Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment for patients with postcholecystectomy pain and bile microlithiasis

Clinical perspectives on post-cholecystectomy syndrome: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) is a complex condition characterized by persistent or new symptoms following gallbladder removal, affecting up to 47% of patients. Despite being recognized since 1947, there is still no consensus on its etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review explores the multifactorial etiology of PCS, including biliary and extra-biliary factors, and its varied clinical manifestations. A systematic literature search was conducted using keywords like 'etiology', 'clinical manifestations', 'diagnostic challenges', and 'management strategies'. The review covers traditional diagnostic methods, recent insights into pathophysiology, and current management approaches, such as dietary modifications, pharmacological treatments, and endoscopic interventions, with a focus on patient selection.

EXPERT OPINION

PCS presents significant clinical challenges due to its diverse presentations and lack of standardized diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. Effective management starts with careful patient selection before cholecystectomy to prevent unnecessary surgeries and reduce postoperative complications. Future research should aim to refine diagnostic criteria and develop predictive models for identifying at-risk patients. Personalized management strategies incorporating genetic, biological, and clinical factors are essential for improving outcomes. An integrated, patient-centered approach is crucial for addressing PCS complexities and enhancing the quality of life for affected patients.

The effect of ursodeoxycholic acid in dissolving gallstones formed after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Rapid weight loss that often occurs after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been linked to an increased risk of gallstone formation. This study aimed to investigate whether ursodeoxycholic acid could be an effective alternative treatment for gallstone dissolution, potentially offering a nonsurgical option for patients requiring gallstone removal.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed 88 patients who underwent LSG and subsequently developed gallstones between 2017 and 2023. Fifty-one patients who received UDCA treatment were compared to 37 patients who did not receive UDCA. Demographic and clinical characteristics and gallstone dissolution rates were analyzed using SPSS v25.0.

RESULTS

Gallstones dissolved in 60% of patients who received UDCA treatment, and symptoms such as dyspepsia decreased. A stone diameter of less than 5 mm was associated with a higher treatment success rate. The number of hospitalizations and admissions due to gallstone symptoms has decreased. The side effects were mild and did not require treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

UDCA treatment is an effective option for the resolution of gallstones after LSG. However, surgery may be more appropriate for treating larger stones. The results of this study suggest that UDCA is an effective intervention for reducing gallstone-related complications following LSG.

Risk Factors of Negative Diagnosis of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography in Acute Biliary Pancreatitis Patients With Choledocholithiasis

OBJECTIVES

Detecting choledocholithiasis in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) is crucial. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) identify common bile duct stones. EUS offers better accuracy than MRCP but with sedation risks. We studied MRCP negative diagnosis risk factors in ABP patients with choledocholithiasis for improved diagnostic selection.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 2321 ABP patients. After exclusions, 337 ABP patients with negative MRCP results were analyzed, including 75 with positive EUS findings. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified MRCP negative diagnosis risk factors.

RESULTS

Patients with positive EUS findings were older (62.0 vs 55.0) and had higher cholecystectomy rates (18.7% vs 7.3%). Univariate analysis showed cholecystectomy history, age, and sex as potential risk factors. Then, after adjusting the other potential risk factors (direct bilirubin, alanine transaminase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase), a history of cholecystectomy (odds ratio, 2.859; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.312-6.23), older age (1.03; 95% CI, 1.009-1.052), and male (2.016; 95% CI, 1.152-3.528) were independent risk factors of negative diagnosis of MRCP in ABP patients with choledocholithiasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholecystectomy history, older age, and male sex increase MRCP negative diagnosis risk in ABP patients with choledocholithiasis. Patients with these risk factors should undergo EUS first for better diagnostic outcomes.

