Acute Cholecystitis-Optimal Timing for Early Cholecystectomy: a French Nationwide Study

Cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis during weekend compared with delayed weekday surgery: A nationwide population cohort study

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing of surgery for acute cholecystitis has been a subject of debate, but the predominant view supports early cholecystectomy. This study investigated the safety of early cholecystectomy during weekends compared with delayed surgery until a weekday.

METHODS

This was a population-based cohort study based on data from the Swedish National Register for Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (GallRiks). Data from 2006 to 2020 were analyzed, and patients with acute cholecystitis were included. Patients who underwent surgery during weekends were compared with patients in hospital during weekends and underwent surgery on any subsequent weekday. Statistical analyses were conducted using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

15,730 patients were included, and complications were registered in 2,246 patients (14.3%). The proportion of complications was equal in both groups (14.0% vs 14.5%, P = .365). The proportion of open surgery was higher in the weekend surgery group (29.1% vs 26.3%), with an odds ratio of 1.32 in multivariate logistic regression analysis (P < .001). Meanwhile, the duration of surgery exceeding 2 hours was less common when surgery was performed on the weekend (32.7% vs 46.8%, P < .001, odds ratio: 0.69).

CONCLUSION

In this study, procedures performed during weekends had outcomes that did not substantially differ from those performed during weekdays. The results of our study support performing early cholecystectomies during the weekend without increasing the patients' risk of complications.

Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder perforation

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder perforation occurs in 2% to 11% of patients with acute cholecystitis, with associated mortality estimated to be at 12% to 42%. Because of its low incidence, the data on management remain sparse. There is a lack of evidence to suggest whether early or delayed cholecystectomy is superior in the treatment of perforated cholecystitis. We hypothesize that an early definitive operation is associated with decreased total hospital length of stay (THLOS).

METHODS

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from the American College of Surgery, we identified patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder perforation on an urgent or emergent basis from 2012 to 2021. We divided them into those who underwent early (<2 days from the date of admission to the date of operation) and delayed cholecystectomy (≥2 days from the date of admission to the date of operation). Our primary outcome was the THLOS. We created multivariate regression models to assess for the association of early versus delayed operation and THLOS.

RESULTS

The THLOS was found to be 2.94 days longer in the delayed group compared with the early group (p < 0.05). In those who did not present with sepsis on admission, the THLOS was noted to be 4.71 days longer in the delayed group compared with the early group (p < 0.05). Early versus delayed operation was not associated with a difference in the postoperative length of stay, 30-day postoperative complications, rate of readmission, and reoperation, regardless of preoperative sepsis status.

CONCLUSION

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder perforation is associated with decreased THLOS, and there were no other differences in outcomes compared with delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients with gallbladder perforation would likely benefit from an early operation within 2 days of admission.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care management; Level IV.

Comparing the Sensitivity and Specificity of Computed Tomography and Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Acute Cholecystitis in a Rural Setting

Background Acute cholecystitis (AC) is a common inflammatory disease of the gallbladder, primarily caused by gallstones or sludge blockage. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality. Ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) are commonly used imaging methods, with US being considered the gold standard. However, recent studies have shown that CT has higher sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing AC in large hospital settings. Objective This study aims to determine the sensitivity and specificity of US and CT for AC in a community hospital and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of specific signs seen on US and CT for AC. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including patients who underwent US of the right upper quadrant (RUQ) and/or CT of the abdomen and pelvis, followed by pathological evaluation of the gallbladder after surgical removal between May 1, 2019, and April 30, 2023. Data collected included patient demographics, laboratory values, symptoms, US findings, CT findings, and pathology results. Imaging signs were recorded based on radiology reports and were considered positive if any sign was present. A true positive for CT and US was recorded if imaging was positive for AC and the pathological report confirmed AC. Results A total of 187 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for AC, with a median age of 60.6 years, were included in the final analysis. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (176/187, 94.1%), followed by nausea (114/187, 61.0%) and vomiting (75/187, 40.1%). White blood cell (WBC) counts were elevated in all groups, with median levels of 11.3 (US only), 15.8 (CT only), and 12.3 (both US and CT) (p<0.001). Most patients (169/187, 90.4%) received an RUQ US, and 123/187 (65.8%) underwent a CT scan prior to surgery. The sensitivity of US and CT was found to be similar (98.6% and 93.4%, respectively) when following a one-sign criterion. US was more sensitive than CT (80.9% and 70.0%, respectively) when a two-sign criterion was used. In a direct comparison between CT and US, US was more sensitive in detecting cholelithiasis and a thickened gallbladder wall (95.9% and 92.3%, respectively), while CT was more sensitive in detecting pericholecystic fluid and gallbladder distension (83.6% and 95.7%, respectively). Conclusion In a community emergency department, US had higher sensitivity than CT for detecting AC when a two-sign criterion was used. Based on these results, US should continue to be the first-line imaging modality in patients suspected of having AC.

Predictors of failure of conservative management of cholecystitis: a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

While emergency cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment for acute cholecystitis, conservative management can be used as a bridge to definitive surgical management in situations where emergency surgical services are limited. The objective of this systematic review is to identify factors associated with conservative management failure as defined as either failed resolution of symptoms on initial presentation, or the recurrence of symptoms whilst awaiting an elective cholecystectomy. This study aims to allow clinicians to make evidence-based recommendations for conservative versus operative management.

METHODS

A systematic review of the Medline database was conducted in May 2022 to identify studies analysing the success of non-operative management of acute cholecystitis. Two independent reviewers selected studies based on predefined criteria, and the risk of bias was evaluated. Out of the initial 1344 studies retrieved, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Factors significantly associated with persistence of symptoms in at least one study on multivariable analysis included diabetes mellitus, age >70, tachycardia, elevated temperature, elevated white cell count >15 000/uL and a distended gallbladder >5 cm. Factors significantly associated with recurrence of symptoms included Age <40 or >80, male sex, acute cholecystitis grade 2 or 3, elevated creatinine, serum albumin <4 g/dL, thickened gallbladder wall >5 mm.

CONCLUSION

Several factors have been identified which may facilitate future evidence-based recommendations for tailored management strategies for patients with acute cholecystitis.

Automated CT image prescription of the gallbladder using deep learning: Development, evaluation, and health promotion

Aim

Most previous research on AI-based image diagnosis of acute cholecystitis (AC) has utilized ultrasound images. While these studies have shown promising outcomes, the results were based on still images captured by physicians, introducing inevitable selection bias. This study aims to develop a fully automated system for precise gallbladder detection among various abdominal structures, aiding clinicians in the rapid assessment of AC requiring cholecystectomy.

Methods

The dataset comprised images from 250 AC patients and 270 control participants. The VGG-16 architecture was employed for gallbladder recognition. Post-processing techniques such as the flood fill algorithm and centroid calculation were integrated into the model. U-Net was utilized for segmentation and features extraction. All models were combined to develop a fully automated AC detection system.

