Anaotmical variability in the position of cystic artery during laparoscopic visualization

Surgical strategies for challenging common bile duct stones in the endoscopic era: A comprehensive review of current evidence

While endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remains the primary treatment modality for common bile duct stones (CBDS) or choledocholithiasis due to advancements in instruments, surgical intervention, known as common bile duct exploration (CBDE), is still necessary in cases of difficult CBDS, failed endoscopic treatment, or altered anatomy. Recent evidence also supports CBDE in patients requesting single-step cholecystectomy and bile duct stone removal with comparable outcomes. This review elucidates relevant clinical anatomy, selection indications, and outcomes to enhance surgical understanding. The selection between trans-cystic (TC) vs trans-choledochal (TD) approaches is described, along with stone removal techniques and ductal closure. Detailed surgical techniques and strategies for both the TC and TD approaches, including instrument selection, is also provided. Additionally, this review comprehensively addresses operation-specific complications such as bile leakage, stricture, and entrapment, and focuses on preventive measures and treatment strategies. This review aims to optimize the management of CBDS through laparoscopic CBDE, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and minimizing risks.

Comparison of the effects of ampulla-guided realignment and conventional gallbladder triangle anatomy in difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of ampulla-guided realignment and conventional gallbladder triangle anatomy in difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC).

METHODS

From June 2021 to August 2022, data from 100 patients undergoing DLC at Nanjing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: the experimental group (LC with the ampulla-guided realignment) and the control group (conventional LC with triangular gallbladder anatomy), with 50 patients per group. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative drainage tube indwelling time, hospitalization time, bile duct injury rate, operation conversion rate, and incidence of postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The pain response and daily activities of the patients in the two groups were evaluated 48 h after the operation.

RESULTS

The amount of intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage tube indwelling time, hospital stay, operation conversion rate, pain degree at 24 and 48 h after operation, bile duct injury incidence, and total postoperative complication rate were shorter or lower in the experimental group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The Barthel index scores of both groups were higher 48 h after the operation than before the operation, and the experimental group was higher than the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The ampulla-guided alignment in DLC surgery was more beneficial in promoting postoperative recovery, reducing postoperative pain response, reducing the incidence of postoperative complications, and reducing bile duct injury.

Posterior Calot's Triangle Approach First Would Be a Better Choice for Chronic Atrophic Cholecystitis: A Retrospective Controlled Study

Objective: Compare the clinical efficacy of anterior and posterior Calot's triangle approach in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for chronic atrophic cholecystitis, to find out which approach is much safer and more reliable. Patients and Methods: From June 2020 to June 2022, 102 patients with chronic atrophic cholecystitis underwent LC in our hospital. They were divided into anterior Calot's triangle approach group and posterior Calot's triangle approach group. In addition, their clinical data, intraoperative conditions, surgical results, and postoperative recovery were analyzed. Results: LC was performed in 41 females and 28 males by the anterior Calot's triangle approach, and in 20 females and 13 males by the posterior Calot's triangle approach. There were no differences in age, gender, and body mass index between the two groups (P > .05). The probability of rupture of cystic artery between both groups was not significantly different (P = .549), and the intraoperative blood loss was more in the anterior group (P = .014). The operative time of the posterior approach appeared to be shorter (P = .013). Bile duct injury and conversion to open cholecystectomy revealed no significant difference (P > .05). The recovery time of gastrointestinal function, wound infection, white blood cell count, liver function, and postoperative hospital stay time were found to be not significantly different (P > .05). Conclusion: By the posterior Calot's triangle approach, LC is a convenient and feasible surgical procedure for chronic atrophic cholecystitis with less blood loss and can become easier without increasing the risk of surgery.