Laparoscopic cholecystectomy causing injury to biliary tracts. Analysis of the results of 26,440 operations in Hungary

The authors analyse the etiology, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of 148 biliary tract injuries in connection with 26,440 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in 89 domestic institutes between January 1st, 1991, and December 31st, 1994. There was no significant correlation between the amount of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in one institute and the incidence of biliary tract injuries and postoperative bile leakage (wide range of figures were found in different institutes), but in the second year of practice, the incidence of both complication decreased (there was statistically significant difference between the regression co-efficients). There was no significant correlation between the laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed and the rate of conversion, but the co-efficient of the regression curve showing the correlation of the absolute number of laparoscopic cholecystectomies and conversions significantly decreased in the second year of practice. In institutes having significantly more conversions, more cases of bile leakage was found also. There is a significantly positive relationship between biliary tract injuries and postoperative bile leakage; the more lesions are found in an institute, the more cases of bile leakage they have. There was no significant relationship between the incidence biliary tract injuries and postoperative bile leakage and the usage of intraoperative cholangiography, preoperative intravenous cholangiography and/or ERCP. The partial and complete injuries of main bile ducts were detected intraoperatively significantly more often while most of the lesions of the area of cystic duct were detected postoperatively. There was no significant difference between the types of the only postoperative recognized injuries and the time of establishing the diagnosis. Simple suture was performed in 69.2% of the partial injuries (with or without T-tube or other drainage), while 63.3% of the complete transsections were treated with biliodigestive anastomosis. In univariant analysis the type of injury, the primary treatment modality did not affect on the outcome (the ratio of cured and expired), but significantly more patients continue to have complaints following biliodigestive anastomosis than following the treatment of lesions around the cystic duct. The older the patient is, the worse the prognosis is. The primary treatment modality (biliodigestive anastomosis or biliary tract reconstruction with or without drain) did not significantly altered the necessity of reoperation. Thermic injury caused significantly more partial than complete lesion. Disturbance in identification of the anatomic structures leads significantly more partial or complete main bile duct injuries than lesion in region of the cystic duct and causes more complete transsections than partial lesions. According to multivariant analysis the outcome is significantly influenced in an adverse way by the necessity of repeated interventions and higher age.     

Simultaneous operations in surgery of the biliary tract

The experience with simultaneous performance of the operations on the bile ducts and other organs in 802 patients, including 109 who underwent simultaneous operations on 2 or several organs for pathogenetically unrelated diseases (lethality--1.9%), 662--combined interventions on the anatomically and functionally connected organs for main disease and its complications (lethality 29%), is summarized. Simultaneous performance of the operations ensures the effective and radical surgical treatment.     

Causes of recurrence after laparoscopic hernioplasty. A multicenter study

The neurocutaneous disorders frequently involve the central nervous system. This is the second in a pair of articles describing and illustrating the radiological appearances of the central nervous system manifestations of these disorders, this article looking at tuberous sclerosis, von Hippel-Lindau disease and Sturge-Weber syndrome.     

Urgent ERCP and early elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in biliary pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: For many years the best algorithm of treatment for complicated gallstone disease has been intensively discussed. Gallstone pancreatitis with cholangitis still belongs to the most often identified causes of death of necrotizing pancreatitis. The reduction of complication and lethality rates was mainly achieved by urgent ERCP and sequential cholecystectomy. In a prospective study we have combined endoscopic therapy with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and are discussing the results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 1991 and December 1996 146 patients with biliary pancreatitis were subjected to ERCP after laboratory tests and ultrasound screening of the biliary system. If there were no contraindications and the gallbladder was still in situ, LC was attempted during the initial admission. RESULTS: Of the 70 patients with attempted LC 26 had common bile duct calculi, 23 had an impacted papillary stone and 10 had signs of a stone passage. 59 patients underwent LC successfully, a conversion to open surgery was necessary in 11 patients. The morbidity rate amounted to 7%, lethality to 0%. DISCUSSION: Since a more liberal indication for ERCP in the management of acute pancreatitis was introduced the number of biliary related cases of acute pancreatitis is increasing. In response to early endoscopic bile duct clearance the rates of morbidity and mortality can be significantly reduced. Early LC is the ideal complementary treatment option to absolutely prevent recurrencies.     

