Trends in cholecystectomy rates in a defined population during and after the period of transition from open to laparoscopic surgery

Thoughts on Trocar Site Hernia Prevention. A Narrative Review

Background: Laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery is now common place, and each trocar site is a potential incisional hernia site. A number of factors increase the risk of trocar site hernia (TSH) at any given trocar site. The aim of this paper is to explore the literature and identify the patients and the trocar sites at risk, which may allow target prevention strategies to minimise TSH. Methods: A pub med literature review was undertaken using the MeSH terms of "trocar" OR "port-site" AND "hernia." No qualifying criteria were applied to this initial search. All abstracts were reviewed by the two authors to identify papers for full text review to inform this narrative review. Results: 961 abstracts were identified by the search. A reasonable quality systematic review was published in 2012, and 44 additional more recent publications were identified as informative. A number of patient factors, pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative factors were identified as possibly or likely increasing the risk of TSH. Their careful management alone and more likely in combination may help reduce the incidence of TSH. Conclusion: Clinically symptomatic TSH is uncommon, in relation to the many trocars inserted every day for "keyhole" surgery, although it is a not uncommon hernia to repair in general surgical practice. There are patients inherently at risk of TSH, especially at the umbilical location. It is likely, that a multi-factored approach to surgery, will have a cumulative effect at reducing the overall risk of TSH at any trocar site, including choice of trocar type and size, method of insertion, events during the operation, and decisions around the need for fascial closure and how this is performed following trocar removal.

Cholecystectomy reduces the risk of myocardial and cerebral infarction in patients with gallstone-related infection

We compared the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) or cerebral infarction (CI) in patients with or without-gallstone-related infection (GSI) and change in the risk following cholecystectomy. GSI (n = 84,467) and non-GSI (n = 406,800) patients with age- and sex-matched controls (n = 4,912,670) were identified from Korean population based data. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of MI or CI were analyzed in both groups treated with or without cholecystectomy. Subgroup analysis was performed for both sexes and different ages. The risk of MI or CI was higher in the GSI group than in the non-GSI group (aHR for MI; 1.32 vs. 1.07, aHR for CI; 1.24 vs. 1.06, respectively). The risk reduction rate of MI following cholecystectomy was 11.4% in the GSI group, whereas it was 0% in the non-GSI group. The risk of CI after cholecystectomy was more reduced in the GSI group than in the non-GSI group (16.1% and 4.7%, respectively). The original risk of MI or CI in patients with gallstones and risk reduction rates following cholecystectomy were higher in females and younger patients than in males and older patients. Increased risk of MI or CI and greater risk reduction following cholecystectomy were seen in patients with GSI.

Are laparoscopic cholecystectomy and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery gallbladder preserving cholecystolithotomy truly comparable? A propensity matched study

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment option for symptomatic gallstones. However, another option is gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy which preserves the normal physiological functions of the gallbladder in patients desiring to avoid surgical resection.

AIM

To compare the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy vs laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for symptomatic gallstones.

METHODS

We adopted propensity score matching (1:1) to compare trans-rectal NOTES cholecystolithotomy and LC patients with symptomatic gallstones. We reviewed 2511 patients with symptomatic gallstones from December 2017 to December 2020; 517 patients met the matching criteria (NOTES, 110; LC, 407), yielding 86 pairs.

RESULTS

The technical success rate for the NOTES group was 98.9% vs 100% for the LC group. The median procedure time was 119 min [interquartile ranges (IQRs), 95-175] with NOTES vs 60 min (IQRs, 48-90) with LC (P < 0.001). The frequency of post-operative pain was similar between NOTES and LC: 4.7% (4/85) vs 5.8% (5/95) (P = 0.740). The median duration of post-procedure fasting with NOTES was 1 d (IQRs, 1-2) vs 2 d with LC (IQRs, 1-3) (P < 0.001). The median post-operative hospital stay for NOTES was 4 d (IQRs, 3-6) vs 4 d for LC (IQRs, 3-5), (P = 0.092). During follow-up, diarrhea was significantly less with NOTES (5.8%) compared to LC (18.6%) (P = 0.011). Gallstones and cholecystitis recurrence within a median of 12 mo (range: 6-40 mo) following NOTES was 10.5% and 3.5%, respectively. Concerns regarding the presence of abdominal wall scars were present in 17.4% (n = 15/86) of patients following LC (mainly women).

