Gangrenous cholecystitis: a contemporary review

Cholecystopleural fistula: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Gallstone with acute cholecystitis is one of the most common diseases in the clinic. If the disease is serious, gallbladder gangrene, perforation, and sepsis may be caused. Gallbladder diseases rarely cause thoracic-related complications, especially pleural fistula, which is very rare in clinical practice.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 52-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department for 1 month with recurrent right middle and upper abdominal pain.

DIAGNOSIS

Computed tomography diagnosis: cholecystitis and peri-inflammation, small abscess around the base of the gallbladder, local peritonitis, and bilateral pleural effusion.

INTERVENTIONS

After admission, conservative treatment was given. On the 4th day of admission, the symptoms worsened, and an emergency catheter drainage was performed on the right thoracic cavity to extract 900 mL of dark yellow effusion. After the operation, a large amount of bili-like fluid was continuously drained from the thoracic drainage tube. After the iatrogenic biliary fistula caused by thoracic puncture was excluded, cholecystopleural fistula was considered to be cholecystopleural fistula. On the 6th day of admission, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) + cholecystography + Oddi sphincterotomy + laminating biliary stent was performed in the emergency department, and cholecystopleural fistula was confirmed during the operation.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered well after surgery, computed tomography examination on the 20th day after surgery indicated that pleural effusion was significantly reduced, and the patient was cured and discharged. The patient returned to the hospital 8 months after the ERCP operation to pull out the bile duct-covered stent. The patient did not complain of any discomfort after the postoperative follow-up for 3 years, and no recurrence of stones, empyema, and other conditions was found.

CONCLUSION

Cholecystopleural fistula is one of the serious complications of acute cholecystitis, which is easy to misdiagnose clinically. If the gallbladder inflammation is severe, accompanied by pleural effusion, the pleural effusion is bili-like liquid, or the content of bilirubin is abnormally elevated, the existence of the disease should be considered. Once the diagnosis is clear, active surgical intervention is needed to reduce the occurrence of complications. Endoscopic therapy (ERCP) can be used as both a diagnostic method and an important minimally invasive treatment.

Novel Application of Hydrodissection in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gangrenous Gallbladders

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for gangrenous gallbladders (GGBs) can be challenging and represent a significant number of LC cases, necessitating more efficacious surgical techniques. Currently, the standard treatment for GGBs is blunt dissection which can have high iatrogenic complication rates. To our knowledge, this is the first large retrospective study conducted on the novel application of hydrodissection (HD) in LCs for GGBs.

METHODS

In this retrospective study of 386 LCs, data were collected for patient demographics, medical comorbidities, operating time (OT), anesthesia time (AT), length of stay (LOS), estimated blood loss, conversion to open procedures, 30-day readmissions, and mortality. Patients were categorized into four groups: (1) Vyas employing HD for GGBs (VHG), (2) non-Vyas group of five surgeons not employing HD for GGBs (NVG), (3) Vyas treating non-GGBs, and (4) non-Vyas group of five surgeons treating non-GGBs. Control groups were age-matched and sex-matched. Statistical analysis used descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U testing, and chi-squared testing (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

This study demonstrated significantly decreased (P < 0.05) OT (P = 0.001), AT (P < 0.001), LOS (P = 0.015), and conversion to open procedures (P = 0.047) between the VHG and NVG groups, with HD reducing OT by 35.5% compared to blunt dissection. This study did not demonstrate significantly decreased (P > 0.05) estimated blood loss (P = 0.185) and 30-day readmissions (P = 0.531) between the VHG and NVG groups, but they were trending toward significant. There were no mortalities in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

HD is associated with improved surgical outcomes of LCs for GGBs demonstrated by reduced OT, AT, LOS, and conversion to open procedures. Further multi-institutional studies are needed to validate HD implementation and further dissemination.

The Use of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Elevated Liver Enzymes as Predictive Factors of Gangrenous Cholecystitis: A Case Report

Gangrenous cholecystitis is a severe complication of acute cholecystitis. It is often found incidentally during laparoscopic cholecystectomy or during conversion to open surgery and diagnosed with subsequent pathological analysis. While intraoperative diagnosis is typically through direct visualization of the gallbladder, specific diagnostic modalities may guide physicians toward an earlier diagnosis. Surgical intervention and a more aggressive approach are often needed to prevent the advancement of the disease and its catastrophic complications. This case report illustrates the distinct risk factors predisposing a patient to develop gangrenous cholecystitis. Comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, age, the relevance of the SIRS criteria, and elevated liver enzymes are explored as predictive factors in a patient with gangrenous cholecystitis.