Laparoscopic ultrasonography as compared with static or dynamic cholangiography at laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A prospective multicenter trial

We compared laparoscopic ultrasonography (LICU) with static (S) or dynamic (D) cholangiography (IOC) for assessment of duct anatomy an calculi in 209 patients. LICU visualized ducts in 88% compared with 93% for IOC (P = 0.046). Nineteen patients (9%) had stones: 17 were found by LICU (89%) and 10 (53%) by IOC (P = 0.032). Time to perform LICU (7 +/- 3 min) was less than IOC (13 +/- 6 min) (P < 0.0001). Time to perform SIOC (12 +/- 5 min) and DIOC (14 +/- 6 min) did not differ (P = 0.48), nor did these tests differ in accuracy. LICU provided useful anatomical information but IOC better defined anatomic anomalies. LICU required less time but was less reliable at defining anatomy and complete duct visualization. LICU was more sensitive for stones. SIOC and DIOC did not differ objectively. LICU and IOC are complementary.     

Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: evaluation study

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been considered as a safe and effective procedure without randomised prospective trial. Two physician insurers associations (in France and in USA) have shown an important increase of the lawsuits after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially concerning common bile duct injuries. An exhaustive study of the literature demonstrates that in the rare prospective studies collecting all of the laparoscopic cholecystectomies realised in one country or one state, the percentage of biliary tract injuries is form twice to five times as big as with open surgery, and bigger in case of acute cholecystitis. It seems that diffusion of the monopolar current can explain a good number of them. These injuries are difficult for repairing because of their high localisation and the associated tissular burn. Their long term morbidity is important and their cost is huge. Three recent prospective studies comparing laparoscopic versus minilaparotomy approach demonstrate that the advantages of laparoscopic approach according to the cost and the recovery's speed are, except for the obese patients, less evident than one could believe.     

Risk of recurrent biliary tract disease after cholecystectomy in patients with duodenal diverticula

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the presence of duodenal diverticula predisposes to the development of common bile duct stones. DESIGN: Cohort study; median follow-up, 10.0 years (25th and 75th percentiles, 5.2 and 16.1 years, respectively). SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENTS: One hundred fifty-seven patients with radiologically diagnosed duodenal diverticula who had undergone cholecystectomy from 1950 through 1987 and were asymptomatic at the initiation of follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All patients were followed up for evidence of recurrent biliary tract disease to the following end points: (1) evidence of choledocholithiasis demonstrated by radiologic surgical, or biochemical means and (2) clinical or biochemical evidence of biliary pancreatitis. RESULTS: Of the 157 patients in the study cohort, 13 patients were categorized as having had recurrent biliary tract disease. Using the Kaplan-Meier survivorship method, the cumulative probabilities of recurrent biliary tract disease in patients with radiologically diagnosed duodenal diverticula were 3.6% at 5 years (95% confidence interval, 0.5-6.9), 5.5% at 10 years (95% confidence interval, 1.5-9.4), and 10.2% at 15 years (95% confidence interval, 3.8-16.7). Age, common bile duct exploration and choledochotomy, and the presence of common bile duct dilatation were not found to be significantly associated with recurrence based on a univariate analysis of risk factors by means of the log-rank statistic. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with radiologically diagnosed, second-portion duodenal diverticula, the risk of developing recurrent bile duct stones after cholecystectomy is lower than has been suggested in previous studies. In the absence of concurrent choledocholithiasis, sphincterotomy or biliary bypass at the time of cholecystectomy seems unwarranted.     

Controlling complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: diffuse parenchyma hemorrhage in the liver parenchyma

The inflammatory pericholecystic reaction to acute or subacute cholecystitis results in the involvement in the inflammatory process of connective tissue within the liver bed, with subsequent neovascularization. The inflamed wall of the gallbladder and the surrounding connective tissue also involved in the inflammatory process become fused together thus preventing dissection in this plane. As a result, the gallbladder affected by acute cholecystitis frequently has to be dissected directly out of the liver parenchyma. The resulting diffuse parenchymal bleeding proves difficult to control by cauterization. In addition, there is a danger of postoperative bile leakage occurring. Today, the use of fibrin sealing is accepted practice in the treatment of oozing haemorrhage from the resection surface of the liver following resective surgery, and for the prevention of postoperative biliary fistulae. Using special application systems, the two-component fibrin sealing can now also be employed under video-endoscopic control. Through direct application of the adhesive to the parenchyma in the liver bed using a flexible catheter, diffuse oozing bleeds can be effectively arrested. In addition, coagulation-related parenchymal necroses associated with the development of biliary fistulae can be avoided. The technique of video-endoscopic controlled fibrin sealing is an important method of preventing and controlling complications arising during video-endoscopic surgery.     

