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Sinha A, Mattson A, Njere I, Sinha CK. Comparison of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children at paediatric centres and adult centres: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2024. [PMID: 38445605 DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2023.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Paediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is performed by both paediatric and adult surgeons. The aim of this review was to compare outcomes at paediatric centres (PCs) and adult centres (ACs). METHODS A literature search was conducted, in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, for papers published between January 2000 and December 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata® version 16 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, US). RESULTS A total of 92 studies involving 74,852 paediatric LCs met the inclusion criteria. Over half (59%) of the LCs were performed at ACs. No significant differences were noted in the male-to-female ratio, mean age or mean body mass index between PCs and ACs. The main indications were cholelithiasis (34.1% vs 34.4% respectively, p=0.83) and biliary dyskinesia (17.0% vs 23.5% respectively, p<0.01). There was no significant difference in the median inpatient stay (2.52 vs 2.44 days respectively, p=0.89). Bile duct injury was a major complication (0.80% vs 0.37% respectively, p<0.01). Reoperation rates (2.37% vs 0.74% respectively, p<0.01) and conversion to open surgery (1.97% vs 4.74% respectively, p<0.01) were also significantly different. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in overall complications (p=0.92). CONCLUSIONS The number of LCs performed, intraoperative cholangiography use and conversion rates were higher at ACs whereas bile duct injury and reoperation rates were higher at PCs. Despite a higher incidence of bile duct injury at PCs, the incidence at both PCs and ACs was <1%. In complex cases, a joint operation by both paediatric and adult surgeons might be a better approach to further improve outcomes. Overall, LC was found to be a safe operation with comparable outcomes at PCs and ACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sinha
- East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, UK
| | - A Mattson
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - I Njere
- Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - C K Sinha
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Watkins JW, Lewis ZB. Diagnoses of Exclusion in the Workup of Abdominal Complaints. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2021; 39:851-863. [PMID: 34600642 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal pain is a common complaint in the emergency department, comprising 8.8% of all visits. Despite advances in medicine and imaging, 20% to 30% of patients still leave the department without a definitive diagnosis, whichhis can be both distressing for patients and unsatisfying for providers. Diagnoses of exclusion can be perilous, and their application should be carefully considered in order to not overlook more emergent complaints. However, a working knowledge of diagnoses of exclusion can guide therapeutics and specialty referrals that can ultimately provide answers and relief to a patient population often at odds with available information and expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Wesley Watkins
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street Slot 584, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Zachary Bert Lewis
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street Slot 584, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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Altamura C, Corbelli I, de Tommaso M, Di Lorenzo C, Di Lorenzo G, Di Renzo A, Filippi M, Jannini TB, Messina R, Parisi P, Parisi V, Pierelli F, Rainero I, Raucci U, Rubino E, Sarchielli P, Li L, Vernieri F, Vollono C, Coppola G. Pathophysiological Bases of Comorbidity in Migraine. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:640574. [PMID: 33958992 PMCID: PMC8093831 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.640574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite that it is commonly accepted that migraine is a disorder of the nervous system with a prominent genetic basis, it is comorbid with a plethora of medical conditions. Several studies have found bidirectional comorbidity between migraine and different disorders including neurological, psychiatric, cardio- and cerebrovascular, gastrointestinal, metaboloendocrine, and immunological conditions. Each of these has its own genetic load and shares some common characteristics with migraine. The bidirectional mechanisms that are likely to underlie this extensive comorbidity between migraine and other diseases are manifold. Comorbid pathologies can induce and promote thalamocortical network dysexcitability, multi-organ transient or persistent pro-inflammatory state, and disproportionate energetic needs in a variable combination, which in turn may be causative mechanisms of the activation of an ample defensive system with includes the trigeminovascular system in conjunction with the neuroendocrine hypothalamic system. This strategy is designed to maintain brain homeostasis by regulating homeostatic needs, such as normal subcortico-cortical excitability, energy balance, osmoregulation, and emotional response. In this light, the treatment of migraine should always involves a multidisciplinary approach, aimed at identifying and, if necessary, eliminating possible risk and comorbidity factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Altamura
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Corbelli
