Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage changes emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy to an elective operation in patients with acute cholecystitis

Early Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, after Percutaneous Gall Bladder Drainage, for Grade II Acute Cholecystitis TG18 in Patients with Concomitant Cardiopulmonary Disease

Background: The advancement in medical care has led to an increase in patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) and cardiopulmonary comorbidities referred for surgery. Grade II AC, according to Tokyo Guidelines in 2018 (TG18), is characterized by severe local inflammation with no systemic affection. The optimal treatment for patients with high-risk grade II AC has not yet been clearly established, which is still a dilemma. For these patients, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), despite being the only definitive treatment, is still a challenge. The introduction of percutaneous cholecystostomy as a temporary minimally invasive alternative technique allows an immediate gallbladder decompression with a rapid clinical improvement. However, the next step after percutaneous transhepatic gall bladder drainage (PTGBD) in these high-risk patients is still a debate, with no definitive consensus about the ideal treatment of choice as well as its optimal timing. In our study, we followed a treatment algorithm for high-risk patients that involved early gallbladder decompression by PTGBD, followed by LC at different intervals once the patient is considered fit for surgery. Method: A retrospective study of 58 patients with high-risk grade II AC with cardiopulmonary comorbidity from our medical records was included. They were managed initially with PTGBD, an LC was then performed either within 7 days after drain insertion (early group, 26 patients), while an LC was performed later for the remaining patients within 6-8 weeks after PTGBD (late group, 32 patients). The results of the two groups were analyzed. Result: Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in the late group. No significant difference was found between both groups with regard to operative time, PTGBD-related complications, and major perioperative complications. Timing after PTGBD did not affect the incidence of operative complications. Total hospital stay was significantly shorter in the early group. Conclusion: PTGBD is a safe initial intervention for high-risk patients with AC with a low morbidity and high success rate. Urgent LC after PTGBD can be performed safely for well-selected high-risk patients with the timing of surgery is personalized according to each patient's clinical situation. Early LC (after PTGBD) has the advantage of shorter hospital stay, low cost, as well as avoiding the risk of biliary complications and mortality if waiting a delayed surgery with no significant difference in morbidity compared with late LC.

Evaluating effectiveness and safety of combined percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis patients: Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute cholecystitis (AC) is a common disease in general surgery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is widely recognized as the "gold standard" surgical procedure for treating AC. For low-risk patients without complications, LC is the recommended treatment plan, but there is still controversy regarding the treatment strategy for moderate AC patients, which relies more on the surgeon's experience and the medical platform of the visiting unit. Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder puncture drainage (PTGBD) can effectively alleviate gallbladder inflammation, reduce gallbladder wall edema and adhesion around the gallbladder, and create a "time window" for elective surgery.

AIM

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of LC or PTGBD combined with LC for treating AC patients, providing a theoretical basis for choosing reasonable surgical methods for AC patients.

METHODS

In this study, we conducted a clinical investigation regarding the combined use of PTGBD tubes for the treatment of gastric cancer patients with AC. We performed searches in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database. The search encompassed literature published from the inception of these databases to the present. Subsequently, relevant data were extracted, and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A comprehensive analysis was conducted, encompassing 24 studies involving a total of 2564 patients. These patients were categorized into two groups: 1371 in the LC group and 1193 in the PTGBD + LC group. The outcomes of the meta-analysis revealed noteworthy disparities between the PTGBD + LC group and the LC group in multiple dimensions: (1) Operative time: Mean difference (MD) = 17.51, 95%CI: 9.53-25.49, P < 0.01; (2) Conversion to open surgery rate: Odds ratio (OR) = 2.95, 95%CI: 1.90-4.58, P < 0.01; (3) Intraoperative bleeding loss: MD = 32.27, 95%CI: 23.03-41.50, P < 0.01; (4) Postoperative hospital stay: MD = 1.44, 95%CI: 0.14-2.73, P = 0.03; (5) Overall postoperative complication rate: OR = 1.88, 95%CI: 1.45-2.43, P < 0.01; (6) Bile duct injury: OR = 2.17, 95%CI: 1.30-3.64, P = 0.003; (7) Intra-abdominal hemorrhage: OR = 2.45, 95%CI: 1.06-5.64, P = 0.004; and (8) Wound infection: OR = 0. These findings consistently favored the PTGBD + LC group over the LC group. There were no significant differences in the total duration of hospitalization [MD = -1.85, 95%CI: -4.86-1.16, P = 0.23] or bile leakage [OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 0.81-2.18, P = 0.26] between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The combination of PTGBD tubes with LC for AC treatment demonstrated superior clinical efficacy and enhanced safety, suggesting its broader application value in clinical practice.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy as bridge to surgery vs surgery in unfit patients with acute calculous cholecystitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment, still burdened by a risk of intraoperative biliary duct injury. An alternative strategy to manage patients with severe acute cholecystitis is the percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PGBD).

