Prophylactic laparoscopic cholecystectomy in adult sickle cell disease patients with cholelithiasis: A prospective cohort study

Perforated Calculous Cholecystitis and Incidental Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Gallbladder-A Complex Relationship with a Difficult Management in the Acute Setting

The worldwide prevalence of gallstones (GSs) is estimated to be between 10% and 15% in the general population. Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is the most common biliary tract neoplasia, and it is characterized by highly aggressive behavior and poor overall prognosis. Long-standing GSs and chronic inflammatory state represent the most common risk factors for GBC, promoting a carcinogenic microenvironment. Long-standing GSs expose patients to potentially severe surgical and oncological complications. A 71-year-old gentleman, who had never experienced biliary symptoms and had diabetes mellitus (DM), presented with severe peritonitis due to perforated acute calculous cholecystitis. The patient underwent an emergent laparotomic cholecystectomy. Histopathology found a rare pT2b poorly differentiated squamocellular carcinoma of the gallbladder. Although more difficult due to the concomitant inflammatory context, it is critical to identify suspicious lesions during preoperative imaging in patients at high risk of malignancy presenting with complex acute gallbladder pathologies. A review of the literature was conducted to gain a deeper insight into the relationship between long-standing GSs and GBC, evaluating also the difficult diagnosis and management of malignancy in the acute setting. Considering the existing literature, the choice to pursue a prophylactic cholecystectomy may be justifiable in selected asymptomatic GS patients at high risk for GBC.

Early Cholecystectomy in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease with Uncomplicated Cholelithiasis Is Associated with Better Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Up to 85% of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) will develop gallstones by their third decade. Cholecystectomy is the most commonly performed procedure in these patients. Cholecystectomy is recommended for patients with SCD with symptomatic cholelithiasis and leads to lower morbidity. No contemporary large studies have evaluated this recommendation or associated clinical outcomes. This study evaluates clinical outcomes after cholecystectomy in patients with SCD and cholelithiasis with specific advanced clinical presentations.

STUDY DESIGN

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried for patients with SCD and gallbladder disease between 2006 and 2015. Patients were divided into groups based on their disease presentation, including uncomplicated cholelithiasis, acute and chronic cholecystitis, and gallstone pancreatitis. Clinical outcomes associated with disease presentation were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t -test, chi-square test, ANOVA, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 6,662 patients with SCD who presented with cholelithiasis. Median age was 20 (interquartile range 16 to 34) years and 54% were female patients. Cholecystectomy was performed in 1,779 patients with SCD with the most common indication being chronic cholecystitis (44%), followed by uncomplicated cholelithiasis (27%), acute cholecystitis (21%), and choledocholithiasis or gallstone pancreatitis (8%). On multivariable regression, advanced clinical presentation was the strongest predictor of perioperative vaso-occlusive crisis, which was the most common complication. Patients undergoing cholecystectomy for uncomplicated cholelithiasis were at lower risk than those with acute cholecystitis (odds ratio [OR] 2.37; 95% CI 1.64 to 3.41), chronic cholecystitis (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.4), and choledocholithiasis or gallstone pancreatitis (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.41 to 3.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Seventy-three percent of patients with SCD have advanced clinical presentation at the time of their cholecystectomy. After cholecystectomy, perioperative vaso-occlusive events were significantly increased in patients with advanced clinical presentation. These data support screening abdominal ultrasounds and early cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis in patients with SCD.

Jaundice in a Child with Sickle Cell Anemia: A Case Based Approach

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in beta globin gene. Hepatobiliary system is affected in 10-40% of patients with SCA and has a multifactorial etiology. The authors present a child with SCA and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia due to biliary obstruction. He underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and biliary stenting, had complications of post sphincterotomy bleed, retroperitoneal hematoma and post laparoscopic cholecystectomy sepsis with acute sickle hepatic crisis. He was managed successfully and is doing well on follow-up. Here authors discuss a stepwise approach in management of jaundice in a patient with SCA. Patients with SCA are prone to develop vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) during periods of stress. VOC affects the liver as acute sickle hepatic crisis, acute hepatic sequestration or sickle cell intrahepatic cholestasis and is collectively termed as sickle cell hepatopathy. Hemolysis due to sickling results in cholelithiasis with its associated complications. These patients are vulnerable to viral hepatitis and hemochromatosis due to multiple blood transfusions. There may be a concomitant acute viral hepatitis, drug induced liver injury, Budd-Chiari syndrome or other chronic liver diseases. These conditions have considerable clinical overlap and may coexist, making the evaluation more challenging. Detailed history, examination and investigations are required for differentiation of etiology. Periods of stress must be tackled with proper hydration, oxygen supplementation, maintaining hemoglobin >10 g/dL, and a low hemoglobin S fraction. Patients with SCA and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia are "high-risk" and best managed by a multidisciplinary team. Preventive strategies like timely vaccinations, chelation, etc. must be practised.