Results

The gallbladder identification accuracy among various abdominal organs was 95.3%, with the model effectively filtering out CT images lacking a gallbladder. In diagnosing AC, the model was tested on 120 cases, achieving an accuracy of 92.5%, sensitivity of 90.4%, and specificity of 94.1%. After integrating all components, the ensemble model achieved an overall accuracy of 86.7%. The automated process required 0.029 seconds of computation time per CT slice and 3.59 seconds per complete CT set.

Conclusions

The proposed system achieves promising performance in the automatic detection and diagnosis of gallbladder conditions in patients requiring cholecystectomy, with robust accuracy and computational efficiency. With further clinical validation, this computer-assisted system could serve as an auxiliary tool in identifying patients requiring emergency surgery.

Management and patient outcomes following admission with acute cholecystitis in Ireland: A national registry-based study

INTRODUCTION

Acute cholecystitis is a common general surgical emergency, accounting for 3-10 % of all patients attending with acute abdominal pain. International guidelines suggest that emergency cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for uncomplicated acute cholecystitis where feasible. There is a paucity of published data on the uptake of emergency cholecystectomy in Ireland.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of acute cholecystitis in Ireland and to establish the rate of emergency cholecystectomy performed.

METHODS

All patients with acute cholecystitis presenting to public hospitals in Ireland between January 2017 and July 2023 were identified using the National Quality Assurance and Improvement System (NQAIS). Data were collected on patient demographics, co-morbidities, length of stay, operative intervention, endoscopic intervention, critical care admissions, in-patient mortality, and readmissions. Propensity score matched analysis and logistic regression were performed to account for selection bias in comparing patients managed with cholecystectomy and those managed conservatively.

RESULTS

20,886 admission episodes were identified involving 17,958 patients. 3585 (20 %) patients underwent emergency cholecystectomy in total. 3436 (96 %) of these were performed laparoscopically, with 140 (4 %) requiring conversion to an open procedure, and common bile duct injuries occurring in 4 (0.1 %) of patients. In comparison to patients treated conservatively, patients who underwent cholecystectomy were younger (median 50 v 60 years, p < 0.001) and more likely to be female (64 % v 55 % p < 0.001). Following propensity score matched analysis, those who had an emergency cholecystectomy had reduced length of stay (LOS) (median 5 days (IQR 3-8) v 6 days (interquartile range (IQR) 3-10), p < 0.001) and fewer readmissions to hospital (282 (8 %) v 492 (14 %), p < 0.001). On logistic regression, age >65 (OR 1.526), CCI >3 (OR 2.281) and non-operative management (OR 1.136) were significant risk factors for adverse outcome.

CONCLUSION

Uptake of emergency cholecystectomy in Ireland remains low, and is carried out on a younger, fitter cohort of patients. In those patients, however, it is associated with improved outcomes for cholecystitis compared to conservative management, including shorter LOS and reduced readmission rates for matched cohorts.

Improving Diagnosis of Acute Cholecystitis with US: New Paradigms

Acute cholecystitis is an inflammatory condition of the gallbladder typically incited by mechanical obstruction. Accurate diagnosis of this common clinical condition is challenging due to variable imaging appearances as well as overlapping clinical manifestations with biliary colic, acute hepatitis, pancreatitis, and cholangiopathies. In acute cholecystitis, increased dilatation and high intraluminal pressures lead to gallbladder inflammation and may progress to gangrenous changes, focal wall necrosis, and subsequent perforation. In acute calculous cholecystitis, gallstones are the cause of obstruction and are often impacted in the gallbladder neck or cystic duct, leading to gallbladder inflammation. In acalculous cholecystitis, patients are typically critically ill, often with hypotensive episodes and prolonged gallbladder stasis, which lead to obstruction, gallbladder ischemia, and inflammation. Helpful sonographic findings of acute cholecystitis include a dilated gallbladder; increased intraluminal pressures in the gallbladder, resulting in a bulging fundus (tensile fundus sign); intraluminal sludge in the setting of right upper quadrant pain; wall hyperemia, which may be quantified by elevated cystic artery velocities or hepatic artery velocities; mucosal ischemic changes, characterized by loss of mucosal echogenicity; pericholecystic inflammation, characterized by hyperechoic pericholecystic fat; and mucosal discontinuity. Extruded complex fluid next to a wall defect is definitive for gallbladder wall perforation, and further evaluation with CT or MRI allows evaluation of the full extent of perforation and other potential complications. The sonographic Murphy sign, while helpful if positive, is relatively insensitive for accurate diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Thus, overreliance on the sonographic Murphy sign results in surprisingly low diagnostic accuracy in practice.

Multicenter analysis of the efficacy of early cholecystectomy and preoperative cholecystostomy for severe acute cholecystitis: a retrospective study of data from the multi-institutional database of the Hiroshima Surgical Study Group of Clinical Oncology

BACKGROUND

Severe acute cholecystitis (AC) is a challenging disease because it comprises coexisting systemic infections that lead to vital organ dysfunction. This study evaluated the optimal surgical timing and efficacy of preoperative percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) for patients with severe AC.

METHODS

Data of 142 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for severe AC between 2011 and 2021 were retrospectively collected from the multi-institutional database of the Hiroshima Surgical Study Group of Clinical Oncology. Patients were divided into the early cholecystectomy (EC) group (within 72 h of symptom onset) and delayed cholecystectomy (DC) group. They were also subdivided into the upfront cholecystectomy group and preoperative PC before cholecystectomy group. The diagnosis and severity of AC were graded according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2018. Clinicopathological variables and outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences in age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and Charlson comorbidity index between the EC and DC groups were observed. Preoperative drainage was more commonly performed for the DC group than for the EC group. Local severe AC features were more commonly detected in the DC group than in the EC group. The postoperative outcomes of the EC and DC groups were comparable. Compared to the PC before cholecystectomy group, the upfront cholecystectomy group included more patients with ASA physical status ≥ 3 and more patients who used oral warfarin. Warfarin usage and cardiovascular dysfunction rates of the PC after cholecystectomy group were higher than those of the upfront cholecystectomy group. PC was associated with significantly less intraoperative bleeding and shorter hospital stays.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who can tolerate general anesthesia are good candidates for EC. Patients who use warfarin and those with cardiovascular dysfunction are considered to be at high risk for postoperative complications; therefore, to prevent AC recurrence during the waiting period, PC before cholecystectomy during the same admission is more appropriate than upfront cholecystectomy for these patients.

[Potentially preventable causes of mortality in acute calculous cholecystitis: a population-based study]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze potentially preventable causes of mortality from acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) at the population level.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study of causes of ACC-related mortality was conducted. We used online survey of state hospitals and estimated fatal outcomes following ACC considering appropriate annual e-database.