Prospective, multicenter study of laparoscopic ventral hernioplasty. Preliminary results

BACKGROUND: A standard technique for laparoscopic ventral hernioplasty (peritoneal onlay using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene [ePTFE] patch for hernias >/=4 cm2) is being used in a prospective, multicenter, long-term study. METHODS: Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. Follow-up clinical evaluations were conducted 7-10 days, 4 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and then annually after surgery in all patients. RESULTS: In the first 2 years of the study, 144 patients were enrolled; nine were lost to follow-up. The mean operating time was 120 min. The mean follow-up was 222 days (range 5-731). Postoperative complications were five infections, three cases of prolonged ileus, one bowel obstruction, 23 seromas (15 resolved without intervention), and six hernia recurrences. Hospital discharge occurred a mean of 2.3 days after surgery and return to normal activity a mean of 15 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic prosthetic ventral hernioplasty avoids the large wound required in open repairs, with attendant complications and recurrences, and appears safe, especially if an ePTFE mesh is used. Compared with conventional open ventral hernioplasty, the laparoscopic technique may also allow shorter hospitalization and a quicker return to normal activities after surgery.     

Technical difficulties and complications during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: predictive use of preoperative ultrasonography

The aim of this study was to evaluate ultrasound findings as predictors of potential operative difficulties and complications during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). From October 1993 to June 1995 a total of 143 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis (50 males, 93 females, mean age 49.5 +/- 15 years) were evaluated by ultrasound (US) the day before LC. The US examination assessed six parameters: gallbladder (GB) volume, GB wall thickness, GB neck position, GB stone mobility, stone maximum size, and GB adhesions. On the basis of these US findings, a predictive judgment of technical difficulties was expressed by degree: easy, difficult, and very difficult. Altogether 101 patients presented with uncomplicated symptomatic cholelithiasis, and 42 had acute cholecystitis. The operation was predicted to be easy in 38% of cases, difficult in 49%, and very difficult in 13% with a good correlation with the surgeon's intraoperative judgment (r = 0.66). A significant association was found between stone mobility (r = 0.37), presence of adhesions (r = 0.36), and the difficulty of the procedure. The predictive US evaluation was significantly correlated with some intraoperative technical steps [dissection of Calot's triangle (r = 0.41), dissection of the gallbladder bed (r = 0.41)], and intraoperative bleeding (r = 0.27). Our results suggest that preoperative US is a useful screening test for patients undergoing LC, and it can help predict technical difficulties. On the other hand, a relevant number of cases still exist wherein the concordance between the preoperative US classification and the surgical findings is unsatisfactory. In this group the surgeon cannot safely rely on the US examination alone.     

Intrahepatic subcapsular hematoma. A rare postoperative complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mode of arrival is associated with seriousness of etiology and use of diagnostic testing in patients treated in the emergency department for headache. METHODS: This observational, retrospective study was conducted by consecutive review of the records of patients presenting to the emergency department with a chief complaint of headache from December 1994 through May 1995. Patients with altered mental status or seizures were excluded. Mode of arrival was classified as either by EMS or other (e.g., private vehicle). Patients with a final diagnosis of meningitis, intracranial hemorrhage, or central nervous system tumor were classified as having serious causes, whereas those with headache due to migraine, tension headache, or headache that was otherwise unspecified were classified as nonserious. The use of diagnostic studies, such as lumbar puncture or CT scan, and their results, was recorded. Patients were included in the category of patients having serious intracranial pathology even if the diagnosis was delayed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Yates-corrected chi-square test, and by determining odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: For 967 patients presenting with a chief complaint of headache, 837 charts were included in the analysis. A total of 102 patients arrived by EMS, and 735 arrived by other means. Patients arriving by EMS had a higher rate of serious cause of headache than did those arriving by other means (OR = 18.5, p < 0.0001). EMS patients tended to undergo additional diagnostic testing (OR = 4.4, p < 0.0001), and those tests were more likely to be abnormal than for those arriving by other means (OR = 9.4, p < 0.0001). Males had a somewhat higher rate of serious diagnosis (OR = 2.6, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this EMS system, patients with headache who arrive by EMS are more likely to have serious causes. Mode of arrival may be of use to the clinician in assessing risk of serious illness among patients with headache. Whether this observation represents an element of self-triage or a combination of other factors remains to be determined.     

