'Extreme' vasculobiliary injuries: association with fundus-down cholecystectomy in severely inflamed gallbladders

Management of post cholecystectomy vascular injuries

INTRODUCTION

Vasculobiliary and vascular injuries following cholecystectomy are the most serious complications requiring complex surgical management resulting in greater patient morbidity and mortality.

METHODOLOGY

The study was performed at a tertiary teaching hospital of North India. Records of patients referred for biliary or vascular injury sustained during cholecystectomy were reviewed retrospectively to identify patients with vascular injury between January 2009 and March 2018. Clinical profile, hospital course and outcome of these patients were analysed.

RESULTS

Over nine years, 117 patients were referred for cholecystectomy related complications. Total incidence of vascular injury was 5.1% (6/117). Combined vasculobiliary injury (VBI) occurred in 3.4% (4/117) while isolated vascular injury was present in 1.7% patients (2/117). Most (5/6) patients were operated for uncomplicated gall stone disease. Incidences of portal vein (PV) and right hepatic artery (RHA) injuries were equal (3/6). PV injuries were repaired either during cholecystectomy (1/3) or during re-exploration after damage control packing (2/3). RHA injuries presented as pseudoaneurysm and were managed surgically (2/3) or by coil embolization (1/3). All VBI referrals (4/117) were following open cholecystectomy. In VBI patients, vascular injury was diagnosed intra-operatively in two while it was diagnosed several weeks after cholecystectomy in two others. Biliary injury manifested as bile leak post-operatively in all four of them. Nature of biliary injury could be characterized in only 50% (2/4) patients. Definitive repair of biliary injury was performed in one patient only. There was one mortality in our series.

CONCLUSION

Vascular injury is an uncommon complication of cholecystectomy with catastrophic outcome if not managed timely and properly. Adequate surgeon training, keeping the possibility of aberrant vasculobiliary anatomy in all cases, and proper surgical technique is crucial for prevention of such injuries. However in such an event, proper documentation and referral to tertiary centre will help in decreasing morbidity and further litigation.

Left-sided gallbladder: a systematic review of a rare biliary anomaly

BACKGROUND

A left-sided gallbladder (LSGB) is a rare anatomical anomaly that is often not discovered until surgery. Two cases of LSGB managed with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) stimulated this systematic review. The aims of this study were in LSGB to define the rate of pre-operative detection, variations in biliary anatomy, laparoscopic techniques employed and outcomes of surgery for symptomatic gallstones.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses principles.

RESULTS

Fifty-three studies with 112 patients of which 90 (80.4%) had symptomatic gallstones. Pre-operative imaging was performed in 108 patients (96.4%) with an LSGB reported on imaging in 32 (29.6%) patients. The remainder of LSGB were discovered at surgery. Ultrasound detected an LSGB in three (2.7%) patients. Five variants of cystic union with the common hepatic duct (CHD) were identified. The most common (67.8%) was union on the right side of the CHD after a hairpin bend anterior to the CHD. A cholecystectomy for gallstone disease was performed in 90 patients, 23.3% open and 76.7% LC. Common variations in LC technique were different port site placement and techniques related to the falciform ligament to improve exposure. Common bile duct injury occurred in four (4.4%) patients.

CONCLUSION

LSGB is a rare anatomical variation that in patients with symptomatic gallstones is usually discovered at surgery. Cholecystectomy is associated with a higher incidence of common bile duct injury.