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Ospedale S.M. Misericordia, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marina de Tommaso
- Applied Neurophysiology and Pain Unit, SMBNOS Department, Bari Aldo Moro University, Policlinico General Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Cherubino Di Lorenzo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Giorgio Di Lorenzo
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS-Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Milan, Italy.,Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso B Jannini
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Messina
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Parisi
- Child Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sense Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, c/o Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Pierelli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy.,Headache Clinic, IRCCS-Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Innocenzo Rainero
- Neurology I, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini," University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Umberto Raucci
- Department of Emergency, Acceptance and General Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Rubino
- Neurology I, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini," University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Sarchielli
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Ospedale S.M. Misericordia, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Linxin Li
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Vernieri
- Headache and Neurosonology Unit, Neurology, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Catello Vollono
- Department of Neurology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Coppola
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
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Coates MD, Seth N, Clarke K, Abdul-Baki H, Mahoney N, Walter V, Regueiro MD, Ramos-Rivers C, Koutroubakis IE, Bielefeldt K, Binion DG. Opioid Analgesics Do Not Improve Abdominal Pain or Quality of Life in Crohn's Disease. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:2379-2387. [PMID: 31758431 PMCID: PMC7831884 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05968-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal pain and opioid analgesic use are common in Crohn's disease (CD). AIMS We sought to identify factors associated with abdominal pain in CD and evaluate the impact of opioid analgesics on pain and quality-of-life scores in this setting. METHODS We performed a longitudinal cohort study using a prospective, consented IBD natural history registry from a single academic center between 2009 and 2013. Consecutive CD patients were followed for at least 1 year after an index visit. Data were abstracted regarding pain experience (from validated surveys), inflammatory activity (using endoscopic/histologic findings), laboratory studies, coexistent psychiatric disorders, medical therapy, opioid analgesic, and tobacco use. RESULTS Of 542 CD patients (56.6% women), 232 (42.8%) described abdominal pain. Individuals with pain were more likely to undergo surgery and were more frequently prescribed analgesics and/or antidepressants/anxiolytics. Elevated ESR (OR 1.79; 95%CI 1.11-2.87), coexistent anxiety/depression (OR 1.87; 95%CI 1.13-3.09), smoking (OR 2.08; 95%CI 1.27-3.40), and opioid use (OR 2.46; 95%CI 1.33-4.57) were independently associated with abdominal pain. Eighty patients (14.8%) were prescribed opioids, while 31 began taking them at or after the index visit. Patients started on opioids demonstrated no improvement in abdominal pain or quality-of-life scores on follow-up compared to patients not taking opioids. CONCLUSIONS Abdominal pain is common in CD and is associated with significant opioid analgesic utilization and increased incidence of anxiety/depression, smoking, and elevated inflammatory markers. Importantly, opioid use in CD was not associated with improvement in pain or quality-of-life scores. These findings reinforce the limitations of currently available analgesics in IBD and support exploration of alternative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. D. Coates
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - N. Seth
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K. Clarke
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - H. Abdul-Baki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Allegheny Health System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - N. Mahoney
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - V. Walter
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - M. D. Regueiro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - C. Ramos-Rivers
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - I. E. Koutroubakis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - K. Bielefeldt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - D. G. Binion