The ChoCO-W prospective observational global study: Does COVID-19 increase gangrenous cholecystitis?

BACKGROUND

The incidence of the highly morbid and potentially lethal gangrenous cholecystitis was reportedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the ChoCO-W study was to compare the clinical findings and outcomes of acute cholecystitis in patients who had COVID-19 disease with those who did not.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected over 6 months (October 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021) with 1-month follow-up. In October 2020, Delta variant of SARS CoV-2 was isolated for the first time. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed and reported according to the STROBE guidelines. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients who had COVID-19 were compared with those who did not.

RESULTS

A total of 2893 patients, from 42 countries, 218 centers, involved, with a median age of 61.3 (SD: 17.39) years were prospectively enrolled in this study; 1481 (51%) patients were males. One hundred and eighty (6.9%) patients were COVID-19 positive, while 2412 (93.1%) were negative. Concomitant preexisting diseases including cardiovascular diseases (p < 0.0001), diabetes (p < 0.0001), and severe chronic obstructive airway disease (p = 0.005) were significantly more frequent in the COVID-19 group. Markers of sepsis severity including ARDS (p < 0.0001), PIPAS score (p < 0.0001), WSES sepsis score (p < 0.0001), qSOFA (p < 0.0001), and Tokyo classification of severity of acute cholecystitis (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group. The COVID-19 group had significantly higher postoperative complications (32.2% compared with 11.7%, p < 0.0001), longer mean hospital stay (13.21 compared with 6.51 days, p < 0.0001), and mortality rate (13.4% compared with 1.7%, p < 0.0001). The incidence of gangrenous cholecystitis was doubled in the COVID-19 group (40.7% compared with 22.3%). The mean wall thickness of the gallbladder was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group [6.32 (SD: 2.44) mm compared with 5.4 (SD: 3.45) mm; p < 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of gangrenous cholecystitis is higher in COVID patients compared with non-COVID patients admitted to the emergency department with acute cholecystitis. Gangrenous cholecystitis in COVID patients is associated with high-grade Clavien-Dindo postoperative complications, longer hospital stay and higher mortality rate. The open cholecystectomy rate is higher in COVID compared with non -COVID patients. It is recommended to delay the surgical treatment in COVID patients, when it is possible, to decrease morbidity and mortality rates. COVID-19 infection and gangrenous cholecystistis are not absolute contraindications to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in a case by case evaluation, in expert hands.

Prediction of extensive necrotic change in acute gangrenous cholecystitis

PURPOSE

Gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) is a severe type of acute cholecystitis that implies higher mortality and morbidity rates than uncomplicated cholecystitis. The characteristics of GC are various for each case. However, preoperative predictors of GC with extensive necrotic change have not been investigated well.

METHODS

A total of 239 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with GC underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our hospital between January 2013 and December 2021. Of these, 135 patients were included in this study and were subdivided into the extensive necrosis group (patients with necrotic change extending to the neck of the gallbladder, n = 18) and the control group (patients with necrotic change limited to the fundus or body, not extending to the neck, n = 117) according to each operation video. Patient characteristics and perioperative factors predicting extensive necrotic change were investigated.

RESULTS

Pericholecystic fat stranding (83.3 vs. 53.8%, p = 0.018) and absence of wall enhancement on preoperative CT images (50.0 vs. 24.7%, p = 0.026) were significantly associated with extensive necrosis. Seven of 18 patients in the extensive necrosis group showed necrotic changes beyond the infundibulum. The absence of wall enhancement on preoperative CT images (71.4 vs. 28.8%, p = 0.018) was significantly associated with necrotic changes beyond the infundibulum.

CONCLUSIONS

Pericholecystic fat stranding and absence of wall enhancement on preoperative enhanced CT are predictors of extensive necrotic change in patients with GC. In addition, the absence of wall enhancement also predicts the presence of necrotic changes beyond the infundibulum.

Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Findings of Complications of Acute Cholecystitis. A Pictorial Essay

Acute cholecystitis stands out as one of the most common surgical pathologies that should always be considered in a right-upper abdominal pain emergency. For this, the importance of a correct diagnosis is well described. However, it has been demonstrated that the simple combination of clinical (pain, Murphy’s sign) and laboratory (leukocytosis) parameters alone does not provide for ruling in or ruling out the diagnosis of this condition, unless accompanied by a radiological exam. For a long time, and still today, ultrasonography (US) is by far the first-to-proceed radiologic exam to perform, thanks to its rapidity and very high sensibility and specificity for the diagnosis of simple acute cholecystitis. However, acute cholecystitis can undergo some complications that US struggles to find. In addition to that, studies suggest that multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is superior in showing complicated forms of cholecystitis in relation to sensibility and specificity and for its capability of reformatting multiplanar (MPR) reconstructions that give a more detailed view of complications. They have shown to be useful for a precise evaluation of vascular complications, the anatomy of the biliary tree, and the extension of inflammation to surrounding structures (i.e., colitis). Therefore, based also on our experience, in patients with atypical presentation, or in cases with high suspicion for a complicated form, a MDCT abdomen scan is performed. In this review, the principal findings are listed and described to create a CT classification of acute complications based on anatomical and topographic criteria.

Pre-operative predictive factors for gangrenous cholecystitis at an Australian quaternary cardiothoracic centre

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine associations between pre-operative factors and gangrenous cholecystitis. Gangrenous cholecystitis represents a severe spectrum of cholecystitis and is associated with an increased risk of complications. Early recognition and diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis can optimize prioritization for surgery and improve outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was undertaken. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, pre-operative biochemical and ultrasound findings as well as post-operative outcomes were assessed. Four hundred and fourteen patients who underwent an emergency cholecystectomy between 2018 and 2020 were reviewed.

RESULTS

One hundred and nine (26%) patients who underwent emergency cholecystectomy during this 3-year period had gangrenous cholecystitis. These patients were older (median age 65 versus 45, P < 0.001) and more likely to be male (58.7% versus 32.5%, P < 0.001). Patients with coronary disease (OR 2.55, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR 2.25, P = 0.001), or arrhythmias (OR 3.64, P = 0.001) were two-to-three times more likely to have gangrenous cholecystitis. Patients with renal disease (OR 1.92, P = 0.004) or using antiplatelet medication (OR 2.27, P = 0.003) were twice as likely to have gangrenous cholecystitis. Patients who had gangrenous cholecystitis presented with a higher white cell count (median 13 x 10⁹ /L versus 8 x 10⁹ /L, P < 0.001) and a higher C-reactive protein (median 196 versus 18 mg/L, P < 0.001). Patients with gangrenous cholecystitis had poorer post-operative outcomes.

CONCLUSION

We verified predictive factors from existing literature and identified a number of novel pre-operative predictive factors for gangrenous cholecystitis which could help with development of a scoring system for clinical use.

Complications of cholecystitis: a comprehensive contemporary imaging review

Acute cholecystitis is a common cause of right upper quadrant pain in patients presenting to the emergency department. Ultrasound, computed tomography, HIDA scans, and magnetic resonance imaging are increasingly utilized to evaluate suspected cases. The prognosis of acute cholecystitis is usually excellent with timely diagnosis and management. However, complications associated with cholecystitis pose a considerable challenge to the clinician and radiologist. Complications of acute cholecystitis may result from secondary bacterial infection or mural ischemia secondary to increased intramural pressure. The recognized subtypes of complicated cholecystitis are hemorrhagic, gangrenous, and emphysematous cholecystitis, as well as gallbladder perforation. Acute acalculous cholecystitis is a form of cholecystitis that occurs as a complication of severe illness in the absence of gallstones or without gallstone-related inflammation. Complicated cholecystitis may cause significant morbidity and mortality, and early diagnosis and recognition play a pivotal role in the management and early surgical planning. As appropriate utilization of imaging resources plays an essential role in diagnosis and management, the emergency radiologist should be aware of the spectrum of complications related to cholecystitis and the characteristic imaging features. This article aims to offer a comprehensive contemporary review of clinical and cross-sectional imaging findings of complications associated with cholecystitis. In conclusion, cross-sectional imaging is pivotal in identifying the complications related to cholecystitis. Preoperative detection of this complicated cholecystitis can help the care providers and operating surgeon to be prepared for a potentially more complicated procedure and course of recovery.

