted. CBD morphology and other predictors affecting CBD stone recurrence were examined by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

CBD morphology (P < 0.01), CBD diameter ≥ 1.5 cm [odds ratio (OR) = 2.20, 95%CI: 1.08-4.46, P = 0.03], and endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy with balloon dilation (ESBD) (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.17-0.75, P < 0.01) are three independent risk factors for CBD stone recurrence. Furthermore, the recurrence rate of patients with the S type was 6.61-fold that of patients with the straight type (OR = 6.61, 95%CI: 2.61-16.77, P < 0.01). The recurrence rate of patients with the polyline type was 2.45-fold that of patients with the straight type (OR = 2.45, 95%CI: 1.14-5.26, P = 0.02). The recurrence rate of S type patients was 2.70-fold that of patients with the polyline type (OR = 2.70, 95%CI: 1.08-6.73, P = 0.03). Compared with no-ESBD, ESBD could decrease the risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

CBD diameter ≥ 1.5 cm and CBD morphology, especially S type and polyline type, were associated with increased recurrence of CBD stones. In addition, ESBD was related to decreased recurrence. Patients with these risk factors should undergo periodic surveillance and standard prophylactic therapy.

Analysis of the Relationship Between Periampullary Diverticulum and Recurrent Bile Duct Stones After Endoscopy on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Magnetic Nanoparticles

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) based on super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) on the recurrence diagnosis of periampullary diverticulum (PAD) and bile duct stone (BDS), so as to provide a scientific research basis for the recidivation factors of bile duct stones in clinic. Patients with PAD diagnosed in hospital from July 2019 to March 2021 (who had undergone endoscopic gallstone surgery) were selected for study in this work. They were rolled into two groups, the parapapillary group (123 cases) and the cholangiopancreatic duct directly opening in the diverticulum group (97 cases), according to the clinical classification. Then, 100 patients without PAD who had undergone bile duct node therapy were selected as the control group. The recidivation of BDS, serological index, and biliary pressure index before and after treatment were compared. The relationship between PAD and recidivation of bile duct stones was analyzed. The results showed that the average particle size, hydration kinetic particle size, effective time, and duration of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/polyethyleneimine (PEI)/poly aspartic acid-super-paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles(PASP-SPIONs) were better than PEG/PEI-SPIONs and SPIONs. The recidivation rate of BDS in Groups R and X was remarkably higher than the rate in control group (P < 0.05). Before treatment, common bile duct pressure in the control group was lower obviously than that in Groups R and X (P < 0.05). After treatment, the indexes including total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase in control group were lower than those in Groups R and X (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications in Groups R and X was much higher than in contrast to the control group (P < 0.05). Therefore, PEG/PEI/PASP-SPIONs had good contrast effect and could be used as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent. Complications such as common bile duct pressure and infection were increased by PAD, which may be the main factor for the recidivation of BDS.

Comparison of endoscopic therapies for rectal neuroendocrine tumors: endoscopic submucosal dissection with myectomy versus endoscopic submucosal dissection

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been a valuable treatment of choice for rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). However, the vertical margin may remain positive after ESD because the neuroendocrine tumors develop in a submucosal tumor (SMT)-like way. Endoscopic submucosal dissection with myectomy (ESD-ME), a new method for rectal NETs, may overcome this problem.

METHODS

From August 2013 to August 2020, the medical records of 69 patients (72 rectal neuroendocrine tumors) who received endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or endoscopic submucosal dissection with myectomy (ESD-ME) for rectal NETs were investigated retrospectively. The characteristics of the patients and tumors, the rate of complete resection, and the rate of complications were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The ESD-ME group contained 27 patients (12 males, 15 females; age range 29-72 years) and the ESD group contained 42 patients (21 males, 21 females; age range 29-71 years). Both groups had similar mean rectal neuroendocrine tumor diameters (ESD-ME 6.1 ± 1.8 mm, ESD 6.7 ± 2.6 mm; P = 0.219). The procedure time was not different significantly between groups (ESD-ME 21.1 ± 6.3, ESD 19.3 ± 3.1; P = 0.115). The endoscopic complete resection rate did not differ significantly between the ESD-ME and ESD groups (100% for each). The histological complete resection rate was 100% (27 of 27) in the ESD-ME group and 81.0% (34 of 42) in the ESD group (P = 0.043). Delayed bleeding occurred in 1 ESD-ME patient (3.7%) and in 2 ESD patients (4.8%) (P = 1.000). Perforation occurred in 1 ESD-ME patient (3.7%) and the patient was successfully managed by conservative measure, and there was no perforation after ESD (P = 0.391).

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with ESD, ESD-ME resulted in a higher histological complete resection rate, had a similar complication rate, and took similar time to perform. ESD-ME can be considered an effective and safe resection method for rectal NETs < 16 mm in diameter without metastasis.

Teaching and learning robotic surgery at the dual console: a video-based qualitative analysis

Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) involves training processes and challenges that differ from open or laparoscopic surgery, particularly regarding the possibilities of observation and embodied guidance. The video recording and the dual-console system creates a potential opportunity for participation. Our research, conducted within the department of visceral surgery of a big Swiss, public, academic hospital, uses a methodology based on the co-analysis of video recordings with surgeons in self-confrontation interviews, to investigate the teaching activity of the lead surgeon supervising a surgeon in training at the dual console. Three short sequences have been selected for the paper. Our analysis highlights the skills-in-construction of the surgeon in training regarding communication with the operating team, fluency of working with three hands, and awareness of the whole operating site. It also shows the divergent necessities of enabling verbalization for professional training, while ensuring a quiet and efficient environment for medical performance. To balance these requirements, we argue that dedicated briefing and debriefing sessions may be particularly effective; we also suggest that the self-confrontation video technique may be valuable to support the verbalization on both the mentor’s and the trainee’s side during such debriefing, and to enhance the mentor’s reflexivity regarding didactic choices.