Gangrenous cholecystitis: Analysis of risk factors and experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy

A Case of Asymptomatic Perforated Gangrenous Cholecystitis in a Diabetic Patient: A Critical Condition

Gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) is a severe form of acute cholecystitis (AC) with ischemia and necrosis of the gallbladder (GB) wall. Patients with GC are sicker than the usual AC patients, and their surgical treatment is more complex and linked with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Typically, the first imaging modality used to assess patients with clinically suspected AC is ultrasound. However, if the ultrasound results were inconclusive, a CT scan might help evaluate these individuals. Our study presents a 62-year-old male who presented with mild right upper quadrant discomfort. However, an abdominal computed tomography CT scan showed a pericholecystic fluid collection with a sign of GB perforation that was managed with subtotal cholecystectomy. Five days after the operation, the patient was discharged to home in excellent condition.

A novel approach to distinguish complicated and non-complicated acute cholecystitis: Decision tree method

It is difficult to differentiate between non-complicated acute cholecystitis (NCAC) and complicated acute cholecystitis (CAC) preoperatively, which are two separate pathologies with different management. The aim of this study was to create an algorithm that distinguishes between CAC and NCAC using the decision tree method, which includes simple examinations. In this retrospective study, the patients were divided into 2 groups: CAC (149 patients) and NCAC (885 patients). Parameters such as patient demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, Tokyo grade, comorbidity findings, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, albumin level, CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), and gallbladder wall thickness (GBWT) were evaluated. In this algorithm, the CRP value became a very important parameter in the distinction between NCAC and CAC. Age was an important predictive factor in patients with CRP levels >57 mg/L, and the critical value for age was 42. After the age factor, the important parameters in the decision tree were WBC and GBWT. In patients with a CRP value of ≤57 mg/L, GBWT is decisive and the critical value is 4.85 mm. Age, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and WBC count were among the other important factors after GBWT. Sex, ASA score, Tokyo grade, comorbidity, CAR, and albumin value did not have an effect on the distinction between NCAC and CAC. In statistical analysis, significant differences were found groups in terms of gender (34.8% vs 51.7% male), ASA score (P < .001), Tokyo grade (P < .001), comorbidity (P < .001), albumin (4 vs 3.4 g/dL), and CAR (2.4 vs 38.4). By means of this algorithm, which includes low-cost examinations, NCAC and CAC distinction can be made easily and quickly within limited possibilities. Preoperative prediction of pathologies that are difficult to manage, such as CAC, can minimize patient morbidity and mortality.

Rare or Overlooked Cases of Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis in Young Patients with Central Nervous System Lesion

This case series presents two cases of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC)-a rare condition-in young women with central nervous system (CNS) lesions. Both patients had significant neurologic deficits and no well-known risk factors or presence of comorbidities (such as diabetes or a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease). Early diagnosis is important in cases of AAC owing to its high mortality rate; however, due to neurological deficits in our cases, accurate medical and physical examinations were limited, thereby leading to a delay in the diagnosis. The first case was of a 33-year-old woman with multiple fractures and hypovolemic shock due to a traumatic accident; she was diagnosed with hypoxic brain injury. The second case was of a 32-year-old woman with bipolar disorder and early-onset cerebellar ataxia who developed symptoms of impaired cognition and psychosis; she was later diagnosed with autoimmune encephalopathy. In the first case, the duration between symptom onset and diagnosis was 1 day, but in the second case, it was 4 days from diagnosis based on the occurrence of high fever. We emphasize that if a young woman presents with high fever, the possibility of AAC should be considered, particularly if a CNS lesion is present because it may pose difficulty in the evaluation of typical symptoms of AAC. Careful attention is thus required in such cases.

Asymptomatic Gangrenous Acute Cholecystitis: A Life-Threatening Condition

Gangrenous gallbladder (GGB) is a life-threatening complication of acute cholecystitis, which happens due to gallbladder (GB) wall ischemia and necrosis. Delaying the diagnosis of GGB is life-threatening and may happen in asymptomatic patients. We present a case of an elderly male patient with a history of gastric carcinoid tumor, with partial gastric resection, who presented with generalized weakness and jaundice. His total bilirubin was elevated and an ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed evidence of acute cholecystitis. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) the day after admission showed no evidence of choledocholithiasis or cholangitis. It was during laparoscopic cholecystectomy three days later that the diagnosis of GGB was made as the GB was found to be necrotic with extensive adhesions. The patient also required intravenous antibiotics prior to discharge. This case illustrates risk factors for the development of gangrenous cholecystitis, physical findings in asymptomatic patients, and the importance of early diagnosis in order to reduce morbidity in this patient population.

Novel Application of Hydrodissection in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gangrenous Gallbladders

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for gangrenous gallbladders (GGBs) can be challenging and represent a significant number of LC cases, necessitating more efficacious surgical techniques. Currently, the standard treatment for GGBs is blunt dissection which can have high iatrogenic complication rates. To our knowledge, this is the first large retrospective study conducted on the novel application of hydrodissection (HD) in LCs for GGBs.

METHODS

In this retrospective study of 386 LCs, data were collected for patient demographics, medical comorbidities, operating time (OT), anesthesia time (AT), length of stay (LOS), estimated blood loss, conversion to open procedures, 30-day readmissions, and mortality. Patients were categorized into four groups: (1) Vyas employing HD for GGBs (VHG), (2) non-Vyas group of five surgeons not employing HD for GGBs (NVG), (3) Vyas treating non-GGBs, and (4) non-Vyas group of five surgeons treating non-GGBs. Control groups were age-matched and sex-matched. Statistical analysis used descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U testing, and chi-squared testing (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

This study demonstrated significantly decreased (P < 0.05) OT (P = 0.001), AT (P < 0.001), LOS (P = 0.015), and conversion to open procedures (P = 0.047) between the VHG and NVG groups, with HD reducing OT by 35.5% compared to blunt dissection. This study did not demonstrate significantly decreased (P > 0.05) estimated blood loss (P = 0.185) and 30-day readmissions (P = 0.531) between the VHG and NVG groups, but they were trending toward significant. There were no mortalities in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

HD is associated with improved surgical outcomes of LCs for GGBs demonstrated by reduced OT, AT, LOS, and conversion to open procedures. Further multi-institutional studies are needed to validate HD implementation and further dissemination.

The Use of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Elevated Liver Enzymes as Predictive Factors of Gangrenous Cholecystitis: A Case Report

Gangrenous cholecystitis is a severe complication of acute cholecystitis. It is often found incidentally during laparoscopic cholecystectomy or during conversion to open surgery and diagnosed with subsequent pathological analysis. While intraoperative diagnosis is typically through direct visualization of the gallbladder, specific diagnostic modalities may guide physicians toward an earlier diagnosis. Surgical intervention and a more aggressive approach are often needed to prevent the advancement of the disease and its catastrophic complications. This case report illustrates the distinct risk factors predisposing a patient to develop gangrenous cholecystitis. Comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, age, the relevance of the SIRS criteria, and elevated liver enzymes are explored as predictive factors in a patient with gangrenous cholecystitis.

