Factors determining conversion to laparotomy in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Preoperative difficulty factors in delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Tokyo Guidelines 2018 surgical difficulty score analysis

INTRODUCTION

Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18) recommend early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for low-risk acute cholecystitis (AC); however, some patients undergo delayed LC (DLC) after conservative treatment. DLC, influenced by chronic inflammation, is a difficult procedure. Previous studies on LC difficulty lacked objective measures. Recently, TG18 introduced a novel 25 findings difficulty score, which objectively assesses intraoperative factors. The purpose of this study was to use the difficulty score proposed in TG18 to identify and investigate the predictors of preoperative high-difficulty cases of DLC for AC.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 100 patients with DLC after conservative AC treatment. The surgical difficulty of DLC was evaluated using a difficulty score. Based on previous studies, the highest scores in each category were categorized as grades A-C.

RESULTS

The severity of AC was mild in 51 patients and moderate in 49. Surgical outcomes revealed a distribution of difficulty scores, with grade C indicating high difficulty, showing significant differences in operative time, blood loss, achieving a critical view of safety, bailout procedures, and postoperative hospital stay compared with grades A and B. Regarding the preoperative risk factors, multivariate analysis identified age >61 years (p = .008), body mass index >27.0 kg/m2 (p = .007), and gallbladder wall thickness >6.2 mm (p = .001) as independent risk factors for grade C in DLC.

CONCLUSION

The difficulty score proposed in TG18 provides an objective framework for evaluating surgical difficulty, allowing for more accurate risk assessments and improved preoperative planning in DLC for AC.

Dense surface reconstruction using a learning-based monocular vSLAM model for laparoscopic surgery

Augmented reality (AR) has seen increased interest and attention for its application in surgical procedures. AR-guided surgical systems can overlay segmented anatomy from pre-operative imaging onto the user's environment to delineate hard-to-see structures and subsurface lesions intraoperatively. While previous works have utilized pre-operative imaging such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance images, registration methods still lack the ability to accurately register deformable anatomical structures without fiducial markers across modalities and dimensionalities. This is especially true of minimally invasive abdominal surgical techniques, which often employ a monocular laparoscope, due to inherent limitations. Surgical scene reconstruction is a critical component towards accurate registrations needed for AR-guided surgery and other downstream AR applications such as remote assistance or surgical simulation. In this work, we utilize a state-of-the-art (SOTA) deep-learning-based visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM) algorithm to generate a dense 3D reconstruction with camera pose estimations and depth maps from video obtained with a monocular laparoscope. The proposed method can robustly reconstruct surgical scenes using real-time data and provide camera pose estimations without stereo or additional sensors, which increases its usability and is less intrusive. We also demonstrate a framework to evaluate current vSLAM algorithms on non-Lambertian, low-texture surfaces and explore using its outputs on downstream tasks. We expect these evaluation methods can be utilized for the continual refinement of newer algorithms for AR-guided surgery.

Preoperative Risk Factors for Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a standard treatment for patients with gallstones in the gallbladder. However, multiple risk factors affect the probability of conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery. A greater understanding of the preoperative factors related to conversion is crucial to improve patient safety. In the present systematic review, we summarized the current knowledge about the main factors associated with conversion. Next, we carried out several meta-analyses to evaluate the impact of independent clinical risk factors on conversion rate. Male gender (OR = 1.907; 95%CI = 1.254−2.901), age > 60 years (OR = 4.324; 95%CI = 3.396−5.506), acute cholecystitis (OR = 5.475; 95%CI = 2.959−10.130), diabetes (OR = 2.576; 95%CI = 1.687−3.934), hypertension (OR = 1.931; 95%CI = 1.018−3.662), heart diseases (OR = 2.947; 95%CI = 1.047−8.296), obesity (OR = 2.228; 95%CI = 1.162−4.271), and previous upper abdominal surgery (OR = 3.301; 95%CI = 1.965−5.543) increased the probability of conversion. Our analysis of clinical factors suggested the presence of different preoperative conditions, which are non-modifiable but could be useful for planning the surgical scenario and improving the post-operatory phase.

A prospective cohort study for prediction of difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Introduction

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

Materials and methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

H•

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

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

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

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

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

Acute cholecystitis: predictive clinico-radiological assessment for conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Previous studies evaluating predictive factors for the conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy have reported conflicting conclusions.

PURPOSE

To create a risk assessment model to predict the conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with acute calculous cholecystitis with available preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) findings who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Forty-four parameters-including demographics, clinical history, laboratory data, and CT findings-were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the included 581 patients, conversion occurred in 113 (19%) cases. Multivariate analysis identified obesity (odd ratio [OR] 2.58, P = 0.04), history of abdominal surgery (OR 1.78, P = 0.03), and prolonged prothrombin time (OR 1.98, P = 0.03) as predictors of conversion. In preoperative CT findings, the absence of gallbladder wall enhancement (OR 3.15, P = 0.03), presence of a gallstone in the gallbladder infundibulum (OR 2.11, P = 0.04), and inflammation of the hepatic pedicle (OR 1.71, P = 0.04) were associated with conversion. Inter-observer agreement for CT study interpretation was very good (range 0.81-1.00). A model was created to calculate the risk for conversion, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87. The risk for conversion, estimated based on the number of factors identified, was in the range of 5.3% (with one factor) to 86.4% (with six factors).

CONCLUSION

Obesity, history of abdominal surgery, prolonged prothrombin time, absence of gallbladder wall enhancement, presence of a gallstone in the gallbladder infundibulum, and inflammation of the hepatic pedicle are associated with conversion of laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy.

Could preoperative sonographic criteria predict the difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Background:

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

Materials and Methods:

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

Results:

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

Conclusion:

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

Risk factors for conversion to open surgery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A single center experience

Objectives

This study aimed to demonstrate the demographic characteristics for laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries performed in the general surgery clinics of our hospital and to identify the rate of conversion to open surgery and the main reasons for convert to open surgery.

Material and Methods

Medical records of a total of 1.294 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our hospital between October 2013 and May 2017 were retrospectively reviewed, and the rates of conversion to open surgery based on age groups were recorded.

