Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration for choledocholithiasis in a patient with situs inversus totalis - Case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration with cholecystectomy in patients with situs inversus totalis (SIT) is technically demanding and warrants comprehensive knowledge of the mirror image anatomy along with laparoscopic orientation of the left upper quadrant.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this case report, we present a female patient who presented with pain in the left hypochondrium, yellowish discoloration of the eyes since 2 months. She was evaluated, diagnosed to be a case of SIT with cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis in cholangitis and endoscopic attempts for stone clearance failed. She subsequently underwent laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) with cholecystectomy. Per-operative, cystic duct was short and a choledochoscope was utilized for bile duct clearance.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Laparoscopic surgery in patients with SIT is complex, technically challenging and requires a in depth knowledge of remodeled anatomy. We noted a change in the relation of portal vein with CBD as in the portal vein was postero-lateral to bile duct rather than being completely posterior. The key here is to stay close to the common bile duct which can avoid confusion and inadvertent injury to vital structures in the hepato-duodenal ligament.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and CBD exploration in situs inversus is extremely challenging and the surgeon should be aware of the ergonomics and practice to operate laparoscopically with the opposite hand I.e the non-dominant hand in right-handed surgeon. Thus, laparoscopic cholecystectomy with LCBDE in situs inversus totalis is safe and feasible but demands technical difficulties.

Risk factors for biliary tract events during elective cholecystectomy waiting time after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis

Objectives

Endoscopic lithotripsy and elective cholecystectomy, followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, are the first-line treatments for patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones (CBDS) and gallstones. However, this approach entails acute cholecystitis and recurrent cholangitis risk while patients await surgery. We aimed to identify acute cholecystitis and cholangitis risk factors during the waiting time for elective cholecystectomy.

Methods

This study comprised 151 patients with CBDS combined with gallstones who underwent cholecystectomy within 90 days of the first endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at two tertiary care centers between January 2019 and October 2021.

Results

The incidence of biliary tract events (acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, or any complications requiring unplanned cholangiopancreatography) was 28% (43 cases). In univariate and multivariate analyses, plastic stent placement as a bridge to surgery for the first treatment of CBDS was an independent risk factor for biliary tract events during the waiting time for surgery (odds ratio 4.25, p = 0.002). A subgroup analysis among those with plastic stent placement revealed a CBD diameter of ≤ 10 mm as an independent risk factor for acute cholecystitis (odds ratio 4.32; p = 0.027); a CBD diameter ≥ 11 mm was an independent risk factor for acute cholangitis and unplanned re-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (odds ratio 5.66; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Plastic stent placement for CBDS before elective cholecystectomy increases the risk of acute cholecystitis or acute cholangitis during the waiting time for elective cholecystectomy.

Comparative efficacy of laparoscopic choledocholithotomy with T-tube insertion vs. primary suture in the management of cholecystolithiasis complicated by choledocholithiasis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic choledocholithotomy with either an indwelling T-tube or primary suture in treating cholecystolithiasis complicated by choledocholithiasis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 133 patients with cholecystolithiasis complicated by choledocholithiasis treated at Inner Mongolia Aerospace Medical Baogang Hospital from March 2020 to March 2023. Patients were divided into a control group (laparoscopic choledocholithotomy with T-tube placement) and an observation group (laparoscopic choledocholithotomy with primary suture). We compared general and surgery-related data between groups. Factors correlated with favorable postoperative outcomes were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

The observation group exhibited significantly shorter surgical times, faster intestinal function recovery, reduced postoperative hospital stays, and lower total hospitalization costs compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in postoperative total bilirubin (TBIL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels between the groups (all P > 0.05). Both primary suture technique and the absence of postoperative complications were independent predictors of favorable outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic choledocholithotomy with primary suture is associated with shorter operation times, reduced medical costs, decreased hospitalization duration, and quicker gastrointestinal recovery compared to the traditional T-tube approach. This method is safe and feasible, provided clinicians are well-versed in its indications.

Comparison of the clinical effects of dual-modality endoscopy and traditional laparotomy for the treatment of intra- and extrahepatic bile duct stones

BACKGROUND

Bile duct stones (BDSs) may cause patients to develop liver cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Currently, the success rate of surgical treatment for intrahepatic and extrahepatic BDSs is not satisfactory, and there is a risk of postoperative complications.

AIM

To compare the clinical effects of dual-modality endoscopy (duodenoscopy and laparoscopy) with those of traditional laparotomy in the treatment of intra- and extrahepatic BDSs.

