Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and liver cirrhosis

Value of monocyte distribution width for predicting severe cholecystitis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Acute cholecystitis is a gallbladder inflammation, and the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18) can be used to predict its presence and severity with high sensitivity and specificity. However, TG18 grading require the collection of excessive parameters. Monocyte distribution width (MDW) is a parameter used to detect sepsis early. Therefore, we investigated the correlation between MDW and cholecystitis severity.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with cholecystitis admitted to our hospital from November 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021. The primary outcome was severe cholecystitis analyzed as a composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality. The secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, ICU stay, and TG18 grade.

RESULTS

A total of 331 patients with cholecystitis were enrolled in this study. The average MDWs for TG18 grades 1, 2, and 3 were 20.21 ± 3.99, 20.34 ± 3.68, and 25.77 ± 6.61, respectively. For patients with severe cholecystitis, the average MDW was 25.42 ± 6.83. Using the Youden J statistic, we set a cutoff MDW of 21.6. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that patients with an MDW≥21.6 had a higher risk of severe cholecystitis (odds ratio=4.94; 95 % CI, 1.71-14.21; p=0.003). The Cox model revealed that patients with an MDW≥21.6 were more likely to have a prolonged hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

MDW is a reliable indicator of severe cholecystitis and prolonged length of stay. Additional MDW testing and a complete blood count may provide simple information for predicting severe cholecystitis early.

Management of Cholelithiasis in Cirrhotic Patients

Gallstone disease (GD) is a common disease worldwide and has a higher incidence in cirrhotic patients than in the general population. The main indications for cholecystectomy surgery in cirrhotic patients remain symptomatic cholelithiasis and its complications. Over the past two decades, numerous published reports have attested to the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in cirrhotic patients. Surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis represents an additional source of stress for an already impaired liver function and perioperative complications are remarkably high compared to non-cirrhotic patients, despite significant advances in surgical management. Therefore, preoperative risk stratification and adequate patient selection are mandatory to minimize postoperative complications. We have conducted a systematic review of the literature over the last 22 years for specific information on indications for surgery in cirrhotic patients and individual percentages of Child-Pugh grades undergoing treatment. There are very few reported cases of cholecystectomy and minimally invasive treatment, such as percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy (PTC), in patients with Child-Pugh grade C cirrhosis. With this work, we would like to pay attention to the treatment of cholelithiasis in cirrhotic patients who are still able to undergo cholecystectomy, thus also encouraging this type of intervention in cases of asymptomatic cholelithiasis in patients with Child-Pugh grades A and B.

Management of Gallstones and Acute Cholecystitis in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: What Should We Consider When Performing Surgery?

Acute cholecystitis and several gallbladder stone-related conditions, such as impacted common bile duct stones, cholangitis, and biliary pancreatitis, are common medical conditions in daily practice. An early cholecystectomy or drainage procedure with delayed cholecystectomy is the current standard of treatment based on published clinical guidelines. Cirrhosis is not only a condition of chronically impaired hepatic function but also has systemic effects in patients. In cirrhotic individuals, several predisposing factors, including changes in the bile acid composition, increased nucleation of bile, and decreased motility of the gallbladder, contribute to the formation of biliary stones and the possibility of symptomatic cholelithiasis, which is an indication for surgical treatment. In addition to these predisposing factors for cholelithiasis, systemic effects and local anatomic consequences related to cirrhosis lead to anesthesiologic risks and perioperative complications in cirrhotic patients. Therefore, the treatment of the aforementioned biliary conditions in cirrhotic patients has become a challenging issue. In this review, we focus on cholecystectomy for cirrhotic patients and summarize the surgical indications, risk stratification, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes specific to cirrhotic patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis.

Mortality After Extrahepatic Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Wall Surgery in Patients With Alcoholic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

AIMS

This meta-analysis aimed to define the perioperative risk of mortality in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) undergoing extrahepatic gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

Systematic searches of Embase, Medline and CENTRAL were undertaken to identify studies reporting about patients with ALD undergoing extrahepatic gastrointestinal surgery published since database inception to January 2019. Studies were only considered if they reported on mortality as an outcome. Pooled analysis of mortality was stratified as benign and malignant surgery and specific operative procedures where feasible.

