The consequences of a major bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Factors Influencing Bile Duct Injuries: A Dreaded Complication of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Bile duct injuries (BDIs) are dreaded complications of one of the most common general surgical procedures. The injury impacts the quality of life and may have several long-term complications. In some cases, it can also lead to mortality. This paper aims to review works that have already been published about bile duct injuries and elaborate on the factors leading to it. This includes elaborating on both surgical and non-surgical factors. It also plans to highlight practices and methods to avoid BDIs. Medical research databases were searched using cholecystectomy and bile duct injuries as keywords. Papers including pre-operative or intraoperative factors, that may cause bile duct injuries, were further shortlisted for this study. Understanding and knowledge of anatomy plays a key role in bile duct injuries and is essential before performing the surgery. Factors related to the patients, surgeons, and logistics also play a major role in causing bile duct injuries. Bile duct injuries can be reduced using certain strategies like the B SAFE strategy, R4U line, bail-out methods, imaging techniques along with referrals to Hepatobiliary specialist centers to avoid bile duct injuries.

Analysis of risk factors for bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To explore the risk factors of bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in China through meta-analysis.

METHODS

The study commenced with a search and selection of case-control studies on the risk factors for bile duct injury in LC in China using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceNet.cn, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP. Data were extracted from the collected documents independently by 2 researchers, following which a meta-analysis of these data was performed using Revman 5.3.

RESULTS

The compilation of all data from a total of 19 case-control studies revealed that among 41,044 patients, 458 patients experienced bile duct injury in LC, accounting for the incidence rate of 1.12% for bile duct injury. The revealed risk factors for bile duct injury were age (≥40 years) (odds ratio [OR] = 6.23, 95% CI [95% confidence interval]: 3.42-11.33, P < .001), abnormal preoperative liver function (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.50-2.70, P < .001), acute and subacute inflammation of gallbladder (OR = 8.35, 95% CI: 5.32-13.10, P < .001; OR = 4.26, 95% CI: 2.73-6.65, P < .001), thickening of gallbladder wall (≥4 mm) (OR = 3.18, 95% CI: 2.34-4.34, P < .001), cholecystolithiasis complicated with effusion (OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.39-6.71, P = .006), and the anatomic variations of the gallbladder triangle (OR = 11.82, 95% CI: 6.32-22.09, P < .001). However, the factors of gender and overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) were not significantly correlated with bile duct injury in LC.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, age (≥40 years), abnormal preoperative liver function, gallbladder wall thickening, acute and subacute inflammation of the gallbladder, cholecystolithiasis complicated with effusion, and anatomic variations of the gallbladder triangle were found to be closely associated with bile duct injury in LC.

The Role of the Interventional Radiologist in Bile Leak Diagnosis and Management

Bile leaks are rare but potentially devastating iatrogenic or posttraumatic complications. This is being diagnosed more frequently since the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and propensity toward nonsurgical management in select trauma patients. Timely recognition and accurate characterization of a bile leak is crucial for favorable patient outcomes and involves a multimodal imaging approach. Management is driven by the type and extent of the biliary injury and requires multidisciplinary cooperation between interventional radiologists, endoscopists, and hepatobiliary/transplant surgeons. Interventional radiologists have a vital role in both the diagnosis and management of bile leaks. Percutaneous interventional procedures aid in the characterization of a bile leak and in its initial management via drainage of fluid collections. Most bile leaks resolve with decompression of the biliary system which is routinely done via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography. Some bile leaks can be definitively treated percutaneously while others necessitate surgical repair. The primary principle of percutaneous management is flow diversion away from the site of a leak with the placement of transhepatic biliary drainage catheters. While this can be accomplished with relative ease in some cases, others call for more advanced techniques. Bile duct embolization or sclerosis may also be required in cases where a leaking bile duct is isolated from the main biliary tree.