METHODS

Ninety-five patients with intra- and extrahepatic BDSs who sought medical services at Wuhan No.1 Hospital between August 2019 and May 2023 were selected; 45 patients in the control group were treated by traditional laparotomy, and 50 patients in the research group were treated by dual-modality endoscopy. The following factors were collected for analysis: curative effects, safety (incision infection, biliary fistula, lung infection, hemobilia), surgical factors [surgery time, intraoperative blood loss (IBL) volume, gastrointestinal function recovery time, and length of hospital stay], serum inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8], and oxidative stress [glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and advanced protein oxidation products (AOPPs)].

RESULTS

The analysis revealed markedly better efficacy (an obviously higher total effective rate) in the research group than in the control group. In addition, an evidently lower postoperative complication rate, shorter surgical duration, gastrointestinal function recovery time and hospital stay, and lower IBL volume were observed in the research group. Furthermore, the posttreatment serum inflammatory marker (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) levels were significantly lower in the research group than in the control group. Compared with those in the control group, the posttreatment GSH-Px, SOD, MDA and AOPPs in the research group were equivalent to the pretreatment levels; for example, the GSH-Px and SOD levels were significantly higher, while the MDA and AOPP levels were lower.

CONCLUSION

Dual-modality endoscopy therapy (duodenoscopy and laparoscopy) is more effective than traditional laparotomy in the treatment of intra- and extrahepatic BDSs and has a lower risk of postoperative complications; significantly shortened surgical time; shorter gastrointestinal function recovery time; shorter hospital stay; and lower intraoperative bleeding volume, while having a significant inhibitory effect on excessive serum inflammation and causing little postoperative oxidative stress.

Using deep learning models in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography images to diagnose common bile duct stones

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) plays a significant role in diagnosing common bile duct stones (CBDS). Currently, there are no studies to detect CBDS by using the deep learning (DL) model in MRCP. This study aimed to use the DL model You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5) to diagnose CBDS in MRCP images and verify its validity compared to the accuracy of radiologists.

METHODS

By collecting the thick-slab MRCP images of patients diagnosed with CBDS, 4 submodels of YOLOv5 were used to train and validate the performance. Precision, recall rate, and mean average precision (mAP) were used to evaluate model performance. Analyze possible reasons that may affect detection accuracy by validating MRCP images in 63 CBDS patients and comparing them with radiologist detection accuracy. Calculate the correctness of YOLOv5 for detecting one CBDS and multiple CBDS separately.

RESULTS

The precision of YOLOv5l (0.970) was higher than that of YOLOv5x (0.909), YOLOv5m (0.874), and YOLOv5s (0.939). The mAP did not differ significantly between the 4 submodels, with the following results: YOLOv5l (0.942), YOLOv5x (0.947), YOLO5s (0.927), and YOLOv5m (0.946). However, in terms of training time, YOLOv5s was the fastest (4.8 h), detecting CBDS in only 7.2 milliseconds per image. In 63 patients the YOLOv5l model detected CBDS with an accuracy of 90.5% compared to 92.1% for radiologists, analyzing the difference between the positive group successfully identified and the unidentified negative group not. The incorporated variables include common bile duct diameter > 1 cm (p = .560), combined gallbladder stones (p = .706), maximum stone diameter (p = .057), combined cholangitis (p = .846), and combined pancreatitis (p = .656), and the number of CBDS (p = .415). When only one CBDS was present, the accuracy rate reached 94%. When multiple CBDSs were present, the recognition rate dropped to 70%.

CONCLUSION

YOLOv5l is the model with the best results and is almost as accurate as the radiologist's detection of CBDS and is also capable of detecting the number of CBDS. Although the accuracy of the test gradually decreases as the number of stones increases, it can still be useful for the clinician's initial diagnosis.

Evaluation of the ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator in patients undergoing common bile duct exploration

PURPOSE

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) surgical risk calculator is a risk stratification tool to help predict risks of postoperative complications, which is important for informed decision-making. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the calculator in predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing common bile duct (CBD) exploration.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was completed for 305 patients that underwent open and laparoscopic CBD exploration at a single institution from 2010 to 2018. Patient demographics and preoperative risk factors were entered into the calculator, and the predicted complication risks were compared with observed complication rates. Brier score, C-statistic, and Hosmer-Lemeshow regression analysis were used to assess discrimination and calibration.

RESULTS

The observed rate exceeded the predicted rate for any complication (35.1% vs. 21%), return to operating room (5.9% vs. 3.6%), death (3.3% vs. 1%), and sepsis (3% vs. 2.4%). The model performed best in predicting serious complication (Brier 0.087, C-statistic 0.818, Hosmer-Lemeshow 0.695), surgical site infection (Brier 0.068, C-statistic 0.670, Hosmer-Lemeshow 0.292), discharge to rehabilitation facility (Brier 0.041, C-statistic 0.907, Hosmer-Lemeshow 0.638), and death (Brier 0.028, C-statistic 0.898, Hosmer-Lemeshow 0.004). In multivariable analysis, there was no statistically significant predicted complication type that affected the type of surgery.