Outcomes of Cholelithiasis Among Patients With Sickle Cell Disease: A Tertiary Care Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a significant health burden in Saudi Arabia that leads to chronic hemolysis with subsequent formation of cholelithiasis. The prevalence of cholelithiasis in the Middle East varies in patients with SCD. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of cholelithiasis among SCD patients at a large tertiary care center, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where more than 300 patients with hemoglobinopathies were followed up.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional retrospective study conducted from May 2006 to May 2022, we reviewed 414 patients with SCD who were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of cholelithiasis. Demographic data, SCD phenotype, splenectomy, cholecystectomy, and hydroxyurea were reviewed from the patient's medical records. They were analyzed to suggest a correlation between the incidence of cholelithiasis and the chances of cholecystectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 414 patients with SCD were reviewed. The mean age of participants was 31 years (10-82), with 52% male. Patients with homozygous sickle hemoglobin (HbSS) constituted 73% of the cohort. The rest (26%) had HbS/β-thalassemia. Thirty-three patients (8%) had splenectomy done. Compliance with hydroxyurea was observed in 174 patients (42%). A total of 64.7% of patients had cholelithiasis (n=269), out of which 159 patients (59.1%) had cholecystectomy done. Surprisingly, a significant association was found between cholecystectomy and the use of hydroxyurea (p=0.003). Additionally, there was a significant association found between the development of cholelithiasis and increasing age (p=0.037).

CONCLUSION

There was a high prevalence of cholelithiasis found in patients with SCD. It correlated significantly with high-age groups. Further research is warranted to confirm the relationship between hydroxyurea and cholelithiasis.

Acute chest syndrome in post-operative sickle cell disease patients: A systematic review of predisposing factors and interventions

Background

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). ACS can be precipitated by surgery. This review studies the clinical profiles of ACS following abdominal surgeries to identify risk factors and the impact of different interventions.

Methods

A systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science. The search terms related to "sickle cell disease", "acute chest syndrome", and "abdominal surgery". Two researchers independently assessed studies for eligibility. Data was reported as a thematic qualitative synthesis.

Results

Twenty-four articles were included. ACS occurs in 4% to 23% of SCD patients following abdominal surgeries. Conflicting views exist on the link between age and ACS. Sex is not associated with ACS. Most studies found no association between SCD severity and ACS. One study linked severe SCD with a likelihood of serious complications. Two studies found no association between comorbidities and ACS rates and one study found that pulmonary comorbidities were linked to higher rates of postoperative ACS. ACS is associated with postoperative desaturation. Patients developed leukocytosis, sterile blood and sputum cultures and pulmonary infiltrates. Conservative and risk-based transfusions reduce ACS rates. There is no consensus on whether using an open or laparoscopic approach affects the rates of ACS.

Conclusion

Conflicting views exist on the correlations between age and comorbidities with ACS. Findings in ACS patients included postoperative desaturation, sterile blood and sputum, and pulmonary infiltrates ipsilateral to the side of the surgery. It has been suggested that postoperative pain may be an early indicator of ACS. Future studies should address the impact of intraoperative complications on postoperative ACS rates. Individualised risk-based transfusions confer benefit. Interventions such as prophylactic cholecystectomies, prophylactic postoperative CPAP, and minimally invasive laparoscopy need further exploration.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42022337302; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=337302.