A three-step conceptual roadmap for avoiding bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an invited perspective review

Bile duct injuries are the most common serious complication of cholecystectomy. Avoidance of bile duct injury is a key aim of biliary surgery. The purpose of this paper is to describe laparoscopic cholecystectomy from the viewpoint of three conceptual goals. Three conceptual goals of cholecystectomy are: (1) getting secure anatomical identification of key structures; (2) making the right decision not to perform a total cholecystectomy when conditions are too dangerous to get secure identification - the "inflection point"; and (3) finishing the operation safely when secure anatomical identification of cystic structures is not possible. The Critical View of Safety (CVS) has been shown to be a good way of getting secure anatomical identification. Conceptually, CVS is a method of target identification, the targets being the two cystic structures. Sometimes, anatomic identification is not possible because the risk of biliary injury is judged to be too great. Then a decision is made to abandon the attempt to do a complete cholecystectomy - and instead to "bail-out". This "inflection point" is defined as the moment at which the decision is made to halt the attempt to perform a total cholecystectomy laparoscopically and to finish the operation by a different method. Currently the best bail-out procedure seems to be subtotal fenestrating cholecystectomy. Application of conceptual goals of cholecystectomy can help the surgeon to avoid biliary injury.

Revision Roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy for a post-cholecystectomy complex vasculobiliary injury with complete proper hepatic artery occlusion: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Complete proper hepatic arterial [PHA] occlusion due to accidental coil migration during embolization of cystic artery stump pseudoaneurysm resulting from a complex vasculobiliary injurie [CVBI] post laparoscopic cholecystectomy [LC] is an extremely rare complication with less than 15 cases reported. We present a case depicting our strategy to tackle this obstacle in management of CVBI and review the relevant literature.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 35 year old lady presented on sixth postoperative day with an external biliary fistula following Roux-en-y hepaticojejunostomy [RYHJ] for biliary injury during LC. She developed a leaking cystic artery pseudoaneurysm, during angioembolisation of which, one coil accidentally migrated into left hepatic artery resulting in complete PHA occlusion. Fourteen months later, cholangiogram revealed a worsening RYHJ stricture despite repeated percutaneous balloon dilatations. Multiple collaterals had developed. Revision RYHJ was fashioned to the anterior wall of biliary confluence with an extension into left duct. Minimum hilar dissection ensured preservation of collateral supply to the biliary enteric anastomosis. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The patient is doing well at 1 year follow up.

DISCUSSION

Definitive biliary enteric repair should be delayed till collateral circulation is established within the hilar plate, hepatoduodenal ligament and perihepatic/peribiliary collaterals to provide an adequate arterial blood supply to biliary confluence and extrahepatic portion of the bile duct.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of hepatic arteries should be part of investigation of all complex biliary injuries. Delayed definitive biliary enteric repair ensures a well-perfused anastomosis. Minimum hilar dissection is the key to preserve biliary and hepatic neovasculature.

Calculus left in remnant gallbladder cause long-term complications in patients undergoing subtotal cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

There have been only a few reports that describe the long-term outcomes of Subtotal cholecystectomy (SC).

METHODS

A total of 59 patients underwent "reconstituting" SC at our hospital between January 2005 and July 2017. In the 59 patients, risk factors for long-term complications were analyzed. In addition, in the patients with acute cholecystitis (AC), perioperative and long-term clinical factors were compared for patients who underwent SC (n = 48) and those who underwent total cholecystectomy (n = 378).

RESULTS

In the 59 patients who underwent SC, long-term complication developed in 14 (23.7%), including residual calculus in the common bile duct (n = 12), remnant cholecystitis (n = 1), and persistent severe inflammatory response (n = 1). Postoperative magnetic resonance image was performed in 35/59 patients (59.3%) who underwent SC. In these 35 patients, the size of the remnant gallbladder calculated by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was significantly associated with the occurrence of long-term complications (p = 0.009). In the patients with AC, regarding long-term complications, the incidence of residual calculus in the common bile duct (16.6 versus 0.7%) was significantly higher in the SC group.

CONCLUSIONS

SC was associated with a relatively high incidence of long-term complications associated with remnant calculus.

Safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Adoption of universal culture of safety in cholecystectomy

The incidence of biliary injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has shown a declining trend though it may still be twice that as with open cholecystectomy. Major biliary or vasculobiliary injury is associated with significant morbidity. As prevention is the best strategy, the concept of a culture of safe cholecystectomy has been recently introduced to educate surgeons and apprise them of basic tenets of safe performance of LC. Various aspects of safe cholecystectomy include: (1) thorough knowledge of relevant anatomy, various anatomical landmarks, and anatomical variations; (2) an understanding of the mechanisms involved in biliary/vascular injury, the most important being the misidentification injury; (3) identification of various preoperative and intraoperative predictors of difficult cholecystectomy; (4) proper gallbladder retraction; (5) safe use of various energy devices; (6) understanding the critical view of safety, including its doublet view and documentation; (7) awareness of various error traps (e.g., fundus first technique); (8) use of various bailout strategies (e.g., subtotal cholecystectomy) in difficult gallbladder cases; (9) use of intraoperative imaging techniques (e.g., intraoperative cholangiogram) to ascertain correct anatomy; and (10) understanding the concept of time-out. Surgeons should be facile with these aspects of this culture of safety in cholecystectomy in an attempt to reduce the incidence of biliary/vascular injury during LC.

Safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Adoption of universal culture of safety in cholecystectomy

The incidence of biliary injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has shown a declining trend though it may still be twice that as with open cholecystectomy. Major biliary or vasculobiliary injury is associated with significant morbidity. As prevention is the best strategy, the concept of a culture of safe cholecystectomy has been recently introduced to educate surgeons and apprise them of basic tenets of safe performance of LC. Various aspects of safe cholecystectomy include: (1) thorough knowledge of relevant anatomy, various anatomical landmarks, and anatomical variations; (2) an understanding of the mechanisms involved in biliary/vascular injury, the most important being the misidentification injury; (3) identification of various preoperative and intraoperative predictors of difficult cholecystectomy; (4) proper gallbladder retraction; (5) safe use of various energy devices; (6) understanding the critical view of safety, including its doublet view and documentation; (7) awareness of various error traps (e.g., fundus first technique); (8) use of various bailout strategies (e.g., subtotal cholecystectomy) in difficult gallbladder cases; (9) use of intraoperative imaging techniques (e.g., intraoperative cholangiogram) to ascertain correct anatomy; and (10) understanding the concept of time-out. Surgeons should be facile with these aspects of this culture of safety in cholecystectomy in an attempt to reduce the incidence of biliary/vascular injury during LC.

Tokyo Guidelines 2018: surgical management of acute cholecystitis: safe steps in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis (with videos)

In some cases, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) may be difficult to perform in patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) with severe inflammation and fibrosis. The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18) expand the indications for LC under difficult conditions for each level of severity of AC. As a result of expanding the indications for LC to treat AC, it is absolutely necessary to avoid any increase in bile duct injury (BDI), particularly vasculo-biliary injury (VBI), which is known to occur at a certain rate in LC. Since the Tokyo Guidelines 2013 (TG13), an attempt has been made to assess intraoperative findings as objective indicators of surgical difficulty; based on expert consensus on these difficulty indicators, bail-out procedures (including conversion to open cholecystectomy) have been indicated for cases in which LC for AC is difficult to perform. A bail-out procedure should be chosen if, when the Calot's triangle is appropriately retracted and used as a landmark, a critical view of safety (CVS) cannot be achieved because of the presence of nondissectable scarring or severe fibrosis. We propose standardized safe steps for LC to treat AC. To achieve a CVS, it is vital to dissect at a location above (on the ventral side of) the imaginary line connecting the base of the left medial section (Segment 4) and the roof of Rouvière's sulcus and to fulfill the three criteria of CVS before dividing any structures. Achieving a CVS prevents the misidentification of the cystic duct and the common bile duct, which are most commonly confused. Free full articles and mobile app of TG18 are available at: http://www.jshbps.jp/modules/en/index.php?content_id=47. Related clinical questions and references are also included.

Measuring Decision-Making During Thyroidectomy: Validity Evidence for a Web-Based Assessment Tool

BACKGROUND

Errors in judgment during thyroidectomy can lead to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and other complications. Despite the strong link between patient outcomes and intraoperative decision-making, methods to evaluate these complex skills are lacking. The purpose of this study was to develop objective metrics to evaluate advanced cognitive skills during thyroidectomy and to obtain validity evidence for them.