RESULTS

There were 1.500 deaths among 142.975 patients aged ≥18 years with acute cholecystitis. We received responses to the proposed questionnaire about 1154 deaths (76.9%). Analysis included 648 cases of ACC (K80.0). Mean age of patients was 76.0 years (31-100). There were 256 (39.5%) men and 392 (60.5%) women. ACC severity was assessed according to the Tokyo guidelines (2018). Mild (I) degree was noted in 24 (3.7%) cases, moderate (II) - 270 (41.7%), severe (III) - 354 (54.6%) patients. Cardiovascular diseases and complications caused death in mild ACC regardless of treatment method in 16 (66.7%) cases, in moderate ACC - 106 (39.3%), in severe ACC - 97 (27.4%) cases. ACC caused death in 3 (12.5%) patients with mild disease, 111 (41.1%) with moderate disease and 200 (56.5%) ones with severe disease. Postoperative complications caused death in 4 (16.7%) patients with mild disease, 29 (10.7%) ones with moderate disease and 30 (8.5%) patients with severe disease. Other causes comprised 4.1% (n=1), 8.9% (n=24) and 7.6% (n=27), respectively. Potentially preventable causes of death were identified in 33.0% of cases.

CONCLUSION

ACC-related mortality is mainly associated with comorbidity in elderly and senile patients, late presentation and complicated course of disease. Delayed surgical treatment due to diagnostic and tactical problems, as well as technical intraoperative errors is potentially preventable causes of death.

Current Operative Approaches to the Diseased Gallbladder. Diagnosis and Management Updates for General Surgeons

Cholecystitis is a common diagnosis which requires management by general surgeons. Morbidity from cholecystitis is often life-threatening, especially in patients with underlying liver cirrhosis or other medical comorbidities. Diagnosis and management of this disease can vary among providers and hospitals. The decision to utilize a radiological or endoscopic temporizing maneuver in severe acute cholecystitis and the timing of later definitive cholecystectomy are relevant points of discussion within general surgery societies. In the last 5 years, the use of intraoperative ductal imaging by conventional vs fluorescence cholangiography had gained significant interest due to the widespread availability of indocyanine green. Finally, the operative strategies and how to manage intra-/postoperative complications are very important to optimizing patient outcomes. In this review paper, we discuss all treatment aspects of cholecystitis and provide updates in its management.

Sequential histologic evolution of gallbladder inflammation in acute cholecystitis over the first 10 days after onset of symptoms

BACKGROUND

The timing of cholecystectomy during acute cholecystitis (AC) is controversial, especially whether it is advisable to perform in patients with duration of symptoms between 3 and 10 days. The purpose of this study is to define clearly the sequential evolution of histological changes following symptoms onset to guide recommendations regarding timing of cholecystectomy.

METHODS

We identified patients with AC (2005-2018) who had cholecystectomy within 10 days of symptom onset of a first attack of AC. Histologic features of gallbladder injury including cellular and exudative inflammatory response to injury were determined on blinded pathologic slides.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-nine patients were divided into three groups; early-who underwent cholecystectomy 1-3 days after symptom-onset, intermediate-4-6 days, and late-7-10 days. Key features of injury were necrosis and hemorrhage. A subgroup of patients in the early phase developed severe necrosis and hemorrhage of an extent associated with difficult cholecystectomy. Large spikes in extent of necrosis and hemorrhage occurred at 7-10 days. Major inflammatory responses to injury were eosinophilic and lymphocytic infiltration and early fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe necrosis may develop rapidly and be present in the early period after symptom onset of AC. Cholecystectomy may be reasonable in some patients but by day 7-10, severe necrosis and hemorrhage may be expected to be present in most patients.

Use of Percutaneous Cholecystostomy for the Management of Complicated Cholecystitis Causing Gastric Outlet Obstruction in an Elderly Patient

The management of complicated cholecystitis in an elderly patient can present a complex clinical decision for surgeons. There is literature supporting the use of immediate laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cases of uncomplicated cholecystitis in elderly patients and complicated cholecystitis in the general population. There are, however, no clear guidelines for treating the unique presentation of an elderly patient with complicated cholecystitis. This is likely due to the many clinical risk factors that must be considered when caring for these complex patients often with many medical comorbidities. In this report, we present the case of an 81-year-old male with complicated chronic cholecystitis leading to the exceedingly rare complication of gastric outlet obstruction. The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement and interval subtotal laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Early and Direct Endoscopic Stone Removal in the Moderate Grade of Acute Cholangitis with Choledocholithiasis Was Safe and Effective: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Evidence supporting the feasibility of single-stage stone removal in patients with a moderate grade of acute cholangitis remains insufficient. The maximal size of a common bile-duct stone suitable for removal during a single-stage ERCP in a moderate grade of acute cholangitis is unknown.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 196 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-naïve patients diagnosed with acute cholangitis and choledocholithiasis. For eligible patients, single-stage treatment involved stone removal at initial ERCP.

RESULTS

A total of 123 patients were included in the final analysis. The success rate of complete stone extraction was similar between patients with mild and moderate grades of acute cholangitis (89.2% vs. 95.9%; p = 0. 181). Complication rates were comparable between the two groups. In the moderate grade of the cholangitis group, among patients who underwent early single-stage ERCP, the length of hospitalization declined as short as the patients in the mild grade of cholangitis (10.6 ± 6.2 vs. 10.1 ± 5.1 days; p = 0.408). In the multivariate analysis, early ERCP indicated shorter hospitalization times (≤10 days) (odds ratio (OR), 3.981; p = 0.001). A stone size less than 1.5 cm presented a high success rate (98.0%) for complete stone removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-stage retrograde endoscopic stone removal in mild and moderate grades of acute cholangitis may be safe and effective, which can obviate the requirement for a second session, thus reducing medical expenses.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov: NCT03754491.

Morbidity following emergency and elective cholecystectomy: a retrospective comparative cohort study

INTRODUCTION

An emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (EMLC) is commonly performed for all biliary pathology, yet EMLC can be challenging due to acute inflammation. Understanding the risks of EMLC is necessary before patients can make an informed decision regarding operative management. The aim of the present study was to compare rates of operative and post-operative outcomes between EMLC and elective LC (ELLC) using a large contemporary cohort, to inform the consent process and influence surgical decision making.

METHODS

All patients who underwent EMLC and ELLC in one UK health board between January 2015 and December 2019 were considered for inclusion. Data were collected retrospectively from multiple regional databases using a deterministic records-linkage methodology. Patients were followed up for 100 days post-operatively for adverse outcomes and outcomes were compared between groups using both univariate and multivariate analysis adjusting for pre-operative factors.

RESULTS

A total of 2768 LCs were performed [age (range), 52(13-92); M:F, 1:2.7]. In both the univariate and multivariate analysis, EMLC was positively associated with subtotal cholecystectomy (RR 2.0; p < 0.001), post-operative complication (RR 2.8; p < 0.001), post-operative imaging (RR 2.0; p < 0.001), post-operative intervention (RR 2.3; p < 0.001), prolonged post-operative hospitalisation (RR 3.8; p < 0.001) and readmission (RR 2.2; p < 0.001). EMLC had higher rates of post-operative mortality in univariate analysis (RR 10.8; p = 0.01).

