Ultrasound is not a useful screening tool for acute acalculous cholecystitis in critically ill trauma patients

Acute acalculous cholecystitis remains a diagnostic challenge in critically ill trauma patients. Laboratory studies are nonspecific and associated injuries or mental status changes may mask clinical signs and symptoms. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the utility of ultrasound in the diagnosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis. We hypothesized that ultrasound is inadequate as a screening tool for acute acalculous cholecystitis. The abdominal ultrasounds of all patients undergoing evaluation for acute acalculous cholecystitis in a 40-month period at our Level I trauma center were reviewed. Thickened gallbladder wall, pericholecystic fluid and emphysematous gallbladder were considered positive sonographic criteria. Sludge, cholelithiasis, and hydrops were considered suggestive. Patients who did not undergo cholecystectomy had their gallbladders evaluated either during subsequent laparotomy or at autopsy or they were discharged from the hospital without need for intervention. Sixty-two patients were included. Twenty-one patients underwent cholecystectomy for presumed acute acalculous cholecystitis. The data revealed a sensitivity of 30 per cent (6/20) and a specificity of 93 per cent (39/42) for ultrasound evaluation. Twenty patients had subsequent hepatobiliary scans [hepato-iminodiacetic acid (HIDA)] with a sensitivity of 100 per cent (12/12) and specificity of 88 per cent (7/8). Our data do not support ultrasound as a reliable routine screening tool for acute acalculous cholecystitis. Despite its convenience as a bedside procedure ultrasound has insufficient sensitivity to justify its use and a more sensitive diagnostic tool should be used.     

Cholecystosteatosis: an Explanation for Increased Cholecystectomy Rates

Introduction Over the past decade, obesity has become epidemic, and the number of cholecystectomies as well as the percentage with acalculous cholecystitis have increased. We have recently reported that congenitally obese mice and lean mice fed a high fat diet have increased gallbladder wall lipids and poor gallbladder emptying. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that compared to patients with a normal gallbladder, patients with both acalculous and calculous cholecystitis would have increased gallbladder wall fat. Methods Sixteen patients who underwent cholecystectomy for acalculous cholecystitis were identified. Sixteen nondiseased controls who underwent incidental cholecystectomy during surgery for liver or pancreatic disease and 16 diseased controls whose gallbladder was removed for chronic calculous cholecystitis were chosen to match the acalculous patients for gender and Body Mass Index. Pathology specimens were reviewed in a blinded fashion for gallbladder wall fat, thickness, and inflammation. Results Acalculous cholecystitis patients were younger (p < 0.01) than nondiseased or diseased controls. Gallbladder wall fat was significantly increased (p < 0.02) in the acalculous and calculous cholecystitis patients compared to the nondiseased controls. Gallbladder wall thickness (p < 0.02) and inflammatory score (p < 0.01) were highest in the calculous cholecystitis patients. Conclusions These data suggest that compared to nondiseased controls, (1) patients with acalculous cholecystitis are younger and have increased gallbladder fat and (2) patients with calculous cholecystitis have increased gallbladder fat and inflammation. We conclude that increased gallbladder fat may lead to poor gallbladder emptying and biliary symptoms. Thus, cholecystosteatosis may explain, in part, the increased need for cholecystectomy and the higher percentage of these patients with acalculous cholecystitis. Presented at the 2006 SSAT (DDW) annual meeting, May 20–25, 2006, Los Angeles, CA     

Isolated small gallbladder polyps: an indication for cholecystectomy in symptomatic patients

To evaluate patients with gallbladder polyps and to compare them with patients with chronic acalculous cholecystitis, 301 patients with chronic acalculous disease of the gallbladder, of which 45 had polyp disease of the gallbladder, were reviewed out of 7181 cholecystectomies performed from June 1985 through June 1995. Of the 45 patients, 30 (Group A) were diagnosed preoperatively by ultrasound and 15 (Group B) postoperatively on pathologic examination. In each group, the most common polyp was cholesterol type (19/45) with multiple lesions in 10 of these 19 patients. Chronic cholecystitis was present elsewhere in the gallbladder in 40 per cent of Group A and 80 per cent of Group B patients (P = 0.02). Forty-three patients had polyps less than 5 mm in diameter, one a 1.5-cm gallbladder cholesterol polyp, and one a 1.3-cm tubulovillous polyp with a focus of carcinoma in situ. During this same period, 17 patients had primary malignancy of the gallbladder, none of which were found in polypoid lesions. In Group A patients there were significantly fewer preoperative tests than in typical acalculous patients [2.3 versus 3.8 (P<0.03)], including upper endoscopy (P<0.02) and hepatobiliary scintigraphy (P<0.00001). Of the patients with polyps, 42 of 45 (93.3%) had resolution of symptoms postoperatively with a mean follow-up of 178.9+/-505.0 days (range 1-2438 days). Most patients with biliary tract symptoms and a small (<5-mm) gallbladder polyp underwent fewer preoperative diagnostic tests than patients with chronic acalculous cholecystitis. This abbreviated preoperative workup appears warranted in view of the high incidence of symptom resolution.     

