Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis: Long-term outcomes after removal of a self-expandable metal stent

AIM To assess the long-term outcomes of this procedure after removal of self-expandable metal stent(SEMS). The efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasoundguided gallbladder drainage(EUS-GBD) with SEMS were also assessed.METHODS Between January 2010 and April 2015, 12 patients with acute calculous cholecystitis, who were deemed unsuitable for cholecystectomy, underwent EUSGBD with a SEMS. EUS-GBD was performed under the guidance of EUS and fluoroscopy, by puncturing the gallbladder with a needle, inserting a guidewire, dilating the puncture hole, and placing a SEMS. TheSEMS was removed and/or replaced with a 7-Fr plastic pigtail stent after cholecystitis improved. The technical and clinical success rates, adverse event rate, and recurrence rate were all measured.RESULTS The rates of technical success, clinical success, and adverse events were 100%, 100%, and 0%, respectively. After cholecystitis improved, the SEMS was removed without replacement in eight patients, whereas it was replaced with a 7-Fr pigtail stent in four patients. Recurrence was seen in one patient(8.3%) who did not receive a replacement pigtail stent. The median follow-up period after EUS-GBD was 304 d(78-1492).CONCLUSION EUS-GBD with a SEMS is a possible alternative treatment for acute cholecystitis. Long-term outcomes after removal of the SEMS were excellent. Removal of the SEMS at 4-wk after SEMS placement and improvement of symptoms might avoid migration of the stent and recurrence of cholecystitis due to food impaction.

Acute Cholecystitis: Computed Tomography (CT) versus Ultrasound (US)

Acute cholecystitis is a common surgical emergency and ultrasound (US) is currently considered the first-line diagnostic imaging test. The relative accuracy of computed tomography (CT) in detecting acute cholecystitis has received little attention in the literature. We report a case series of 113 patients who underwent emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy at a tertiary surgical centre in Australia, between 2014 and 2016, after undergoing both US and CT examination for acute right upper quadrant pain. Both US and CT had a relatively low sensitivity in detecting acute cholecystitis in the patients with histologically proven acute cholecystitis (47% and 45% respectively) but high specificity (84% and 79% respectively). As expected, US was much more sensitive in detecting cholelithiasis (92%) in comparison to CT (55%). With the added advantage of CT in excluding other alternative intra-abdominal pathology in patients presenting with acute right upper quadrant pain, and similar accuracy in detecting acute cholecystitis, the need for ultrasound may be negated in cases where acute cholecystitis has been confirmed on CT. However, it is noted that both US and CT had a significant false negative rate for acute cholecystitis, and if there remains a clinical suspicion despite initial normal imaging, repeat delayed imaging and/or surgical opinion may be warranted.

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.\;

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.

Ultrasound guided percutaneous cholecystostomy in high-risk patients for surgical intervention

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of ultrasound guided percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in a well-defined high risk patients under general anesthesia. METHODS: The data of 27 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy for the management of acute cholecystitis from January 1999 to June 2003 was retrospectively evaluated. All of the patients had both clinical and sonographic signs of acute cholecystitis and had comorbid diseases. RESULTS: Ultrasound revealed gallbladder stones in 25 patients and acalculous cholecystitis in two patients. Cholecystostomy catheters were removed 14-32 d (mean 23 d) after the procedure in cases where complete regression of all symptoms was achieved. There were statistically significant reductions in leukocytosis, (13.7 × 103 ± 1.3 × 103 μg/L vs 13 × 103 ± 1 × 103 μg/L, P < 0.05 for 24 h after PC; 13.7 × 103 ± 1.3 × 103 μg/L vs 8.3 × 103 ± 1.2 × 103 μg/L, P < 0.0001 for 72 h after PC), C -reactive protein (51.2 ± 18.5 mg/L vs 27.3 ± 10.4 mg/L, P < 0.05 for 24 h after PC; 51.2 ± 18.5 mg/L vs 5.4 ± 1.5 mg/L, P < 0.0001 for 72 h after PC), and fever (38 ± 0.35℃ vs 37.3 ± 0.32℃, P < 0.05 for 24 h after PC; 38 ± 0.35℃ vs 36.9 ± 0.15℃, P < 0.0001 for 72 h after PC). Sphincterotomy and stone extraction was performed successfully with endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) in three patients. After cholecystostomy, 5 (18%) patients underwent delayed cholecystectomy without any complications. Three out of 22 patients were admitted with recurrent acute cholecystitis during the follow-up and recoveredwith medical treatment. Catheter dislodgement occurred in three patients spontaneously, and two of them were managed by reinsertion of the catheter. CONCLUSION: As an alternative to surgery, percutan- eous cholecystostomy seems to be a safe method in critically ill patients with acute cholecystitis and can be performed with low mortality and morbidity. Delayed cholecystectomy and ERCP, if needed, can be performed after the acute period has been resolved by percutaneous cholecystostomy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Assessment of systemic immune-inflammatory index and other inflammatory parameters in predicting mortality in patients with acute cholecystitis:A retrospective observational study