METHODS

The Italian Society of Emergency Surgery and Trauma performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim to clarify controversies about the preoperative use of PGBD. We extracted 32 studies: 9 Randomized Control Trial Studies (RCTs) and 23 no RCTs.

RESULTS OF CRITICAL OUTCOMES

The incidence of post-operative complications was lower in the PGBD associated at LC than in the LC alone (RCTs: RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.56, I2 = 63%). The incidence of the post-operative biliary leakage was higher in late PGBD' group (RCTs: RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.80).

RESULTS OF OTHER OUTCOMES

The incidence of intraabdominal abscess, blood loss, conversion to open, subtotal cholecystectomy, operative time and wound infection was lower in PGBD' group. The total hospital stay was the same.

CONCLUSION

A strong recommendation is performed to the use of the PGBD + LC than upfront LC to reduce biliary leakage (recommendation "strong positive") in high risk acute cholecystitis especially in patients with higher perioperative risks or longstanding acute cholecystitis. For post-operative complications a recommendation "positive weak" suggests that PGBD + LC could be used than upfront LC to reduce the rate of post-operative complications.

Outcome of early cholecystectomy compared to percutaneous drainage of gallbladder and delayed cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Compare outcomes of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) and percutaneous trans-hepatic drainage of gallbladder (PTGBD) as an initial intervention for AC and to compare operative outcomes of ELC and delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC).

METHODS

English-language studies published until December 2020 were searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies compared EC and PTGBD with delayed cholecystectomy for patients presented with acute cholecystitis were considered. Main outcomes were mortality, conversion to open, complications and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Out of 1347 records, 14 studies were included. 205,361 (94.7%) patients had EC and 11,565 (5.3%) patients had PTGBD as an initial intervention for AC. Mortality was higher in PTGBD; HR, 95% CI: [3.68 (2.13, 6.38)]. In contrast, complication rate was significantly higher in EC group (47%) vs PTGBD group (8.7%) in patients admitted to ICU; P-value = 0.011. Patients who had ELC were at higher risk of post-operative complications compared to DLC; RR [95% CI]: 2.88 [1.78, 4.65]. Risk of bile duct injury was six folds more in ELC; RR [95% CI]: 6.07 [1.67, 21.99].

CONCLUSION

ELC may be a preferred treatment option over PTGBD in AC. However, patient and disease specific factors should be considered to avoid unfavourable outcomes with ELC.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage Improves the Prognosis of Patients with Severe Acute Cholecystitis

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGD) for the treatment of severe acute cholecystitis (AC). The data of 40 patients diagnosed with severe AC at our hospital between August 2020 and June 2021 were retrieved and classified into a PTGD group, open cholecystostomy (OC) group, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) group, and conventional conservative treatment (CT) group. Before treatment and on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after treatment, their serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), white blood cell count (WBC), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and cancer antigen 19–9 (CA19-9) were measured. Additionally, clinical manifestations such as body temperature and pain score were monitored before treatment and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment. The recovery time and complications/adverse reactions were statistically analyzed, and the Kaplan–Meier survival curve was plotted. After treatment, compared with the other three groups, the PTGD group had a significant reduction in serum indicators, including WBC and inflammatory factors, recovery time, pain score, and complications, and benefitted from better treatment efficacy and higher survival rate. Thus, ultrasound-guided PTGD was found to be more effective in treating severe AC patients and was associated with improved patient prognoses.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage Combined with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Versus Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for the Treatment of Moderate Acute Cholecystitis: A Meta-Analysis