METHODS

An interactive online learning platform was developed ( www.thinklikeasurgeon.com ). Trainees and surgeons from four institutions completed a 33-item assessment, developed based on a cognitive task analysis and expert Delphi consensus. Sixteen items required subjects to make annotations on still frames of thyroidectomy videos, and accuracy scores were calculated based on an algorithm derived from experts' responses ("visual concordance test," VCT). Seven items were short answer (SA), requiring users to type their answers, and scores were automatically calculated based on their similarity to a pre-populated repertoire of correct responses. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and correlation of scores with self-reported experience and training level (novice, intermediate, expert) were calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight subjects (10 endocrine surgeons and otolaryngologists, 18 trainees) participated. There was high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96; n = 10) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.93). The assessment demonstrated significant differences between novices, intermediates, and experts in total score (p < 0.01), VCT score (p < 0.01) and SA score (p < 0.01). There was high correlation between total case number and total score (ρ = 0.95, p < 0.01), between total case number and VCT score (ρ = 0.93, p < 0.01), and between total case number and SA score (ρ = 0.83, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study describes the development of novel metrics and provides validity evidence for an interactive Web-based platform to objectively assess decision-making during thyroidectomy.

IRCAD recommendation on safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy

An expert recommendation conference was conducted to identify factors associated with adverse events during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with the goal of deriving expert recommendations for the reduction of biliary and vascular injury. Nineteen hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeons from high-volume surgery centers in six countries comprised the Research Institute Against Cancer of the Digestive System (IRCAD) Recommendations Group. Systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase was conducted. Using nominal group technique, structured group meetings were held to identify key items for safer LC. Consensus was achieved when 80% of respondents ranked an item as 1 or 2 (Likert scale 1-4). Seventy-one IRCAD HPB course participants assessed the expert recommendations which were compared to responses of 37 general surgery course participants. The IRCAD recommendations were structured in seven statements. The key topics included exposure of the operative field, appropriate use of energy device and establishment of the critical view of safety (CVS), systematic preoperative imaging, cholangiogram and alternative techniques, role of partial and dome-down (fundus-first) cholecystectomy. Highest consensus was achieved on the importance of the CVS as well as dome-down technique and partial cholecystectomy as alternative techniques. The put forward IRCAD recommendations may help to promote safe surgical practice of LC and initiate specific training to avoid adverse events.

Delphi consensus on bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an evolutionary cul-de-sac or the birth pangs of a new technical framework?

Bile duct injury (BDI) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains a serious iatrogenic surgical complication. BDI most often occurs as a result of misidentification of the anatomy; however, clinical evidence on its precise mechanism and surgeons' perceptions is scarce. Surgeons from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the USA, etc. (n = 614) participated in a questionnaire regarding their BDI experience and near-misses; and perceptions on landmarks, intraoperative findings, and surgical techniques. Respondents voted for a Delphi process and graded each item on a five-point scale. The consensus was built when ≥80% of overall responses were 4 or 5. Response rates for the first- and second-round Delphi were 60.6% and 74.9%, respectively. Misidentification of local anatomy accounted for 76.2% of BDI. Final consensus was reached on: (1) Effective retraction of the gallbladder, (2) Always obtaining critical view of safety, and (3) Avoiding excessive use of electrocautery/clipping as vital procedures; and (4) Calot's triangle area and (5) Critical view of safety as important landmarks. For (6) Impacted gallstone and (7) Severe fibrosis/scarring in Calot's triangle, bail-out procedures may be indicated. A consensus was reached among expert surgeons on relevant landmarks and intraoperative findings and appropriate surgical techniques to avoid BDI.