The ChoCO-W prospective observational global study: Does COVID-19 increase gangrenous cholecystitis?

BACKGROUND

The incidence of the highly morbid and potentially lethal gangrenous cholecystitis was reportedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the ChoCO-W study was to compare the clinical findings and outcomes of acute cholecystitis in patients who had COVID-19 disease with those who did not.

METHODS

Data were prospectively collected over 6 months (October 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021) with 1-month follow-up. In October 2020, Delta variant of SARS CoV-2 was isolated for the first time. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed and reported according to the STROBE guidelines. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients who had COVID-19 were compared with those who did not.

RESULTS

A total of 2893 patients, from 42 countries, 218 centers, involved, with a median age of 61.3 (SD: 17.39) years were prospectively enrolled in this study; 1481 (51%) patients were males. One hundred and eighty (6.9%) patients were COVID-19 positive, while 2412 (93.1%) were negative. Concomitant preexisting diseases including cardiovascular diseases (p < 0.0001), diabetes (p < 0.0001), and severe chronic obstructive airway disease (p = 0.005) were significantly more frequent in the COVID-19 group. Markers of sepsis severity including ARDS (p < 0.0001), PIPAS score (p < 0.0001), WSES sepsis score (p < 0.0001), qSOFA (p < 0.0001), and Tokyo classification of severity of acute cholecystitis (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group. The COVID-19 group had significantly higher postoperative complications (32.2% compared with 11.7%, p < 0.0001), longer mean hospital stay (13.21 compared with 6.51 days, p < 0.0001), and mortality rate (13.4% compared with 1.7%, p < 0.0001). The incidence of gangrenous cholecystitis was doubled in the COVID-19 group (40.7% compared with 22.3%). The mean wall thickness of the gallbladder was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group [6.32 (SD: 2.44) mm compared with 5.4 (SD: 3.45) mm; p < 0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of gangrenous cholecystitis is higher in COVID patients compared with non-COVID patients admitted to the emergency department with acute cholecystitis. Gangrenous cholecystitis in COVID patients is associated with high-grade Clavien-Dindo postoperative complications, longer hospital stay and higher mortality rate. The open cholecystectomy rate is higher in COVID compared with non -COVID patients. It is recommended to delay the surgical treatment in COVID patients, when it is possible, to decrease morbidity and mortality rates. COVID-19 infection and gangrenous cholecystistis are not absolute contraindications to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in a case by case evaluation, in expert hands.

Distinguishing Between Gangrenous Cholecystitis and Ascending Cholangitis: A Case Study

Gangrenous cholecystitis is a potentially fatal complication of acute cholecystitis that presents with right upper quadrant pain and sepsis. Due to the overlap in clinical features with ascending cholangitis, gangrenous cholecystitis can be easily misdiagnosed, resulting in treatment delay. While the gold standard of diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis is direct visualization during surgery and tissue sampling to pathology, some imaging features can guide the diagnosis to appropriate early surgical treatment of gangrenous cholecystitis.

A 78-year-old female presented to the emergency department with right upper quadrant pain, sepsis, and altered mental status. Imaging findings on ultrasound and CT were suggestive of gangrenous cholecystitis. However, clinically the patient presented with ascending cholangitis symptoms. Instead of an emergent cholecystectomy, percutaneous cholecystostomy (PTC) was performed. After the PTC, the patient worsened clinically and despite surgical intervention, the patient expired due to septic shock and multiple organ failure.

Evaluation of early sonographic predictors of gangrenous cholecystitis: mucosal discontinuity and echogenic pericholecystic fat

PURPOSE

To identify early sonographic features of gangrenous cholecystitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

101 patients with acute cholecystitis and a pre-operative sonogram were retrospectively reviewed by three radiologists in this IRB-approved and HIPAA-compliant study. Imaging data were correlated with histologic findings and compared using the Fisher's exact test or Student t test with p < 0.05 to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients had gangrenous cholecystitis and 53 had non-gangrenous acute cholecystitis. Patients with gangrenous cholecystitis tended to be older (67 ± 17 vs 48 ± 18 years; p = 0.0001), male (ratio of male:female 2:1 vs 0.6:1; p = 0.005), tachycardic (60% vs 28%; p = 0.001), and diabetic (25% vs 8%; p = 0.001). Median time between pre-operative sonogram and surgery was 1 day. On imaging, patients with gangrenous cholecystitis were more likely to have echogenic pericholecystic fat (p = 0.001), mucosal discontinuity (p = 0.010), and frank perforation (p = 0.004), while no statistically significant differences were seen in the presence of sloughed mucosa (p = 0.104), pericholecystic fluid (p = 0.523) or wall striations (p = 0.839). In patients with gangrenous cholecystitis and echogenic pericholecystic fat, a smaller subset had concurrent mucosal discontinuity (57%), and a smaller subset of those had concurrent frank perforation (58%). The positive likelihood ratios for gangrenous cholecystitis with echogenic fat and mucosal discontinuity were 4.6 (95% confidence interval 1.9-11.3) and 14.4 (2.0-106), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Echogenic pericholecystic fat and mucosal discontinuity are early sonographic findings that may help identify gangrenous cholecystitis prior to late findings of frank perforation.

Pre-operative predictive factors for gangrenous cholecystitis at an Australian quaternary cardiothoracic centre

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to determine associations between pre-operative factors and gangrenous cholecystitis. Gangrenous cholecystitis represents a severe spectrum of cholecystitis and is associated with an increased risk of complications. Early recognition and diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis can optimize prioritization for surgery and improve outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was undertaken. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, pre-operative biochemical and ultrasound findings as well as post-operative outcomes were assessed. Four hundred and fourteen patients who underwent an emergency cholecystectomy between 2018 and 2020 were reviewed.

RESULTS

One hundred and nine (26%) patients who underwent emergency cholecystectomy during this 3-year period had gangrenous cholecystitis. These patients were older (median age 65 versus 45, P < 0.001) and more likely to be male (58.7% versus 32.5%, P < 0.001). Patients with coronary disease (OR 2.55, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR 2.25, P = 0.001), or arrhythmias (OR 3.64, P = 0.001) were two-to-three times more likely to have gangrenous cholecystitis. Patients with renal disease (OR 1.92, P = 0.004) or using antiplatelet medication (OR 2.27, P = 0.003) were twice as likely to have gangrenous cholecystitis. Patients who had gangrenous cholecystitis presented with a higher white cell count (median 13 x 10⁹ /L versus 8 x 10⁹ /L, P < 0.001) and a higher C-reactive protein (median 196 versus 18 mg/L, P < 0.001). Patients with gangrenous cholecystitis had poorer post-operative outcomes.

CONCLUSION

We verified predictive factors from existing literature and identified a number of novel pre-operative predictive factors for gangrenous cholecystitis which could help with development of a scoring system for clinical use.