Cholecystectomy for asymptomatic gallstones: Markov decision tree analysis

Gallstones are a common public health problem, especially in developed countries. There are an increasing number of patients who are diagnosed with gallstones due to increasing awareness and liberal use of imaging, with 22.6%-80% of gallstone patients being asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Despite being asymptomatic, this group of patients are still at life-long risk of developing symptoms and complications such as acute cholangitis and acute biliary pancreatitis. Hence, while early prophylactic cholecystectomy may have some benefits in selected groups of patients, the current standard practice is to recommend cholecystectomy only after symptoms or complications occur. After reviewing the current evidence about the natural course of asymptomatic gallstones, complications of cholecystectomy, quality of life outcomes, and economic outcomes, we recommend that the option of cholecystectomy should be discussed with all asymptomatic gallstone patients. Disclosure of material information is essential for patients to make an informed choice for prophylactic cholecystectomy. It is for the patient to decide on watchful waiting or prophylactic cholecystectomy, and not for the medical community to make a blanket policy of watchful waiting for asymptomatic gallstone patients. For patients with high-risk profiles, it is clinically justifiable to advocate cholecystectomy to minimize the likelihood of morbidity due to complications.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Operative Time and Hospital Stay Differences Between Sicklers and Non-sicklers: A Five-Year Comparative Cross-Sectional Study at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most important hemoglobinopathies that result in the formation of pigment gallstones. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a safe surgical procedure for gallstones in SCD. Currently, there is no standard or guidelines for the preoperative preparation of these patients. This study aims to estimate the difference in pre-operative length of stay, operative time, postoperative length of stay, and total hospitalization length of stay among patients with and without SCD in a tertiary hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Such knowledge would aid in establishing a standard for the preoperative preparation of SCD patients for LC. Methods Data from all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 2013 and December 2018 were collected retrospectively with a comparative cross-sectional study design. Data included age, sex, BMI, clinical presentation, mode of admission (elective or emergency), preoperative length of stay, operative time, postoperative length of stay, total hospitalization length of stay, and type of surgery (day or inpatient). JMP 15.2.1 was used for statistical analysis. Results From 2013 to 2018, 793 patients underwent LC, and of those, 16 (2.018%) were SCD patients. The results showed significant differences in preoperative (p<0.001), postoperative (p<0.001), and total hospitalization stay time (p<0.001) between the SCD patients and non-SCD patients. However, the data show no significant difference in the operative time of LC between the two studied groups. Conclusion SCD is the most common hemoglobinopathy-causing gallstone. Challenges in these patients are mainly in peri-operative management. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to create a standardized approach for peri-operative management of SCD patients to facilitate delivery of the same level of care and shorten total hospitalization time.

Risks and Benefits of Prophylactic Transfusion before Cholecystectomy in Sickle Cell Disease

Preoperative transfusion (PT) reduces acute postoperative vaso-occlusive events (VOE) in sickle cell disease (SCD), but exposes patients to alloimmunization, encouraging a recent trend towards transfusion sparing. The aim of this study was to investigate the benefit–risk ratio of PT before cholecystectomy on the occurrence of postoperative VOE. Adult SCD patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 2008 and 2019 in our center were included. Patients’ characteristics, collected retrospectively, were compared according to PT. A total of 79 patients were included, 66% of whom received PT. Gallbladder histopathology found chronic cholecystitis (97%) and gallstones (66%). Transfused patients underwent more urgent surgeries and had experienced more painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) in the month before surgery (p = 0.05). Four (8.5%) post-transfusion alloimmunizations occurred, and two of them caused a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) (4.3%). The occurrence of postoperative VOE was similar between the groups (19.2% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.45). Though not statistically significant, a history of hospitalized VOC within 6 months prior to surgery seemed to be associated to postoperative VOE among non-transfused patients (75% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.10). PT before cholecystectomy exposes to risks of alloimmunization and DHTR that could be avoided in some patients. Recent VOCs appear to be associated with a higher risk of postoperative VOE and prompt the preemptive transfusion of these patients.

Incidence of Post-Operative Complications and Factors Influencing Their Occurrence in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease in a Low-Income Country: A Case Study of Cameroon

This study aimed to analyse post-operative complications and possible factors influencing their occurrence in the management of patients with sickle cell disease in a low-income country. We prospectively collected data regarding the management of patients with sickle cell disease requiring anesthesia for surgery in 11 Cameroonian hospitals from 1 May 2019 to 30 April 2021. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression was used to determine the dependence between the variables. A total of 124 patients with sickle cell disease were enrolled; 64 were male and 60 female, giving a sex ratio of 0.93. The rate of post-operative complications was 23.4% (29/124) and the death rate was 3.2% (4/124). The female subjects had more complications than the male subjects p < 0.05. The number of vaso-occlusive crises experienced per year showed a significant impact on the occurrence of post-operative complications p < 0.05. Laparoscopic surgery had fewer post-operative complications 5/46 (10.9%) than laparotomy 14/43 (32.5%). The surgical technique for the abdominal procedures had a significant impact on the occurrence of post-operative complications p < 0.05. The type of surgery (p = 0.198) and the anaesthesia technique (p = 0.225) did not show a significant impact on the occurrence of post-operative complications. Particular attention should be paid to female patients with sickle cell disease as they are more likely to experience post-operative complications, as well as to the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises, which are also predictive of post-operative complications. Opting for laparoscopic surgery whenever possible would help to reduce post-operative complications.

