Bile duct injuries in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomies

Cracking the silent gallstone code: Wait or operate?

The widespread availability of abdominal ultrasound has revealed the common occurrence of asymptomatic gallstones. While the treatment for symptomatic gallstones is clear, the benefits of minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy have sparked debate about the best approach to managing silent gallstones. The potential for asymptomatic gallstones to become symptomatic or lead to complications complicates the decision-making process regarding surgical intervention, as it's uncertain when or which patients might develop complications. Consequently, risk stratification appears to play a critical role in guiding decisions about silent gallstones. However, there is no definitive evidence to direct management, and a consensus-based on high-quality evidence is yet to be established.

Comparing Outcomes of Sub-Total Cholecystectomy Versus Open Cholecystectomy as Bailout Procedures for the Difficult Gallbladder

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common operations performed, there is no consensus on the best surgical approach when inflammation obscures hepatocystic anatomy in severe cholecystitis. Traditionally, this situation triggered conversion to open cholecystectomy (COC); however, in recent decades, alternative approaches have been described. We compared outcomes of bailout procedures for severe cholecystitis, primarily focusing on COC versus laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSTC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review comparing outcomes of intended laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases that were converted to bailout procedures between 2015-2020 at a single institution. Bailout procedures were categorized into LSTC and COC groups. Demographics, clinical presentation, time to surgery, operative indications, operative duration, and post-operative outcomes were compared using independent sample t-tests with Welch-Satterthwaite correction or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests (continuous variables) or Fisher's exact/χ2 tests. A P-value of less than .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Final analysis included 158 subjects: 55 LSTC and 99 COC. Patient demographics and clinical presentations were similar between groups. LSTC had shorter operative time, fewer ICU admissions, and shorter length of stay than COC (P < .05). There were 9 (9.2%) cases of ileus, 4 (4.0%) cases of post-operative bleeding, and 2 (2.0%) cases of bile duct injury in COC. There was 1 (1.8%) case of ileus, 1 (1.8%) case of post-operative bleeding, and no bile duct injury in LSTC.

CONCLUSION

LSTC was associated with fewer complications than COC, which had higher rates of biliary injury, bleeding, ileus, ICU admission, and longer hospital stay.

Initial management of suspected biliary injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Although rare, iatrogenic bile duct injury (BDI) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be devastating to the patient. The cornerstones for the initial management of BDI are early recognition, followed by modern imaging and evaluation of injury severity. Tertiary hepato-biliary centre care with a multi-disciplinary approach is crucial. The diagnostics of BDI commences with a multi-phase abdominal computed tomography scan, and when the biloma is drained or a surgical drain is put in place, the diagnosis is set with the help of bile drain output. To visualize the leak site and biliary anatomy, the diagnostics is supplemented with contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The location and severity of the bile duct lesion and concomitant injuries to the hepatic vascular system are evaluated. Most often, a combination of percutaneous and endoscopic methods is used for control of contamination and bile leak. Generally, the next step is endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) for downstream control of the bile leak. ERC with insertion of a stent is the treatment of choice in most mild bile leaks. The surgical option of re-operation and its timing should be discussed in cases where an endoscopic and percutaneous approach is not sufficient. The patient's failure to recover properly in the first days after laparoscopic cholecystectomy should immediately raise suspicion of BDI and this merits immediate investigation. Early consultation and referral to a dedicated hepato-biliary unit are essential for the best outcome.

Actuarial Patency Rates of Hepatico-Jejunal Anastomosis after Repair of Bile Duct Injury at a Reference Center

Background: Bile duct injury complicates patients’ lives, despite the subsequent repair. Repairing the injury must restore continuity of the bile tree and bring the patient into a state of cure referred to as “patency”. Actuarial primary or actuarial secondary patency rates, depending on whether the patient underwent primary or secondary repair of injury, are proposed to be a proper metric in evaluating outcomes. This study was undertaken to assess outcomes of 669 patients with bile duct injuries Strasberg D and E type referred to the department from public surgical wards between 1990 and 2020. In 442 patients, no attempt was made to repair prior to a referral, and in 227 an attempt to repair was made which failed. Methods: Observations were summarized on December 31st, 2020. The retrospective analysis included: primary patency attained (Grade A result), secondary patency attained (Grade C result), patency loss, and actuarial patency rates of the bile tree at 2, 5, and 10 years. Results: Twenty-five (3.7%) patients died after repair surgery. Actuarial patency rates at 2, 5, and 10 years of follow-up were 93%, 88%, and 74% or 86%, 75%, and 55% in patients attaining Grade A and Grade C outcomes, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Bile duct injury stands out as a surgical challenge, requiring specialized management at a referral center. Improper proceeding after an injury is the factor leading to faster loss of anastomotic patency.