Asymptomatic cholecystitis and its controversial issues in biliary surgery

Gallbladder stones are present in 10-20 % of the population of Western countries, and the incidence rate has almost tripled over the past 30 years. Asymptomatic cholecystitis is more common than it is mentioned in the literature. Approximately 80 % of the GI have no clinical manifestations. In most cases, the disease will remain asymptomatic throughout life. The problem of asymptomatic cholecystitis is often hushed up and ignored. Surgeons try to avoid examining this pathology. Works on asymptomatic cholecystitis are not only few, but also scattered. At the same time, there is no uniformity in the literature. Since the tactics of treating such patients still does not have an unambiguous approach. Many surgeons doubt the decision on surgical treatment, a smaller part chooses cholecystectomy at the same time, without substantiating the indications for it. That is why most cases of postcholecystectomy syndrome occur in patients operated on for asymptomatic cholecystitis. The unwillingness to discover the secret of stone formation and asymptomatic cholecystitis in humans when concretions in the gallbladder are detected without reference to surgery, to indicate the trajectory of the examination, leads to a number of tactical errors, preserving the risk of PES, and erasing practical recommendations for the management of such patients. The solution to this issue lies in a thorough study of each stage of the tactical search in patients with asymptomatic cholecystitis, which will determine a new strategy in biliary surgery.

Dysfunction of Biliary Sphincter of Oddi-Clinical, Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges

Biliary Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is one of the main causes of post-cholecystectomy pain. In this review, we aimed to provide an update on the current knowledge on biliary SOD, with an emphasis on diagnostics and therapy. Overall, current but scarce data support biliary sphincterotomy for patients with type 1 and 2 SOD, but not for type 3. However, sphincterotomy is associated with post-treatment pancreatitis rates of from 10% to 15%, thus calling for improved diagnostics, patient selection and treatment modalities for SOD. The role of pharmacologic therapy for patients with SOD is poorly explored and only two randomized controlled trials are available. Currently, studies comparing treatment outcomes are few. There is an unmet need for randomized sham/placebo-controlled clinical trials related to both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of SOD.

Diagnosis and Management of Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy

Acute pancreatitis is rare in pregnancy; however, the associated morbidity and mortality make prompt diagnosis and appropriate management essential. 1,2 Although most cases are mild and improve with limited interventions, severe cases require a multidisciplinary approach in a critical care setting. The main principles of management include identification of an etiology to guide therapy, fluid resuscitation, electrolyte repletion, early nutritional support, and pain management. Antibiotics are not indicated for prophylaxis and should be reserved for cases with a suspected infectious process. Surgical management is indicated in select cases. Management in pregnant patients has few differences which are outlined below.

Long-term patient-reported outcomes following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A prospective multicenter observational study

Several studies have reported short-term results for post-cholecystectomy symptoms and quality of life (QoL). However, reports on long-term results are still limited. This study aimed to identify risk factors affecting short- and long-term patient-reported outcome (PRO) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.From 2016 to 2017, a total of 476 patients from 5 institutions were enrolled. PRO was examined using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score and the Gastrointestinal (GI) QoL Index questionnaire at postoperative 1 month and 1 year.Most of patients recovered well at postoperative 1 year compared to postoperative 1 month for the NRS pain score, QoL score, and GI symptoms. A high operative difficulty score (HR 1.740, P = .031) and pathology of acute or complicated cholecystitis (HR 1.524, P = .048) were identified as independent risk factors for high NRS pain scores at postoperative 1 month. Similarly, female sex (HR 1.571, P = .003) at postoperative 1 month and postoperative complications (HR 5.567, P = .001) at postoperative 1 year were independent risk factors for a low QoL. Also, age above 50 (HR 1.842, P = .001), female sex (HR 1.531, P = .006), and preoperative gallbladder drainage (HR 3.086, P = .001) were identified as independent risk factors for GI symptoms at postoperative 1 month.Most patients showed improved long-term PRO measurement in terms of pain, QoL, and GI symptoms. There were no independent risk factors for long-term postoperative pain and GI symptoms. However, postoperative complications were identified to affect QoL adversely at postoperative 1 year. Careful and long-term follow up is thus necessary for patients who experienced postoperative complications.

