Outcome of elective cholecystectomy for the treatment of gallbladder disease in dogs

OBJECTIVE To determine mortality rates for dogs undergoing cholecystectomy and variables associated with failure to survive to hospital discharge. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 70 dogs that underwent cholecystectomy for biliary tract disease at a companion animal referral hospital from 2009 through 2015. PROCEDURES Medical records of dogs were reviewed and data collected; dogs with biliary diversion surgery were excluded. Included dogs were grouped by whether cholecystectomy had been elective (ie, dogs with no or mild clinical signs, with no indication of biliary obstruction, or that initially underwent surgery for a different procedure) or nonelective (ie, dogs with icterus and questionable patency of the biliary system). Mortality rates (proportions of dogs that failed to survive to hospital discharge) were compared between various groups. RESULTS 45 (64%) dogs were included in the elective group and 25 (36%) in the nonelective group. Group mortality rates were 2% (1/45) and 20% (5/25), respectively, and differed significantly. Overall mortality rate was 9% (6/70). Serum albumin concentration was significantly lower and serum alanine aminotransferase activity and total bilirubin concentration were significantly higher in nonsurviving versus surviving dogs. Dogs with vomiting, signs of lethargy or anorexia, icterus, or azotemia were less likely to survive than dogs without these signs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dogs that underwent elective cholecystectomy had a considerably lower mortality rate than previously reported. Elective cholecystectomy may be an appropriate recommendation for dogs with early signs of biliary disease to avoid the greater mortality rate associated with more advanced disease and nonelective cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the cirrhotic patient: predictors of outcome

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine the outcome predictors of 94 cirrhotic patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

We performed a single-center, retrospective review of cirrhotic patients undergoing LC for symptomatic gallbladder disease. Statistical analysis was completed using the Chi-square, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Student t tests as appropriate.

RESULTS

Ninety-four procedures were completed. The median Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score was 6 (range, 5-12), and the average Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 11 ± 5. Hepatitis C was the most common etiology of liver disease (50%) followed by Laennec's cirrhosis (22%). The average length of stay was 2.6 ± 4.3 days; 21% were outpatient procedures. The conversion rate was 11%. Conversion risk factors were decreased serum albumin, increased MELD score, and blood loss. Morbidity occurred in 32 patients. Predictors of morbidity were decreases in serum albumin, increases in International Normalized Ratio (INR) and CTP score, and the number of intraoperative red blood cell transfusions. Mortality occurred in 4 patients. Increased INR, CTP score, CTP class, the number of intraoperative blood and platelet transfusions were predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSION

LC can be safely performed in cirrhotic patients with appropriate patient selection. Liver synthetic function, operative blood loss, transfusion requirement, CTP, and MELD scores may be used to predict outcomes in these patients.

Surgical treatment and outcome of iatrogenic bile duct lesions after cholecystectomy and the impact of different clinical classification systems

BACKGROUND

Different injury patterns of iatrogenic bile duct lesions after cholecystectomy have prompted the proposal of several different clinical classification systems. The aim of this study was to validate these systems comparatively.

METHODS

Results after surgical intervention for iatrogenic bile duct lesions in 74 consecutive patients at a tertiary referral centre were reviewed retrospectively. A new classification (Hannover classification) for iatrogenic bile duct lesions is proposed and compared with four other systems using the present clinical data.

RESULTS

Additional vascular lesions were found in 19 per cent. The hospital mortality rate was 3 per cent and the overall hospital complication rate after repair was 26 per cent. Sixteen of 74 patients required early surgical reintervention. The Hannover classification demonstrated a highly significant association between the discrimination of classifiable injury patterns and the different surgical treatments chosen (P < 0.005). The Strasberg and Neuhaus classifications do not consider vascular involvement, whereas the Stewart-Way, Siewert and Neuhaus systems do not discriminate between lesions at or above the bifurcation of the hepatic duct.

CONCLUSION

Additional vascular involvement and location of the lesion at or above the bifurcation of the hepatic duct have a major impact on the extent of surgical intervention required and should be reflected in any classification of bile duct injuries.