Partial segments 4/5 liver resection facilitates the repair of complicated bile duct injuries: a technical challenge and long-term outcomes

Adequate exposure with optimal anteroposterior view of the hilar plate is challenging and crucial in a surgical repair of complicated hilar bile duct injuries. A high-quality anastomosis depends on the ability to identify non-scarred, non-inflamed, non-ischemic bile ducts. This study provides operative details of the Partial Segments 4/5 Liver Resection with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (PS4/5LRHJ) and presents its long-term outcomes. 36 patients with the Strasberg type E bile duct injuries (BDIs) who underwent the PS4/5LRHJ from 2003 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes of the surgical treatments were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 46.3 years. 22 patients underwent BDI repair as index operations and 14 patients as re-repair operations. Operative times between the index operation group and the re-repair group (396.6 min vs 391.3 min, respectively, p = 0.876) and blood loss (590.6 ml vs 640 ml, respectively, p = 0.587) were not statistically different. The mean length of hospital stay was 23 days. The median follow-up duration was 73 months. Major complications developed in 10 patients (27.8%), of which intra-abdominal collection was the most common (eight patients, 22.2%). Anastomotic stricture developed in one patient (2.8%). The mortality rate was zero. The overall 10-year patency rate was 95.2%. PS4/5LRHJ offered long-term patency with acceptable morbidity in the hilar bile duct injuries and re-repair operations.

MRI evaluation of bile duct injuries and other post-cholecystectomy complications

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common procedures performed each year and can be associated with various post-operative complications. Imaging is integral to diagnosis and management of patients with suspected cholecystectomy complications, and a thorough understanding of normal and abnormal biliary anatomy, risk factors for biliary injury, and the spectrum of adverse events is crucial for interpretation of imaging studies. Magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) enhanced with hepatobiliary contrast agent is useful in delineating biliary anatomy and pathology following cholecystectomy. In this article, we provide a protocol for contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the biliary tree. We also review the classification and imaging manifestations of post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries in addition to other complications such as bilomas, retained/dropped gallstones, and vascular injuries.

Experience of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies in a Tertiary Care Hospital: a Retrospective Study

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed surgical procedure of digestive tract. It has replaced open cholecystectomy as gold standard treatment for cholelithiasis and inflammation of gallbladder.  It is estimated that approximately 90% of cholecystectomies in the  United States are performed using a laparoscopic approach.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in context to its complications, morbidity and mortality in a tertiary care hospital.  Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 1200 patients, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomies, during the period from January 2019 to December 2019, at Government Medical College Jammu J & K, India and necessary data was collected and reviewed. Results: In our study, a total of 1200 patients were studied including 216 males (18%) and 984 females (82%). The mean age of the patients was 43.35±8.61. The mean operative time in our study was 55.5±10.60 minutes with range of 45 – 90 minutes. Conversion rate was 2.6%. 2 patients were re-explored. Bile duct injury was found in 6 patients (0.5%).  Conclusions: Gallstone disease is a global health problem. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has now replaced open cholecystectomy as the first choice of treatment for gallstones. Gall stone diseases is most frequently encountered in female population. The risk factors for conversion to open cholecystectomy include male gender, previous abdominal surgery, acute cholecystitis, dense adhesions and fibrosis in Calot’ s triangle, anatomical variations, advanced age, comorbidity, obesity, suspicion of common bile duct stones, jaundice, and decreased surgeon experience. The incidence of surgical site infection has significantly decreased in laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to open cholecystectomy. In our study we could not find any case of surgical site infection.

Indocyanine green administration a day before surgery may increase bile duct detectability on fluorescence cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The optimal indocyanine green (ICG) administration protocol for fluorescence cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has yet to be determined.

METHODS

A prospective study including 20 cases of ICG fluorescence-navigated LC was conducted. Accordingly, the first 10 patients were administered 2.5 mg of ICG on the day of surgery after intubation (surgery-day group), while the remaining 10 consecutive patients were administered 0.25 mg/kg of ICG on the evening before surgery (one-day-before group). Fluorescence intensity (FI) of each tissue and FI ratios were then compared between both groups.

