Combination of electrohydraulic lithotripsy and laparoscopy for gallbladder access in type III Mirizzi syndrome

Intraoperative imaging and management of common duct stones during subtotal cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Subtotal cholecystectomy is advocated in patients with severe inflammation and distorted anatomy preventing safe removal of the entire gallbladder. Not well documented in this surgically complex population is the feasibility of intraoperative imaging and management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. We evaluated these operative maneuvers in our subtotal cholecystectomy patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all cholecystectomy cases from 2014 to 2023 at a single Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center using VASQIP (VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program), selecting subtotal cholecystectomy cases for detailed analysis. We reviewed operative reports, imaging and laboratory studies, and clinical notes to understand biliary imaging, stone management, complications, and late outcomes including retained stones (within 6 months), and recurrent stones (beyond 6 months).

RESULTS

419 laparoscopic (n = 406) and open (n = 13) cholecystectomies were performed, including 40 subtotal cholecystectomies (36 laparoscopic, 4 laparoscopic converted to open). Among these 40 patients IOC was attempted in 35 and completed in 26, with successful stone management in 11 (9 common bile duct exploration [CBDE], 2 intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP]). In follow-up, 3 additional patients had CBD stones managed by ERCP, including 1 with a negative IOC and 2 without IOC. Thus, 14 (35%) of 40 patients had CBD stones. Of note, IOC permitted identification and oversewing or closure of the cystic duct in 32 patients. There were no major bile duct injuries and one cystic duct stump leak (2.5%) that resolved spontaneously.

CONCLUSIONS

Subtotal cholecystectomy patients had a high incidence of bile duct stones, with most detected and managed intraoperatively with CBDE, making a strong argument for routine IOC and single-stage care. When intraoperative imaging is not possible, postoperative imaging should be considered. Routine imaging, biliary clearance, and cystic duct closure during subtotal cholecystectomy is feasible in most patients with low rates of retained stones and bile leaks.

Novel peroral cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy using an ultraslim upper endoscope for refractory Mirizzi syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is an uncommon condition characterized by common hepatic duct (CHD) compression by an impacted gallbladder or cystic duct stones or adjacent inflammation. To date, a standardized therapeutic strategy for MS has not been established yet, owing to its complex clinical presentation. Thus, researchers still have to develop new optimized approaches to solve this problem. Herein, we describe a patient with refractory MS who underwent a successful treatment by novel hybrid anchoring balloon-guided direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) using an ultraslim endoscope.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 56-year-old man with a history of biliary stone was referred to our hospital for complaints of discomfort in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and obstructive jaundice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed an 18-mm impacted stone at the level of the cystic duct, which compressed the CHD. The CHD had local stricture, with its upstream and intrahepatic bile duct dilation.

DIAGNOSES

He was diagnosed with type I MS.

INTERVENTIONS

Initially, the patient received an endoscopic major sphincterotomy. However, conventional stone extraction, including mechanical lithotripsy, was unsuccessful. Then, after signing the informed consent form for further treatment, he was successfully treated with novel hybrid anchoring balloon-guided direct POC.

OUTCOMES

The patient had no operative complications and was discharged with cleared ducts. At the 3-year follow-up, he was asymptomatic.

LESSONS

Our novel hybrid anchoring balloon-guided direct POC may be an effective alternative treatment approach for difficult gallbladder cases, such as refractory MS.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis using direct gallbladder indocyanine green injection fluorescence cholangiography: A case report

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for almost all biliary diseases. We present a novel technique using near-infrared fluorescence imaging for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A 78-year-old woman diagnosed with acute cholecystitis (Grade II) was scheduled for emergency laparoscopy according to Tokyo Guidelines 2018. We performed a direct percutaneous drainage of the gallbladder to grasp the gallbladder itself. Subsequently, indocyanine green was administered into the gallbladder through the same tube, and the cystic and common bile ducts could be easily detected. The postoperative course was good, and the patient was discharged in remission nine days after the surgery.

Real-time fluorescence cholangiography with indocyanine green is reliable for biliary anatomy visualization before the dissection of the Calot's triangle. Our method of indocyanine green injection into the same drainage catheter does not require pre-preparation and can be simultaneously performed with drainage intraoperatively. This surgical technique is simple, straightforward, and effective and can be useful in intraoperative decision-making, especially during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.