Background: We compared the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) with those of emergency LC (ELC) in patients with moderate acute cholecystitis (AC) as per the Tokyo Guidelines. Methods: A meta-analysis of clinical comparative studies investigating the efficacy of PTGBD combined with LC (PTGBD + LC) versus ELC for moderate AC patients was performed. Results: The PTGBD + LC group had a shorter operative time (mean difference [MD] = -25.02 minutes; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] -35.50 to -14.54; P < .00001), less intraoperative bleeding (MD = -33.38 mL; 95% CI -45.43 to -21.33; P < .00001), shorter postoperative hospital stay (MD = -2.37 days; 95% CI -3.30 to -1.44; P < .00001), lower conversion rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.23; 95% CI 0.11-0.48; P < .0001), and lower total postoperative morbidity (OR 0.26; 95% CI, 0.10-0.67; P = .005) compared with the ELC group. There was no significant difference in total hospital stay (MD = 1.71 days; 95% CI -0.17 to 3.60; P = .08) and the incidence of bile leak (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.07-1.29; P = .11). Conclusions: Compared with ELC, LC after PTGBD can effectively reduce the difficulty of operation, total postoperative morbidity, and conversion rate, and shorten the postoperative hospital stay and operative duration in patients with moderate AC as per the Tokyo Guidelines. In clinical practice, it is necessary to formulate individualized treatment plans based on the condition and willingness of the patients.

Comparison of emergency cholecystectomy and delayed cholecystectomy after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in patients with acute cholecystitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) are common treatments for patients with acute cholecystitis. However, the safety and efficacy of emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) and delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) after PTGBD in patients with acute cholecystitis remain unclear. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through October 2019. The quality of the included nonrandomized studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS). The meta-analysis was performed using STATA version 14.2. A random-effects model was used to calculate the outcomes. A total of fifteen studies involving 1780 patients with acute cholecystitis were included in the meta-analysis. DLC after PTGBD was associated with a shorter operative time (SMD − 0.51; 95% CI − 0.89 to − 0.13; P = 0.008), a lower conversion rate (RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.69; P = 0.001), less intraoperative blood loss (SMD − 0.59; 95% CI − 0.96 to − 0.22; P = 0.002) and longer time of total hospital stay compared to ELC (SMD 0.91; 95% CI 0.57–1.24; P < 0.001). There was no difference in the postoperative complications (RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.48–0.97; P = 0.035), biliary leakage (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.34–1.22; P = 0.175) or mortality (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.39–2.80; P = 0.933). Compared to ELC, DLC after PTGBD had the advantages of a shorter operative time, a lower conversion rate and less intraoperative blood loss.

Surgical outcomes of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in acute cholecystitis grade II patients according to time of surgery

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate timing for surgical intervention for Grade II acute cholecystitis patients. The study compares the clinical outcomes of patients in Group A, who were treated with early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) within the first two weeks of hospitalization, and Group B, treated with delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) after recovering from symptoms and that received conservative treatment and were discharged for more than two weeks.

METHODS

From November 2011 to June 2019, from a total of 196 acute cholecystitis patients that received percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) insertion, we conducted a retrospective review of the group that received early laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 2 weeks and the group that received delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The clinical characteristics and post-treatment outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

In all patients treated with PTGBD insertion, Group A, the patients who were treated with ELC, showed a significantly longer mean operative time than Group B, the patients who were treated with DLC (72.46 ± 46.396 vs. 54.08 ± 27.12, P = 0.001). Similarly, Group A showed a significantly longer postoperative hospital stay compared to Group B (5.71 ± 5.062 vs. 4.27 ± 2.931, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

In patients with Grade II acute cholecystitis with PTGBD insertion, DLC produces better outcomes with shorter hospital stay and operative time than ELC. These results suggest that DLC may lead to a better outcome than ELC, specifically when deciding the timing for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients diagnosed with acute Grade II cholecystitis.

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.

