The Small Contracted Gallbladder: a Word of Caution

Conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy: Risk factor analysis based on clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound parameters

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

The standard of care for gallbladder disease is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Difficult dissection of the hepatocytic triangle and bleeding can result in conversion to open cholecystectomy, which is associated with increased morbidity. Identifying risk factors for conversion in the context of acute cholecystitis will allow patient care to be individualized and improve outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-control study included all patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines, admitted to a tertiary care academic center, from January 1991 to January 2012. Using logistic regression, we analyzed variables to identify risk factors for conversion. Variables that were found to be significant predictors of conversion in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate model. We then performed an exploratory analysis to identify the risk factor summation pathway with the highest sensitivity for conversion.

RESULTS

The study included 321 patients with acute cholecystitis. Their mean age was 49 years (±16.8 SD), 65% were females, and 35% were males. Thirty-nine cases (12.14%) were converted to open surgery. In the univariate analysis, older age, male sex, gallbladder wall thickness, and pericholecystic fluid were associated with a higher risk for conversion. In the multivariate analysis all of the variables, except pericholecystic fluid, were associated with conversion. Our risk factor summation model had a sensitivity of 84%.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative clinical data can be utilized to identify patients with a higher risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy. Being aware of such risk factors can help improve perioperative planning and preparedness in challenging cases.

Laparoscopic Ultrasound and Safe Navigation Around the Shrunken Gallbladder

Background: The contracted gallbladder may predispose to a higher rate of biliary or vasculobiliary injury (VBI). It is usually associated with unclear anatomy due to chronic inflammation and fibrosis in the hepatoduodenal ligament region. Laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) can very effectively delineate anatomical conditions during cholecystectomy. Our study aimed to compare the visual and ultrasonographic navigation around the shrunken gallbladder. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 612 patients qualified for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The shrunken gallbladder was diagnosed intraoperatively in 13 patients (2.1%). In 6 patients, the only intraoperative navigation method was a visual evaluation of anatomical conditions, and in 7 patients, the method was LUS. Results: The operating time and the length of hospital stay after surgery were significantly lower, the number of conversions was insignificantly lower, and the number of successful visualization of anatomical conditions was significantly higher in the LUS group. We did not observe any bile duct and VBI in patients with the shrunken gallbladder. Conclusions: The combination of the fundus-first and subtotal cholecystectomy with LUS navigation might be an effective proposal when coming across the shrunken gallbladder.

Conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy: Risk factor analysis based on clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound parameters

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

The standard of care for gallbladder disease is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Difficult dissection of the hepatocytic triangle and bleeding can result in conversion to open cholecystectomy, which is associated with increased morbidity. Identifying risk factors for conversion in the context of acute cholecystitis will allow patient care to be individualized and improve outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-control study included all patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines, admitted to a tertiary care academic center, from January 1991 to January 2012. Using logistic regression, we analyzed variables to identify risk factors for conversion. Variables that were found to be significant predictors of conversion in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate model. We then performed an exploratory analysis to identify the risk factor summation pathway with the highest sensitivity for conversion.

RESULTS

The study included 321 patients with acute cholecystitis. Their mean age was 49 years (±16.8 SD), 65% were females, and 35% were males. Thirty-nine cases (12.14%) were converted to open surgery. In the univariate analysis, older age, male sex, gallbladder wall thickness, and pericholecystic fluid were associated with a higher risk for conversion. In the multivariate analysis all of the variables, except pericholecystic fluid, were associated with conversion. Our risk factor summation model had a sensitivity of 84%.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative clinical data can be utilized to identify patients with a higher risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy. Being aware of such risk factors can help improve perioperative planning and preparedness in challenging cases.