Relaparoscopy in minor bile leakage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: an alternative approach? Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2011;21:288-291. [PMID: 21857482 DOI: 10.1097/SLE.0b013e31822a2373]

Post-cholecystectomy bile duct injuries: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bile duct injury (BDI) is still a major worrisome complication that is feared by all surgeons undergoing cholecystectomy. The overall incidence of biliary duct injuries falls between 0.2 and 1.3%. BDI classification remains an important method to define the type of injury conducted for investigation and management. Recently, a Consensus has been taken to define BDI using the ATOM classification. Early management brings better results than delayed management. The current perspective in biliary surgery is the laparoscopic role in diagnosing and managing BDI. Diagnostic laparoscopy has been conducted in various entities for diagnostic and therapeutic measures in minor and major BDIs.

METHODS

35 cases with iatrogenic BDI following cholecystectomy (after both open and laparoscopic approaches) both happened in or were referred to Alexandria Main University Hospital surgical department from January 2019 till May 2022 and were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were classified according to the ATOM classification. Management options undertaken were mentioned and compared to the timing of diagnosis, and the morbidity and mortality rates (using the Clavien-Dindo classification).

RESULTS

35 patients with BDI after both laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) (54.3%), and Open cholecystectomy (OC) (45.7%) (20% were converted and 25.7% were Open from the start) were classified according to ATOM classification. 45.7% were main bile duct injuries (MBDI), and 54.3% were non-main bile duct injuries (NMBDI), where only one case 2.9% was associated with vasculobiliary injury (VBI). 28% (n = 10) of the cases were diagnosed intraoperatively (Ei), 62.9% were diagnosed early postoperatively (Ep), and 8.6% were diagnosed in the late postoperative period (L). LC was associated with 84.2% of the NMBDI, and only 18.8% of the MBDI, compared to OC which was associated with 81.3% of the MBDI, and 15.8% of the NMBDI. By the Clavien-Dindo classification, 68.6% fell into Class IIIb, 20% into Class I, 5.7% into Class V (mortality rate), 2.9% into Class IIIa, and 2.9% into Class IV. The Clavien-Dindo classification and the patient's injury (type and time of detection) were compared to investigation and management options.

CONCLUSION

Management options should be defined individually according to the mode of presentation, the timing of detection of injury, and the type of injury. Early detection and management are associated with lower morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic Laparoscopy was associated with lower morbidity and better outcomes. A proper Reporting checklist should be designed to help improve the identification of injury types.

Identification and management of subvesical bile duct leakage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A systematic review

Bile leak is a rare complication after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Subvesical bile duct (SVBD) injury is the second cause of minor bile leak, following the unsuccessful clipping of the cystic duct stump. The aim of this study is to pool available data on this type of biliary tree anatomical variation to summarize incidence of injury, methods used to diagnose and treat SVBD leaks after LC. Articles published between 1985 and 2021 describing SVBD evidence in patients operated on LC for gallstone disease, were included. Data were divided into two groups based on the intra or post-operative evidence of bile leak from SVBD after surgery. This systematic report includes 68 articles for a total of 231 patients. A total of 195 patients with symptomatic postoperative bile leak are included in Group 1, while Group 2 includes 36 patients describing SVBD visualized and managed during LC. Outcomes of interest were diagnosis, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes. The management of minor bile leak is controversial. In most of cases diagnosed postoperatevely, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) is the best way to treat this complication. Surgery should be considered when endoscopic or radiological approaches are not resolutive.

Relaparoscopy in the management of post-operative complications after minimally invasive gastrectomy for gastric cancer

Laparoscopy has already been validated for treatment of early gastric cancer. Despite that, no data have been published about the possibility of a minimally invasive approach to surgical complications after primary laparoscopic surgery. In this multicentre study, we describe our experience in the management of complications following laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. A chart review has been performed over data from 781 patients who underwent elective gastrectomy for gastric cancer between January 1996 and July 2020 in two high referral department of gastric surgery. A fully descriptive analysis was performed, considering all the demographic characteristics of patients, the type of primary procedure and the type of complication which required reoperation. Moreover, a logistic regression was designed to investigate if either the patients or the primary surgery characteristics could affect conversion rate during relaparoscopy. Fifty-one patients underwent reintervention after elective laparoscopic gastric surgery. Among patients who received a laparoscopic reintervention, 11 patients (34.3%) required a conversion to open surgery. Recovery outcomes were significantly better in patients who completed the reoperation through laparoscopy. Relaparoscopy is safe and effective for management of complications following laparoscopic gastric surgery and represent a useful tool both for re-exploration and treatment, in expert and skilled hands.