Occult Perforated Gangrenous Gallbladder Found on Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography

Acute gangrenous cholecystitis is a life-threatening disease that is most often diagnosed intraoperatively and can be missed on mildly symptomatic patients without the proper imaging modality. We present a case of a 69-year-old male with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes, and a recent right pontine infarct that arrived with 3 out of 10 right-sided abdominal pain. His liver ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) with contrast demonstrated acute cholecystitis. He was initially worked up conservatively and was scheduled for an elective cholecystectomy per surgery recommendation. However erring on the side of caution, the medical team had ordered a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), which demonstrated perforated gangrenous cholecystitis. Of note, the imaging modalities were ordered within a 24-hour window. The patient's antibiotics were promptly broadened, and he was emergently sent to the operating room. Moving forward, we will identify atypical clinical presentations of gangrenous cholecystitis and consider ordering an MRCP when clinical suspicion remains high and initial imaging is inconclusive. Perforated gangrenous cholecystitis is a severe disease and can cause rapid demise if not identified and treated early.

Complications of cholecystitis: a comprehensive contemporary imaging review

Acute cholecystitis is a common cause of right upper quadrant pain in patients presenting to the emergency department. Ultrasound, computed tomography, HIDA scans, and magnetic resonance imaging are increasingly utilized to evaluate suspected cases. The prognosis of acute cholecystitis is usually excellent with timely diagnosis and management. However, complications associated with cholecystitis pose a considerable challenge to the clinician and radiologist. Complications of acute cholecystitis may result from secondary bacterial infection or mural ischemia secondary to increased intramural pressure. The recognized subtypes of complicated cholecystitis are hemorrhagic, gangrenous, and emphysematous cholecystitis, as well as gallbladder perforation. Acute acalculous cholecystitis is a form of cholecystitis that occurs as a complication of severe illness in the absence of gallstones or without gallstone-related inflammation. Complicated cholecystitis may cause significant morbidity and mortality, and early diagnosis and recognition play a pivotal role in the management and early surgical planning. As appropriate utilization of imaging resources plays an essential role in diagnosis and management, the emergency radiologist should be aware of the spectrum of complications related to cholecystitis and the characteristic imaging features. This article aims to offer a comprehensive contemporary review of clinical and cross-sectional imaging findings of complications associated with cholecystitis. In conclusion, cross-sectional imaging is pivotal in identifying the complications related to cholecystitis. Preoperative detection of this complicated cholecystitis can help the care providers and operating surgeon to be prepared for a potentially more complicated procedure and course of recovery.

Acute Gangrenous Cholecystitis: Proposal of a Score and Comparison with Previous Published Scores

BACKGROUND

Gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) is a particularly severe form of acute cholecystitis (AC) and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Recent reports show that surgeons are remarkably unsuccessful in diagnosing GC.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study involving 587 patients with AC. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictive factors of GC. We assigned points for the score according to the regression coefficient. The area under the curve (AUC) was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The scoring system was then prospectively validated on a second population. We validated 2 previously published scoring models.

RESULTS

Six independent predictive factors of GC were identified: [3-]4 ASA score, temperature, duration of symptoms, WBC, male gender, and pericholecystic fluid. A predictive score of GC was established based on these independent predictive factors. Sensitivity was 81.4%; specificity was 70%. The AUC of this clinicoradiological score was 0.83. The AUC of our score was higher than that of the first published score (the AUC was 0.75 in the original report and 0.78 in the validation model using our dataset) and that of the second published score (the AUC was 0.77 in the original report and 0.72 in the validation model using our dataset).

CONCLUSIONS

The AUC of our score exceeded 0.80, indicating that this score can help in diagnosing patients with GC, and thus in prioritizing these patients for surgery or choosing the adapted technique of drainage in critically ill patients.

Complicated Acute Cholecystitis: The Role of C-Reactive Protein and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio as Predictive Markers of Severity

Objectives The clinical diagnosis of complicated acute cholecystitis (CAC) remains difficult with several pathological or ultrasonography criteria used to differentiate it from uncomplicated acute cholecystitis (UAC). This study aims to evaluate the use of combined inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as surrogate markers to differentiate between UAC and CAC. Methods We identified 600 consecutive patients admitted with biliary symptoms during an acute surgical take from our electronic prospectively maintained database over a period of 55 months. Only patients undergoing emergency cholecystectomy performed during the index admission were included. The primary outcome was the finding of CAC versus UAC. Results A total of 176 patients underwent emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) during the index admission, including 118 (67%) females with a median age of 51 years (range: 21-97 years). The proportion of UAC (130 [74%]) and CAC (46 [26%]) was determined along with demographic data. Multivariate regression analysis showed that patient's age (OR=1.047; p=0.003), higher CRP (OR=1.005; p=0.012) and NLR (OR=1.094; p=0.047) were significant independent factors associated with severity of cholecystitis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for CRP showed an AUC (area under the curve) of 0.773 (95% CI: 0.698- 0.849). Using a cut-off value of 55 mg/L for CRP, the sensitivity of CAC was 73.9% and specificity was 73.1% in predicting CAC. The median post-operative length of stay was four days. The conversion rate from laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery was 2% (4/176), and 5% (9/176) patients suffered post-operative complications with no mortality at 30 days. Conclusion CRP, NLR and age were independent factors associated with the severity of acute cholecystitis. NLR and CRP can be used as surrogate markers to predict patients at risk of CAC during emergency admission, which can inform future guidelines. Moreover, ELC for CAC can be safely performed under the supervision of dedicated upper GI surgeons.

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.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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.

Cholecystostomy as an Exclusive Access to Remove Cystic, Common Hepatic, and Common Bile Duct Stones

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous fluoroscopic-guided stone retrieval from the cystic duct and antegrade common bile duct (CBD) stone advancement into the duodenum exclusively through a cholecystostomy tube. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Twenty-one patients with acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis or an impacted cystic duct stone who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The patients had a contra-indication for cholecystectomy (17 patients because of comorbidities and one who declined surgery) or had failed endoscopic retrograde stone removal attempts (three patients). RESULTS. The 21 patients underwent subsequent percutaneous CBD (17 patients) and cystic duct (nine patients) stone removal on follow-up sessions through the percutaneous cholecystostomy track using moderate sedation. A total of 32 stone removal procedures were performed. Seventeen patients underwent balloon dilatation sphincterotomy, after which the CBD stones were pushed forward into the duodenum using a compliant balloon. Seven patients also had stone removal from the cystic duct by a stone retrieval basket. The primary technical success rate for removal of all CBD and cystic duct stones was 76%. The secondary technical success rate was 100%. The clinical success rate was 74%. All patients tolerated the procedures well without major complication. The clinical follow-up interval ranged from 2 to 2310 days (median, 30 days), with no incidence of postprocedural complications. CONCLUSION. Percutaneous transcholecystic common bile and cystic duct stone removal through an existing cholecystostomy access is a safe and effective procedure that is well tolerated.