Septic complications after biliary tract stone surgery: a review and report of the European prospective study

We report a prospective, controlled study of the incidence of septic complications following biliary tract stone surgery. This study included a total of 280 patients operated on in eight hospitals in various European countries. In this study the computer program "Surgery" was used. Of 280 patients, 77 (27.5%) were male and 203 (72.5%) were female. The age ranged from 20 to 92 years (mean 54.8 years); 78.9% of the cases corresponded to clean-contaminated surgery; 85% of the patients received antibiotic prophylaxis with cefazolin. Twenty-one patients developed postoperative septic complications (7.5%) of which 12 (4.3%) were wound infections; five patients (1.8%) had intra-abdominal infections. The wound infection rate was 3.2% in clean-contaminated surgery, 7.7% in contaminated and 20% in dirty (p < 0.02). In laparoscopic cholecystectomy the global rate of septic complications was 3.6% vs. 12.6% in open cholecystectomy (p < 0.01); 2.4% and 6.3% wound infection respectively. The mean age of patients who developed postoperative septic complications was 61.5 years and 54.2 years old who did not develop any complications (p < 0.03). The duration of the postoperative period was 5 days in patients without infection and 13 days in patients with infection (p < 0.0001). Two patients died, one of them (0.4%) caused by sepsis. In addition to the European prospective study, a review of the problems of sepsis in biliary surgery was carried out.     

Video laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a case of biliary lithiasis associated with gallbladder tuberculosis. Considerations and review of the literature

METHODS: We have investigated the effects of allergen immunotherapy on the nasal responses in the guinea-pigs with allergic rhinitis. Thirty-three male Hartley guinea-pigs with allergic rhinitis were divided into three groups; those receiving intradermal injection of saline (Group 1) or 0.1% ovalbumin (Group 2) 6 days after the last intranasal sensitization, and those injected with 0.1% ovalbumin intradermally once daily for 6 consecutive days from the next day after the last intranasal sensitization (Group 3). RESULTS: The dye leakage and histamine content into the nasal lavage significantly decreased at 30 min after antigen challenge in Group 3, compared with Group 1 or 2. We also observed the change of mast cell numbers in superficial nasal mucosa, lamina propria and injected dorsal skin. The number of mast cells in superficial nasal mucosa significantly decreased in Group 3 compared with Group 1 or 2, but not those in nasal lamina propria or dorsal skin. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the improvements of nasal responses such as dye leakage and histamine content may be caused by the decrease of mast cell numbers in the superficial mucosal layer after the specific immunotherapy, which may be developing tolerance and one of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of immunotherapy.     

Does the "Bergetrokar" decrease the rate of intraoperative complications in laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Several international surveys have proved the laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a safe surgical technique. In spite of the good results there still exist operation-specific technical problems. The perforation of the gallbladder during dissection or while extracting it from the abdominal cavity can lead to severe complications. We analysed retrospectively 352 extractions of the gallbladder carried out with our 'Bergetrokar'. In 1.4% occurred perforation of the gallbladder and in 0.85% we had trouble with the healing. In 3.5% extraction could not be performed with the 'Bergetrokar'. Regarding these results our rates have been lower as compared in literature. In our opinion the extraction of the gallbladder through the lateral incision using the Bergetrokar represents a further step toward a safe extraction of the stonefilled gallbladder. Further the infection rate at the umbilical incision is reduced.     

Effect of peridural block on the adrenal cortex function after operations on the biliary tract

In patients operated upon with the use of peridural blockade the concentration of 11-OCS in blood plasma does not exceed the normal values both during surgery and in the immediate postoperative period. In patients operated upon under conditions of the routine combined narcosis an increased secretion of corticosteroids was observed.     

Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Switzerland. A prospective 3-year study of 10,174 patients. Swiss Association of Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery

BACKGROUND: We set out to analyze the technical aspects, intraoperative complications, morbidity, and mortality of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a multi-institutional study representative of Switzerland. METHODS: Data were collected from 10,174 patients from 82 surgical services. A total of 353 different parameters per patient were included. RESULTS: We found intraoperative complications in 34.4% of patients and had a conversion rate of 8.2%. This rate was significantly increased in patients with complicated cholelithiasis and in those with previous upper-but not lower-abdominal surgery. In most cases, conversions to open procedures were required because of technical difficulties due to inflammatory changes and/or unclear anatomical findings at the time of operation. Bleeding was a common intraoperative complication, that significantly increased the risk of conversion. Patients with loss of gallstones in the peritoneal cavity had increased rates of abscesses. The rate of common bile duct injuries was 0.31%, but it decreased significantly as the laparoscopic experience of the surgeon increased. The rate of common bile duct injuries was not increased in patients with acute cholecystitis or in the 1.32% of patients undergoing laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Intraoperative cholangiography did not reduce the risk of common bile duct injuries, but it allowed them to be diagnosed intraoperatively in 75% of patients. Local complications were recorded in 4.79% of patients, and systemic complications were seen in 5.59%. The mortality rate was 0.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure, the rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy is still substantial. The conversion rate depends both on the indication and intraoperative complications. There is still a 10.38% morbidity associated with the procedure; however, the incidence of common bile duct injuries, which decreases with growing laparoscopic experience, was relatively low.