Internal biliary fistula due to cholelithiasis: A single-centre experience

AIM: To discuss about the perioperative problems encountered in patients with internal biliary fistula (IBF) caused by cholelithiasis.

METHODS: In our hospital, 4 130 cholecystectomies were carried out for symptomatic cholelithiasis from January 2000 to March 2004 and only 12 patients were diagnosed with IBF. The perioperative data of these 12 IBF patients were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS: The incidence of IBF due to cholelithiasis was nearly 0.3%. The mean age was 57 years. Most of the patients presented with non-specific complaints. Only two patients were considered to have IBF when gallstone ileus was observed during the investigations. Nine patients underwent emergency laparotomy with a pre-operative diagnosis of acute abdomen. In the remaining three patients, elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy was converted to open surgery after identification of IBF. Ten patients had cholecystoduodenal fistula and two patients had cholecystocholedochal fistula. The mean hospital stay was 13 d. Two wound infections, three bile leakages and three mortalities were observed.

CONCLUSION: Cholecystectomy has to be performed in early stage in the patients who were diagnosed as cholelithiasis to prevent the complications like IBF which is seen rarely. Suspicion of IBF should be kept in mind, especially in the case of difficult dissection during cholecystectomy and attention should be paid in order to prevent iatrogenic injuries.

Cholecystectomy in Sweden 2000-2003: a nationwide study on procedures, patient characteristics, and mortality

Background

Epidemiological data on characteristics of patients undergoing open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy are limited. In this register study we examined characteristics and mortality of patients who underwent cholecystectomy during hospital stay in Sweden 2000 – 2003.

Methods

Hospital discharge and death certificate data were linked for all patients undergoing cholecystectomy in Sweden from January 1^st 2000 through December 31^st 2003. Mortality risk was calculated as standardised mortality ratio (SMR) i.e. observed over expected deaths considering age and gender of the background population.

Results

During the four years of the study 43072 patients underwent cholecystectomy for benign biliary disease, 31144 (72%) using a laparoscopic technique and 11928 patients (28%) an open procedure (including conversion from laparoscopy). Patients with open cholecystectomy were older than patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (59 vs 49 years, p < 0.001), they were more likely to have been admitted to hospital during the year preceding cholecystectomy, and they had more frequently been admitted acutely for cholecystectomy (57% Vs 21%, p < 0.001). The proportion of women was lower in the open cholecystectomy group compared to the laparoscopic group (57% vs 73%, p < 0.001). Hospital stay was 7.9 (8.9) days, mean (SD), for patients with open cholecystectomy and 2.6 (3.3) days for patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, p < 0.001. SMR within 90 days of index admission was 3.89 (3.41–4.41) (mean and 95% CI), for patients with open cholecystectomy and 0.73 (0.52–1.01) for patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During this period biliary disease accounted for one third of all deaths in both groups. From 91 to 365 days after index admission, SMR for patients in the open group was 1.01 (0.87–1.16) and for patients in the laparoscopic group 0.56 (0.44–0.69).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed on patients having a lower mortality risk than the general Swedish population. Patients with open cholecystectomy are more sick than patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and they have a mortality risk within 90 days of admission for cholecystectomy, which is four times that of the general population. Further efforts to reduce surgical trauma in open biliary surgery are motivated.

Cholecystectomy in Sweden 1987-99: a nationwide study of mortality and preoperative admissions

OBJECTIVE

Information on mortality after cholecystectomy in defined populations is limited. In this study we examined the case fatality rates and mortality ratios, based on register data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Hospital discharge and death certificate data were linked for all patients undergoing cholecystectomy in Sweden in 1987-99. Mortality risk was calculated as the standardized mortality ratio (SMR).