CONCLUSION

NOTES provides a feasible new alternative scar-free treatment for patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo cholecystectomy. This minimally invasive organ-sparing procedure both removes the gallstones and preserves the physiological function of the gallbladder. Reducing gallstone recurrence is essential to achieving widespread clinical adoption of NOTES.

Cholecystectomy reduces the risk of cholangiocarcinoma in patients with complicated gallstones, but has negligible effect on hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gallstones have been reported to be positively associated with hepatobiliary cancers. However, risks of these cancers by cholecystectomy or in patients with complicated gallstones are controversial. We studied the effect of cholecystectomy on the risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with gallstones and subgroup of complicated gallstones.

METHODS

Patients with gallstone disease (n = 958 677) and age-matched and sex-matched controls (n = 9 586 770) were identified using the Korean National Health Insurance database. Complicated gallstones were defined as gallstones associated with acute cholecystitis or acute cholangitis. Adjusted hazard ratios (adjusted hazard ratios, 95% confidence interval) of CCA and HCC incidences were evaluated in patients with gallstones who received cholecystectomy compared to the controls. We also analyzed these effects in patients with complicated gallstones.

RESULTS

Patients with gallstones showed increased risks of CCA (1.80, 1.67-1.93) and HCC (1.03, 1.00-1.07) compared with controls. Cholecystectomy had minimal effects on the risks of CCA (1.94, 1.76-2.14) and HCC (0.93, 0.87-0.99) compared with those without cholecystectomy. However, patients with complicated gallstones showed highly increased CCA risk (5.62, 4.89-6.46) and a 30% risk reduction after cholecystectomy (3.91, 3.43-4.46). Risk reduction by cholecystectomy was greater for extrahepatic CCA than for intrahepatic CCA or ampulla of Vater cancer. However, the risk of HCC was not different in patients with complicated gallstones and those who underwent cholecystectomy compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

The risk of CCA was markedly increased in patients with complicated gallstones and was partially reduced by cholecystectomy. The risk change of HCC was minimal with gallstones or cholecystectomy.

Chronological trends in patients undergoing cholecystectomy in Korea: a nationwide health insurance claims study

Purpose

The incidence of gallstone disease and cholecystectomy is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine trends in the incidence of cholecystectomy in Korea.

Methods

The National Health Insurance Services database was used to determine patterns in proportion of cholecystectomy and cholecystostomy in the total population of Korea from 2003 to 2017. The age-standardized rate (ASR) was calculated to compare the cholecystectomy and cholecystostomy according to changes in the population structure over time. The ASR was investigated according to patient age, sex, socioeconomic status, use of computed tomography, and type of hospital to identify trends.

Results

The ASR per 100,000 based on the 2010 population of cholecystectomy cases increased markedly from 67.7 to 211.4 between 2003 and 2017. The ASR was consistently higher in female than male (71.9 vs. 63.6 in 2003, 221.8 vs. 201.8 in 2017). Furthermore, the ASR for cholecystectomy increased with age, and surgery for gallstone disease was performed more often at a specialized center than at other medical facilities. The length of hospital stay of cholecystectomy decreased steadily from 10.6 days in 2003 to 6.9 days in 2017.

Conclusion

This study shows that the incidence of cholecystectomy and cholecystostomy has steadily increased over the years in Korea, with a trend toward older age and higher socioeconomic status in patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Increasing use of computed tomography investigations could be a primary cause for this trend. An integrated strategy is needed to manage the increase in older patients undergoing cholecystectomy and shorten their hospital stay with medical safety.

Healthcare Disparities in the Management of Acute Cholecystitis: Impact of Race, Gender, and Socioeconomic Factors on Cholecystectomy vs Percutaneous Cholecystostomy