The association between bowel obstruction and the management of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis in elderly patients: A population-based cohort study

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of bowel events among elderly patients treated using only PTGBD (Percutaneous Gallbladder Drainage), or a cholecystectomy on its own, or PTGBD combined with a subsequent cholecystectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted with newly diagnosed cholelithiasis and cholecystitis patients who had no bowel obstruction history and were aged over 65 years during the period of January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2010. These patients were placed into 3 separate study cohorts; PTGBD alone, cholecystectomy alone and PTGBD with subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with the cohort frequencies matched by age and gender. We defined the index date as the time of the initial cholelithiasis and cholecystitis diagnosis date and began observation and suspended follow-up when the patient had either withdrawn from their health insurance, developed bowel obstruction or reached the date of December 31, 2011.

RESULTS

The incidences of bowel obstruction were 24.6, 19.2 and 13.6 per 1000 person-years for PTGBD cohort, cholecystectomy cohort and PTGBD respectively, with a subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy cohort. Compared with the PTGBD cohort, (which was adjusted for age, gender, CCI score and laparotomy history), the hazard ratio of bowel obstruction was 0.77 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.59-1.00) and 0.57 (95% CI = 0.43-0.76) for the cholecystectomy cohort and PTGBD with a subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy cohort respectively.

CONCLUSION

For treatment of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis in elderly patients, PTGBD with a subsequent cholecystectomy could benefit patients by providing a lower risk of ileus or intestinal obstruction.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage Combined with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy versus Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Acute Complicated Cholecystitis: Comparison of Curative Efficacy

Controversy exists on the suitability of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in acute cholecystitis, especially in patients with severe comorbidities. Recently, many nonsurgical departments have indicated a preference for percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD), but surgeons consider LC as the final treatment option for cholecystitis. This analysis evaluated the curative efficacy of PTGBD in combination with LC as compared with emergency LC (e-LC). We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 86 patients with acute complicated cholecystitis. Patients were divided into two groups as those who received e-LC and those who underwent PTGBD combined with LC (PTGBD1LC), and baseline characteristics, perioperative data, and operative parameters were compared to check for intergroup differences. Baseline characteristics were similar for the study groups. However, although the operating duration ( P = 0.12) and postoperative hospital stay ( P = 0.39) did not evidence significant differences, the PTGBD1LC group had significantly better outcomes than the e-LC group with regard to blood loss ( P < 0.05), peritoneal drainage duration ( P < 0.05), and time to postoperative resumption of oral intake ( P < 0.05). Moreover, conversion to open surgery, complications during LC, and mortality rate were all higher in the e-LC group. PTGBD combined with LC is an effective treatment for acute complicated cholecystitis, especially in elderly patients or those with serious comorbidities. To some extent, the curative effect of this method can be considered superior to that of emergency LC.

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage Combined with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Treating Acute Complicated Cholecystitis

The rate of acute cholecystitis in patients with severe underlying diseases is currently increasing. Several studies have reported percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) combined with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) as a safe and reliable therapeutic option in such patients. This study aimed to elucidate the optimal time interval between PTGBD and LC. In total, 65 patients with acute complicated cholecystitis from our hospital were divided into two groups, short-term LC (sLC) and postponed LC (pLC) group according to whether the procedure was performed within 5 days of gallbladder drainage or after 5 days, respectively. The complications after PTGBD, rate of conversion to open surgery, and complications and mortality after LC were compared between the groups. The sLC group showed significantly lesser operating time, blood loss, postoperative peritoneal drainage time, postoperative oral intake time, and complications compared to the pLC group ( P < 0.05). Other factors such as the length of hospital stay (LOS), conversion to open cholecystectomy, and mortality were not statistically significant between the groups. Combined treatment with PTGBC and sLC showed superior outcomes compared to PTGBC and pLC for acute cholecystitis in severely ill patients, thus constituting a feasible and secure treatment option in specialized centers.

Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage Combined with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical effect of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGD) in elder acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, and Wanfang Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on LC after PTGD in elder acute cholecystitis published from 1970 to July 2017. Two researchers selected RCTs, extracted data, and evaluated methodological quality independently, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. The chi-square test was used for heterogeneity analysis of RCTs included, and the funnel plots were used to evaluate publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 9 RCTs with 1000 patients were included in this analysis. Compared with the direct LC Group, the PTGD Group has significant better effect in operative duration (minutes) [standard mean difference (SMD) = -1.37, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -2.52 to -0.22, P = .02], the amount of intraoperative bleeding (mL) (SMD = -1.38, 95% CI: -2.11 to -0.65, P = .0002), conversion rate to laparotomy (%) [odds ratio (OR) = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.31, P < .00001], postoperative complication morbidity (%) (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.51, P < .0001), and postoperative hospital stay (days) (SMD = -1.26, 95% CI: -1.94 to -0.59, P = .0003). The funnel plots were slightly asymmetric, which suggested the presence of publication bias.

CONCLUSION

The PTGD before scheduled LC can effectively not only shorten operative duration, intraoperative bleeding less, and postoperative hospital stay but also decrease the rate to laparotomy and postoperative complication morbidity in elder acute cholecystitis, and it is recommended to be regarded as the preferred therapy of the elder patients.

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.

The Efficacy of Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Drainage on Acute Cholecystitis in High-Risk Elderly Patients Based on the Tokyo Guidelines: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGD) for high-risk elderly patients with acute cholecystitis.Retrospective analysis of 159 acute cholecystitis patients who were admitted to General Surgery Division III of the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University between January 2005 and November 2012. A total of 123 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), and 36 received only PTGD treatment. The LC patients were divided into 3 groups based on their preoperative treatment: group A, emergency patients (33 patients); group B (26 patients), patients who were treated with PTGD prior to LC; and group C (64 patients), patients who received nonsurgical treatment prior to LC. General conditions, LC surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss, rate of conversion to open surgery, incidence of postoperative complications, total fasting time, and total hospitalization time were analyzed and compared among the 3 groups.The remission rates of patients in the PTGD treatment groups (including group B and PTGD treatment only group) were significantly higher within 24 and 48 hours than those of patients who received nonsurgical treatment prior to LC (P < 0.05). Among the patients in the 3 surgery groups, the operation conversion rate (19.2%) of group B was significantly higher than that of group A (3.0%) and group C (1.6%) (P < 0.05). The total hospitalization time of the patients in group B (18.5 ± 4.5 days) was longer than that of the patients in group A (8.2 ± 3.9 days) and group C (10.5 ± 6.4 days). The total fasting time of the patients in group A (2.4 ± 1.2 days) was significantly shorter than that of those in group B (4.1 ± 1.7 days) and group C (3.4 ± 2.7 days) (P < 0.05).For high-risk elderly patients, if there is any emergency surgery contraindication, PTGD therapy may be safe and effective and can relieve the symptoms within a short time. For acute cholecystitis patients without surgery contraindications, emergency surgery should be performed as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Efficacy and safety of B-mode ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage combined with laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in elderly and high-risk patients

Background

Standards in treatment of acute cholecystitis (AC) in the elderly and high-risk patients has not been established. Our study evaluated the efficacy and safety of B-mode ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGD) in combination with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis (AC) in elderly and high-risk patients.

Methods

Our study enrolled 35 elderly and high-risk AC patients, hospitalized between January 2010 and April 2014 at the Wenzhou People's Hospital. The patients underwent B-mode ultrasound-guided PTGD and LC (PTGD + LC group). As controls, a separate group of 35 elderly and high-risk AC patients who underwent LC alone (LC group) during the same period at the same hospital were randomly selected from a pool of 186 such cases. The volume of bleeding, surgery time, postoperative length of stay, conversion rate to laparotomy and complication rates (bile leakage, bleeding, incisional hernia, incision infection, pulmonary infarction and respiratory failure) were recorded for each patient in the two groups.