Results

Of these patients, 1191 were females (92.0%) and 103 (7.9%) were males. Mean age was 48.6 ± 13.2 (range: 18 to 89) years. Indications for surgery were cholelithiasis in 1195 patients (92.4%), acute cholecystitis in 56 patients (4.4%), and gallbladder polyps in 43 patients (3.3%). The procedure was conversion to open surgery in 41 patients (3.16%), while 12 (0.9%) developed intraoperative complications. There was no mortality. Mean length of hospital stay was 1.2 (range: 1 to 6) days. The main reasons for conversation to open surgery were as follows: adhesions in the Calot's triangle (n= 3), acute cholecystitis (n= 29), choledocholithiasis (n= 2), adhesions due to previous surgery (n= 1), dissection difficulty (n= 2), organ damage (n= 2), anatomic variation (n= 1), and stone expulsion (n= 1).

Conclusion

Acute cholecystitis appears to be the significant factor increasing the rate of conversation to open surgery during LC procedures. Male sex and older age are the other factors increasing the risk of con- vert to open surgery. However, LC should be still the first choice of intervention.

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.

Usefulness of preoperative drip infusion cholangiography with computed tomography for predicting surgical difficulty during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Drip infusion cholangiography with computed tomography (DIC-CT) is a major preoperative modality used for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

This study included 218 patients for whom preoperative DIC-CT images were obtained prior to undergoing LC. The association between gallbladder (GB) opacification in DIC-CT and the operative time was assessed.

RESULTS

The GB opacification on the DIC-CT images was classified as follows: Grade 0, homogeneous opacification; Grade 1, heterogeneous opacification; Grade 2, only cystic duct can be identified; and Grade 3, no opacification. Images obtained for the 218 patients showed 41 (18.8%) with Grade 0, 91 (41.7%) with Grade 1, 54 (24.8%) with Grade 2, and 32 (14.7%) with Grade 3. The operative time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly longer and larger, respectively, in cases classified as Grade 2 or 3 (GB negative) compared with cases classified as Grade 0 or 1 (GB positive). We created an LC difficulty score based on the following variables that were significant independent predictors of increased operative time: GB negativity in DIC-CT (P = .002, 2 points), GB wall thickness (P = .002, 2 points), body mass index (P = .015, 1 point), preoperative alkaline phosphatase value (P = .018, 1 point), and preoperative C-reactive protein value (P = .04, 1 point). The LC difficulty score (Grade A, score 0-2; Grade B, score 3-5; and Grade C, score 6-7) was significantly associated with a prolonged operative time.

CONCLUSION

Drip infusion cholangiography with computed tomography is useful for predicting the surgical difficulty of LC.

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.

Preoperative Predictors of Level of Difficulty of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic gallbladder stone disease. This is due to its safety, reliability, cost-effectiveness, negligible mortality, shorter duration of hospitalization (early return to work), better cosmesis, minimal wound complications, and temporary paralytic ileus. In spite of these, conversion to open cholecystectomy which is sometimes required in difficult cases could be challenging.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the present study is to aid the prediction of difficult cases undergoing LC, thereby better selection of patients with the least conversion rates.

Materials and Methods

This prospective study was conducted on 100 consecutive patients with cholecystitis, over a 2-year period from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, having undergone LC. Various preoperative parameters, including age, sex, previous attacks of cholecystitis, deranged liver functions, and ultrasonographic findings, were analyzed for their effects for predicting the level of difficulty during LC.

Results

Twenty-five percent of the cases were correctly predicted as difficult in the age group of >65 years. Cholecystitis was more common (79%) in females, but difficulties were encountered more frequently while performing LC in males. Abnormal serum hepatic and pancreatic enzyme profiles were associated with difficulties during surgery as about 83.3% of the patients predicted as moderately difficult peroperatively had deranged liver functions. The preoperative ultrasonography findings were helpful for predicting the degree of difficulty involved in the procedure. About 33.3% of the patients that had pericholecystic fluid on ultrasound preoperatively were correctly predicted to have moderately difficult surgeries. The Chi-square test and P value were used to determine statistical significance.

Conclusions

Females, the absence of previous repeated attacks of cholecystitis and hospitalizations, no upper abdominal surgery in the past, normal liver function tests, normal amylase levels, nondistended and uncontracted gallbladder, absence of pericholecystic collection, afebrile, and single stone are positive preoperative predictors of safe LC in symptomatic gallbladder stone disease.

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.

Robotic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: Three case reports

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered as criterion standard for surgical treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis. During the last few years, there has been growing interest about the robotic approach. Several authors have reported the superiority of robotic cholecystectomy, associated with a lower percentage of conversion especially in patients with intraoperative diagnosis of acute or gangrenous cholecystitis. We report 3 case reports of moderate acute cholecystitis successfully treated by robotic cholecystectomy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Three patients presented moderate acute calculous cholecystitis with leukocytosis, fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

DIAGNOSIS

Three patients of our study population had clinical and laboratory suspicion of moderate acute calculous cholecystitis verified by abdominal ultrasound examination, which found out cholelitiasis in all 3 cases. Final diagnosis was confirmed by intraoperative findings and histopathological examination, with two empyematous cholecystitis and one perforated cholecystitis.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent robotic cholecystectomy with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. The entire procedure required a mean operation time of 128 minutes and the average blood loss was 60 mL, without any intraoperative complications.

OUTCOMES

In all 3 cases postoperative period was uneventfull. All the patients were discharged within 24 hours and no readmissions were reported during a 30 days' follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic cholecystectomy for ACC is feasible and safe. Several studies have demonstrated that robotic approach reduces the risk of conversion to open surgery in case of acute or gangrenous cholecystitis. Our results are in line with current literature. In fact, we have successfully treated 2 patients with empyematous acute cholecystitis and 1 with gangrenous cholecystitis with a totally robotic approach, without any complications or need of conversion to open surgery. In conclusion, our results confirm that it is the time to include robotic surgery in the emergency setting.

