Outcome following bypass, and proximal and distal ligation of popliteal aneurysms

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe early and late results of proximal and distal ligation for popliteal aneurysm (PA), combined with bypass, with particular reference to the fate of the excluded aneurysm. METHODS: Of a cohort of 116 patients with PAs, 66 were treated with bypass and ligation. Graft patency was determined by duplex surveillance. In addition, 17 patients with bypassed PAs underwent a total of 33 duplex scans to determine flow within the aneurysm and change in size. RESULTS: For initially patent PAs, 3-, 5- and 8-year primary bypass graft patency was 78, 78 and 51 per cent respectively. These rates were not statistically significantly different from those following bypass for thrombosed PA, 3- and 5-year primary patency being 72 and 65 per cent respectively. No PA produced further symptoms after bypass and ligation. No flow was seen in any aneurysm at follow-up. Only one showed an increase in size. CONCLUSION: Proximal and distal ligation with bypass produced satisfactory long-term patency with good exclusion of the PA.     

Popliteal Aneurysm: Diagnostic Workup and Results of Surgical Treatment

Untreated popliteal aneurysm (PA) may cause serious complications. Early detection and surgery are beneficial. What are the circumstances under which the diagnosis of PA is made? What risks are associated with the treatment? A total of 36 consecutive PAs in 22 men and 2 women were treated in a single-center series. Altogether, 26 surgical reconstructions (group 1) were performed using a medial approach, and two PAs were resected through a dorsal approach. Eight patients with eight PAs did not undergo surgery (group 2): Two were awaiting surgery, and six had refused it. At the time of diagnosis, 25 PAs were symptomatic: local pain, swelling, or ”pulsation” in the popliteal groove (29%); claudication of the foot/calf (39%); critical ischemia (21%). Eleven asymptomatic cases were discovered during screening duplex sonography of known aortic aneurysms Among the 28 PAs that underwent surgery, 6 produced acute symptoms. The following complications were observed: five postoperative hematomas, one infected polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft, two early graft occlusions, and two significant stenoses of the distal anastomosis. After a mean follow-up of 15 months (range 2-43 months), group 1 had a limb salvage rate of 100% and a secondary patency rate of 96%. Two patients are still awaiting surgery. Critical ischemia represents an absolute indication for surgical repair, but the observed zero mortality and relatively low morbidity associated with the intervention combined with a favorable patency rate justify the liberal use of surgery even for asymptomatic PAs. The extensible medial approach is preferred. Sequential reconstruction is advised for bilateral PAs.     

Outcome of popliteal artery aneurysms after exclusion and bypass: significance of residual patent branches mimicking type II endoleaks

PURPOSE: Popliteal aneurysms (PAs) often are treated with exclusion and bypass. However, excluded aneurysms can transmit systemic pressure from persistent flow through collateral arteries (endoleak), resulting in aneurysm growth and rupture. We used duplex ultrasound scanning for postoperative surveillance more than 2 years after PA repair with exclusion and bypass, to determine the presence of flow and aneurysm growth. METHODS: From 1995 to 2001, 23 patients with 26 PAs (mean diameter, 3.2 cm; range, 1.6-5.6 cm) underwent surgical repair and were available for more than 2 years of follow-up. The popliteal artery was ligated proximal and distal to the aneurysm, and autogenous revascularization was performed. All patients who underwent PA endoaneurysmorrhaphy through a posterior approach were excluded from the study. During long-term follow-up, aneurysm sac flow and size were evaluated with duplex ultrasound scanning, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance angiography, and standard angiography. Patients with increased PA size and persistent flow were offered repair through a posterior approach. RESULTS: Over 7 years, 26 PAs (symptomatic, 11; asymptomatic, 15) treated with aneurysm exclusion and bypass were available for more than 2 years of follow-up (mean, 38 months; range, 24-78 months). In the postoperative period 16 PAs (62%) became thrombosed, 10 (38%) had persistent collateral flow through geniculate vessels, 6 (23%) increased in size, and 3 (12%) ruptured; 1 (4%) resulted in limb loss. Operative findings for all ruptured PAs and 3 of 6 PAs with increased sac size that underwent aneurysm sac exploration and endoaneurysmorrhaphy revealed retrograde flow through geniculate vessels, mimicking type II endoleak. CONCLUSIONS: These findings question the effectiveness of PA exclusion through proximal or distal ligation and bypass. In addition, retrograde flow into the aneurysm sac (ie, type II endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair) may transmit systemic pressure that can result in aneurysm rupture. We recommend PA treatment with aneurysm sac decompression and ligation of geniculate vessels whenever possible and routine postoperative surveillance of the excluded aneurysm sac.     

