Predictive value and main determinants of abnormal features of intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND:The major issue with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is whether its diagnostic accuracy for common bile duct (CBD) stones matches that of other diagnostic procedures,and thus,whether it will become a routine diagnostic procedure.The current study aimed to address the main determinants of CBD stone diagnosis in IOC among an Iranian population.METHODS:In a retrospective review database-based study conducted in Taleghani Hospital in Tehran between 2006 and 2008,baseline data and perioperative information of 2060 patients (male to female ratio 542:1518,mean age 53.7 years) who were candidates for cholecystectomy and underwent concomitant IOC for confirming CBD stones were reviewed.The predictive power of this procedure for diagnosis of abnormal biliary ducts with the focus on biliary stones was determined.RESULTS:Overall mortality and morbidity following cholecystectomy in the study population were 0.6% and 2.6%,respectively.Both early mortality and morbidity due to cholecystectomy were higher in male than female.The prevalence of CBD stones in IOC was 3.4% (5.2% in male and 2.8% in female,P=0.008).Among those without gallstones,8.7% had CBD stones and only 3.1% had concomitant gallstones and CBD stones.The main predictors of stone appearance as an abnormal feature of IOC during cholecystectomy were:advanced age (OR=1.022,P=0.001),male gender (OR=1.498,P=0.050),history of abdominal surgery (OR=1.543,P=0.040) and preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (OR=5.400,P<0.001).CONCLUSIONS:IOC is a safe and accurate method for the assessment of bile duct anatomy and stones.Therefore,the routine use of IOC within cholecystectomy seems reasonable and is recommended.

Current use of intraoperative ultrasound in modern liver surgery

Ultrasound plays an important role not only in preoperative diagnosis but also in intraoperative guidance for liver surgery.Intraoperative ultrasound(IOUS)has become an indispensable tool for modern liver surgeons,especially for minimally invasive surgeries,partially substituting for the surgeon’s hands.In fundamental mode,Doppler mode,contrast enhancement,elastography,and real-time virtual sonography,IOUS can provide additional real-time information regarding the intrahepatic anatomy,tumor site and characteristics,macrovascular invasion,resection margin,transection plane,perfusion and outflow of the remnant liver,and local ablation efficacy for both open and minimally invasive liver resections.Identification and localization of intrahepatic lesions and surrounding structures are crucial for performing liver resection,preserving the adjacent vital vascular and bile ducts,and sparing the functional liver parenchyma.Intraoperative ultrasound can provide critical information for intraoperative decision-making and navigation.Therefore,all liver surgeons must master IOUS techniques,and IOUS should be included in the training of modern liver surgeons.Further investigation of the potential benefits and advances in these techniques will increase the use of IOUS in modern liver surgeries worldwide.This study comprehensively reviews the current use of IOUS in modern liver surgeries.

Is intra-operative cholangiography necessary during laparoscopic cholecystectomy? A multicentre rural experience from a developing world country

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in nonteaching rural hospitals of a developing country without intra-operative cholangiography (IOC). To evaluate the possibility of reduction of costs and hospital stay for patients undergoing LC.METHODS: A prospective analysis of patients with symptomatic benign diseases of gall bladder undergoing LC in three non-teaching rural hospitals of Kashmir Valley from Jan 2001 to Jan 2007. The cohort represented a sample of patients requiring LC, aged 13 to 78 (mean 47.2) years. Main outcome parameters included mortality, complications, re-operation, conversion to open procedure without resorting to IOC, reduction in costs borne by the hospital, and the duration of hospital stay.RESULTS: Twelve hundred and sixty-seven patients (976 females/291 males) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Twenty-three cases were converted to open procedures; 12 patients developed port site infection, nobody died because of the procedure. One patient had common bile duct (CBD) injury, 4 patients had biliary leak, and 4 patients had subcutaneous emphysema. One cholecystohepatic duct was detected and managed intraoperatively, 1 patient had retained CBD stones, while 1 patient had retained cystic duct stones. Incidental gallbladder malignancy was detected in 2 cases. No long-term complications were detected up to now.CONCLUSION: LC can be performed safely even in non-teaching rural hospitals of a developing country provided proper equipment is available and the surgeons and other team members are well trained in the procedure. It is stressed that IOC is not essential to prevent biliary tract injuries and missed CBD stones. The costs to the patient and the hospital can be minimized by using reusable instruments, intracorporeal sutures, and condoms instead of titanium clips and endobags.