RESULTS

Of the 2899 studies identified, only five studies met inclusion criteria, representing cholecystectomy (one study), umbilical hernia repair surgery (one study) and oesophagectomy (three studies). The total number of patients with ALD in these studies was 172. Therefore, any study on liver disease patients undergoing extrahepatic surgery that crucially included a subset with alcohol aetiology was included as a secondary analysis even though they failed to stratify mortality by underlying aetiology. The total number of studies that met this expanded inclusion criteria was 62, reporting on 37,703 patients with liver disease of which 1735 (4.5%) had a definite diagnosis of ALD. Meta-analysis of proportions of in-hospital mortality in patients with ALD undergoing upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery (oesophagectomy) was 23% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14-35%, I2 = 0%]. In-hospital mortality following oesophagectomy in liver disease patients of all aetiologies was lower, 14% (95% CI 9-21%, I2 = 41.1%).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative in-hospital mortality is high in patients with liver disease and ALD in particular. However, the currently available evidence on ALD is limited and precludes definitive conclusions on postoperative mortality risk.

Perioperative Evaluation and Management of Patients With Cirrhosis: Risk Assessment, Surgical Outcomes, and Future Directions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. We provide a narrative review of the available data regarding perioperative morbidity and mortality, risk assessment, and management of patients with cirrhosis undergoing non-hepatic surgical procedures.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature from 1998-2018 and identified 87 studies reporting perioperative outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. We extracted elements of study design and perioperative mortality by surgical procedure, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score reported in these 87 studies to support our narrative review.

RESULTS

Overall, perioperative mortality is 2-10 times higher in patients with cirrhosis compared to patients without cirrhosis, depending on the severity of liver dysfunction. For elective procedures, patients with compensated cirrhosis (CTP class A, or MELD <10) have minimal increase in operative mortality. CTP class C patients (or MELD >15) are at high risk for mortality; liver transplantation or alternatives to surgery should be considered. Very little data exist to guide perioperative management of patients with cirrhosis, so most recommendations are based on case series and expert opinion. Existing risk calculators are inadequate.

CONCLUSIONS

Severity of liver dysfunction, medical comorbidities and the type and complexity of surgery, including whether it is elective versus emergent, are all determinants of perioperative mortality and morbidity in patients with cirrhosis. There are major limitations to the existing clinical research on risk assessment and perioperative management that warrant further investigation.

Patient Factors Lead to Extensive Variation in Outcomes and Cost From Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy is a common procedure with significantly varied outcomes. We analyzed differences in comorbidities, outcomes, and cost of cholecystectomy by acute care surgery (ACS) versus hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients were retrospectively identified between 2008 and 2015. Exclusion criteria included the following: (1) part of another procedure; (2) abdominal trauma; (3) ICU admission; vasopressors.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-six ACS and 122 HPB patients were analyzed. The HPB subset had higher burden of comorbid disease and significantly lower projected 10-year survival (87.4% ACS vs 68.5% HPB, P < .0001). Median lengths of stay were longer in HPB patients (2 vs 5 days, P < .0001) as were readmission rates (30-day 5.6% vs 13.1%, P = .040; 90-day 7.9% vs 20.5%, P = .005). Median cost was higher including operative supply cost ($969.42 vs $1920.66, P < .0001) and total cost of care ($7340.66 vs $19 338.05, P < .0001). A predictive scoring system for difficult gallbladders was constructed and a phone application was created.

CONCLUSION

Cholecystectomy in a complicated patient can be difficult with longer hospital stays and higher costs. The utilization of procedure codes to explain disparities is not sufficient. Incorporation of comorbidities needs to be addressed for planning and reimbursement.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis: 8 years experience in a tertiary center. A retrospective cohort study

With improved laparoscopic techniques, experience, and availability of newer tools and instruments like ultrasonic shears; laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) became a feasible option in cirrhotic patients, the aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of LC in cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 213 cirrhotic patients underwent LC, in the period from 2011 to 2019; the overall male/female ratio was 114/99.