Iatrogenic, blunt, and penetrating trauma to the biliary tract

Iatrogenic and traumatic bile leaks are uncommon. However, given the overall increase in number of hepatobiliary surgeries and the paradigm shift toward nonoperative management of patients with liver trauma, they have become more prevalent in recent years. Imaging is essential to establishing early diagnosis and guiding treatment as the clinical signs and symptoms of bile leaks are nonspecific, and a delay in recognition of bile leaks portends a high morbidity and mortality rate. Findings suspicious for a bile leak at computed tomography or ultrasonography include free or contained peri- or intrahepatic low density fluid in the setting of recent trauma or hepatobiliary surgery. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with hepatobiliary contrast agents can be used to detect active or contained bile leak. MRCP with hepatobiliary contrast agents has the unique ability to reveal the exact location of bile leak, which often governs whether endoscopic management or surgical management is warranted. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and fluoroscopy via an indwelling catheter that is placed either percutaneously or surgically are useful modalities to guide percutaneous transhepatic biliary drain placement which can provide biliary drainage and/or diversion in the setting of traumatic biliary injury. Surgical treatment of a bile duct injury with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is warranted if definitive treatment cannot be accomplished through percutaneous or endoscopic means.

Risk factors for increased resource utilization and critical care complications in patients undergoing hepaticojejunostomy for biliary injuries

BACKGROUND

This project aimed to study resource utilization and surgical outcomes after hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) for biliary injuries utilizing data from ACS NSQIP.

METHODS

Data from the Participant Use Data File containing surgical patients submitted to the ACS NSQIP during the period of 1/1/2005-12/31/2014 were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 320 patients underwent HJ. Mean age was 50 years, and 109 (34%) were male. Forty-four percent of patients met criteria for ASA class III-V. Forty patients (12.5%) developed one or more critical care complications (CCC). Eighty-one patients (25%) experienced morbidity with a perioperative mortality rate of 1.9%. The mean age of these patients was 52 years, and 62% were male. Age and preoperative elevated alkaline phosphatase were independent predictors of CCC (p < 0.001 and 0.042, OR 1.035, OR 4.337, respectively). Patients ASA class III, age, and preoperative hypoalbuminemia were found to increase risk for prolonged LOS (OR 1.87, p = 0.041, OR 1.02, p = 0.049, OR 2.63, p = 0.001).

DISCUSSION

The most significant predictors of morbidity and increased resource utilization after HJ include increasing age, ASA class III or above, and preoperative hypoalbuminemia. Age and ASA class are the strongest predictors of CCC in these patients.

Increasing resident utilization and recognition of the critical view of safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a pilot study from an academic medical center

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a commonly performed surgical procedure; however, it is associated with an increased rate of bile duct injury (BDI) when compared to the open approach. The critical view of safety (CVS) provides a secure method of ductal identification to help avoid BDI. CVS is not universally utilized by practicing surgeons and/or taught to surgical residents. We aimed to pilot a safe cholecystectomy curriculum to demonstrate that educational interventions could improve resident adherence to and recognition of the CVS during LC.

METHODS

Forty-three general surgery residents at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital were prospectively studied. Fifty-one consecutive LC cases were recorded during the pre-intervention period, while the residents were blinded to the outcome measured (CVS score). As an intervention, a comprehensive lecture on safe cholecystectomy was given to all residents. Fifty consecutive LC cases were recorded post-intervention, while the residents were empowered to "time-out" and document the CVS with a doublet photograph. Two independent surgeons scored the videos and photographs using a 6-point scale. Residents were surveyed pre- and post-intervention to determine objective knowledge and self-reported comfort using a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

In the 18-week study period, 101 consecutive LCs were adequately captured and included (51 pre-intervention, 50 post-intervention). Patient demographics and clinical data were similar. The mean CVS score improved from 2.3 to 4.3 (p < 0.001). The number of videos with CVS score >4 increased from 15.7 to 52 % (p < 0.001). There was strong inter-observer agreement between reviewers. The pre- and post-intervention questionnaire response rates were 90.7 and 83.7 %, respectively. A greater number of residents correctly identified all criteria of the CVS post-intervention (41-93 %, p < 0.001) and offered appropriate bailout techniques (77-94 %, p < 0.001). Residents strongly agreed that the CVS education should be included in general surgery residency curriculum (mean Likert score = 4.71, SD = 0.54). Residents also agreed that they are more comfortable with their LC skills after the intervention (4.27, σ = 0.83).

CONCLUSION

The combination of focused education along with intraoperative time-out significantly improved CVS scores and knowledge during LC in our institution.

Biliary tract injuries after lap cholecystectomy-types, surgical intervention and timing

Bile duct lesions, including leaks and strictures, are immanent complications of open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Endoscopic procedures have gained increasing potential as the treatment of choice in the management of postoperative bile duct injuries. Bile duct injury (BDI) is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of LC. Several series have described a 0.5% to 0.6% incidence of BDI during LC. Early recognition and an adequate multidisciplinary approach are the cornerstones for the optimal final outcome. Suboptimal management of injuries often leads to more extensive damage to the biliary tree and its vasculature. Early referral to a tertiary care center with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons and skilled interventional radiologists would appear to be necessary to assure optimal results.