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of the systemic immune-inflammatory(SII)index and other inflammatory parameters in predicting mortality among patients with acute cholecystitis(AC).Methods:279 Patients presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and diagnosis of AC between September 2021 and September 2023 were included in the study.Demographic data,laboratory parameters,clinical follow-ups,and outcomes of the patients were recorded.Results:The mean age of the patients was(55.0±16.3)years and 36.6%were male.63.8%Had gallbladder/choledochal stones and 49.5%underwent surgery.The mortality rate was 6.1%.Advanced age(P=0.170)and prolonged hospitalization(P=0.011)were statistically significant risk factors for mortality.Decreased lymphocyte count(P=0.020)and increased C-reactive protein(CRP)levels(P=0.033)were found to be risk factors for mortality.According to the mortality predictor ROC analysis results,the cut-off for SII index was 3138(AUC=0.817,sensitivity=70.5%,specificity=84.7%),the cut-off for neutrophil count was 15.28×10^(3)/mm^(3)(AUC=0.761,sensitivity=52.9%,specificity=95.0%),the cut-off for leukocyte count was 19.0×10^(3)/mm^(3)(AUC=0.714,sensitivity=52.9%,specificity=98.0%),cut-off for CRP was 74.55(AUC=0.758,sensitivity=70.5%,specificity=79.0%),cut-off for aspartate transaminase(AST)was 33.0 IU/L(AUC=0.658,sensitivity=82.3%,specificity=50.3%).Conclusions:The SII index may be a good predictor of mortality with high sensitivity and specificity.Elevated levels of neutrophils,leukocytes,CRP,and AST are other inflammatory parameters that can be used to predict mortality associated with AC.

Effect of surgical timing on postoperative outcomes in patients with acute cholecystitis after delayed percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage

BACKGROUND To date,the optimal timing for percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage(PTGBD),particularly for patients who have missed the optimal window for emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)(within 72 hours of symptom onset)has not been determined.AIM To study the effects of LC timing on outcomes of grade II/III acute cholecystitis(AC)in patients with delayed PTGBD.METHODS Data of patients diagnosed with Tokyo Guidelines 2018 grade II or III AC who underwent delayed PTGBD followed by LC at a single hospital between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively studied.According to the interval between gallbladder drainage and cholecystectomy,the patients were divided into early and delayed LC groups.Outcomes including surgery time,postoperative complications and hospital stay,and patient satisfaction were analyzed and compared between the two groups using t-andχ^(2) tests.RESULTS There were no significant differences between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss,postoperative abdominal drainage tube placement time,pain index,or total disease duration(all P>0.05).Compared with those of the early LC group,the delayed group showed significant decreases in the length of procedure(surgery time),conversion rate to open surgery,degree of adhesions,surgical complications,postoperative hospital stay,and total treatment costs,and increased patient satisfaction despite a longer interval before PTGBD(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION For patients with grade II/III AC with delayed PTGBD,LC should be performed 2 weeks after PTGBD to decrease postoperative complications and hospital stays and improve patient satisfaction.