Re-laparoscopy to Treat Early Complications After Colorectal Surgery: Is There a Learning Curve?

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy for treating complications after laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) is still controversial. Moreover, its learning curve has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to analyze whether operative outcomes were influenced by the learning curve of re-laparoscopy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing LCS and reoperated by a laparoscopic approach during the period 2000-2019 was performed. A cumulative sum analysis was done to determine the number of operations that must be performed to achieve a stable operative time. Based on this analysis, the cohort was divided in 3 groups. Demographics and operative variables were compared between groups.

RESULTS

From a total of 1911 patients undergoing LCS, 132 (7%) were included. Based on the cumulative sum analysis, the cohort was divided into the first 50 (G1), the following 52 (G2), and the last 30 (G3) patients. Less computed tomography scans were performed in G3 (G1: 72% vs. G2: 63% vs. G3: 43%; P=0.03). There were no differences in the type of operation performed between the groups. The conversion rate (G1: 18% vs. G2: 4% vs. G3: 3%; P=0.02) and the mean operative time (G1: 104 min vs. G2: 80 min vs. G3: 78 min; P=0.003) were higher in G1. Overall morbidity was lower in G3 (G1: 46% vs. G2: 63% vs. G3: 33%; P=0.01). Major morbidity, mortality, and mean length of stay remained similar in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A total of 50 laparoscopic reoperations might be needed to achieve an appropriate learning curve with reduced operative time and lower conversion rates. Further research is needed to determine the learning process of re-laparoscopy for treating complications after colorectal surgery.

"Early" Reoperation to Treat Complications Following Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery: The Sooner the Better

BACKGROUND

Some postoperative complications after laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) require reoperation to be treated. However, if the timing to perform this reoperation has some influence on outcome remains elusive. The aim of this study was to analyze if the timing to perform the reoperation has some influence in postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing LCS and required a reoperation during the period 2000 to 2019 were included. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: early reoperation (ER): ≤48 hours or delayed reoperation (DR): ≥48 hours based on the interval between the suspicion of a complication and reoperation. Demographics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 1843 LCS were performed, 68 (43%) were included in ER and 91 (57%) in DR. A computed tomography scan was less frequently performed in the ER (ER: 45% vs. DR: 70%; P=0.001). The rates of re-laparoscopy (ER: 86% vs. 73%; P=0.04) and negative findings in the reoperation (ER: 13% vs. DR: 1%, P=0.001) were higher in ER. There were no statistically significant differences in overall major morbidity (ER: 9% vs. DR: 21%; P=0.06) and mortality rate (ER: 4% vs. DR: 8.7%; P=0.28) between groups. The need of intensive care unit was significantly higher and the length of stay longer for patients in the DR group.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a greater risk of negative findings, ER within 48 hours after the suspicion of a complication after a LCS offers higher chances of using a laparoscopic approach and it could probably provide better postoperative outcomes.

Porta Hepatis Injury during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Iatrogenic porta hepatis injury is a rare but devastating surgical complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There are no systematic studies examining the best treatment strategy in patients with this injury. We present a case of a 23-year-old woman with a large abscess in the right hepatic lobe due to an extreme vasculobiliary injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Although rare, the impact of vasculobiliary injuries after cholecystectomy highlights the need for constant alertness and prompt management in order to minimize mortality and morbidity usually associated with the routine operative procedure.

Minimally invasive surgery for the management of major bile duct injury due to cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the application of minimally invasive surgery in the management of cholecystectomy-related injury to the biliary tract. The aim of this analysis was to identify and combine the available evidence on the argument, with particular reference to major injuries to the main bile duct requiring biliodigestive anastomosis.

METHODS

The PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science electronic databases were queried through May 2019. Inclusion criteria considered all studies reporting detailed data about patients with bile duct injury following cholecystectomy receiving minimally invasive (both laparoscopic and robotic) surgical repair. Clinical outcomes data were pooled and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies reporting on the outcomes of 218 patients were eventually included in the analysis, whereby 148 patients with type D or E injury. Of these, there were 31 patients (21%) receiving direct bile duct repair and 117 patients (79%) undergoing bilioenteric reconstruction. Among patients with major bile duct injury, postoperative morbidity was 24%, being 12% the incidence of major complications and 6% the rate of patients requiring subsequent, further surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of high-level evidences precludes the possibility to draw definitive conclusions. However, the available data derived from a growing number of centers demonstrate that minimally invasive surgery may offer its well-known advantages on postoperative outcomes also in the setting of severe iatrogenic injury to the bile ducts.