RESULTS

The most frequent Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score was A, The most frequent cause of cirrhosis was hepatitis C virus (HCV), while biliary colic was the most frequent presentation. The harmonic device was used in 39.9% of patients, with a significant correlation between it and lower operative bleeding, lower blood and plasma transfusion rates, higher operative adhesions rates, lower conversion to open surgery and 30-day complication rates, shorter operative time and post-operative hospital stays where operative adhesions and times were independently correlated. The 30-day morbidity and mortality were 22.1% and 2.3% respectively while overall survival was 91.5%, higher CTP, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, higher mean international normalization ratio (INR) value, lower mean platelet count, higher operative bleeding, higher blood, and plasma transfusion rates, longer mean operative time and postoperative hospital stays were significantly correlated with all conversion to open surgery, 30-day morbidities and mortalities.

CONCLUSION

LC can be safely performed in cirrhotic patients. However, higher CTP and MELD scores, operative bleeding, more blood and plasma transfusion units, longer operative time, lower platelet count, and higher INR values are predictors of poor outcome that can be improved by proper patient selection and meticulous peri-operative care and by using Harmonic scalpel shears.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis: 8 years experience in a tertiary center. A retrospective cohort study

With improved laparoscopic techniques, experience, and availability of newer tools and instruments like ultrasonic shears; laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) became a feasible option in cirrhotic patients, the aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of LC in cirrhotic patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 213 cirrhotic patients underwent LC, in the period from 2011 to 2019; the overall male/female ratio was 114/99.

RESULTS

The most frequent Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score was A, The most frequent cause of cirrhosis was hepatitis C virus (HCV), while biliary colic was the most frequent presentation. The harmonic device was used in 39.9% of patients, with a significant correlation between it and lower operative bleeding, lower blood and plasma transfusion rates, higher operative adhesions rates, lower conversion to open surgery and 30-day complication rates, shorter operative time and post-operative hospital stays where operative adhesions and times were independently correlated. The 30-day morbidity and mortality were 22.1% and 2.3% respectively while overall survival was 91.5%, higher CTP, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, higher mean international normalization ratio (INR) value, lower mean platelet count, higher operative bleeding, higher blood, and plasma transfusion rates, longer mean operative time and postoperative hospital stays were significantly correlated with all conversion to open surgery, 30-day morbidities and mortalities.

CONCLUSION

LC can be safely performed in cirrhotic patients. However, higher CTP and MELD scores, operative bleeding, more blood and plasma transfusion units, longer operative time, lower platelet count, and higher INR values are predictors of poor outcome that can be improved by proper patient selection and meticulous peri-operative care and by using Harmonic scalpel shears.

An obese patient with acute cholecystitis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis and liver cirrhosis is associated with increased risk. We present an obese patient with acute cholecystitis and liver cirrhosis caused by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), who was successfully managed with laparoscopic cholecystostomy and a low-carbohydrate diet with exercise.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 61-year-old woman presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Ultrasonography and computed tomography were consistent with acute cholecystitis with multiple stones and cirrhosis. The patient had no history of alcohol intake, and serologic tests were negative. The patient's body mass index was 39 kg/m² (154 cm, 93 kg) and NASH was suspected. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage was impossible because of the anatomic position of the gallbladder. Emergency laparoscopic cholecystostomy was performed initially for drainage. A low-carbohydrate diet and exercise were started for weight loss and her weight reduced by 19 kg over three months. Open cholecystectomy was performed uneventfully, and liver biopsy suggested NASH.

DISCUSSION

Laparoscopic cholecystostomy is a reasonable temporary alternative to cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis and increased surgical risk. Weight loss with diet and exercise can be effective in patients with NASH. A low-carbohydrate diet is a reasonable treatment for NASH, because glucose is converted to triglycerides and stored as lipid in the liver.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cholecystostomy was effective in this obese patient with acute cholecystitis and NASH cirrhosis. Using a low-carbohydrate diet with exercise, her weight decreased, and subsequent open cholecystectomy was uneventful.