Liver transplantation in the treatment of severe iatrogenic liver injuries

The place of liver transplantation in the treatment of severe iatrogenic liver injuries has not yet been widely discussed in the literature. Bile duct injuries during cholecystectomy represent the leading cause of liver transplantation in this setting, while other indications after abdominal surgery are less common. Urgent liver transplantation for the treatment of severe iatrogenic liver injury may-represent a surgical challenge requiring technically difficult and time consuming procedures. A debate is ongoing on the need for centralization of complex surgery in tertiary referral centers. The early referral of patients with severe iatrogenic liver injuries to a tertiary center with experienced hepato-pancreato-biliary and transplant surgery has emerged as the best treatment of care. Despite widespread interest in the use of liver transplantation as a treatment option for severe iatrogenic injuries, reported experiences indicate few liver transplants are performed. This review analyzes the literature on liver transplantation after hepatic injury and discusses our own experience along with surgical advances and future prospects in this uncommon transplant setting.

Bile Duct Injury after Cholecystectomy: Surgical Therapy

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic bile duct injuries (IBDI) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), being one of the most common performed surgical procedures, remain a substantial problem in gastrointestinal surgery. The most important aspect regarding this issue is the prevention of IBDI during index cholecystectomy. Once it occurs, early and accurate diagnosis of IBDI is very important for surgeons and gastroenterologists, because unidentified IBDI may result in severe complications such as hepatic failure and death. Laboratory tests, radiological imaging, and endoscopy play an important role in the diagnosis of biliary injuries.

METHODS

This review summarizes and discusses the current literature on the management of IBDI after LC from a surgical point of view.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In general, endoscopic techniques are recommended for the initial diagnosis and treatment of IBDI and are important to classify them correctly. In patients with complete dissection or obstruction of the bile duct, surgical management remains the only feasible option. Different surgical reconstructions are performed in patients with IBDI. According to the available literature, Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is the most frequent surgical reconstruction and is recommended by most authors. Long-term results are most important in the assessment of effectiveness of IBDI treatment. Apart from that, adequate diagnosis and treatment of IBDI may avoid many serious complications and improve the quality of life of our patients.

A preoperative predictive scoring system to predict the ability to achieve the critical view of safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to develop a preoperative scoring system to predict the ability to achieve the critical view of safety (CVS) in patients undergoing emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis (AC).

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent LC for AC between 2012 and 2015 was performed. The achievement or failure of creating the CVS was judged by operative records, video recordings, and interviews of the surgeons. Independent preoperative variables associated with failure were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis and a prediction scoring system created.

RESULTS

A C-reactive protein (CRP) >5.5 mg/dl, gallstone impaction, and symptom onset to operation >72 h were identified as independently correlated risk factors for the failure to achieve the CVS. A preoperative risk scoring system for the failure to create the CVS (0-5 points) was constructed using these 3 factors: CRP >5.5 mg/dl (2 points), gallstone impaction (1 points), and time from symptom onset to operation >72 h (2 points). When monitoring the frequency of patients who had a failure to create the CVS at each score, the incidence of failure increased as the score increased (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Using only three preoperative factors, the proposed scoring system provides an objective evaluation of the likelihood that CVS can be achieved in patients undergoing emergency LC for AC.

The Difficult Gallbladder: A Safe Approach to a Dangerous Problem

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure, and remains the gold standard for the management of benign gallbladder and biliary disease. While this procedure can be technically straightforward, it can also represent one of the most challenging operations facing surgeons. This dichotomy of a routine operation performed so commonly that poses such a hidden risk of severe complications, such as bile duct injury, must keep surgeons steadfast in the pursuit of safety. The "difficult gallbladder" requires strict adherence to the Culture of Safety in Cholecystectomy, which promotes safety first and assists surgeons in managing or avoiding difficult operative situations. This review will discuss the management of the difficult gallbladder and propose the use of subtotal fenestrating cholecystectomy as a definitive option during this dangerous situation.

Role of Liver Transplantation in Bilio-Vascular Liver Injury After Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to report 2 cases of liver transplantation (LT) for iatrogenic bile-vascular injury (BVI) sustained during cholecystectomy and to review the literature for LT after cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Between March 2001 and July 2013, within our institution, 12 patients were treated after cholecystectomy, 3 of 12 received LT, 1 for acute de-compensation in a cirrhotic patient and 2 after iatrogenic lesions.