Safety of ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly

BACKGROUND

This study aims to retrospectively analyse the safety of ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ALC) and identify risk factors for delayed discharge after ALC in the elderly.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who were scheduled to undergo ALC were assigned to the elderly group (age ≥ 65 years) or the non-elderly group. The primary outcome was postoperative discharge within 24 h (D24). Secondary outcomes were perioperative mortality, reasons for delayed discharge (psychosocial reasons (DP), complications (DC), drainage (DD) and conversion to open surgery (DCO)), intraoperative data and readmission within 30 days after discharge (readmission). Differences were statistically significant when P < 0.05.

RESULTS

There were 7657 patients assigned to the elderly group (n = 1143) or the non-elderly group (n = 6514). The differences between elderly patients and non-elderly patients in the operation time (51.0 (37.0-70.0) versus 50.0 (35.0-65.0) min), blood loss (10.0 (5.0-10.0) versus 5.0 (5.0-10.0) mL), D24 (75.5% versus 81.7%) and DD (7.8% versus 3.2%) were statistically significant (P < 0.05, respectively). The differences between elderly patients and non-elderly patients in DP (8.2% versus 6.7%), DC (7.8% versus 7.9%), DCO (0.7% versus 0.5%) and readmission (0.5% versus 0.4%) were not statistically significant (P > 0.05, respectively). Independent risk factors for delayed discharge after ALC in the elderly were male sex, octogenarian status, prolonged operation time, arrhythmia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, a previous operation in the upper abdomen, acute inflammation of gallbladder and a gallbladder wall thicker than 3 mm (P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

ALC in the elderly is feasible and safe.

Managing Gallstone Disease in the Elderly

Geriatric patients tend to have subtle presentations of biliary disorders and, if untreated, can decompensate acutely. Each biliary disorder warrants formulation of an individualized treatment plan with a multidisciplinary approach. Acute cholecystitis, a common complication of gallstones, is initially managed by conservative measures and subsequently, among patients with optimal surgical risk, through laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy. High-risk patients undergo temporization, percutaneous or endoscopic, followed by definitive intervention. Acute cholecystitis with complications (ie, perforation, gangrene, or small bowel obstruction) warrants emergent cholecystectomy. Gallstone migration into the biliary system can cause choledocholithiasis, often complicated by biliary pancreatitis or cholangitis if not intervened. Therapy for choledocholithiasis is based on biliary clearance through endoscopic and, infrequently, surgical approaches.

Accuracy of pre-operative parameters in predicting severe cholecystitis-A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Severity of cholecystitis can be defined by the presence of histopathological changes such as gangrene, perforation, and empyema. Severe cholecystitis correlates with higher morbidity and longer hospital stay. The present review aimed to identify the predictors of severe cholecystitis.

METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library were searched in the period of January 1980 to March 2019. The main outcome of this review was to assess the predictability of pre-operative parameters such as Leukocytosis, fever, tachycardia, gallbladder wall edema, gallbladder distension, serum platelet count, and gallbladder mural striation. The role of patients' characteristics including age, gender, and diabetes mellitus in predicting severe cholecystitis was also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 8823 patients were analysed. The mean age of patients was 67.14 ± 4.17. The parameters that had the highest Odds ratio in predicting severe cholecystitis were all findings on CT scanning and included attenuation of arterial phase, mural striation of the gallbladder, and decreased gallbladder wall enhancement.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that CT findings were the most significant predictors of severe cholecystitis. Patients with clinical and laboratory predictors of severe cholecystitis should be urgently evaluated with contrast CT scan to rule out any severe complications.

The impact of dementia on surgical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis: A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to clarify the impact of dementia on surgical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

We reviewed medical data of 96 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystitis and acute cholecystitis. The patients were divided into the dementia group (n = 18) and non-dementia group (n = 78). Clinical features of the patients and surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Mean age and rates of The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification score > 2 in the dementia group were significantly higher than those of the non-dementia group (P < .001, P = .008, respectively). Incidences of acute cholecystitis and the rate of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in the dementia group were significantly higher than those of the non-dementia group (P = .009, P = .01, respectively). The rates of conversion to laparotomy and non-surgical complications in the dementia group were higher than those in the non-dementia group (P = .02, P = .03, respectively). Postoperative hospital stay in the dementia group was significantly longer than that in the non-dementia group (15.2 ± 9.3 vs 8.2 ± 3.2 days, P = .009). Subgroup analysis of patients with acute cholecystitis showed postoperative hospital stay in the dementia group to be significantly longer than that in the non-dementia group (18.7 ± 10.7 vs 10.3 ± 4.2 days, P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Patients with dementia who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy have a high incidence of acute cholecystitis and a high rate of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage, which may result in increased rates of conversion to laparotomy and prolong the postoperative hospital stay.

Perforated Gangrenous Gallbladder in an Asymptomatic Patient

Acute cholecystitis or inflammation of the gallbladder is a common cause of hospitalizations. A percentage of those patients will progress to gangrenous cholecystitis and perforation. This medical emergency can lead to peritonitis, which has increased morbidity and mortality. The first-line modality for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is an ultrasound, but if it is inconclusive, then a computed tomography (CT) scan may be beneficial. Gangrenous cholecystitis and perforation have been reported in asymptomatic diabetic patients secondary to diabetic neuropathy and/or gallbladder ischemia leading to nerve denervation. Yet, here we present the case of an asymptomatic non-diabetic patient with gangrenous gallbladder perforation that was treated with antibiotics and drain placements. Diagnosis and treatment involve the collaboration between primary care, interventional, and diagnostic services to appropriately manage these patients. This case demonstrates that clinicians should have a low threshold to conduct CT scan of the abdomen, especially when there is a sudden resolution of pain.

Utility of leucocytes, inflammatory markers and pancreatic enzymes as indicators of gangrenous cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Acute cholecystitis is an emergency condition. If not promptly diagnosed and properly managed, the complication of gangrenous cholecystitis may develop, which may be a life-threatening complication.

OBJECTIVES

The study aims to examine various characteristics and physiological parameters in patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis to evaluate if significant predictive factors exist for the differential diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study included patients with acute cholecystitis diagnosis, who presented to 'blinded for peer review' from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2017. Parameters evaluated included liver function tests, complete cell count, C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), amylase and lipase levels, as well as medical history, and presenting clinical signs. Cases were divided according to whether or not there was a histopathological diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis.

RESULTS

A total of 186 (54.5%) female and 155 (45.5%) male cases were examined. Patients with gangrenous cholecystitis tended to be male, showed a significantly higher white cell count, higher neutrophil percentage, lower lymphocyte percentage and higher ESR compared with patients without gangrenous cholecystitis. However, serum amylase and lipase demonstrated no differential diagnostic utility CONCLUSION: Male patients with a high ESR level, high total leucocyte count with a relative high proportion of neutrophils and a low proportion of lymphocytes were found to be at increased risk of the presence of gangrenous cholecystitis.

Predictive factors for gangrene complication in acute calculous cholecystitis

Backgrounds/Aims

Gallbladder gangrene is a grave complication of acute calculous cholecystitis that is difficult to detect preoperatively. Ultrasound could show a gallbladder wall that is more thickened. In addition, other clinical measures were reported to be possible predictive factors. Therefore, we aim in this study to evaluate the gallbladder wall thickness measured by ultrasound and other clinical measures as predictive factors for gangrene complication in acute calculous cholecystitis.

Methods

A prospective cohort database analysis of the results of 674 patients diagnosed and treated for acute calculous cholecystitis between January 2010 and December 2014 was done. Patient's inclusion criteria were acute calculous cholecystitis in adults who were operated within three days of onset of symptoms.

Results

117 (17.4%) patients had gangrene. Gallbladder sonographic wall thickness 5.1–6 mm, more than 6 mm, male gender, diabetes mellitus, leukocytosis >15,000 cells/ml, and age ≥40 years were found to be factors predisposing to gangrene complicated acute calculous cholecystitis that represented a statistically significant difference (p≤0.01).

