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.

Duplicated gallbladder with acute cholecystitis:a case of unusual presentation and diagnostic challenges

Anomalies in the gallbladder can lead to misidentifying anatomical structures,heightening the risk of complications in laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy procedures.Failure to recognize these variations increases the chances of iatrogenic bile duct injuries and other complications.

Necrotizing Fasciitis Secondary to Emphysematous Cholecystitis and Cholecystocutaneous Fistula: A Rare Case Report Presentation

Emphysematous cholecystitis is a rare subtype of acute cholecystitis characterized by the presence of gas in the gallbladder wall secondary to ischemia. Typically, this is a result of cystic artery vascular compromise with a concomitant infection from gas-forming organisms such as Clostridium species, Klebsiella species, or Escherichia coli. The mortality rate of acute emphysematous cholecystitis is 15% - 20% compared with 1.4% in uncomplicated acute cholecystitis. The subsequent development of a cholecystocutaneous fistula, an abnormal connection between the gallbladder and the skin, is also a rare complication of gallbladder disease. We describe a case of a 77-year-old male who presented with right flank necrotizing fasciitis which developed from a cholecystocutaneous fistula secondary to emphysematous cholecystitis. Once the necrotic tissues were adequately debrided, the large open wound was treated with negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWT-i) utilizing hypochlorous acid (HOCL). The wound was closed with a split-thickness skin graft.

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.

Hepatitis A virus-associated acute acalculous cholecystitis in an adult-onset Still’s disease patient:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Acute acalculous cholecystitis(AAC)is inflammation of the gallbladder without evidence of calculi.Although rarely reported,its etiologies include hepatitis virus infection(e.g.,hepatitis A virus,HAV)and adult-onset Still’s disease(AOSD).There are no reports of HAV-associated AAC in an AOSD patient.CASE SUMMARY Here we report a rare case of HAV infection-associated AAC in a 39-year-old woman who had a history of AOSD.The patient presented with an acute abdomen and hypotension.Elevated hepatobiliary enzymes and a thickened and distended gallbladder without gallstones on ultrasonography suggested AAC,but there were no signs of anemia nor thrombocytopenia.Serological screening revealed anti-HAV IgM antibodies.Steroid treatment did not alleviate her symptoms,and she was referred for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.The resected gallbladder was hydropic without perforation,and her clinical signs gradually improved after surgery.CONCLUSION AAC can be caused by HAV in AOSD patients.It is crucial to search for the underlying etiology for AAC,especially uncommon viral causes.

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.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis managed by laparotomy may go through troublesome clinical course: Reflection of severe inflammation

To the Editor: Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis(XGC) is an uncommon inflammatory disease of the gallbladder, and its incidence is reported to be 1.3%-5.2% [1]. XGC is diagnosed by histopathological examination, characterized by severe inflammatory destruction followed by a granulomatous reaction, marked proliferative fibrosis, and infiltration of inflammatory cells [2].

Diagnosis and treatment of post-cholecystectomy diarrhoea

The incidence of cholecystitis is relatively high in developed countries and may usually be attributed to gallstones,the treatment for which involves complete surgical removal of the gallbladder(cholecystectomy).Bile acids produced following cholecystectomy continue to flow into the duodenum but are poorly absorbed by the colon.Excessive bile acids in the colon stimulate mucosal secretion of water and electrolytes leading,in severe cases,to diarrhoea.Bile acid diarrhoea(BAD)is difficult to diagnose,requiring a comprehensive medical history and physical examination in combination with laboratory evaluation.The current work reviews the diagnosis and treatment of BAD following chole-cystectomy.

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.

Laparoscopic Surgery and Modified Xiaoyan Lidan Decoction:An Effective Combination for Treating Cholecystitis with Cholelithiasis

Objective:To assess the clinical effects of combining laparoscopic surgery with Modified Xiaoyan Lidan Decoction in patients diagnosed with cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.Methods:Following the guidelines of the double-blind method,86 cases of cholecystitis with cholelithiasis were randomly divided into two groups,each comprising 43 cases.Both groups underwent laparoscopic surgery,with the observation group additionally receiving Modified Xiaoyan Lidan Decoction.A comparative analysis was conducted on clinical treatment effectiveness,general observation indicators,Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,and the occurrence of adverse reactions between the two groups.Results:The observation group demonstrated a significantly higher overall clinical treatment effectiveness compared to the control group(P<0.05).The clinical symptom improvement time and hospitalization time were shorter in the observation group,and the pain score and TCM syndrome score after treatment were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).No statistically significant difference was observed in the total reaction values(P>0.05).Conclusion:The combined application of laparoscopic surgery and Modified Xiaoyan Lidan Decoction can enhance clinical treatment efficiency for patients with cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.It facilitates a quicker improvement in clinical symptoms without causing serious adverse reactions,suggesting its potential for widespread adoption.