RESULTS

The majority of iatrogenic injury occurred during video-laparocholecystectomy (63,6%; 7/11). Three patients of 12 (25%) received LT: the first patient developed acute de-compensation in chronic and after liver failure. The second patient developed recurrent cholangitis and secondary biliary cirrhosis. The third patient had undergone emergency hepatectomy because of bleeding and subsequent total hepatectomy with porto-caval shunt. Five of 12 (42%) patients were treated with bilio-digestive anastomosis: 1 patient with direct repair on T-tube; 2 patients (17%) with arterial vascular lesion requiring surgical treatment; and 1 patient treated with medical therapy. No deaths occurred. The post-operative morbidity included 1 re-intervention, 3 recurrent cholangitis, 1 anastomotic biliary stricture, 1 anastomotic bile leak, and cholestasis in 3 patients. The overall hospital stays were higher after LT. Median follow-up was 8.25 years (range, 2-14).

CONCLUSIONS

The management of iatrogenic injury during cholecystectomy depends on the time of recognition, extent of injury, experience of the surgeon, and the patient's general condition. If safe repair is possible, BVI should be treated promptly, otherwise all patients should be treated in an experienced center.

Comparing early and delayed repair of common bile duct injury to identify clinical drivers of outcome and morbidity

BACKGROUND

Outcomes following repair of common bile duct injury (CBDI) are influenced by center and surgeon experience. Determinants of morbidity related to timing of repair are not fully described in this population.

METHODS

Patients with CBDI managed surgically at a single center from January 2008 to June 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes of patients undergoing early (≤48 h from injury) and delayed (>48 h) repair were compared. Predictive modeling for readmission was performed for patients undergoing delayed repair.

RESULTS

In total, 61 patients underwent surgical biliary reconstruction. Between the early and delayed repair groups, no differences were found in patient demographics, injury classification subtype, vasculobiliary injury (VBI) incidence, hospital length of stay, 30-day readmission rate, or 90-day mortality rate. Patients undergoing delayed repair exhibited increased chance of readmission if VBI was present or if multiple endoscopic procedures were performed prior to repair. A predictive model was constructed with these variables (ROC 0.681).

CONCLUSION

When managed by a tertiary hepatopancreatobiliary center, equivalent outcomes can be realized for patients undergoing early and delayed repair of CBDI. Establishment of evidence-based consensus guidelines for evaluation and treatment of CBDI may allow identification of factors that drive morbidity and predict clinical outcomes in this population.

Measuring intra-operative decision-making during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: validity evidence for a novel interactive Web-based assessment tool

BACKGROUND

Errors in judgment during laparoscopic cholecystectomy can lead to bile duct injuries and other complications. Despite correlations between outcomes, expertise and advanced cognitive skills, current methods to evaluate these skills remain subjective, rater- and situation-dependent and non-systematic. The purpose of this study was to develop objective metrics using a Web-based platform and to obtain validity evidence for their assessment of decision-making during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

An interactive online learning platform was developed ( www.thinklikeasurgeon.com ). Trainees and surgeons from six institutions completed a 12-item assessment, developed based on a cognitive task analysis. Five items required subjects to draw their answer on the surgical field, and accuracy scores were calculated based on an algorithm derived from experts' responses ("visual concordance test", VCT). Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and correlation with self-reported experience, Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) score and Objective Performance Rating Scale (OPRS) score were calculated. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate the platform's usability, feasibility and educational value.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine subjects (17 surgeons, 22 trainees) participated. There was high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95; n = 10) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.87). The assessment demonstrated significant differences between novices, intermediates and experts in total score (p < 0.01) and VCT score (p < 0.01). There was high correlation between total case number and total score (ρ = 0.83, p < 0.01) and between total case number and VCT (ρ = 0.82, p < 0.01), and moderate to high correlations between total score and GOALS (ρ = 0.66, p = 0.05), VCT and GOALS (ρ = 0.83, p < 0.01), total score and OPRS (ρ = 0.67, p = 0.04), and VCT and OPRS (ρ = 0.78, p = 0.01). Most subjects agreed or strongly agreed that the platform and assessment was easy to use [n = 29 (78 %)], facilitates learning intra-operative decision-making [n = 28 (81 %)], and should be integrated into surgical training [n = 28 (76 %)].

CONCLUSION

This study provides preliminary validity evidence for a novel interactive platform to objectively assess decision-making during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Proposal for Standardized Tabular Reporting of Observational Surgical Studies Illustrated in a Study on Primary Repair of Bile Duct Injuries

BACKGROUND

A standard format for reporting observational surgical studies does not exist. This creates difficulties in comparing studies and in performing synthesis through systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This article proposes a method called "standard tabular reporting" and illustrates its use in a case series of bile duct reconstructions for biliary injuries occurring during cholecystectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

A database dealing with biliary injuries was constructed in sections. Each section was designed to be turned into a table covering one element of the subject. Whenever possible, American College of Surgeons NSQIP "Classic Variables and Definitions" were used for forming sections and tables. However, most tables are original and specific to biliary injury. The database was populated from clinical records of patients who sustained a biliary injury during cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

Tables were created dealing with the following subjects: demographics, index operation, presentation, classification of injury, preoperative risk assessment, preoperative laboratory values, operative repair technique, postoperative complications, and long-term outcomes. Between 1997 and 2013, 122 primary bile duct reconstructions were performed, with 1 mortality and 47 complications. Good long-term results were obtained in 113 (92.6%) patients. No secondary surgical reconstructions have been needed.

CONCLUSIONS

Presentation of data in a standard format would facilitate comparison and synthesis of observational studies on the same subject. The biliary reconstructive methods used resulted in very satisfactory outcomes.

Laparoscopic repair for intraoperative injury of the right hepatic artery during cholecystectomy

Right hepatic artery (RHA) injury is a complication that occurs during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which can sometimes cause hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm or ischemic hepatic necrosis. Therefore, RHA should be managed carefully. Herein, we report a case of intraoperative RHA injury that was successfully repaired during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Bleeding was controlled prior to the cholecystectomy with vascular clamp forceps that had been inserted through an additional trocar, and repair of the RHA injury was then performed laparoscopically. The postoperative course was uneventful, and patency of the RHA and its sectional arteries were confirmed by CT arteriography. Laparoscopic repair of minor RHA injuries can be managed safely if bleeding is adequately controlled.

Long-term consequences of bile duct injury after cholecystectomy

Late complications arising after bile duct injury (BDI) include biliary strictures, hepatic atrophy, cholangitis and intra-hepatic lithiasis. Later, fibrosis or even secondary biliary cirrhosis and portal hypertension can develop, enhanced by prolonged biliary obstruction associated with recurrent cholangitis. Secondary biliary cirrhosis resulting in associated hepatic failure or digestive tract bleeding due to portal hypertension is a substantial risk factor for morbidity and mortality after bile duct repair. Parameters that determine the management of late complications of BDI include the type of biliary injury, associated vascular injury, hepatic atrophy, the presence of intra-hepatic strictures or lithiasis, repetitive infectious complications, the quality of underlying parenchyma (fibrosis, secondary biliary cirrhosis) and the presence of portal hypertension. Endoscopic drainage is indicated for patients with uncontrolled acute sepsis, patients at high operative risk, patients with cirrhosis who are not eligible for liver transplantation and patients who have previously undergone several attempts at repair. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, whether de novo or as an iterative repair, is the technique of reference for post-cholecystectomy BDI. Hepatic resection is indicated in only rare instances, mainly in case of extended hilar stricture, multiple stone retention in one sector of the liver or in patients for whom the repair is deemed technically difficult. Liver transplantation is indicated only in exceptional circumstances, when secondary biliary cirrhosis is associated with liver failure and portal hypertension.

