Gallbladder diseases in pregnancy: Sonographic findings in an indigenous African population

Microbial characteristics of bile in gallstone patients: a comprehensive analysis of 9,939 cases

Introduction

The exact triggers of gallstone formation remain incompletely understood, but research indicates that microbial infection is a significant factor and can interfere with treatment. There is no consensus on the bile microbial culture profiles in previous studies, and determining the microbial profile could aid in targeted prevention and treatment. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the differences in microbial communities cultured from bile specimens of patients with gallstones.

Methods

We collected the clinical characteristics and bile microbial status of 9,939 gallstone patients. Statistical analysis was employed to assess the relationship between microbes and clinical features, and a random forest model was utilized to predict recurrence.

Results

Results showed a higher proportion of females among patients, with the age group of 60-74 years being the most prevalent. The most common type of gallstone was solitary gallbladder stones. A total of 76 microbes were cultured from 5,153 patients, with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecalis being the most frequently identified. Significant differences in microbial diversity and positive detection rates were observed across different age groups, types of gallstones, and recurrence status. Positive frequencies of E. coli, Enterococcus faecium, and K. pneumoniae varied significantly by age group and gallstone type. The microbial diversity in the recurrence group was significantly lower compared to the non-recurrence group. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the group with single microbial species compared to those with no microbes or multiple microbes. For the recurrence group, there were significant differences in the frequencies of seven microbes (Aeromonas hydrophila, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Enterococcus faecium, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) before and after recurrence, with these microbes appearing in a higher number of patients after recurrence. Regression analysis identified patient age, stone size, diabetes, venous thrombosis, liver cirrhosis, malignancy, coronary heart disease, and the number of microbial species as important predictors of recurrence. A random forest model constructed using these variables demonstrated good performance and high predictive ability (ROC-AUC = 0.862).

Discussion

These findings highlight the significant role of microbial communities in gallstone formation and recurrence. Furthermore, the identified predictors of recurrence, including clinical factors and microbial diversity, may help develop personalized prevention and recurrence strategies for gallstone patients.

Endoscopic management of postcholecystectomy complications at a Nigerian tertiary health facility

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration for biliary stone disease are common hepatobiliary surgeries performed by general surgeons in Nigeria. These procedures can be complicated by injury to the biliary tree or retained stones, requiring repeat surgical intervention. This study presents the experience of using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of hepatobiliary surgery complications at the academic referral center of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

METHODS

All patients with postcholecystectomy complications referred to the endoscopy unit at OAUTHC from March 2018 to April 2023 were enrolled. Preoperative imaging included a combination of abdominal ultrasound, CT, MRI, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and T-tube cholangiogram. All ERCP procedures were performed under general anesthesia.

RESULTS

Seventy-two ERCP procedures were performed on 45 patients referred for postcholecystectomy complications. The most common mode of presentation was ascending cholangitis [16 (35.6%)], followed by persistent biliary fistula [12 (26.7%)]. The overall median duration of symptoms after cholecystectomy was 20 weeks, with a range of 1-162 weeks. The most common postcholecystectomy complication observed was retained stone [16 (35.6%)]. Other postcholecystectomy complications included bile leakage, bile stricture, bile leakage with stricture, and persistent bile leakage from the T-tube in 12 (26.7%), 11 (24.4%), 4 (8.9%), and 2 (4.4%) patients, respectively. Ampullary cannulation during ERCP was successful in all patients (45, 100%). Patients with complete biliary stricture (10/12) required hepaticojejunostomy.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic management of postcholecystectomy complications was found to be safe and reduce the number of needless surgeries to which such patients are exposed. We recommended prompt referral of such patients for ERCP.

Aetiological Spectrum of Pancreaticobiliary Diseases in Adult Nigerians on Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND

Imaging is vital for assessing pancreaticobiliary diseases.

AIM

The aim of the study was to investigate the spectrum and pattern of pancreaticobiliary diseases in adult Nigerians using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

METHODS

This was a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study. The electronic radiological records of 110 adult Nigerians who had undergone MRCP were reviewed. The MRCP images were evaluated for bile duct dilatation, intraluminal filling defects, strictures, calculi, and other abnormalities.