BACKGROUND

While percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is a recommended treatment strategy in lieu of cholecystectomy (CCY) for acute cholecystitis among patients who may not be considered good surgical candidates, reports on disparities in treatment utilization remain limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors in treatment of acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis who underwent CCY versus PC were reviewed from the U.S. Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2008-2014. Measured variables including age, race/ethnicity, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), hospital type/region, insurance payer, household income, length of stay (LOS), hospital cost, and mortality were compared using chi-square and ANOVA. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify specific predictors of cholecystitis treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 1,492,877 patients (CCY:n=1,435,255 versus PC:n=57,622) were analyzed. The majority of patients that received PC were at urban teaching hospitals (65.2%). LOS was significantly longer with higher associated costs for PC [(11.1±11.0 versus 4.5±5.3 days; P<0.001) and ($99577±138850 versus $48399±58330; P<0.001)]. Mortality was also increased for patients that received PC compared to CCY (8.8% versus 0.6%; P<0.001). Multivariable regression demonstrated multiple socioeconomic and healthcare-related factors influencing the utilization of PC including male gender, Black or Asian race/ethnicity, Medicare payer status, urban hospital location, and household income (all P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Although patients receiving PC had higher CCI scores, multiple socioeconomic and healthcare related factors appeared to also influence this treatment decision. Additional studies to investigate these disparities are indicated to improve outcomes for all individuals with this condition.

Increases in cholecystectomy for gallstone related disease in South Africa

Studies suggest that the rate gallstone disease in Africa is low. Previous studies suggested an increase in gallstone rates and cholecystectomies related to urbanization and the adoption of Western lifestyle habits. This study examined cholecystectomy rates for gallstone disease in South Africa (SA). An audit of cholecystectomies in SA was done by reviewing gallbladder specimens processed by the SA National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) from 2004 and 2014. Urbanization rates were obtained from Statistics South Africa and BMI data from previously published studies. Fisher's exact test, t test's and Pearson's R were used for comparisons; cholecystectomy rates were calculated per 100,000 population. 33,467 cholecystectomy specimens were analysed. There was a 92% absolute increase in cholecystectomies during the study period (Pearson r 0.94; p < 0.01) with the overall cholecystectomy rate increasing by 65% from 8.36 to 13.81 per 100,000 population. The data was divided into two equal periods and compared. During the second period there was a 28.8% increase in the number cholecystectomies and patients were significantly younger (46.9 vs 48.2 years; p ≤ 0.0001). The Northern Cape was the only province to show a decline in the cholecystectomy rate in this period and was also the only province to record a decline in urbanization. Population based studies in SA demonstrate increases in BMI and an association with increased urbanization. This nationwide African study demonstrates a sustained increase in cholecystectomies for gallstone disease. Increases in BMI and urbanization may be responsible for this trend.

Stent placement versus surgical palliation for adults with malignant gastric outlet obstruction

BACKGROUND

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction is the clinical and pathological consequence of cancerous disease causing a mechanical obstruction to gastric emptying. It usually occurs when malignancy is at an advanced stage; therefore, people have a limited life expectancy. It is of paramount importance to restore oral intake to improve quality of life for the person in a manner that has a minimal risk of complications and a short recovery period.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of endoscopic stent placement versus surgical palliation for people with symptomatic malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

SEARCH METHODS

In May 2018 we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and Ovid CINAHL. We screened reference lists from included studies and review articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials comparing stent placement with surgical palliation for people with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to malignant disease.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted study data. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for binary outcomes, mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI for continuous outcomes and the hazard ratio (HR) for time-to-event outcomes. We performed meta-analyses where meaningful. We assessed the quality of evidence using GRADE criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified three randomised controlled trials with 84 participants. Forty-one participants underwent surgical palliation and 43 participants underwent duodenal stent placement. There may have been little or no difference in the technical success of the procedure (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.09; low-quality evidence), or whether the time to resumption of oral intake was quicker for participants who had undergone duodenal stent placement (MD -3.07 days, 95% CI -4.76 to -1.39; low-quality evidence).Due to very low-quality evidence, we were uncertain whether surgical palliation improved all-cause mortality and median survival postintervention.The time to recurrence of obstructive symptoms may have increased slightly following duodenal stenting (RR 5.08, 95% CI 0.96 to 26.74; moderate-quality evidence).Due to very low-quality evidence, we were uncertain whether surgical palliation improved serious and minor adverse events. The heterogeneity for adverse events was moderately high (serious adverse events: Chi² = 1.71; minor adverse events: Chi² = 3.08), reflecting the differences in definitions used and therefore, may have impacted the outcomes. The need for reintervention may have increased following duodenal stenting (RR 4.71, 95% CI 1.36 to 16.30; very low-quality evidence).The length of hospital stay may have been shorter (by approximately 4 to 10 days) following stenting (MD -6.70 days, 95% CI -9.41 to -3.98; moderate-quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The use of duodenal stent placement in malignant gastric outlet obstruction has the benefits of a quicker resumption of oral intake and a reduced inpatient hospital stay; however, this is balanced by an increase in the recurrence of symptoms and the need for further intervention.It is impossible to draw further conclusions on these and the other measured outcomes, primarily due to the low number of eligible studies and small number of participants which resulted in low-quality evidence. It was not possible to analyse the impact on quality of life each intervention had for these participants.