A Retrospective and Prospective Study to Develop a Pre-operative Difficulty Score for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to develop a grading system to enable pre-operative prediction of technical difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy using retrospective data and to attempt to validate our scoring system prospectively.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was conducted of 100 consecutive patients. Pre-operative variables were collected based on a template devised by the American College of Surgeons. Outcomes were duration of surgery, conversion to open and post-operative complications. Multivariate analysis with subsequent measurement of hazard ratios was used to formulate a weighted grading system. Prospective analysis was performed of 100 consecutive patients who were scored pre-operatively. Outcomes were duration of surgery and length of stay.

RESULTS

Retrospective univariate analysis identified four variables associated with an increase in duration of surgery: male gender (p = 0.023), age (p = 0.000), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.000) and pre-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (p = 0.001). Prospective analysis revealed weak positive correlations between the scoring system and duration of surgery (0.34) and length of stay (0.40).

CONCLUSION

We have identified four pre-operative variables that predicted a longer duration of surgery. Preliminary results suggest a positive correlation between this scoring system and duration of surgery. An adequately powered prospective multi-centre study is needed to validate our findings.

Factors Affecting Conversion From Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy to Open Cholecystectomy at a Tertiary Care Facility in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:

Despite the growing importance and increased use of laparoscopy for gallbladder diseases in Saudi Arabia, several factors reportedly result in conversion to open surgery. This leads to increased operative time and increased hospital resource utilization, and, importantly, it impacts patient welfare. Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its conversion rates have been investigated in Saudi Arabia, there is little information on the factors associated with this conversion. Therefore, we analyzed the prevalence and factors associated with the conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy.

Materials and methods:

This was a quantitative, retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. We reviewed the health care records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the study period (January 2014–December 2015). We analyzed patient demographics, preoperative factors, ultrasound findings, and intraoperative factors associated with higher conversion rates. We calculated means, SDs, and medians for numerical variables and percentages and frequencies for nominal variables. The χ2 and two-tailed t tests were used to compare the categorical and continuous variables, respectively, between patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and those who underwent conversion to open cholecystectomy to analyze their relationship with the possibility of conversion. Statistical significance was considered at P &lt; 0.05.

Results:

Age &gt; 40 years, diabetes, history of admission for gallstones, and increased total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase levels were the preoperative factors and adhesions, bleeding, and stone spillage were the intraoperative factors associated with conversion.

Conclusion:

Recognizing the factors for conversion would improve treatment planning and help predict when conversion may be necessary.

Comparative Analysis of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Performed in the Elderly and Younger Patients: Should We Abstain from Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in the Elderly?

BACKGROUND

The elderly population is gradually increasing due to an increase in the quality of life and therefore the frequency of gallbladder stones in the population is also increasing. However, a considerable number of physicians tend to postpone or solve the problem with medical treatment instead of performing surgery in the elderly patients. In this study, we aim to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the elderly and younger patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The medical records of 665 patients undergoing LC were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: ≥60 years of age and <60 years of age. Ages, genders, comorbid diseases, indications of surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, whether it is converted to an open cholecystectomy or not, reasons for conversion if it is converted, total duration of surgery, initiation of oral nutrition, duration of discharge, and postoperative complications of the patients in both groups were recorded.

RESULTS

The American Society of Anesthesiologists scores were statistically significantly higher in ≥60 years age group (p<0.001). The rate of experiencing acute cholecystitis with a stone in the gallbladder was significantly higher in the 60 years group (p=0.025). Comorbidity was statistically significantly higher in the ≥60 years age group (p<0.001). Hospitalization period, the mean hour of initiation of oral nutrition were statistically significantly higher in the ≥60 years age group (p<0.001, p=0.001). Conversion to an open cholecystectomy and postoperative complication rates of the ≥60 years age group were statistically significantly higher (p=0.034, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

We think that LC can be safely performed in the elderly people as well. However, it should be kept in mind that comorbidity may make the surgery and postoperative follow-up period complicated.

External validation of the Cairns Prediction Model (CPM) to predict conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Valid and user-friendly prediction models for conversion to open cholecystectomy allow for proper planning prior to surgery. The Cairns Prediction Model (CPM) has been in use clinically in the original study site for the past three years, but has not been tested at other sites.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-centred study collected ultrasonic measurements and clinical variables alongside with conversion status from consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy from 2013 to 2016 in The Townsville Hospital, North Queensland, Australia. An area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to externally validate of the CPM.

RESULTS

Conversion was necessary in 43 (4.2%) out of 1035 patients. External validation showed an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% CI 0.82-0.93, p = 1.1 × 10^-14).

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison with most previously published models, which have an AUC of approximately 0.80 or less, the CPM has the highest AUC of all published prediction models both for internal and external validation.

A Standardized Ultrasound Scoring System for Preoperative Prediction of Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Purpose

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the treatment of choice for cholelithiasis. Still some patients required conversion to open cholecystectomy (OC). Our aim was to develop a standardized Ultrasound based scoring system for preoperative prediction of difficult LC.

Methods and materials

Ultrasound findings of 300 patients who underwent LC were reviewed retrospectively. Four parameters (time taken, biliary leakage, duct or arterial injury, and conversion) were analyzed to classify LC as easy or difficult. The following ultrasound findings were analyzed: GB wall thickness, pericholecystic collection, distended GB, impacted stones, multiple stones, CBD diameter and liver size. Out of seven parameters, four were statistically significant in our study. A score of 2 was assigned for the presence of each significant finding and a score of 1 was assigned for the remaining parameters to a total score of 11. A cut-off value of 5 was taken to predict easy and difficult LC.

Results

66 out of 83 cases of difficult LC and 199 out of 217 cases of easy LC were correctly predicted on the basis of scoring system. A score of >5 had sensitivity 80.7% and specificity 91.7% for correctly identifying difficult LC. Prediction came true in 78.8% difficult and 92.6% easy cases. US findings of GB wall thickness, distended GB, impacted stones and dilated CBD were found statistically significant.

Conclusion

This indigenous scoring system is effective in predicting conversion risk of LC to OC. Patients having high risk may be informed and scheduled appropriately and decision to convert to OC in case of anticipated difficulty may be taken earlier.

Preoperative predictors of conversion as indicators of local inflammation in acute cholecystitis: strategies for future studies to develop quantitative predictors

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have identified risk factors for conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of these predictors and to identify sources of heterogeneity in the studies.