CONCLUSION

The calculator was accurate in predicting serious complication, surgical site infection, discharge to rehabilitation facility, and death. However, the model displayed poor predictive ability in all other complications that were analyzed.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as a single-modality 'gold-standard' treatment for common bile duct stones in the elderly

BACKGROUND

There are more octogenarians presenting with gallstone disease each year. Many are not suitable for surgical intervention. An alternative treatment option for common bile duct stones in the elderly is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with or without stent insertion.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study using a prospectively collected database, analysing the outcomes of consecutive patients >80 years old who underwent an ERCP in a single centre for the treatment of common bile duct stones.

RESULTS

In total, 156 patients, with a median age of 91 years, underwent an ERCP for choledocholithiasis over a 3-year period. ERCP was successful in 90% of patients but a proportion required repeat intervention. Forty-six (29%) patients had a concurrently inserted stent due to incomplete stone extraction. Six (4%) patients required a post-ERCP cholecystectomy due to ongoing symptoms. The overall ERCP complication rate was 7% (4% Clavien-Dindo 1 and 3% Clavien-Dindo 2), with no cases of post-ERCP pancreatitis or death. Patients were followed up over 5 years following index ERCP. There was a 60% 3-year survival and 30% 5-year survival rate following index ERCP. Importantly, of those who did not survive, only four patients (2.6%) had a death attributable to a biliary cause and none were fit for definitive surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP can be considered as a possible definitive management option for treating common bile duct stones in the elderly, particularly in the comorbid population. Concurrent stenting is an effective temporizing strategy and mitigator of biliary-related readmission, but routine stent changes should be considered. Key messages What is already known on this topic Current guidelines advocate for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration in patients with choledocholithiasis. What this study adds Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with or without stent insertion is a safe, alternative single-treatment modality for choledocholithiasis in the elderly comorbid population. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy Studies and guidelines evaluating treatment options for choledocholithiasis may be altered to accommodate patient-specific factors, including age and comorbid status, and the concurrent use of stenting as a either a temporizing or longer-term measure for complex stone disease.

Natural Course of Common Bile Duct Microlithiasis

BACKGROUND

Common bile duct microlithiasis (CBDM) with a diameter of ≤ 3 mm can pass spontaneously without causing any symptoms, but in some cases, it can also cause severe cholangitis and pancreatitis. The optimal strategy for managing CBDM is yet to be determined.

METHODS

Data of 154 patients with CBDM were collected and divided into two groups: with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (with ERCP, n = 82) and without ERCP (n = 72). Clinical outcomes, including the incidence of unfavorable outcomes (UOs), such as cholangitis and pancreatitis, were observed and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The incidence of UOs was significantly lower in the ERCP group than in the without ERCP group (3.7% vs. 23.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). Moreover, the total number of readmissions was also lower in the ERCP group than in the without ERCP group (p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class revealed that endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) and cholecystectomy were associated with a lower risk of UOs.

CONCLUSION

The high rate of UOs in CBDM patients without ERCP suggests that its natural clinical course may not be as favorable as previously suggested. This finding implies that efforts should be made to clear the bile ducts.

Successful Management of Recurrent Cholangitis Post Cholecystectomy in a Primary Care Hospital

Cholangitis, a pathological disease characterized by inflammation of the biliary system, often occurs in conjunction with gallstone blockage and may lead to various problems, persisting for extended periods after cholecystectomy. The present report provides a comprehensive account of a clinical case involving a 35-year-old female patient who had undergone cholecystectomy three years before and is now experiencing symptoms consistent with cholangitis. The individual was originally given conservative therapy, which included the administration of intravenous ceftriaxone antibiotics, analgesics, fluids, and gastrointestinal treatment. Subsequently, they were sent to a tertiary care hospital for the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and the placement of a stent. Following a period of seven days, laboratory tests showed a return to normalcy, showing a positive outcome in response to the use of conservative management strategies. The patient made the decision to have an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, resulting in a favorable recuperation and a hospitalization period of 24 hours. The aforementioned results jointly demonstrate the efficacy of conservative therapy in treating cholangitis and the potential for eventual elective surgery in individuals experiencing prolonged gallbladder problems. In conclusion, this case underscores the need to maintain a state of alertness with respect to complications associated with cholecystectomy, such as cholangitis. It also emphasizes the effectiveness of conservative treatment approaches and the probable necessity for elective surgical intervention.

Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A meta-analysis

PURPOSES

Patients with cholecysto- and choledocholithiasis usually undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)/-endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, differences in the timing of LC after the ERCP may alter the post-operative outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of early (≤3 days) or delayed LC (>3 days) following ERCP on the post-operative outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the 3 databases PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was performed. Articles related to LC at different time-points after ERCP were retrieved. Dichotomous and continuous outcomes were analyzed by risk ratio (RR) and mean difference, and RevMan was used to analyze each group.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies, including 5 randomized controlled studies and 2 retrospective studies, involved a total of 711 patients. There were 332 patients in early LC group and 379 in delayed LC group. The conversion rate was lower in the early LC group compared to the delayed LC group (RR 0.38, 95% confident interval 0.19 to 0.74, P = .005, I2 = 0%). Early LC resulted in a shorter operation time (RR -6.2, 95% CI -27.2 to -5.2, P = .004, I2 = 97%) and fewer complications (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.79, P = .004, I2 = 17%). Subgroup analysis found that there were no significant differences in the conversion rate (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.45, P = .26, I2 = 0%) or complications between the early LC group and the delayed group who underwent LC after 1 month.

CONCLUSION

Early LC after ERCP is the preferred treatment for patients with concurrent cholecysto- and choledocholithiasis due to improved clinical outcomes as compared to those who undergo delayed LC.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis combined with septic shock

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage (PTCD) for the treatment of Acute Obstructive Suppurative Cholangitis (AOSC) combined with septic shock due to choledocholithiasis, and its effect on inflammatory factors.

METHODS

Clinical data of 86 patients with AOSC and septic shock admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and grouped according to different treatment methods. Among them, 43 patients who underwent Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Endoscopic Nasobiliary Drainage (ENBD) were included in the Control Group (CNG), and 43 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided PTCD were included in the Study Group (SG).

RESULTS

The total effective rate in the SG (88.37%) was higher than that in the CNG (69.77%) (p < 0.05); after surgery, the serum inflammatory factors PCT, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP levels, liver function indicators such as TBIL, DBIL, AST, ALT levels, and stress response indicators including NPY, PGE2, 5-HT levels were reduced, and were lower in the SG than in the CNG (p < 0.05); postoperatively, CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in the CNG were significantly lower than those before surgery (p < 0.05); Postoperatively, CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in the SG were significantly higher than those in the CNG (p < 0.05); and the complication rate in the SG (6.98%) was lower than that in the CNG (25.58%) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided PTCD for AOSC combined with septic shock can facilitate the recovery of liver and immune functions with a low complication rate.

Near-infrared cholangiography can increase the chance of success in laparoscopic approaches to common bile duct stones, even with previous abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

The treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is more technical demanding than laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), especially in patients with history of previous abdominal surgery, cholangitis or cholecystitis. Near-infrared (NIR) cholangiography via systemic or biliary tree administration of indocyanine green (ICG), which enhances the visualization of the biliary tree anatomy, may increase the reassurance of CBD localization. The aim of this study was to identify the benefit of near-infrared cholangiography for laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE).

METHODS

Three groups of CBD stone patients were included in this retrospective study depending on the surgical methods: 1) open choledocholithotomy (OCC), 2) laparoscopic choledocholithotomy (LCC), and 3) near-infrared cholangiography-assisted laparoscopic choledocholithotomy (NIR-CC). For the NIR-CC group, either 3 ml (concentration: 2.5 mg/mL) of ICG were intravenously administered or 10 ml (concentration: 0.125 mg/mL) of ICG were injected directly into the biliary tree. The enhancement rate of the cystic duct (CD), CBD, the upper and lower margin of the CBD were compared using white light image.

RESULTS

A total of 187 patients with a mean age of 68.3 years were included (OCC, n = 56; LCC, n = 110; NIR-CC, n = 21). The rate of previous abdominal surgery was significantly lower in the LCC group. The conversion rate was similar between the LCC and the NIR CC groups (p = 0.746). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the OCC group. No differences in morbidity and mortality were found between the three groups. In the NIR-CC group, the localization of CBD was as high as 85% compared to 24% with white light imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Near-infrared cholangiography helps increase the chance of success in minimally invasive approaches to CBD stones even in patients with previous abdominal surgeries, without increasing the rate of conversion.

