Predicting Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Based on Clinicoradiological Assessment

Preoperative predictors of difficult early laparoscopic cholecystectomy among patients with acute calculous cholecystitis in Egypt

BACKGROUND

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) in the setting of acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) requires to be performed by highly-skilled surgeons to avoid complications. The purpose of this study is to identify preoperative factors that would predict difficult ELC among patients with ACC prior to proceeding with surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who received ELC within 10 days from the onset of symptoms of ACC between August 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. They were divided into 2 groups according to the difficulty of surgery.

RESULTS

149 patients with ACC received ELC during the study period. ELC was considered difficult in 52 patients (35%). Five preoperative factors were identified as significant predictors of difficult ELC (DELC) on multivariate analysis: duration of acute attack ≥ 4 days from the onset of symptoms till surgery (OR 34.4, P < 0.001), ultrasound showing largest gallstone size > 20 mm (OR 20.2, P = 0.029), ultrasound showing gallstone impaction in Hartmann's pouch (OR 7.2, P = 0.017), history of prior episode(s) of acute attack (OR 6.8, P = 0.048), and diabetes mellitus (OR 5.8, P = 0.046).

CONCLUSION

Careful preoperative assessment of patients with ACC is crucial among junior surgeons with limited surgical expertise prior to proceeding with ELC to identify those at risk of DELC to potentially reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality. If encountered, a management plan should be made, and surgery should proceed only upon confirming the availability of experienced surgeons in the field of biliary and laparoscopic surgery to supervise or assist in the procedure. Alternatively, such group of patients should rather be transferred to more advanced surgical centers which offer higher level of care to maintain patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes. More importantly, bail-out procedures should always be resorted to whenever DELC is encountered intraoperatively to prevent further surgical damage.

Gallbladder perforation: Diagnostic accuracy of new CT difficulty score in predicting complicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy

PURPOSE

To formulate and evaluate the diagnostic performance and utility of a new CT difficulty score in predicting difficult laparoscopic surgery in cases of gallbladder (GB) perforation.

METHODS

This prospective single centre study included a total of 48 diagnosed cases of GB perforation on CT between December 2021 and June 2023, out of which 24 patients were operated. A new 6-point CT difficulty scoring system was devised to predict difficult laparoscopic approach, based on patterns of inflammation around the perforated GB that were found to be surgically relevant. The pre-operative imaging findings on CT were studied in detail and correlation coefficients of various imaging findings were calculated to predict difficult surgery.

RESULTS

On CECT, the type of perforation, according to the revised Niemeier's classification could be exactly delineated in all 48 patients. A CT difficulty score of ≥ 3 was found to a good predictor difficult laparoscopic approach, with statistical significance (p = 0.001), sensitivity of 94.44%, specificity of 83.33%, PPV of 94.44% and NPV of 83.33%. Inflammatory changes around duodenum showed maximum correlation coefficient of 0.744 (p = 0.0001), around colon showed a correlation coefficient of 0.657 (p = 0.0005), and in the omentum had a correlation coefficient of 0.5 (p = 0.013)). Inter-observer agreement was also calculated for various findings and it was found to have moderate to strong agreement (κ value 0.5-1.0).

CONCLUSION

The CT difficulty scoring system can be an effective tool in predicting difficult laparoscopic surgery in cases of GB perforation in an emergency setting which can help in decision making and improved patient outcome.

The Hanging Strap Method: A Safe and Easy-to-Use Surgical Technique for Surgeons-in-Training Performing Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Introduction Surgeons-in-training (SIT) perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC); however, it is challenging to complete the procedure safely in difficult cases. We present a surgical technique during difficult LC, which we named the hanging strap method. Methods We retrospectively compared the perioperative outcomes between patients undergoing difficult LC with the hanging strap method (HANGS, n = 34), and patients undergoing difficult LC without the hanging strap method (non-HANGS, n = 56) from 2022 and 2024. Difficult LC was defined as cases classified as more than grade II cholecystitis by the Tokyo Guidelines 18 and cases when LC was undergoing over five days after the onset of cholecystitis. Results The proportion of SIT with post-graduate year (PGY) ≤ 7 was significantly higher in the HANGS group than in the non-HANGS group (82.4% vs. 33.9%, P < 0.001). The overall rate of bile duct injury (BDI), postoperative bile leakage and operative mortality were zero in the whole cohort. There were no significant differences between the HANGS and non-HANGS groups in background characteristics, operative time (122 min vs. 132 min, P = 0.830) and surgical blood loss (14 mL vs. 24 mL, P = 0.533). Conclusions Our findings suggested that the hanging strap method is safe and easy to use for difficult LC. We recommend that the current method be selected as one of the surgical techniques for SIT when performing difficult LC.