Hepato-pancreato-biliary emergencies for the acute care surgeon: etiology, diagnosis and treatment

Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) emergencies include an ample range of conditions with overlapping clinical presentations and diverse therapeutic options. The most common etiologies are related to cholelithiasis (acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and cholangitis) and non-traumatic injuries (common bile duct or duodenal). Although the true incidence of HPB emergencies is difficult to determine due to selection and reporting biases, a population-based report showed a decline in the global incidence of all severe complications of cholelithiasis, primarily based on a reduction in acute cholecystitis. Even though patients may present with overlapping symptoms, treatment options can be varied. The treatment of these conditions continues to evolve and patients may require endoscopic, surgical, and/or percutaneous techniques. Thus, it is essential that a multidisciplinary team of HPB surgeons, interventional gastroenterologists and radiologists are available on an as needed basis to the Acute Care Surgeon. This focused manuscript is a contemporary review of the literature surrounding HPB emergencies in the context of the acute care surgeon. The main aim of this review is to offer an update of the diagnosis and management of HPB issues in the acute care setting to improve the care of patients with potential HPB emergencies.

Bile duct injuries following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Bile duct injuries occur rarely but are among the most dreadful complications following cholecystectomies.

METHODS

Prospective registration of bile duct injuries occurring in the period 1992-2013 at a tertiary referral hospital.

RESULTS

In total, 67 patients (47 women and 20 men) with a median age of 55 (range 14-86) years had a leak or a lesion of the bile ducts during the study period. Total incidence of postoperative bile leaks or bile duct injuries was 0.9% and for bile duct injuries separately, 0.4%. Median delay from injury to repair was 5 days (range 0-68 days). In 12 patients (18%), the injury was discovered intraoperatively. Bile leak was the major symptom in 59%, and 52% had a leak from the cystic duct or from assumed aberrant ducts in the liver bed of the gall bladder. Following the Clavien-Dindo classification, 39% and 45% were classified as IIIa and IIIb, respectively, 10% as IV, and 6% as V. In all, 31 patients had injuries to the common bile duct or hepatic ducts, and in these patients, 71% were treated with a hepaticojejunostomy. Of patients treated with a hepaticojejunostomy, 56% had an uncomplicated event, whereas 14% later on developed a stricture. Out of 36 patients with injuries to the cystic duct/aberrant ducts, 30 could be treated with stents or sphincterotomies and percutaneous drainage.

CONCLUSION

Half of injuries following cholecystectomies are related to the cystic duct, and most of these can be treated with endoscopic or percutaneous procedures. A considerable number of patients following hepaticojejunostomy will later on develop a stricture.

Predicting gangrenous cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Gangrenous cholecystitis (GC) is often challenging to treat. The objectives of this study were to determine the accuracy of pre-operative diagnosis, to assess the rate of post-cholecystectomy complications and to assess models to predict GC.

METHODS

A retrospective single-institution review identified patients undergoing a cholecystectomy. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of variables with GC and to build risk-assessment models.

RESULTS

Of 5812 patients undergoing a cholecystectomy, 2219 had acute, 4837 chronic and 351 GC. Surgeons diagnosed GC pre-operatively in only 9% of cases. Patients with GC had more complications, including bile-duct injury, increased estimated blood loss (EBL) and more frequent open cholecystectomies. In unadjusted analyses, variables significantly associated with GC included: age >45 years, male gender, heart rate (HR) >90, white blood cell count (WBC) >13,000/mm(3), gallbladder wall thickening (GBWT) ≥ 4 mm, pericholecystic fluid (PCCF) and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) >2. In adjusted analyses, age, WBC, GBWT and HR, but not gender, PCCF or ASA remained statistically significant. A 5-point scoring system was created: 0 points gave a 2% probability of GC and 5 points a 63% probability.

CONCLUSION

Using models can improve a diagnosis of GC pre-operatively. A prediction of GC pre-operatively may allow surgeons to be better prepared for a difficult operation.

Long-term health-related quality of life after iatrogenic bile duct injury repair

BACKGROUND

Data on the effect of bile duct injuries (BDI) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are not well defined. We sought to assess long-term HRQOL after BDI repair in a large cohort of patients spanning a 23-year period.