Evaluation of preoperative risk factors for converting laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy

Performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) always carries the risk of having to convert from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy (LOC). Being able to identify these patients preoperatively may allow better preoperative planning and lowering operative cost. All LC and LOC were performed by the Eastern Virginia Medical School Department of Surgery retrospectively identified between January 2008 and December 2009. Preoperative risk factors identified in both groups included: age, gender, body mass index greater than 30 kg/m(2), diabetes mellitus, previous upper abdominal surgery, previous abdominal surgery, presence of pericholecystic fluid, gallbladder wall thickness greater than 3 mm, preoperative diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, and pancreatitis. Reasons for conversion in the LOC group were identified from the operative note. A total of 346 LC and LOC were identified. The LOC group had 41 identified with a conversion rate of 11.9 per cent. The LOC group was compared with 100 randomly chosen LC. Risk factors that reached statistical significance for conversion included advanced age, male gender, previous upper abdominal surgery, preoperative diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, and gallbladder wall thickness greater than 3 mm (P = 0.0009). Average operative time was higher in LOC compared with open cholecystectomy (123 minutes average vs 109 minutes average). Of the reasons for conversion, the degree of inflammation was the most common (51.2%). Preoperative risk factors that were associated with need for conversion were advanced age, male gender, previous upper abdominal surgery, preoperative diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, and pericholecystitic fluid. In patients who have all of these risk factors, we recommend starting with an open cholecystectomy. This will save operative time and overall cost.     

以胆囊排空障碍为特点的慢性非结石性胆囊炎的诊治分析:附42例

目的 探讨以胆囊排空障碍为特点的慢性非结石性胆囊炎的诊断方法与外科治疗.方法 选取昆明医学院第二附属医院2006年1月至2008年12月收治的慢性非结石性胆囊炎42例临床资料进行分析.将其分为腹腔镜胆囊切除术组20例,非手术治疗组22例,比较其疗效.结果 42例均通过临床症状、B超、胆囊收缩功能检查、纤维胃镜、磁共振胰胆管成像得以诊断;均存在胆囊排空障碍,其中腹腔镜胆囊切除术组,术后随访18例,未再出现临床症状,失访2例;非手术治疗组,随访21例,临床症状反复发作19例,失访1例.腹腔镜胆囊切除术效果明显优于非手术治疗(P＜0.05).结论 以胆囊排空障碍为特点的慢性非结石胆囊炎可以通过临床症状、胆囊收缩功能检查、MRCP得以诊断,治疗方法以腹腔镜胆囊切除术为佳.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and surgical treatment of chronic acalculous cholecystitis characterized by absence of gallbladder wall contractability. Methods The clinical data of 42 patients with chronic acalculous cholecystitis in our hospital from January 2006 to December 2008were analysed. The patients were grouped into two groups: laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) group in 20 and non-surgical group in 22. The patients' symptoms on follow-up in the two groups were compared. Results The 42 patients with chronic acalculous cholecystitis were diagnosed by symptoms,ultrasound, fatty meal gallbladder contractability studies under ultrasound, fiber optic gastroscopy and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). In all patients, there was a complete absence of gallbladder wall contractability. In the LC groups, 20 patients received LC. 18 patients were followed up, and there were no symptoms. Two patients were lost to follow up. In the non-surgical group, 22 patients received non-surgical treatment. In 21 patients who were followed up, 19 patients had symptoms. One patient was lost to follow up. There was a significant difference between the LC group and the non-surgical group (P＜0.05). Conclusions Chronic acalculous cholecystitis characterized by absence of gallbladder wall contractability could be diagnosed by symptoms, ultrasound, fatty meal gallbladder contractability studies under untrasound, and MRCP. The optimal treatment of chronic acalculous cholecystitis characterized by absence of gallbladder wall contractability is LC.     