Can Hemogram Parameters and Derived Ratios Predict Conversion From Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy?

Backgrounds Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for surgical removal of gallbladder today. In challenging cholecystectomy cases, conversion to an open technique may be necessary. Therefore, the preoperative prediction of conversion to open technique holds significant importance for patient safety and surgical strategy. In the literature, conversion to open cholecystectomy has been associated with many contradictory predictive factors. The aim of this study is to identify and comprehensively evaluate the predictive laboratory parameters and ratios associated with the conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy. Methods In this historical cohort study, the data of patients who were scheduled for and underwent LC between January 1, 2018, and September 1, 2023, were retrospectively evaluated. The preoperative laboratory findings and surgical notes of the patients were reviewed retrospectively from the archives. The correlation between patient data and the cholecystectomy groups was analyzed, and comparisons were made between the groups. Results All 160 patients initially underwent a laparoscopic approach. In emergency cases, a statistically significant association was found between lymphocyte count (p = 0.017) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) (p = 0.041) with operations completed laparoscopically and between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.007) and Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) (p = 0.031) with operations converted to open surgery. In elective cases, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p = 0.024) and total bilirubin (TBIL) (p = 0.003) were found to have a statistically significant association with operations converted to open surgery. In the logistic regression analysis, hematological parameters and ratios were not found to have a statistically significant relationship in predicting the conversion to open surgery. Conclusion Although significant differences were observed in laboratory parameters and derived ratios such as the NLR and LMR, logistic regression analysis did not identify any of these measures as significant predictors of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed in this area.

Analysis of the sonographic predictors of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy in symptomatic cholelithiasis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most common laparoscopic procedures performed by young surgeons nowadays. Sometimes, LC could be challenging, especially for junior surgeons leading to serious complications. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the preoperative ultrasonographic features that could predict difficult LC.

METHODS

In this prospective study, patients (n = 204) who underwent LC for symptomatic cholelithiasis from January 2020 to August 2022 were included. Preoperative parameters, including the ultrasonographic findings, were evaluated for their ability to predict difficult LC.

RESULTS

The difficulty of LC was evaluated using two intraoperative scores. Among the ultrasonic parameters that were assessed preoperatively, thickened gallbladder (GB) wall, contracted GB, and impacted stone in the GB neck were associated with difficult LC. However, an impacted stone in the GB neck was the only independent predictor of difficult LC according to both difficulty scores in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 7.56, p = .001; OR = 8.42, p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The impacted stone in the GB neck is an ultrasonographic sign of difficult LC. It should alert the surgeon for a more appropriate preoperative preparation, and the patient should be informed about the increased risk of complications, including conversion to open cholecystectomy.

Role of C-Reactive Protein as a Predictor of Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Cholelithiasis is one of the most common diseases encountered in gastroenterology. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be labelled as difficult if the surgery continues for more than 60 minutes or if the cystic artery is injured before ligation or clipping. Predicting difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy can help the surgeon to be prepared for intraoperative challenges such as adhesions in triangle of Calot, injury to cystic artery or gall stone spillage; and improve patient counseling.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 269 patients with diagnosed cholelithiasis and planned for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the general surgery department of Civil Hospital Karachi. After approval of the institution review board of the Civil Hospital, the data of all the patients was collected along with informed consent. The patients were selected via nonprobability, consecutive sampling.

RESULTS

The prevalence of difficult LC during procedure was 14.5% (39/269). Contingency table showed the true positive, negative and false positive and negative observation and using these observation to compute accuracy. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of serum c-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting the difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients of cholelithiasis was 87.2%, 97%, 82.9%, 97.8% and 95.5% respectively. Effect modifiers like age, gender and BMI were controlled by stratification analysis and observed that diagnostic accuracy was above 90% in all stratified groups as presented in the following tables. 175 (65.06%) of 279 patients were females indicating female predominance. In general, 41 patients (15.05%) had CRP serum levels greater than 11 mg/dL out of which 34 patients had to undergo difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC), while 223 out of 228 patients with serum CRP levels of less than 11 mg/dL did not face any difficulty during their cholecystectomy. Similar results have been acquired across all age groups and both genders.