Two Cases of Subvesical Bile Duct Injury Detected and Repaired Simultaneously during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Introduction

Subvesical bile duct (SVBD) injury is a secondary major cause of minor bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, this injury is usually not recognized intraoperatively, but postoperatively.

Case Report

Case 1: the patient was an 84-year-old female, preoperatively diagnosed with acute cholecystitis. During LC, a tiny hole in the gallbladder fossa from which bile juice oozing was confirmed. Suturing was performed laparoscopically. Case 2: the patient was an 81-year-old male, preoperatively diagnosed with cholelithiasis. Because of a previous history of gastrectomy, laparoscopic adhesiolysis around the gallbladder was performed. During dissection, a small amount of bile was oozing from the surface of the liver adjacent to the gallbladder fossa. Suturing was performed laparoscopically.

Conclusion

If a small amount of bile juice was detected, meticulous observation not only around the cystic duct stump but also the gallbladder fossa should be performed. Simultaneous laparoscopic suturing was feasible, and an ideal procedure against SVBD injury developed during LC.

A Memorable Moment During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report

Common bile duct (CBD) stones are encountered in 14%-15% of patients with symptomatic gall stone disease. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a primary modality for the management of pancreaticobiliary disorders. We present a case of unintentional stent placement into the gall bladder discovered during surgery.

Intraoperative Treatment of Duct of Luschka during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report and Revision of Literature

Background

Bile leakage still remains a serious complication during cholecystectomies. In limited cases, this complication may occur from injury of the so-called ducts of Luschka. These rare ducts are usually discovered intraoperatively, and their presence poses the risk of bile injury and clinically significant bile leak.

Presentation Case

We present a unique case of a 59-year-old male patient with acute cholecystitis. After removal of the gallbladder, thorough inspection of the hepatic bed was made and a little bile leak was identified from a duct of Luschka 1 cm away from the gallbladder hilum. We report on the use of endoscopic QuickClip Pro® clips (Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Tokyo, Japan) to avoid further more invasive treatment.

Discussion

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy played a crucial role for diagnosis and treatment of bile leaks with success rate near 94%. Many authors have argued the role of relaparoscopy, Diagnosis may be intraoperatively but this option does not seem to occur very often; in fact, there is a lack of data in literature.

Conclusion

This is the first case report of bile leak from duct of Luschka treated during the cholecystectomies with endoscopic clip.

First case report of bile leak from the duct of Luschka in a patient with mini-gastric bypass: The challenge of management

Introduction

The incidence of Bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy approaches 0.11%–1.4%. Ducts of Luschka are the second most common site of bile leaks. The rarity of these ducts with cases of anatomical alterations in the gastrointestinal tract such as mini-gastric bypass makes the management a challenging option.

Presentation of case

Hereby we present a unique case of 28 year old female patient with mini-gastric bypass who had done uneventful cholecystectomy. Day 3 postoperatively patient complained of diffuse abdominal pain. Computed tomography showed free fluid in the abdomen. Liver enzymes were normal. Relaparoscopy showed leaking bile duct of Luschka, which was closed by surgical clips and drains left in the spaces. However bile leak continued for 4 weeks then stopped. Patient did well after all.

Discussion

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy played a crucial role for diagnosis and treatment of bile leaks with success rate near 94%. However no data were available using this method in a patient with Mini-gastric bypass procedure. Many authors have argued the role of relaparoscopy, but it is still an important way for adequate drainage and control of bile leakage. The only significant factor in determining clinical outcome in cases of non-surgical management is the type of bile duct injury.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of bile leak from duct of Luschka after mini-gastric bypass treated successfully with relaparoscopy and drainage. Herein we will discuss all the available options of treatment and the challenge of it.

•

The combination of Duct of Luschka in a patient with mini-gastric bypass is unique in the literature.

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The challenge of management especially endoscopic one puts a great pressure on both surgeons and gastroenterologists.

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NO single data available in the literature in doing ERCP by any method in a patient with mini-gastric bypass.

Peritonitis from injury of an aberrant subvesical bile duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A rare case report

Aberrant subvesical bile ducts are rare anatomical structures. Damage to these ducts leads to bile leakage and can result in life-threatening complications. Surgeons should be cautious that such a structure may be present, and surgery should be performed with the correct surgical field to prevent damage to these structures.