The Practices of Anaesthesiologists in the Management of Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: Empirical Evidence from Cameroon

Patients with sickle cell disease are more likely to undergo surgery during their lifetime, especially given the numerous complications they may develop. There is a paucity of data concerning the management of patients with sickle cell disease by anaesthesiologists, especially in Africa. This study aimed to describe the practices of anaesthesiologists in Cameroon concerning the perioperative management of patients with sickle cell disease. A cross-sectional study was carried out over four months and involved 35 out 47 anaesthesiologists working in hospitals across the country, who were invited to fill a data collection form after giving their informed consent. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. Among the 35 anaesthesiologists included in the study, most (29 (82.9%)) had managed patients with sickle cell disease for both emergency and elective surgical procedures. Most of them had never asked for a haematology consultation before surgery. Most participants (26 (74.3%)) admitted to having carried out simple blood transfusions, while 4 (11.4%) carried out exchange transfusions. The haemoglobin thresholds for transfusion varied from one practitioner to another, between <6 g/dL and <9 g/dL. Only 6 (17.1%) anaesthesiologists had a treatment guideline for the management of patients with sickle cell disease in the hospitals where they practiced. Only 9 (25.7%) prescribed a search for irregular agglutinins. The percentage of haemoglobin S before surgery was always available for 5 (14.3%) of the participants. The coefficient (0.06) of the occurrence of a haematology consultation before surgery had a significant influence on the probability of management of post-operative complications (coefficient 0.06, 10% level of probability). This study highlights the fact that practices in the perioperative management of patients with sickle cell disease in Cameroon vary greatly from one anaesthesiologist to another. We disclosed major differences in the current recommendations, which support the fact that even in Sub-Saharan countries, guidelines applicable to the local settings should be published.

Management of Incidentalomas

Incidental findings are common in the evaluation of surgical patients. Understanding the appropriate assessment and management of these frequent occurrences is important for the provision of comprehensive quality care. This review details the epidemiology, considerations, and recommendations for management of common incidental manifestations in surgical patients, including Meckel diverticulum, adrenal incidentaloma, thyroid nodule, solitary pulmonary nodule, small bowel intussusception, gallstones, and incidental appendectomy.

Correlates of gallbladder stones among patients with sickle cell disease: A meta-analysis

Sickle cell disorders are the most common hemoglobinopathies worldwide. Clinical variability of sickle cell disease (SCD) and susceptibility to its complications have been attributed to hematologic, genetic, and other influencing factors. This review aimed to provide further summary and analyses of the prevalence and factors associated with cholelithiasis among patients with SCD. A systematic database search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, World Health Organization Virtual Health Library, Cochrane Library databases, and System for Information on Gray Literature in Europe (SIGLE). Pooled prevalence, odds ratio (OR), and standardized mean difference (SMD) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software version 3.3. A total of 34 studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included in the analyses. The overall prevalence of cholelithiasis among SCD patients was 25.3% (95% CI 19.4-32.3%). The risk of developing cholelithiasis was significantly associated with lower total hemoglobin level (SMD = -0.45; P = 0.002), lower hemoglobin F (HbF) level (SMD = -0.85; P = 0.003), higher total serum bilirubin level (SMD = 1.15; P < 0.001), higher reticulocytes count (SMD = 0.44; P = 0.007), and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase-1A1 enzyme (UGT1A1) promoter polymorphism. This review provides a comprehensive view of the high rate of cholelithiasis and its associated factors in SCD patients.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children with sickle cell disease: A simple modified technique

INTRODUCTION

Sickle cell disease and other hemoglobinopathies are prevalent in Bahrain. In our hospital, we often encounter children with gallstones; sometimes gallstones are discovered on routine abdominal ultrasound, and in other cases, patients present with symptoms. Elective cholecystectomy has been controversial in patients with sickle cell disease and cholelithiasis because surgery can be a challenge. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the safety of elective cholecystectomy in children with sickle cell disease with cholelithiasis, as well as the safety and efficacy of a simple modification to the conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy technique using two natural creases in the skin.