A population-based study of the incidence, management and prognosis of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: The aim of this population-based study was to evaluate the incidence, management and prognosis of patients with hepatic metastases related to colorectal cancer using data from the Digestive Cancer Registry of Calvados, France. METHODS: Of 1325 patients with colorectal cancer registered between January 1994 and December 1999, 358 developed hepatic metastases. Logistic regression was used to analyse prognostic factors. Survival analysis was carried out with Cox's proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Some 18.8 per cent of patients had synchronous metastases, while 29.3 per cent developed metastases at 3 years. Of patients with hepatic metastases, 17.3 per cent had a surgical resection, 40.2 per cent were treated with palliative chemotherapy and 42.5 per cent had symptomatic treatment. Factors associated with receiving symptomatic treatment only were age over 75 years and more than one metastasis, but not place of treatment. Median survival after a diagnosis of hepatic metastases was 10.7 (range 4.6-23.1) months. Significant adverse prognostic factors were: age over 75 years (P = 0.001), lymph node invasion of primary tumour (P = 0.024), bilateral distribution of metastases (P = 0.001), other metastases (P = 0.004) and symptomatic treatment only (P = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Despite improvement in treatment for hepatic metastases, age and extent of disease remain limiting factors for surgical resection and palliative chemotherapy.     

Revascularization of the superior mesenteric artery after acute thromboembolic occlusion

BACKGROUND: The outcome and prognostic factors after revascularization of acute thromboembolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) are poorly documented. METHODS: Sixty patients with acute thromboembolic occlusion of the SMA had revascularization procedures at 21 hospitals from 1987 to 1998. They were registered prospectively in the Swedish Vascular Registry. Patient files were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 76 years; 73 per cent suffered from cardiac disease and 23 per cent had previous vascular surgery. Onset of symptoms was classified as sudden (30 per cent), acute (33 per cent) or insidious (37 per cent). The occlusions were thought to be either embolic (67 per cent) or thrombotic (33 per cent). The diagnosis was suspected on first examination in 32 per cent of patients, a group whose median time to operation was shorter (P = 0.01). Fifty-eight patients had an exploratory laparotomy and subsequent revascularization, and two were treated with thrombolysis alone. Second-look laparotomy was performed in 41, and third look in eight patients; 19 required an additional bowel resection. The overall mortality rates were 43, 52, 60 and 67 per cent at 30 days, discharge, 1 and 5 years, respectively. No patient was dependent on intravenous nutrition after 1 year. Previous vascular surgery resulted in a higher institutional mortality rate (79 per cent; P = 0.02). Patients who had a sudden onset of symptoms outside hospital had a better outcome (mortality rate 27 per cent; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Many non-diagnostic radiological examinations were performed and a routine second-look is warranted. The results suggest that attempts at revascularization procedures for acute mesenteric ischaemia may improve the outcome.     

Expansion rates of asymptomatic popliteal artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: In the absence of symptoms the decision to operate on popliteal artery aneurysms (PA) is often made on PA diameter. Little information exists on growth rate and therefore optimum scanning intervals. The aim of this paper is to define growth rate of PA managed conservatively. METHODS: A prospective study of patients with asymptomatic PA was carried out. Patients were invited for ultrasound scanning at 6-12 months intervals. Diameter changes between consecutive pairs of scans were measured. A decision to operate was made in fit patients if PA became symptomatic and/or had a diameter above 3 cm. RESULTS: Twenty-one men (24 aneurysms) with a median age of 69 years (46-86) underwent 78 scans. Sixteen PA were on the right and eight on the left. Eighteen patients had bilateral aneurysms, 15 of which were complicated on one side at presentation and were dealt with surgically on that side. The median size at first scan was 19 mm (14-36). The median time interval to the first follow-up scan was 9 months and subsequent scans were 12 months. The mean rate of expansion at aneurysm sizes below 20 mm diameter was 1.5 mm/year. PA grew by 3.0 mm/year at sizes 20-30 mm and by 3.7 mm/year at sizes >30 mm. Among the risk factors analysed, hypertension appeared to increase the risk of aneurysm growth. CONCLUSION: The expansion rate of PA increases with increasing size of the PA. This rate of growth in relation to size at previous scan and threshold diameter for intervention should be borne in mind when planning surveillance intervals.     