STUDY DESIGN

We identified and mailed HRQOL questionnaires to all patients treated for major BDI after laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2012 at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

RESULTS

We identified 167 patients alive at the time of the study who met the inclusion criteria. Median age at BDI was 42 years (interquartile range 31 to 54 years); the majority of patients were female (n = 131 [78.4%]) and of white race (n = 137 [83.0%]). Most patients had Bismuth level 2 (n = 56 [33.7%]) or Bismuth level 3 (n = 40 [24.1%]) BDI. Surgical repair most commonly involved a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (n = 142 [86.1%]). Sixty-two patients (37.1%) responded to the HRQOL questionnaire. Median follow-up was 169 months (interquartile range 125 to 222 months). At the time of BDI, mental health was most affected, with patients commonly reporting a depressed mood (49.2%) or low energy level (40.0%). These symptoms improved significantly after definitive repair (both p < 0.05). Limitations in physical activity and general health remained unchanged before and after surgical repair (both p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Mental health concerns were more commonplace vs physical or general health issues among patients with BDI followed long term. Optimal multidisciplinary management of BDI can help restore HRQOL to preinjury levels.

Management of iatrogenic bile duct injuries: role of the interventional radiologist

Bile duct injuries are infrequent but potentially devastating complications of biliary tract surgery and have become more common since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The successful management of these injuries depends on the injury type, the timing of its recognition, the presence of complicating factors, the condition of the patient, and the availability of an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon. Bile duct injuries may lead to bile leakage, intraabdominal abscesses, cholangitis, and secondary biliary cirrhosis due to chronic strictures. Imaging is vital for the initial diagnosis of bile duct injury, assessment of its extent, and guidance of its treatment. Imaging options include cholescintigraphy, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, and fluoroscopy with a contrast medium injected via a surgically or percutaneously placed biliary drainage catheter. Depending on the type of injury, management may include endoscopic, percutaneous, and open surgical interventions. Percutaneous intervention is performed for biloma and abscess drainage, transhepatic biliary drainage, U-tube placement, dilation of bile duct strictures and stent placement to maintain ductal patency, and management of complications from previous percutaneous interventions. Endoscopic and percutaneous interventional procedures may be performed for definitive treatment or as adjuncts to definitive surgical repair. In patients who are eligible for surgery, surgical biliary tract reconstruction is the best treatment option for most major bile duct injuries. When reconstruction is performed by an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon, an excellent long-term outcome can be achieved, particularly if percutaneous interventions are performed as needed preoperatively to optimize the patient's condition and postoperatively to manage complications.

Endoscopic management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy-associated bile duct injuries

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The efficacy of the endoscopic management of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC)-associated bile duct injuries is unclear because few studies on the issue report methods matched to injury type or long-term follow-up data.

METHODS

Records from our institution's 11-year experience with the endoscopic management of LC-associated bile duct injuries were reviewed. Leakage was managed with a 5- to 7F endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tube for 1 week without endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). Stricture was managed with the placement of a single 7F plastic stent for 1-2 months without EST.

RESULTS

Fifteen cases were experienced. Of the 11 cases (77.8%) of leakage, 7 improved clinically and on imaging after ENBD, 2 did not resolve until after the placement of a single plastic 7F stent for several more days, and 2 others with leakage and high risk for accidental ENBD removal improved after the placement of a single 7F stent. All 4 cases of stricture resolved completely after the placement of a single 7F stent. There were no severe complications of the endoscopic procedure. At long-term follow-up, no patient had recurrence of symptoms or complications on imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

ENBD for leakage and biliary stenting for strictures are safe and effective treatments for these LC-associated injuries.

Management of bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a review

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury following cholecystectomy is an iatrogenic catastrophe which is associated with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality, reduced long-term survival and quality of life, and high rates of subsequent litigation. The aim of this article was to review the management of bile duct injury after cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Medline and PubMed database search was undertaken to identify articles in English from 1970 to 2008 using the key words 'bile duct injury', 'cholecystectomy' and 'classification'. Additional papers were identified by a manual search of the references from the key articles. Case report was excluded.