METHODS

OVID was searched for papers published from 1995 to 2016. Studies with more than 100 patients were included. Risk factors for conversion were abstracted and categorized by statistical significance.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were evaluated. Inflammation with difficulty in anatomic identification was the most common reason of conversion. Because of heterogeneity among studies a quantitative approach was not possible. Therefore, qualitative analysis using a heat map was performed along with investigation into sources of heterogeneity with the aim of creating a framework for future quantitative studies. Age, maleness, and white blood cell count were most commonly identified predictors of conversion. Sources of heterogeneity were criteria for diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, selection of patients for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, selection of variables and variations in their thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

In acute cholecystitis, inflammation is the most common reason for conversion. Age, maleness and white blood cell count are common predictors of conversion. Large scale prospective studies with minimal heterogeneity are needed to establish validity of these and other predictors.

Risk factors for conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery - A systematic literature review of 30 studies

BACKGROUND

The study aims to evaluate the methodological quality of publications relating to predicting the need of conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy and to describe identified prognostic factors.

METHOD

Only English full-text articles with their own unique observations from more than 300 patients were included. Only data using multivariate analysis of risk factors were selected. Quality assessment criteria stratifying the risk of bias were constructed and applied.

RESULTS

The methodological quality of the studies were mostly heterogeneous. Most studies performed well in half of the quality criteria and considered similar risk factors, such as male gender and old age, as significant. Several studies developed prediction models for risk of conversion. Independent risk factors appeared to have additive effects.

CONCLUSION

A detailed critical review of studies of prediction models and risk stratification for conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy is presented. One study is identified of high quality with a potential to be used in clinical practice, and external validation of this model is recommended.

The severity grading of acute cholecystitis following the Tokyo Guidelines is the most powerful predictive factor for conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The relationship between the severity assessment of acute cholecystitis based on the Tokyo Guidelines and the risk for conversion from laparoscopic surgery to open surgery has been assessed in few previous reports, with conflicting results.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with acute cholecystitis within a single system from 2010 to 2013 was performed. The diagnosis and severity of acute cholecystitis were assigned by the Tokyo Guidelines 2013 (TG13). The primary outcome measure was conversion to open cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

During the period of study, 493 patients were operated by laparoscopy for acute cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was intraoperatively converted to open surgery in 56 cases (11.4%). The multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for conversion to open surgery included male gender (OR: 2.15; IC_95% [1.18-3.9]), diabetes (OR: 2.22; IC_95% [1.13-4.33]), total bilirubin levels (OR: 1.02; IC_95% [1-1.05]), and the TG13 severity classification (OR: 4.44; IC_95% [2.25-8.75]).

CONCLUSIONS

The independent risk factors for conversion to open surgery included male sex, diabetes mellitus, total bilirubin level, and TG13 grade. TG13 grade was found to be the most powerful predictive factor for conversion as it had the highest OR.

Prediction of Surgical Difficulty in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis Performed Within 24 Hours After Hospital Admission

The objective of this study was to identify preoperative factors predicting operative difficulty in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis within 24 hours after hospital admission. Many reports have described the superiority of performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the early phase of acute cholecystitis. Recently, even earlier cholecystectomy within 24 hours after hospital admission has been recommended. However, the factors that influence surgical difficulty in this patient population have not been well scrutinized. We analyzed patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis within 24 hours of hospital presentation from 2007 to 2015. The primary outcome was the operation time. We also analyzed the amount of blood loss and the rate of conversion to open surgery. Seventy-three patients were enrolled. Mean age at surgery was 66 ± 16 years, and 52 patients were male. The mean operation time was 128 ± 59 minutes. Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 [odds ratio (OR) = 3.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4–30.9] and dirty fat sign on preoperative computed tomography (OR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.0–34.2) were significantly associated with increased operative time. Dirty fat sign was also significantly associated with increases in the amount of blood loss and conversion rate. Surgery should be performed more carefully in patients with these risk factors in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis performed within 24 hours of hospital presentation.

Preoperative risk factors for conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy: a validated risk score derived from a prospective U.K. database of 8820 patients

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is commonly performed, and several factors increase the risk of open conversion, prolonging operating time and hospital stay. Preoperative stratification would improve consent, scheduling and identify appropriate training cases. The aim of this study was to develop a validated risk score for conversion for use in clinical practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Preoperative patient and disease-related variables were identified from a prospective cholecystectomy database (CholeS) of 8820 patients, divided into main and validation sets. Preoperative predictors of conversion were identified by multivariable binary logistic regression. A risk score was developed and validated using a forward stepwise approach.

RESULTS

Some 297 procedures (3.4%) were converted. The risk score was derived from six significant predictors: age (p = 0.005), sex (p < 0.001), indication for surgery (p < 0.001), ASA (p < 0.001), thick-walled gallbladder (p = 0.040) and CBD diameter (p = 0.004). Testing the score on the validation set yielded an AUROC = 0.766 (p < 0.001), and a score >6 identified patients at high risk of conversion (7.1% vs. 1.2%).

CONCLUSION

This validated risk score allows preoperative identification of patients at six-fold increased risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy.

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is an independent risk factor for conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy in patients with cholecystolithiasis

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is regarded as the first choice for patients with cholecystolithiasis, but some patients require conversion to open cholecystectomy (OC) because of inflammation-related incidents. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the risk factors for conversion to OC in patients undergoing elective LC for cholecystolithiasis.

METHODS

This study included 461 patients who underwent elective LC for cholecystolithiasis were between April 2000 and September 2010. Receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis was used to define the ideal cut-off values of clinicolaboratory characteristics, and the area under the ROC for conversion was also measured. Univariate and multivariate analyses using preoperative clinicolaboratory characteristics were performed to investigate the most significant risk factors for conversion to OC in patients with cholecystolithiasis.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis using nine parameters selected by univariate analyses demonstrated that γ-glutamyltransferase (<20/>20 IU/L) (odds ratio, 8.777; 95% confidence interval, 1.132-68.06; P = 0.038), albumin (<3.8/>3.8 g/dL) (odds ratio, 0.329; 95% confidence interval, 0.127-0.850; P = 0.022), and platelet count (<27/>27 × 10⁴ /mm³ ) (odds ratio, 2.573; 95% confidence interval, 1.048-6.319; P = 0.039) were associated with conversion. Among these three parameters, ROC curve analysis disclosed that albumin (0.705) had the largest area under the ROC (γ-glutamyltransferase, 0.622, platelet count, 0.536) for conversion.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is the most important risk factor for conversion to OC in patients undergoing elective LC for cholecystolithiasis.