Results

All patients in the PTGD + LC group successfully underwent PTGD. In the PTGD + LC group, abdominal pain in patients was relieved and leukocyte count, alkaline phosphatase level, total bilirubin and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) decreased to normal range, and alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels improved significantly within 72 h after treatment. All patients in the PTGD + LC group underwent LC within 6–10 weeks after PTGD. Our study revealed that PTGD + LC showed a significantly higher efficacy and safety compared to LC alone in AC treatment, as measured by the following parameters: duration of operation, postoperative length of hospital stay, volume of bleeding, conversion rate to laparotomy and complication rate (operation time of LC: 55.6 ± 23.3 min vs. 91.35 ± 25.1 min; hospitalized period after LC: 3.0 ± 1.3 d vs. 7.0 ± 1.7 d; intraoperative bleeding: 28.7 ± 15.2 ml vs. 60.38 ± 16.4 ml; conversion to laparotomy: 3 cases vs. 10 cases; complication: 3 cases vs. 8 cases; all P < 0.05 ).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that B-mode ultrasound-guided PTGD in combination with LC is superior to LC alone for treatment of AC in elderly and high-risk patients, showing multiple advantages of minimal wounding, accelerated recovery, higher safety and efficacy, and fewer complications.

Predictors of prolonged laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of low-grade acute cholecystitis: a single-center, retrospective, observational study

Aim

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is frequently used to treat low-grade acute cholecystitis. Improvements in technical skills have reduced the rate of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery. In this study, we sought to identify factors that might predict the surgical time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as possible markers for surgical difficulty.

Methods

We carried out a single-center retrospective analysis of a Japanese medical insurance database. Data were retrieved for 87 patients with acute cholecystitis. The analyzed factors included age, sex, body mass index, medical history, blood laboratory data, computed tomography findings, and time from disease onset to surgery. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with surgical time.

Results

Edema of the gallbladder wall on computed tomography, neutrophil sequestration, body mass index, and history of acute cholangitis were significantly associated with surgical time (P = 0.014, 0.027, 0.043, and 0.047, respectively). The conversion rate from laparoscopic surgery to open surgery was 2%.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that edema of the gallbladder wall on computed tomography, neutrophil sequestration, body mass index, and history of acute cholangitis are associated with surgical time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in our hospital.

Emergency cholecystectomy vs percutaneous cholecystostomy plus delayed cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

In low-risk patients with acute cholecystitis who did not respond to nonoperative treatment, we prospectively compared treatment with emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy or percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy followed by delayed cholecystectomy.

METHODS

In 91 patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II) who had symptoms of acute cholecystitis ≥72 hours at hospital admission and who did not respond to nonoperative treatment (48 hours), 48 patients were treated with emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 43 patients were treated with delayed cholecystectomy at ≥4 weeks after insertion of a percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy catheter. After initial treatment, the patients were followed up for 23 months on average (range 7-29).

RESULT

Compared with the patients who had emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patients who were treated with percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy and delayed cholecystectomy had a lower frequency of conversion to open surgery [19 (40%) vs 8 (19%); P=0.029], a frequency of intraoperative bleeding ≥100 mL [16 (33%) vs 4 (9%); P=0.006], a mean postoperative hospital stay (5.3+/-3.3 vs 3.0+/-2.4 days; P=0.001), and a frequency of complications [17 (35%) vs 4 (9%); P=0.003].

CONCLUSION

In patients with acute cholecystitis who presented to the hospital ≥72 hours after symptom onset and did not respond to nonoperative treatment for 48 hours, percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy with delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy produced better outcomes and fewer complications than emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage followed by elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with moderate acute cholecystitis under antithrombotic therapy

BACKGROUND

Standard treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC) in patients receiving antithrombotic drugs has not been established. We evaluated the safety of percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) followed by elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with moderate AC who were receiving antithrombotics.

METHODS

Seventy-five patients received PTGBD from January 2006 to March 2013 followed by elective LC for moderate AC. Patients were divided into Group A, which consisted of patients receiving antithrombotic therapy (n = 23), and Group B, which included the remaining patients (n = 52). We analyzed clinical outcomes and perioperative complications between groups.

RESULTS

No hemorrhagic events occurred during PTGBD insertion regardless of antithrombotic treatment. The open conversion rate was not significantly different between the two groups. Postoperative complications were found in 10 patients (13.3%). The rate of postoperative complications in Group A was slightly higher than that in Group B, but the difference was not significant (21.7% vs. 9.6%; P = 0.15). Complications associated with PTGBD occurred in six patients (8%). There were no significant differences in the incidence of these complications, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, or length of postoperative hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage followed by elective LC may be an effective therapeutic strategy for moderate AC in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy.