Endoscopic Treatment of Post-Cholecystectomy Biliary Leaks

Biliary Leaks: Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

Bile leaks arise from various causes such as trauma, complications after hepatobiliary surgery, and intrahepatic malignancies or their associated liver-directed treatments. Bile leaks can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Delayed diagnosis is not uncommon due to nonspecific manifestations; therefore, a high clinical suspicion is needed. A multidisciplinary approach for treatment of biliary leaks with prompt referral to tertiary care centers with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons, advanced endoscopists, and interventional radiologists is needed to address these challenging complications. Management of biliary leaks can range from conservative management to open surgical repair. Minimally invasive procedures play a crucial role in biliary leak treatment, and the interventional radiologist can help guide appropriate management on the basis of a clear understanding of the pathophysiology of biliary leaks and a current knowledge of the armamentarium of treatment options. In most cases, a simple diversion of bile to decompress the biliary system may prove effective. However, persistent and high-output biliary leaks require delineation of the source with tailored treatment options to control the leak. This may be done by additional diversions, occluding the source, reestablishing connections, or using a combination of therapies to bridge to more definitive surgical interventions. The authors describe the different treatment options and emphasize the role of interventional radiology. ©RSNA, 2024.

Timing of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Postcholecystectomy Patients and Its Effect on Post-ERCP Complications

Background: Due to the increasing use of laparoscopy for symptomatic cholelithiasis and other gallbladder disorders, as well as the ongoing issue of associated biliary tree injuries, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) still holds a significant position in the diagnosis and treatment of postcholecystectomy disorders. In our study, we aimed to examine the relationship between the time elapsed between cholecystectomy and ERCP with the post-ERCP complications. Methods: Ninety-six patients with a history of cholecystectomy who underwent ERCP between January 2016 and January 2021 at the General Surgery Clinic of the University of Health Sciences Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Health Application and Research Center were retrospectively evaluated. Patient and procedure-related factors were analyzed statistically through univariate analyses. Results: In the matter of post-ERCP complication status, differences observed in terms of age, body mass index (BMI) values, gender, comorbidities, number of ERCP procedures, and the time elapsed between cholecystectomy and ERCP among cases were not statistically significant. Discussion: Our study demonstrates that age, BMI values, gender, comorbidities, ERCP count, and the time between procedures are not significant risk factors for post-ERCP complications. Regardless of the time between surgery and ERCP, the presence of post-ERCP complications is comparable.

Endoscopic Management of Pancreaticobiliary Injuries: A Level 1 US Trauma Center Experience

Background: Traumatic pancreaticobiliary injuries are challenging to diagnose and manage. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has potential diagnostic and therapeutic utility in cases of traumatic pancreaticobiliary injuries. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we assessed 25 cases of abdominal trauma in which the patients underwent ERCP for management of suspected pancreaticobiliary injuries. We analyzed basic patient demographics, mechanism of trauma, method of diagnosis, ERCP results, surgical treatments, and outcomes. Results: Of the 25 assessed patients, 12 (48%) had pancreatic injuries, 12 (48%) had biliary injuries, and 1 (4%) patient had both. The median age was 28 years [IQR 25-35], and 84% of patients were males. Fifty-six percent of injuries were from blunt trauma, while 44% were from penetrating trauma. In cases of ERCP-confirmed biliary leaks (n=11), 100% of leaks were resolved in the 8 patients who underwent repeat ERCP after initial ERCP with stenting. In cases of ERCP-confirmed pancreatic duct leaks (n=10), 57% of duct leaks were resolved in the 7 patients who underwent repeat ERCP after initial ERCP with stenting. One patient in the biliary trauma cohort developed post-ERCP pancreatitis and sepsis. Conclusion: ERCP was a useful diagnostic and therapeutic intervention in this population of patients with pancreaticobiliary trauma.

Operative timing and the safety of emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A retrospective analysis

The ideal operative timing for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains controversial, particularly in emergency patients. This study aimed to evaluate the necessity of operative timing for emergency LC. One hundred ninety-four patients who had undergone operative timings were classified into groups of <72h and >72h from the onset of symptoms to the operation. Baseline data, basic disease, operative bleeding, complications, and conversion rates were analyzed by Variance analysis and logistic regression analysis. The total morbidity of postoperative complication was 4.93% and 3.84% (P = .751) in the <72h and >72h groups respectively. The complication and conversion to LC were mainly influenced by age and gallbladder volume (odds ratio [OR] = 1.078, P = .013, and OR = 1.035, P = .031), but not by operative timing (P = .292). The intraoperative blood loss was closely correlated with the gallbladder volume (OR = 1.019, P = .025) by logit regression analysis, and correlation coefficient of R = 0.436, P < .01. Our results suggest that it is not necessary to confine the operative timing of LC to within 72h from the onset of symptoms, and gallbladder volume should be emphasized in the operative timing for emergency LC.