A study on relationship of nitric oxide,oxidation,peroxidation,lipoperoxidation with chronic cholecystitis

AIM:To study relationship of injury induced by nitric oxide, oxidation, peroxidation,lipoperoxidation with chronic cholecystitis.METHODS:The values of plasma nitric oxide (P-NO), plasma vitamin C (P-VC), plasma vitamin E (P-VE), plasma beta-carotene (P-beta-CAR), plasma lipoperoxides (P-LPO), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (E-SOD), erythrocyte catalase (E-CAT), erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (E-GSH-Px) activities and erythrocyte lipoperoxides (E-LPO) level in 77 patients with chronic cholecystitis and 80 healthy control subjects were determined, differences of the above average values between the patient group and the control group and differences of the average values between preoperative and postoperative patients were analyzed and compared, linear regression and correlation of the disease course with the above determination values as well as the stepwise regression and correlation of the course with the values were analyzed.RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the average values of P-NO, P-LPO, E-LPO were significantly increased (P【0.01), and of P-VC, P-VE, P-beta-CAR, E-SOD, E-CAT and E-GSH-Px decreased (P 【0.01) in the patient group. The analysis of the linear regression and correlation showed that with prolonging of the course, the values of P-NO, P-LPO and E-LPO in the patients were gradually ascended and the values of P-VC,P-VE, P-beta-CAR, E-SOD, E-CAT and E-GSH-Px descended (P【0.01). The analysis of the stepwise regression and correlation indicated that the correlation of the course with P-NO, P-VE and P-beta-CAR values was the closest. Compared with the preoperative patients, the average values of P-NO, P-LPO and E-LPO were significantly decreased (P 【0.01) and the average values of P-VC, E-SOD, E-CAT and E-GSH-Px in postoperative patients increased (P 【0.01) in postoperative patients. But there was no significant difference in the average values of P-VE, P-beta-CAR preoperative and postoperative patients.CONCLUSION:Chronic cholecystitis could induce the increase of nitric oxide, oxidation, peroxidation and lipoperoxidation.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis:Difficulty in differentiating from gallbladder cancer

AIM: To compare cases of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis(XGC) and advanced gallbladder cancer and discuss the differential diagnoses and surgical options.METHODS: From April 2000 to December 2013, 6 XGC patients received extended surgical resections. During the same period, 16 patients were proven to have gallbladder(GB) cancer, according to extended surgical resection. Subjects chosen for analysis in this study were restricted to cases of XGC with indistinct borders with the liver as it is often difficult to distinguish these patients from those with advanced GB cancer. We compared the clinical features and computed tomography findings between XGC and advanced GB cancer. The following clinical features were retrospectively assessed: age, gender, symptoms, and tumor markers. As albumin and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio(NLR) are prognostic in several cancers, we compared serum albumin levels and the NLR between the two groups. The computerized tomography findings were used to compare the two diseases, determine the coexistence of gallstones, the pattern of GB thickening(focal or diffuse), the presence of a hypoattenuated intramural nodule, and continuity of the mucosal line.RESULTS: Based on the preoperative image findings, we suspected GB carcinoma in all cases includingXGC in this series. In addition, by pathological examination, we found that the group of patients with XGC developed inflammatory disease after surgery. Patients with XGC tended to have abdominal pain(4/6, 67%). However, there was no significant difference in clinical symptoms, including fever, between the two groups. Serum albumin and NLR were also similar in the two groups. Serum tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9), tended to increase in patients with GB cancer. However, no significant differences in tumor markers were identified. On the other hand, gallstones were more frequently observed in patients with XGC(5/6, 83%) than in patients with GB cancer(4/16, 33%)(P = 0.0116). A hypoattenuated intramural nodule was found in 3 patients with XGC(3/6, 50%), but in only 1 patient with GB cancer(1/16, 6%)(P = 0.0024). The GB thickness, continuous mucosal line, and bile duct dilatation showed no significant differences between XGC and GB cancer.CONCLUSION: Although XGC is often difficult to differentiate from GB carcinoma, it is possible to obtain an accurate diagnosis by careful intraoperative gross observation, and several intraoperative frozen sections.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: What every radiologist should know

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis(XGC) is an uncommon variant of chronic cholecystitis characterized by xanthogranulomatous inflammation of the gallbladder. Intramural accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages and acute and chronic inflammatory cells is the hallmark of the disease. The xanthogranulomatous inflammation of the gallbladder can be very severe and can spill over to the neighbouring structures like liver, bowel and stomach resulting in dense adhesions, perforation, abscess formation, fistulous communication with adjacent bowel. Striking gallbladder wall thickening and dense local adhesions can be easily mistaken for carcinoma of the gallbladder, both intraoperatively as well as on preoperative imaging. Besides, cases of concomitant gallbladder carcinoma complicating XGC have also been reported in literature. So, we have done a review of the imaging features of XGC in order to better understand the entity as well as to increase the diagnostic yield of the disease summarizing the characteristic imaging findings and associations of XGC. Among other findings, presence of intramural hypodense nodules is considered diagnostic of this entity. However, in some cases, an imaging diagnosis of XGC is virtually impossible. Fine needle aspiration cytology might be handy in such patients. A preoperative counselling should include possibility of differential diagnosis of gallbladder cancer in not so characteristic cases.