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.

Impact of B-mode-ultrasound-guided transhepatic and transperitoneal cholecystostomy tube placement on laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND B-mode-ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy(PC)may be performed by a transhepatic or transperitoneal approach,called percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage(PHGD)and percutaneous transperitoneal gallbladder drainage(PPGD),respectively.We compared the impact of PC related to the route of catheter placement on subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC).AIM To compare the impact of PC related to the route of catheter placement on subsequent LC.METHODS We retrospectively studied 103 patients with acute calculous cholecystitis who underwent scheduled LC after PC between January 2010 and January 2019.Group I included 58 patients who underwent scheduled LC after PHGD.Group II included 45 patients who underwent scheduled LC after PPGD.Clinical outcomes were analyzed according to each group.RESULTS Baseline demographic characteristics did not differ significantly between both groups(P>0.05).Both PHGD and PPGD were able to quickly resolve cholecystitis sepsis.Group I showed significantly higher efficacy than group II in terms of lower pain score during puncture(3.1 vs 4.5;P=0.001)and at 12 h follow-up(1.5 vs 2.2;P=0.001),lower rate of fever within 24 h after PC(13.8%vs 42.2%;P=0.001),shorted operation duration(118.3 vs 139.6 min;P=0.001),lower amount of intraoperative bleeding(72.1 vs 109.4 mL;P=0.001)and shorter length of hospital stay(14.3 d vs 18.0 d;P=0.001).However,group II had significantly lower rate of local bleeding at the PC site(2.2%vs 20.7%;P=0.005)and lower rate of severe adhesion(33.5%vs 55.2%;P=0.048).No significant differences were noted between both groups regarding the conversion rate to laparotomy,rate of subtotal cholecystectomy,complications and pathology.CONCLUSION B-mode-ultrasound-guided PHGD is superior to PPGD followed by LC for treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis,with shorter operating time,minimal amount of intraoperative bleeding and short length of hospital stay.

Percutaneous Cholecystostomy in High Risk Patients with Acute Cholecystitis

Aims and Objectives: To assess efficacy and safety of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) in high risk patients with acute cholecystitis. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in high risk patients with acute calculous or acalculous cholecystitis. Patients qualifying for the study were subjected to PC under ultrasound (USG) guidance. A cholecystogram was done postoperatively, to help establish satisfactory catheter position. Results: 24 (70.59%) patients had empyema-gallbladder, 8 (23.53%) had acute calcular cholecystitis and 2 (5.9%) patients were diagnosed as acalcular cholecystitis. None of the patients was fit for general anesthesia at the time of admission. Median hospital-stay after performing procedure was 4 days. Clinical success rate was reported 100% in our study. Bile cultures yielded growth of E Coli in 10 (29.41%), klebsela in 8 (23.53%), pseudomonas aeruginosa in 6 (17.65%) and Proteus mirabilis in 4 (11.8%) of patients. 6 (17.65%) patients did not grow any organism in their bile. Growth noted was sensitive to imipenem 29.41% (10), ciprofloxacin 17.65% (6), levofloxacin 17.65% % (6) and cefuroxime 11.76% (4). No major complication was recorded in our study. No procedure related death was observed. Tube displacement occurred in one patient and minor bleeding was reported in 2 patients. Catheter was removed after a mean of 25.25 days. All patients underwent definitive surgical intervention during the follow up period of 3 months. Conclusion: USG guided PC is a safe and effective procedure for treating high-risk patients who present with acute cholecystitis. Once the acute symptoms diminish or resolve, it should be followed by elective surgery.

Clinical course of percutaneous cholecystostomies:A crosssectional study

BACKGROUND Although cholecystectomy is the standard treatment modality,it has been shown that perioperative mortality is approaching 19%in critical and elderly patients.Percutaneous cholecystostomy(PC)can be considered as a safer option with a significantly lower complication rate in these patients.AIM To assess the clinical course of acute cholecystitis(AC)in patients we treated with PC.METHODS The study included 82 patients with GradeⅠ,ⅡorⅢAC according to the Tokyo Guidelines 2018(TG18)and treated with PC.The patients’demographic and clinical features,laboratory parameters,and radiological findings were retrospectively obtained from their medical records.RESULTS Eighty-two patients,45(54.9%)were male,and the median age was 76(35-98)years.According to TG18,25 patients(30.5%)had GradeⅠ,34(41.5%)GradeⅡ,and 23(28%)GradeⅢAC.The American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)physical status score wasⅢor more in 78 patients(95.1%).The patients,who had been treated with PC,were divided into two groups:discharged patients and those who died in hospital.The groups statistically significantly differed only concerning the ASA score(P=0.0001)and WBCC(P=0.025).Two months after discharge,two patients(3%)were readmitted with AC,and the intervention was repeated.Nine of the discharged patients(13.6%)underwent interval open cholecystectomy or laparoscopic cholecystectomy(8/1)within six to eight weeks after PC.The median follow-up time of these patients was 128(12-365)wk,and their median lifetime was 36(1-332)wk.CONCLUSION For high clinical success in AC treatment,PC is recommended for high-risk patients with moderate-severe AC according to TG18,elderly patients,and especially those with ASA scores of≥Ⅲ.According to our results,PC,a safe,effective and minimally invasive treatment,should be preferred in cases suffering from AC with high risk of mortality associated with cholecystectomy.