Peripheral thrombolysis for acute-onset claudication. Thrombolysis Study Group.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of patients who presented with sudden onset of incapacitating claudication of less than 2 weeks' duration and who were treated with peripheral arterial thrombolysis. METHODS: The database of the Thrombolysis Study Group was searched retrospectively for patients who received thrombolysis for acute-onset claudication. Some 108 patients (65 men, median age 69 (range 29-94) years) were treated with intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator at 14 hospitals. The median duration of symptoms was 72 h (range from 2 h to 2 weeks). There were 52 graft and 56 native vessel arterial occlusions. RESULTS: The immediate outcome of thrombolysis for native vessel arterial occlusion was thrombus clearance in 50 patients (89 per cent) and failed lysis in six (11 per cent). Thirty-six patients (64 per cent) had a secondary radiological or surgical procedure carried out after lysis. After 30 days four patients (7 per cent) had a major amputation, eight (14 per cent) had died, 38 (68 per cent) were symptom free and seven (12 per cent) continued to have claudication. Three patients (5 per cent) suffered a major haemorrhage. The immediate outcome of thrombolysis for graft occlusion was thrombus clearance in 48 patients (92 per cent) and failed lysis in four (8 per cent); 27 patients (52 per cent) had a secondary procedure. After 30 days four patients (8 per cent) had a major amputation, seven (13 per cent) had died, 32 (62 per cent) were symptom free and nine (17 per cent) had persistent claudication. Three patients (6 per cent) suffered a major haemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Patients who presented with acute onset of incapacitating claudication had an outcome similar to that after thrombolysis for critical ischaemia. It is recommended that patients who present in this way should be observed and treated with thrombolysis only if they progress to critical ischaemia. Presented to the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, Edinburgh, UK, May 1998, and published in abstract form as Br J Surg 1998; 85(Suppl 1): 24     

Final 12-year follow-up of surgery versus surveillance in the UK Small Aneurysm Trial

BACKGROUND: The aim was to determine whether early open surgical repair would benefit patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysm compared with surveillance on long-term follow-up. METHODS: The 1090 patients who were enrolled into the UK Small Aneurysm Trial between 1991 and 1995 were followed up for aneurysm repair and mortality until November 2005. RESULTS: By November 2005, 714 patients (65.5 per cent) had died, 929 (85.2 per cent) had undergone aneurysm repair, 150 (13.8 per cent) had died without aneurysm repair and 11 (1.0 per cent) remained alive without aneurysm repair. After 12 years, mortality in the surgery and surveillance groups was 63.9 and 67.3 per cent respectively, unadjusted hazard ratio 0.90 (P = 0.139). Three-quarters of the surveillance group eventually had aneurysm repair, with a 30-day elective mortality of 6.3 per cent (versus 5.0 per cent in the early surgery group, P = 0.366). Estimates suggested that the cost of treatment was 17 per cent higher in the early surgery group, with a mean difference of 1326 pounds. The death rate in these patients was about twice that in the population matched for age and sex. CONCLUSION: There was no long-term survival benefit of early elective open repair of small abdominal aortic aneurysms. Even after successful aneurysm repair, the mortality among these patients was higher than in the general population.     

Ten-year review of non-ruptured aortic aneurysms

Between 1978 and 1987, 587 cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm were operated on in the Vascular Unit of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Over this ten-year period there was a dramatic increase in the number of patients treated. Rupture had occurred in 278 patients. Of the 309 patients with non-ruptured aneurysm 175 were asymptomatic, 84 were symptomatic and 50 were acutely symptomatic. Two hundred and fifty-nine patients underwent elective operation and the 50 acutely symptomatic patients were operated on as emergencies. The overall mortality for the non-ruptured series was 2.9 per cent. The mortality in patients undergoing elective surgery was 1.9 per cent (1.1 per cent in asymptomatic and 3.6 per cent in symptomatic patients) and 4.0 per cent for patients undergoing emergency surgery.     

Aneurysms of the extracranial carotid artery. Twenty-one years' experience.

Aneurysms of the extracranial carotid artery are an uncommon but potentially serious problem, usually due to rupture or thromboembolic events. Thirty-seven aneurysms of the extracranial carotid artery were seen in thirty-four patients from 1956 to 1977. The ages ranged from twenty-nine to ninety-two years, with an average of fifty-nine years. There were twenty-three males and eleven females. Nineteen (51 per cent) were false aneurysms, sixteen (44 per cent) atherosclerotic aneurysms, and two (5 per cent) posttraumatic aneurysms. All patients presented with evidence of a mass in the neck, and only five (15 per cent) had neurological symptoms related to the aneurysm. Surgery was performed on twenty-eight carotid aneurysms. Resection and patch angioplasty was employed for eighteen aneurysms, resection with graft replacement for six, and resection and ligation of the internal carotid artery for four. Postoperative neurologic deficits developed in three patients (11 per cent), and one of these died. There was one other operative death due to acute myocardial infarction (operative mortality, 7 per cent). Nonoperative treatment was employed when the patient had other associated high risk disease or a small asymptomatic aneurysm.     