Accuracy of pre-operative parameters in predicting severe cholecystitis-A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Severity of cholecystitis can be defined by the presence of histopathological changes such as gangrene, perforation, and empyema. Severe cholecystitis correlates with higher morbidity and longer hospital stay. The present review aimed to identify the predictors of severe cholecystitis.

METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library were searched in the period of January 1980 to March 2019. The main outcome of this review was to assess the predictability of pre-operative parameters such as Leukocytosis, fever, tachycardia, gallbladder wall edema, gallbladder distension, serum platelet count, and gallbladder mural striation. The role of patients' characteristics including age, gender, and diabetes mellitus in predicting severe cholecystitis was also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 8823 patients were analysed. The mean age of patients was 67.14 ± 4.17. The parameters that had the highest Odds ratio in predicting severe cholecystitis were all findings on CT scanning and included attenuation of arterial phase, mural striation of the gallbladder, and decreased gallbladder wall enhancement.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that CT findings were the most significant predictors of severe cholecystitis. Patients with clinical and laboratory predictors of severe cholecystitis should be urgently evaluated with contrast CT scan to rule out any severe complications.

Admission Variables Predictive of Gangrenous Cholecystitis

The objective of the present study was to identify admission clinical factors associated with gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) and factors associated with conversion to open cholecystectomy. We retrospectively evaluated 391 patients over a 17-month period who underwent urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Eighty-nine patients with pathologically proven GC were compared with 302 patients without GC. On multivariable logistic regression, predictors of GC included male gender, white blood cell count greater than 14,000/mm3, heart rate greater than 90 beats per minute, and sodium 135 mg/dL or less. Conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 7.9 per cent overall, 4 per cent for non-GC, and 19 per cent for GC (odds ratio, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.1 to 0.4; P < 0.00001). Conversion was predicted by increasing number of days to surgery, total bilirubin, and white blood cell count. Complication rate was higher in the GC group (10.1 vs 3.6% in the acute cholecystitis group, P = 0.01). The increased rate of conversion observed with surgery delay suggests that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be preferable in most patients.

Safety and feasibility of prolonged versus early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a single-center retrospective study

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC), and it should be performed within 72 h of symptoms onset if possible. In many undesired situations, LC was performed beyond the golden 72 h. However, the safety and feasibility of prolonged LC (i.e., performed more than 72 h after symptoms onset) are largely unknown, and therefore were investigated in this study.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled the adult patients who were diagnosed as AC and were treated with LC at the same admission between January 2015 and October 2018 in an emergency department of a tertiary academic medical center in China. The primary outcome was the rate and severity of adverse events, while the secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and costs.

Results

Among the 104 qualified patients, 70 (67.3%) underwent prolonged LC and 34 (32.7%) underwent early LC (< 72 h of symptom onset). There were no differences between the two groups in mortality rate (none for both), conversion rates (prolonged LC 5.4%, and early LC 8.8%, P = 0.68), intraoperative and postoperative complications (prolonged LC 5.7% and early LC 2.9%, P ≥ 0.99), operation time (prolonged LC 193.5 min and early LC 198.0 min, P = 0.81), and operation costs (prolonged LC 8,700 Yuan, and early LC 8,500 Yuan, P = 0.86). However, the prolonged LC was associated with longer postoperative hospitalization (7.0 days versus 6.0 days, P = 0.03), longer total hospital stay (11.0 days versus 8.0 days, P < 0.01), and subsequently higher total costs (40,400 Yuan versus 31,100 Yuan, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Prolonged LC is safe and feasible for patients with AC for having similar rates and severity of adverse events as early LC, but it is also associated with longer hospital stay and subsequently higher total cost.

Utility of leucocytes, inflammatory markers and pancreatic enzymes as indicators of gangrenous cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Acute cholecystitis is an emergency condition. If not promptly diagnosed and properly managed, the complication of gangrenous cholecystitis may develop, which may be a life-threatening complication.

OBJECTIVES

The study aims to examine various characteristics and physiological parameters in patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis to evaluate if significant predictive factors exist for the differential diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study included patients with acute cholecystitis diagnosis, who presented to 'blinded for peer review' from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2017. Parameters evaluated included liver function tests, complete cell count, C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), amylase and lipase levels, as well as medical history, and presenting clinical signs. Cases were divided according to whether or not there was a histopathological diagnosis of gangrenous cholecystitis.

RESULTS

A total of 186 (54.5%) female and 155 (45.5%) male cases were examined. Patients with gangrenous cholecystitis tended to be male, showed a significantly higher white cell count, higher neutrophil percentage, lower lymphocyte percentage and higher ESR compared with patients without gangrenous cholecystitis. However, serum amylase and lipase demonstrated no differential diagnostic utility CONCLUSION: Male patients with a high ESR level, high total leucocyte count with a relative high proportion of neutrophils and a low proportion of lymphocytes were found to be at increased risk of the presence of gangrenous cholecystitis.

Predictive factors for gangrene complication in acute calculous cholecystitis

Backgrounds/Aims

Gallbladder gangrene is a grave complication of acute calculous cholecystitis that is difficult to detect preoperatively. Ultrasound could show a gallbladder wall that is more thickened. In addition, other clinical measures were reported to be possible predictive factors. Therefore, we aim in this study to evaluate the gallbladder wall thickness measured by ultrasound and other clinical measures as predictive factors for gangrene complication in acute calculous cholecystitis.

Methods

A prospective cohort database analysis of the results of 674 patients diagnosed and treated for acute calculous cholecystitis between January 2010 and December 2014 was done. Patient's inclusion criteria were acute calculous cholecystitis in adults who were operated within three days of onset of symptoms.

Results

117 (17.4%) patients had gangrene. Gallbladder sonographic wall thickness 5.1–6 mm, more than 6 mm, male gender, diabetes mellitus, leukocytosis >15,000 cells/ml, and age ≥40 years were found to be factors predisposing to gangrene complicated acute calculous cholecystitis that represented a statistically significant difference (p≤0.01).

Conclusions

We conclude that gallbladder sonographic wall thickness 5.1–6 mm, more than 6 mm, male gender, diabetes mellitus, leukocytosis >15,000 cells/ml, and age ≥40 years were found to be factors predisposing to gangrene complicated acute calculous cholecystitis that represented a statistically significant difference. By implementing these risk factors, patients urgency for surgery can be decided in the emergency department. Other risk factors such as high alanine aminotransferase, elevated aspartate aminotransferase, and high alkaline phosphatase could be of help in the decision for early operation.

Differences in Outcomes Based on Sex for Pediatric Patients Undergoing Pyloromyotomy

BACKGROUND

Males and females are known to have varied responses to medical interventions. Our study aimed to determine the effect of sex on surgical outcomes after pyloromyotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Kids' Inpatient Database for the years 2003-2012, we performed a serial, cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of all patients aged <1 y who underwent pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The primary predictor of interest was sex. Outcomes included mortality, in-hospital complications, cost, and length of stay. Regression models were adjusted by race, age group, comorbidity, complications, and whether operation was performed on the day of admission with region and year fixed effects.

RESULTS

Of 48,834 weighted operations, 81.8% were in males and 18.2% were in females. The most common reported race was white (47.3%) and most of the patients were ≥29 days old (72.5%). There was no difference in the odds of postoperative complications, but females had a significantly longer length of stay (incidence rate ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.18-1.39; P ≤ 0.01), higher cost (5%, 95% CI, 1.02-1.08; P ≤ 0.01), and higher odds of mortality (odds ratio, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.52-6.98; P ≤ 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that females had worse outcomes after pyloromyotomy compared with males. These findings are striking and are important to consider when treating either sex to help set physician and family expectations perioperatively. Further studies are needed to determine why such differences exist and to develop targeted treatment strategies for both females and males with pyloric stenosis.

Gangrenous cholecystitis in male patients: A study of prevalence and predictive risk factors

Backgrounds/Aims

The prevalence and risk factors of gangrenous cholecystitis in male are unknown.

Objective

To verify the prevalence and risk factors of gangrenous cholecystitis in males.

Methods

This cross-sectional study includes 95 patients (59.5±17.1 years), with clinical and histopathological diagnosis, operated laparoscopically on 2012–2016. Eligibility was decided based on the variables of age; tachycardia (>100 bpm); leukocytosis (>10,000/mm³); Murphy's sign; gallbladder wall thickness (>4 mm); biochemical tests, morbidities (diabetes, alcoholism, smoking) and mortality. Multivariate regression, the chi-squared and Prevalent Chances Ratio (PCR) were used to define a few parameters.

Results

The prevalence of gangrenous cholecystitis in men older than 50 years was 29.3%. The risk factors for the disease were as follows: diabetes mellitus (p=0.006, RCP=4.191), leukocytosis (p=0.003), gallbladder thickness greater than 4 mm (p=0.035, RCP=3.818), which increased mortality [(p=0.04) (RCP=8.001)]. Murphy's sign showed a negative association (p=0.002, RCP=0.204). Values close to significance were observed in relation to gamma glutamyl transferase (p=0.083, RCP=3.125) and hospital stay (p=0.061, RCP=2.765).

Conclusions

Male gender, and age older than 50 years, were correlated with a high prevalence of necrosis, higher than that reported in females. The risk factors for developing necrosis are the same as those described for female patients.

2017 WSES and SICG guidelines on acute calcolous cholecystitis in elderly population

Background

Gallstone disease is very common afflicting 20 million people in the USA. In Europe, the overall incidence of gallstone disease is 18.8% in women and 9.5% in men. The frequency of gallstones related disease increases by age. The elderly population is increasing worldwide.

Aim

The present guidelines aims to report the results of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and Italian Surgical Society for Elderly (SICG) consensus conference on acute calcolous cholecystitis (ACC) focused on elderly population.

Material and methods

The 2016 WSES guidelines on ACC were used as baseline; six questions have been used to investigate the particularities in elderly population; the answers have been developed in terms of differences compared to the general population and to statements of the 2016 WSES Guidelines. The Consensus Conference discusses, voted, and modified the statements. International experts contributed in the elaboration of final statements and evaluation of the level of scientific evidences.

Results

The quality of the studies available decreases when we approach ACC in elderly. Same admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be suggested for elderly people with ACC; frailty scores as well as clinical and surgical risk scores could be adopted but no general consensus exist. The role of cholecystostomy is uncertain.

Discussion and conclusions

The evaluation of pro and cons for surgery or for alternative treatments in elderly suffering of ACC is more complex than in young people; also, the oldest old age is not a contraindication for surgery; however, a larger use of frailty and surgical risk scores could contribute to reach the best clinical judgment by the surgeon. The present guidelines offer the opportunity to share with the scientific community a baseline for future researches and discussion.

Clinical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients after preoperative assessment and optimization of comorbidities

Backgrounds/Aims

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered as the standard treatment of acute cholecystitis. However, whether this procedure is desirable in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis is not clearly elucidated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of thorough preoperative assessment and consultation for complications on clinical outcomes in elderly patients over 65 and over 80 years.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 205 patients who were diagnosed with acute cholecystitis between January 2010 and April 2018. The patients were assigned to three groups: group A (aged <65 years), group B, (aged between 65 and 79 years), and group C (aged >79 years). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed after preoperative evaluation, such as echocardiography, pulmonary function test, and consultation about past history.

Results

Significant differences were not found in the complication rate among the age groups. Open conversion was required in eight of the 114 patients in group A, seven of the 70 patients in group B, and one of the 21 patients in group C. However, no statistical significance was found. Moreover, no difference was noted in the start of the meal and the period from surgery to last visit, but hospital stay after surgery was longer in groups b and c.

Conclusions

When sufficient preoperative assessment and treatment were performed, complication and conversion rates were not significantly different among the age groups. In extremely elderly patients, preoperative evaluation and elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were desirable.

Atypical presentation of gangrenous cholecystitis: A case series

Gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) is a serious complication of acute cholecystitis that has been associated with increased morbidity. Patient with GC can present with a wide variety of non-specific clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics, making the diagnosis challenging. This disease requires emergent treatment, which is why a quick and reliable diagnosis is essential for the wellbeing of the patient. The authors herein present a case of GC in a patient whose initial complaint was intractable hiccups, and provide a thorough review of the literature of cases of GC with atypical presentations.

Do I Need to Operate on That in the Middle of the Night? Development of a Nomogram for the Diagnosis of Severe Acute Cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Some authors have proposed different predictive factors of severe acute cholecystitis, but generally, the results of risk analyses are expressed as odds ratios, which makes it difficult to apply in the clinical practice of the acute care surgeon. The severe form of acute cholecystitis should include both gangrenous and phlegmonous cholecystitis, due to their severe clinical course, and cholecystectomy should not be delayed. The aim of this study was to create a nomogram to obtain a graphical tool to compute the probability of having a severe acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study on 393 patients who underwent emergency cholecystectomy between January 2010 and December 2015 at the Acute Care Surgery Service of the S. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy. Patients were classified as having a non-severe acute cholecystitis or a severe acute cholecystitis (i.e., gangrenous and phlegmonous) based on the final pathology report. The baseline characteristics, pre-operative signs, and abdominal ultrasound (US) findings were assessed with a stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis to predict the risk of severe acute cholecystitis, and a nomogram was created.

RESULTS

Age as a continuous variable, WBC count ≥ 12.4 × 10³/μl, CRP ≥9.9 mg/dl, and presence of US thickening of the gallbladder wall were significantly associated with severe acute cholecystitis at final pathology report. A significant interaction between the effect of age and CRP was found. Four risk classes were identified based on the nomogram total points.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a nomogram total point ≥ 74 should be considered at high risk of severe acute cholecystitis (at 74 total point, sensitivity = 78.5%; specificity = 78.2%; accuracy = 78.3%) and this finding could be useful for surgical planning once confirmed in a prospective study comparing the risk score stratification and clinical outcomes.

Methamphetamine consumption and life-threatening abdominal complications: A case report

RATIONALE

Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is increasing rapidly all over the world and becoming a significant public health concern in China. However, abdominal complications secondary to METH abuse are usually overlooked. We describe an unusual case of gangrenous cholecystitis and small intestinal ischemia due to METH abuse.

PATIENT CONCERNS

In this report, a 44-year-old male patient with abdominal pain and hematochezia has a history of crystal meth abuse.

DIAGNOSIS

The patient was diagnosed as septic shock, paralytic ileus, gangrenous cholecystitis, and small intestinal ischemia due to METH abuse based on computed tomography (CT) scan, endoscopy examination, laparotomy, and pathology.

INTERVENTIONS

Antishock treatment, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and exploratory laparotomy were given.

OUTCOMES

The patient survived. Six months later, he tolerated oral intake and stopped using crystal METH.

LESSONS

Visceral ischemia should be considered if an adult patient with a history of METH abuse is accompanied by abdominal pain and hematochezia.

Antibiotics May be Safely Discontinued Within One Week of Percutaneous Cholecystostomy

BACKGROUND

For patients with acute cholecystitis managed with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC), the optimal duration of post-procedural antibiotic therapy is unknown. Our objective was to compare short versus long courses of antibiotics with the hypothesis that patients with persistent signs of systemic inflammation 72 h following PC would receive prolonged antibiotic therapy and that antibiotic duration would not affect outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 81 patients who underwent PC for acute cholecystitis at two hospitals during a 41-month period ending November 2014. Patients who received short (≤7 day) courses of post-procedural antibiotics were compared to patients who received long (>7 day) courses. Treatment response to PC was evaluated by systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria. Logistic and linear regressions were used to evaluate associations between antibiotic duration and outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients who received short (n = 30) and long courses (n = 51) of antibiotics had similar age, comorbidities, severity of cholecystitis, pre-procedural vital signs, treatment response, and culture results. There were no differences in recurrent cholecystitis (13 vs. 12%), requirement for open/converted to open cholecystectomy (23 vs. 22%), or 1-year mortality (20 vs. 18%). On logistic and linear regressions, antibiotic duration as a continuous variable was not predictive of any salient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received short and long courses of post-PC antibiotics had similar baseline characteristics and outcomes. Antibiotic duration did not predict recurrent cholecystitis, interval open cholecystectomy, or mortality. These findings suggest that antibiotics may be safely discontinued within one week of uncomplicated PC.

Impact of scheduled laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis, following percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage

Backgrounds/Aims

Frequently encountered in practice, the first-line treatment for acute cholecystitis is early or urgent cholecystectomy, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) being the preferred method. Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) is considered as a safe alternative therapeutic option for resolving acute cholecystitis in surgically high-risk patients. We evaluated the surgical outcomes of acute cholecystitis, focusing on the differences between emergent LC without PTGBD, and scheduled LC following PTGBD.

Methods

Between March 2010 and December 2014, 294 patients with acute cholecystitis who had undergone LC, were retrospectively studied. Group I included 166 patients who underwent emergency LC without PTGBD. Group II included 128 patients who underwent scheduled LC after PTGBD. Clinical outcomes were analyzed according to each group.

Results

On admission, Group II had a higher mean level of c-reactive protein than Group I. According to the classification of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), group II had a greater number of high-risk patients than group I. There was no significant difference on perioperative outcomes between the two groups, including open conversion rate and complications. Analysis as per the ASA classes revealed no statistically remarkable finding between the groups.

Conclusions

There are no significant differences in the surgical outcomes of emergency LC group without PTGBD, and scheduled LC group following PTGBD. Comparison between two groups according to ASA classification reflecting the comorbidity and severity of condition of the patients also revealed no significant differences. However, scheduled LC following PTGBD is important for patients having acute cholecystitis with concurrent comorbidity.

Emergency Versus Delayed Cholecystectomy After Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage in Grade II Acute Cholecystitis Patients

INTRODUCTION

In grade II acute cholecystitis patients presenting more than 72 h after onset of symptoms, we prospectively compared treatment with emergency (ELC) to delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed 6 weeks after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD).

METHODS

Four hundred ninety-five patients with acute cholecystitis were assessed for eligibility; 345 were excluded or declined to participate. One hundred fifty patients were treated after consent with either ELC or PTGBD.

RESULTS

Both PTGBD and ELC were able to resolve quickly cholecystitis sepsis. ELC patients had a significantly higher conversion rate (24 vs. 2.7 %, P < 0.001), longer mean operative time (87.8 ± 33.06 vs. 38.09 ± 8.23 min, P < 0.001), higher intraoperative blood loss (41.73 ± 51.09 vs. 26.33 ± 23.86, P = 0.008), and longer duration of postoperative hospital stay (51.71 ± 49.39 vs. 10.76 ± 5.75 h, P < 0.001) than those in the PTGBD group. Postoperative complications were significantly more frequent in the ELC group (26.7 vs. 2.7 %, P < 0.001) with a significant increase in incidence (10.7 %) of bile leak (P = 0.006) compared to those in the PTGBD group.

CONCLUSION(S)

PTGBD and ELC are highly efficient in resolving cholecystitis sepsis. Delayed cholecystectomy after PTGBD produces better outcomes with a lower conversion rate, fewer procedure-related complications, and a shorter hospital stay than emergency cholecystectomy.

Age-related differences pre-, intra-, and postcholecystectomy: A retrospective cohort study of 6,868 patients

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy (CCY) is increasingly performed in older individuals. We sought to examine age-related differences in pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors at a community hospital, using a very large, single-institution cholecystectomy database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 6868 patients who underwent CCY from 2001 to 2013 was performed. ROC analysis identified the optimal age cutoff when complications reached a significant inflection point (<55 and ≥55 years). Multiple clinical features and outcomes were measured and compared by age. Logistic regression was used to examine how well a set of covariates predicted postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Older patients had significantly higher rates of comorbidities and underwent more extensive preoperative imaging. Intraoperatively, older patients had more blood loss, longer operative times, and more open operations. Postoperatively, older patients experienced more complications and had significantly different pathological findings. While holding age and gender constant, regression analyses showed that preoperative creatinine level, blood loss and history of previous operation were the strongest predictors of complications. The risk for developing complications increased by 2% per year of life.

CONCLUSION

Older patients have distinct pre-, intra-, and postoperative characteristics. Their care is more imaging- and cost-intensive. CCY in this population is associated with higher risks, likely due to a combination of comorbidities and age-related worsened physiological status. Pathologic findings are significantly different relative to younger patients. While removing the effect of age, preoperative creatinine levels, blood loss, and history of previous operation predict postoperative complications. Quantifying these differences may help to inform management decisions for older patients.

Surgical management of empyematous cholecystitis: a register study of over 12,000 cases from a regional quality control database in Germany

BACKGROUND

Acute cholecystitis is a common indication for surgery. Surgical outcomes depend among other factors on the extent of gallbladder inflammation. Data on the outcomes of patients undergoing cholecystectomy due to acute empyematous cholecystitis are rare.

METHODS

Data from a prospectively maintained quality control database in Germany were analyzed. Cases with empyematous cholecystitis were compared to cases without gallbladder empyema with regard to baseline features, clinical parameters and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 12,069 patients with empyematous cholecystitis (EC) were compared to 33,296 patients without empyema. The male gender, advanced age, ASA score >2, elevated white blood count and fever were confirmed as risk factors for EC. The EC group differed significantly from the control group with regard to fever (28.0 vs. 9.5 %), elevated WBC (82.5 vs. 62.3 %) and positive findings from ultrasound sonography (87.4 vs. 76.9 %), p < 0001. Surgery lasted significantly longer in the EC group (86.1 ± 38.5 vs. 72.2 ± 33.6, p < 0.001). The rates of conversion (15.2 vs. 5.8 %), bile duct injury (0.8 vs. 0.4 %), re-intervention (5.5 vs. 2.6 %) and mortality (2.8 vs. 1.2 %) were significantly higher in the EC group, p < 0.001. Similarly, the length of stay (11.9 ± 10.5 vs. 8.8 ± 8.3, p < 0.001) was significantly longer in the EC group.

CONCLUSION

Empyematous cholecystitis is a severe form of acute cholecystitis with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Even the experienced laparoscopic surgeon should expect dissection difficulties, therefore the threshold for conversion in order to prevent bile duct injury should be low.

Aquaporin-1 and 8 expression in the gallbladder mucosa might not be associated with the development of gallbladder stones in humans

BACKGROUND

Cholecystolithiasis is a highly prevalent condition in the Western world. Gallbladder stone-related conditions represent the second most common gastrointestinal pathology. Cholesterol stones represent over 80% of gallstones. Cholesterol stones develop secondary to crystallization of bile cholesterol. Water resorption from gallbladder bile via aquaporin in the gallbladder mucosa might play a role in the development of cholesterol stones. This study investigated the expression of Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and Aquaporin-8 (AQP8) in the human gallbladder mucosa and their possible association with the formation of gallbladder stones.

METHODS

The expression of AQP1 and AQP8 in the gallbladder mucosa was examined via immunohistochemical staining. The expression of both AQP1 and AQP8 in the gallbladder mucosa of stone carriers (study group) was compared to that of nonstone carriers (control group).

RESULTS

Eighty-four gallbladder specimens from 44 male (52·2%) and 40 female (47·6%) patients were analysed. The study group included 47 specimens from stone carriers, while 37 specimens from stone-free gallbladders were included in the control group. Immunostaining for both AQP1 and AQP8 was positive in 80 cases. AQP1 was expressed both over the apical and intercellular membrane, while AQP8 was expressed only over the apical membrane. A similar distribution was recorded in specimens from the cystic duct. Immunostaining with AQP1 was generally stronger in comparison with AQP8. No significant (P > 0·05) relationship was found between aquaporin expression and the presence or absence of gallbladder stones.

CONCLUSION

AQP1 and AQP8 are both expressed in the gallbladder and cystic duct mucosa. However, their role in the development of gallbladder stones is still to be proven.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to diagnose complicated acute cholecystitis

Gangrenous cholecystitis and perforation are severe complications of acute cholecystitis, which have a challenging preoperative diagnosis. Early identification allows better surgical management. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (ceCT) is the current diagnostic gold standard. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is a promising tool for the diagnosis of gallbladder perforation, but data from the literature concerning efficacy are sparse. The aim of the study was to evaluate CEUS findings in pathologically proven complicated cholecystitis (gangrenous, perforated gallbladder, pericholecystic abscess). A total of 8 patients submitted to preoperative CEUS, and with subsequent proven acute complicated cholecystitis at surgical inspection and pathological analysis, were retrospectively identified. The final diagnosis was gangrenous/phlegmonous cholecystitis (n. 2), phlegmonous/ulcerative changes plus pericholecystic abscess (n. 2), perforated plus pericholecystic abscess (n. 3), or perforated plus pericholecystic biliary collection (n. 1). Conventional US findings revealed irregularly thickened gallbladder walls in all 8 patients, with vaguely defined walls in 7 patients, four of whom also had striated wall thickening. CEUS revealed irregular enhancing gallbladder walls in all patients. A distinct wall defect was seen in six patients, confirmed as gangrenous/phlegmonous cholecystitis at pathology in all six, and in four as perforation at macroscopic surgical inspection. CEUS is a non-invasive easily repeatable technique that can be performed at the bedside, and is able to accurately diagnose complicated/perforated cholecystitis. Despite the limited sample size in the present case series, CEUS appears as a promising tool for the management of patients with the clinical possibility of having an acute complicated cholecystitis.

Critically ill patients with acute cholecystitis are at increased risk for extensive gallbladder inflammation

Background

Acute cholecystitis is a common diagnosis and surgery is the standard of care for young and fit patients. However, due to high risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, surgical management of critically ill patients remains a controversy. It is not clear, whether the increased risk of perioperative complications associated with the management of critically ill patients with acute cholecystitis is secondary to reduced physiologic reserve per se or to the severity of gallbladder inflammation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a university hospital over a three-year-period was performed. The ASA scores at the time of presentation were used to categorize patients into two groups. The study group consisted of critically ill patients with ASA 3 and 4, while the control group was made up of fit patients with ASA 1 and 2. Both groups were compared with regard to perioperative data, postoperative outcome and extent of gallbladder inflammation on histopathology.

Results

Two hundred and seventeen cases of acute cholecystitis with complete charts were available for analysis. The study group included 67 critically ill patients with ASA 3 and 4, while the control group included 150 fit patients with ASA 1 and 2. Both groups were comparable with regard to perioperative data. Histopathology confirmed severe cholecystitis in a significant number of cases in the study group compared to the control group (37 % vs. 18 %, p = 0.03). Significantly higher rates of morbidity and mortality were recorded in the study group (p < 0.05). Equally, significantly more patients from the study group were managed in the ICU (40 % vs. 8 %, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Critically ill patients presenting with acute cholecystitis are at increased risk for extensive gallbladder inflammation. The increased risk of morbidity and mortality seen in such patients might partly be secondary to severe acute cholecystitis.

Usefulness of contrast-enhanced US in the diagnosis of acute gangrenous cholecystitis: A comparative study with surgical and pathological findings

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively determine the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnostic assessment of acute gangrenous cholecystitis, using histopathology as the reference method.