Nineteen-year trends in incidence and indications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the NY State experience

BACKGROUND

Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), there has been continued evolution in technique, instrumentation and postoperative management. With increased experience, LC has migrated to the outpatient setting. We asked whether increased availability and experience has impacted incidence of and indications for LC.

METHODS

The New York (NY) State Planning and Research Cooperative System longitudinal administrative database was utilized to identify patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 1995 and 2013. ICD-9 and CPT procedure codes were extracted corresponding to laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy and the associated primary diagnostic codes. Data were analyzed as relative change in incidence (normalized to 1000 LC patients) for respective diagnoses.

RESULTS

From 1995 to 2013, 711,406 cholecystectomies were performed in NY State: 637,308 (89.58 %) laparoscopic. The overall frequency of cholecystectomy did not increase (1.23 % increase with a commensurate population increase of 6.32 %). Indications for LC during this time were: 72.81 % for calculous cholecystitis (n = 464,032), 4.88 % for biliary colic (n = 31,124), 8.98 % for acalculous cholecystitis (n = 57,205), 3.01 % for gallstone pancreatitis (n = 19,193), and 1.59 % for biliary dyskinesia (n = 10,110). The incidence of calculous cholecystitis declined (-20.09 %, p < 0.0001) between 1995 and 2013; meanwhile, other diagnoses increased in incidence: biliary colic (+54.96 %, p = 0.0013), acalculous cholecystitis (+94.24 %, p < 0.0001), gallstone pancreatitis (+107.48 %, p < 0.0001), and biliary dyskinesia (+331.74 %, p < 0.0001). Outpatient LC incidence catapulted to 48.59 % in 2013, from 0.15 % in 1995, increasing >320-fold. Analysis of LC through 2014 revealed increasing rates of digestive, infectious, respiratory, and renal complications, with overall cholecystectomy complication rates of 9.29 %.

CONCLUSION

A shifting distribution of operative indications and increasing rates of complications should prompt careful consideration prior to surgery for benign biliary disease. For what is a common procedure, LC carries substantial risk of complications, thus requiring the patient to be an active participant and to share in the decision-making process.

Risk factors for requiring cholecystectomy for gallstone disease in a prospective population-based cohort study

Background

The relationship between different lifestyle factors and the risk of needing cholecystectomy for gallstone disease is not clear. This study aimed to assess the association between anthropometric, lifestyle and sociodemographic risk factors and the subsequent risk of requiring cholecystectomy for gallstone disease during long‐term follow‐up in a defined population cohort.

Methods

Data from a large population‐based cohort study performed from 1995 to 1997 were used (the second Norwegian Nord‐Trøndelag health study, HUNT2). Following HUNT2, from 1998 to 2011, all patients operated on for gallstone disease with cholecystectomy at the two hospitals in the county, Levanger Hospital and Namsos Hospital, were identified. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariable risk analysis.

Results

The HUNT2 cohort included 65 237 individuals (69·5 per cent response rate), aged 20–99 years. During a median follow‐up of 15·3 (range 0·6–16·4) years, 1162 cholecystectomies were performed. In multivariable analysis, overweight individuals (body mass index (BMI) 25·0–29·9 kg/m²) had a 58 per cent increased risk of cholecystectomy compared with individuals with normal weight (BMI less than 25·0 kg/m²). Obese individuals (BMI 30 kg/m² or above) had a twofold increased risk. Increasing waist circumference independently increased the risk of cholecystectomy. In women, current hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increased the risk, whereas hard physical activity and higher educational level were associated with reduced risk of cholecystectomy.

Conclusion

High BMI and waist circumference increased the risk of having cholecystectomy for both sexes. In women, the risk was increased by HRT, and decreased by hard physical activity and higher educational level.

Associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyle

Laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection is currently the only treatment with the potential for long-term survival and cure of pancreatic cancer. Surgical resection is provided as distal pancreatectomy for cancers of the body and tail of the pancreas. It can be performed by laparoscopic or open surgery. In operations on other organs, laparoscopic surgery has been shown to reduce complications and length of hospital stay as compared with open surgery. However, concerns remain about the safety of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy compared with open distal pancreatectomy in terms of postoperative complications and oncological clearance.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy versus open distal pancreatectomy for people undergoing distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the body or tail of the pancreas, or both.