Functional disorders of the biliary tract: modern diagnostic criteria and principles of pharmacotherapy

The review article presents current data on functional disorders of the biliary system, taking into account the latest recommendations of experts of the Rome Foundation (Rome Criteria IV, 2016) and the Russian Gastroenterological Association (specialized clinical recommendations, 2018). According to modern concepts, biliary dysfunction is a group of functional disorders of the biliary system caused by motor disorders and increased visceral sensitivity. According to the literature data, the prevalence of functional disorders of GB and OS is 10-15%, and violation of OS function is revealed in 30-40% of patients who underwent cholecystectomy (CE). The presence of biliary pain is an obligatory condition in the diagnosis of functional disorders of GB and OS. Bilirubin and serum transaminases (AST, ALT) levels may increase in biochemical blood analysis in patients with functional OS disorder of biliary type, and pancreatic amylase and lipase in case of functional OS disorder of pancreatic type. Ultrasound examination of abdominal organs is considered to be the priority among instrumental methods. This technique allows to exclude organic lesions of both the GB and visualized ducts, and adjacent organs (GSD, biliary tract, liver and pancreas neoplasms). Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is used as a clarifying method, which allows to visualize the state of biliary ducts throughout. Ultrasonic cholecystography is used to assess the contractile activity of the GB. When duct dilation is detected and/or when liver/pancreatic enzyme levels are elevated in the absence of changes according to MRCP data, it is reasonable to perform an endoscopic ultrasound examination. According to the latest recommendations of the Russian Gastroenterological Association (2018), the foundation of pharmacotherapy for this group of diseases are antispasmodics and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

Increased Risk of Acute Pancreatitis with Codeine Use in Patients with a History of Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Codeine has a spasmodic effect on sphincter of Oddi and is suspected to cause acute pancreatitis in patients with a history of cholecystectomy.

AIMS

To assess the association between codeine use and acute pancreatitis in patients with a previous cholecystectomy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective nested case-control study using the 2005-2015 MarketScan^® Commercial Claims and Encounters Database. The cohort included patients aged 18-64; cohort entry began 365 days after cholecystectomy. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for acute pancreatitis hospitalization were estimated comparing use of codeine with non-use of codeine. In a secondary analysis, use of codeine was compared with an active comparator: use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

RESULTS

Of the 664,083 patients included in the cohort, 1707 patients were hospitalized for acute pancreatitis (incidence 1.1 per 1000 person-years) and were matched to 17,063 controls. Compared with non-use of codeine, use of codeine was associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.63, 4.36), particularly elevated in the first 15 days of codeine use (OR 5.37; 95% CI 2.70, 10.68). Compared with use of NSAIDs, use of codeine was also associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.54, 4.52).

CONCLUSION

Codeine is associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis in patients who have previously undergone cholecystectomy; greater clinician awareness of this association is needed.

Factors relevant to persistent upper abdominal pain after cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy is a routine procedure for treatment of upper abdominal pain (UAP) and other atypical symptoms associated with gallstones. UAP, however, persists in some cases postoperatively. The present study was to identify the risk factors relevant to persistent UAP after cholecystectomy.

METHODS

1714 symptomatic patients undergoing cholecystectomy for gallstones were enrolled. All the patients were asked to complete a biliary symptom questionnaire. The risk factors for persistent postcholecystectomy UAP and features related to sustained relief of postcholecystectomy UAP were evaluated.

RESULTS

172 (10%) patients complained UAP after cholecystectomy. In multivariate analysis, female gender, preoperative UAP occurring >24h before admission, and each episode of UAP >30min were independently associated with persistent postoperative UAP (all p < 0.05). 132 (76.7%) patients reported sustained relief of postcholecystectomy UAP, the causes of which remained unknown but were attributed to functional postcholecystectomy syndrome. Shorter duration of preoperative UAP (occurring within 24 h before admission), less frequency of postoperative UAP (≤1 episode per day) and administration of choleretic medications were independently associated with postoperative UAP relief (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Females with longer historical and more frequent preoperative UAP are more likely to develop postcholecystectomy UAP. Choleretic medications are effective in relieving postoperative UAP.