CONCLUSION

C Reactive Protein is a potent predictor of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its conversion preoperatively. Patients with preoperatively high C Reactive Protein CRP levels in serum have more chances of complication intraoperatively and increased chances of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. Preoperative C Reactive Protein (CRP) with values >11 mg/dL was associated with the highest odds of presenting difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) in our study. This value possesses good sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for predicting DLC in our population.

Post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) is still a major worrisome complication that is feared by all surgeons undergoing cholecystectomy. The overall incidence of biliary duct injuries falls between 0.2 and 1.3%. BDI classification remains an important method to define the type of injury conducted for investigation and management. Recently, a Consensus has been taken to define BDI using the ATOM classification. Early management brings better results than delayed management. The current perspective in biliary surgery is the laparoscopic role in diagnosing and managing BDI. Diagnostic laparoscopy has been conducted in various entities for diagnostic and therapeutic measures in minor and major BDIs.

METHODS

35 cases with iatrogenic BDI following cholecystectomy (after both open and laparoscopic approaches) both happened in or were referred to Alexandria Main University Hospital surgical department from January 2019 till May 2022 and were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were classified according to the ATOM classification. Management options undertaken were mentioned and compared to the timing of diagnosis, and the morbidity and mortality rates (using the Clavien-Dindo classification).

RESULTS

35 patients with BDI after both laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) (54.3%), and Open cholecystectomy (OC) (45.7%) (20% were converted and 25.7% were Open from the start) were classified according to ATOM classification. 45.7% were main bile duct injuries (MBDI), and 54.3% were non-main bile duct injuries (NMBDI), where only one case 2.9% was associated with vasculobiliary injury (VBI). 28% (n = 10) of the cases were diagnosed intraoperatively (Ei), 62.9% were diagnosed early postoperatively (Ep), and 8.6% were diagnosed in the late postoperative period (L). LC was associated with 84.2% of the NMBDI, and only 18.8% of the MBDI, compared to OC which was associated with 81.3% of the MBDI, and 15.8% of the NMBDI. By the Clavien-Dindo classification, 68.6% fell into Class IIIb, 20% into Class I, 5.7% into Class V (mortality rate), 2.9% into Class IIIa, and 2.9% into Class IV. The Clavien-Dindo classification and the patient's injury (type and time of detection) were compared to investigation and management options.

CONCLUSION

Management options should be defined individually according to the mode of presentation, the timing of detection of injury, and the type of injury. Early detection and management are associated with lower morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic Laparoscopy was associated with lower morbidity and better outcomes. A proper Reporting checklist should be designed to help improve the identification of injury types.

Intraoperative Scoring System to Assess the Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective Study From a Tertiary Care Centre

Background In comparison to a traditional cholecystectomy (open), the laparoscopic cholecystectomy approach provides a number of benefits and has been demonstrated in some studies to have a greater complication rate. The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery ranged between 2% and 15%. A preoperative scoring or grading system (based on age, sex, history, clinical examination, laboratory, and sonographic results) was developed by Nassar et al., to anticipate the challenge of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. So, we conducted this study to assess the degree of difficulty in faced during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using an intraoperative scoring system and validate the same using the preoperative scoring system. Methods We conducted this study in the department of General Surgery among 105 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the defined study period of one year. We performed the preoperative workup for all patients. A preoperative scoring or grading system developed by Nassar et al., in 2020 was used. In our study, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed by surgeons having a minimum of eight years of hands-on experience in laparoscopic surgeries. An intraoperative scoring or grading system for the degree of difficulty during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, developed by Sugrue et al., in 2015 was used. The Chi-square test was applied to assess the association between preoperative variables and the intraoperative score grading. We have also performed the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to validate the preoperative score in predicting the intraoperative findings. All tests were considered statically significant if the p-value was < 0.05. Results In our study, a total of 105 patients were included in the study and the mean age of patients was 57.6±16.4 years. The male patients were 58.1% and the remaining 41.9% were females. The primary diagnosis was cholecystitis among 44.8% of patients and 2.9% of patients were diagnosed with pancreatitis. Among enrolled patients, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done on an emergency basis among 2.9% of subjects. During the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, among 21.0% and 30.5% of patients, there was a severe and extreme degree of difficulty respectively. In our study, the conversion rate from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy was 8.6%. In our study, we found that at a preoperative score of 6, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting easy cases were 88.2% and 73.8%, respectively, and had an accuracy of 88.6% for easy cases and 68.5% for difficult cases. Conclusion When grading the difficulties of doing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and determining the severity of cholecystitis, this intraoperative scoring system is effective and accurate. Additionally, it signifies the need for conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy in cases of severe cholecystitis.