Acute acalculous cholecystitis: Ultrasonic diagnosis

Ultrasonography is an effective and accurate diagnostic test for acalculous cholecystitis. Until recently, however, little attention was focused on the gallbladder wall as an indicator of disease. By accurately visualizing and measuring the gallbladder wall, ultrasonography can be used to screen patients in whom acute acalculous cholecystitis is suspected. If the gallbladder wall measures 3.5 mm or greater, in the absence of ascites, a diagnosis of acalculous cholecystitis can be made safely with a specificity greater than 98 percent. Four of our five patients with acute acalculous cholecystitis had ultrasonically measured gallbladder walls 3.5 mm or greater in width. We have found ultrasonography useful in any clinical situation, even in the face of ileus, jaundice or pancreatitis. In addition, with the use of the portable real-time ultrasound machine, postoperative, traumatized and other critically ill patients can be examined at the bedside.     

腹部手术后急性非结石性胆囊炎诊治策略

目的对腹部手术之后急性非结石性胆囊炎的诱因、临床症状和相关治疗措施进行研究。 方法回顾性分析2012年1月至2017年1月20例腹部手术后急性非结石性胆囊炎的病历资料。 结果只有2例表现出上腹轻压痛,还没有出现腹膜炎的相关体征,超声提示胆囊壁水肿状况一般,胆囊附近没有积液,行抗炎、纠正微循环保守治疗后好转。7例患者因年龄较大、病情危重,暂行经皮经肝胆囊穿刺置管引流术(PTGD),其中1例因引流效果不佳,开腹行胆囊切除;1例因并发感染性休克、呼吸衰竭死亡;其余5例病情稳定后3月均行腹腔镜胆囊切除术。11例患者均直接行胆囊切除术,其中行开腹手术3例,腹腔镜手术8例,因腹腔粘连严重中转开腹3例。2例患者因怀疑有胆总管穿孔可能,加胆总管探查T管引流术。 结论腹部手术之后出现急性非结石性胆囊炎是由多种诱因共同作用的结果,易于与原发疾病的并发症相混淆,出现误诊或者漏诊,且急性非结石性胆囊炎可诱发多器官功能衰竭,故及早发现、及早诊断并根据患者的耐受情况选择合理的手术切除是最佳治疗手段。     

Role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the early management of acute gallbladder disease

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the role of laparoscopic surgery in the early management of acute gallbladder disease in a single large UK teaching hospital. METHODS: Details of all emergency admissions for acute gallbladder disease from January 2000 to December 2001 were identified and additional information from the hospital records was reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-five patients with gallstone disease (243 acute biliary pain, 142 acute cholecystitis) and 15 with acalculous disease were identified. The conversion rate was higher during early laparoscopic surgery for acute calculous cholecystitis than in operations for acute biliary pain (19 versus 4 per cent; P = 0.002). In patients with acute calculous cholecystitis the conversion rate was significantly lower in operations within 48 h of admission (one of 26) than when surgery was delayed beyond 48 h (14 of 52) or subsequently carried out electively (seven of 21) (P = 0.014). Elective surgery for previous acute cholecystitis was associated with a higher conversion rate (seven of 21 patients) than elective surgery for biliary pain (three of 65) (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis should be performed, where possible, within the first 48 h of admission.     

Abdominal aortic aneurysmorrhaphy and cholelithiasis in the era of endovascular surgery

The incidence of acute cholecystitis complicating standard abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair has been reported between 0.3 and 18 per cent. This has prompted considerable debate regarding the management of cholelithiasis discovered incidentally during open aortic reconstruction. This study seeks to determine the incidence of cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis after endovascular AAA repair and evaluate options for management. Between February 1996 and October 2001 492 patients underwent endovascular AAA repair. All the procedures were performed in the operating room under fluoroscopic guidance. Epidural (98.9%), local (0.5%), or general (1.7%) anesthesia was used during these cases. The incidence of cholelithiasis and acute cholecystitis was evaluated by CT scan and abdominal ultrasound. Serum measurements of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, and amylase were performed and clinical assessment was conducted at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and annually thereafter. The mean age of these patients was 76.6 years; 84% were male. Comorbid medical conditions were present in all patients (average 3.5 conditions/patient). Follow-up ranged from 2 to 35 months (mean 12.8 months). Endovascular stent graft deployment was successful in 486 of the 492 patients (98.8%). Six patients were converted to standard open repair because of inability to achieve successful endovascular aneurysm repair. The perioperative major morbidity rate was 14.9 per cent. Minor morbidity rate was 8.5 per cent. The perioperative mortality rate was 1.9 per cent. No deaths were related to biliary disease. Cholelithiasis was identified in 64 (13%) patients preoperatively. One of 64 patients with a prior Billroth II reconstruction for peptic ulcer disease developed jaundice 8 days after AAA repair as a result of choledocholithiasis that required surgical repair. One patient without gallstones developed acute acalculous cholecystitis on postoperative day 16 as determined on pathologic analysis of the gallbladder. A third patient who had gallstones identified on preoperative CT scan developed calculous cholecystitis 16 months after endovascular AAA repair. These two patients underwent uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy and recovered uneventfully. The incidence of postoperative symptomatic cholelithiasis is 1.6 per cent (one of 64). The incidence of postoperative acute cholecystitis was 0.2 per cent (one of 486) and was unrelated to the presence of gallstones. The incidence of delayed symptomatic cholelithiasis was 1.6 per cent (one of 64). Endovascular repair of AAA does not appear to predispose the patient to the development of symptomatic cholelithiasis during the perioperative period. Therefore a preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis of cholelithiasis does not necessitate cholecystectomy in the setting of planned endovascular AAA repair. Patients who develop cholecystitis after endovascular AAA repair may be effectively treated by standard laparoscopic techniques.     

