Low skeletal muscle mass and high visceral adiposity are associated with recurrence of acute cholecystitis after conservative management:A propensity score-matched cohort study

Background:Recurrent acute cholecystitis(RAC)can occur after non-surgical treatment for acute cholecystitis(AC),and can be more severe in comparison to the first episode of AC.Low skeletal muscle mass or adiposity have various effects in several diseases.We aimed to clarify the relationship between RAC and body parameters.Methods:Patients with AC who were treated at our hospital between January 2011 and March 2022 were enrolled.The psoas muscle mass and adipose tissue area at the third lumbar level were measured using computed tomography at the first episode of AC.The areas were divided by height to obtain the psoas muscle mass index(PMI)and subcutaneous/visceral adipose tissue index(SATI/VATI).According to median VATI,SATI and PMI values by sex,patients were divided into the high and low PMI groups.We performed propensity score matching to eliminate the baseline differences between the high PMI and low PMI groups and analyzed the cumulative incidence and predictors of RAC.Results:The entire cohort was divided into the high PMI(n=81)and low PMI(n=80)groups.In the propensity score-matched cohort there were 57 patients in each group.In Kaplan-Meier analysis,the low PMI group and the high VATI group had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of RAC than their counterparts(log-rank P=0.001 and 0.015,respectively).In a multivariate Cox regression analysis,the hazard ratios of low PMI and low VATI for RAC were 5.250(95%confidence interval 1.083-25.450,P=0.039)and 0.158(95%confidence interval:0.026-0.937,P=0.042),respectively.Conclusions:Low skeletal muscle mass and high visceral adiposity were independent risk factors for RAC.

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

BACKGROUND Acute cholecystitis(AC)is a common disease in general surgery.Laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)is widely recognized as the"gold standard"surgical procedure for treating AC.For low-risk patients without complications,LC is the recommended treatment plan,but there is still controversy regarding the treatment strategy for moderate AC patients,which relies more on the surgeon's experience and the medical platform of the visiting unit.Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder puncture drainage(PTGBD)can effectively alleviate gallbladder inflammation,reduce gallbladder wall edema and adhesion around the gallbladder,and create a"time window"for elective surgery.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of LC or PTGBD combined with LC for treating AC patients,providing a theoretical basis for choosing reasonable surgical methods for AC patients.METHODS In this study,we conducted a clinical investigation regarding the combined use of PTGBD tubes for the treatment of gastric cancer patients with AC.We performed searches in the following databases:PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,and Wanfang Database.The search encompassed literature published from the inception of these databases to the present.Subsequently,relevant data were extracted,and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.RESULTS A comprehensive analysis was conducted,encompassing 24 studies involving a total of 2564 patients.These patients were categorized into two groups:1371 in the LC group and 1193 in the PTGBD+LC group.The outcomes of the meta-analysis revealed noteworthy disparities between the PTGBD+LC group and the LC group in multiple dimensions:(1)Operative time:Mean difference(MD)=17.51,95%CI:9.53-25.49,P<0.01;(2)Conversion to open surgery rate:Odds ratio(OR)=2.95,95%CI:1.90-4.58,P<0.01;(3)Intraoperative bleeding loss:MD=32.27,95%CI:23.03-41.50,P<0.01;(4)Postoperative hospital stay:MD=1.44,95%CI:0.14-2.73,P=0.03;(5)Overall postoperative compli-cation rate:OR=1.88,95%CI:1.45-2.43,P<0.01;(6)Bile duct injury:OR=2.17,95%CI:1.30-3.64,P=0.003;(7)Intra-abdominal hemorrhage:OR=2.45,95%CI:1.06-5.64,P=0.004;and(8)Wound infection:OR=0.These find-ings consistently favored the PTGBD+LC group over the LC group.There were no significant differences in the total duration of hospitalization[MD=-1.85,95%CI:-4.86-1.16,P=0.23]or bile leakage[OR=1.33,95%CI:0.81-2.18,P=0.26]between the two groups.CONCLUSION The combination of PTGBD tubes with LC for AC treatment demonstrated superior clinical efficacy and enhanced safety,suggesting its broader application value in clinical practice.

Impact of interstitial cells of Cajal on slow wave and gallbladder contractility in a guinea pig model of acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND Impaired interstitial cells of Cajal(ICCs)are central to the pathophysiology of acute cholecystitis(AC).Common bile duct ligation is a common model of AC,producing acute inflammatory changes and decrease in gallbladder contractility.AIM To investigate the origin of slow wave(SW)in the gallbladder and the effect of ICCs on gallbladder contractions during the process of AC.METHODS Methylene blue(MB)with light was used to establish selective impaired ICCs gallbladder tissue.Gallbladder motility was assessed using the frequency of SW and gallbladder muscle contractility in vitro in normal control(NC),AC12h,AC24h,and AC48h groups of guinea pigs.Hematoxylin and eosin and Massonstained gallbladder tissues were scored for inflammatory changes.ICCs pathological changes alterations were estimated using immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy.The alterations of c-Kit,α-SMA,cholecystokinin A receptor(CCKAR),and connexin 43(CX43)were assessed using Western blot.RESULTS Impaired ICCs muscle strips resulted in the decrease in gallbladder SW frequency and contractility.The frequency of SW and gallbladder contractility were significantly lower in the AC12h group.Compared with the NC group,the density and ultrastructure of ICCs were remarkably impaired in the AC groups,especially in the AC12h group.The protein expression levels of c-Kit were significantly decreased in the AC12h group,while CCKAR and CX43 protein expression levels were significantly decreased in the AC48h group.CONCLUSION Loss ICCs could lead to a decrease in gallbladder SW frequency and contractility.The density and ultrastructure of ICCs were clearly impaired in the early stage of AC,while CCKAR and CX43 were significantly reduced at end stage.

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

BACKGROUND: In low-risk patients with acute cholecystitis who did not respond to nonoperative treatment, we prospectively compared treatment with emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy or percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy followed by delayed cholecystectomy.METHODS: In 91 patients(American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II) who had symptoms of acute cholecystitis ≥72 hours at hospital admission and who did not respond to nonoperative treatment(48 hours), 48 patients were treated with emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 43 patients were treated with delayed cholecystectomy at ≥4 weeks after insertion of a percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy catheter. After initial treatment, the patients were followed up for 23 months on average(range 7-29).RESULT: Compared with the patients who had emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patients who were treated with percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy and delayed cholecystectomy had a lower frequency of conversion to open surgery [19(40%) vs 8(19%); P=0.029], a frequency of intraoperative bleeding ≥100 mL [16(33%) vs 4(9%); P=0.006],a mean postoperative hospital stay(5.3±3.3 vs 3.0±2.4 days;P=0.001), and a frequency of complications [17(35%) vs 4(9%);P=0.003].CONCLUSION: In patients with acute cholecystitis who presented to the hospital ≥72 hours after symptom onset and did not respond to nonoperative treatment for 48 hours, percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy with delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy produced better outcomes and fewer complications than emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Operative complications and economic outcomes of cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND Recent management of acute cholecystitis favors same admission(SA)or emergent cholecystectomy based on overall shorter hospital stay and therefore cost savings.We adopted the practice of SA cholecystectomy for the treatment of acute cholecystitis at our tertiary care center and wanted to evaluate the economic benefit of this practice.We hypothesized that the existence of complications,particularly among patients with a higher degree of disease severity,during SA cholecystectomy could negate the cost savings.AIM To compare complication rates and hospital costs between SA vs delayed cholecystectomy among patients admitted emergently for acute cholecystitis.METHODS Under an IRB-approved protocol,complications and charges for were obtained for SA,later after conservative management(Delayed),or elective cholecystectomies over an 8.5-year period.Patients were identified using the acute care surgery registry and billing database.Data was retrieved via EMR,operative logs,and Revenue Cycle Operations.The severity of acute cholecystitis was graded according to the Tokyo Guidelines.TG18 categorizes acute cholecystitis by Grades 1,2,and 3 representing mild,moderate,and severe,respectively.Comparisons were analyzed withχ2,Fisher’s exact test,ANOVA,ttests,and logistic regression;significance was set at P<0.05.RESULTS Four hundred eighty-six(87.7%)underwent a SA while 68 patients(12.3%)received Delayed cholecystectomy.Complication rates were increased after SA compared to Delayed cholecystectomy(18.5%vs 4.4%,P=0.004).The complication rates of patients undergoing delayed cholecystectomy was similar to the rate for elective cholecystectomy(7.4%,P=0.35).Mortality rates were 0.6%vs 0%for SA vs Delayed.Patients with moderate disease(Tokyo 2)suffered more complications among SA while none who were delayed experienced a complication(16.1%vs 0.0%,P<0.001).Total hospital charges for SA cholecystectomy were increased compared to a Delayed approach($44500±$59000 vs$35300±$16700,P=0.019).The relative risk of developing a complication was 4.2x[95%confidence interval(CI):1.4-12.9]in the SA vs Delayed groups.Among eight patients(95%CI:5.0-12.3)with acute cholecystitis undergoing SA cholecystectomy,one patient will suffer a complication.CONCLUSION Patients with Tokyo Grade 2 acute cholecystitis had more complications and increased hospital charges when undergoing SA cholecystectomy.This data supports a selective approach to SA cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

Single-port versus multi-port cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis: a retrospective comparative analysis

BACKGROUND: Trans-umbilical single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy for chronic gallbladder disease is becoming increasingly accepted worldwide. But so far, no reports exist about the challenging single-port surgery for acute cholecystitis. The objective of this study was to describe our experience with single-port cholecystectomy in comparison to the conventional laparoscopic technique. METHODS: Between August 2008 and March 2010, 73 patients with symptomatic gallbladder disease and histopathological signs of acute cholecystitis underwent laparoscopic cholecystec- tomy at our institution. Thirty-six patients were operated on with the single-port technique (SP group) and the data were compared with a control group of 37 patients who were treated with the multi-port technique (MP group). RESULTS: The mean age in the SP group was 61.5 (range 21-81) years and in the MP group was 60 (range 21-94) (P=0.712). Gender, ASA status and BMI were not significantly different. The number of white blood cells was different before [SP: 9.2 (range 2.8-78.4); MP: 13.2 (range 4.4-28.6); P=0.001] and after the operation [SP: 7.8 (range 3.5-184.8); MP: 11.1 (range 5-20.8); P=0.002]. Mean operating time was 88 (range 34-174) minutes in the SP group vs 94 (range 39-209) minutes in the MP group (P=0.147). Four patients (5%) required conversion to an open procedure (SP: 1; MP: 3; P=0.320). During the follow- up period of 332 (range 29-570) days in the SP group and 428 (range 111-619) days in the MP group (P=0.044), eleven (15%) patients developed postoperative complications (P=0.745) and two patients in the SP group required reoperation (P=0.154). CONCLUSIONS: Trans-umbilical single-port cholecystectomy for beginning acute cholecystitis is feasible and the complicationrate is comparable with the standard multi-port operation. In spite of our good results, these operations are difficult to perform and should only be done in high-volume centers for laparoscopic surgery with experience in single-port surgery.

Drainage vs. non-drainage after cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis:a retrospective study

Many surgeons practice prophylactic drainage after cholecystectomy without reliable evidence,this study was conducted to answer the question whether to drain or not to drain after cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis.A retrospective review of all patients who had cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in Aseer Central Hospital,Abha,Saudi Arabia,was conducted from April 2010 to April 2012.Data were extracted from hospital case files.Preoperative data included clinical presentation,routine investigations and liver function tests.Operative data included excessive adhesions,bleeding,bile leak,and drain insertion.Complicated cases such as pericholecystic collections,mucocele and empyema were also reported.Patients who needed therapeutic drainage were excluded.Postoperative data included hospital stay,volume of drained fluid,time of drain removal,and drain site problems.The study included 103 patients allocated into two groups;group A（n = 38） for patients with operative drain insertion and group B（n = 65） for patients without drain insertion.The number of patients with preoperative diagnosis of acute non-complicated cholecystitis was significantly greater in group B（80%） than group A（36.8%）（P 〈 0.001）.Operative time was significantly longer in group A.All patients who were converted from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy were in group A.Multivariate analysis revealed that hospital stay was significantly（P 〈 0.001） longer in patients with preoperative complications.There was no added benefit for prophylactic drain insertion after cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis in non-complicated or in complicated cases.

Histological examination of frozen sections for patients with acute cholecystitis during cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND： Unexpected gallbladder cancer may present with acute cholecystitis-like manifestat/ons. Some authors rec- ommended that frozen section analysis should be performed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for all cases of acute cholecystitis. Others advocate selective use of frozen section analysis based on gross examination of the specimen by the surgeon. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether surgeons could effectively identify suspected gallbladder with macroscopic examination alone. If not, is routine frozen sec- tion analysis worth advocating？

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage in acute cholecystitis:An updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage has been the most frequently performed treatment for acute cholecystitis for patients who are not candidates for surgery.Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage(ETGBD)has evolved into an alternative treatment.There have been numerous retrospective and prospective studies evaluating ETGBD for acute cholecystitis,though results have been variable.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ETGBD in the treatment of inoperable patients with acute cholecystitis.METHODS We performed a systematic review of major literature databases including PubMed,OVID,Science Direct,Google Scholar(from inception to March 2021)to identify studies reporting technical and clinical success,and post procedure adverse events in ETGBD.Weighted pooled rates were then calculated using fixed effects models for technical and clinical success,and post procedure adverse events,including recurrent cholecystitis.RESULTS We found 21 relevant articles that were then included in the study.In all 1307 patients were identified.The pooled technical success rate was 82.62%[95%confidence interval(CI):80.63-84.52].The pooled clinical success rate was found to be 94.87%(95%CI:93.54-96.05).The pooled overall complication rate was 8.83%(95%CI:7.42-10.34).Pooled rates of post procedure adverse events were bleeding 1.03%(95%CI:0.58-1.62),perforation 0.78%(95%CI:0.39-1.29),peritonitis/bile leak 0.45%(95%CI:0.17-0.87),and pancreatitis 1.98%(95%CI:1.33-2.76).The pooled rates of stent occlusion and migration were 0.39%(95%CI:0.13-0.78)and 1.3%(95%CI:0.75-1.99)respectively.The pooled rate of cholecystitis recurrence following ETGBD was 1.48%(95%CI:0.92-2.16).CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis suggests that ETGBD is a feasible and efficacious treatment for inoperable patients with acute cholecystitis.

Surgical treatment of acute cholecystitis in patients with confirmed COVID-19:Ten case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Research concerning postoperative outcomes of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients revealed unfavorable postoperative results with increased morbidity,pulmonary complications and mortality.Case reports have suggested that COVID-19 is associated with more aggressive presentation of acute cholecystitis.The aim of the present study is to describe the perioperative assessment and postoperative outcomes of ten patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection with concomitant acute cholecystitis who underwent cholecystectomy.CASE SUMMARY We report a total of 10 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients with concomitant acute cholecystitis that underwent cholecystectomy.Six patients were males,the mean age was 47.1 years.Nine patients had moderate acute cholecystitis,and one patient had severe acute cholecystitis.All patients were treated with urgent/early laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Regarding the Parkland grading scale,two patients received a Parkland grade of 3,two patients received a Parkland grade of 4,and six patients received a Parkland grade of 5.Eight patients required a bail-out procedure.Four patients developed biliary leakage and required endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with biliary sphincterotomy.After surgery,five patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)and required intensive care unit(ICU)admission.One patient died after cholecystectomy due to ARDS complications.The mean total length of stay(LOS)was 18.2 d.The histopathology demonstrated transmural necrosis(n=5),vessel obliteration with ischemia(n=3),perforation(n=3),and acute peritonitis(n=10).CONCLUSION COVID-19 patients with acute cholecystitis had difficult cholecystectomies,high rates of ICU admission,and a prolonged LOS.

Mirizzi Syndrome Complicating Acute Cholecystitis: CT Diagnosis

Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of gallstones with an incidence of less than 1% per year in Western countries. Imaging and endoscopy play a key role in its diagnosis. CT scan helps to eliminate any malignant lesion of the bile ducts or liver hence comes in handy in the confirmation of Mirizzi syndrome. We hereby report a case of a Mirizzi syndrome complicating acute cholecystitis in a 41-year-old patient without any history of disease.

Percutaneous Cholecystomy Guided by Ultrasound for Acute Cholecystitis in High-risk Aged Patients

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess experience with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) in high risk aged patients with presumed acute cholecystitis. Methods\ PC was performed by transhepatic route under local anaesthesia guided by ultrasonography cholecystostomy catheters. The catheters used include the Cope loop(produced by Japan hakko). Results\ PC was performed successfully in all 18 patients, without immediate procedural or technical complications. Symptoms and clinical signs of cholecystitis resolved within 24 48 h after the procedures in all but one patient. Conclusion\ PC is a cost effective ,mini invasive, and reliable alternative to surgical placement of cholecystostomy tubes in critically ill patient. This study also can be used in hepatic abscess, obstructive jaundice and necrostic pancreatitis caused by stone or tumor.\;

Early Versus Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis with Mild Pancreatitis

The safety and feasibility of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)for acute cholecystitis with mild pancreatitis were explored.A total of 973 patients with acute pancreatitis,including 651 mild cases and 322 moderate or severe cases were retrospectively studied from July 2014 to December 2018 in our department.And 426 mild pancreatitis cases with acute cholecystitis were enrolled in this study,of which 328 patients underwent LC during the same-admission(early LC group),and 98 patients underwent LC a period of time after conservative treatment(delayed LC group).Clinical characteristics,operative findings and complications were recorded and followed up.The two groups were comparable in age,gender,the grade of American Society of Anesthesiologist(ASA),biochemical findings and Balthazar computer tomography(CT)rating(P>0.05).The operation interval and hospital stay in early LC group were significantly shorter than in delayed LC group(5.83+1.62 vs.41.3618.44 days;11.38+2.43 vs.16.49+3.48 days,P<0.01).There was no significant difference in the average operation time between the two groups.No preoperative biliary related events recurred in early LC group but there were 21 cases of preoperative biliary related events in delayed LC group(P<0.01).There was no significant difference in conversion rate(3.85 vs.5.10%,P=0.41)and surgical complication rate(3.95 vs.4.08%,P-0.95)between early LC group and delayed LC group.During the postoperative follow-up period of 375 cases,biliary related events recurred in 4 cases in early LC group and 3 cases in delayed LC group(P=0.37).The effect of early LC during the same-admission is better than delayed LC for acute cholecystitis with mild pancreatitis.

Acute Alithiasis Cholecystitis in Children: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach in the Pediatric Surgery Department of the CHU of Conakry

Acute alithiasic cholecystitis (AAC) is the inflammatory disease of the gallbladder in the absence of gallstones. It is a rare pathology in children. The aim was to describe the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of this disease. Materials and Method: This was a 3-year retrospective study (January 2008 to December 2010) including 66 patient records collected for CAA. Results: The frequency of AAC was 3.57%, the mean age of the patients was 8 ± 3.52 years, and there were 36 boys and 30 girls. The main clinical features were right hypochondrial pain (66 cases), positive Murphy’s (66 cases), fever (53 cases) and jaundice or sub-jaundice (51 cases). The main ultrasound signs were thickened vesicular wall 50 cas (75.76%), vesicular distension 50cas (75.76%) and positive ultrasound Murphy 47 cas (71.21%). Medical treatment was exclusive in 64 patients (96.97%) and surgical treatment in 2 patients (3.03%). Conclusion: Acute alithiasic cholecystitis is a rare pathology in children, the clinical picture is not very specific and abdominal ultrasound is the key to early diagnosis. Conservative treatment is the first choice in the absence of any complications.

Use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage as a rescue approach in cases of unsuccessful biliary drainage

This narrative review provides an overview of the utilization of endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage(EUS-GBD)as a salvage approach in cases of unsuccessful conventional management.EUS-GBD is a minimally invasive and effective technique for drainage in patients with acute cholecystitis with high risk of surgery.The procedure has demonstrated impressive technical and clinical success rates with low rates of adverse events,making it a safe and effective option for appropriate candidates.Furthermore,EUS-GBD can also serve as a rescue option for patients who have failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or EUS biliary drainage for relief of jaundice in malignant biliary stricture.However,patient selection is critical for the success of EUS-GBD,and proper patient selection and risk assessment are important to ensure the safety and efficacy of the procedure.As the field continues to evolve and mature,ongoing research will further refine our understanding of the benefits and limitations of EUS-GBD,ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients.

Natural history of asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinic without beds:A long-term prognosis over 10 years

BACKGROUND Several studies have explored the long-term prognosis of patients with asymp-tomatic gallbladder stones.These reports were primarily conducted in facilities equipped with beds for addressing symptomatic cases.AIM To report the long-term prognosis of patients with asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without bed facilities.METHODS We investigated the prognoses of 237 patients diagnosed with asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without beds between March 2010 and October 2022.When symptoms developed,patients were transferred to hospitals where appropriate treatment was possible.We investigated the asymptomatic and survival periods during the follow-up.RESULTS Among the 237 patients,214(90.3%)remained asymptomatic,with a mean asymptomatic period of 3898.9279±46.871 d(50-4111 d,10.7 years on average).Biliary complications developed in 23 patients(9.7%),with a mean survival period of 4010.0285±31.2788 d(53-4112 d,10.9 years on average).No patient died of biliary complications.CONCLUSION The long-term prognosis of asymptomatic gallbladder stones in clinics without beds was favorable.When the condition became symptomatic,the patients were transferred to hospitals with beds that could address it;thus,no deaths related to biliary complications were reported.This finding suggests that follow-up care in clinics without beds is possible.

Biliary complications associated with weight loss,cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis

Biliary complications like cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis are more common in bariatric surgery patients due to obesity and rapid weight loss.Patients with a body mass index>40 face an eightfold risk of developing cholelithiasis.Postbariatric surgery,especially after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(LRYGB),30%of patients develop biliary disease due to rapid weight loss.The aim of this review is to analyze the main biliary complications that occur after bariatric surgery and its management.A review of the literature was conducted mainly from 2010 up to 2023 with regard to biliary complications associated with bariatric patients in SciELO,PubMed,and MEDLINE.Patients undergoing LRYGB have a higher incidence(14.5%)of symptomatic calculi post-surgery compared to those undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at 4.1%.Key biliary complications within 6 to 12 months post-surgery include:Cholelithiasis:36%;Biliary colic/dyskinesia:3.86%;Acute cholecystitis:0.98%-18.1%;Chronic cholecystitis:70.2%;Choledocholithiasis:0.2%-5.7%and Pancreatitis:0.46%-9.4%.Surgeons need to be aware of these complications and consider surgical treatments based on patient symptoms to enhance their quality of life.

Dengue fever may mislead the surgeons when it presents as an acute abdomen

Objective: To review the management experience of a consecutive series of patients presenting as acute surgical abdomen whom were ultimately diagnosed to have DF(Dengue fever)/ DHF(Dengue heamorrhagic fever),Methods: Clinical data of all cases of apparent acute abdomen(AA) which were later confirmed as having DF/DHF reviewed by two surgical units from December 2012 to December 2013 were analyzed,Initially confirmed patients with DF/DHF who developed abdominal symptoms were not considered,Results: Out of the seventeen cases(7 males,age range 10-71 years) presented with fever and AA; appendicitis,cholecystitis,pancreatitis and non-specific peritonitis were suspected initially in 8,5,1 and 3 cases,respectively,Neutropenia or thrombocytopenia signifying DF/DHF occurred only in 11 patients at first evaluation thus six remained as surgical candidates beyond 24 h,One patient underwent appendicectomy with a prolonged hospital stay,DF was confirmed by serology in all patients,latest by fourth day of admission,One required blood product transfusion,4 needed critical care treatment and there was 1 death,Conclusions: DF/DHF misleads the clinicians when it presents as AA,Initial heamatological and ultrasonographic findings may be equivocal creating a diagnostic and management dilemma,Vigilant clinical suspicion and early dengue serological assessment is advisable in equivocal cases of AAs with fever in dengue endemic areas,to confirm/exclude the infection in order to avoid unnecessary surgical morbidity in the presence of DF.

Gangrenous Cholecystitis with Atypical Presentation in an Elderly Diabetic Woman

In elderly patients, numerous factors subsidize the diagnostic challenge and high incidence of complications in this specific population, taking gangrenous cholecystitis as a critical example. The aim of this work is to report an unusual case of gangrenous choleystitis in an elderly diabetic women and its atypical clinical presentation. A 79-year-old female patient came to our observation;her medical history showed nausea and vomiting of about 2 hours which rapidly ended with symptomatic therapy, without recurrence, and a 3-week history of intermittent fever associated with productive cough. No abdominal discomfort was declared. Physical examination of the abdomen was negative. Laboratory analysis revealed leukocytosis with the remaining criteria within the normal range. After 2 days, she started with a mildabdominal pain in the epigastric region that rapidly progressed to the right upper quadrant, right flank and right iliac fossa, without nausea, vomiting or fever. Abdominal computer tomography findings revealed thickness of the gall-bladder and important densification of the vascular bed. Acute cholecystitis was diagnosed. The patient was then submitted to a laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia with findings suggestive of gangrenous acute cholecystitis confirmed by histologic examination of the specimen. Delays in diagnosing acute cholecystitis in specific populations, such as elderly diabetics, result in a higher prevalence of morbidity and mortality due to potentially serious complications as gangrenous cholecystitis. Consequently, the diagnosis should be measured and investigated promptly in order to prevent poor outcomes.

Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in uncomplicated biliary colic: An observational study

Objective:Biliary colic is a condition treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.However,the outcomes of surgery depend on early or delayed time points.Few research findings reported no benefits of early over delayed,on contra,other reported benefits.This study aims to compare the benefits associated with early and delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy among uncomplicated biliary colic patients.Methods:This observational study included patients with right upper abdominal pain and abdominal ultrasound showing cholelithiasis.Patients who were admitted at the first and second visits(within 6 weeks of the first visit)were assigned to the early and delayed groups,respectively.All participants were followed up for one-week postsurgery.The diagnosis of the patient,postoperative hospital stay,duration of surgery and complications were noted and compared primarily.Results:A total of 80 patients were included,40 each in the early group and delayed group.The patients in the two groups had comparable mean ages(40.55±13.12 y vs.40.45±12.06 y,p=0.972).The early group had more female patients(72.5%vs.45.0%,p=0.012).The duration of hospital stay(2.18±0.38 d vs.2.68±1.04 d,p=0.009)and duration of surgery(61.63±3.64 min vs.71.13±16.19 min,p=0.001)were found to be significantly different between the early and delayed groups.Only 1(2.5%)patient in both groups was converted to open cholecystectomy.Recurrent biliary colic requiring hospital admission was seen in 1(2.5%)patient and 6(15.0%)patients,acute cholecystitis in 2(5.0%)and 6(15.0%),biliary pancreatitis in 1(2.5%)and 2(5.0%),and obstructive jaundice in 1(2.5%)and 1(2.5%)in the early and delayed groups,respectively,with insignificant differences(p>0.05).Conclusion:Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy decreases the operating time and duration of hospital stay.In terms of postoperative complications,our study did not find any significant difference between the groups.