Gallstone Pancreatitis Post Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report

Gallstone pancreatitis is uncommon after laparoscopic cholecystectomy with minimal cases reported in the literature. We report a case of a 38-year-old female who developed gallstone pancreatitis three weeks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient presented to the emergency department with a two-day history of severe right upper quadrant and epigastric pain radiating to her back with associated nausea and vomiting. The patient had elevated total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lipase. The patient's preoperative abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), prior to her cholecystectomy, were negative for common bile duct stones. However, it is important to note that common bile duct stones are not always visible on ultrasound, MRI, and MRCP prior to cholecystectomy. In our patient, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) revealed gallstones in the distal common bile duct, which were removed with biliary sphincterotomy. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery. It is important for physicians to have a high index of suspicion for gallstone pancreatitis in a patient with epigastric pain radiating to the back with a known history of recent cholecystectomy, as this is a diagnosis that can be missed due to its infrequent occurrence.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration to treat choledocholithiasis in situs inversus patients: A technical review

Situs inversus (SI) is a rare congenital condition characterized by a mirror-image transposition of the major visceral organs. Since the 1990s, more than one hundred SI patients have been reported to have successfully undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In these cases, the major problem is to overcome is the left-right condition for right-handed surgeons. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), an alternative to treat patients with bile duct stones, has shown equivalent efficacy and is less likely to cause pancreatitis than endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Recent updated meta-analyses revealed that a shorter postoperative hospital stay, fewer procedural interventions, cost-effectiveness, a higher stone clearance rate, and fewer perioperative complications are additional advantages of LCBDE. However, the technique is technically demanding, even for skilled laparoscopic surgeons. Conducting LCBDE in patients with difficult situations, such as SI, is more complex than usual. We herein review published SI patients with choledocholithiasis treated by LCBDE, including our own experience, and this paper focuses on the technical aspects.

The Outcome and Safety in Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration with Primary Suture versus T-Tube Drainage: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Sometimes, after choledochotomy, the common bile duct is closed with T-tube drainage for several weeks to prevent postoperative complications such as biliary fistula and stricture. But there has been controversy over the advantages of primary suture versus T-tube drainage. The purpose of our meta-analysis in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is to appraise the efficacy and safety of T-tube drainage and primary suture.

Methods

The literatures were searched by Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, OVID, and EMBASE between the year January 1, 2001 and February 28, 2021. Meta-analysis was performed by Stata 12.

Results

Fourteen studies with 1,549 patients (827 vs. 722) were included in our study. The primary suture group had significant lesser operative time (P ≤ 0.001), postoperative hospital stay (P ≤ 0.001), hospital expenses (P ≤ 0.001), intraoperative bleeding (P=0.001), and postoperative complications (P=0.006) than the T-tube drainage group. In postoperative bleeding (P=0.289), bile leakage (P=0.326), and bile duct stricture (P=0.750), there was no statistical difference. In the primary suture group, using single-arm synthesis, the bile leakage rate and the bile duct stricture rate were 0.07 vs. 0.04 and 0.00 vs. 0.00 in interrupted suture and continuous suture groups. The bile duct stricture rate was same in both groups, and the bile leakage rate was lower in the interrupted suture group. But the difference was not significant.

Conclusion

The primary suture group had several advantages, including lesser operative time, postoperative complications, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay, and hospital expenses. In bile leakage and bile duct stricture, the difference between the two groups was not significant. In the primary suture group, interrupted suture and continuous suture groups had similar bile leakage rate and bile duct stricture rate.

Safety and Feasibility of Primary Closure Following Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration for Treatment of Choledocholithiasis

BACKGROUND

T-tube drainage following laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration may lead to T-tube displacement and water-electrolyte disorders, affecting patients' quality of life. In particular, biliary peritonitis may develop in a small number of patients after T-tube removal, requiring reoperation. This prospective cohort study was performed to investigate the safety and feasibility of primary closure following laparoscopic CBD exploration for the treatment of choledocholithiasis.

METHODS

Patients who were treated for choledocholithiasis by laparoscopic CBD exploration with primary closure from January 2019 to March 2022 comprised the PC group (n = 145). Patients who were treated for choledocholithiasis by laparoscopic CBD exploration with T-tube drainage during this period comprised the TD group (n = 153). Perioperative and follow-up outcomes were collected and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The TD and PC groups showed significant differences in the operation time (124.6 ± 40.8 vs. 106 ± 36.4 min, P = 0.000) and postoperative hospital stay (7.1 ± 2.6 vs. 5.9 ± 2.0 days, P = 0.000). No significant difference was observed in terms of blood loss, the ratio of conversion to laparotomy, and postoperative parameters. Preoperative albumin and total bilirubin levels were the risk factors of bile leakage after surgery. No patients developed CBD stricture or carcinogenesis, The rates of residual and recurrent stones in the TD and PC groups were 1.97% vs. 1.40% and 1.31% vs. 1.40%, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 1.000 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary closure following laparoscopic CBD exploration is safe and feasible for selected patients with choledocholithiasis.