Conclusions

We conclude that gallbladder sonographic wall thickness 5.1–6 mm, more than 6 mm, male gender, diabetes mellitus, leukocytosis >15,000 cells/ml, and age ≥40 years were found to be factors predisposing to gangrene complicated acute calculous cholecystitis that represented a statistically significant difference. By implementing these risk factors, patients urgency for surgery can be decided in the emergency department. Other risk factors such as high alanine aminotransferase, elevated aspartate aminotransferase, and high alkaline phosphatase could be of help in the decision for early operation.

Gangrenous cholecystitis in male patients: A study of prevalence and predictive risk factors

Backgrounds/Aims

The prevalence and risk factors of gangrenous cholecystitis in male are unknown.

Objective

To verify the prevalence and risk factors of gangrenous cholecystitis in males.

Methods

This cross-sectional study includes 95 patients (59.5±17.1 years), with clinical and histopathological diagnosis, operated laparoscopically on 2012–2016. Eligibility was decided based on the variables of age; tachycardia (>100 bpm); leukocytosis (>10,000/mm³); Murphy's sign; gallbladder wall thickness (>4 mm); biochemical tests, morbidities (diabetes, alcoholism, smoking) and mortality. Multivariate regression, the chi-squared and Prevalent Chances Ratio (PCR) were used to define a few parameters.

Results

The prevalence of gangrenous cholecystitis in men older than 50 years was 29.3%. The risk factors for the disease were as follows: diabetes mellitus (p=0.006, RCP=4.191), leukocytosis (p=0.003), gallbladder thickness greater than 4 mm (p=0.035, RCP=3.818), which increased mortality [(p=0.04) (RCP=8.001)]. Murphy's sign showed a negative association (p=0.002, RCP=0.204). Values close to significance were observed in relation to gamma glutamyl transferase (p=0.083, RCP=3.125) and hospital stay (p=0.061, RCP=2.765).

Conclusions

Male gender, and age older than 50 years, were correlated with a high prevalence of necrosis, higher than that reported in females. The risk factors for developing necrosis are the same as those described for female patients.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis: a retrospective study assessing risk factors for conversion and complications

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to identify risk factors for conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and risk factors for postoperative complications in acute calculous cholecystitis. The most common complications arising from cholecystectomy were also to be identified.

METHODS

A total of 499 consecutive patients, who had undergone emergent cholecystectomy with diagnosis of cholecystitis in Meilahti Hospital in 2013-2014, were identified from the hospital database. Of the identified patients, 400 had acute calculous cholecystitis of which 27 patients with surgery initiated as open cholecystectomy were excluded, resulting in 373 patients for the final analysis. The Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications was used.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was initiated in 373 patients of which 84 (22.5%) were converted to open surgery. Multivariate logistic regression identified C-reactive protein (CRP) over 150 mg/l, age over 65 years, diabetes, gangrene of the gallbladder and an abscess as risk factors for conversion. Complications were experienced by 67 (18.0%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression identified age over 65 years, male gender, impaired renal function and conversion as risk factors for complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced cholecystitis with high CRP, gangrene or an abscess increase the risk of conversion. The risk of postoperative complications is higher after conversion. Early identification and treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis might reduce the number of patients with advanced cholecystitis and thus improve outcomes.

Usefulness of Laparoscopy in Gangrenous Cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) is a rare and severe condition requiring immediate cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with open cholecystectomy in patients with GC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of 278 patients with GC who underwent cholecystectomy, for acute cholecystitis were compared with those of 531 patients with nongangrenous cholecystitis. In patients with GC, the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy were also compared with the outcomes of open cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis demonstrated an independent association of diabetes mellitus, temperature, muscle rigidity on examination, white cell blood count, gallbladder wall thickening, gallbladder wall interruption, detection of pericholecystic exudate on ultrasonography, with the development of acute GC. The rate of conversions in the GC group was higher than in nongangrenous cholecystitis group. In patients with GC morbidity did not differ between patients operated using laparoscopic technique or open technique. Total and postoperative hospital stays were shorter in patients operated using laparoscopic technique.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure in patients with GC. Although the conversion rate to open surgery was elevated, the number of other complications was comparable to open surgery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy significantly reduced total hospital stays and medical costs.