SEARCH METHODS

We used search strategies to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded and trials registers until June 2015 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies. We also searched the reference lists of included trials to identify additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered for inclusion in the review RCTs and non-randomised studies comparing laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer, irrespective of language, blinding or publication status..

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently identified trials and independently extracted data. We calculated odds ratios (ORs), mean differences (MDs) or hazard ratios (HRs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using both fixed-effect and random-effects models with RevMan 5 on the basis of intention-to-treat analysis when possible.

MAIN RESULTS

We found no RCTs on this topic. We included in this review 12 non-randomised studies that compared laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy (1576 participants: 394 underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and 1182 underwent open distal pancreatectomy); 11 studies (1506 participants: 353 undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and 1153 undergoing open distal pancreatectomy) provided information for one or more outcomes. All of these studies were retrospective cohort-like studies or case-control studies. Most were at unclear or high risk of bias, and the overall quality of evidence was very low for all reported outcomes.Differences in short-term mortality (laparoscopic group: 1/329 (adjusted proportion based on meta-analysis estimate: 0.5%) vs open group: 11/1122 (1%); OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.11 to 2.17; 1451 participants; nine studies; I(2) = 0%), long-term mortality (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.12; 277 participants; three studies; I(2) = 0%), proportion of people with serious adverse events (laparoscopic group: 7/89 (adjusted proportion: 8.8%) vs open group: 6/117 (5.1%); OR 1.79, 95% CI 0.53 to 6.06; 206 participants; three studies; I(2) = 0%), proportion of people with a clinically significant pancreatic fistula (laparoscopic group: 9/109 (adjusted proportion: 7.7%) vs open group: 9/137 (6.6%); OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.47 to 3.02; 246 participants; four studies; I(2) = 61%) were imprecise. Differences in recurrence at maximal follow-up (laparoscopic group: 37/81 (adjusted proportion based on meta-analysis estimate: 36.3%) vs open group: 59/103 (49.5%); OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.05; 184 participants; two studies; I(2) = 13%), adverse events of any severity (laparoscopic group: 33/109 (adjusted proportion: 31.7%) vs open group: 45/137 (32.8%); OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.66; 246 participants; four studies; I(2) = 18%) and proportion of participants with positive resection margins (laparoscopic group: 49/333 (adjusted proportion based on meta-analysis estimate: 14.3%) vs open group: 208/1133 (18.4%); OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.10; 1466 participants; 10 studies; I(2) = 6%) were also imprecise. Mean length of hospital stay was shorter by 2.43 days in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (MD -2.43 days, 95% CI -3.13 to -1.73; 1068 participants; five studies; I(2) = 0%). None of the included studies reported quality of life at any point in time, recurrence within six months, time to return to normal activity and time to return to work or blood transfusion requirements.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Currently, no randomised controlled trials have compared laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy versus open distal pancreatectomy for patients with pancreatic cancers. In observational studies, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has been associated with shorter hospital stay as compared with open distal pancreatectomy. Currently, no information is available to determine a causal association in the differences between laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy. Observed differences may be a result of confounding due to laparoscopic operation on less extensive cancer and open surgery on more extensive cancer. In addition, differences in length of hospital stay are relevant only if laparoscopic and open surgery procedures are equivalent oncologically. This information is not available currently. Thus, randomised controlled trials are needed to compare laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy versus open distal pancreatectomy with at least two to three years of follow-up. Such studies should include patient-oriented outcomes such as short-term mortality and long-term mortality (at least two to three years); health-related quality of life; complications and the sequelae of complications; resection margins; measures of earlier postoperative recovery such as length of hospital stay, time to return to normal activity and time to return to work (in those who are employed); and recurrence of cancer.

Laparoscopic versus open transhiatal oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the preferred treatment for resectable oesophageal cancers, and can be performed in different ways. Transhiatal oesophagectomy (oesophagectomy without thoracotomy, with a cervical anastomosis) is one way to resect oesophageal cancers. It can be performed laparoscopically or by open method. With other organs, laparoscopic surgery has been shown to reduce complications and length of hospital stay compared to open surgery. However, concerns remain about the safety of laparoscopic transhiatal oesophagectomy in terms of post-operative complications and oncological clearance compared with open transhiatal oesophagectomy.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of laparoscopic versus open oesophagectomy for people with oesophageal cancer undergoing transhiatal oesophagectomy.