RESULTS

From 1 January 1987 to 1 December 1999, 123,099 patients underwent cholecystectomy for acute or chronic gallbladder disease. Between 1987-91 and 1995-99, the incidence of cholecystectomy increased by 13%, median age of patients decreased and the proportion of women increased. From 1995 to 1999, 32% of all cholecystectomies were completed as open cholecystectomy. During this period, 82% of patients aged 70 years or older with acute gallstone disease had an open cholecystectomy. For patients with chronic gallstone disease, the proportion was 43%. Postoperative crude mortality within 30 days for all patients was 0.4%. Patients with acalculous gallbladder disease had double the mortality risk compared with patients with calculous disease, and patients with acute cholecystitis had double the risk compared with patients with chronic disease. High age, previous hospital admission for conditions other than gallbladder disease, and cholecystectomy completed as an open procedure increased the risk, whereas gender and calendar year did not significantly affect the mortality risk. Biliary tract diseases accounted for 61% of all postoperative deaths, whereas 26% were due to cardiovascular diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

During the 1990s, cholecystectomy incidence increased, whereas postoperative mortality risk remained unchanged. In order to further reduce the mortality risk, particular attention should be paid to elderly and frail patients and to patients with acalculous gallbladder disease.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: analytical study of 1208 cases

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To review our experience and to compare it with similar series published in the literature with emphasis on the safety, the rate of conversion, the mortality and the morbidity of the procedure.

METHODOLOGY

From January 1994 to February 2003, the files of 1208 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy were retrospectively analyzed; the technique of surgery as well as the associated co-morbid conditions, the rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy, and the morbidity and mortality was analyzed and compared to other series. Simple descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS

The average age was 47.2 +/- 15.1 years (4-94), there were 878 (72.7%) females and 330 (27.3%) males. Of this series 20 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy while pregnant, 576 (48%) of the patients had co-morbid conditions. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was required in 32 (2.6%) cases and 25 (2.1%) patients had complications but no single biliary tract injury was noted. One patient died and his death was not directly related to the procedure. The average hospital stay was 2.8 (0.5-35) days.

CONCLUSIONS

With patience and meticulous technique laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the third millennium is safer and quicker than open cholecystectomy. Our results compare favorably with those published to date.

Role of Choledochojejunostomy in Liver Transplantation

AIM

This study analyzes the efficacy and rate of complications related to Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy need either as the primary biliary reconstruction during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) or to treat biliary complications.

METHODS

One hundred seventy-seven transplantation procedures were performed from September 1991 to December 2003 in recipients of mean age 51.9 years. Patients were reviewed for the type of biliary reconstruction, the prevalence of biliary complications, and the choice of treatment for these complications. Duct-to-duct anastomosis (group CDC) was performed in 153 patients (85.6%), and choledochojejunostomy (group CDJ) in 24 patients (14.4%). Biliary complications, including stenosis, bile leakage, calculosis, and extensive biliary necrosis, required hospitalization, surgical interventions or endoscopic approaches. Biliary complications in the CDC group first were addressed by endoscopic treatments. When endoscopic therapy failed, they were approached by surgical reintervention. All biliary complications in group CDJ were surgically treated, namely, revision of the Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy. The chi square test was used to compare frequencies, with Yates correction when necessary; P values were considered significant at <.05. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate survival.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight (32.8%) biliary complications in 47 patients required endoscopic or surgical approaches. In group CDJ, 1 patient had bile leakage requiring surgical treatment. The prevalence of biliary complications was lower in the CDJ group than the CDC group (P < .05). Endoscopic treatment applied in 23 patients, failed in 11. Surgical approaches were performed in 11 patients after endoscopic failure, and in 13 patients as the first option to treat biliary complications. No failure was observed with surgical treatment. Cholangitis occurred in 3 patients who received surgical treatment and 4 patients who received endoscopic treatment. There was no statistically significant difference when comparing the mortality rates of the 3 types of treatment for biliary complications: endoscopy, surgery, and endoscopy followed by surgery. Survival rates were similar for the 3 types of treatment of biliary complications.

CONCLUSION

Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy is a useful tool to treat biliary complications after OLT, especially when endoscopic treatment fails. In our experience, the rate of complications directly related to this technique is significantly lower than common duct anestomosis, whether used for biliary reconstruction during OLT or for posttransplantation biliary complications.

Rupture of the gallbladder in a patient with acquired factor VIII inhibitors and systemic lupus erythematosus

A 54-year-old woman with a 21-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was admitted to the Matsuyama Red Cross Hospital due to subcutaneous and gingival hemorrhaging. She was diagnosed with acquired factor VIII inhibitors based on a prolonged activated partial-thromboplastin time (APTT) and factor VIII inhibitors. Steroid pulse and factor VIII plasma concentrate were administered to her, not long after which she was transferred to Ehime University Hospital due to gallbladder hematoma. Although her APTT and factor VIII activity were improved after treatment with human factor VIII, she died of multiple organ failure. The autopsy demonstrated a ruptured gallbladder.

Gallbladder mucocele in dogs: 30 cases (2000–2002)

OBJECTIVE

To determine long-term outcome of dogs with gallbladder mucocele.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS

30 dogs with gallbladder mucocele, including 23 that underwent cholecystectomy.

PROCEDURE

Medical records were reviewed for signalment, history, and clinical, ultrasonographic, and surgical findings. Follow-up information was obtained for all dogs that survived the perioperative hospitalization period.

RESULTS

23 dogs had signs of systemic illness; 7 had no clinical signs. Median values for serum activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, serum total bilirubin concentration, and total WBC count were significantly higher among dogs with gallbladder rupture than among dogs without rupture. Sensitivity of sonography for detection of rupture was 85.7%. Overall perioperative mortality rate for dogs that underwent cholecystectomy was 21.7%; mortality rate was not significantly greater for dogs with rupture. Aerobic bacteria were isolated from the bile or gallbladder wall in 8.7% of dogs. All 18 dogs discharged from the hospital had complete resolution of clinical signs. In dogs that underwent in-hospital reexamination, serum liver enzyme activities were significantly decreased, compared with preoperative activities. Persistent increases in serum activities of 1 or more liver enzymes were detected in 9 of 12 dogs; 6 of 12 dogs had persistent abnormalities in hepatic echogenicity. Mean follow-up period was 13.9 months.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Results suggest that cholecystectomy is an effective treatment for gallbladder mucocele. Although perioperative mortality rate is high, prognosis after discharge from the hospital is excellent. Rupture of the gallbladder warrants emergency surgical intervention but does not preclude a positive outcome.

Gallstone disease in heart transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE

To review the outcome of cholecystectomy after heart transplant.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

The optimal timing for gallbladder surgery in heart transplant patients is controversial.

METHODS

Between April 1985 and October 2000, 518 cardiac transplants were performed at Ochsner Foundation Hospital. Data gathered included ultrasound reports, cholecystectomy operative reports, gallbladder pathologic reports, complications, and deaths.

RESULTS

Charts were available for 509 patients (98%), 68 (13%) of whom underwent cholecystectomy before transplantation. Of the 509, 53 (10%) had serial ultrasound examinations and 29 of the 53 (55%) developed gallstones. After transplant, 47 (9%) underwent cholecystectomy. Five cholecystectomies were performed during the immediate postoperative course. Two patients who underwent cholecystectomy had acalculous cholecystitis; one was incidental. Four patients died (one with rejection and three with sepsis). After discharge, 42 cholecystectomies were performed: 16 for biliary colic (no deaths, three patients with complications), 19 for acute cholecystitis (one death, nine patients with complications), 5 for biliary pancreatitis (1 death, 1 patient with complications), and 2 others.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of morbidity and mortality from gallstone disease is high in cardiac transplant patients, particularly immediately posttransplant. Posttransplant patients require annual ultrasound examinations to detect the onset of gallstone disease, and this risk is higher than in the general population. Gallstones alone are an indication for cholecystectomy in the cardiac transplant patient. Pretransplant cholecystectomy should be considered in clinically stable patients with gallstones.

