Pain and quality of life in patients with symptomatic, non-complicated gallbladder stones: results of a randomized controlled trial

Persistent and new-onset symptoms after cholecystectomy in patients with uncomplicated symptomatic cholecystolithiasis: A post hoc analysis of 2 prospective clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for treating biliary colic in patients with gallstones, but post-cholecystectomy abdominal pain is commonly reported. This study investigates which symptoms are likely to persist and which may develop after a cholecystectomy.

METHODS

Patients from 2 previous prospective trials who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis were included. Patients completed questionnaires on pain and gastrointestinal symptoms before surgery and at 6 months follow-up. The prevalence of persistent and new-onset abdominal symptoms was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 820 patients received cholecystectomy and were included, 75.4% female (n = 616/820) mean age 49.4 years (standard deviation 13.7). At baseline, 74.1% (n = 608/820) of patients met all criteria for biliary colic. Cholecystectomy successfully resolved biliary colic in 94.8% (n = 327/345) of patients, but 36.5% (n = 299/820) of patients reported persistent abdominal pain after 6 months of follow-up. The prevalence of most abdominal symptoms reduced significantly. Symptoms such as flatulence (17.8%, n = 146/820) or restricted eating (14.5%, n = 119/820) persisted most often. New-onset symptoms were frequent bowel movements (9.6%, n = 79/820), bowel urgency (8.5%, n = 70/820), and new-onset diarrhea (8.4%, 69/820).

CONCLUSION

Postcholecystectomy symptoms are mainly flatulence, frequent bowel movements, and restricted eating. Newly reported symptoms are mainly frequent bowel movements, bowel urgency, and diarrhea. The present findings give clinical guidance in informing, managing, and treating patients with symptoms after cholecystectomy.

Management of symptomatic cholelithiasis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic cholelithiasis is a common surgical disease and accounts for half of the over one million cholecystectomies performed in the USA annually. Despite its prevalence, only one prior systematic review has examined the evidence around treatment strategies and it contained a narrow scope. The goal of this systematic review was to analyze the clinical effectiveness of treatment options for symptomatic cholelithiasis, including surgery, non-surgical therapies, and ED pain management strategies.

METHODS

Literature search was performed from January 2000 through June 2020, and a narrative analysis was performed as studies were heterogeneous.

RESULTS

We identified 12 publications reporting on 10 trials (9 randomized controlled trials and 1 observational study) comparing treatment methods. The studies assessed surgery, observation, lithotripsy, ursodeoxycholic acid, electro-acupuncture, and pain-management strategies in the emergency department. Only one compared surgery to observation.

CONCLUSION

This work presents the existing data and underscores the current gap in knowledge regarding treatment for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. We use these results to suggest how future trials may guide comparisons between the timing of surgery and watchful waiting to create a set of standardized guidelines. Providing appropriate and timely treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis is important to streamline care for a costly and prevalent disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO Protocol Number: CRD42020153153.

National clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease: 2021 recommendations from the Danish Surgical Society

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Gallstones are highly prevalent, and more than 9000 cholecystectomies are performed annually in Denmark. The aim of this guideline was to improve the clinical course of patients with gallstone disease including a subgroup of high-risk patients. Outcomes included reduction of complications, readmissions, and need for additional interventions in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease, acute cholecystitis, and common bile duct stones (CBDS).

METHODS

An interdisciplinary group of clinicians developed the guideline according to the GRADE methodology. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were primarily included. Non-RCTs were included if RCTs could not answer the clinical questions. Recommendations were strong or weak depending on effect estimates, quality of evidence, and patient preferences.

RESULTS

For patients with acute cholecystitis, acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended (16 RCTs, strong recommendation). Gallbladder drainage may be used as an interval procedure before a delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with temporary contraindications to surgery and severe acute cholecystitis (1 RCT and 1 non-RCT, weak recommendation). High-risk patients are suggested to undergo acute laparoscopic cholecystectomy instead of drainage (1 RCT and 1 non-RCT, weak recommendation). For patients with CBDS, a one-step procedure with simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and CBDS removal by laparoscopy or endoscopy is recommended (22 RCTs, strong recommendation). In high-risk patients with CBDS, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is suggested to be included in the treatment (6 RCTs, weak recommendation). For diagnosis of CBDS, the use of magnetic resonance imaging or endoscopic ultrasound prior to surgical treatment is recommended (8 RCTs, strong recommendation). For patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstone disease, observation is suggested as an alternative to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (2 RCTs, weak recommendation).

CONCLUSIONS

Seven recommendations, four weak and three strong, for treating patients with symptomatic gallstone disease were developed. Studies for treatment of high-risk patients are few and more are needed.

ENDORSEMENT

The Danish Surgical Society.

Healthcare utilisation of patients with cholecystolithiasis in primary care: a multipractice comparative analysis

OBJECTIVES

To examine general practitioners' (GP) management of cholecystolithiasis and to evaluate persisting abdominal complaints in the years after the diagnosis.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of registry data and a subset of individual medical records.

SETTING

Seventeen primary care practices affiliated with the Radboudumc Practice Based Research Network in the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS

633 patients with cholecystolithiasis diagnosed between 2012 and 2016.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of this study was the healthcare utilisation of patients with cholecystolithiasis diagnosed by the GP in terms of referrals to secondary care, laboratory diagnostics, prescribed medication and the prevalence of concomitant abdominal-related diagnoses in a time interval of 3 years before and 3 years after diagnosis of cholecystolithiasis. For secondary outcomes, electronic medical records were studied from seven practices to assess emergency department visits, operation rates and repeat visits for persistent abdominal symptoms. We compared the non-referred group with the referred group.

RESULTS

In 57% of patients, concomitant abdominal-related diagnoses were recorded besides the diagnosis cholecystolithiasis. In-depth analyses of 294 patients showed a referral rate of 79.3% (n=233); 62.9% (n=185) underwent cholecystectomy. After referral, 55.4% (129/233) returned to the GP for persistent abdominal symptoms. Patients returning after referral were more often treated for another abdominal-related diagnosis before cholecystolithiasis was recorded (51.9% vs 28.8%, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients in general practice with gallstones are referred and undergo cholecystectomy. Patients with concomitant abdominal-related diagnoses are likely to return to their physician. GPs should inform patients about these outcomes to improve the shared decision-making process before gallbladder surgery.

Evaluation of a shared decision-making strategy with online decision aids in surgical and orthopaedic practice: study protocol for the E-valuAID, a multicentre study with a stepped-wedge design

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia repair, gallbladder removal, and knee- and hip replacements are the most commonly performed surgical procedures, but all are subject to practice variation and variable patient-reported outcomes. Shared decision-making (SDM) has the potential to reduce surgery rates and increase patient satisfaction. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an SDM strategy with online decision aids for surgical and orthopaedic practice in terms of impact on surgery rates, patient-reported outcomes, and cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

The E-valuAID-study is designed as a multicentre, non-randomized stepped-wedge study in patients with an inguinal hernia, gallstones, knee or hip osteoarthritis in six surgical and six orthopaedic departments. The primary outcome is the surgery rate before and after implementation of the SDM strategy. Secondary outcomes are patient-reported outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Patients in the usual care cluster prior to implementation of the SDM strategy will be treated in accordance with the best available clinical evidence, physician's knowledge and preference and the patient's preference. The intervention consists of the implementation of the SDM strategy and provision of disease-specific online decision aids. Decision aids will be provided to the patients before the consultation in which treatment decision is made. During this consultation, treatment preferences are discussed, and the final treatment decision is confirmed. Surgery rates will be extracted from hospital files. Secondary outcomes will be evaluated using questionnaires, at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

DISCUSSION

The E-valuAID-study will examine the cost-effectiveness of an SDM strategy with online decision aids in patients with an inguinal hernia, gallstones, knee or hip osteoarthritis. This study will show whether decision aids reduce operation rates while improving patient-reported outcomes. We hypothesize that the SDM strategy will lead to lower surgery rates, better patient-reported outcomes, and be cost-effective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Netherlands Trial Register, Trial NL8318, registered 22 January 2020. URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8318 .

The association between patients' preferred treatment after the use of a patient decision aid and their choice of eventual treatment

Objective

To investigate the association between patients' preferred treatment and eventual treatment. Second, to compare patients with surgical treatment to watchful waiting in order to identify predictive factors for surgery.

Methods

A single‐centre retrospective study was performed between December 2015 and August 2018. Patients (≥18 years) who used a patient decision aid (PDA) for gallstones or inguinal hernia were included. After their first surgical consultation, patients received access to an online PDA. The patients' preferred treatment after the PDA was compared with their choice of eventual treatment. Multivariable regression analyses were performed for predictive factors for surgery.

Results

In total, 567 patients with gallstones and 585 patients with an inguinal hernia were included. Of the patients with gallstones, 121 (21%) preferred watchful waiting, 367 (65%) preferred surgery, and 79 (14%) were not sure. The patients' preferred treatment was performed in 85.9%. Frequent pain attacks (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1‐3.9, P = .020) and preference for surgery (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.9‐10.1, P = .001) independently predicted surgery. Of the patients with an inguinal hernia, 77 (13.2%) preferred watchful waiting, 452 (78.8%) preferred surgery, and 56 (9.6%) were not sure. The patients' preferred treatment was performed in 86.0%. The preference for surgery (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.5‐10.6, P < .001) independently predicted surgery and worry about complications predicted avoidance of surgery (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2‐1.0, P = .037).