METHODS

The modified technique employs four ports, two of which were placed in natural crease lines, specifically the umbilicus and the groin crease. The procedure was elective for patients with sickle cell disease with gallstones. All patients received either a preoperative blood transfusion or an exchange transfusion to reduce the risk of postoperative sickle cell complications.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients with sickle cell disease with gallstones underwent our simple modified laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure. The mean ± SD operative time was 58.43 ± 8.02 minutes (range, 45-80 minutes). Only eight patients (9.9%) experienced postoperative complications; six had fever, and two had a sickle cell crisis. None of the patients required conversion to open cholecystectomy or intensive care management.

CONCLUSION

Our simple modified laparoscopic cholecystectomy using two skin creases is a safe and feasible elective procedure in children with sickle cell disease that provides excellent cosmesis.

Perioperative care of children with sickle cell disease: A systematic review and clinical recommendations

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) require specific perioperative care, and clinical practice in this area remains poorly defined. We aimed to conduct a systematic, PRISMA-based review of the literature, available clinical guidelines and practice recommendations. We also aimed to extract any valuable information for the "best of available-evidence"-based prevention of perioperative adverse events in children with SCD, and highlight the most urgent priorities in clinical research. As data sources, US National Library of Medicine, Medline, National Guideline Clearinghouse, International Guideline Network, TRIP databases were searched for any content until January 2019. We also included institutional, consortia and expert group guidelines. Included were reports/guidelines in English, French, German, and Italian. Excluded were reports on obstetrical and fetal management. We identified 202 reports/guidelines fulfilling the criteria outlined above. A majority focused on visceral, cardiovascular and orthopedic surgery procedures, and only five were multicenter randomized controlled trials and two prospective randomized studies. After grading of the quality of the evidence, the extracted data was summarized into clinical recommendations for daily practice. Additionally, we designed a risk-grading algorithm to identify contexts likely to be associated with adverse outcomes. In conclusion, we provide a systematic PRISMA-based review of the existing literature and ancillary practice and delineate a set of clinical recommendations and priorities for research.

The Liver in Sickle Cell Disease

Patients with sickle cell disease can develop liver disease as a result of intrahepatic sickling of erythrocytes, viral hepatitis and iron overload secondary to multiple blood transfusions, and gallstone disease as a result of chronic hemolysis. The spectrum of clinical liver disease is wide and often multifactorial. Some patients develop cirrhosis that may progress to end-stage liver failure. Limited evidence exists for medical treatments. Exchange blood transfusions may improve outcomes in the acute liver syndromes. Liver transplantation may be an option for chronic liver disease. The role for prophylactic cholecystectomy in preventing complications of gallstone disease is controversial.

Low-impact laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with decreased postoperative morbidity in patients with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most frequent surgeries performed in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). LC in SCD patients is associated with a particularly high postoperative morbidity. The aim of the present study is to assess the safety and feasibility of cholecystectomy performed by mini-laparoscopy with low- and stable-pressure pneumoperitoneum (MLC + LSPP) and to compare the rate of postoperative SCD-related morbidity with standard LC.

METHODS

Thirty-five consecutive SCD patients admitted between November 2015 and March 2017 for cholelithiasis requiring surgery were compared with an historical cohort of 126 SCD patients who underwent LC for the same indication. Operative variables, postoperative outcomes, patient and surgeon satisfaction, and costs were evaluated.

RESULTS

MLC + LSPP exhibited a mean operative time comparable to LC (p = 0.169). Operative blood loss was significantly reduced in the MLC + LSPP group, and the suction device was rarely used (p = 0.036). SCD-related morbidity (including acute chest syndrome) was significantly higher in the LC group compared with the MLC + LSPP group (18.3 vs. 2.9%; p = 0.029). The mean times to resume ambulation (p = 0.018) and regular diet (p = 0.045) were significantly reduced in the MLC + LSPP group. The mean incision length (all trocars combined) was 28.22 mm for MLC + LSPP and 49.64 mm for LC patients (p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the only significant predictor of postoperative SCD-related morbidity was the surgical approach (odds ratio: 9.24). Patient and surgeon satisfaction were very high for MLC + LSPP. The mean total cost per patient (surgery and hospitalization) was not different between groups (p = 0.084).