[Analysis of 3100 laparoscopic cholecystectomies]

AIM

To evaluate the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the 8 years period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

First LC in Coltea Hospital was performed in September 1993 and introduced for treatment of patients with gallbladder disease. From September 1993 to February 2001 LC was performed in 3100 patients. Mean age 51.2 years (ranged from 8 to 87 years) among 2512 women and 588 men. 232 (7.48%) of the cases were patients with acute cholecystitis. Intraoperative cholangiography was performed in 112 cases (3.6%).

RESULTS

Conversion to open cholecystectomy (OC) was necessary in 111 patients (3.58%). Operative complications occurred in 16 (0.5%) patients: CBD lesions in 4 (0.12%) patients, bleeding from cystic artery--12 (0.38%) patients. In one patient CBD injuries was recognized at the time of operation and after conversion to OC primary ductal repair was performed. Postoperative complications occurred in 44 (1.41%) patients: a) local infection--in 15 (0.48%) patients (subhepatic abcess-3, wound infection-9. b) bile leakage--in 21 (0.67%) patients. c) haemoperitoneum because of the bleeding: from the abdominal wall at the trocar insertion site--in 2 patients, from a. cystica-one patient. d) obstructive jaundice due to stone in CBD--in 5 patients (endoscopic papillosphincterotomy and stone extraction was performed). There 21 reoperations due to complications: 13 laparatomies and 8 relaparascopies. Two patients (52 and 64 years old) died after LC-mortality 0.06 per cent. Mean hospitalisation day was 3.8.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent iatrogenic CBD injuries correct preparation with a clear identification of the anatomic structures is essential. Relaparascopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangyopancreatography can be successfully used in the treatment of complications after LC.

Chirurgie der Gallenblase und Gallenwege durch MIC

The laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most used minimally invasive surgical technique. Seventy-five percent of all gallstone diseases are actually treated by this procedure, as proved by an impressive comparison of Swiss, Austrian and German data. More than 265,000 cholecystectomies are analyzed. Twelve percent of all operations are performed in an acute situation, intraoperative complications are found in 1%; the postoperative complications is 5%. The lethality in all countries is between 0.1 and 0.2%.

Complications of cholecystectomy in the era of laparoscopic surgery

Both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy are highly safe and effective procedures for patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. Today, adverse outcomes after open cholecystectomy are limited to the elderly patients with comorbid conditions and complicated biliary tract disease. Though underreported, major biliary tract complications still occur, more so with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and continue to be the main cause of morbidity after cholecystectomy.

Elevated liver enzyme activity in construction workers: prevalence and impact on early retirement and all-cause mortality

BACKGROUND

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) are widely used as markers of hepatobiliary disorders in occupational health surveillance. Little is known, however, about the prevalence and occupational and non-occupational determinants of elevated levels of these enzymes in specific occupational groups or about the prognostic value of elevated levels with respect to long-term outcomes such as all-cause mortality and vocational disability.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted among 8,043 male construction workers aged 25-64 years who had undergone occupational health examinations in 6 centers in southern Germany from 1986 to 1988 and had been followed until 1994. The prevalence of elevated levels of GGT, ALT, and AST, depending on the sociodemographic and medical characteristics determined at the baseline examination and the risk of vocational disability and all-cause mortality in relation to elevated liver enzyme activity at baseline were assessed. Covariates considered in multivariate analysis included age, nationality, occupation, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and alcohol consumption.

RESULTS

The baseline prevalence of elevated activity levels of GGT (>28 U/1 at 25 degrees C), ALT (>22 U/1), and AST (>18 U/1) was 32%, 22%, and 12%, respectively. Factors most strongly related to elevated serum activity levels for all three enzymes were self-reported alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension. BMI was strongly associated with elevations in GGT and ALT but not in AST. Elevated levels of AST and GGT were strongly related to early retirement and all-cause mortality. Men with AST levels exceeding 18 U/1 had a 2-fold risk of early retirement and a 3 times higher risk of all-cause mortality as compared with men with lower AST levels. No significant association was observed between ALT and either of the long-term outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that screening for elevated GGT and AST levels, which are a common finding among construction workers, may be a powerful tool for the identification of individuals at increased risk of early retirement and preterm mortality and may be helpful in targeting of prevention efforts.