Application of da Vinci robot and laparoscopy on repeat hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Repeat laparoscopic liver resection has been used safely and effectively on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, few studies have been performed on repeat HCC surgery by a da Vinci robot. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of the patients with repeat HCC treated using a da Vinci robot or laparoscopic system at a single centre.

METHODS

All of the patients with repeat HCC treated using a da Vinci robotic or laparoscopic system between April 2017 and April 2020 were included in this retrospective study.

RESULTS

There were 24 patients with a mean age of 56 years who underwent da Vinci robotic or laparoscopic surgery for treatment of repeat HCC who were included in this study. The operations lasted 152 ± 25 min and 142 ± 34 min. The average intraoperative blood loss was 284 ± 89 ml and 251 ± 92 ml. The average hospitalisation stay lasted 9 ± 2 days and 9 ± 3 days. The rates at which surgeons switched to open surgery were 9% and 23%. No serious perioperative or post-operative complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION

Da Vinci robots can provide a precise dissection of the tissue under a perfect view. It is a technically feasible procedure for less rates at which surgeons switched to open surgery on repeat HCC.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Basket or Balloon Catheter for the Retrieval of Choledocholithiasis

Choledocholithiasis means the presence of gallstone inside the common bile duct (CBD). Removing the bile duct stones can be done surgically using endoscopic catheters. In this study, we aim to assess the safety and efficacy of basket catheters compared to balloon catheters at bile duct stone clearance. We searched four databases for clinical trial and cohort studies that compare basket catheter and balloon catheter in bile duct stone extraction. We extracted data from the included studies. These data were pooled as mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using Review Manager software (version 5.3) and OpenMetaAnalyst software for zero-event outcomes. In a total of 728 patients, we find that the balloon catheter was better than the basket catheter regarding incomplete bile duct stone clearance (RR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.85, 0.98], P = 0.01). Regarding the number of the extracted stones by both catchers, the analysis favored the balloon catheter over the basket for clearance when less than four stones (RR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.85, 0.99], P = 0.02) but no significant difference for more than four stones (RR = 0.77, 95% CI [0.48, 1.24], P = 0.29). There was no significant difference between the two groups. The analysis revealed that the balloon catheter is better than the basket catheter for choledocholithiasis regarding the complete clearance of the stone. However, there was no significant difference regarding the safety outcome.

Percutaneous transcystic removal of gallbladder and common bile duct stones: a narrative review

The incidence of gallstone-related complications is rising, thus leading to increases in waiting list times for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) provides immediate biliary drainage and may be used as an emergency option in a critically unwell patient as a bridge to surgery, or as the management option of a patient who is not fit for surgery. However, a significant number of these patients may be readmitted after PC with recurrent acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present review was to analyze the available literature surrounding the use of the transcystic approach, including the extraction and balloon expulsion method, in the management of patients with gallbladder stones and/or common bile duct (CBD) stones. The full text of 18 articles were reviewed, of which four were included in this review. Results showed an overall success rate of CBD stone extraction in 118 of 139 patients (84.9%), gallbladder stone extraction in 97 of 114 (85.0%), and CBD stone expulsion in 27 of 29 (93.1%). Percutaneous CBD and gallbladder stone extraction may be a safe management option for elderly or co-morbid patients who are not appropriate for surgical intervention. However, the evidence base surrounding this is very limited; therefore, further research is required in order to evaluate this in more detail.

Microbiologic risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis post-endoscopic sphincterotomy

BACKGROUND

Choledocholithiasis is a severe disorder that affects a significant portion of the world’s population. Treatment using endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has become widespread; however, recurrence post-EST is relatively common. The bile microbiome has a profound influence on the recurrence of choledocholithiasis in patients after EST; however, the key pathogens and their functions in the biliary tract remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate the biliary microbial characteristics of patients with recurrent choledocholithiasis post-EST, using next-generation sequencing.

METHODS

This cohort study included 43 patients, who presented with choledocholithiasis at the Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital between May and June 2020. The patients had undergone EST or endoscopic papillary balloon dilation and were followed up for over a year. They were divided into either the stable or recurrent groups. We collected bile samples and extracted microbial DNA for analysis through next-generation sequencing. Resulting sequences were analyzed for core microbiome and statistical differences between the diagnosis groups; they were examined using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway hierarchy level using analysis of variance. Correlation between the key genera and metabolic pathways in bile, were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test.