Using a standardized method for laparoscopic cholecystectomy to create a concept operation-specific checklist

OBJECTIVES

Prevalences of bile duct injury (BDI) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remain unacceptably high. There is no standardized method for performing an LC. This study aims to describe a standardized technique for LC that will allow for the development of a concept LC checklist, the use of which, it is hoped, will decrease the prevalence of BDI.

METHODS

A standardized method for LC was developed based on previously published expert analysis supplemented by video error analysis of operations in which BDI occurred. Established checklist methodology was then used to construct an LC-specific concept checklist.

RESULTS

A five-step technique for the safe establishment of the critical view was created to guide the development of the checklist. The five steps are: (i) confirm the gallbladder lies in the hepatic principal plane and is retracted to the 10 o'clock position; (ii) confirm Hartmann's pouch is lifted up and toward the segment IV pedicle; (iii) identify Rouvière's sulcus; (iv) confirm the release of the posterior leaf of the peritoneum covering the hepatobiliary triangle, and (v) confirm the critical view with or without intraoperative cholangiography.

CONCLUSIONS

A standardized approach to LC would allow for the creation of an LC-specific checklist that has the potential to lower the prevalence of BDI.

TG13 surgical management of acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now accepted as a surgical procedure for acute cholecystitis when it is performed by an expert surgeon. There are several lines of strong evidence, such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, supporting the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis. The updated Tokyo Guidelines 2013 (TG13) describe the surgical treatment for acute cholecystitis according to the grade of severity, the timing, and the procedure used for cholecystitis in a question-and-answer format using the evidence concerning surgical management of acute cholecystitis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty-eight publications were selected for a careful examination of their full texts, and the types of surgical management of acute cholecystitis were investigated using this evidence. The items concerning the surgical management of acute cholecystitis were the optimal surgical treatment for acute cholecystitis according to the grade of severity, optimal timing for the cholecystectomy, surgical procedure used for cholecystectomy, optimal timing of the conversion of cholecystectomy from laparoscopic to open surgery, and the complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

There were eight RCTs and four meta-analyses concerning the optimal timing of the cholecystectomy. Consequently, it was found that cholecystectomy is preferable early after admission. There were three RCTs and two meta-analyses concerning the surgical procedure, which concluded that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is preferable to open procedures. Literature concerning the surgical treatment according to the grade of severity could not be quoted, because there have been no publications on this topic. Therefore, the treatment was determined based on the general opinions of professionals.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management of acute cholecystitis in the updated TG13 is fundamentally the same as in the Tokyo Guidelines 2007 (TG07), and the concept of a critical view of safety and the existence of extreme vasculobiliary injury are added in the text to call the surgeon's attention to the need to reduce the incidence of bile duct injury. Free full-text articles and a mobile application of TG13 are available via http://www.jshbps.jp/en/guideline/tg13.html.

Innovations in Endosurgery-Journey into the Past of the Future: To Ride the SILS Bandwagon or Not?

Progress in surgical practice has paralleled the civilizational evolution. Surgery has progressed from being the last resort in saving life to being form and function preserver. Post-renaissance Industrial age gave an impetus to this march of surgery. The currently on going digital technological revolution has further catalysed this march. Having achieved the stabilized and acceptable clinical outcomes, the surgeon has embarked on a journey of improving patient reported outcomes (PRO). Improvement in PROs with the advent of laparoscopic surgery with the attendant emphasis on minimising invasion has led to debates about invasion being just parietal or holistic in physiological sense. There is a concern that parietal invasiveness shouldn't be a trade-off for compromised clinical outcomes. Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) in its current avatar with current instrumentation seems to be an enthusiastic bandwagon rolling on with the cosmetic benefits acting as veil to hide the potential clinical concerns. History of surgical innovations is riddled with tales of vindictiveness and vicissitude. Lest the same fate befalls SILS we would do better to examine the SILS bandwagon in its current form till the emerging technologies address the current concerns.