Predicting Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Based on Clinicoradiological Assessment

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. However, of all Laparoscopic cholecystectomies, 1-13% requires conversion to an open for various reasons. Thus, for surgeons it would be helpful to establish criteria that would predict difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and conversion preoperatively. But there is no clear consensus among the laparoscopic surgeons regarding the parameters predicting the difficult dissection and conversion to open cholecystectomy.

AIM

To assess the clinical and radiological parameters for predicting the difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its conversion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective study conducted from October 2010 to October 2014. Total of 180 patients meeting the inclusion criteria undergoing LC were included in the study. Four parameters were assessed to predict the difficult LC. These parameters were: 1) Gallbladder wall thickness; 2) Pericholecystic fluid collection; 3) Number of attacks; 4) Total leucocyte count. The statistical analysis was done using Z-test.

RESULTS

Out of 180 patients included in this study 126 (70%) were easy, 44 (24.44%) were difficult and 3 (5.56%) patients required conversion to open cholecystectomy. The overall conversion rate was 5.6%. The TLC>11000, more than 2 previous attacks of cholecystitis, GB wall thickness of >3mm and Pericholecystic collection were all statistically significant for predicting the difficult LC and its conversion.

CONCLUSION

The difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and conversion to open surgery can be predicted preoperatively based on number of previous attacks of cholecystitis, WBC count, Gall bladder wall thickness and Pericholecystic collection.

Preoperative Prediction of Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Scoring Method

Background:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the procedure of choice for management of symptomatic gallstone disease. At times, it is difficult and takes longer time or has to be converted to an open procedure. This study is undertaken to determine the predictive factors for difficult LC.

Aim:

The aim was to evaluate a scoring method to predict difficult LC preoperatively.

Materials and Methods:

There were 30 cases operated by a single experienced surgeon. There are total 15 score from history, clinical and sonological findings. Score up to 5 predicted easy, 6–10 difficult and >10 are very difficult.

Results:

Prediction came true in 76.4% for easy and 100% difficult cases; there were no cases with a score above 10. The factors like previous history of hospitalization (P - 0.004), clinically palpable gallbladder (GB) (P - 0.009), impacted GB stone (P - 0.001), pericholecystic collection (P - 0.04), and abdominal scar due to previous abdominal surgery (P - 0.009) were found statistically significant in predicting difficult LC.

Conclusion:

The proposed scoring system is reliable with a sensitivity of 76.47% and specificity of 100%.

A proposal for a preoperative clinical scoring system for acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Acute cholecystitis is a common diagnosis for which surgery is usually indicated. However, the heterogeneity of clinical presentation makes it difficult to standardize management. The variation in clinical presentation is influenced by both patient-dependent and disease-specific factors. A preoperative clinical scoring system designed to included patient-dependent and clinical factors might be a useful tool in clinical decision making.

METHODS

The data of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a university hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patient-dependent factors (age, sex, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score) and disease-specific factors (history of biliary colics, white blood count, C-reactive protein, and gallbladder wall thickness) were used to compute a clinical score between zero and nine for each patient. Cholecystitis was classified as mild (score ≤ 3), moderate (4 ≤ score ≤ 6), or severe (score ≥ 7).

RESULTS

Cholecystitis was mild in 45 cases, moderate in 105 cases, and severe in 27 cases. Among patient-dependent factors, the male gender, age >65 y, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score >2 correlated significantly with high scores, P = 0.001. Equally, high white blood count, elevated C-reactive protein, and gallbladder wall thickness >4 mm correlated significantly with high scores, P = 0.001. These findings were confirmed on multivariate analyses. High scores correlated significantly with the duration of surgery (P = 0.007), the need of intensive care unit management (P = 0.001) and the length of stay (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant association between the preoperative score and the rate of conversion (P = 0.103) or the rate of complication (P = 0.209).

CONCLUSIONS

This preoperative clinical scoring system has a potential to select patients with severe cholecystitis and therefore might be a useful tool in clinical decision making.

Predicting prolonged hospital stay after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Widespread application of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has resulted in a high complication rate and leads to prolonged hospital stays. This study aimed to investigate the preoperative and intraoperative clinical factors that relate to prolongation of hospital stay.

METHODS

We studied 370 patients who underwent LC for gallbladder disease between 2008 and 2012. Clinical risk factors were retrospectively collected. The clinical pathway for LC was indicated for all patients, and they were divided into two groups according to postoperative length of stay (LOS): the normal duration group (LOS ≤5 days) and the long duration (LD) group (LOS ≥6 days). Multiple regression analysis was used to predict risk factors that identified hospital prolongation to create a LOS prediction score.

RESULTS

The normal duration group was 236 patients and the LD group was 134. Seventeen patients (4.6%) required conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. LOS was 4.82 days in the normal duration group and 12.08 days in the LD group. In the LD group, 18.7% of the patients stayed more than 14 days, but no patients were readmitted. Thirteen clinical factors were statistically different between the two groups. ASA score and LC difficulty were the most predictive risk factors for LOS prolongation. LOS prediction score consisted of eight variables selected from 13 factors; it helped determine the likelihood of whether a patients' hospital stay was prolonged (sensitivity, 82.1%; specificity, 75.0%).

CONCLUSION

Thirteen factors closely related to hospital stay duration and LOS prediction score could predict the prolongation of a patient's hospital stay.

Open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis. Systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become a popular alternative to open cholecystectomy (OC) in the treatment of acute cholecystitis (AC). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is now considered the gold standard of therapy for symptomatic cholelithiasis and chronic cholecystitis. However no definitive data on its use in AC has been published. CIAO and CIAOW studies demonstrated 48.7% of AC were still operated with the open technique. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to compare OC and LC in AC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic-review with meta-analysis and meta-regression of trials comparing open vs. laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with AC was performed. Electronic searches were performed using Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCTR), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and CINAHL.