DISCUSSION

EMLC is positively associated with adverse outcomes versus ELLC. Of course this study does not focus on a specific biliary pathology; nevertheless, it illustrates the additional risk associated with EMLC. This should be clearly outlined during the consent process but should be balanced with the risk of further biliary attacks. Further studies are required to identify particular patient groups who benefit from elective surgery.

Acute Cholecystitis: A Review

IMPORTANCE

Gallbladder disease affects approximately 20 million people in the US. Acute cholecystitis is diagnosed in approximately 200 000 people in the US each year.

OBSERVATIONS

Gallstone-associated cystic duct obstruction is responsible for 90% to 95% of the cases of acute cholecystitis. Approximately 5% to 10% of patients with acute cholecystitis have acalculous cholecystitis, defined as acute inflammation of the gallbladder without gallstones, typically in the setting of severe critical illness. The typical presentation of acute cholecystitis consists of acute right upper quadrant pain, fever, and nausea that may be associated with eating and physical examination findings of right upper quadrant tenderness. Ultrasonography of the right upper quadrant has a sensitivity of approximately 81% and a specificity of approximately 83% for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. When an ultrasound result does not provide a definitive diagnosis, hepatobiliary scintigraphy (a nuclear medicine study that includes the intravenous injection of a radiotracer excreted in the bile) is the gold standard diagnostic test. Following diagnosis, early (performed within 1-3 days) vs late (performed after 3 days) laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with improved patient outcomes, including fewer composite postoperative complications (11.8% for early vs 34.4% for late), a shorter length of hospital stay (5.4 days vs 10.0 days), and lower hospital costs. During pregnancy, early laparoscopic cholecystectomy, compared with delayed operative management, is associated with a lower risk of maternal-fetal complications (1.6% for early vs 18.4% for delayed) and is recommended during all trimesters. In people older than 65 years of age, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with lower mortality at 2-year follow-up (15.2%) compared with nonoperative management (29.3%). A percutaneous cholecystostomy tube, in which a drainage catheter is placed in the gallbladder lumen under image guidance, is an effective therapy for patients with an exceptionally high perioperative risk. However, percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement in a randomized trial was associated with higher rates of postprocedural complications (65%) compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (12%). For patients with acalculous acute cholecystitis, percutaneous cholecystostomy tube should be reserved for patients who are severely ill at the time of diagnosis; all others should undergo a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Acute cholecystitis, typically due to gallstone obstruction of the cystic duct, affects approximately 200 000 people in the US annually. In most patient populations, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, performed within 3 days of diagnosis, is the first-line therapy for acute cholecystitis.

Regional variations in Sweden over time regarding the surgical treatment of acute cholecystitis: a population-based register study

OBJECTIVE

To provide optimal health care for patients with acute cholecystitis in need of acute cholecystectomy, resource allocation has to be optimized. The aim of this study was to assess possible regional inequity regarding the treatment of acute cholecystitis and explore regional differences in the management of acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from the Swedish National Register for Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde CholangioPancreatography. Between January 2010 and December 2019, 22,985 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and without prior history of acute cholecystitis were included in the study. The ratio of cholecystectomies with acute cholecystitis performed within two days of admission to hospital compared to population density was studied. Furthermore, the proportion of acute performed cholecystectomies within two days of admission in regions, with or without tertiary care centers, was also examined.

RESULTS

No correlation between population density and proportion of acute performed cholecystectomies was found. Regions without tertiary care centers had a higher proportion of acute cholecystectomies performed within two days (5-10%). The difference in the ratio of acute cholecystectomies within two days of admission was significant for all years investigated except 2010.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a tertiary referral center within the region had a greater influence than the population density on the chance of undergoing acute cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis. There are several potential explanations for this, one being an interference of the needs of patients requiring tertiary referral center care with the needs of patients in need of acute care surgery.

The Impact of Hospital Level of Care on the Management of Acute Cholecystitis: a Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

The organization of healthcare could have an impact on the outcome of patients treated for acute cholecystitis (AC). The aim of this study was to analyze the way in which patients with AC are managed relative to the level of care by the treating hospital.

METHODS

Data were collected from the Swedish Register for Gallstone Surgery and ERCP (GallRiks). Cholecystectomies between 2010 and 2019 were included. The inclusion criterion was acute cholecystectomy in patients with AC operated at either tertiary referral centers (TRCs) or regional hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 24,194 cholecystectomies with AC met the inclusion criterion. The time between admission and acute surgery was significantly elongated at TRCs compared with regional hospitals (2.2 ± 1.7 days vs. 1.6 ± 1.4 days, mean ± SD; p < 0.0001). Patients with a history of AC were more frequent at TRC (10.1% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.0056) and had a higher adverse event rate compared with those at regional hospitals (OR 1.61; CI 1.40-1.84, p < 0.0001). Surprisingly, an increased number of hospital beds correlated slightly with an increased number of days between admission and surgery (R² = 0.132; p = 0.0075).

CONCLUSION

Compared with regional hospitals, patients with AC had to wait longer at TRCs before surgery. A history of AC significantly increased the risk of adverse events. These findings indicate that logistic and organizational aspects of hospital care may affect the management of patients with AC. However, whether these findings can be generalized to healthcare organizations outside Sweden requires further investigation.

Regional variations in the treatment of gallstone disease may affect patient outcome: a large, population-based register study in sweden

BACKGROUND

The lack of studies showing benefit from surgery in patients with symptoms of gallstone disease has led to a divergence in local practices and standards of care. This study aimed to explore regional differences in management and complications in Sweden. Furthermore, to study whether population density had an impact on management.

METHODS

Data were collected from the Swedish National Register for Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (GallRiks). Cholecystectomies undertaken for gallstone disease between January 2006 and December 2017 were included. Age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, intra- and post-operative complications, and the proportion of patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent surgery within 2 days of hospital admission were analyzed. The 21 different geographical regions in Sweden were compared, and each variable was analyzed according to population density.

RESULTS

A total of 139,444 cholecystectomies cases were included in this study. There were large differences between regions regarding indications for surgery and intra- and post-operative complications. In the analyses, there were greater divergences than would be expected by chance for most of the variables analyzed. Age of the cholecystectomized patients correlated with population density of the regions (R2 = 0.310; p = 0.0088).

CONCLUSIONS

There are major differences between the different regions in Sweden in terms of the treatment of gallstone disease and outcome, but these did not correlate to population density, suggesting that local routines are more likely to have an impact on treatment strategies rather than demographic factors. These differences need further investigation to reveal the underlying causes.

Timing of cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis impacts surgical morbidity and mortality: an NSQIP database analysis

The aim of this study is to identify the optimal timing for cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. Patients undergoing cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis from the National Surgery Quality Improvement Program database between 2014 and 2016 were included. The patients were divided into 4 groups, those who underwent surgery at days 0, 1, 2, or 3+ days. The primary outcome was short-term surgical morbidity and mortality. A total of 21,392 patients were included. After adjusting for confounders, compared to day 0 patients, those who underwent surgery at day 1 and day 2 had lower composite morbidity rate, while day 3+ patients had significantly higher bleeding and mortality rate. Subgroup analysis shows this trend to be more significant in the elderly and in diabetic patients who were delayed. Delay in cholecystectomy for over 72 h from admission is associated with statistically significant increase in bleeding and mortality.