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.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis mimicking gallbladder carcinoma:An analysis of 42 cases

AIM: To review and evaluate the diagnostic dilemma of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis(XGC) clinically.METHODS: From July 2008 to June 2014, a total of 142 cases of pathologically diagnosed XGC were reviewed at our hospital, among which 42 were misdiagnosed as gallbladder carcinoma(GBC) based on preoperative radiographs and/or intra-operative findings. The clinical characteristics, preoperative imaging, intra-operative findings, frozen section(FS) analysis and surgical procedure data of these patients were collected and analyzed.RESULTS: The most common clinical syndrome in these 42 patients was chronic cholecystitis, followed by acute cholecystitis. Seven(17%) cases presented with mild jaundice without choledocholithiasis. Thirtyfive(83%) cases presented with heterogeneous enhancement within thickened gallbladder walls on imaging, and 29(69%) cases presented with abnormal enhancement in hepatic parenchyma neighboring the gallbladder, which indicated hepatic infiltration. Intra-operatively, adhesions to adjacent organs were observed in 40(95.2%) cases, including the duodenum, colon and stomach. Thirty cases underwent FS analysis and the remainder did not. The accuracy rate of FS was 93%, and that of surgeon's macroscopic diagnosis was 50%. Six cases were misidentified as GBC by surgeon's macroscopic examination and underwent aggressive surgical treatment. No statistical difference was encountered in the incidence of postoperative complications between total cholecystectomy and subtotal cholecystectomy groups(21% vs 20%, P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: Neither clinical manifestations and laboratory tests nor radiological methods provide apractical and effective standard in the differential diagnosis between XGC and GBC.

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.

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.

Infiltrative xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis mimicking aggressive gallbladder carcinoma: A diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis(XGC) is an uncommon variant of chronic cholecystitis. The perioperative findings in aggressive cases may be indistinguishable from those of gallbladder or biliary tract carcinomas. Three patients presented mass lesions that infiltrated the hepatic hilum,provoked biliary dilatation and jaundice,and were indicative of malignancy. Surgical excision was performed following oncological principles and included extirpation of the gallbladder,extrahepatic bile duct,and hilar lymph nodes,as well as partial hepatectomy. Postoperative morbidity was minimal. Surgical pathology demonstrated XGC and absence of malignancy in all three cases. All three patients are alive and well after years of follow-up. XGC may have such an aggressive presentation that carcinoma may only be ruled out on surgical pathology. In such cases,the best option may be radical resection following oncological principles performed by expert surgeons,in order that postoperative complications may be minimized if not avoided altogether.

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis mimicking gallbladder cancer and causing obstructive cholestasis

BACKGROUND: Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a destructive inflammatory disease of the gallbladder that can mimic gallbladder carcinoma. METHODS: We present the case of a 35-year-old Hispanic male complaining of right upper quadrant pain and jaundice for 2 months prior to admission. He denied a history of fever, nausea/ vomiting, and weight loss. The past medical history was relevant only for diabetes. He had no previous history of jaundice or previous operations. RESULTS: CA19-9 was slightly elevated (52 U/mL). Abdominal ultrasonography showed an irregular thickening of the gallbladder wall and no gallstones were detected. CT scan also revealed an irregular thickening of the wall of the gallbladder body suggestive of malignancy. At laparotomy, the mass was adherent to the duodenum and colon, and although the frozen section biopsy was negative, the intraoperative findings were suggestive of malignancy, and the patient underwent left liver trisegmentectomy, resection of the common bile duct and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Pathological examination unexpectedly revealed XGC without malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative and intraoperative differential diagnosis of XGC from gallbladder carcinoma remains a challenge when it is associated with inflammatory involvement of surrounding tissues. Since gallbladder carcinoma and XGC may coexist, radical resection is justified when malignancy cannot be completely ruled out.