Gallstones, Cholecystectomy, and Kidney Cancer: Observational and Mendelian Randomization Results Based on Large Cohorts

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gallstones (cholelithiasis) constitute a major health burden with high costs related to surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), generally indicated for symptomatic gallstones. The association between gallstones and cholecystectomy and kidney cancer is controversial. We comprehensively investigated this association, considering age at cholecystectomy and time from cholecystectomy to kidney cancer diagnosis, and assessed the causal effect of gallstones on kidney cancer risk by Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

We compared the risk of kidney cancer in cholecystectomized and noncholecystectomized patients (16.6 million in total) from the Swedish nationwide cancer, census, patient, and death registries using hazard ratios (HRs). For 2-sample and multivariable MR, we used summary statistics based on 408,567 UK Biobank participants.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 13 years, 2627 of 627,870 cholecystectomized Swedish patients developed kidney cancer (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.12-1.22). Kidney cancer risk was particularly increased in the first 6 months after cholecystectomy (HR, 3.79; 95% CI, 3.18-4.52) and in patients cholecystectomized before age 40 years (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.39-1.72). MR results based on 18,417 patients with gallstones and 1788 patients with kidney cancer from the United Kingdom revealed a causal effect of gallstones on kidney cancer risk (9.6% risk increase per doubling in gallstone prevalence; 95% CI, 1.2%-18.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Both observational and causal MR estimates based on large prospective cohorts support an increased risk of kidney cancer in patients with gallstones. Our findings provide solid evidence for the compelling need to diagnostically rule out kidney cancer before and during gallbladder removal, to prioritize kidney cancer screening in patients undergoing cholecystectomy in their 30s, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms linking gallstones and kidney cancer in future studies.

A new connection: management of disconnected segments 5 and 6 bile leak via the cystic duct remnant

Video 1Management of disconnected segments 5 and 6 bile leaks.

Therapeutic Effect of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Patients with Cholecystolithiasis Complicated with Chronic Cholecystitis and Postoperative Quality of Life

Objective

To assess the treatment outcome and postoperative quality of life of patients with gallbladder stones and chronic cholecystitis after open cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

Between 2018 and 2020, 108 patients with gallbladder stones and chronic cholecystitis treated in our hospital were assessed for eligibility and randomly recruited. They were concurrently assigned (1 : 1) to receive either open cholecystectomy (control group) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (study group). Outcome measures include surgical indices, inflammatory response, postoperative complications, and quality of life of patients.

Results

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with a shorter duration of surgery, intraoperative bleeding, time to first postoperative bowel movement, and postoperative hospital stay versus open cholecystectomy (P < 0.05). The levels of inflammatory factors of all eligible patients were comparable before cholecystectomy (P > 0.05). The patients given laparoscopic cholecystectomy showed lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 versus those given open cholecystectomy (P < 0.05). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy resulted in a significantly lower incidence of complication (3.56%) versus open cholecystectomy (24.07%) (P < 0.05). The patients had significantly higher physical, psychological, and social function scores after laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus open cholecystectomy (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides better surgical results, mitigates the inflammatory response, lowers the incidence of complications, and improves the quality of life of patients versus open cholecystectomy, so it is worthy of application in clinical treatment.

Surgical treatment of acute cholecystitis in patients with confirmed COVID-19: Ten case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Research concerning postoperative outcomes of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients revealed unfavorable postoperative results with increased morbidity, pulmonary complications and mortality. Case reports have suggested that COVID-19 is associated with more aggressive presentation of acute cholecystitis. The aim of the present study is to describe the perioperative assessment and postoperative outcomes of ten patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with concomitant acute cholecystitis who underwent cholecystectomy.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a total of 10 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients with concomitant acute cholecystitis that underwent cholecystectomy. Six patients were males, the mean age was 47.1 years. Nine patients had moderate acute cholecystitis, and one patient had severe acute cholecystitis. All patients were treated with urgent/early laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Regarding the Parkland grading scale, two patients received a Parkland grade of 3, two patients received a Parkland grade of 4, and six patients received a Parkland grade of 5. Eight patients required a bail-out procedure. Four patients developed biliary leakage and required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with biliary sphincterotomy. After surgery, five patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and required intensive care unit (ICU) admission. One patient died after cholecystectomy due to ARDS complications. The mean total length of stay (LOS) was 18.2 d. The histopathology demonstrated transmural necrosis (n = 5), vessel obliteration with ischemia (n = 3), perforation (n = 3), and acute peritonitis (n = 10).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 patients with acute cholecystitis had difficult cholecystectomies, high rates of ICU admission, and a prolonged LOS.

BILIARY FISTULAS ASSOCIATED WITH LIVER TRANSPLANTATION VERSUS OTHER ETIOLOGIES: WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE OF THE ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT?

Biliary fistulas typically occur as surgical complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, liver transplantation, or partial liver resection.