RESULTS

Early recognition of bile duct injury is of paramount importance. Only 25%-32.4% of injuries are recognized during operation. The majority of patients present initially with non-specific symptoms. Management depends on the timing of recognition, the type, extent and level of the injury. Immediate recognition and repair are associated with improved outcome, and the minimum standard of care after recognition of bile duct injury is immediate referral to a surgeon experienced in bile duct injury repair. There is a growing body of literature supporting the importance of early referral to a tertiary care hospital which can provide a multidisciplinary approach to treat bile duct injury. Inadequate management may lead to severe complications.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the classification system is universally accepted as each has its own limitation. The optimal management depends on the timing of recognition of injury, the extent of bile duct injury, the patient's condition and the availability of experienced hepatobiliary surgeons.

Should laparoscopic cholecystectomy be practiced in the developing world?: the experience of the first training program in Afghanistan

OBJECTIVE

We address the controversial issue of whether or not it is wise to perform and train laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in a developing nation by reviewing the results of the first large series done in Afghanistan. Afghanistan has been devastated by 3 decades of war leaving it with deficiencies in training programs, medical technologies, and overall medical infrastructure that are among the worst in the developing world.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 137 consecutive cholecystectomies, 102 laparoscopic and 35 open, performed by 4 senior and 3 junior surgeons trained at our hospital in Kabul from July 2005 until February 2008. Deaths, complications, conversion rate, operative time, and hospital length of stay were compared.

RESULTS

Unrecognized major operative injuries occurred in 4 LC patients, 3 bile leaks, and 1 duodenal perforation, although there were no such injuries in the open cholecystectomy group. Complication rates were much higher for patients operated on for acute cholecystitis for both surgeon groups. Even though junior surgeons converted to open cholecystectomy more frequently than senior surgeons, they had a higher major complication rate. Hospital length of stay was 28% shorter for the laparoscopic group.

CONCLUSIONS

The high rate of major unrecognized intraoperative complications during LC in our series underscores the difficulties inherent in performing and training LC in developing nations. Practical changes are suggested to make LC more efficient and safer in a developing world hospital.

Iatrogenic bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has largely replaced open cholecystectomy as the standard of care for gallbladder excision. A major disadvantage of this trend has been the increased incidence of bile duct injuries, which, while uncommon, are significantly higher with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Most injuries are not recognized at the time of surgery and present in a delayed fashion, leading to significant patient morbidity and a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Treatment is governed by the time of presentation and the nature of the bile duct injury incurred and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Radiologists play a key role in management, with diagnosis of complications, accurate depiction of the biliary injury, and facilitating or providing definitive therapy depending on the type of injury.

Long-term outcome of biliary reconstruction for bile duct injuries from laparoscopic cholecystectomies

BACKGROUND

Major bile duct injuries remain a potentially devastating complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent a biliary-enteric reconstruction of a biliary injury to assess their long-term outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective review of bile duct injury database from January 1990 to December 2005.

RESULTS

A total of 144 patients were treated for bile duct injury, and 84 (58%) required a biliary-enteric reconstruction. Stratification by Bismuth-Strasberg injury level revealed E1 or E2 in 23, E3 in 33, E4 in 17, E5 in 1, and B+C in 10. Forty-four (52%) were operated within 7 days of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the remainder operated at a median of 79 days after referral. Early or late mortality occurred in 3 (4%). At a mean follow-up of 67 months, 9 patients (11%) developed a biliary stricture presented at a median of 13 months after bile duct repair. Level of injury was very important in predicting a postoperative biliary stricture: E4 (35%) versus E3 (9%; P = .023), and E4 versus E1, E2 B+C (0%; P = .001). More strictures occurred in patients operated within 7 days of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (19%) versus delayed repair (8%; P = .053). Overall, 90% of patients are alive and nonstented; 5 patients have chronic liver disease (1 on the waiting list for liver transplant). Nonbiliary complications occurred in 15 patients; the total morbidity was 40%.

CONCLUSIONS

Bile duct injuries that require a biliary-enteric repair are commonly associated with long-term complications. Level of injury and likely timing of repair predict risk of postoperative stricture.

New aspects in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard access. The aim of this study was to increase the safety of the procedure by using four new aspects.

METHODS

In this prospective study on 200 cases, four important points were used as a new technique to increase the safety of the operation, including: (1) Choosing the place of trocars, based on the ergonomic rule, which specifies a 120-degree angle between the two trocars in the surgeon's hands from outside and the trocar related to the telescope, and a 7-10-cm distance between each trocar and the position of the telescope and at least a 15-20-cm distance between the position of the telescope and the gallbladder, which is individualized in each case; (2) Starting with dissection from the Hartman's pouch at first and after encircling the Hartman's pouch, continuing to the cystic duct and artery to decrease the unavoidable risk of iatrogenic trauma to these structures (extensive dissection); (3) Ligating the cystic duct and artery by intracorporeal suturing to decrease the risk of bile leakage, ductal trauma, cystic artery bleeding, or inversion of clips into the duct; and (4) Removing the gallbladder through the umbilical trocar site to limit the number of trocars to three 5-mm trocars and one 10-mm trocar and also improving the cosmetic result.