Mechanism of Dynamic Near-infrared Fluorescence Cholangiography of Extrahepatic Bile Ducts and Applications in Detecting Bile Duct Injuries Using Indocyanine Green in Animal Models

Fluorescence intraoperative cholangiography（IOC） is a potential alternative for identifying anatomical variation and preventing iatrogenic bile duct injuries by using the near-infrared probe indocyanine green（ICG）. However, the dynamic process and mechanism of fluorescence IOC have not been elucidated in previous publications. Herein, the optical properties of the complex of ICG and bile, dynamic fluorescence cholangiography and iatrogenic bile duct injuries were investigated. The emission spectrum of ICG in bile peaked at 844 nm and ICG had higher tissue penetration. Extrahepatic bile ducts could fluoresce 2 min after intravenous injection, and the fluorescence intensity reached a peak at 8 min. In addition, biliary dynamics were observed owing to ICG excretion from the bile ducts into the duodenum. Quantitative analysis indicated that ICG-guided fluorescence IOC possessed a high signal to noise ratio compared to the surrounding peripheral tissue and the portal vein. Fluorescence IOC was based on rapid uptake of circulating ICG in plasma by hepatic cells, excretion of ICG into the bile and then its interaction with protein molecules in the bile. Moreover, fluorescence IOC was sensitive to detect bile duct ligation and acute bile duct perforation using ICG in rat models. All of the results indicated that fluorescence IOC using ICG is a valid alternative for the cholangiography of extrahepatic bile ducts and has potential for measurement of biliary dynamics.

Right anterior segmental hepatic duct emptying directly into the cystic duct in a living donor

A 35-year-old mother was scheduled to be the living donor for liver transplantation to her second son,who suffered from biliary atresia complicated with biliary cirrhosis at the age of 2 years.The operative plan was to recover the left lateral segment of the mother's liver for living donor transplantation.With the use of cholangiography at the time of surgery,we found the right anterior segmental duct(RASD) emptying directly into the cystic duct,and the catheter passed into the RASD.After repairing the incision in the cystic duct,transplantation was successfully performed.Her postoperative course was uneventful.Biliary anatomical variations were frequently encountered,however,this variation has very rarely been reported.If the RASD was divided,the repair would be very difficult because the duct will not dilate sufficiently in an otherwise healthy donor.Meticulous preoperative evaluation of the living donor's biliary anatomy,especially using magnetic resonance cholangiography and careful intraoperative techniques,is important to prevent bile duct injury and avoid the risk to the healthy donor.

Application of imaging techniques in pancreaticobiliary maljunction

Imaging techniques are useful tools in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary maljunction(PBM).PBM is a precancerous lesion often relative to the disease of the pancreas and biliary tract,for example,cholecystolithiasis,protein plugs,and pancreatitis.For patients with PBM,early diagnosis and timely treatment are highly important,which is largely dependent on imaging techniques.The continuous development of imaging techniques,including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography,computed tomography,ultrasound,and intraoperative cholangiography,has provided appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic tools for PBM.Imaging techniques,including non-invasive and invasive,have distinct advantages and disadvantages.The purpose of this paper is to review the application of various imaging techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of PBM.

Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy in pediatric living donor liver transplantation by single-port approach:A case report

BACKGROUND Single-port laparoscopy has been used in a variety of abdominal operations.We report the first case of single-port laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy in pediatric laparoscopic living donor liver transplantation.CASE SUMMARY A 28-year-old man volunteered for living liver donation to his daughter who was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension after the Kasai procedure for biliary atresia.His body mass index was 20.5 kg/m2.Liver dynamic computed tomography showed:(1)Left lateral graft volume of 232.76 cm3 with a graft-torecipient weight ratio of 2.59%;and(2)Right hepatic artery derived from the superior mesenteric artery.A single-port access system was placed through a transumbilical incision,including four trocars:two 12-mm ports for a camera and endoscopic stapler and two 5-mm working ports.Liver parenchyma was dissected by a Harmonic and Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator,while bipolar was used for coagulation.The bile duct was transected above the bifurcation by indocyanine green fluorescence cholangiography.The specimen was retrieved from the umbilical incision.The total operation time was 4 h without blood transfusion.The final graft weight was 233.6 g with graft-torecipient weight ratio of 2.60%.The donor was discharged uneventfully on postoperative day 4.CONCLUSION Single-port laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy is feasible in pediatric laparoscopic living donor liver transplantation in an experienced transplant center.