Preoperative scoring system validation and analysis of associated risk factors in predicting difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis: A prospective observational study

Objectives

Today laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the treatment of choice for acute cholecystitis. However, the presence of severe inflammation makes it challenging for the surgeons to accurately recognize the Calot's triangle which increases the risk of intraoperative complications. The aim of this study was to explore the validity of a scoring system used to predict difficult LC and to analyse the risk factors associated with difficult cholecystectomy in the setting of acute calculous cholecystitis.

Material and Methods

An observational study was conducted between December 2018 and December 2020 among 132 patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A scoring system by Randhawa et al. was used preoperatively for all of these patients to predict difficult LC, which was correlated to intraoperative difficulties in actual surgery. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 26.0.

Results

Mean age was 43.63 ± 13.37, with almost equal representation from both sexes. History of previous attacks of cholecystitis, impacted stone, thickness of GB wall were statistically significant in calculating preoperative difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The scoring system had a sensitivity and specificity of 82.6% and 63.5%, respectively. The conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 6.9%.

Conclusion

Analysing the significant risk factors before operating in the presence of an inflamed gallbladder can reduce the overall mortality and morbidity. An accurate preoperative scoring system will enable the operating surgeon to be well prepared with adequate resources and time. The patient attenders can also be counselled regarding the risk involved beforehand.

Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Predictors and its Significance: Our Experience

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the procedure of choice for the management of symptomatic gallstone disease. In LC, the surgeons encountered difficulties with acutely inflamed or gangrenous gallbladder (GB), dense adhesions at Calot's triangle, fibrotic and contracted GB, and cholecystoenteric fistula. Depending on the difficulty faced during the surgery, the outcome of LC may vary from abandoning the procedure or partial cholecystectomy to conversion into open cholecystectomy. Complications related to biliary tract or adjoining structures or vessels may also occur. Our aim was to assess the different preoperative factors in patients of cholelithiasis and ascertain the validity of the scoring system devised by Randhawa and Pujahari in preoperatively predicting the difficult LC in our hospital scenario.

Materials and Methods

This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery for a period of 2 years. All diagnosed cases of cholelithiasis admitted for elective LC during the study period in our hospital were included in the study.

Results

In total, 154 patients, aged≥50 years, history of hospitalization for acute cholecystitis (AC), body mass index of 25 kg/m2 and more, abdominal scar, palpable GB, GB wall thickness ≥4 mm, pericholecystic collection, impacted stone found to be significant factors to predict difficult LC preoperatively. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and pancreatitis were found as independent risk factor for difficult LC.

Conclusion

We recommend that the scoring system should be regularly used as a protocol for predicting difficulty levels preoperatively in LC. It can help to decide the surgical approach, counsel the patients, and reduce the complication rate, rate of conversion, and overall medical cost. The scoring system proposed by Randhawa and Pujahari is effective but has some lacunae.

Difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and preoperative predictive factors

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard technique for treatment of gallbladder disease. In case of acute cholecystitis we can identify preoperative factors associated with an increased risk of conversion and intraoperative complications. The aim of our study was to detect preoperative laboratory and radiological findings predictive of difficult LC with potential advantages for both the surgeons and patients in terms of options for management. We designed a retrospective case-control study to compare preoperative predictive factors of difficult LC in patients treated in emergency setting between January 2015 and December 2019. We included in the difficult LC group the surgeries with operative time > 2 h, need for conversion to open, significant bleeding and/or use of synthetic hemostats, vascular and/or biliary injuries and additional operative procedures. We collected 86 patients with inclusion criteria and difficult LC. In the control group, we selected 86 patients with inclusion criteria, but with no operative signs of difficult LC. The analysis of the collected data showed that there was a statistically significant association between WBC count and fibrinogen level and difficult LC. No association were seen with ALP, ALT and bilirubin values. Regarding radiological findings significant differences were noted among the two groups for irregular or absent wall, pericholecystic fluid, fat hyperdensity, thickening of wall > 4 mm and hydrops. The preoperative identification of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides an important advantage not only for the surgeon who has to perform the surgery, but also for the organization of the operating block and technical resources. In patients with clinical and laboratory parameters of acute cholecystitis, therefore, it would be advisable to carry out a preoperative abdominal CT scan with evaluation of features that can be easily assessed also by the surgeon.