SEARCH METHODS

We electronically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and trials registers until August 2015. We also searched the references of included trials to identify further trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies comparing laparoscopic with open transhiatal oesophagectomy in patients with resectable oesophageal cancer, regardless of language, blinding, or publication status for the review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently identified trials, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using both fixed-effect and random-effects models, with RevMan 5, based on intention-to-treat analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

We found no randomised controlled trials on this topic. We included six non-randomised studies (five retrospective) that compared laparoscopic versus open transhiatal oesophagectomy (334 patients: laparoscopic = 154 patients; open = 180 patients); five studies (326 patients: laparoscopic = 151 patients; open = 175 patients) provided information for one or more outcomes. Most studies included a mixture of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and different stages of oesophageal cancer, without metastases. All the studies were at unclear or high risk of bias; the overall quality of evidence was very low for all the outcomes.The differences between laparoscopic and open transhiatal oesophagectomy were imprecise for short-term mortality (laparoscopic = 0/151 (adjusted proportion based on meta-analysis estimate: 0.5%) versus open = 2/175 (1.1%); RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.05 to 4.09; participants = 326; studies = 5; I² = 0%); long-term mortality (HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.16; participants = 193; studies = 2; I² = 0%); anastomotic stenosis (laparoscopic = 4/36 (11.1%) versus open = 3/37 (8.1%); RR 1.37; 95% CI 0.33 to 5.70; participants = 73; studies = 1); short-term recurrence (laparoscopic = 1/16 (6.3%) versus open = 0/4 (0%); RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.04 to 18.47; participants = 20; studies = 1); long-term recurrence (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.84 to 1.18; participants = 173; studies = 2); proportion of people who required blood transfusion (laparoscopic = 0/36 (0%) versus open = 6/37 (16.2%); RR 0.08; 95% CI 0.00 to 1.35; participants = 73; studies = 1); proportion of people with positive resection margins (laparoscopic = 15/102 (15.8%) versus open = 27/111 (24.3%); RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.37 to 1.12; participants = 213; studies = 3; I² = 0%); and the number of lymph nodes harvested during surgery (median difference between the groups varied from 12 less to 3 more lymph nodes in the laparoscopic compared to the open group; participants = 326; studies = 5).The proportion of patients with serious adverse events was lower in the laparoscopic group (10/99, (10.3%) compared to the open group = 24/114 (21.1%); RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.99; participants = 213; studies = 3; I² = 0%); as it was for adverse events in the laparoscopic group = 37/99 (39.9%) versus the open group = 71/114 (62.3%); RR 0.64; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.86; participants = 213; studies = 3; I² = 0%); and the median lengths of hospital stay were significantly less in the laparoscopic group than the open group (three days less in all three studies that reported this outcome; number of participants = 266). There was lack of clarity as to whether the median difference in the quantity of blood transfused was statistically significant favouring laparoscopic oesophagectomy in the only study that reported this information. None of the studies reported post-operative dysphagia, health-related quality of life, time-to-return to normal activity (return to pre-operative mobility without caregiver support), or time-to-return to work.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There are currently no randomised controlled trials comparing laparoscopic with open transhiatal oesophagectomy for patients with oesophageal cancers. In observational studies, laparoscopic transhiatal oesophagectomy is associated with fewer overall complications and shorter hospital stays than open transhiatal oesophagectomy. However, this association is unlikely to be causal. There is currently no information to determine a causal association in the differences between the two surgical approaches. Randomised controlled trials comparing laparoscopic transhiatal oesophagectomy with other methods of oesophagectomy are required to determine the optimal method of oesophagectomy.

Laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy for gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Currently there are two surgical options for potentially curable patients (i.e. people with non-metastatic gastric cancer), laparoscopic and open gastrectomy. However, it is not clear whether one of these options is superior.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of laparoscopic gastrectomy or laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy versus open gastrectomy for people with gastric cancer. In particular, we planned to investigate the effects by patient groups, such as cancer stage, anaesthetic risk, and body mass index (BMI), and by intervention methods, such as method of anastomosis, type of gastrectomy and laparoscopic or laparoscopically-assisted gastrectomy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP (World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) until September 2015. We also screened reference lists from included trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Two review authors independently selected references for further assessment by going through all titles and abstracts. Further selection was based on review of full text articles for selected references.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted study data. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for binary outcomes, the mean difference (MD) or the standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI for continuous outcomes and the hazard ratio (HR) for time-to-event outcomes. We performed meta-analyses where it was meaningful.