急性结石性胆囊炎腹腔镜保胆取石术的临床探讨

目的:探讨腹腔镜微创保胆取石术治疗急性结石性胆囊炎的安全性、手术时机的选择及手术操作的注意事项。方法:回顾分析我院为52例急性结石性胆囊炎患者行腹腔镜微创保胆取石术的临床资料。结果:49例成功施行保胆取石术,术后无胆囊炎、胆漏等并发症发生,3例因胆囊壁坏疽中转腹腔镜胆囊切除术。结论:正确评估胆囊病变、手术操作难度,熟练掌握内镜操作技术,腹腔镜保胆取石术对于急性胆囊炎患者是一项可行且疗效满意的治疗措施。     

Lymphoeosinophilic cholecystitis: A rare cause of acalculous cholecystitis in immunocompetent patients – A case report

IntroductionEosinophilic and lymphoeosinophilic cholecystitis are uncommonly encountered causes of acalculous cholecystitis characterised by a clinical presentation of acute cholecystitis with eosinophilic infiltration of the gallbladder. Acalculous cholecystitis is a disease that is traditionally associated with patients who are critically unwell and immunosuppressed.Presentation of caseA fit and well 37-year-old man presented to the emergency department with a 12 -h history of constant upper abdominal pain radiating through to his back. Abdominal examination revealed tenderness in the right upper quadrant with a positive Murphy’s sign. An abdominal ultrasound was performed, revealing a thickened gallbladder wall with probe tenderness, but no gallstones. He proceeded to an uneventful emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Histological examination of the gallbladder revealed mucosal and transmural inflammation comprising of lymphocytes and more than 50 % eosinophils. No gallstones were found. A diagnosis of lymphoeosinophilic cholecystitis was made. The patient had improvement in his symptoms and was discharged home. He was well at follow-up.DiscussionThere is a small subset of immunocompetent patients who are not critically unwell who present with acalculous cholecystitis. There is significant hesitancy in offering a cholecystectomy to these patients without radiological evidence of gallstones or sludge preoperatively. Cholecystectomy should be offered to these patients if the clinical picture fits acute cholecystitis.ConclusionEosinophilic and lymphoeosinophilic cholecystitis are important causes of acalculous cholecystitis that can occur in immunocompetent patients. The decision to offer the patient a cholecystectomy should be based on clinical presentation and examination, rather than the absence or presence of gallstones.     

Lessons on laparoscopic cholecystectomy (summary of the experience

The experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy conduction in 6524 patients with nontumoral diseases of gallbladder (chronic calculous cholecystitis, an acute calculous cholecystitis, chronic noncalculous cholecystitis, the gallbladder polyposis) was summarized. While comparing the initial seizing experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the clinic the tendency was noted, trusting the skills improvement in management of laparoscopic technique, permitting to reduce the contraindications quantity for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Several principles were elaborated, which is necessary to follow doing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for improvement of results of treatment in patients and for complications reduction.     