RESULTS

The median interval between observation and ICG administration was 27 minutes and 16 hours 24 minutes in the surgery-day and one-day-before group, respectively. Although FI values for the common bile duct (CBD), liver, and hepatoduodenal ligament (HDL) were significantly lower in the one-day-before group than in the surgery-day group, CBD- , 0.6-1.2 vs 2.5, 0.9 = -4.8; P < .001), and CBD-HDL contrast (1.7, 1.4-2.4 vs 2.3, 1.5-13.3; P = .038) were significantly higher in the one-day-before group than in the surgery-day group.

CONCLUSION

ICG administration a day before LC may offer better CBD background contrast compared to administration just prior to surgery.

Biodegradable biliary stents preferable to plastic stent therapy in post-cholecystectomy bile leak and avoid second endoscopy

BACKGROUND

The treatment of post-cholecystectomy bile leak is endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) with plastic stent (PS) insertion combined with external drainage. Self-expanding biodegradable biliary stents (BDBS) have only recently become available.

AIM

The aim was to compare success rate, adverse events and costs of BDBS with PS in the treatment of post-cholecystectomy cystic duct leak Materials and methods: Patients recruited prospectively for treatment with BDBS during the period 2014-2017 were compared to a control group treated with PS in a non-randomized setting.

RESULTS

Altogether 32 patients (median age 68, range 33-88, 59% male) were treated for Strasberg A bile leak over a period of 3.5 years, accounting for 1.8% of all ERCs. Eight patients were treated with BDBS and 24 with PS. Treatment with BDBS was safe; rate of readmissions and 30-day adverse events were 13% in both groups. There was no statistical difference in the clinical success rate. All cases with laparoscopic lavation or re-ERC with stent exchange occurred in the PS group. Total drain output was lower in BDBS patients (330ml vs 83ml, p=.002). All PS patients required another endoscopy for stent removal, whereas all BDBS patients were spared repeated endoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of cystic duct leak with BDBS is highly successful and as safe as traditional treatment with PS. The most obvious benefit of BDBS is that it avoids stent removal. The lower drain output after ERC with a trend for fewer unplanned interventions may indicate more efficient leak resolution with the large bore BDBS.

An analysis of early postoperative complications following biliary reconstruction of major bile duct injuries using the Modified Accordion and Anatomic, Timing Of and Mechanism classifications

Background

Few studies have reported patient outcome after surgical repair of bile duct injury using a standardized, validated classification system. This is the first analysis to investigate the correlation between the Anatomic, Timing Of and Mechanism classification of bile duct injury and severity of postoperative complications classified using the Modified Accordion Grading System.

Methods

Patients undergoing index hepaticojejunostomy repair of bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a tertiary referral center from 1993-2018 were included. Patient demographics, geographic distance from referral center, time to referral, Anatomic, Timing Of and Mechanism classification and highest Modified Accordion Grade complication were retrieved from a prospective database. The primary outcome was determined using correlation statistics to assess the relationship between level of injury and severity of postoperative complication.

Results

One hundred and twenty-eight patients were included. There was no correlation between level of injury and severity of postoperative complication (r_s(128) = –0.113, P = .203). Seventy (54.7%) patients had an injury less than 2 cm from the hepatic duct bifurcation and 52% of patients developed a postoperative complication, most mild to moderate in severity. Geographic distance resulted in substantial delays in referral (P < .001) but did not affect complication rate (P = .523).

Conclusion

In this prospective analysis the short-term complication rate was higher than previous retrospective reports, but the distribution of the severity of complications and spectrum of injury type were similar. There was no correlation between severity of injury and postoperative complications. Geographic distance from referral center resulted in substantial differences in referral delay but had no statistically significant effect on outcome.

OUTCOME OF LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH GALLSTONE DISEASE AT A SECONDARY LEVEL CARE HOSPITAL

Background:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed operation of the digestive tract. ⁾It is considered as the gold standard treatment for cholelithiasis.

Aim:

To evaluate the outcome of it regarding length of hospital stay, complications, morbidity and mortality at a secondary hospital.

Methods:

Data of 492 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ demographics, co-morbid diseases, previous abdominal surgery, conversion to open cholecystectomy, operative time, intra and postoperative complications, and hospital stay were collected and analyzed from patients’ files.