RESULTS

The results revealed distinct clustering of biliary microbiota in recurrent choledocholithiasis. Higher relative abundances (RAs) of Fusobacterium and Neisseria (56.61% ± 14.81% vs 3.47% ± 1.10%, 8.95% ± 3.42% vs 0.69% ± 0.32%, respectively) and the absence of Lactobacillus were observed in the bile of patients with recurrent disease, compared to that in stable patients. Construction of a microbiological co-occurrence network revealed a mutual relationship among Fusobacterium, Neisseria, and Leptotrichia, and an antagonistic relationship among Lactobacillales, Fusobacteriales, and Clostridiales. Functional prediction of biliary microbiome revealed that the loss of transcription and metabolic abilities may lead to recurrent choledocholithiasis. Furthermore, the prediction model based on the RA of Lactobacillales in the bile was effective in identifying the risk of recurrent choledocholithiasis (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated differences in the bile microbiome of patients with recurrent choledocholithiasis compared to that in patients with stable disease, thereby adding to the current knowledge on its microbiologic etiology.

Clinical Impact of Preoperative Relief of Jaundice Following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography on Determining Optimal Timing of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Patients with Cholangitis

Background: About 10% of patients with gallbladder (GB) stones also have concurrent common bile duct (CBD) stones. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after removal of CBD stones using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the most widely used method for treating coexisting gallbladder and common bile duct stones. We evaluated the optimal timing of LC after ERCP according to clinical factors, focusing on preoperative relief of jaundice. Methods: A total of 281 patients who underwent elective LC after ERCP because of choledocholithiasis and cholecystolithiasis from January 2010 to April 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. We compared the hospital stay, perioperative morbidity, and rate of surgical conversion to open cholecystectomy according to the relief of jaundice before surgery. These enrolled patients were divided into two groups: relief of jaundice before surgery (group 1, n = 125) or not (group 2, n = 156). Results: The initial total bilirubin level was higher in group 1; however, there were no significant differences in the other baseline characteristics including age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, previous surgical history, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and operative time between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (4.5 ± 3.3 vs. 5.5 ± 5.6 days, p = 0.087). However, after ERCP, the waiting time until LC was significantly longer in group 1 (5.0 ± 4.9 vs. 3.5 ± 2.4 days, p < 0.001). There were no statistical differences in the conversion rate (3.2% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.518) or perioperative morbidity (4.0% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.348), either. Conclusions: LC would not be delayed until the relief of jaundice after ERCP since there were no significant differences in perioperative morbidity or surgical conversion rate to open cholecystectomy. Early LC after ERCP may be feasible and safe in patients with cholangitis and cholecystolithiasis.

Which Is More Effective: Laparoscopic or Open Partial Cholecystectomy?

Objective: In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, partial cholecystectomy is usually preferred when the anatomic exploration is not enough to prevent bile duct injury and other complications. Some surgeons choose laparoscopically to perform partial cholecystectomy, whereas others convert to open surgery. In this study, we aim to discuss and compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic partial cholecystectomy (LPC) and open partial cholecystectomy (OPC). Materials and Methods: The data of 4712 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2012 and 2020 were reviewed. A total of 98 patients who had partial cholecystectomy were included in the study. Patients were examined in two groups according to whether the procedure was open or laparoscopic. The first group of patients was named the OPC group (n = 52), and the second group of patients was the LPC group (n = 46). The data of the two groups were comparatively analyzed. Results: The mean operative time and the postoperative hospital stay, respectively, were 118.2 minutes and 4.8 days in the OPC group, and 87.3 minutes and 2.55 days in the LPC group (P < .005 and P = .005). It was found that wound infection decreased by 83.1% (P = .026; odds ratio [OR] = 0.169) in the LPC group compared with the OPC group, and the probability of developing incisional hernia decreased by 81.1% (P = .014; OR = 0.189). At least one complication was observed in 17 patients in the OPC group and in 7 patients in the LPC group (P = .045). The probability of developing complications in any patient was 63% lower in the LPC group (P = .049; OR = 0.370). Conclusions: The indications that cause the surgeon to perform partial cholecystectomy are inherently open to complications, regardless of the surgical technique used. However, the laparoscopic operation has advantages such as shorter operation time, shorter postoperative hospital stay, lower risk of wound infection and incisional hernia rate, and lower complication rate than the open procedure. However, if the team performing the surgery does not have enough experience, they should never hesitate to switch to open cholecystectomy.