RESULTS

All of the cases were chosen without any selection, but only 200 cases were analyzed because of the lack of data in the remaining 30 cases. In 20 of 200 cases, this technique was not practical in one or more of the above-mentioned aspects. Using ergonomic rules to select the sites of trocars made the operation easy and more convenient for the surgeon. One case of major bile duct trauma was reported in this study, compared to up to 4% of the classic form, confirms the importance of an extensive dissection in the Hartman's pouch. Ligation by suturing had not any leaking or bleeding, postoperatively, compared to up to 2.5% in the classic method. The cosmetic result was superior because of the deletion of subxiphoid trocar and our changing of one 10-mm trocar to a 5-mm trocar.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the above-mentioned new aspects is effective in decreasing the risk of ductal trauma or bile leak. Greater convenience for the surgeon as well as superior cosmetic results were evident, although this procedure requires great expertise during the operation.

Surgical management of bile duct injuries sustained during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: perioperative results in 200 patients

OBJECTIVE

A single institution retrospective analysis of 200 patients with major bile duct injuries was completed. Three patients died without surgery due to uncontrolled sepsis. One hundred seventy-five patients underwent surgical repair, with a 1.7% postoperative mortality and a complication rate of 42.9%.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The widespread application of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has led to a rise in the incidence of major bile duct injuries (BDI). Despite the frequency of these injuries and their complex management, the published literature contains few substantial reports regarding the perioperative management of BDI.

METHODS

From January 1990 to April 2003, a prospective database of all patients with a BDI following LC was maintained. Patients' charts were retrospectively reviewed to analyze perioperative surgical management.

RESULTS

Over 13 years, 200 patients were treated for a major BDI following LC. Patient demographics were notable for 150 women (75%) with a mean age of 45.5 years (median 44 years). One hundred eighty-eight sustained their BDI at an outside hospital. The mean interval from the time of BDI to referral was 29.1 weeks (median 3 weeks). One hundred nine patients (58%) were referred within 1 month of their injury for acute complications including bile leak, biloma, or jaundice. Twenty-five patients did not undergo a surgical repair at our institution. Three patients (1.5%) died after delayed referral before an attempt at repair due to uncontrolled sepsis. Twenty-two patients, having intact biliary-enteric continuity, underwent successful balloon dilatation of an anastomotic stricture. A total of 175 patients underwent definitive biliary reconstruction, including 172 hepaticojejunostomies (98%) and 3 end-to-end repairs. There were 3 deaths in the postoperative period (1.7%). Seventy-five patients (42.9%) sustained at least 1 postoperative complication. The most common complications were wound infection (8%), cholangitis (5.7%), and intraabdominal abscess/biloma (2.9%). Minor biliary stent complications occurred in 5.7% of patients. Early postoperative cholangiography revealed an anastomotic leak in 4.6% of patients and extravasation at the liver dome-stent exit site in 10.3% of patients. Postoperative interventions included percutaneous abscess drainage in 9 patients (5.1%) and new percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and stent placement in 4 patients (2.3%). No patient required reoperation in the postoperative period. The mean postoperative length of stay was 9.5 days (median 9 days). The timing of operation (early, intermediate, delayed), presenting symptoms, and history of prior repair did not affect the incidence of the most common perioperative complications or length of postoperative hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

This series represents the largest single institution experience reporting the perioperative management of BDI following LC. Although perioperative complications are frequent, nearly all can be managed nonoperatively. Early referral to a tertiary care center with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons and skilled interventional radiologists would appear to be necessary to assure optimal results.

Surgical management of bile duct injuries sustained during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: perioperative results in 200 patients

OBJECTIVE

A single institution retrospective analysis of 200 patients with major bile duct injuries was completed. Three patients died without surgery due to uncontrolled sepsis. One hundred seventy-five patients underwent surgical repair, with a 1.7% postoperative mortality and a complication rate of 42.9%.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The widespread application of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has led to a rise in the incidence of major bile duct injuries (BDI). Despite the frequency of these injuries and their complex management, the published literature contains few substantial reports regarding the perioperative management of BDI.