Results:

Out of 492 patients, 386 (78.5%) were females and 106 (21.5%) males. The mean age of the patients was 49.35±8.68 years. Mean operative time was 65.94±11.52 min. Twenty-four cases (4.9%) were converted to open surgery, four due to obscure anatomy (0.8%), 11 due to difficult dissection in Calot’s triangle (2.2%) and nine by bleeding (1.8%). Twelve (2.4%) cases had biliary leakage, seven (1.4%) due to partial tear in common bile duct, the other five due to slipped cystic duct stables. Mean hospital stay was 2.6±1.5 days. Twenty-one (4.3%) developed wound infection. Port site hernia was detected in nine (1.8%) patients. There was no cases of bowel injury or spilled gallstones. There was no mortality recorded in this series.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective line for management of gallstone disease that can be performed with acceptable morbidity at a secondary hospital.

How to improve the safety of hepato-bilio-pancreatic surgery?

The diversity of disease spectrum, anatomical variability, pathophysiological complexity, and the invasiveness and uncertainty of hepato-bilio-pancreatic diseases pose a great challenge to hepato-bilio-pancreatic surgeons and result in a high incidence of perioperative complications. To ensure the safety of operation is an eternal issue of hepato-bilio-pancreatic surgery. The technique of hepato-bilio-pancreatic surgery is complicated, and the concept of minimally invasive surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) puts forward higher requirements for hepato-bilio-pancreatic surgery. Therefore, hepato-bilio-pancreatic surgeons should pay attention to the balance of minimal invasiveness between operation mode and the incision. ERAS should be started with simple diseases and be developed at a steady pace. Standardized training is the key to improve the safety of hepato-bilio-pancreatic surgery and precision surgery is an effective method. Accurate preoperative assessment, meticulous preoperative preparation, precise surgical planning, accurate operation and excellent postoperative management can help achieve the aims of best plan, lowest cost, minimum invasiveness and fastest recovery.

Management of bile duct injuries combined with accessory hepatic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Bile duct injuries (BDIs) are difficult to avoid absolutely when the biliary tract has a malformation, such as accessory hepatic duct. Here, we investigated the management strategies for BDI combined with accessory hepatic duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Are we getting the critical view? A prospective study of photographic documentation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

At laparoscopic cholecystectomy, most surgeons have adopted the operative approach where the 'critical view of safety' (CVS) is achieved prior to dividing the cystic duct and artery. This prospective study evaluated whether an adequate critical view was achieved by scoring standardized intra-operative photographic views and whether there were other factors that might impact on the ability to obtain an adequate critical view.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy were studied. At each operation, two photographs were taken. Two independent experienced hepatobiliary surgeons scored the photographs on whether a critical view of safety was achieved. Inter-observer agreement was calculated using the weighted kappa coefficient. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test was used to analyse the scores with potential confounding clinical factors.

RESULTS

The kappa coefficient for adequate display of the cystic duct and artery was 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33 to 0.64; P = 0.001. No bias was detected in the overall scorings between the two observers (χ(2) 1.33; P = 0.312). Other clinical factors including surgeon seniority did not alter the outcome [odds ratio (OR) 0.902; 95% confidence interval 0.622 to 1.264].

CONCLUSION

Heightened awareness of the CVS through mandatory documentation may improve both trainee and surgeon technique.

Long-term health-related quality of life after iatrogenic bile duct injury repair

BACKGROUND

Data on the effect of bile duct injuries (BDI) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are not well defined. We sought to assess long-term HRQOL after BDI repair in a large cohort of patients spanning a 23-year period.

STUDY DESIGN

We identified and mailed HRQOL questionnaires to all patients treated for major BDI after laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2012 at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

RESULTS

We identified 167 patients alive at the time of the study who met the inclusion criteria. Median age at BDI was 42 years (interquartile range 31 to 54 years); the majority of patients were female (n = 131 [78.4%]) and of white race (n = 137 [83.0%]). Most patients had Bismuth level 2 (n = 56 [33.7%]) or Bismuth level 3 (n = 40 [24.1%]) BDI. Surgical repair most commonly involved a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (n = 142 [86.1%]). Sixty-two patients (37.1%) responded to the HRQOL questionnaire. Median follow-up was 169 months (interquartile range 125 to 222 months). At the time of BDI, mental health was most affected, with patients commonly reporting a depressed mood (49.2%) or low energy level (40.0%). These symptoms improved significantly after definitive repair (both p < 0.05). Limitations in physical activity and general health remained unchanged before and after surgical repair (both p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Mental health concerns were more commonplace vs physical or general health issues among patients with BDI followed long term. Optimal multidisciplinary management of BDI can help restore HRQOL to preinjury levels.

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent cholangiography during robotic cholecystectomy: results of 184 consecutive cases in a single institution

BACKGROUND/AIM

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is currently the gold standard treatment for gallstone disease. Bile duct injury is a rare and severe complication of this procedure, with a reported incidence of 0.4% to 0.8% and is mostly a result of misperception and misinterpretation of the biliary anatomy. Robotic cholecystectomy has proven to be a safe and feasible approach. One of the latest innovations in minimally invasive technology is fluorescent imaging using indocyanine green (ICG). The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of ICG and the Da Vinci Fluorescence Imaging Vision System in real-time visualization of the biliary anatomy.

METHODS

A total of 184 robotic cholecystectomies with ICG fluorescence cholangiography were performed between July 2011 and February 2013. All patients received a dose of 2.5 mg of ICG 45 minutes prior to the beginning of the surgical procedure. The procedures were multiport or single port depending on the case.

RESULTS

No conversions to open or laparoscopic surgery occurred in this series. The overall postoperative complication rate was 3.2%. No biliary injuries occurred. ICG fluorescence allowed visualization of at least 1 biliary structure in 99% of cases. The cystic duct, the common bile duct, and the common hepatic duct were successfully visualized with ICG in 97.8%, 96.1%, and 94% of cases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

ICG fluorescent cholangiography during robotic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective procedure that helps real-time visualization of the biliary tree anatomy.

Surgical task analysis of simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a navigation system

PURPOSE

   Advanced surgical procedures, which have become complex and difficult, increase the burden of surgeons. Quantitative analysis of surgical procedures can improve training, reduce variability, and enable optimization of surgical procedures. To this end, a surgical task analysis system was developed that uses only surgical navigation information.

METHODS

   Division of the surgical procedure, task progress analysis, and task efficiency analysis were done. First, the procedure was divided into five stages. Second, the operating time and progress rate were recorded to document task progress during specific stages, including the dissecting task. Third, the speed of the surgical instrument motion (mean velocity and acceleration), as well as the size and overlap ratio of the approximate ellipse of the location log data distribution, was computed to estimate the task efficiency during each stage. These analysis methods were evaluated based on experimental validation with two groups of surgeons, i.e., skilled and "other" surgeons. The performance metrics and analytical parameters included incidents during the operation, the surgical environment, and the surgeon's skills or habits.

RESULTS

   Comparison of groups revealed that skilled surgeons tended to perform the procedure in less time and involved smaller regions; they also manipulated the surgical instruments more gently.

CONCLUSION

   Surgical task analysis developed for quantitative assessment of surgical procedures and surgical performance may provide practical methods and metrics for objective evaluation of surgical expertise.

The chain of postoperative complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Bile duct injuries are among the most dreadful complications of cholecystectomy. As laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become increasingly popular, the incidence of this complication increased and has remained unchanged in spite the learning curve being completed. A 50-year-old female underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone disease. A complicated bile duct injury occurred during the procedure. As the injury was immediately recognized, it was treated with concomitant hepaticojejunostomy. In the postoperative period, biliary fistula, which was assumed to be the result of an anastomotic leak, was encountered. Diagnostic and therapeutic percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was considered. It revealed that the anastomosis was intact and the source of biliary leak was an aberrant right posterior sectorial branch. A severe bleeding through the biliary catheter occurred due to transmigration of the catheter into the portal vein. Bleeding was controlled with embolization by the interventional radiologist. The patient thereafter was re-operated, and the leakage was sealed by ligation of the aberrant right posterior sectorial branch. The postoperative period was uneventful. As long as cholecystectomy is performed, bile duct injuries will always exist. Therefore, every abdominal surgeon should be aware of possible consequences of complications related to this procedure.

Does routine intra-operative cholangiography reduce the risk of biliary injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy? An evidence-based approach

The role of routine intra-operative cholangiography (IOC) during cholecystectomy remains controversial. The purpose of this evidence-based review was to analyze the role of IOC in the prevention and detection of biliary ductal injury during cholecystectomy. The relative rarity of biliary complications means that the randomized trials and meta-analyses that include fewer than 12,000 patients cannot answer the question. Therefore, only six comparative studies were included in this review. The conclusions of these studies were conflicting, half showing a protective effect of routine IOC and the other half showing no effect. Nevertheless, the U.S. and Swedish studies that included the largest number of patients suggested that, while not a panacea, routine IOC could prevent major biliary injuries (one ductal injury per 500 cholecystectomies). Finally, in the context of risk management, we must also emphasize the educational value of teaching young (and not so young) surgeons how to correctly interpret the operative cholangiogram.

Intraoperative management and repair of bile duct injuries sustained during 10,123 laparoscopic cholecystectomies in a high-volume referral center

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) remains the most serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The best strategy in terms of timing of repair is still controversial. The purpose of the current study is to review the experience in the intraoperative repair of bile duct injuries sustained during LC at a high-volume referral center.

STUDY DESIGN

Single-institution retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Patients with diagnosis of BDI sustained during LC between October 1991 and November 2010 were extracted.

RESULTS

Among 10,123 LC performed during the study period, 19 patients had a BDI sustained during the procedure. Intraoperative cholangiography was routinely used. Bile duct injury was diagnosed intraoperatively in 17 patients (89.4%). Mean age was 56.4 years (range 18 to 81 years) and 15 patients were women (88%). According to the Strasberg classification of BDI, there were 3 type C lesions, 12 type D lesions, and 2 type E2 lesions. There were no associated vascular injuries. Twelve cases (71%) were converted to open surgery. The repairs included 10 primary biliary closures, 4 Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomies, 2 end to end anastomosis, and 1 laparoscopic transpapillary drainage. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 patients (29.4%). During the follow-up period, early biliary strictures developed in 2 patients (11.7%) and were treated by percutaneous dilation and a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with satisfactory long-term results.

CONCLUSIONS

The current series represents one of the largest single-center experiences in terms of intraoperative repair of BDI sustained during LC. The results suggest that a high level of intraoperative diagnosis is possible, where intraoperative cholangiography is a useful tool. The intraoperative repair of BDI sustained during LC by experienced hepatobiliary surgeons either by open or laparoscopic approach appears of paramount importance to assure optimal results.

Factors Affecting Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes After Bilioenteric Reconstruction for Post-cholecystectomy Bile Duct Injury: Experience at a Tertiary Care Centre

Bile duct injury following cholecystectomy is an iatrogenic catastrophe associated with significant perioperative morbidity, reduced long-term survival and quality of life. There has been little literature on the long-term outcomes after surgical reconstruction and factors affecting it. The aim of this study was to study factors affecting long-term outcomes following surgical repair of iatrogenic bile duct injury being referred to a tertiary care centre. Between January 2005 to December 2011, 138 patients with bile duct injury were treated in a single surgical unit in a tertiary care referral hospital. Preoperative details were recorded. After initial resuscitation, any intra-abdominal collection was drained and an imaging of biliary anatomy was done. Once the general condition of the patient improved, patients were taken up for a side-to-side extended left duct hepaticojejunostomy. The post-operative outcomes were recorded and a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan and liver function tests were done, and then the patients were followed up at regular intervals. Clinical outcome was evaluated according to clinical grades described by Terblanche and Worthley (Surgery 108:828-834, 1990). The variables were compared using chi-square, unpaired Student's t test and Fisher's exact test. A two-tailed p value of <0.05 was considered significant. One hundred thirty-eight patients, 106 (76.8 %) females and 32 (23.2 %) males with an age range of 20-63 years (median 40.8 ± SD) with bile duct injury following open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were operated during this period. Majority of the patients [83 (60.1 %)] had a delayed presentation of more than 3 months. Based on imaging, Strasburg type E1 was seen in 17 (12.5 %), type E2 in 30 (21.7 %), type E3 in 85 (61.5 %) and type E4 in 6 (4.3 %). On multivariate analysis, only level of injury, longer duration of referral and associated vascular injury were independently associated with an overall poor long-term outcome. This study demonstrates level of injury at or above the confluence; associated vascular injury and delay in referral were associated with poorer outcomes in long-term follow-up; however, almost all patients had excellent outcome in long-term follow-up.

Real-time near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent cholangiography in single-site robotic cholecystectomy (SSRC): a single-institutional prospective study

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury is a rare but serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the primary cause is misinterpretation of biliary anatomy. This may occur more frequently with a single-incision approach due to difficulties in exposing and visualizing the triangle of Calot. Intraoperative cholangiography was proposed to overcome this problem, but due to multiple issues, it is not used routinely. Indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent cholangiography is non invasive and provides real-time biliary images during surgery, which may improve the safety of single-incision cholecystectomy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique during single-site robotic cholecystectomy (SSRC).

METHODS

Patients presenting with symptomatic biliary gallstones without suspicion of common bile duct stones underwent SSRC with ICG-NIR fluorescent cholangiography using the da Vinci Fluorescence Imaging Vision System. During patient preparation, 2.5 mg of ICG was injected intravenously. During surgery, the biliary anatomy was imaged in real time, which guided dissection of Calot's triangle. Perioperative outcomes included biliary tree visualizations, operative time, conversion and complications rates, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

There were 45 cases between July 2011 and January 2012. All procedures were completed successfully; there were no conversions and at least one structure was visualized in each patient. The rates of visualization were 93 % for the cystic duct, 88 % for the common hepatic duct, and 91 % for the common bile duct prior to Calot's dissection; after Calot's dissection, the rates were 97 % for all three ducts. Mean hospital stay was 1.1 days and there were no bile duct injuries or any other major complications.

CONCLUSION

Real-time high-resolution fluorescent imaging to identify the biliary tree anatomy during SSRC using the da Vinci Fluorescence Imaging Vision System was safe and effective.

Clinical indicators in surgery: a critical review of the Australian experience

BACKGROUND

A set of clinical measures (indicators), developed by an Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) and Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) working party, was introduced into the accreditation programme in 1997. Although early qualitative and quantitative reporting by health-care organizations (HCOs) reflected their value in stimulating change, the number of HCOs reporting data on this set of clinical indicators (CIs) has declined, despite an increase in the number of HCOs reporting data on the CIs programme overall. Possible reasons for this decline were sought.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected surgical CI data was performed, a national survey of stakeholders in the ACHS programme was conducted and a comparison was made with published international data.

RESULTS

From a maximum of 247 HCOs reporting data in 2002, the number fell to 168 by 2011. While favourable trends were evident with some CIs, for example, a decline in the rate of negative histology in childhood appendicectomy and in the rate of in-hospital infection in total hip joint replacement, there was minimal change with many of the CIs, suggesting limited responsiveness as measures of care. In the national survey, stakeholder's response was positive overall, but there was a requirement for regular review of CIs. Although some colleges viewed the CIs as simplistic and not reliable, comparisons with similar measures available in the international literature were favourable.

CONCLUSIONS

Possible reasons for the declining number of HCOs reporting surgical CI data are a lack of a recent revision of the CIs and a lack of engagement of clinicians from the RACS. Revision of the surgical CI set is required.

Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with a higher bile duct injury rate: a review and a word of caution

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of bile duct injuries during single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) in relation to the accepted historic rate of 0.4% to 0.5% for standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SLC).

BACKGROUND

Technically, SILC is more challenging than SLC. The role and benefit of SILC in patient care has yet to be defined. Bile duct injuries have been reported in several series of SILC.

METHOD

A comprehensive database search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PubMed Central was performed to generate all reported cases of SILC to present. The search was limited to reports of 20 or more patients based on current literature of existing SILC learning curves. Data were analyzed using the Student t test and χ analyses where appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 76 candidate studies were identified; 45 studies met inclusion criteria for an aggregate total of 2626 patients. Most SILCs were performed in the absence of acute cholecystitis (90.6%). The aggregate complication rate was 4.2%, and complications were graded according to the Dindo-Clavien Classification System. Nineteen bile duct injuries were identified for a SILC-associated bile duct injury rate of 0.72%.

CONCLUSIONS

There seems to be an increase in the rate of bile duct injuries during SILC when compared with historic rates during SLC. Because most SILCs are performed in optimal conditions, such as lack of acute inflammation, we urge caution in applying this technique to inflamed gallbladder pathology. Controlled trials are needed before conclusions are made regarding safety of SILC.

Treatment of common bile duct injuries after surgery

The treatment of common biliary duct injuries after surgery is a permanent challenge for physicians, and management by a multidisciplinary team is often required. The endoscopic approach is a valuable tool because it is able to assess the problem and also provide a therapeutic option for both fistulas and stenosis of the biliary tree. This article discusses the endoscopic management of postsurgical injuries of the common bile duct and discusses the application of practical tools.

T-tube bridging for the management of biliary tree injuries

Background:

Injuries of the biliary tree, which mainly occur as a complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, are a potentially life threatening cause of high morbidity and mortality. The reported frequency of biliary injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is from 0.5–0.8%. Such injuries may sometimes become too complicated for surgical repair. Presented here is the case of a patient with a major bile duct injury for whom bile duct continuity was achieved using a T-tube.

Case Report:

A 53-year-old man, who developed bile duct injury following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in another center for cholelithiasis, was referred to our clinic. A Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed in the early postoperative period. However, ensuing anastomotic leakage prompted undoing of the hepaticojejunostomy followed by placement of a T-tube by which bile duct continuity was achieved.

Conclusions:

For injuries with tissue loss requiring external drainage, T-tube bridging offers a feasible option in that it provides bile duct continuity with biliary flow into the duodenum, as well as achieving external drainage, thus alleviating the need for further definitive surgery.

Treatment of Major Laparoscopic Bile Duct Injury: A Long-Term Follow-up Result

The goal of this study is to present the multiple institutions experience comparing the outcome of management between initial laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) surgeon and specialist as well as the outcome of different operative procedures to major bile duct injury (BDI) after LC. We have retrospectively collected data of 77 cases of perioperatively detected major BDI in LC at 15 general surgical institutions from 1997 to 2007. We classified 42 cases treated by an experienced biliary surgeon as Group A and 35 cases treated by the initial LC surgeon as Group B. Forty-eight cases were treated with duct-to-duct anastomosis as Group C and 29 cases were treated with Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy as Group D. The median duration of follow-up was 62 months. The outcome of groups was compared. In Group A, 7 of 42 (16.7%) patients developed a failure. Two of seven (28.6%) patients were treated by a secondary operation. In Group B, 24 of 35 (68.6%) patients developed a failure. Seventeen of 24 (70.8%) patients were treated by a secondary operation. One of 35 (2.85%) patients died. The significant differences were observed in failure and secondary operations (16.7 vs 68.6%, P < 0.01 and 28.6 vs 70.8%, P < 0.01). There is no significant difference Group C and Group D in failure rate (28.5 vs 11.7%, P > 0.05). A multiple institutional cooperative methodology between the local surgical institution and tertiary care centers provided a good way to limit further operations, failure. The reconstructive strategy is important and should be selected according to the type of injury and the diagnosed status of major BDI.

Complete transection of the main bile duct: minimally invasive treatment with an endoscopic-radiologic rendezvous

BACKGROUND

Complete transection of the common bile duct (CBD) is a dramatic and often extremely difficult-to-repair event after surgery. Abdominal biliary fluid collection or jaundice is the initial symptom, and ERCP is the determinant for diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a combined endoscopic-radiologic technique for the reconstruction of the CBD.

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care center for biliary surgery.

PATIENTS

This study involved 22 patients with complete transection of the CBD after cholecystectomy.

INTERVENTION

A guidewire is passed in the subhepatic space through the endoscopic approach. A snare loop is advanced from the percutaneous entry site to catch the free end of the wire and then pulled outside the body: a percutaneous biliary-duodenal (PTBD) drainage is put in place. After a new contralateral PTBD, 4 plastic stents are inserted. The stents are removed endoscopically after 8 to 12 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Success of the rendezvous maneuver, patient recovery, and patient mortality.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up period of 4 years, 16 patients are asymptomatic. Two patients are still under treatment, and 4 patients underwent surgery, as was the surgeon's choice.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center, retrospective study with a small population.

CONCLUSION

Interruption of the biliary tree does not represent an indication for an often-difficult surgical treatment, because the CBD is often thin in the presence of biliary peritonitis. However, the condition can be treated with a rendezvous technique. Surgery can be performed in elective conditions or completely avoided when conservative therapy is selected.

Treatment of Biliary Complications after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

The incidence of iatrogenic bile duct injury remains high despite increased awareness of the problem. This major complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has a significant impact on patient's well-being and even survival despite seemingly adequate therapy. The management of bile duct injury (BDI) includes education to avoid the insult, proper and early diagnosis and preferably early treatment. It is of utmost importance to involve experienced hepatobiliary surgeon early enough to perform corrective reconstruction or to plan other therapies with a multidisciplinary team including interventional radiologist and advanced endoscopist. The selection of correct therapy at the earliest possible phase has significant effect on patient outcome. The treatment options are surgery and endoscopy, either immediately or delayed.

By constant and continuous analysis of the problem and information to the surgical community it should be possible to decrease the prevalence of iatrogenic BDI and even to avoid it.