Conclusion

This study, reflecting current clinical care, shows that patients' preferred treatment after using a PDA matches their eventual treatment choice in 86% of patients with gallstones or an inguinal hernia. In these patients, symptoms and patients' preference for surgery independently predicts eventual choice of surgery.

Physical Activity Modulating Lipid Metabolism in Gallbladder Diseases

Physical activity encompasses a series of overall benefits on cardiovascular health and metabolic disorders. Research has recently focused on the hepatobiliary tract, as an additional target of the health-related outcomes of different types of physical exercise. Here, we focus on the global features of physical activity with respect to exercise modality and intensity, and on studies linking physical activity to lipid metabolism, gallbladder diseases (gallstones, symptoms, complications and health-related quality of life), gallbladder motor-function, enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, and systemic metabolic inflammation. Additional studies need to unravel the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in both beneficial and harmful effects of physical activity in populations with different metabolic conditions.

Restrictive strategy versus usual care for cholecystectomy in patients with gallstones and abdominal pain (SECURE): a multicentre, randomised, parallel-arm, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

International guidelines advise laparoscopic cholecystectomy to treat symptomatic, uncomplicated gallstones. Usual care regarding cholecystectomy is associated with practice variation and persistent post-cholecystectomy pain in 10-41% of patients. We aimed to compare the non-inferiority of a restrictive strategy with stepwise selection with usual care to assess (in)efficient use of cholecystectomy.

METHODS

We did a multicentre, randomised, parallel-arm, non-inferiority study in 24 academic and non-academic hospitals in the Netherlands. We enrolled patients aged 18-95 years with abdominal pain and ultrasound-proven gallstones or sludge. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either usual care in which selection for cholecystectomy was left to the discretion of the surgeon, or a restrictive strategy with stepwise selection for cholecystectomy. For the restrictive strategy, cholecystectomy was advised for patients who fulfilled all five pre-specified criteria of the triage instrument: 1) severe pain attacks, 2) pain lasting 15-30 min or longer, 3) pain located in epigastrium or right upper quadrant, 4) pain radiating to the back, and 5) a positive pain response to simple analgesics. Randomisation was done with an online program, implemented into a web-based application using blocks of variable sizes, and stratified for centre (academic versus non-academic and a high vs low number of patients), sex, and body-mass index. Physicians and patients were masked for study-arm allocation until after completion of the triage instrument. The primary, non-inferiority, patient-reported endpoint was the proportion of patients who were pain-free at 12 months' follow-up, analysed by intention to treat and per protocol. A 5% non-inferiority margin was chosen, based on the estimated clinically relevant difference. Safety analyses were also done in the intention-to treat population. This trial is registered at the Netherlands National Trial Register, number NTR4022.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 5, 2014, and April 25, 2017, we included 1067 patients for analysis: 537 assigned to usual care and 530 to the restrictive strategy. At 12 months' follow-up 298 patients (56%; 95% CI, 52·0-60·4) were pain-free in the restrictive strategy group, compared with 321 patients (60%, 55·6-63·8) in usual care. Non-inferiority was not shown (difference 3·6%; one-sided 95% lower CI -8·6%; p_{non-inferiority}=0·316). According to a secondary endpoint analysis, the restrictive strategy resulted in significantly fewer cholecystectomies than usual care (358 [68%] of 529 vs 404 [75%] of 536; p=0·01). There were no between-group differences in trial-related gallstone complications (40 patients [8%] of 529 in usual care vs 38 [7%] of 536 in restrictive strategy; p=0·16) and surgical complications (74 [21%] of 358 vs 88 [22%] of 404, p=0·77), or in non-trial-related serious adverse events (27 [5%] of 529 vs 29 [5%] of 526).

INTERPRETATION

Suboptimal pain reduction in patients with gallstones and abdominal pain was noted with both usual care and following a restrictive strategy for selection for cholecystectomy. However, the restrictive strategy was associated with fewer cholecystectomies. The findings should encourage physicians involved in the care of patients with gallstones to rethink cholecystectomy, and to be more careful in advising a surgical approach in patients with gallstones and abdominal symptoms.

FUNDING

The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development, and CZ healthcare insurance.