A prospective cohort study for prediction of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Introduction

Difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) is a stressful condition for surgeon which is followed by greater risk for various injuries (biliary, vascular etc.) Preoperative factors that are related to DLC are landmarks for surgeon to assess the possibilities for overcoming difficulties and making early decision about conversion to an open surgery. In prospective cohort study we evaluated and defined the importance and impact of preoperative parameters on difficulties encountered during surgery, defined DLC, predictors of DLC and index of DLC.

Materials and methods

All patients in the study were operated by the same surgeon. We defined the total duration of the operation as the time from insertion of Veress needle to the extraction of gallbladder (GB) and DLC as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) that lasted longer than the average duration of LC and the value of one standard deviation.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified five predictors significantly related to DLC: GB wall thickness > 4 mm, GB fibrosis, leukocytosis ˃10 × 10⁹ g/L, ˃ 5 pain attacks that lasted longer than 4 h and diabetes mellitus. The sensitivity of the generated index of DLC in our series is 81.8% and specificity 97.2%.

Conclusion

Preoperative prediction of DLC is important for the surgeon, for his operating strategy, better organization of work in operating room, reduction of treatment expenses, as well as for the patient, for his timely information, giving a consent for an operation and a better psychological preparation for possible open cholecystectomy (OC).

H•

There is no consensus on the definition of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) and its treatment.

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We defined DLC as an operation that lasts longer than the average duration of LC and the value of one standard deviation.

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DLC is a possible introduction to conversion but not an inevitable pathway to conversion.

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The precise consensus on predictors of DLC hasn’t been made.

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Thickened GB wall > 4 mm, GB fibrosis, >5 attacks of disease and pain lasting > 4 hours, WBC >10 x10⁹ g/L and diabetes mellitus are predictors of DLC.

Utilization of an Intraoperative Grading Scale in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Nepalese Perspective

INTRODUCTION

Difficult geographic diversity and late presentation to medical attention often make the laparoscopic cholecystectomy difficult and chances of conversion and complication remains. Various preoperative grading scales have been developed for predicting the difficulty of surgery in cholecystitis patients; however, intraoperative assessment of anatomical status and inflammation of the gall bladder has not been assessed till date except for some guidelines like the Parkland grading scale (PGS). We aimed to utilise this guideline in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in rural community of the developing nation.

METHODS

PGS was applied for all the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laboratory and outcome factors like preoperative white blood cells (WBC), open conversion, subtotal cholecystectomy, length of surgery, and bile leaks postoperatively were assessed.

RESULTS

Among 178 patients who underwent cholecystectomy, there were 40 grade one GBs, 90 grade two GBs, 26 grade three GBs, 16 grade four GBs, and six grade five GBs. With a conversion rate of 6.74%, eight patients underwent subtotal cholecystectomy. Among them, four patients were graded as 5th grade, two as 4th grade, and two as 3rd grade according to PGS system. Postoperative bile leak was seen in three patients among which two were grade five GBs and one was grade four. Preoperative WBC, conversion to open, subtotal cholecystectomy, length of surgery, and postoperative bile leak all significantly increased with increasing grades (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

PGS can be applied in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the rural setting of a developing nation. With its application, postoperative course could be predicted and adequate counselling can be done about the possibilities of the outcome.

Grading operative findings at laparoscopic cholecystectomy following the new scoring system in Duhok governorate: Cross sectional study

Introduction

Numerous preoperative scoring systems predict difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Recently, the intraoperative difficulties which are facing surgeons are studied. A new scoring system categorize patients according to many intraoperative findings with a final outcome whether converting to open cholecystectomy or continuing laparoscopically.

Patients and methods

This prospective study included 120 patients admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones from October 2019 to August 2020. Intraoperative difficulties were evaluated and patients were categorized according to intraoperative scoring for cholecystitis severity and compared depending to the rate of conversion to the open technique.