[Early and late outcome of biliodigestive anastomosis and transduodenal papillotomy in benign diseases of the bile ducts]

The results of a prospective study of 188 choledochoduodenostomies, 51 choledocho-jejunostomies, and 114 transduodenal papillotomies in patients with benign diseases are presented. The operations were performed between 1974 and 1997. The status of the patients was checked every one to two years. During the same time period a total of 5128 patients with benign disorders of the gall bladder or biliary tract was operated upon. In consequence to the important progress of endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic options indications and methods of biliary surgery have changed significantly. Open procedures at the choledochal duct, biliodigestive anastomoses, and transduodenal papillotomies are recently performed only in rare instances.

Increased gallbladder-related mortality among Hispanics: does education play a role?

OBJECTIVE

Hispanics, particularly Mexican Americans, are known to have a higher incidence of mortalities whose underlying cause is a gallbladder-related disorder. These analyses evaluate the role of educational attainment in the differential mortality experiences of these populations.

METHODS

US mortality data for 1989-1991 were examined to determine ethnically-specific death rates using 'any mention' of the disease on the death certificate.

RESULTS

Age-adjusted multiple cause mortality was found to be higher for all gallbladder-related disorders among Hispanics, particularly Mexican Americans. Mortality due to gallbladder cancer, gallstones and 'other gallbladder diseases' were found to be inversely proportional to educational attainment in all ethnic groups. When both age and education were used to adjust mortality, the gallstone and other gallbladder disease mortality among Hispanics was non-significantly higher than white, non-Hispanics. However, mortality due to gallbladder cancer remained significantly higher among Hispanics.

CONCLUSION

Gallbladder cancer mortality is elevated in Hispanic populations, especially Mexican Americans, independent of educational attainment. However, increased mortality associated with gallstones or other gallbladder diseases among Hispanics may be partially due to differences in factors associated with educational attainment. Research and public health efforts to address these educational-related factors may improve this mortality pattern among Hispanics.

Trends in mortality from nonneoplastic gallbladder disease

Trends in mortality rates from gallstones and other nonneoplastic gallbladder and biliary tract diseases between 1955 and 1990 for 38 countries (8 from America, 3 from Asia, 25 from Europe, Australia, and New Zealand) were analyzed. Age-adjusted mortality rates standardized on the world population were computed from official death certifications derived from the World Health Organization database. There were generalized and substantial declines in the rates in both sexes and all countries considered, except for males in Czechoslovakia and Poland. Over the calendar period considered, the average declines were over 70% for males and over 80% for females in North America, over 60% for males and 70% for females in Latin America, although mortality remained relatively high in Chile. The declines were 80% for both sexes in Japan and over 70% for males and 80% for females in Australia. The pattern was more heterogeneous in Europe, with decreases of approximately 70 to 80% in northern Europe, but more modest in central and southern Europe, with particularly moderate downward trends for males. In several countries the decreases were rather steady over the calendar period considered, but in a few others the decline was restricted or larger during the most recent calendar period. The trends in gallstone and other gallbladder disease mortality in various areas are affected by differences and potential biases in death certification reliability, and by underlying variations and changes in the prevalence of gallstones and gallbladder surgical removal. A likely interpretation for the generalized decline in mortality over the last calendar period is, however, improved diagnosis and treatment of gallstone disease.