[Non-functioning gallbladder as a risk factor for bile ducts injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

AIM

To analyze the effect of gallbladder's morpho-functional changes as a risk factor for injury of extrahepatic bile ducts during cholecystectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 20 564 patients. There were 147 64 (71.8%) patients with chronic gallbladder inflammation and 5800 (28.2%) - with acute process. It was performed a retrospective analysis of the incidence and causes of intraoperative trauma of extrahepatic bile ducts and bile outflow. Two groups of comparison were distinguished: acute calculous cholecystitis and chronic inflammation.

RESULTS

There were 93 (0.04%) complications followed by bile outflow (55 (0.94%) in the 1^st group and 38 (0.25%) in the 2^nd group). Marginal injury of the ducts was interoperatively detected in 5 patients of group 1 and 3 patients of 2 groups. In postoperative period it was found in 6 patients of the 1^st group due to electric trauma of common bile duct. Complete transection of common bile duct occurred in 10 (8.8%) cases, while chronic calculous cholecystitis was observed in 8 of them. At the same time, in 6 patients these were surgical interventions in scleroatrophic gallbladder. As a results, we determined the forms of non-functioning gallbladder with morphofunctional changes which promote trauma of extrahepatic bile ducts.

CONCLUSION

Long-term non-functioning gallbladder leads to cicatricial and adhesive processes in its wall and surrounding tissues that significantly complicates cholecystectomy and increases the risk of bile ducts trauma. Scleroatrophic gallbladder is the most dangerous which occurs in 4.1% of patients with chronic calculous cholecystitis. Further trials are advisable to develop optimal therapeutic and diagnostic tactics for various forms of long-term non-functioning gallbladder.

Role for laparoscopy in the management of bile duct injuries

Common bile duct (CBD) injury is the most serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Recently, laparoscopic techniques have been used in the management of postoperative bile leak and CBD injury; this literature has not been reviewed. We reviewed the literature on CBD injury, the approach to its diagnosis and management, and reports of laparoscopic management techniques. We combined this review with our experience in laparoscopic methods to highlight diagnostic and therapeutic options. Laparoscopic techniques can be used to prevent, diagnose and treat CBD injuries. Intraoperatively, CBD injury can be prevented in the case of short cystic duct with the use of a loop ligature or transfixing suture, and it can be diagnosed using intraoperative cholangiography or other visualization techniques. When CBD injury is suspected postoperatively, repeat laparoscopy can be used to control sepsis with abdominal washout; as a diagnostic tool to guide management; and, in some settings, as a therapeutic tool for suturing small duct leaks, drain insertion and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy. Definitive laparoscopic repair is possible when certain criteria are met. Open surgery should be considered when the CBD is small, the injury occurred more than 72 hours previously, injury or anatomy are complex, port positioning is awkward for repair, or local experience is limited with laparoscopic management. There is an emerging role for laparoscopy in the management of CBD injuries. More case reports and series are needed to show the safety and efficacy of this technique, encourage its wider adoption, and allow outcomes assessment on a larger scale.

Efficacy of reoperation vs first operation of the biliary tract by laparoscopy in patients with choledocholithiasis

AIM: To compare the efficacy between reoperation and the first operation of the biliary tract by laparoscopy in patients with choledocholithiasis.

METHODS: Clinical data for 136 patients who underwent laparoscopic biliary tract operation at our hospital from January 2009 to October 2013 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS: The rates of conversion to open operation in the reoperation group and the first operation group were 8.6% vs 2.5%, the rates of postoperative complications were 3.8% vs 5.3%, mean operative time was 179.80 min ± 29.82 min vs 176.45 min ± 27.56 min, mean intraoperative blood loss was 53.67 mL ± 27.13 mL vs 46.62 mL ± 28.62 mL, mean volume of postoperative abdominal drainage was 101.17 mL ± 55.21 mL vs 88.20 mL ± 75.52 mL, mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 5.71 d ± 1.31 d vs 5.26 d ± 1.54 d, and mean cost of treatment was 18.1 ± 4.7 thousand Yuan vs 17.0 ± 4.6 thousand Yuan. There were no statistical differences in the above parameters (P > 0.05) between the two groups. Complications in both groups were cured by conservative treatment. Neither stone recurrence nor bile duct stricture was found during the two-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION: There are no differences in efficacy between the reoperation group and the first operation group in patients with the choledocholithiasis. Reoperation of the biliary tract by laparoscopy is feasible and safe for such patients, and a history of prior biliary surgery is not a contraindication for laparoscopy.