METHODS

From January 1990 to April 2003, a prospective database of all patients with a BDI following LC was maintained. Patients' charts were retrospectively reviewed to analyze perioperative surgical management.

RESULTS

Over 13 years, 200 patients were treated for a major BDI following LC. Patient demographics were notable for 150 women (75%) with a mean age of 45.5 years (median 44 years). One hundred eighty-eight sustained their BDI at an outside hospital. The mean interval from the time of BDI to referral was 29.1 weeks (median 3 weeks). One hundred nine patients (58%) were referred within 1 month of their injury for acute complications including bile leak, biloma, or jaundice. Twenty-five patients did not undergo a surgical repair at our institution. Three patients (1.5%) died after delayed referral before an attempt at repair due to uncontrolled sepsis. Twenty-two patients, having intact biliary-enteric continuity, underwent successful balloon dilatation of an anastomotic stricture. A total of 175 patients underwent definitive biliary reconstruction, including 172 hepaticojejunostomies (98%) and 3 end-to-end repairs. There were 3 deaths in the postoperative period (1.7%). Seventy-five patients (42.9%) sustained at least 1 postoperative complication. The most common complications were wound infection (8%), cholangitis (5.7%), and intraabdominal abscess/biloma (2.9%). Minor biliary stent complications occurred in 5.7% of patients. Early postoperative cholangiography revealed an anastomotic leak in 4.6% of patients and extravasation at the liver dome-stent exit site in 10.3% of patients. Postoperative interventions included percutaneous abscess drainage in 9 patients (5.1%) and new percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and stent placement in 4 patients (2.3%). No patient required reoperation in the postoperative period. The mean postoperative length of stay was 9.5 days (median 9 days). The timing of operation (early, intermediate, delayed), presenting symptoms, and history of prior repair did not affect the incidence of the most common perioperative complications or length of postoperative hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

This series represents the largest single institution experience reporting the perioperative management of BDI following LC. Although perioperative complications are frequent, nearly all can be managed nonoperatively. Early referral to a tertiary care center with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons and skilled interventional radiologists would appear to be necessary to assure optimal results.

Outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy: patient outcomes after implementation of a clinical pathway

OBJECTIVE

To determine the success of a clinical pathway for outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in an academic health center, and to assess the impact of pathway implementation on same-day discharge rates, safety, patient satisfaction, and resource utilization.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is reported to be safe for patients and acceptable as an outpatient procedure. Whether this experience can be translated to an academic health center or larger hospital is uncertain. Clinical pathways guide the care of specific patient populations with the goal of enhancing patient care while optimizing resource utilization. The effectiveness of these pathways in achieving their goals is not well studied.

METHODS

During a 12-month period beginning April 1, 1999, all patients eligible for an elective LC (n = 177) participated in a clinical pathway developed to transition LC to an outpatient procedure. These were compared with all patients undergoing elective LC (n = 208) in the 15 months immediately before pathway implementation. Successful same-day discharges, reasons for postoperative admission, readmission rates, complications, deaths, and patient satisfaction were compared. Average length of stay and total hospital costs were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

After pathway implementation, the proportion of same-day discharges increased significantly, from 21% to 72%. Unplanned postoperative admissions decreased as experience with the pathway increased. Patient characteristics, need for readmission, complications, and deaths were not different between the groups. Patients surveyed were highly satisfied with their care. Resource utilization declined, resulting in more available inpatient beds and substantial cost savings.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a clinical pathway for outpatient LC was successful, safe, and satisfying for patients. Converting LC to an outpatient procedure resulted in a significant reduction in medical resource use, including a decreased length of stay and total cost of care.

Update on laparoscopic cholecystectomy, including a clinical pathway

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the gallbladder is removed. Patients with symptomatic gallstones or biliary dyskinesis are eligible for this procedure. No specific contraindications exist except for poor surgical risk factors. The rate of conversion to an open technique is increased in patients with acute disease, pancreatitis, bleeding disorders, unusual anatomy, and prior upper abdominal surgery. Complications occur even with experienced laparoscopists, and the important technical aspects of surgery have been identified. The length of the hospital stay and postoperative recovery time is markedly shortened compared with that of standard cholecystectomy. This procedure offers sufficient advantages to patients that it has become the standard of practice in most cases.