Results

Most patient were middle aged females having multiple gallstones, the mean operation time was 35 min and 7.8% of patients were converted to open cholecystectomy because of intraoperative difficulty.

There was a significant correlation between the conversion rate and each of distended and/or contracted gall bladder, inability to grasp the gall bladder with traumatic forceps, stone ≥1 cm impacted in Hartman's pouch, and bile or pus outside gallbladder (P values: 0.002, 0.000, 0.008 and 0.015) respectively, and no significant correlation with gallbladder adhesions, adhesions from previous upper abdominal surgery, BMI>30, and Time to identify cystic artery and duct >90 min (P values: 0.123, 1, 1, 0.078) respectively.

Conclusion

New intraoperative scoring systems are valuable in predicting difficulties and preventing increase operation time and possible injuries. The main points of difficulties are distended or contracted gallbladder, large stone impaction, difficult grasping the wall of the gall bladder and the presence of bile or pus outside the gall bladder.

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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure with some difficulties.

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The definition of difficult LC is not well established until now.

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Recently intraoperative difficulties facing the surgeons are studied.

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Inflammation, adhesions, and obesity are some factors for difficulty.

Could preoperative sonographic criteria predict the difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Background:

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard approach for gallbladder diseases, this sometimes may face difficulties and require conversion to open surgery. The preoperative ultrasonographic study may provide information about the probability of difficult LC, but the data in this term are uncertain. We assessed the value of preoperative ultrasonographic findings for the prediction of LC's difficulty.

Materials and Methods:

The current prospective clinical trial was conducted on 150 patients who were candidates for LC due to symptomatic gallstone. All of the patients underwent ultrasonography study preoperatively, and then, LC was performed. The surgeon completed a checklist regarding the easy or difficult surgical criteria. Finally, the values of ultrasonographic findings for the prediction of LC difficulty were evaluated.

Results:

Among the 150 included patients, 80 had easy LC and 70 had difficult LC. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups of easy and difficult LC regarding gallbladder wall thickness (P = 0.008), stone impaction (P = 0.009), and gallbladder flow (P = 0.04). The area under the curve (standard error [SE]) for the thickness of the gallbladder wall, flow in the gallbladder wall, and stone impaction was 0.598 ± 0.048, 0.543 ± 0.047, and 0.554 ± 0.047, respectively (P < 0.05). The highest specificity was for gallbladder wall flow (100%). Binary logistic regression showed that stone impaction had predictive value for determining difficult LC (odds ratio = 3.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–9.30; P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Although a significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of impacted stone, flow in the gallbladder wall, and thickness of the gallbladder wall, only stone impaction had predictive value for determining difficult LC.

VALIDATION OF A SCORING SYSTEM TO PREDICT DIFFICULT LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY: A ONE-YEAR CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

BACKGROUND

Open cholecystectomy is rapidly being replaced with laparoscopic cholecystectomy which could be associated with complications. Preoperative prediction of risk factors helps in assessing the intraoperative difficulties. Various scoring systems are available to predict the intraoperative difficulties in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, there is the need to find a consistent and reliable scoring and predictive system.

AIM

To validate a preoperative scoring system that will predict difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

DESIGN OF THE STUDY

Non-randomized prospective descriptive study.

SETTING

Department of Medicine, K.L.E. University's Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belagavi 590003, Karnataka. India.

METHODOLOGY

A preoperative score was given to all the patients (30 patients) based on history, clinical examination, and sonographic findings. A score < 5 was predicted as easy, 6-10 as difficult, and 11-15 as very difficult. Intraoperative events such as duration of surgery, bile/stone spillage, and injury to duct/artery were recorded; and surgery was labelled as easy/difficult/very difficult based on these findings. The scores were compared in each patient to conclude the practicality of preoperative predictive score. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Gender (P = 0.029), palpable gallbladder (P = 0.04), thick gallbladder wall (P = 0.027), and impacted stone (P = 0.04) were considered as the significant factors that predict difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Sensitivity and specificity of this scoring method were 86.36 % and 75 %, respectively. The positive predictive value for easy and difficult cases, using this scoring method, was 90.48 % and 66.67 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The preoperative scoring system evaluated in study is reliable and beneficial in predicting the difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, further randomized prospective multicentric studies with large sample size are required to validate the efficiency of the scoring system.