The porcelain gallbladder-laparoscopic approach

A long time porcelain gallbladder was considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, because of a high incidence of gallbladder cancer. From 12,000 patients underwent cholecystectomy in First Surgical Clinic of Iasi, 5 (0.04%) patients had porcelain gallbladder. All patients underwent ultrasound examen. Patients with porcelain gallbladder were classified as Type I to II according to preoperative ultrasound findings: three cases with porcelain gallbladder type I and two cases with porcelain gallbladder type II (in one case we found associated gallbladder carcinoma). We describe a three cases with porcelain gallbladder type I (complete calcification of gallbladder wall) treated by laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was difficult because of adhesions and problems with grasping the thick gallbladder wall, but the postoperative course was uneventful. The histopathologic result of the specimen established the diagnosis of porcelain gallbladder type I and no cancer in the calcified wall of the gallbladder. We conclude based on cases presented and the literature review, although there is a high conversion rate, that patients with a type I porcelain gallbladder should be considered for laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a preoperative selection based on the ultrasound findings.     

The value of percutaneous ultrasound in predicting conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy due to acute cholecystitis

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the treatment of choice for gallstone disease. Advantages of the laparoscopic approach include lower morbidity and mortality rates, reduced length of hospital stay, and earlier return to work. In acute cholecystitis, severe inflammation makes laparoscopic dissection technically more demanding, with a higher risk of related complications that require conversion to open cholecystectomy.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 5,596 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 1993 and 2011 in a single institution. A laparoscopic approach was undertaken in 4,105 patients (73.4 %). The ultrasound signs of acute cholecystitis were found in 542 patients (13.2 %) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We analyzed the ultrasound presentations of acute cholecystitis in patients who required conversion to open cholecystectomy and compared them with the ultrasound signs of acute cholecystitis in patients who had a completed laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Results

A conversion to open cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis was necessary in 24 % (n = 130) of the patients compared to 3.4 % of the patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease. The most frequent ultrasound findings in patients requiring conversion were a pericholecystic exudate in 42 %, a difficult identification of anatomical structures due to local severe inflammation in 34 %, and gallbladder wall thickening of >5 mm in 31 %. Additionally, when the duration of symptoms exceeded 3 days, more than half of the patients required conversion to open cholecystectomy and the conversion rate was fivefold higher than for those with a shorter duration of acute cholecystitis.

Conclusions

In patients with severe acute cholecystitis found on ultrasound, combined with gallbladder wall thickening to >5 mm, pericholecystic exudates or abscess adjacent to the gallbladder, difficulty identifying anatomical structures within Calot’s triangle, specifically when the duration of symptoms exceeds 3 days, cholecystectomy should be done as an open approach because of the high risk of conversion.     

The use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of calculous gallbladder disease.

During a 12-month period from September 1976 to September 1977, 114 patients in a community hospital had ultrasonography as part of their diagnostic work-up for suspected gallbladder disease. While 65 per cent had an additional study, such as an oral cholecystogram or intravenous cholangiogram, 35 per cent had ultrasonography as the only study to make the diagnosis. All patients in this group had laparotomy and cholecystectomy to confirm or disprove the diagnosis of calculous gallbladder disease. The overall accuracy rate of ultrasonography for calculous gallbladder disease was 90 per cent, which compares favorably with the standard oral cholecystogram. Ultrasonography has some distinct advantages in certain clinical situations such as acute cholecystitis, jaundice, pancreatitis and pregnancy. A review of our clinical experience in the everyday use of ultrasonography for calculous biliary disease has been discussed, and guidelines for the use of ultrasonography as part of the diagnostic armamentarium for gallbladder disease are presented.     

急性结石性胆囊炎经腹腔镜胆囊切除术68例临床分析

目的探讨急性结石性胆囊炎行腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)患者的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2007-12—2011-12通过LC治疗68例急性结石性胆囊炎患者的临床资料。结果 68例患者中,67例顺利完成LC,其中1例中转剖腹,术后病理证实为肝门部胆管癌,合并结石性、化脓性胆囊炎,2例患者发病72 h后出现胆汁渗漏,经治疗痊愈。2例术后第2天腹腔引流管引流出胆汁样液体,量为200～300 mL,经治疗2周后无液体引出拔出引流管,顺利出院。结论急性结石性胆囊炎明确诊断后,患者应尽早施行腹腔镜胆囊切除术,术中操作困难者应及时中转开腹。尽量减少或避免急性结石性胆囊炎LC手术并发症的发生,显著减轻患者痛苦。     

Acute acalculous cholecystitis in critically injured patients. Preoperative diagnostic imaging.