MAIN RESULTS

In total, 2794 participants were randomised in 13 trials included in this review. All the trials were at unclear or high risk of bias. One trial (which included 53 participants) did not contribute any data to this review. A total of 213 participants were excluded in the remaining trials after randomisation, leaving a total of 2528 randomised participants for analysis, with 1288 undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy and 1240 undergoing open gastrectomy. All the participants were suitable for major surgery.There was no difference in the proportion of participants who died within thirty days of treatment between laparoscopic gastrectomy (7/1188: adjusted proportion = 0.6% (based on meta-analysis)) and open gastrectomy (4/1447: 0.3%) (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.50 to 5.10; risk difference 0.00, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.01; participants = 2335; studies = 11; I(2) = 0%; low quality evidence). There were no events in either group for short-term recurrence (participants = 103; studies = 3), proportion requiring blood transfusion (participants = 66; studies = 2), and proportion with positive margins at histopathology (participants = 28; studies = 1). None of the trials reported health-related quality of life, time to return to normal activity or time to return to work. The differences in long-term mortality (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.25; participants = 195; studies = 3; I(2) = 0%; very low quality evidence), serious adverse events within three months (laparoscopic gastrectomy (7/216: adjusted proportion = 3.6%) versus open gastrectomy (13/216: 6%) (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.34; participants = 432; studies = 8; I(2) = 0%; very low quality evidence), long-term recurrence (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.30; participants = 162; studies = 4; very low quality evidence), adverse events within three months (laparoscopic gastrectomy (204/268: adjusted proportion = 16.1%) versus open gastrectomy (253/1222: 20.7%) (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.01; participants = 2490; studies = 11; I(2) = 38%; very low quality evidence), quantity of perioperative blood transfused (SMD 0.05, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.38; participants = 143; studies = 2; I(2) = 0%; very low quality evidence), length of hospital stay (MD -1.82 days, 95% CI -3.72 to 0.07; participants = 319; studies = 6; I(2) = 83%; very low quality evidence), and number of lymph nodes harvested (MD -0.63, 95% CI -1.51 to 0.25; participants = 472; studies = 9; I(2) = 40%; very low quality evidence) were imprecise. There was no alteration in the interpretation of the results in any of the subgroups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on low quality evidence, there is no difference in short-term mortality between laparoscopic and open gastrectomy. Based on very low quality evidence, there is no evidence for any differences in short-term or long-term outcomes between laparoscopic and open gastrectomy. However, the data are sparse, and the confidence intervals were wide, suggesting that significant benefits or harms of laparoscopic gastrectomy cannot be ruled out. Several trials are currently being conducted and interim results of these trials have been included in this review. These trials need to perform intention-to-treat analysis to ensure that the results are reliable and report the results according to the CONSORT Statement.

Influence of gender and socioeconomic background on the decision to perform gallstone surgery: a population-based register study

BACKGROUND

In the absence of unequivocal standardized indications for surgery, socioeconomic background and gender may have a major impact on the decision to perform surgery for cholecystolithiasis. The purpose was to assess how decisions to perform surgery in Sweden are influenced by patient-related factors and how this affects the epidemiology of gallstone disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is based on the Swedish Register for Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (GallRiks), which covers >90% of surgical units, including 98% of all procedures performed. All procedures performed during 2005-2009 were included. Data on socioeconomic background were obtained from Statistics Sweden. The influence of gender and age on decision to perform surgery was tested in multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Up to the age of 40 years, women were 6 times more likely than men to undergo surgery for biliary colic. On the other hand, there was a relative preponderance of men undergoing cholecystectomy for jaundice, cholecystitis, bile duct stone or pancreatitis in the elderly population (p < 0.001). Socioeconomic background did not have any significant impact on the decision to operate.

CONCLUSION

Presentations of gallstone disease differ between men and women, as does the decision to perform surgery. The higher incidence of surgery for secondary complications in older men could be explained by a higher prevalence of gallstones resulting from a lower incidence of surgery at a younger age. Whether or not wider indications for surgery in young patients reduce the risk for gallstone complications requiring surgery should be explored in future studies.