Timely Care is Patient-Centered Care for Patients with Acute Cholecystitis at a Safety-Net Hospital

BACKGROUND

Multiple strategies exist to improve the timeliness and efficiency of surgical care at safety-net hospitals (SNH), such as acute care surgery models and nighttime surgery. However, the patient-centeredness of such approaches is unknown.

METHODS

Adults ( ≥18 years) with acute cholecystitis were interviewed upon admission to a SNH. Interviews were semi-structured and designed to obtain both exploratory qualitative data and ratings of patient-centered outcomes, ranked by importance to the patient. Outcomes included for rating were general health, symptom status, quality of life, and return to prior functional status. Latent content analysis applying inductive coding methods were used to code and condense raw qualitative data from interview transcripts.

RESULTS

Thematic saturation was reached with a sample size of 15 patients. Most participants were female (87%), Hispanic (87%), and had prior diagnosis of benign biliary disease (60%). Patients identified symptom resolution as the highest-ranked outcome in their treatment. Themes expressed by patients during the exploratory segments of the interview included: desire for pain alleviation, frustration with delays to both symptom resolution and surgical intervention, lack of perceived control over their health care, and reticence in discussing preferences with physicians. All patients preferred to have surgical treatment as soon as possible, even if that meant having nighttime surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective and timely resolution of symptoms is of utmost importance to patients with acute cholecystitis at a SNH. Efforts to improve timeliness of surgical care are also perceived as patient-centered.

Days of symptoms and days of hospital admission before surgery do not influence the results of cholecystectomy in moderate acute calculous cholecystitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Early cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for acute calculous cholecystitis (AC), although for grade II, many surgeons still prefer delayed cholecystectomy, to avoid surgical complications. The aim of this study is to analyze postoperative morbidity and mortality for Tokyo Guidelines grade II AC treated with cholecystectomy, taking in to account the days of symptoms and the days since hospital admission.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Unicentre, retrospective study based on a prospective database. Patients with grade II AC treated with cholecystectomy were selected. Patients were analyzed according to Days of Symptoms (DS) and Days of Hospital Admission (DHA) until cholecystectomy. Patients were subdivided in: < 3 days, 3-5 days, >5 days. Univariant and multivariant analysis for morbidity and mortality. Categorical variables were compared using chi square or Fischer's exact test. Continuous variables were compared using the Mann Whitney U test. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

998 patients with AC diagnoses were included; 567 with grade II AC; 368 treated with cholecystectomy. Nearly 90% were treated laparoscopically; 48.1% were operated the same day of emergency admission. For DS and DHA there were no statistical differences for severe postoperative complications, although a greater number of complications were detected in >5 DS (p: 0.32) and >5 DHA (p: 0.00). Statistically differences were found in DS for mortality (p:0.04). Postoperative length of stay was longer for >5 DHA cholecystectomies, (p > 0.05). No differences for hospital readmission.

CONCLUSION

Regardless of DS or DHA until cholecystectomy, do not exist statistically significant differences related to severe postoperative complications, length of stay or mortality.

Safe Cholecystectomy Multi-society Practice Guideline and State of the Art Consensus Conference on Prevention of Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

BDI is the most common serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To address this problem, a multi-society consensus conference was held to develop evidenced-based recommendations for safe cholecystectomy and prevention of BDI.

METHODS

Literature reviews were conducted for 18 key questions across 6 broad topics around cholecystectomy directed by a steering group and subject experts from 5 surgical societies (Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and European Association for Endoscopic Surgery). Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation methodology. When evidence-based recommendations could not be made, expert opinion was documented. A number of recommendations for future research were also documented. Recommendations were presented at a consensus meeting in October 2018 and were voted on by an international panel of 25 experts with greater than 80% agreement considered consensus.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on 17 of 18 questions by the guideline development group and expert panel with high concordance from audience participation. Most recommendations were conditional due to low certainty of evidence. Strong recommendations were made for (1) use of intraoperative biliary imaging for uncertainty of anatomy or suspicion of biliary injury; and (2) referral of patients with confirmed or suspected BDI to an experienced surgeon/multispecialty hepatobiliary team.

CONCLUSIONS

These consensus recommendations should provide guidance to surgeons, training programs, hospitals, and professional societies for strategies that have the potential to reduce BDIs and positively impact patient outcomes. Development of clinical and educational research initiatives based on these recommendations may drive further improvement in the quality of surgical care for patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Cholecystectomy for Complicated Gallbladder and Common Biliary Duct Stones: Current Surgical Management

Gallstone disease accounts for the vast majority of acute surgical admissions in the UK, with a major treatment being cholecystectomy. Practice varies significantly as to whether surgery is performed during the acute symptomatic phase, or after a period of recovery. Differences in practice relate to operative factors, patient factors, surgeon factors and hospital and trust wide policies. In this review we summarize recent evidence on management of gallstone disease, particularly with respect to whether cholecystectomy should occur during index presentation or following recovery. We highlight morbidity and mortality studies, cost, and patient reported outcomes. We speculate on barriers to change in service delivery. Finally, we propose potential solutions to optimize care.

Patterns of prevalence and contemporary clinical management strategies in complicated acute biliary calculous disease: an ESTES 'snapshot audit' of practice

Background

Acute complications of biliary calculi are common, morbid, and complex to manage. Variability exists in the techniques utilized to treat these conditions at an individual surgeon and unit level.

Aim

To identify, through an international prospective nonrandomized cohort study, the epidemiology and areas of practice variability in management of acute complicated calculous biliary disease (ACCBD) and to correlate them against reported outcomes.

Methods

A preplanned analysis of the European Society of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ESTES) 2018 Complicated Biliary Calculous Disease audit was performed. Patients undergoing emergency hospital admission with ACCBD between 1 October 2018 and 31 October 2018 were included. All eligible patients with acute complicated biliary calculous disease were recorded contemporaneously using a standardized predetermined protocol and a secure online database and followed-up through to 60 days from their admission.

Endpoints

A two-stage data collection strategy collecting patient demographics, details of operative, endoscopic and radiologic intervention, and outcome metrics. Outcome measures included mortality, surgical morbidity, ICU stay, timing of operative intervention, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Three hundred thirty-eight patients were included, with a mean age of 65 years and 54% were female. Diagnosis at admission were: cholecystitis (45.6%), biliary pancreatitis (21%), choledocholithiasis with and without cholangitis (13.9% and 18%). Index admission cholecystectomy was performed in just 50% of cases, and 28% had an ERCP performed. Morbidity and mortality were low.

Conclusion

This first ESTES snapshot audit, a purely descriptive collaborative study, gives rich ‘real world’ insights into local variability in surgical practice as compared to international guidelines, and how this may impact upon outcomes. These granular data will serve to improve overall patient care as well as being hypothesis generating and inform areas needing future prospective study.