Effects of Rowachol on prevention of postcholecystectomy pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Postcholecystectomy pain (PCP) is characterized by abdominal pain after cholecystectomy. However, prevention of PCP is not well known yet. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Rowachol might be useful in preventing PCP.

METHODS

Between May 2013 and January 2014, a total of 138 patients with gallbladder disease who were scheduled to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to orally receive 100 mg Rowachol or placebo three times daily for 3 months after surgery. Abdominal pain was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Incidence of PCP in the placebo group (n = 9, 14.3%) was higher than that in the Rowachol group (n = 3, 4.7%) with statistically marginal significance (P = 0.08). Risk factor analysis implicated PCP with increased difficulty in performing LC, more frequent pathology with acute cholecystitis, and absence of postoperative Rowachol treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that greater difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (HR = 5.78, 95% CI 1.36-24.40, P < 0.05), and absence of postoperative Rowachol treatment (HR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.10-10.39, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for development of PCP.

CONCLUSION

Rowachol might be beneficial for prevention of PCP after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Translational and clinical perspectives on sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is a complex pathophysiologic entity that is associated with significant morbidity causing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The purpose of this review is to describe the anatomy and physiology of the sphincter of Oddi, to understand the pathologic mechanisms thought to be responsible for symptomatology, review recent major studies, explore endoscopic and pharmacologic therapies and their efficacy, and to explore future research avenues.

Pregnancy associated pancreatitis revisited

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the demographics, risk factors and outcomes of pregnancy associated pancreatitis (PAP).

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart review was done using ICD-9 Code 577.0 (acute pancreatitis) from January 2005 through December 2009. Women aged 18 to 45 years, who were pregnant and 6 months after delivery were considered for the study. For each case, two women of the same age (± 4 years) with no history of pancreatitis were matched as control. Demographics, etiology, diagnostic modality and intervention were obtained.

RESULTS

During the 5 years of study, 29 cases of PAP occurred among 25,600 total hospital deliveries, yielding prevalence of 0.001%: Hispanics 48%, Caucasians 24%, African Americans 17.2%, and Asian/Pacific Islanders 13% (P<0.05). Sixty-five percent of those with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) more than 30 kg/m(2) had PAP, versus 24% with BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m(2) and 10% with BMI less than 25 kg/m(2) (P<0.05). An increasing trend of PAP was seen with gestational age and number of pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Gallstone disease is the most frequent etiology for PAP and tends to occur more often in Hispanics in New Jersey.

What have we learned about acute pancreatitis in children?

Pediatric pancreatitis has received much attention during the past few years. Numerous reports have identified an increasing trend in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in children and key differences in disease presentation and management between infants and older children. The present review provides a brief, evidence-based focus on the latest progress in the clinical field. It also poses important questions for emerging multicenter registries to answer about the natural history and management of affected children with pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare event in pregnancy, occurring in approximately 3 in 10 000 pregnancies. The spectrum of AP in pregnancy ranges from mild pancreatitis to serious pancreatitis associated with necrosis, abscesses, pseudocysts and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes. Pregnancy related hematological and biochemical alterations influence the interpretation of diagnostic tests and assessment of severity of AP. As in any other disease associated with pregnancy, AP is associated with greater concerns as it deals with two lives rather than just one as in the non-pregnant population. The recent advances in clinical gastroenterology have improved the early diagnosis and effective management of biliary pancreatitis. Diagnostic studies such as endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and therapeutic modalities that include endoscopic sphincterotomy, biliary stenting, common bile duct stone extraction and laparoscopic cholecystectomy are major milestones in gastroenterology. When properly managed AP in pregnancy does not carry a dismal prognosis as in the past.