Surgical rates and operative mortality for open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Maryland

BACKGROUND

Since 1989, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been widely adopted as a treatment for gallstone disease. We analyzed the association between the introduction of this procedure and three variables: the rate at which cholecystectomy was performed in Maryland, the characteristics of patients undergoing cholecystectomy in routine clinical practice, and operative mortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used 1985-1992 hospital-discharge data from all 54 acute care hospitals in Maryland, to identify open and laparoscopic cholecystectomies, characteristics of patients undergoing these procedures, and deaths occurring during hospitalizations in which these procedures were performed. The annual rate of cholecystectomy, adjusted for age, rose from 1.69 per 1000 state residents in 1987-1989 to 2.17 per 1000 residents in 1992, an increase of 28 percent (P < 0.001). As compared with patients undergoing open cholecystectomy, patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy tended to be younger, less likely to have acute cholecystitis or a common-duct stone, and more likely to be white and have private health insurance or belong to a health maintenance organization (P < 0.001). Although the operative mortality associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy was less than that with open cholecystectomy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.22; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.13 to 0.37) and the overall mortality rate for all cholecystectomies declined from 0.84 percent in 1989 to 0.56 percent in 1992, there was no significant change in the total number of cholecystectomy-related operative deaths because of the increase in the cholecystectomy rate.

CONCLUSIONS

In Maryland, although the adoption of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been accompanied by a 33 percent decrease in overall operative mortality per procedure, the total number of cholecystectomy-related deaths has not fallen because of a 28 percent increase in the total rate of cholecystectomy.

Contributions of the surgical sciences to a reduction of the mortality rate in the United States for the period 1968 to 1988

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to determine whether advances in the surgical sciences have led to a reduction in mortality rates for diseases treated by surgery during the past 25 years. They also wished to study changes in health care manpower for perioperative care during this period.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Surgical operations requiring general anesthesia in the United States have risen to 25 million per year at an annual cost of approximately $125 billion. During the period 1968 to 1988, the number of anesthesiologists per 100,000 persons in the United States increased 98%, although the number of surgeons remained relatively constant. Between 1980 and 1989, the number of radiologists per 100,000 persons decreased to 29% below the figure for 1965. Membership in specialized nursing societies increased dramatically.

METHODS

The authors used vital statistics data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) to examine the mortality rates for diseases of the prostate, appendix, and gallbladder; hernia and intestinal obstruction; and ulcerative disease of the stomach and duodenum for the years 1968, 1978, and 1988. NCHS hospital discharge data were used to derive the rates of hospitalization and surgery for these conditions. Information on changes in health care manpower was obtained from published and other sources.

RESULTS

The mortality rates for the five diseases studied decreased from 40% to 69% between 1968 and 1978. Between 1978 and 1988, the mortality rates caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia declined an additional 54% and by appendicitis, an additional 43%. Deaths attributable to the other conditions remained relatively constant. The rates of hospitalization and surgery for these conditions varied.

CONCLUSIONS

Advances in surgery, anesthesiology, and information transfer and the availability of intensive care units and specialized hospital personnel have resulted in reduced mortality rates for diseases treated by surgery.

[Results of conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

We report about a retrospective study of 861 conventional and 812 laparoscopic cholecystectomies (including one coelioscopic choledocholithotomy). In the conventionally operated group reoperation was required in 2.7% (1.4% relaparotomy, 1.3% secondary suture), mortality was 0.5%. After laparoscopic treatment the reoperation rate was 2% (10 relaparoscopies, 5 laparotomies, 2 secondary sutures), no mortality. Growing experience and better definition of contraindications for endoscopic cholecystectomy might improve our results in the future.

[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy--benefit or risk?]

A comparing observation between 600 patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 921 conventionally operated patients reveals that while achieving the same standard of results, the laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not lead to an increased rate of complications. With the operating time slightly prolonged, there is quick freedom from pain, short hospitalization and a short period of convalescence. Thus the laparoscopic cholecystectomy appears to meet the standard of conventional cholecystectomy despite higher demands regarding personnel and materials. It is not only characterized by being better accepted by the patient, but also seems to represent an adequate therapy for symptomatic cholelithiasis from the economic point of view.

Type 1 free perforation of the gallbladder

A series of 4 cases of free perforation of the gallbladder into the peritoneal cavity associated with peritonitis are reported. Two were diagnosed at laparotomy and 2 at post-mortem. The 3 patients who died were men who were either elderly or had serous concomitant diseases, including diabetes, atherosclerosis or alcoholism. The sole survivor was a fit young woman.

Evolving changes in the pathogenesis and treatment of the perforated gallbladder. A combined hospital study

Perforation of the gallbladder occurred in 35 patients in this 6 year review, with a 2.3:1 male predominance in contrast with a female dominance in nonperforated acute cholecystitis. Thirty-three percent of patients with gallstones had a history of symptomatic cholelithiasis which emphasizes that if elective cholecystectomy had been performed, this complication could have been avoided. Further, a large number of cases (40 percent) were found to be of the acalculous variety which suggests a possible changing trend in the pathogenesis of perforated gallbladder. Cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography and adequate drainage appears to be the procedure of choice, and aggressive operative intervention without delay is thought to contribute to the relatively low mortality of 8.6 percent in this series.

Gall bladder perforations

Twenty-seven patients with gall bladder perforation were reviewed. Free perforation into the peritoneal cavity producing bile peritonitis occurred in 45% of patients. Bilio-enteric fistulae were encountered in 48% of our patients. Five patients had gall stone ileus. A mortality of 11% reflects the serious nature of the condition. Selection of the optimum surgical procedure is based on the evaluation of the individual patient which should include an estimate of the general condition of the patient as well as the evaluation of anatomic situation at operation. Our experience suggests that cholecystostomy may be life-saving in these patients. Surgery in patients with gall stone ileus should be directed towards relief of obstruction only.

Gallbladder disease and cholecystectomy rate are independently variable

In Britain, gallstones can be expected to develop in 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men. Gallbladder disease in Dundee was more frequent in 1974-83 than in 1953-73. During 1961-81 the number of cholecystectomies trebled in Dundee and doubled in Scotland as a whole, but this could not be explained by changes in the prevalence of gallbladder disease. Between 1974 and 1983 in Dundee, 48 patients died of gallstone disease. 22 out of 54 (41%) patients with common bileduct stones at necropsy and 26 out of 1034 (2.5%) with gallbladder stones only at necropsy died from an associated cause. A further 26 died from gallbladder surgery without bileduct surgery. Gallbladder disease was not associated with death from myocardial infarction, and there was no relationship between gallstones and gallbladder cholesterolosis. 22 patients were found to have secondary carcinoma of the gallbladder and 17 were found to have primary carcinoma of the gallbladder at necropsy.

Perforation of the gallbladder. A retrospective comparative study of cases from 1946-1956 and 1969-1980

The records of patients treated for perforation of the gallbladder in 1946-1956 or 1969-1980 (n = 41 and 70) were reviewed to elucidate if changed strategy in acute cholecystitis, i.e. delayed vs. early surgery, had had any effect on the prognosis. The overall mortality declined significantly between the two periods, from 20 to 7%. The mortality was lowest (6%) after cholecystectomy, as compared with cholecystostomy (29%) and conservative treatment (67%). The frequency of chronic biliary fistula, calculated on all gallbladder perforations, decreased significantly (46 vs. 27%), but the frequency of acute free perforation was similar in both periods (27 and 34%). Treatment policy in acute cholecystitis is discussed. The study indicated that early surgery (Cholecystectomy with peroperative cholangiography and, if required, choledochotomy) is the treatment of choice, giving the best results also in patients with perforation of the gallbladder.

Prevalence of gall stones in Dundee: a necropsy study

Necropsy records from two large general hospitals in Dundee showed short-term fluctuations in the prevalence of gall stones that had not previously been described. There was no evidence of a rise in the standardised prevalence rate between 1902-9 and 1953-73. A spurious increase was apparent from the crude prevalence rates for these periods, which resulted simply from the increased age of the patients in the later period. Since there was no real increase in prevalence no conclusions can be drawn about dietary or other changes. Patients with stones in the common bile duct were likely to die from an associated cause. This related mainly to a high mortality rate in women. In patients with established epilepsy the prevalence of gall stones was greater than expected, which suggests that phenobarbitone does not diminish the likelihood of gall stones.