Self-reported and actual adherence to the Tokyo guidelines in the European snapshot audit of complicated calculous biliary disease

BACKGROUND

Complicated acute biliary calculous disease poses clinical challenges. The European Society of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ESTES) snapshot audit of complicated biliary calculous disease aims to make novel comparisons between self-reported institutional adherence to the Tokyo guidelines (TG18) and 'real-world' contemporary practice across Europe.

METHODS

A preplanned analysis of a prospective observational multicentre audit that captured patients undergoing emergency admission for complicated biliary calculous disease (complicated cholecystitis, biliary pancreatitis, or choledocholithiasis with or without cholangitis) between 1 and 31 October 2018 was performed. An anonymized survey was administered to participating sites.

RESULTS

Following an open call for participation, 25 centres from nine countries enrolled 338 patients. All centres completed the anonymized survey. Fifteen centres (60 per cent) self-reported that a minority of patients were treated surgically on index admission, favouring interval cholecystectomy. This was replicated in the snapshot audit, in which 152 of 338 patients (45·0 per cent) underwent index admission cholecystectomy, 17 (5·0 per cent) had interval cholecystectomy, and the remaining 169 (50·0 per cent) had not undergone surgery by the end of the 60-day follow-up. Centres that employed a dedicated acute care surgery model of care were more likely to perform index admission cholecystectomy compared with a traditional general surgery 'on call' service (57 versus 38 per cent respectively; odds ratio 2·14 (95 per cent c.i. 1·37 to 3·35), P < 0·001). Six centres (24 per cent) self-reported routinely performing blood cultures in acute cholecystitis; patient-level audit data revealed that blood cultures were done in 47 of 154 patients (30·5 per cent). No centre self-reported omitting antibiotics in the management of acute cholecystitis, and 144 of 154 (93·5 per cent) of patients in the snapshot audit received antibiotics during their index admission.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of TG18 recommendations was high, but self-reported adherence and objective snapshot audit data showed low compliance with TG18 in patients with complicated acute biliary calculous disease.

Safe cholecystectomy multi-society practice guideline and state-of-the-art consensus conference on prevention of bile duct injury during cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) is the most common serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To address this problem, a multi-society consensus conference was held to develop evidenced-based recommendations for safe cholecystectomy and prevention of BDI.

METHODS

Literature reviews were conducted for 18 key questions across six broad topics around cholecystectomy directed by a steering group and subject experts from five surgical societies (SAGES, AHPBA IHPBA, SSAT, and EAES). Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology. When evidence-based recommendations could not be made, expert opinion was documented. A number of recommendations for future research were also documented. Recommendations were presented at a consensus meeting in October 2018 and were voted on by an international panel of 25 experts with greater than 80% agreement considered consensus.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on 17 of 18 questions by the Guideline Development Group (GDG) and expert panel with high concordance from audience participation. Most recommendations were conditional due to low certainty of evidence. Strong recommendations were made for (1) use of intraoperative biliary imaging for uncertainty of anatomy or suspicion of biliary injury; and (2) referral of patients with confirmed or suspected BDI to an experienced surgeon/multispecialty hepatobiliary team.

CONCLUSION

These consensus recommendations should provide guidance to surgeons, training programs, hospitals, and professional societies for strategies that have the potential to reduce BDIs and positively impact patient outcomes. Development of clinical and educational research initiatives based on these recommendations may drive further improvement in the quality of surgical care for patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Controversias en el manejo de la colecistitis aguda tardía

La colecistitis aguda es la inflamación de la vesícula biliar, en la mayoría de los casos, explicada por la presencia de cálculos mixtos o de colesterol que producen obstrucción y desencadenan factores inflamatorios diversos. La colecistectomía por vía laparoscópica se ha convertido en su tratamiento estándar y definitivo. El procedimiento quirúrgico debe realizarse idealmente en las primeras 72 horas después de iniciados los síntomas, lo que habitualmente se denomina como cuadro agudo. Existe controversia sobre cuál es el manejo más adecuado cuando han pasado más de 72 horas del inicio de los síntomas, condición denominada ‘colecistitis aguda tardía’, cuando se considera que el proceso inflamatorio es mayor y, el procedimiento, técnicamente más complejo y peligroso. Para esta condición, se han establecido dos estrategias iniciales de manejo: la cirugía temprana –durante la hospitalización inicial– o el tratamiento conservador con antibióticos para la supuesta resolución completa de la inflamación, es decir, ‘enfriar el proceso’; varias semanas después, se practica una colecistectomía laparoscópica tardía –diferida o electiva–. Existen muchas publicaciones sobre ambas estrategias, en las que se exponen los beneficios y probables complicaciones de cada una; en la actualidad, se sigue debatiendo sobre el momento óptimo para practicar la intervención quirúrgica. Los trabajos más recientes y con mayor peso epidemiológico, resaltan los beneficios de la cirugía temprana pues, aunque las complicaciones intraoperatorias ocurren en las mismas proporciones, la cirugía en la hospitalización inicial reduce los costos, los reingresos y los tiempos hospitalarios. Después de revisar la literatura disponible a favor y en contra, este artículo pretende recomendar el procedimiento temprano, inclusive cuando hayan pasado más de tres días de iniciados los síntomas y, solo en casos muy seleccionados, diferir la cirugía.

Effectiveness of a quality improvement collaborative in reducing time to surgery for patients requiring emergency cholecystectomy

Background

Acute gallstone disease is a high-volume emergency general surgery presentation with wide variations in the quality of care provided across the UK. This controlled cohort evaluation assessed whether participation in a quality improvement collaborative approach reduced time to surgery for patients with acute gallstone disease to fewer than 8 days from presentation, in line with national guidance.

Methods

Patients admitted to hospital with acute biliary conditions in England and Wales between 1 April 2014 and 31 December 2017 were identified from Hospital Episode Statistics data. Time series of quarterly activity were produced for the Cholecystectomy Quality Improvement Collaborative (Chole-QuIC) and all other acute National Health Service hospitals (control group). A negative binomial regression model was used to compare the proportion of patients having surgery within 8 days in the baseline and intervention periods.

Results

Of 13 sites invited to join Chole-QuIC, 12 participated throughout the collaborative, which ran from October 2016 to January 2018. Of 7944 admissions, 1160 patients had a cholecystectomy within 8 days of admission, a significant improvement (P < 0·050) from baseline performance. This represented a relative change of 1·56 (95 per cent c.i. 1·38 to 1·75), compared with 1·08 for the control group. At the individual site level, eight of the 12 Chole-QuIC sites showed a significant improvement (P < 0·050), with four sites increasing their 8-day surgery rate to over 20 per cent of all emergency admissions, well above the mean of 15·3 per cent for control hospitals.

Conclusion

A surgeon-led quality improvement collaborative approach improved care for patients requiring emergency cholecystectomy.

Optimum timing of emergency cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in England: population-based cohort study

Background

Cholecystectomy on index admission for acute cholecystitis is associated with improved patient outcomes. The timing of intervention is mainly driven by service provision. This population-based cohort study aimed to evaluate timing of emergency cholecystectomy in England.