RESULTS

There were 45 males (40.9%) and 65 females (59.1%) aged 18-83 years, with a mean age of 51.93 ± 15.22 years. Jaundice (59.1%) and right hypochondrial pain (31.8%) were the most common presenting complaints. Gallstones (32.7%), common bile duct strictures (15.5%), choledocholithiasis (11.8%), pancreatic head carcinoma (10.9%), and gallbladder carcinoma (2.7%) were the most frequent abnormalities. There was biliary obstruction in 56.4% of participants, mostly at the distal and proximal common bile duct. Other findings include hepatomegaly (23.6%), hepatic cysts (6.4%), hepatic steatosis (0.9%), duodenal wall thickening (1.8%), and ascites (5.5%). MRCP was normal in 25 (22.7%) participants.

CONCLUSION

Gallstones were the predominant pathology of the various pancreaticobiliary diseases, while Pancreatic head and gallbladder carcinoma were the most common malignant diseases.

Complicated Pregnancy: Unveiling the Dual Challenge of Acute Cholecystitis and Choledocholithiasis

Gallstone-related complications during pregnancy, though relatively rare, present significant challenges necessitating careful clinical management. Among these complications, the simultaneous occurrence of acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis poses a unique dual challenge, especially considering the physiological changes and fetal considerations associated with pregnancy. This case report presents the management of a 27-year-old pregnant woman with acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis at 32 weeks of gestation. Diagnostic imaging, including magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), played crucial roles in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of the patient. Conservative measures followed by interventional procedures successfully addressed gallstone-related complications while considering maternal and fetal well-being. Collaborative multidisciplinary care involving obstetricians, gastroenterologists, and other specialists was essential in navigating the case's complexity. The successful outcome highlights the importance of individualized management and multidisciplinary collaboration in optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant patients with complex gallstone diseases. This case underscores the necessity for continued research and shared clinical experiences to refine the approach to such intricate medical scenarios, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to pregnant individuals facing gallstone-related complications.

The global prevalence of gallstones in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Gallstone disease is the second most common non-gynecological disease that may require surgical intervention during pregnancy. This study investigates the global prevalence of gallstones in pregnancy through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported the global prevalence of gallstones in pregnancy was conducted. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published up to September 2022.

Results

In a review of 31 studies with a sample size of 190,714 people, the I2 heterogeneity test showed high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.8%). Therefore, the random effects method was used to analyze the results. The prevalence of gallstones was reported as 3.6% (95% CI: 1.9-6.7%). The highest prevalence of gallstones by continent was reported in America, at 6.8% (95% CI: 4.2-10.8%). The Egger test showed no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.609).

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, health policymakers should emphasize to the target community and the medical staff dealing with pregnant women the importance of screening for gallstones during pregnancy.

Factors Influencing Gallstone Formation: A Review of the Literature

Gallstone disease is a common pathology of the digestive system with nearly a 10–20% incidence rate among adults. The mainstay of treatment is cholecystectomy, which is commonly associated with physical pain and may also seriously affect a patient’s quality of life. Clinical research suggests that cholelithiasis is closely related to the age, gender, body mass index, and other basic physical characteristics of patients. Clinical research further suggests that the occurrence of cholelithiasis is related to obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and other diseases. For this reason, we reviewed the following: genetic factors; excessive liver cholesterol secretion (causing cholesterol supersaturation in gallbladder bile); accelerated growth of cholesterol crystals and solid cholesterol crystals; gallbladder motility impairment; and cardiovascular factors. Herein, we summarize and analyze the causes and mechanisms of cholelithiasis, discuss its correlation with the pathogenesis of related diseases, and discuss possible mechanisms.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in adults with obstructive jaundice

Aim of the study

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for detecting the causes of obstructive jaundice.

Materials and methods

Eighty adult patients with clinical and biochemical features of obstructive jaundice were enrolled in this study. The causes, degrees and levels of ductal obstruction were evaluated sonographically via the transabdominal route. The ultrasonographic diagnoses were correlated with surgical findings and histopathological diagnoses.

Results

The age range was 16 to 82 years, with a mean of 51.06 ± 14.95 years. The peak age group was the sixth decade with 23 (28.8%) patients. There were nearly twice as many females as males, with 28 (35%) males and 52 (65%) females, giving a male to female ratio of 1:1.9. On ultrasound, pancreatic carcinoma (28.0%) and choledocholithiasis (21.3%) were the most common malignant and benign causes of obstructive jaundice, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma (1.3%) was the least common etiology. There was a strong correlation between the definitive diagnosis and the sonographic level of obstruction. The overall sensitivity of ultrasound for detecting the cause of obstruction was 76.6%, while the specificity was 98%.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography is a reliable imaging modality for diagnosing the cause and level of obstruction in surgical jaundice. The sensitivity is adequate to aid the early institution of surgical intervention, thereby preventing morbidity and mortality that may accompany late interventions in our setting.