MATERIAL & METHODS

The local institutional review board approved the study protocol, and all patients at enrollment provided a written informed consent. From December 2011 to July 2014, all patients with a clinical-sonographic diagnosis of acute cholecystitis underwent a CEUS examination. We included only patients who underwent cholecystectomies within 24-h of CEUS. Radiologists in the course of routine clinical care interpreted the US and CEUS images at the end of the examination, filling out a questionnaire. Two radiologists, blinded to the final diagnosis, independently reviewed the video CEUS sequences for the presence of defects of the gallbladder wall enhancement. Associations between the sonographic findings and histological gangrenous cholecystitis were evaluated by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients were analyzed. The histological diagnoses were 41 (27%) nongangrenous cholecystitis and 109 acute gangrenous cholecystitis (73%). Multivariate analysis of the predictive parameters at univariate analysis revealed that only leukocytosis, diabetes mellitus, lithiasis and defects of wall enhancement on CEUS were independent variables related to gangrenous cholecystitis. The presence of enhancement defects on CEUS enabled the diagnosis of the gangrenous form with sensitivity between 85 and 91% and specificity of 67.5-84.8%. Interobserver agreement for CEUS interpretation was good (median k value: 0.664; range, 0.655-0.680).

CONCLUSION

Local or widespread absence of gallbladder wall enhancement on CEUS is associated with the presence of gangrenous acute cholecystitis.

Does the Tokyo guidelines predict the extent of gallbladder inflammation in patients with acute cholecystitis? A single center retrospective analysis

Background

The Tokyo guidelines provide criteria for the diagnosis and classification of acute cholecystitis in three severity grades. However, no data exists on the predictive value of these guidelines. The aim of this study was to analyze the accuracy of the Tokyo guidelines as a predicting parameter for the severity of acute cholecystitis in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the charts of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a primary care hospital within a five-year period was performed. The preoperative severity grades were compared with the histological extent of inflammation.

Results

One hundred thirty-eight patients; 79 with severity grade I, 33 with grade II and 26 with grade III were analyzed. The incidence of uncomplicated cholecystitis decreased with increasing severity grade, while the incidence of complicated cholecystitis increased with increasing severity. However, complicated cholecystitis was evident in an unexpectedly high number of cases with severity grade I. There was a significant correlation (χ²(1) = 10. 43, p = 0.01) between the preoperative severity grade and the extent of gallbladder inflammation on histopathology. Conversion to open surgery (14 vs. 5, p = 0.002) and complications (17 vs. 7, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with preoperative severity grade II/III compared to patients with severity grade I.

Conclusion

Worsening clinical severity correlated significantly with worseing pathology, findings from blood test and clinical outcomes; rates of conversion and morbidity. However, the Tokyo guidelines may have a tendency to underestimate the extent of inflammation in male patients with severity grade I and over estimate the difficulty of dissection in severity grade II.

The safety and efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis before laparoscopic cholecystectomy

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard management for acute cholecystitis. Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) may be an alternative interim strategy before surgery in elderly patients with comorbidities. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PTGBD for elderly patients (>60 years) with acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

We reviewed consecutive patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis between January 2009 and December 2013. Group I included patients who underwent PTGBD, and patients of group II did not undergo PTGBD before LC.

RESULTS

All 116 patients (72.7 ± 7.1 years) were analyzed. The preoperative details of group I (n = 39) and group II (n = 77) were not significantly different. There was no significant difference in operative time (P = 0.057) and intraoperative estimated blood loss (P = 0.291). The rate of conversion to open operation of group I was significantly lower than that of group II (12.8% vs. 32.5%, P < 0.050). No significant difference of postoperative morbidity was found between the two groups (25.6% vs. 26.0%, P = 0.969). In addition, perioperative mortality was not significantly different. Preoperative hospital stay of group I was significantly longer than that of group II (10.3 ± 5.7 days vs. 4.4 ± 2.8 days, P < 0.050). However, two groups were not significantly different in total hospital stay (16.3 ± 9.0 days vs. 13.4 ± 6.5 days, P = 0.074).

CONCLUSION

PTGBD is a proper preoperative management before LC for elderly patients with acute cholecystitis.

Is gallbladder inflammation more severe in male patients presenting with acute cholecystitis?

BACKGROUND

The male gender is considered a risk factor for complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The reasons for this gender associated risk are not clearly understood. The extent of gallbladder inflammation has been shown to influence surgical outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not gallbladder inflammation is more severe in male patients presenting with acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

A retrospective gender dependent comparison of the data of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a primary care facility within a five-year period was performed.

RESULTS

138 patients, 69 males and 69 females were included for analysis. Severe gallbladder inflammation (gangrenous and necrotizing cholecystitis) was seen in a significant portion of the male population compared to the female population (p = 0.002). The male gender was confirmed in a multivariate analysis as an independent risk factor for severe cholecystits (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

The male gender is a risk factor for severe gallbladder inflammation. An early surgical intervention may be needed to prevent complications.

Gangrenous cholecystitis: mortality and risk factors

As a serious complication of cholelithiasis, gangrenous cholecystitis presents greater mortality than noncomplicated cholecystitis. The aim of this study was to specify the risk factors on mortality. 107 consecutive patients who underwent surgery due to gangrenous cholecystitis between January 1997 and October 2011 were investigated retrospectively. The study included 60 (56.1%) females and 47 (43.9%) males, with a mean age of 60.7 ± 16.4 (21-88) years. Cardiovascular diseases were the most frequently accompanying medical issues (24.3%). Thirty-six complications (33.6%) developed in 29 patients, and surgical site infection was proven as the most common. Longer delay time prior to hospital admission, low white blood cell count, presence of diabetes mellitus, higher blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin, pericholecystic fluid in abdominal ultrasonography, and conversion from laparoscopic surgery to open surgery were identified as risk factors affecting mortality (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.044, P = 0.005, P = 0.049, P = 0.009, P = 0.022, P = 0.011, and P = 0.004, respectively). Longer delay time prior to hospital admission and low white blood cell count were determined as independent risk factors affecting mortality.

Predictors of incidental gallbladder cancer in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

At the time of diagnosis, most patients with gallbladder cancer are in advanced stage and the cancer is unresectable. Long-term survivors are usually seen in a small number of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer. This study aimed to identify preoperative predictors of incidental gallbladder cancer in elderly patients.

METHODS

A total of 4014 patients of more than 44 years old who had undergone cholecystectomy at our department from January 2000 to December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate modalities were used to identify the predictive factors of incidental gallbladder cancer.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine of the 4014 patients who had undergone cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder diseases were histologically diagnosed as having incidental gallbladder cancer. Multivariate analysis identified that elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 combined with carcinoembryonic antigen and/or carbohydrate antigen 125 (P=0.045), a gallbladder polyp greater than or equal to 1.2 cm (P=0.043) and focal gallbladder wall thickening of more than or equal to 5 mm (P=0.002) were predictive factors of incidental gallbladder cancer.

CONCLUSION

Cholecystectomy is suggested for patients with these predictive factors and intraoperative frozen section should be considered to rule out carcinoma.