Methods

Data from all consecutive patients undergoing surgery for acute cholecystitis on index admission in England from 1997 to 2012 were captured from the Hospital Episodes Statistics database. Data were analysed based on whether patients underwent surgery 0–3 days, 4–7 days or ≥ 8 days from admission. Outcome measures were rate of post-operative biliary complications, conversion to open and length of stay.

Results

Forty-three thousand eight hundred and seventy patients underwent emergency cholecystectomy. 64.6% of patients underwent surgery between days 0 and 3 of admission, 24.3% between days 4–7 and 11.0% had surgery after day 8. Patients undergoing early surgery had significantly reduced rates of intra-operative laparoscopic conversion to open (0–3 days: 3.6%; 4–7 days: 4.0%; ≥ 8 days 4.7%, p = 0.001), post-operative ERCP (0–3 days: 1.1%; 4–7 days: 1.5%; ≥ 8 days 1.9%, p < 0.001) and bile duct injury (0–3 days: 0.6%; 4–7 days: 1.0%; ≥ 8 days 1.8%, p < 0.001). Early cholecystectomy was also associated with a shorter post-operative length of stay (LOS) [0–3 days group: median post-operative LOS 3 days (IQR: 1–6); 4–7 days group: 3 days (IQR 2–6); ≥ 8 days group: 4 days (IQR 2–9) (p < 0.001)]. High-volume centres undertook a significantly greater proportion of cholecystectomies within 3 days of presentation (high-volume: 67.3%; medium-volume: 64.8%; low-volume: 61.2%). In multivariate analysis greater time to surgery was independently associated with increased risk of post-operative ERCP and bile duct injury.

Conclusions

Early cholecystectomy within 3 days of admission reduces intra-operative conversion, post-operative biliary complications and length of stay. Centres undertaking the greatest numbers of emergency cholecystectomies perform a larger proportion within 3 days of admission.

Evolution in the management of acute cholecystitis in the elderly: population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute cholecystitis is a life-threatening emergency in elderly patients. This population-based cohort study aimed to evaluate the commonly used management strategies for elderly patients with acute cholecystitis as well as resulting mortality and re-admission rates.

METHODS

Data from all consecutive elderly patients (≥ 80 years) admitted with acute cholecystitis in England from 1997 to 2012 were captured from the Hospital Episode Statistics database. Influence of management strategies upon mortality was analyzed with adjustment for patient demographics and treatment year.

RESULTS

47,500 elderly patients were admitted as an emergency with acute cholecystitis. On the index emergency admission the majority of patients (n = 42,620, 89.7%) received conservative treatment, 3539 (7.5%) had cholecystectomy, and 1341 (2.8%) underwent cholecystostomy. In the short term, 30-day mortality was increased in the emergency cholecystectomy group (11.6%) compared to those managed conservatively (9.9%) (p < 0.001). This was offset by the long-term benefits of cholecystectomy with a reduced 1-year mortality [20.8 vs. 27.1% for those managed conservatively (p < 0.001)]. Management with percutaneous cholecystostomy had increased 30-day and 1-year mortality (13.4 and 35.0%, respectively). The annual proportion of cholecystectomies performed laparoscopically increased from 27% in 2006 to 59% in 2012. Within the cholecystectomy group, laparoscopic approach was an independent predictor of reduced 30-day mortality (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.10-0.25). Following conservative management, there were 16,088 admissions with further cholecystitis. Only 11% of patients initially managed conservatively or with cholecystostomy received subsequent cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

Acute cholecystitis is associated with significant mortality in elderly patients. Potential benefits of emergency cholecystectomy in selected elderly patients include reduced rate of readmissions and 1-year mortality. Laparoscopic approach for emergency cholecystectomy was associated with an 84% relative risk reduction in 30-day mortality compared to open surgery.

A Calculated Risk: Performing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis on Patients with End Stage Renal Disease

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a multifactorial disease linked to socioeconomic status and associated with worse surgical outcomes. We explore intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in patients with cholecystitis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2012 was used to identify patients undergoing LC for cholecystitis using ICD-9 codes. Outcomes of interest were mortality, common bile duct injury, conversion to open, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and total charge. Univariate analysis was performed using t test for continuous variables and chi-squared test for categorical variables. Multivariable models were created that adjusted for age, demographics, year of admission, comorbidities, and presence of ESRD. Of 225,058 patients that underwent LC, 2,115 had ESRD. On univariate analysis, the ESRD cohort had a higher incidence of mortality and complications: intraoperative, mechanical wound, respiratory, cardiovascular, and postoperative infections. ESRD patients had higher median LOS and total charge. Multi-variate analysis showed ESRD as an independent risk factor for mortality, mechanical wound complications, and intraoperative complications. Negative binomial regression analysis showed that ESRD patients had LOS 50.4 per cent longer than non-ESRD patients. Linear regression analysis showed that, after adjustment, ESRD patients had total charge 6.82 per cent higher than non-ESRD patients. In this large retrospective analysis, we find that after adjusting for clinical, socioeconomic, and demographic variables, ESRD is an independent risk factor for increased mortality, intraoperative complications, mechanical wound complications, increased LOS, and cost for patients undergoing LC. Prospective studies exploring risk optimization strategies for patients with ESRD are warranted.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage Combined with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy versus Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Acute Complicated Cholecystitis: Comparison of Curative Efficacy

Controversy exists on the suitability of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in acute cholecystitis, especially in patients with severe comorbidities. Recently, many nonsurgical departments have indicated a preference for percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD), but surgeons consider LC as the final treatment option for cholecystitis. This analysis evaluated the curative efficacy of PTGBD in combination with LC as compared with emergency LC (e-LC). We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 86 patients with acute complicated cholecystitis. Patients were divided into two groups as those who received e-LC and those who underwent PTGBD combined with LC (PTGBD1LC), and baseline characteristics, perioperative data, and operative parameters were compared to check for intergroup differences. Baseline characteristics were similar for the study groups. However, although the operating duration ( P = 0.12) and postoperative hospital stay ( P = 0.39) did not evidence significant differences, the PTGBD1LC group had significantly better outcomes than the e-LC group with regard to blood loss ( P < 0.05), peritoneal drainage duration ( P < 0.05), and time to postoperative resumption of oral intake ( P < 0.05). Moreover, conversion to open surgery, complications during LC, and mortality rate were all higher in the e-LC group. PTGBD combined with LC is an effective treatment for acute complicated cholecystitis, especially in elderly patients or those with serious comorbidities. To some extent, the curative effect of this method can be considered superior to that of emergency LC.

Management of acute cholecystitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Various aspects of the management of acute calculous cholecystitis, including type and timing of surgery, role of antibiotics, and nonoperative management, remain controversial. This review focuses on recently published studies addressing the timing of cholecystectomy, use of cholecystostomy tubes, and role of antibiotics in this condition.