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Variability in perioperative evaluation and resource utilization in pediatric patients with suspected biliary dyskinesia: A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study. J Pediatr Surg 2019; 54:1118-1122. [PMID: 30885555 PMCID: PMC6822378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a common indication for pediatric cholecystectomy. While diagnosis is primarily based on diminished gallbladder ejection fraction (GB-EF), work-up and management in pediatrics is controversial. METHODS We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective review of children undergoing cholecystectomy for BD to compare perioperative work-up and outcomes. RESULTS Six hundred seventy-eight patients across 16 institutions were included. There was no significant difference in gender, age, or BMI between institutions. Most patients were white (86.3%), non-Hispanic (79.9%), and had private insurance (55.2%). Gallbladder ejection fraction (EF) was reported in 84.5% of patients, and 44.8% had an EF <15%. 30.7% of patients were initially seen by pediatric surgeons, 31.3% by pediatric gastroenterologists, and 23.4% by the emergency department with significant variability between institutions (p < 0.001). Symptoms persisted in 35.3% of patients post-operatively with a median follow-up of 21 days (IQR 13, 34). On multivariate analysis, only non-white race and the presence of psychiatric comorbidities were associated with increased risk of post-operative symptoms. CONCLUSION There is significant variability in evaluation and follow-up both before and after cholecystectomy for BD. Prospective research with standardized data collection and follow-up is needed to develop and validate optimal care pathways for pediatric patients with suspected BD. STUDY TYPE Case Series, Retrospective Review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
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Gudsoorkar VS, Oglat A, Jain A, Raza A, Quigley EMM. Systematic review with meta-analysis: cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia-what can the gallbladder ejection fraction tell us? Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 49:654-663. [PMID: 30706496 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gallbladder dyskinesia (gallbladder spasm, biliary dyskinesia or chronic acalculous cholecystitis) is a poorly defined entity which presents as biliary-type pain without any identifiable organic pathology. Abnormal gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) is used by some to select those likely to benefit from cholecystectomy. The validity of this approach has been questioned. AIM To systematically review the literature and summarise the evidence surrounding the practice of cholecystectomy based on GBEF for gallbladder dyskinesia. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE and SCOPUS from 1980 to 2016 to identify the relevant literature. RESULTS Twenty-nine studies including 2891 patients were included in the final analysis. In comparing cholecystectomy with medical management, patients with a normal GBEF did not benefit from cholecystectomy; whereas those with low GBEF had a higher chance (RR, relative risk = 2.37) of symptomatic improvement following surgery. When those classified as "low" and "normal" GBEF were compared in terms of outcome following cholecystectomy, the rate of improvement following surgery was similar in the two groups (RR 1.09) which suggests a placebo effect of surgery. CONCLUSIONS While a low GBEF may provide some guidance in identifying those with gallbladder dyskinesia who may benefit from cholecystectomy, the available data are inconsistent and based on studies of poor quality which are often subject to bias and the impact of confounding factors. For these reasons, we conclude that the role of scintigraphy and cholecystectomy in the definition and management of this disorder remain unclear pending definitive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet S Gudsoorkar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, Texas
| | - Ayah Oglat
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, Texas
| | - Amita Jain
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, Texas
| | - Ali Raza
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, Texas
| | - Eamonn M M Quigley
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, Texas
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Long-term results of cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia: outcomes and resource utilization. J Surg Res 2018; 230:40-46. [PMID: 30100038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to describe a cohort of pediatric patients undergoing cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia (BD) and characterize postoperative resource utilization. METHODS Single-institution, retrospective chart review of pediatric patients after cholecystectomy for BD was done. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics as well as operative details and postoperative interventions were abstracted. Telephone follow-up was performed to identify persistent symptoms, characterize the patient experience, and quantify postoperative resource utilization. RESULTS Forty-nine patients were included. Twenty-two patients (45%) were seen postoperatively by a gastroenterologist, of which, only 32% were known to the gastroenterologist before surgery. Postoperative studies included 13 abdominal ultrasounds for persistent pain, 13 esophagogastroduodenoscopies, five endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs), one endoscopic ultrasound, one magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticogram, and five colonoscopies. Of the patients with additional diagnostic testing postoperatively, one had mild esophagitis, three had sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and one was suspected to have inflammatory bowel disease. Telephone survey response rate was 47%. Among respondents, 65.2% reported ongoing abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting at an average of 26 mo after operation. Of note, all patients who underwent postoperative ERCP with sphincterotomy reported symptom relief following this procedure. CONCLUSIONS Relief of symptoms postoperatively in pediatric patients with BD is inconsistent. Postoperative studies, though numerous, are of low diagnostic yield and generate high costs. These findings suggest that the initial diagnostic criteria and treatment algorithm may require revision to better predict symptom improvement after surgery. Improvement seen after ERCP/sphincterotomy is anecdotal but appears to merit further investigation.