Use of oxidized regenerated cellulose to achieve hemostasis during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective cohort analysis

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the first-choice treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Though generally safe, this procedure is not without complications, with bleeding the most frequent cause of conversion to open cholecystectomy. Oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) added to conventional hemostatic strategies, is widely used to control bleeding during surgery despite limited evidence supporting its use. This retrospective study analyzed patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an Italian center over a 16-month period, between October 2014 and February 2016, who experienced uncontrollable bleeding despite the use of conventional hemostatic strategies, requiring the addition of ORC gauze (Emosist®).

RESULTS

Of the 530 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 24 (4.5%) had uncontrollable bleeding from the liver bed. Of these, 62.5% had acute cholecystitis and 33.3% chronic cholecystitis; 1 patient was diagnosed with gallbladder carcinoma, postoperatively. Most patients had comorbidities, 16.7% had liver cirrhosis, and 37.5% used oral anticoagulants. The application of ORC rapidly controlled bleeding in all patients. Patients were discharged after a mean duration of 2.2 days. ORC was easy to use and well tolerated. Bleeding complications remain a relevant issue in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. ORC was able to promptly stop bleeding not adequately controlled by conventional methods and appears, therefore, to be a useful hemostat.

Cholecystectomy in cirrhotic patients – how safe is it?

Liver cirrhosis is a major health problem worldwide with a prevalence that varies greatly from one geographical area to another. Besides the risk factors common to the general population to develop gallstone disease such as advanced age, female sex or positive family history of gallstones, in patients with liver cirrhosis there are additional risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of gallstones. They are more frequent in patients with a longer duration of the disease and in Child B and C stages. Gallstones disease occurs three times more frequently in patients with liver cirrhosis than in non-cirrhotic patients. Surgery is required if symptoms or complications related to the presence of gallstones occur and a thorough preoperative evaluation and optimization of patient’s condition is necessary prior to surgery. The procedure of choice in these situations is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The technique has some particularities resulting from local anatomical changes and conversion to open technique remains low and morbidity and mortality rates are within acceptable limits.

Endoscopic management of choledocholithiasis and cholelithiasis in patients with cirrhosis

Treatment of choledocholithiasis and cholelithiasis in patients with cirrhosis often requires diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Patients with underlying cirrhosis may have coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites and other comorbidities associated with cirrhosis that can make endoscopic therapy challenging and can be associated with a higher risk of adverse events. Given the unique derangements of physiologic parameters associated with cirrhosis this population requires a truly multifaceted and multidisciplinary understanding between therapeutic endoscopists, hepatologists and anesthesiologists. For therapeutic endoscopists, it is critical to be aware of the specific issues unique to this population of patients to optimize outcomes and avoid adverse events. The epidemiology of gallstone disease, the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to patients with varying degree of hepatic dysfunction, and a review of the available literature in this area are presented.

Consecutive laparoscopic gallbladder and spleen resections in cirrhotic patients

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) plus splenectomy (LS) in liver cirrhosis patients.

METHODS: From 2003 to 2013, 17 (group 1) patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by hypersplenism and symptomatic gallstones were treated with combined LC and LS, while 58 (group 2) patients with liver cirrhosis and hypersplenism received LS alone. An additional 14 (group 3) patients who received traditional open procedures during the same period were included as controls. Data were retrospectively collected and reviewed in regard to demographic characteristics and preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative features. Differences between the three groups were assessed by statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The three groups showed no significant differences in the demographic characteristics or preoperative status. However, the patients treated with LC and LS required significantly longer operative time, shorter postoperative stay as well as shorter time of return to the first oral intake, and suffered less intraoperative blood loss as well as fewer postoperative surgical infections than the patients treated with traditional open procedures (group 1 vs group 3, P < 0.05 for all). The patients treated with LC and LS showed no significant differences in the intraoperative and postoperative variables from those treated with LS alone (group 1 vs group 2). All patients showed significant improvements in the haematological responses (preoperative period vs postoperative period, P < 0.05 for all). None of the patients treated with LC and LS presented with any gallstone-associated symptoms following discharge, while the patients treated with the traditional open procedures expressed complaints of discomfort related to their surgical incisions.

CONCLUSION: Consecutive LC and LS is an appropriate treatment option for liver cirrhosis patients with gallstones and hypersplenism, especially for those with Child-Pugh A and B.