RECENT FINDINGS

In most cases, the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis can be initially confirmed with an abdominal ultrasound. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (within 24-72 h of symptom onset) is better than delayed surgery (>7 days) for most patients with grade I and II diseases. Percutaneous cholecystostomy and novel endoscopic gallbladder drainage interventions may be used as a temporizing measure or as definitive therapy in those who are too sick to undergo surgery. Studies are conflicting as to whether antibiotics are required for the treatment of uncomplicated cases.

SUMMARY

Cholecystectomy remains the only definitive therapy for acute cholecystitis. Current guidelines recommend treatment on the basis of disease severity at presentation. Antibiotics and a variety of minimally invasive nonsurgical interventions, although not definitive, play an adjunctive role in the management of the disease.

Index cholecystectomy in a rural hospital: it can be done

BACKGROUND

Index cholecystectomy (IC) refers to an operation during a patient's first hospital admission with symptomatic gallstone (GS) disease. There are proven reductions in cost, hospital bed days and GS-related complications while awaiting elective surgery. IC has not been universally adopted, particularly in smaller centres where logistics can present a barrier. The aim of this paper is to describe the introduction of routine IC at Hastings Hospital and the effects in terms of waiting time until surgery; GS-related re-presentations and complications while awaiting surgery; operative complications and overall hospital stay.

METHODS

Data were collected for all patients who underwent cholecystectomy in the year following the introduction of IC (2015/2016). The results were compared with data from the year 2009/2010.

RESULTS

A total of 259 cholecystectomies were performed over the 2015/2016 study period compared with 186 in the 2009/2010 study period. The IC rate increased from 9.89% in 2009 to 75.4% in 2015 (P < 0.001). The incidence of GS pancreatitis whilst waiting for surgery reduced from six in 2009 compared with one in 2015 (P = 0.046). The operative complications were similar in both groups. Total hospital stay was also similar.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that it is possible to perform IC in a rural setting reducing complications of waiting and in particular, rates of GS-related pancreatitis were significantly reduced. It can be done safely with an accommodating acute on-call system.

Delayed Presentation of Acute Cholecystitis: Comparative Outcomes of Same-Admission Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Studies have shown that same-admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SALC) is superior to delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) for acute cholecystitis (AC). However, no studies have compared both modalities in patients with delayed presentation. The aim of the study was to compare outcomes between SALC and DLC in AC patients with more than 7-day symptom duration.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 83 AC patients who underwent LC after presenting with >7 days of symptoms from June 2010 to June 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into L-SALC and L-DLC, defined as LC performed within the same admission and between 4 and 24 weeks after discharge, respectively. Peri-operative outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

In L-SALC patients, the intra-operative severity was higher (p < 0.001) and median operative time was longer (L-SALC, 107 min (46-220) vs L-DLC, 95 mins (25-186)) (p = 0.048). Conversion rates were also higher in L-SALC than that in L-DLC (L-SALC, 21.4% vs L-DLC, 4.9%) (p = 0.048). While post-operative morbidity was similar, L-SALC was associated with a longer post-operative length of stay as compared to L-DLC (L-SALC, 2 (1-17) vs L-DLC, 1 (1-6)) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

DLC provides lower conversion rates and shorter length of stay in AC patients presenting beyond 7 days of symptoms. This group of patients should be offered DLC.

The Sooner, the Better? The Importance of Optimal Timing of Cholecystectomy in Acute Cholecystitis: Data from the National Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery, GallRiks

Up-front cholecystectomy is the recommended therapy for acute cholecystitis (AC). However, the scientific basis for the definition of the optimal timing for surgery is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze how the timing of surgery, after the admission to hospital for AC, affects the intra- and postoperative outcomes. Within the national Swedish Registry for Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (GallRiks), all patients undergoing cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis between January 2006 and December 2014 were identified. Data regarding patient characteristics, intra- and postoperative adverse events (AEs), bile duct injuries, and 30- and 90-day mortality risk were captured, and the correlation between the surgical timing and these parameters was analyzed. In total, data on 87,108 cholecystectomies were analyzed of which 15,760 (18.1 %) were performed due to AC. Bile duct injury, 30- and 90-day mortality risk, and intra- and postoperative AEs were significantly higher if the time from admission to surgery exceeded 4 days. The time course between surgery and complication risks seemed to be optimal if surgery was done within 2 days after hospital admission. Although AC patients operated on the day of hospital admission had a slightly increased AE rate as well as 30- and 90-day mortality rates than those operated during the interval of 1-2 days after admission, the bile duct injury and conversion rates were, in fact, significantly lower. The optimal timing of cholecystectomy for patients with AC seems to be within 2 days after admission. However, the somewhat higher frequency of AE on admission day may emphasize the importance of optimizing the patient before surgery as well as ensuring that adequate surgical resources are available.

Same admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: is the "golden 72 hours" rule still relevant?

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that same admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SALC) is superior to delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis (AC). While some proposed a"golden 72-hour" for SALC, the optimal timing remains controversial. The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of SALC in AC patients with different time intervals from symptom onset.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 311 patients who underwent SALC for AC from June 2010-June 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into three groups based on the time interval between symptom onset and surgery: <4 days (E-SALC), 4-7 days (M-SALC), >7 (L-SALC).

RESULTS

The mean duration of symptoms was 2(1-3), 5(4-7) and 9 (8-13) days for E-SALC, M-SALC and L-SALC, respectively (p < 0.001). Conversion rates were higher in the L-SALC group [E-SALC, 8.2% vs M-SALC, 9.6% vs L-SALC, 21.4%] (p = 0.048). The total length of stay was longer in patients with longer symptom duration [E-SALC, 4 (2-33) vs M-SALC, 2 (2-23) vs L-SALC, 7 (2-49)] (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with AC presenting beyond 7 days of symptoms have higher conversion rates and longer length of stay associated with SALC. However, patients with less than a week of symptoms should be offered SALC.

Systematic review of antibiotic treatment for acute calculous cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Intravenous antibiotics are frequently used in the initial management of acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC), although supportive care alone preceding delayed elective cholecystectomy may be sufficient. This systematic review assessed the success rate of antibiotics in the treatment of ACC.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Primary outcomes were the need for emergency intervention and recurrence of ACC after initial non-operative management of ACC. Risk of bias was assessed. Pooled event rates were calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Twelve randomized trials, four prospective and ten retrospective studies were included. Only one trial including 84 patients compared treatment with antibiotics to that with no antibiotics; there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of length of hospital stay and morbidity. Some 5830 patients with ACC were included, of whom 2997 had early cholecystectomy, 2791 received initial antibiotic treatment, and 42 were treated conservatively. Risk of bias was high in most studies, and all but three studies had a low level of evidence. For randomized studies, pooled event rates were 15 (95 per cent c.i. 10 to 22) per cent for the need for emergency intervention and 10 (5 to 20) per cent for recurrence of ACC. The pooled event rate for both outcomes combined was 20 (13 to 30) per cent.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotics are not indicated for the conservative management of ACC or in patients scheduled for cholecystectomy.