An inexpensive laparoscopic specimen retrieval bag

Impact on infectious outcomes during laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the use of home-made vs commercial gallbladder retrieval bag: a retrospective comparative study in a high-volume center

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most commonly performed emergency procedures, with approximately 600,000 patients undergoing the procedure every year in the United States. Although LC is associated with fewer complications when compared with open cholecystectomy, the risk for infectious complications, including surgical site infection and intra-abdominal abscess, remains a significant source of postoperative morbidity. The goal of this study is to determine whether the gallbladder retrieval technique during LC affects risk of infectious complications.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

We conducted a retrospective comparative study in a minimally invasive surgery high-volume center in Bogota, Colombia. Patients who underwent LC in 2018 to 2020 were identified. The patients were divided into three groups. One group of LC performed using home-made gallbladder retrieval bag (HMGRB), and another group of LC performed using commercial gallbladder retrieval bag (CGRB). The primary outcomes were infectious complications of superficial site infection and intra-abdominal abscess.

RESULTS

A total of 68 (7.58%) patients underwent LC using an HMGRB, and 828 (92.41%) using a CGRB. There was no significant difference in preoperative sepsis, or sex distribution between patient groups. Using t test, we found differences on age distribution among groups (p < 0.01), surgical times (p < 0.01), and length of stay (p = 0.01). When using Chi square, we found differences in Tokyo and Parkland Grading Scale severity (p < 0.01), use of postoperative antibiotics (p < 0.01), and drain use (p < 0.01). Nonetheless, there was no difference in the rate of superficial surgical site infection (p = 0.92).

CONCLUSION

HMGRB are not associated with increased risk of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess or superficial surgical site infection in comparison with CGRB but imply longer surgical times and length of stay. The use of HMGRB is safe, feasible, and has lower cost during LC.

Retained gallbladder secondary to retrieval bag rupture during laparoscopic cholecystectomy-A case report

INTRODUCTION

Retrieval bags are used in laparoscopic cholecystectomies to reduce the risk of bile and gallstone spillage during removal of the gallbladder. Retrieval bag rupture is rare, and its complications have never been previously documented.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 17-year-old female presented three months post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a tender periumbilical mass. Her operative report noted difficulty removing the retrieval bag from the infra-umbilical port site. Imaging of the lump revealed an intra-abdominal fluid collection communicating with the umbilicus. A diagnostic laparoscopy uncovered significant pus in the peritoneal cavity and a gallbladder remnant with multiple gallstones. A combination of sharp and blunt dissections was used to free the gallbladder remnant from its adherent surroundings for removal. A peritoneal washout was performed following extraction of the retained gallstones. The patient's presentation could be traced back to her laparoscopic cholecystectomy where it was confirmed that the retrieval bag ruptured during removal. This would have transected the gallbladder, causing its remnants and associated gallstones to be retained in the peritoneal cavity.

DISCUSSION

Retrieval bag rupture can result in retained gallbladder remnants in the peritoneal cavity. Abdominal abscess can manifest months after the initial operation.

CONCLUSION

Retrieval bags should be inspected following removal to ensure it is completely intact. Surgeons should consider extending the fascial incision if there is any difficulty during removal. Any damage to the retrieval bag mandates immediate pneumoperitoneum for further exploration of retained products. Governance bodies should incorporate practice guidelines related to retrieval bag rupture as these are currently not present.

Use of retrieval bags in incidental gallbladder cancer cases

INTRODUCTION

Accidental intraoperative gallbladder perforation is a problem in laparoscopic surgery, especially in cases with incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC). The question is whether intraoperative gallbladder perforation has a prognostic disadvantage or a retrieval bag provides protection against tumor dissemination.

METHODS

A standardized questionnaire was sent to all German surgical clinics based on the central register of "incidental gallbladder carcinoma" of the German Society of Surgery founded in 1997.

RESULTS

In 592 IGBC-registered cases, there were 330 laparoscopies, 154 open surgeries, and intraoperative conversion was performed in 106 cases. Of laparoscopic surgeries (n = 330), the recurrence rate was 30%. The recurrence rate for cases with (174/330) and without (156/330) the use of retrieval bag was 32.2% and 27%, respectively. In laparoscopies with intraoperative gallbladder perforation (73/330 cases), the recurrence rate was 38.4%. Of these cases the recurrence rate with (51/73) and without (22/73) the use of retrieval bags was 39.2% and 36.4%, respectively. In 257 cases without intraoperative perforation, tumor recurrence rate was 27.2%, and it was 29.3% or 25.4% with (123/257) and without (134/257) the use of retrieval bags.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the registry data, the intraoperative gallbladder perforation results in significant (P = 0.047) prognostic disadvantage and in these cases retrieval bags were used more often (P = 0.001). However, in IGBC cases if intraoperative gallbladder perforation has already happened, the use of retrieval bags had no protective effects.