RESULTS

Ten trials have been included with a total of 1248 patients: 677 in the LC and 697 into the OC groups. The post-operative morbidity rate was half with LC (OR = 0.46). The post-operative wound infection and pneumonia rates were reduced by LC (OR 0.54 and 0.51 respectively). The post-operative mortality rate was reduced by LC (OR = 0.2). The mean postoperative hospital stay was significantly shortened in the LC group (MD = -4.74 days). There were no significant differences in the bile leakage rate, intraoperative blood loss and operative times.

CONCLUSIONS

In acute cholecystitis, post-operative morbidity, mortality and hospital stay were reduced by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Moreover pneumonia and wound infection rate were reduced by LC. Severe hemorrhage and bile leakage rates were not influenced by the technique. Cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis should be attempted laparoscopically first.

Predicting conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy presented as a probability nomogram based on preoperative patient risk factors

BACKGROUND

We aim to develop a risk stratification tool to preoperatively predict conversion (CONV) from a laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Multiple risk factors were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression and presented as probability nomograms.

RESULTS

Of 732 patients, 47 (6.4%) required CONV. Among 40 preoperative risk factors evaluated, 5 variables were found to have significant association with CONV: 2 clinical variables, previous upper abdominal surgery (odds ratio [OR] 95.2) and obesity defined as body mass index greater than 30 kg/m(2) (OR 12.3), and 3 ultrasound parameters, visible choledocholithiasis (OR 19.8), impacted stone at the neck of the gallbladder (OR 5.9), and gallbladder wall width in millimeters (OR 2.1). Nomograms based on this multivariate model demonstrate the individual preoperative probability of CONV. Internal validation using receiver operator curve analysis showed an area under the curve of .97.

CONCLUSION

Four probability nomograms were developed as a practical individual risk stratification tool to predict probability of CONV.

Evaluation of affecting factors for conversion to open cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for the surgical treatment of gallbladder disease. Severe inflammation makes laparoscopic dissection technically more demanding in acute cholecystitis. Conversion to open cholecystectomy due to adverse conditions is still required in some patients.

AIM

To evaluate predictive risk factors associated with conversion to open cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 165 patients who underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in our clinic. Patients who completed laparoscopic cholecystectomy and required conversion to open cholecystectomy were compared in terms of age, sex, fever, laboratory and USG findings, operation timing, complications, and duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

There were 53 (32%) male and 112 (68%) female patients; the mean age was 52.4 ±12.5 years. Forty-six (27.9%) of the 165 patients were converted to open cholecystectomy. Male sex of the patients who underwent conversion (47.1%) was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). Preoperative white blood count, blood glucose and amylase values, morbidity rate, and hospital stay were raised in patients who underwent conversion, and all were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Male sex, blood leucocyte, glucose, and raised amylase emerged as the effective factors for conversion cholecystectomy in our study. These factors should help the clinical decision-making process when planning laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis. By predicting these risk factors for conversion, preoperative patient counselling can be improved.

Male gender impact on the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to assess the impact of male gender on the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy by eliminating associated risk factors for conversion.

METHODS

A quantitative comparative study was set up on the background of our null hypothesis that male gender has no impact on the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We performed a retrospective study of 241 patients and recorded the duration of surgery, length of postoperative hospital stay, conversion rate, and procedure-specific complications. Risk factors for conversion were excluded. Inferential statistics were applied, and a 2-sided P value of < .05 was considered the cutoff point to indicate the amount of evidence against the null hypothesis. We used SPSS for Windows, version 12 (IBM, Armonk, New York). Parametric data were analyzed with the independent-samples t test, and nonparametric data were analyzed with the χ(2) test.

RESULTS

A total of 175 women (72.6%) and 66 men (27.4%) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean age was 51.4 ± 14.8 years for women and 55 ± 12.7 years for men (P = .08). Women had a higher body mass index (28.4 ± 4.5) than men (26.8 ± 3.5) (P < .005). There were no statistically significant differences in the conversion rate and perioperative morbidity rate. The conversion rate was 2.9% for women and 7.5% for men (P = .142); the morbidity rate was 10.2% and 12.1%, respectively (P = .66). The mean duration of surgery was longer in men, at 67.9 ± 27.8 minutes, than in women, at 56.5 ± 23.98 minutes (P < .002). Both genders had an equal length of postoperative hospital stay, with 1.9 ± 1.8 days for men and 1.9 ± 2.1 days for women (P = .8).

CONCLUSIONS

Male gender has no impact on the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Gender affects the duration of surgery. Larger-scale studies may disclose the factors responsible for variations in the operative time.

Elevated plasma visfatin levels correlate with conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery in acute cholecystitis

Visfatin correlates with inflammation and its levels in peripheral blood are associated with some inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to assess the relationship between plasma visfatin levels and conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery in acute cholecystitis. One hundred and forty-six acute cholecystitis patients and 146 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were recruited and their plasma visfatin levels were determined using an enzyme immunoassay. 17 patients (11.6%) underwent conversion. Plasma visfatin levels were statistically significantly elevated in all patients (97.2±41.8ng/mL), those with (161.4±71.3ng/mL) or without conversion (88.7±26.9ng/mL), compared to controls (40.3±13.3ng/mL, all P<0.001). A linear regression analysis showed that plasma visfatin levels were positively associated with plasma C-reactive protein levels (t=0.510, P<0.001). A logistic-regression analysis showed that age [odds ratio (OR) 1.160, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.011-1.332, P=0.035] and plasma visfatin levels (OR 1.035, 95% CI 1.005-1.066, P=0.022) appeared to be the independent predictors of conversion. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis found that plasma visfatin levels predicted conversion with high area under curve (AUC) (AUC, 850; 95% CI, 0.781-0.903). The AUC of the visfatin concentration was similar to that of age (AUC, 0.738; 95% CI, 0.659-0.807) (P=0.188). Visfatin improved the AUC of age to 0.914 (95% CI, 0.856-0.954) (P=0.011) using a combined logistic-regression model. Thus, high plasma levels of visfatin are associated with systemic inflammation, and may independently predict conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery in acute cholecystitis.

Cholecystectomy and wound complications: smoking worsens risk

BACKGROUND

In the United States, approximately 800,000 cholecystectomies are performed annually. We sought to determine the influence of preoperative smoking on postcholecystectomy wound complication rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005-2011), patients aged ≥18 y who underwent elective open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for benign gallbladder disease were identified using current procedural terminology codes. Multivariate regression was performed to determine the association between smoking status and wound complications, by surgical approach.

RESULTS

Of 143,753 identified patients, 128,692 (89.5%) underwent LC, 27,788 (19.3%) were active smokers, and 100,710 (70.2%) were females. Active smokers were younger than nonsmokers (mean + standard deviation age: 44.2 (14.9) versus 51.6 (17.9) years); P < 0.001) and had fewer comorbidities. Within 30-d postcholecystectomy, wound complications were reported in 2011 (1.4%) patients. Compared with nonsmokers, active smokers demonstrated increased odds of wound complications after both open cholecystectomy (odds ratio 1.28; P = 0.010) and LC (odds ratio 1.20; P = 0.020) after adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics. Having wound complications increased the average postoperative length of stay by 2-4 d (P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Active smokers are more likely to develop wound complications after cholecystectomy, regardless of surgical approach. Occurrence of wound complications consequently increases postoperative length of stay. Smoking abstinence before cholecystectomy may reduce the burden associated with wound complications.

Significance of ultrasonography in selecting methods for the treatment of acute cholecystitis

Surgical removal of the gallbladder is indicated in nearly all cases of complicated acute cholecystitis. In the 1990s, laparoscopic cholecystectomy became the method of choice in the treatment of cholecystolithiasis. Due to a large inflammatory reaction in the course of acute inflammation, a laparoscopic procedure is conducted in technically difficult conditions and entails the risk of complications.

Risk Factors for Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Surgery: Analysis of 2138 Converted Operations in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

Minimal access procedures have influenced surgical practice and patient expectations. Risk of laparoscopic conversion to open surgery is frequently cited but vaguely quantified. The present study examines three common procedures to identify risk factors for laparoscopic conversion to open (LCO) events. Cross-sectional analysis using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP; 2005 to 2009) identified cases with laparoscopic procedure codes for appendectomy, cholecystectomy, and bariatric procedures. The primary outcome was conversion of a laparoscopic procedure to its open equivalent. Summary statistics for laparoscopic and LCO groups were compared and logistic regression analysis was used to estimate patient and operative risk factors for conversion. Of 176,014 selected laparoscopic operations, 2,138 (1.2%) were converted. Most patients were female (68%) and white (71.2%); mean age was 45.1 years. LCO cholecystectomy was significantly more likely (n = 1526 [1.9%]) and LCO bariatric procedures were less likely (n = 121 [0.3%]); appendectomy was intermediate (n = 491 [1.0%], P < 0.001). Patient factors associated with LCO included male sex ( P < 0.001), age 30 years or older ( P < 0.025), American Society of Anesthesiologists Class 2 to 4 ( P < 0.001), obesity ( P < 0.01), history of bleeding disorder ( P = 0.036), or preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis ( P < 0.001). LCO was associated with greater incidence of postoperative complications, including death, organ space surgical site infection, sepsis, wound dehiscence, and return to the operating room ( P < 0.001). Overall LCO incidence is low in hospitals participating in ACS-NSQIP. Conversion risk factors include patient age, sex, obesity, and preoperative comorbidity as well as the procedure performed. This information should be valuable to clinicians in discussing conversion risk with patients.

Prediction of the surgical difficulty of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy

The aim of this study was to use the difficulty score for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure to predict the surgical difficulty of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. From January 2009 to April 2011, single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 30 patients at our institution. The patients were evaluated using the difficulty score and classified into 3 groups: low, intermediate, and high difficulty. All surgeries were successfully completed without conversion to conventional laparoscopic surgery. A strong relationship was observed between the increasing score and longer surgical time. The mean surgical time was longer and the amount of blood loss was greater in the intermediate-difficulty and high-difficulty groups than in the low-difficulty group. Moreover, the high-difficulty group had a higher rate of insertion of an additional trocar than the low-difficulty group. Thus, the difficulty of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is well predicted using the difficulty score.

The value of percutaneous ultrasound in predicting conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy due to acute cholecystitis

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the treatment of choice for gallstone disease. Advantages of the laparoscopic approach include lower morbidity and mortality rates, reduced length of hospital stay, and earlier return to work. In acute cholecystitis, severe inflammation makes laparoscopic dissection technically more demanding, with a higher risk of related complications that require conversion to open cholecystectomy.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 5,596 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 1993 and 2011 in a single institution. A laparoscopic approach was undertaken in 4,105 patients (73.4 %). The ultrasound signs of acute cholecystitis were found in 542 patients (13.2 %) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We analyzed the ultrasound presentations of acute cholecystitis in patients who required conversion to open cholecystectomy and compared them with the ultrasound signs of acute cholecystitis in patients who had a completed laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Results

A conversion to open cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis was necessary in 24 % (n = 130) of the patients compared to 3.4 % of the patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease. The most frequent ultrasound findings in patients requiring conversion were a pericholecystic exudate in 42 %, a difficult identification of anatomical structures due to local severe inflammation in 34 %, and gallbladder wall thickening of >5 mm in 31 %. Additionally, when the duration of symptoms exceeded 3 days, more than half of the patients required conversion to open cholecystectomy and the conversion rate was fivefold higher than for those with a shorter duration of acute cholecystitis.

Conclusions

In patients with severe acute cholecystitis found on ultrasound, combined with gallbladder wall thickening to >5 mm, pericholecystic exudates or abscess adjacent to the gallbladder, difficulty identifying anatomical structures within Calot’s triangle, specifically when the duration of symptoms exceeds 3 days, cholecystectomy should be done as an open approach because of the high risk of conversion.

Does the Difficulty of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Differ Between Genders?

Some studies have shown that severe fibrosis and anatomical anomalies are more common in men, and subsequently, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is more difficult in male than female patients. We aimed to evaluate the effect of gender in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with regard to the conversion rate, the differences in histological inflammation severity, and anatomical difficulty. We reviewed retrospectively 915 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the First Department of General Surgery at Vakif Gureba Training and Research Hospital. Patients were divided into male (group 1) and female (group 2) groups. Both groups were compared with demographic criteria, the type of inflammation found on resected gallbladder, anatomical difficulty, gallbladder perforation during the operation, length of operation time, conversion rate, and omental and organ adhesions to the gallbladder. Of the 915 patients, 173 patients (19 %) were males (group 1), and 742 (81 %) were females (group 2). Mean age was 53 ± 12 (range 22 to 80) years in group 1 and 49 ± 13 (range 17 to 85) years in group 2. The average duration of surgery was 71 ± 33 min (range 20 to 160) in group 1 and 58 ± 27 min (range 15 to 135) in group 2 (p < 0.001). The conversion rate between groups was significantly different (p < 0.05). Inflammatory findings (acute or chronic) in resected gallbladder between groups 1 and 2 were significantly different (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The frequency of adhesions between the gallbladder and omentum and other organs was higher in male (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0006, respectively). Anatomical difficulty was more prominent in male patients (p < 0.0001). The findings of higher scores of anatomical difficulty in operation and inflammation in cholecystectomy specimens, as well as higher rates of conversion in males, suggested that laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is more difficult in men.

The outcomes of SILS cholecystectomy in comparison with classic four-trocar laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

General approval of laparoscopy as well as persistent urge to minimize operative trauma with still existing difficulties in putting natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) into practice have contributed to the introduction of laparoscopic operations through one incision in the umbilicus named single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS).

AIM

The main aim of this study was to assess the benefits to patients of applying SILS cholecystectomy as a method of gallbladder removal based on the comparison with classic four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 18.03.2009 and 09.12.2009, 100 patients were included in the study and they underwent elective gallbladder removal by applying the laparoscopic technique. All patients were divided into two equal groups: qualified for SILS cholecystectomy (group I) and qualified for classic four-trocar laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group II), whose ASA physical status was I and II. BMI was limited to 35 kg/m(2). Outcome measures included operative time, intensity of postoperative pain and consumption of painkillers, hospital stay, need for conversion, complications, and cosmetic effects.

RESULTS

Mean operating time in group I was 66 min and in group II 47.2 min. Intensity of pain evaluated by using the visual analogue scale (VAS) 6 h after the operation in group I was 3.49 and in group II 4.53, whereas 24 h after the operation in group I it was 1.18 and in group II 1.55. The painkiller requirement in group I was smaller than in group II. Mean hospital stay after the operation in group I was 1.33 days and in group II 1.96 days. There were 4 conversions in group I and one conversion in group II. Among the complications in group I there were noted 2 cases of right pneumothorax, 1 case of choleperitonitis and 4 complications connected with wound healing. There was one injury of the duodenum and one wound infection in group II.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery cholecystectomy can be an alternative to classic laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially with reference to young people with body mass index less than 35 kg/m(2), without serious systemic diseases, operated on electively due to benign gallbladder diseases.

Laparoscopic approach to acute abdomen from the Consensus Development Conference of the Società Italiana di Chirurgia Endoscopica e nuove tecnologie (SICE), Associazione Chirurghi Ospedalieri Italiani (ACOI), Società Italiana di Chirurgia (SIC), Società Italiana di Chirurgia d'Urgenza e del Trauma (SICUT), Società Italiana di Chirurgia nell'Ospedalità Privata (SICOP), and the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)

BACKGROUND

In January 2010, the SICE (Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery), under the auspices of the EAES, decided to revisit the clinical recommendations for the role of laparoscopy in abdominal emergencies in adults, with the primary intent being to update the 2006 EAES indications and supplement the existing guidelines on specific diseases.

METHODS

Other Italian surgical societies were invited into the Consensus to form a panel of 12 expert surgeons. In order to get a multidisciplinary panel, other stakeholders involved in abdominal emergencies were invited along with a patient's association. In November 2010, the panel met in Rome to discuss each chapter according to the Delphi method, producing key statements with a grade of recommendations followed by commentary to explain the rationale and the level of evidence behind the statements. Thereafter, the statements were presented to the Annual Congress of the EAES in June 2011.

RESULTS

A thorough literature review was necessary to assess whether the recommendations issued in 2006 are still current. In many cases new studies allowed us to better clarify some issues (such as for diverticulitis, small bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, hernias, trauma), to confirm the key role of laparoscopy (such as for cholecystitis, gynecological disorders, nonspecific abdominal pain, appendicitis), but occasionally previous strong recommendations have to be challenged after review of recent research (such as for perforated peptic ulcer).

CONCLUSIONS

Every surgeon has to develop his or her own approach, taking into account the clinical situation, her/his proficiency (and the experience of the team) with the various techniques, and the specific organizational setting in which she/he is working. This guideline has been developed bearing in mind that every surgeon could use the data reported to support her/his judgment.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: What is the price of conversion?

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard procedure for gallbladder removal. Conversion to an open procedure is sometimes deemed necessary, especially in complex cases in which a prolonged laparoscopic operative time is anticipated. A prolonged LC case is thought to be associated with increased complications and cost and therefore generally discouraged. The purpose of this study was to test this assumption, and compare outcomes and cost of converted and prolonged LC cases.

METHODS

By using institutional National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and financial databases, we retrospectively reviewed and compared prolonged laparoscopic cases (Long-LC) with converted (CONV) procedures. Surgical times, length of stay (LOS), 30-day complications, operative room, and total hospital charges were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

A total of 101 Long-LC and 66 CONV cases met our inclusion criteria. Long-LC cases were 19 minutes longer than CONV cases (123 vs 104 min; P < .01). No differences in postoperative complications were found between the 2 groups (P > .05). When Poisson regression was used, we found that LOS was significantly shorter in the Long-LC compared with CONV group (1 day vs 4 days; P < .01). Long-LC cases had greater operative charges ($15,278 vs $13,128; P < .01). However, hospital charges for Long-LC cases were 26% less than for CONV cases ($23,946 vs $32,446; P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Conversion is associated with a 3-day increase in LOS. Long-LC cases have greater operative room charges, but overall hospital charges were 26% less than CONV cases. Our data suggest that decision making regarding conversion should focus on safety and not time considerations.