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Cámara-Lemarroy CR, Rodriguez-Gutierrez R, Monreal-Robles R, Marfil-Rivera A. Gastrointestinal disorders associated with migraine: A comprehensive review. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:8149-8160. [PMID: 27688656 PMCID: PMC5037083 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i36.8149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a recurrent and commonly disabling primary headache disorder that affects over 17% of women and 5%-8% of men. Migraine susceptibility is multifactorial with genetic, hormonal and environmental factors all playing an important role. The physiopathology of migraine is complex and still not fully understood. Many different neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and brain pathways have been implicated. In connection with the myriad mechanisms and pathways implicated in migraine, a variety of multisystemic comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular, psychiatric and other neurological conditions) have been found to be closely associated with migraine. Recent reports demonstrate an increased frequency of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in patients with migraine compared with the general population. Helicobacter pylori infection, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, hepatobiliary disorders, celiac disease and alterations in the microbiota have been linked to the occurrence of migraine. Several mechanisms involving the gut-brain axis, such as a chronic inflammatory response with inflammatory and vasoactive mediators passing to the circulatory system, intestinal microbiota modulation of the enteric immunological milieu and dysfunction of the autonomic and enteric nervous system, have been postulated to explain these associations. However, the precise mechanisms and pathways related to the gut-brain axis in migraine need to be fully elucidated. In this review, we survey the available literature linking migraine with GI disorders. We discuss the possible physiopathological mechanisms, and clinical implications as well as several future areas of interest for research.
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Abstract
Biliary disease in children has changed over the past few decades, with a marked rise in incidence-perhaps most related to the parallel rise in pediatric obesity-as well as a rise in cholecystectomy rates. In addition to stone disease (cholelithiasis), acalculous causes of gallbladder pain such as biliary dyskinesia, also appear to be on the rise and present diagnostic and treatment conundrums to surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Rothstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Women and Children׳s Hospital of Buffalo, 219 Bryant St, Buffalo, New York 14222; Department of Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York
| | - Carroll M Harmon
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Women and Children׳s Hospital of Buffalo, 219 Bryant St, Buffalo, New York 14222; Department of Surgery, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York.
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Black bile of melancholy or gallstones of biliary colics: historical perspectives on cholelithiasis. Dig Dis Sci 2014; 59:2623-34. [PMID: 25102982 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-014-3292-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Barely 130 years after its first description, cholecystectomies are among the most commonly performed surgeries in the USA. The success of this operation with subsequent technical improvements, such as laparoscopic approaches, caused a paradigm shift in the management of gallstone disease. However, symptoms persist in 10-40 % of successfully operated patients. Reviewing monographs, textbooks, and articles published during the last 300 years, several important factors emerge as likely contributors to limited or poor treatment responses. Early on, clinicians recognized that cholelithiasis is quite common and thus often an incidental finding, especially if patients present with vague or atypical symptoms. Consistent with these observations, patients with such atypical symptoms are less likely to benefit from cholecystectomy. Similarly, lasting improvements are more reliably seen in patients with symptoms of presumed biliary origin and documented gallstones compared to individuals without stones, an important point in view of increasing rates of surgery for biliary dyskinesia. While cholelithiasis can cause serious complications, the overall incidence of clinically relevant problems is so low that prophylactic cholecystectomy cannot be justified. This conclusion corresponds to epidemiologic data showing that the rise in elective cholecystectomies decreased hospitalizations due to gallstone disease, but was associated with a higher volume of postoperative complications, ultimately resulting in stable combined mortality due to gallstone disease and its treatment. These trends highlight the tremendous gains in managing gallstone disease, while at the same time reminding us that the tightening rather than expanding indications for cholecystectomy may improve outcomes.
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