Single-incision vs three-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for complicated and uncomplicated acute cholecystitis

AIM:To compare the clinical outcome of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy(SILC)and three-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy(3ILC)for acute cholecystitis.METHODS:From July 2009 to September 2012,136patients underwent SILC or 3ILC for acute cholecystitis at a tertiary referral hospital.One experienced surgeon performed every procedure using 5 or 10 mm 30-degree laparoscopes,straight instruments,and conventional ports.Five patients with perforated gallbladder and diffuse peritonitis and 23 patients with mild acute cholecystitis were excluded.The remaining 108 patients were divided into complicated and uncomplicated groups according to pathologic findings.Patient demography,clinical data,operative results and complications were recorded and analyzed.RESULTS:Fifty patients with gangrenous cholecystitis,gallbladder empyema,or hydrops were classified as the complicated group,and 58 patients with acute cholecystitis were classified as the uncomplicated group.Twenty-three(46.0%)of the patients in the complicated group(n=50)and 39(67.2%)of the patients in the uncomplicated group(n=58)underwent SILC;all others underwent 3ILC.The postoperative length of hospital stay(PLOS)was significantly shorter in the SILC subgroups than the 3ILC subgroups(3.5±1.1 d vs 4.6±1.3 d,P<0.01 in the complicated group;2.9±1.1 d vs 3.7±1.4 d,P<0.05 in the uncomplicated group).The maximum body temperature recorded at day 1 and at day 2 following the procedure was lower in the SILC subgroups,but the difference reached statistical significance only in the uncomplicated group(37.41±0.56℃vs 37.80±0.72℃,P<0.05 on postoperative day 1;37.10±0.43℃vs 37.57±0.54℃,P<0.01 on postoperative day 2).The operative time,estimated blood loss,postoperative narcotic use,total length of hospital stay,conversion rates,and complication rates were similar in both SILC and 3ILC subgroups.The complicated group had longer operative time(122.2±35.0 min vs 106.6±43.6 min,P<0.05),longer PLOS(4.1±1.3 d vs 3.2±1.2 d,P<0.001),and higher conversion rates(36.0%vs 19.0%,P<0.05)compared with the uncomplicated group.CONCLUSION:SILC is safe and efficacious for patients with acute cholecystitis.The main benefit is a faster recovery than that achieved with 3ILC.

Acute calculous cholecystitis: Review of current best practices

Acute calculous cholecystitis(ACC) is the most frequent complication of cholelithiasis and represents one-third of all surgical emergency hospital admissions, many aspects of the disease are still a matter of debate. Knowledge of the current evidence may allow the surgical team to develop practical bedside decision-making strategies, aiming at a less demanding procedure and lower frequency of complications. In this regard, recommendations on the diagnosis supported by specific criteria and severity scores are being implemented, to prioritize patients eligible for urgency surgery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the best treatment for ACC and the procedure should ideally be performed within 72h. Early surgery is associated with better results in comparison to delayed surgery. In addition, when to suspect associated common bile duct stones and how to treat them when found are still debated. The antimicrobial agents are indicated for high-risk patients and especially in the presence of gallbladder necrosis. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and in some cases with antifungal agents is related to better prognosis. Moreover, an emerging strategy of not converting to open, a difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy and performing a subtotal cholecystectomy is recommended by adept surgical teams. Some authors support the use of percutaneous cholecystostomy as an alternative emergency treatment for acute Cholecystitis for patients with severe comorbidities.

Safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy:Adoption of universal culture of safety in cholecystectomy

The incidence of biliary injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) has shown a declining trend though it may still be twice that as with open cholecystectomy. Major biliary or vasculobiliary injury is associated with significant morbidity. As prevention is the best strategy, the concept of a culture of safe cholecystectomy has been recently introduced to educate surgeons and apprise them of basic tenets of safe performance of LC. Various aspects of safe cholecystectomy include:(1) thorough knowledge of relevant anatomy, various anatomical landmarks, and anatomical variations;(2) an understanding of the mechanisms involved in biliary/vascular injury, the most important being the misidentification injury;(3) identification of various preoperative and intraoperative predictors of difficult cholecystectomy;(4) proper gallbladder retraction;(5) safe use of various energy devices;(6) understanding the critical view of safety, including its doublet view and documentation;(7) awareness of various error traps(e.g., fundus first technique);(8) use of various bailout strategies(e.g., subtotal cholecystectomy) in difficult gallbladder cases;(9) use of intraoperative imaging techniques(e.g., intraoperative cholangiogram) to ascertain correct anatomy; and(10) understanding the concept of time-out.Surgeons should be facile with these aspects of this culture of safety in cholecystectomy in an attempt to reduce the incidence of biliary/vascular injury during LC.

Role of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy in the treatment of complicated cholecystitis

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the 'gold standard' in treating benign gallbladder diseases. Increasing laparoscopic experience and techniques have made laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) a feasible option in more complex procedures. In recent years, few studies with a few cases of LSC have reported good results in patients with various types of cholecystitis. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility, indications, characteristics and benefits of LSC in patients with complicated cholecystitis. METHODS: Altogether, 3485 patients were scheduled to receive LC during the past 4 years at our institute. Among them, 168 patients with various complicated forms of cholecystitis were treated by LSC. Meanwhile, the other 3317 patients who received standard LC were enrolled as the control group. Perioperative data from the two groups were collected and retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In the LSC group, 135 patients suffered from acute calculic cholecystitis, 18 from chronic calculic cholecystitis with cirrhotic portal hypertention, and 15 from chronic calculic atrophy cholecystitis with severe fibrosis. These patients constituted 4.8% of the total patients who underwent LC (168/3485) in the same period at our institute. In 122 patients, the cystic duct and artery were clipped before division. In another 46 patients, the gallbladder was initially incised at Hartmann's pouch. Five patients (3.0%) were converted to open subtotal cholecystectomy. The median operation time for LSC was 65.5±15.2 minutes, estimated operative blood loss was 71.5±15.5 ml, and the time to resume diet was 20.4±6.3 hours. Thirteen patients (7.7%) had local complications. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.2±2.6 days. In the LC group, 2887 had chronic calculic cholecystitis, 312had acute calculic cholecystitis, 47 had chronic calculic atrophy cholecystitis, and 71 had polypus. Seventeen patients (0.5%) were converted to open cholecystectomy. The median operation time was 32.6±10.2 minutes, the estimated operative blood loss was 24.5±8.5 ml, and the time to resume diet was 18.3±4.5 hours. Thirty- nine patients (1.2%) had local complications. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.8±1.4 days. There was no bile duct injury or mortality in either group. CONCLUSIONS: LSC for patients with complicated cholecystitis is difficult, with a longer operation time, more operative blood loss and higher conversion and complication rates than LC. However, it is feasible and relatively safe. LSC is advantageous over open surgery, but it remains a non-routine choice. It is important to know the technical characteristics of LSC, and pay attention to perioperative bleeding and bile leak.

Surgical treatment of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis:experience in 33 cases

BACKGROUND: Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a rare presentation of chronic cholecystitis, characterized by xanthogranuloma, severe fibrosis and foam cells, and can be a cause of difficulty in cholecystectomy. Patients with XGC are frequently misdiagnosed intraoperatively as having carcinoma of the gallbladder and are treated with extensive excision. This study aimed at providing proper surgical treatment for patients with XGC. METHODS: The clinical data of 33 patients with XGC definitely diagnosed by pathological examination over a period of 10 years were analyzed retrospectively (mean age of onset, 60 years; male/female ratio, 1.5: 1). RESULTS: Preoperatively, the 33 patients were examined by abdominal B-ultrasonography while 20 of them were further examined by computed tomography (CT). Intraoperatively, XGC associated with cholecystolithiasis was found in 97.0% of the patients, thickening of the gallbladder wall in 90.9%, xanthogranulomatous tissue invading into other tissues in 87.9%, XGC associated with choledocholithiasis in 15.2%, and Mirizzi syndrome in 9.1%. In addition, a gallbladder fistula was observed in 4 patients. Open cholecystectomy was performed on 15 patients, partial cholecystectomy on 7, cholecystectomy and partial liver wedge resection on 5, and gallbladder cancer radical correction on 6. The intraoperative misdiagnosis rate was 24.2%. Frozen-section examination was carried out in 9 patients. Postoperative complications were observed in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: XGC is difficult to diagnose either preoperatively or intraoperatively and definite diagnosis depends exclusively on pathological examination. Firm adhesions of the gallbladder to neighboring organs and tissues are common and lead to difficulty in surgical treatments. The mode of operation depends on specific conditions in varying cases, and since frozen-section examination plays an important role in determining the nature of the lesions, intraoperative frozen-section examination should be carried out to differentiate XGC from carcinoma of the gallbladder.