CONCLUSION

MLC + LSPP in SCD patients appears to be safe and feasible. Compared with LC, MLC + LSPP in SCD patients is associated with a significantly reduced incidence of postoperative SCD-related morbidity and more rapid ambulation and return to regular diet without increasing the total costs per patient.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis in children with sickle cell disease

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) suffer from an increased incidence of gallstone formation due to hemolysis of sickled red blood cells; this leads to an increased level of bilirubin in secreted bile that becomes a nidus for pigment stone formation. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is considered a standard operative procedure for gallstone disease mainly due to lower postoperative wound complaints, faster recovery, better postoperative cosmetic results, shorter hospital stay, and earlier return to work. Although numerous studies have been published addressing both the advantages and complications of LC in acute calcular cholecystitis, there is still limited evidence concerning the safety and efficacy of LC for the management of cholelithiasis in pediatric patients with SCD, and controversies remain unresolved. In this review, we aim to comprehensively study the available literature and propose evidence-based practice recommendations for the optimal management of gallstones in pediatric SCD patients. The current practice differs greatly depending on the prevalence of SCD in a particular geographic area. We acknowledge the limited number of patients reported, the lack of randomized control trials addressing the practice of specific recommendations, and the need for further evidence-based studies.

A case series of cholecystectomy in Jamaican sickle cell disease patients - The need for a new strategy

High morbidity rates related to cholecystectomy in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients have been previously reported in the region. This study serves to assess the current outcomes related to cholecystectomy in a Jamaican SCD population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of SCD patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy at the University Hospital of the West Indies over a 6-year period was performed providing relevant information for analysis. Patients were grouped on an intention-to-treat basis into an open and laparoscopic group. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients were included (18 laparoscopic and 9 open). Both groups were matched for age, gender and steady state hemoglobin. Only one patient (in the open group) received preoperative blood transfusion. The conversion rate for laparoscopy was 28%. Operative time was significantly longer in the open group (175.3 ± 62.1 vs. 125.9 ± 54.4 min, p = 0.0355). Bile duct exploration was undertaken in 66.7% of patients in the open group compared to 0% in the laparoscopic group. There was no significant difference between groups with respect to hospital stay, morbidity or mortality. The overall 30-day morbidity was 48.1% with acute chest syndrome being diagnosed in 6 patients and pneumonia in 7 patients. CONCLUSION: Morbidity rates related to cholecystectomy in the Jamaican SCD population remain high. Further studies to evaluate the factors contributing to such high morbidity in this population are warranted, with particular focus on laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Strategies such as preoperative transfusion and prophylactic cholecystectomy also need to be evaluated and considered in this patient group.

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Morbidity rates for cholecystectomy in Jamaican sickle cell patients remain high.

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There is a trend to higher morbidity for laparoscopic over open cholecystectomy.

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Preoperative transfusion is rarely employed in this patient population.

Cholelithiasis and its complications in sickle cell disease in a university hospital

INTRODUCTION

The clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease are related to the polymerization of hemoglobin S. The chronic hemolysis caused by this condition often causes the formation of gallstones that can migrate and block the common bile duct leading to acute abdomen.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the profile of patients with sickle cell disease and cholelithiasis.

METHODS

Patients with sickle cell disease were separated into groups according to the presence or absence of cholelithiasis. Socioepidemiological and clinical characteristics, such as gender, age, use of hydroxyurea and the presence of other hemoglobinopathies were researched in the medical records of patients.

RESULTS

A hundred and seven patients with sickle cell anemia were treated at the institution. Of these, 27 (25.2%) had cholelithiasis. The presence of cholelithiasis was higher in the 11-29 age group than in younger than 11 years and over 29 years. No association was found for the presence of cholelithiasis with gender, use of hydroxyurea or type of hemoglobinopathy (hemoglobin SS, hemoglobin SC or sickle beta-thalassemia). Sixteen of the patients had to be submitted to cholecystectomy with 14 of the surgeries being performed by laparoscopy. Complications were observed in three patients and one patient died for reasons unrelated to the surgery.

CONCLUSION

A quarter of patients with sickle cell disease had gallstones, more commonly in the 11- to 29-year age range. Patients should be monitored from childhood to prevent cholelithiasis with preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative care being crucial to reduce the risk of complications in these patients.

Management of gallstones and its related complications

The majority of gallstone patients remain asymptomatic; however, interest toward the gallstone disease is continuing because of the high worldwide prevalence and management costs and the development of gallstone symptoms and complications. For cholesterol gallstone disease, moreover, a strong link exists between this disease and highly prevalent metabolic disorders such as obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia and the metabolic syndrome. Information on the natural history as well as the diagnostic, surgical (mainly laparoscopic cholecystectomy) and medical tools available to facilitate adequate management of cholelithiasis and its complications are, therefore, crucial to prevent the negative outcomes of gallstone disease. Moreover, some risk factors for gallstone disease are modifiable and some preventive strategies have become necessary to reduce the onset and the severity of complications.