Comparison of Patient Outcomes and Safety between Overlapping and Nonoverlapping Surgeries in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration

PURPOSE

Overlapping surgery or double-booking is a vital yet disputed issue in healthcare field. However, safety of the overlapping surgery during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes and safety of overlapping surgery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and LCBDE for gallbladder and common bile duct stones (CBDS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed 2736 laparoscopic cholecystectomy and LCBDE surgeries during 2013-2020. One thousand, two hundred eighty patients underwent LCBDE through cystic duct, including 867 receiving overlapping procedures, while 1456 underwent LCBDE through laparoscopic choledochotomy (LC), including 981 who underwent overlapping procedures. Data regarding patient sex, age, body mass index, the American Society of Anesthesiology grade, comorbidities, preoperative liver function test, previous upper abdominal surgery, presence of acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, or jaundice, common bile duct (CBD) or CBDS diameter, CBDS number, LCBDE operation time, procedure duration, length of stay, stone clearance, CBD closure methods, conversion to open surgery, and complications were collected.

RESULTS

Differences in demographics and clinical variables between both groups were not significant, and the unadjusted outcomes were comparable, except for the total procedure duration (transcystic: p < .001; LC: p < .001). After adjusting for demographics and clinical variables, overlapping surgery showed an extended total surgical procedure duration (transcystic: standardized coefficient = 0.084, p = .004; LC: standardized coefficient = 0.072, p = .015). Other effects of overlapping surgery were also comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Overlapping surgery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and LCBDE was safe at our institution. However, the association of patient outcomes with overlapping laparoscopic cholecystectomy and LCBDE should be further investigated.

Assessment of the possible risk factors for primary common bile duct stone recurrence after cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Common bile duct (CBD) stone recurrence is considered an unresolved concern after cholecystectomy and complete extraction of previous CBD stones. This study aimed to investigate the potential risk factors for primary CBD stone recurrence after cholecystectomy and endoscopic treatment.

METHODS

The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) database of our medical center was retrospectively reviewed between February 2008 and May 2018. A total of 45 patients with CBD stone recurrence with a history of previous cholecystectomy were recruited in the study. Moreover, 104 patients who underwent cholecystectomy at our medical center and who were followed up for more than 1 year without CBD stone recurrence were assigned to the control group. The characteristics of the patients, surgical records during cholecystectomy, and ERCP records obtained immediately before cholecystectomy were analyzed.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis, based on the binary logistic regression method, indicated that age (p = 0.01) and the presence of the periampullary diverticulum (PAD; p = 0.006) were significantly different between the non-recurrence and recurrence groups. However, the surgical records during cholecystectomy were not significantly different between the two groups. The CBD stone number (p = 0.039), CBD stone diameter (≥ 10 mm; p = 0.05), and CBD diameter (≥ 15 mm; p < 0.001), based on the ERCP findings were significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that CBD diameter (≥ 15 mm; OR, 3.878; 95% CI, 1.406-10.697; p = 0.008) was the independent risk factors for CBD stone recurrence after cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

CBD diameter (≥ 15 mm) at the time of the initial ERCP is associated with CBD stone recurrence after cholecystectomy.

Cholecystectomy outcomes after endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with choledocholithiasis: a meta-analysis

Background

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is the standard treatment for common bile duct stones. The reported findings regarding complications, such as biliary pancreatitis and cholangitis, differ between cholecystectomy after ES. The purpose of this study is to compare cholecystectomy outcomes after endoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones whether or not the incidence of recurrent pancreatitis and cholangitis is reduced, especially in high-risk patients.

Methods

We analyzed 8 studies, including 7 randomized controlled trials retrieved from the PubMed (1990–2019), Embase (1990–2019), and Cochrane (1990–2019) databases for trials comparing the two strategies for treatment of gallstones after ES. A related study on gallbladder removal after ES was acquired, followed by analysis of each group using RevMan. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for categorical variables and differences in means were calculated for continuous variables.

Results

We retrieved a total of 8 studies, including seven randomized controlled trials and one retrospective study. A total of 12,717 patients were included in the study (4922 in the early cholecystectomy group and 7795 in the gallbladder in situ group). During the follow-up period, 41 patients had pancreatitis after ES in the cholecystectomy group and 177 patients in the wait-and-see group. The incidence of pancreatitis in the cholecystectomy group was significantly reduced (RR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.27–0.53; P < 0.00001; I² = 0%). The incidence of cholangitis and jaundice in the cholecystectomy group was also less than the preserved gallbladder group (RR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.26–0.38; P < 0.00001; I² = 0%). There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52–1.02; P = 0.07; I² = 14%). There was a significant difference in cholecystitis and biliary colic (RR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.24–0.32; P < 0.00001; I² = 17%).

Conclusion

Early cholecystectomy after removal of common bile duct stones can effectively reduce biliary complications. This is still true for high-risk patients and has no significant effect on the mortality of patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended after ES.