A simple technique for removal of the gallbladder during microlaparoscopic cholecystectomy

Pearl-white gallstones: A report of a case and a chemical analysis by FTIR and XRD

Introduction

Gallstones' color is usually yellow, brown, black or more commonly a mixture of two or more of these colors in different proportions, depending on their composition, with yellow being the most commonly encountered color. Pearl-white gallstones are a very rare entity that has not been studied and reported sufficiently.

Case presentation

Our patient is a 44-year-old lady who was suffering from recurrent attacks of epigastric and right hypochondrial abdominal pain that was aggravated by consumption of fatty meals. Ultrasound Imaging revealed multiple gallbladder stones. After an elective cholecystectomy unusual pearl-white gallstones were found inside a distended gallbladder filled with transparent thick fluid.

Chemical analysis

To evaluate the chemical composition of these stones Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) tests were performed and revealed that these stones are composed of cholesterol (99.6%) and calcium carbonate (0.4%).

Discussion

Gallstones are bile depositions of a solid consistency formed inside the gallbladder. Cholesterol, bilirubin, and other substances are involved in the composition of different kinds of gallstones. The presence of gallstones alone inside the gallbladder is usually presented as colicky abdominal pain. Cholecystectomy is a simple surgical removal of the gallbladder from it bed and is the definitive treatment of gallstone disease.

Conclusion

Pearl-white gallstones are rarely encountered and lack information about their pathogenesis, thus prompting further evaluation and studying.

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Pearl-white coloration of gallstones in extremely rare.

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FTIR and XRD are useful tools to analyze the chemical composition of gallstones.

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Cholesterol is the major component of pearl-white gallstones.

Minilaparoscopic versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This review broadly examines the impact of minilaparoscopic versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary outcome was failure of surgical technique. The secondary outcomes were to examine adverse events, cosmesis, length of time to return to activity, quality of life, and length of operation.

METHODS

Five databases, 2 conference proceedings, reference lists of retrieved articles, and a Web-based trial registry were searched to identify eligible studies. Experts in the field of laparoscopic surgery were also contacted to provide information for the review.This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the QUORUM guidelines.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies met eligibility criteria. Methodologic quality was unclear in most trials. Patients having a minilaparoscopic technique had higher conversion rates than patients having a conventional laparoscopic technique [OR 2.25 (1.18-4.30)]. Although minilaparoscopic surgeries were converted, more often there was not a trend toward increased conversion to an open technique. There was a trend toward fewer adverse events using a minilaparoscopic technique [0.57 (0.31-1.04)], however it was not significant. Cosmesis was improved in minilaparoscopic patients at 1 month [mean difference −0.74(−1.09 to −0.38)]. Patients receiving minilaparoscopic procedures returned to activity quicker [mean difference −0.74 (−1.23–0.25)].

CONCLUSIONS

Further randomized trials are needed to determine whether minilaparoscopic techniques truly offer any advantages. Important patient outcomes such as failure of technique, adverse events, cosmesis, and quality of life should be emphasized to determine whether there is any benefit over conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A powder-free surgical glove bag for retraction of the gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

To test the use of a simple and cheap powder-free glove bag to extract the gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The medical records of 142 consecutive patients who had their gallbladder removed using a powder-free glove bag were reviewed. No complications in the form of bile or stone spillage during extraction were observed. The absence of complications and the low cost make routine use of the glove bag a wise option for extracting the gallbladder during LC. The use of the glove bag seems to reduce the risk of contamination with bacteria, bile, and gallstones and may reduce contamination by malignant cells in case of unexpected gallbladder carcinoma.

An alternative gallbladder extraction technique in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

In this era of minimally invasive surgery, the challenge remains in finding techniques to reduce access trauma in terms of fewer and smaller size trocar ports. Our new described technique will allow a smaller subxiphoid port to be used to achieve extraction of the gallbladder without the need to change to a 5 mm laparoscope. We believe this method is easy to learn, safe and with no observable complications from our experience.