A systematic review of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and quality of life reporting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide a valuable means of measuring outcomes subjectively from a patient's perspective, facilitating the assessment of service quality across healthcare providers, and assisting patients and clinicians in shared decision making. The primary aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise all historic studies evaluating patient reported quality of life, in adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones. The secondary aim was to perform a quality assessment of cholecystectomy-specific PROM-validation studies. A literature review was performed in PubMed, Google ScholarTM, the Cochrane Library, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsychINFO databases up to September 2017. Study characteristics, PROM-specific details and a bias assessment were summarised for non-validation studies. A COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) analysis was performed to assess the methodological quality of identified PROM-validation studies. Fifty one studies were found to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Although 94.1% of these studies included PROMs as a primary outcome measure, <20% provided level 1 evidence through randomised controlled trials (RCTs). There was significant variation in the selection and reporting of PROMs, with no studies declaring patient involvement in PROM selection, and 88.2% of studies failing to document the management of missing data points, or non-returned surveys (33.3%). In the 6 PROM-validation studies identified, only 5 psychometric properties were evaluated, the findings of which were limited due to the small number of studies. This systematic review identifies a lack in consistency of study design and PRO reporting in clinical trials. Whilst an increasing number of studies are being performed to evaluate PROs, a lack of adherence to existing PRO administration and reporting guidelines is continuing to negatively affect study quality. We recommend that future clinical trials utilizing PROs should adhere to established comprehensive guidelines as described.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for cholelithiasis 2016

Cholelithiasis is one of the commonest diseases in gastroenterology. Remarkable improvements in therapeutic modalities for cholelithiasis and its complications are evident. The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology has revised the evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for cholelithiasis. Forty-three clinical questions, for four categories-epidemiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis and complications-were selected, and a literature search was performed for the clinical questions with use of the MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases for the period between 1983 and June 2012. The guidelines were developed with use of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. This article preferentially describes the clinical management of cholelithiasis and its complications. Following description of the diagnosis performed stepwise through imaging modalities, treatments of cholecystolithiasis, choledocholithiasis, and hepatolithiasis are introduced along with a flowchart. Since there have been remarkable improvements in endoscopic treatments and surgical techniques, the guidelines ensure flexibility in choices according to the actual clinical environment. The revised clinical practice guidelines are appropriate for use by clinicians in their daily practice.

Cost-effectiveness of a new strategy to identify uncomplicated gallstone disease patients that will benefit from a cholecystectomy

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of a new strategy for the preoperative detection of patients that will likely benefit from a cholecystectomy, using simple criteria that can be applied by surgeons. Criteria for a cholecystectomy indication are: (1) having episodic pain; (2) onset of pain 1 year or less before the outpatient clinic visit.

Methods

The cost-effectiveness of the new strategy was evaluated against current practice using a decision analytic model. The incremental cost-effectiveness of applying criteria for a cholecystectomy for a patient with abdominal pain and gallstones was compared to applying no criteria. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was expressed as extra costs to be invested to gain one more patient with absence of pain. Scenarios were analyzed to assess the influence of applying different criteria.

Results

The new strategy of applying one out of two criteria resulted in a 4 % higher mean proportion of patients with absence of pain compared to current practice with similar costs. The 95 % upper limit of the ICER was €4114 ($4633) per extra patient with relief of upper abdominal pain. Application of two out of two criteria resulted in a 3 % lower mean proportion of patients with absence of pain with lower costs.

Conclusion

The new strategy of using one out of two strict selection criteria may be an effective but also a cost-effective method to reduce the proportion of patients with pain after cholecystectomy.

Quality of Life and Pain in Patients with Acute Cholecystitis

Background:

Acute cholecystitis carries a higher risk of subsequent gallstone related events than symptomatic, non-complicated disease. However, it is largely unknown to what extent non-operative treatment will affect the patient's well-being as no trial has studied the possible consequences on pain and quality of life. Our aim was to study in a randomized trial how observational treatment (watchful waiting) compared to cholecystectomy.

Methods:

Sixty-four patients with acute cholecystitis were randomized to observation or cholecystectomy. All gallstone related events were registered and patients answered questionnaires on quality of life (PGWB and NHP) and pain (Pain score and VAPS) at randomization and at 6, 12 and 60 months later.

Results:

Patients were followed-up for a median of 67 months. Ten of 33 patients (30 %, 95 % CI 15 %−46 %) patients randomized to observation and 27 of 31 (87 %, 95 % CI 75 %−99 %) of patients randomized to operation had a cholecystectomy. Twelve of 33 (36 %, 95 % CI 20 %−53 %) patients in the observation group had a gallstone related event compared to 6 of 31 (19 %, 95 % CI 5%−33 %) patients in the operation group, but the difference was not significant. When patients were grouped according to randomization or actual operative outcome (+/− cholecystectomy), we did not find any significant differences in pain or quality of life measurements.

Conclusion:

Although conservative treatment of AC carried a certain but not significantly increased risk of subsequent gallstone related events, this did not influence the symptomatic outcome as assessed by quality of life and pain measurements. Thus, we argue that conservative (non-operative) treatment and observation of AC is an acceptable option and should at least be considered in elderly and frail patients.

Gallstones

Gallstones grow inside the gallbladder or biliary tract. These stones can be asymptomatic or symptomatic; only gallstones with symptoms or complications are defined as gallstone disease. Based on their composition, gallstones are classified into cholesterol gallstones, which represent the predominant entity, and bilirubin ('pigment') stones. Black pigment stones can be caused by chronic haemolysis; brown pigment stones typically develop in obstructed and infected bile ducts. For treatment, localization of the gallstones in the biliary tract is more relevant than composition. Overall, up to 20% of adults develop gallstones and >20% of those develop symptoms or complications. Risk factors for gallstones are female sex, age, pregnancy, physical inactivity, obesity and overnutrition. Factors involved in metabolic syndrome increase the risk of developing gallstones and form the basis of primary prevention by lifestyle changes. Common mutations in the hepatic cholesterol transporter ABCG8 confer most of the genetic risk of developing gallstones, which accounts for ∼25% of the total risk. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms, abdominal ultrasonography and liver biochemistry tests. Symptoms often precede the onset of the three common and potentially life-threatening complications of gallstones (acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis and biliary pancreatitis). Although our knowledge on the genetics and pathophysiology of gallstones has expanded recently, current treatment algorithms remain predominantly invasive and are based on surgery. Hence, our future efforts should focus on novel preventive strategies to overcome the onset of gallstones in at-risk patients in particular, but also in the population in general.

Episodic Abdominal Pain Characteristics Are Not Associated with Clinically Relevant Improvement of Health Status After Cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy is the therapy of first choice in patients with uncomplicated symptomatic cholecystolithiasis, but it remains unclear which patients truly benefit in terms of health status improvement. Patients generally present with episodic abdominal pain of varying frequency, duration, and intensity. We assessed whether characteristics of abdominal pain episodes are determinants of clinically relevant improvement of health status after cholecystectomy.

METHODS

In a post hoc analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study, patients of ≥18 years of age with uncomplicated symptomatic cholecystolithiasis subjected to cholecystectomy were included. Preoperatively, patients received a structured interview and a questionnaire consisting of the visual analogue scale (VAS; range 0-100) and gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI). At 12 weeks after cholecystectomy, the GIQLI was again administered. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine significant associations.

RESULTS

Questionnaires were sent to 261 and returned by 166 (63.6 %) patients (128 females, mean age at surgery 49.5 ± 13.8). A total of 131 (78.9 %) patients reported a clinically relevant improvement of health status. The median (interquartile range) frequency, duration, and intensity of abdominal pain episodes were 0.38 (0.18-0.75) a week, 4.00 (2.00-8.00) hours, and 92 (77-99), respectively. None of the characteristics was associated with a clinically relevant improvement of health status at 12 weeks after cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics of abdominal pain episodes cannot be used to inform patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis who are skeptic about the timing of cholecystectomy for optimal benefit. Timing of cholecystectomy should therefore be based on other characteristics and preferences.

Prospective multicentre cohort study of patient-reported outcomes after cholecystectomy for uncomplicated symptomatic cholecystolithiasis

BACKGROUND

Up to 33 per cent of patients with uncomplicated symptomatic cholecystolithiasis report persistent pain after cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to determine characteristics associated with patient-reported absence of abdominal pain after cholecystectomy, improved abdominal symptoms, and patient-reported positive cholecystectomy results in a prospective cohort multicentre study.

METHODS

Patients aged 18 years or more with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis who had a cholecystectomy between June 2012 and June 2014 in one of three hospitals were included. Before surgery all patients were sent the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). At 12 weeks after surgery, patients were invited to complete the GIQLI and Patients' Experience of Surgery Questionnaire (PESQ). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations.

RESULTS

Questionnaires were sent to 552 patients and returned by 342 before and after surgery. Postoperative absence of abdominal pain was reported by 60·5 per cent of patients. A high preoperative GIQLI score, episodic pain, and duration of pain of 1 year or less were associated with postoperative absence of pain. These factors showed no association with improved abdominal symptoms (reported by 91·5 per cent of patients) or a positive surgery result (reported by 92·4 per cent).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative characteristics determine the odds for relief of abdominal pain after cholecystectomy. However, these factors were not associated with patient-reported improvement of abdominal symptoms or patient-reported positive cholecystectomy results, highlighting the variation of internal standards and expectations of patients before cholecystectomy.

Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cholecystectomy compared with observation/conservative management for preventing recurrent symptoms and complications in adults presenting with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones or cholecystitis: a systematic review and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Approximately 10-15% of the adult population suffer from gallstone disease, cholelithiasis, with more women than men being affected. Cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for people who present with biliary pain or acute cholecystitis and evidence of gallstones. However, some people do not experience a recurrence after an initial episode of biliary pain or cholecystitis. As most of the current research focuses on the surgical management of the disease, less attention has been dedicated to the consequences of conservative management.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cholecystectomy compared with observation/conservative management in people presenting with uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones (biliary pain) or cholecystitis.

DATA SOURCES

We searched all major electronic databases (e.g. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, Bioscience Information Service, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from 1980 to September 2012 and we contacted experts in the field.

REVIEW METHODS

Evidence was considered from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised comparative studies that enrolled people with symptomatic gallstone disease (pain attacks only and/or acute cholecystitis). Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Standard meta-analysis techniques were used to combine results from included studies. A de novo Markov model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the interventions.

RESULTS

Two Norwegian RCTs involving 201 participants were included. Eighty-eight per cent of people randomised to surgery and 45% of people randomised to observation underwent cholecystectomy during the 14-year follow-up period. Participants randomised to observation were significantly more likely to experience gallstone-related complications [risk ratio = 6.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57 to 28.51; p = 0.01], in particular acute cholecystitis (risk ratio = 9.55; 95% CI 1.25 to 73.27; p = 0.03), and less likely to undergo surgery (risk ratio = 0.50; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.73; p = 0.0004), experience surgery-related complications (risk ratio = 0.36; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.81; p = 0.01) or, more specifically, minor surgery-related complications (risk ratio = 0.11; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.56; p = 0.008) than those randomised to surgery. Fifty-five per cent of people randomised to observation did not require an operation during the 14-year follow-up period and 12% of people randomised to cholecystectomy did not undergo the scheduled operation. The results of the economic evaluation suggest that, on average, the surgery strategy costs £1236 more per patient than the conservative management strategy but was, on average, more effective. An increase in the number of people requiring surgery while treated conservatively corresponded to a reduction in the cost-effectiveness of the conservative strategy. There was uncertainty around some of the parameters used in the economic model.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this assessment indicate that cholecystectomy is still the treatment of choice for many symptomatic people. However, approximately half of the people in the observation group did not require surgery or suffer complications in the long term indicating that a conservative therapeutic approach may represent a valid alternative to surgery in this group of people. Owing to the dearth of current evidence in the UK setting a large, well-designed, multicentre trial is needed.

STUDY REGISTRATION

The study was registered as PROSPERO CRD42012002817.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Systematic review of the clinical and cost effectiveness of cholecystectomy versus observation/conservative management for uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones or cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Gallstone disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder in industrialised countries. Although symptoms can be severe, some people can be symptom free for many years after the original attack. Surgery is the current treatment of choice, but evidence suggests that observation is also feasible and safe. We reviewed the evidence on cholecystectomy versus observation for uncomplicated symptomatic gallstones and conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis.

METHODS

We searched six electronic databases (last search April 2014). We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomised comparative studies where adults received either cholecystectomy or observation/conservative management for the first episode of symptomatic gallstone disease (biliary pain or cholecystitis) being considered for surgery in secondary care. Meta-analysis was used to combine results. A de novo Markov model was developed to assess the cost effectiveness of the interventions.

RESULTS

Two RCTs (201 participants) were included. Eighty-eight percent of people randomised to surgery and 45 % of people randomised to observation underwent cholecystectomy during the 14-year follow-up period. Participants randomised to observation were significantly more likely to experience gallstone-related complications (RR = 6.69, 95 % CI = 1.57-28.51, p = 0.01), in particular acute cholecystitis (RR = 9.55, 95 % CI = 1.25-73.27, p = 0.03), and less likely to undergo surgery (RR = 0.50, 95 % CI = 0.34-0.73, p = 0.0004) or experience surgery-related complications (RR = 0.36, 95 % CI = 0.16-0.81, p = 0.01) than those randomised to surgery. Fifty-five percent of people randomised to observation did not require surgery, and 12 % of people randomised to cholecystectomy did not undergo surgery. On average, surgery costs £1,236 more per patient than conservative management, but was more effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment for symptomatic gallstones. However, approximately half the observation group did not require surgery or suffer complications indicating that it may be a valid alternative to surgery. A multicentre trial is needed to establish the effects, safety and cost effectiveness of observation/conservative management relative to cholecystectomy.

The clinical investigation of disparity of utility values associated with gallstone disease: a pilot study

Purpose. The utility evaluation was an effective method to incorporate all of the contributing variables for multiple diseases into one outcome measure. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the utility values associated with varying states of gallstone disease among outpatient clinics participants at a teaching hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. Methods. The utility values were measured by using time trade-off method. A total of 120 outpatient clinics participants (30 subjects with no gallstone disease, 30 subjects with single stone, 30 subjects with multiple stones, and 30 subjects with cholecystectomy) evaluated utility values from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. The diagnosis of gallstone disease was performed by a panel of specialists using ultrasound sonography. Results. The overall mean utility value was 0.89 ± 0.13 (95% CI: 0.87-0.91) indicating that study participants were willing to trade about 11% (95% CI: 9-13%) of their remaining life in return for being free of gallstone disease perpetually. The significant associated factors of utility values based on the multiple linear regression analysis were older age and different degrees of gallstone disease. Conclusion. Our results found that in addition to older age, multiple stones and cholecystectomy could influence utility values from the patient's preference-based viewpoint.

Diagnosis and management of gallbladder calculus disease

BACKGROUND

The number and rate of cholecystectomy are increasing worldwide, although indications for operative treatment remain empirical, and several issues in the understanding of the condition are not concisely outlined. Our intention is to summarize and interpret current opinion regarding the indications and timing of cholecystectomy in calculous gallbladder disease.

METHODS

Publications concerned with gallstone disease and related topics were searched for in MEDLINE using PubMed and summarized according to clinical scenarios with an emphasis on recent research.

RESULTS

Only one randomized controlled trial has investigated the management (conservative vs. surgery) of patients with acute cholecystitis and several have compared early with deferred surgery. Two RCTs have examined treatment of uncomplicated, symptomatic gallstone disease. Apart from these, the overwhelming majority of publications are retrospective case series.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent literature confirms that cholecystectomy for an asymptomatic or incidental gallstone is not justified. Symptomatic, uncomplicated gallstone disease may be classified into four severity groups based on severity and frequency of pain attacks, which may guide indication for cholecystectomy. Most patients below the age of 70 seem to prefer operative treatment. Acute cholecystitis may be treated with early operation if reduction of hospital days is an issue. Patients older than 70 years with significant comorbidities may forego surgical treatment without undue hazard. Symptoms following cholecystectomy remain in 25% or more and recent evidence suggest these are caused by a functional gastrointestinal disorder.

Persistent and de novo symptoms after cholecystectomy: a systematic review of cholecystectomy effectiveness

BACKGROUND

Cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment option for symptomatic gallstones, but the exact relationship between cholecystectomies and symptoms still is unclear. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of elective cholecystectomy for patients with cholecystolithiasis in terms of both persistent and de novo symptoms.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in Pubmed and Embase. The search included studies comprising patients 18 years of age or older undergoing elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis. The proportions of symptoms after cholecystectomy were calculated and then subdivided into persistent and de novo symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 38 studies reported the presence of postcholecystectomy symptoms. The results showed that upper abdominal pain, the main indication for cholecystectomy in the majority of the patients, mostly disappeared after surgery. However, it persisted in up to 33 % of the patients and arose de novo in up to 14 %. Diarrhea (85 %) and constipation (76 %) were the persistent symptoms most often reported, whereas upper abdominal pain and vomiting were the least often reported. Flatulence (62 %) was the most often reported new symptom. However, large variations in symptoms were found between studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The review indicates that cholecystectomy often is ineffective with regard to persistent and de novo symptoms. The finding that the types and proportions of persistent symptoms differ from those that arise de novo suggests that this distinction may be useful in predicting which patients would and which would not benefit from a cholecystectomy.

Risk assessment in cholelithiasis: is cholecystectomy always to be preferred?

BACKGROUND

As many patients with gallstone disease do not benefit from cholecystectomy, preoperative recognition of such high-risk patients is important. The aim of the study is to identify predictors of persisting symptoms at 6 months after cholecystectomy for patients with different preoperative symptomatology.

METHOD

Participants in this prospective study were consecutive patients (n = 172), age 18-65 years, with symptomatic cholelithiasis, undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Predictors were identified using uni- and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

At 6 months postcholecystectomy, patients with only preoperative biliary symptoms were most often free of symptoms (62.5%). Patients with only dyspeptic symptoms most often reported persistence of preexisting symptoms (63.2%). Preoperative non-specific symptoms predicted the report of postoperative biliary and/or dyspeptic symptoms (OR = 4.5-6.1). Persistence of preexisting pattern of symptoms was predicted by the use of psychotropic medication (OR = 5.3) and dyspeptic symptoms (OR = 4.5). Postoperative biliary symptoms were predicted by High Trait Anxiety (HTA) (OR = 10.6).

CONCLUSION

Surgeons should take account of individual risks of patients in the management of cholelithiasis. Instead of cholecystectomy, expectative management should be the first choice in patients with non-specific symptoms, with dyspeptic symptoms only, with HTA and in patients using psychotropic medication.

Natural history of gallstone disease: Expectant management or active treatment? Results from a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The knowledge of natural history is essential for disease management. We evaluated the natural history (e.g. frequency and characteristics of symptoms and clinical outcome) of gallstones (GS) in a population-based cohort study.

METHODS

A total of 11 229 subjects (6610 men, 4619 women, age-range: 29-69 years, mean age: 48 years) were studied. At ultrasonography, GS were present in 856 subjects (338 men, 455 women) (7.1%). GS were followed by means of a questionnaire inquiring about the characteristics of specific biliary symptoms.

RESULTS

At enrollment, 580 (73.1%) patients were asymptomatic, 94 (11.8%) had mild symptoms and 119 (15.1%) had severe symptoms. GS patients were followed up for a mean period of 8.7 years; 63 subjects (7.3%) were lost to follow up. At the end of the follow up, of the asymptomatic subjects, 453 (78.1%) remained asymptomatic; 61 (10.5%) developed mild symptoms and 66 (11.4%) developed severe symptoms. In subjects with mild symptoms, the symptoms disappeared in 55 (58.5%), became severe in 23 (24.5%), remained stable in 16 (17%); in subjects with severe symptoms, the symptoms disappeared in 62 (52.1%), became mild in 20 (16.8%) and remained stable in 37 (31.1%). A total of 189 cholecystectomies were performed: 41.3% on asymptomatic patients, 17.4% on patients with mild symptoms and 41.3% on patients with severe symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that: (i) asymptomatic and symptomatic GS patients have a benign natural history; (ii) the majority of GS patients with severe or mild symptoms will no longer experience biliary pain; and (iii) a significant proportion of cholecystectomies are performed in asymptomatic patients. Expectant management still represents a valid therapeutic approach in the majority of patients.

PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Sleepiness, Sleeplessness, and Pain in End-Stage Renal Disease: Distressing Symptoms for Patients

Symptoms are increasingly recognized as problematic for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with dialysis. Sleep disorders are common in ESRD patients treated with dialysis and are associated with patients' perceptions of quality of life, assessed by diverse measures, as well as depressive affect. Sleep disorders appear to be equally prevalent in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. Treatment for sleep disorders in dialysis patients depends on establishing the diagnosis, often in a sleep laboratory, using polysomnography. Reversing coexistent medical and psychological disorders is important. The sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) can be treated with continuous positive airway pressure in dialysis patients, but conventional hemodialytic techniques have little effect on its severity. In contrast, nocturnal HD and transplantation appear to have important beneficial effects on sleep disordered breathing in ESRD patients. Although pain has been appreciated as a problem for ESRD patients for more than 20 years, few studies exist on this subject. Pain appears to be an underappreciated problem for ESRD patients. More research must be performed on the problem of pain in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Defined indications for elective cholecystectomy for gallstone disease

BACKGROUND

This study examined symptomatology and quality of life following elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease with defined indications for surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective study of 200 consecutive patients (161 women; median age 46.5 (range 24-79) years), strict indications for elective cholecystectomy were stipulated. Digestive symptoms and quality of life were recorded with a self-administered questionnaire before and at 3 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Of 149 patients who experienced abdominal pain with typical location before surgery, 136 (91.3 per cent) reported total remission or reduced frequency of that type of pain 12 months later. Of 35 patients who reported atypical or multiple pain location before operation, 27 (77 per cent) experienced reduced frequency or disappearance of that type of pain. Frequency of pain episodes, atypical or multiple pain location, specific food intolerance and frequency of disturbing abdominal gas at baseline correlated positively with the frequency of abdominal pain episodes at 12 months after surgery. There was a tendency towards an inverse relation to age.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of persistent abdominal pain after elective cholecystectomy was low among patients with typical pain location before surgery. Atypical pain location, and frequent pain episodes before operation significantly reduced the chance of becoming pain-free.

The effect of music listening on older adults undergoing cardiovascular surgery

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of music listening on postoperative anxiety and intubation time in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease affect approximately 15 million Americans and 5 million persons in the U.K. annually, with the majority of these patients being older adults. The anxiety experienced before, during and after surgery increases cardiovascular workload, thereby prolonging recovery time. Music listening as a nursing intervention has shown an ability to reduce anxiety. The study used a randomized control trial design. Sixty adults older than 65 years were randomly assigned to the control and the experimental groups. The experimental group listened to music during and after surgery, while the control group received standard postoperative care. The Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory was administered to both groups before surgery and 3 days postoperatively. The mean of the differences between scores was compared using analysis of variance. Differences in mean intubation time were measured in both groups. Older adults who listened to music had lower scores on the state anxiety test (F = 5.57, p = .022) and had significantly fewer minutes of postoperative intubation (F = 5.45, p = .031) after cardiovascular surgery. Older adults undergoing cardiovascular surgery who listen to music had less anxiety and reduced intubation time than those who did not.

Watchful waiting after endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones: cheaper and better?

Drake et al. constructed a decision model to compare, in an older population, the costs and 2-yr survival rates of elective cholecystectomy versus expectant management after endoscopic removal of common bile duct (CBD) stones. The base case analysis indicated that the expectant management strategy dominated (less expensive and more effective) the elective surgery strategy. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the two strategies likely had equivalent effectiveness and that results were sensitive to the rate of recurrent biliary symptoms. Patient preferences for the different strategies (i.e., utilities) were not included in the model but are important to elicit and consider in clinical practice.