The potential lethality and predisposing factors of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) are well established; however, preoperative diagnosis remains a challenge. This update of a previous report of 30 cases of AAC at a Level I trauma center describes 14 multiply injured patients who developed AAC and underwent cholecystectomy. All 14 patients had acutely inflamed gallbladders; 6 (42.8%) had areas of necrosis or gangrene. The mortality rate was 7% (1 patient). While the percentage of patients receiving prolonged intensive care (100%), narcotic analgesics (100%), and TPN (93%) correlates with the experience cited previously, the percentage undergoing preoperative diagnostic imaging is unusually high, reflecting a heightened suspicion for AAC. Computed tomographic or sonographic evidence of gallbladder wall thickness greater than or equal to 4 mm, pericholecystic fluid or subserosal edema without ascites, intramural gas, or a sloughed mucosal membrane was considered diagnostic criteria for AAC. We conclude that preoperative computed tomogram or ultrasound imaging leads to earlier recognition of this life-threatening problem.     

Gallbladder ejection fraction: an accurate evaluation of symptomatic acalculous gallbladder disease

The use of cholecystokinin stimulation during cholescintigraphy to calculate the gallbladder ejection fraction has been associated with variable clinical results as a preoperative indicator for chronic acalculous cholecystitis and postoperative relief of biliary symptoms. A series of 56 consecutive patients was analyzed to determine the accuracy of a decreased gallbladder ejection fraction as a preoperative indicator for acalculous cholecystitis. Each patient had symptoms compatible with biliary disease. Each patient had a decreased gallbladder ejection fraction calculated by cholescintigraphy. The gallbladder ejection fraction was calculated using a 30-minute intravenous infusion of cholecystokinin at a dose of 0.02 microg/kg during cholescintigraphy. There was a 100% correlation found in this series of patients between a decreased gallbladder ejection fraction during cholescintigraphy, preoperative symptoms of gallbladder disease, and postoperative pathology evidence of acute or chronic cholecystitis. Only 1 patient had less than a complete resolution of her preoperative symptomatology after laparoscopic removal of her gallbladder. This patient had irritable bowel disease, which was diagnosed postoperatively. Six symptomatic patients with a gallbladder ejection fraction between 35% and 60% were also treated by laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder with complete resolution of their preoperative symptomatology. The use of a 30-minute infusion of cholecystokinin at a dose of 0.02 microg/kg to calculate the gallbladder ejection fraction during cholescintigraphy is an accurate test to preoperatively predict acalculous cholecystitis and postoperative relief of biliary symptoms. The gallbladder ejection fraction of less than 35% was abnormal. Cholecystectomy may be considered for patients whose gallbladder ejection fractions were calculated to be between 35% and 60% if the patient's symptoms were classical for biliary disease and have been present for 1 year. The use of a 30-minute intravenous infusion of cholecystokinin at a dose of 0.02 microg/kg to calculate the gallbladder ejection fraction during cholescintigraphy is an accurate test to preoperatively predict acalculous cholecystitis and postoperative relief of biliary symptoms.     

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with previous open cholecystostomy

We report the case of a successful elective interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with a previous tube cholecystostomy that had been performed surgically 8 weeks earlier for an attack of acute calculous cholecystitis. At surgery, the major omentum was adherent to the right lateral abdominal wall, completely covering the liver edge, the gallbladder, and the inserted tube. The gallbladder and the tube within it were dissected free from the abdominal wall and the greater omentum, the cholecystostomy tube was removed, and the operation was completed successfully without any further difficulties.     

Cholecystostomy. Expected outcome in primary and secondary biliary disorders

Cholecystostomy is used for biliary-tree drainage when simplicity and speed are of prime importance. Its frequency of use and the subsequent mortality rates, vary among surgeons and institutions. This review analyzes 50 cholecystostomies performed over 6 years at one institution, and defines outcome as related to presenting symptoms. Twenty five patients (Group 1) presented with symptoms of acute cholecystitis, and underwent cholecystostomy. Twenty (80%) had gallstones and five (20%) were acalculous. Two patients died, a mortality rate of 8 per cent. Twenty five other patients (Group 2) developed signs suggesting cholecystitis during hospitalization for an unrelated illness. Only 50 per cent (13/25) of Group 2 patients were found to have cholecystitis at operation (eight calculous, five acalculous). Mortality was 62 per cent (8/13) in the Group 2 patients with inflammatory cholecystitis, and 50 per cent (6/12) for the patients with normal gallbladders. A positive outcome may be anticipated if cholecystostomy is used in patients admitted with acute cholecystitis who present too great a surgical risk for formal cholecystectomy. In contrast, the diagnosis of cholecystitis in the critically ill patient can be difficult and the prognosis for survival is not good, even after cholecystostomy.