Aneurysm of the infrarenal abdominal aorta

Preoperative and postoperative treatment as well as standardisation of surgical techniques over the past 20 years have helped to bring about considerable reduction of operative mortality in cases of asymptomatic aortic aneurysm. Yet, with all improvement, rupture of aneurysm has continued to be associated with high rates of mortality. At the Department of Surgery of Cologne University, between 1963 and 1985, operations were performed on 681 patients for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Asymptomatic aneurysm were surgically removed from 41.7 per cent of them, while 27.5 per cent underwent surgery in symptomatic stages. Aneurysm had ruptured in 210 patients. Operative mortality accounted for 5.3 per cent of all asymptomatic patients. High mortality rates among patients with ruptured aortic aneurysms were attributable to preoperative shock. Only 16.3 per cent of patients survived in this group. The mortality rate among patients without shock amounted to 39.5 per cent.     

Acute idiopathic scrotal oedema: incidence, manifestations and aetiology

Twenty-four children with a total of 31 episodes of acute idiopathic scrotal oedema (AISO) were assessed during a 5 year period. AISO accounted for 30 per cent of all admissions with acute scrotal pathology in this period and was the final diagnosis in 69 per cent of cases in those presenting under the age of 10 years. Although presentation was with unilateral (48 per cent) or bilateral (52 per cent) AISO, considerable overlap between these two groups occurred. Five patients (21 per cent) had recurrent attacks. Fourteen boys (60 per cent) had a history of allergy or had allergic manifestations at presentation compared with an incidence of allergy of 28 per cent in 42 controls (P less than 0.05). AISO is the commonest cause of the 'acute scrotum' in boys under the age of 10 years and is probably allergic in origin.     

Abdominal pain: a surgical audit of 1190 emergency admissions

In an audit of 1190 emergency admissions with abdominal pain (1166 patients) in a general surgical unit, the diagnosis was non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP) in 415 (35 per cent), acute appendicitis in 200 (17 per cent) and intestinal obstruction in 176 (15 per cent). The largest number of admissions occurred in the age groups 10-29 years (31 per cent) and 60-79 years (29 per cent). Surgical operations were performed in 551 patients (47 per cent) and there was a 16 per cent incidence of unnecessary appendicectomy (22 per cent in the age group 20-29 years). Fifty-one deaths resulted in a 30-day hospital mortality rate of 4.4 per cent and a perioperative mortality rate of 8 per cent. The mortality rate increased significantly in patients aged greater than or equal to 60 years, and patients aged 80-89 years had a perioperative mortality rate of 20 per cent. The causes of perioperative death included laparotomy for inoperable disease (28 per cent), ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (23 per cent), perforated peptic ulcer (16 per cent) and colonic resections (14 per cent). The perioperative mortality rates for ruptured aneurysm and perforated ulcer were 71 and 23 per cent respectively. The duration of inpatient stay increased significantly with the age of the patients, including those with NSAP. The results of the study indicate a need to review the methods of management of ruptured aortic aneurysm and perforated peptic ulcer, the methods of diagnosis of appendicitis, particularly in young females, and the factors that determine the duration of stay of patients suffering from NSAP.     

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.     

Survey of the use of thrombolysis for acute limb ischaemia in the UK and Ireland

A total of 156 vascular surgeons from the UK and Ireland responded to a postal questionnaire on the use of thrombolysis in acute limb ischaemia. Almost half had used thrombolysis in the previous 12 months. Low dose intra-arterial streptokinase (89 per cent) was the regimen most frequently used, but 33 per cent had used intravenous streptokinase. Detailed results for 103 patients (limb salvage rate 60 per cent, amputation rate 35 per cent, mortality rate 5 per cent) were similar to those of previously published reports. Complications in most series were infrequent, but in the entire survey there were six bleeding-related deaths and one death from anaphylaxis. A total of 67 per cent of surgeons with working experience indicated that selected patients with acute arterial thromboses were most suitable for thrombolysis, particularly if there was no neurological deficit and no run-off for surgical bypass. Distal or late emboli and graft occlusions were regarded as appropriate by some surgeons. This study demonstrated that many vascular surgeons currently use thrombolysis, although sparingly and in selected cases. Patients with acute limb ischaemia should be managed by experienced vascular surgeons who are aware of the new therapeutic alternatives, an ideal supported by almost three-quarters of respondents to this survey.     

Natural history of the leg amputee

For 173 patients undergoing major leg amputations, the operative mortality was 13 per cent. The ratio of below-knee (BK) to above-knee (AK) amputations was approximately unity. Of the 150 patients who survived amputation, 93 were given prostheses. Among the latter group, 76 per cent of the unilateral AK amputees and 90 per cent of the unilateral BK amputees had a successful rehabilitation. For those patients who had to be converted from BK to AK unilateral amputations, 40 per cent experienced successful rehabilitation, and for those who had either bilateral BK or bilateral mixed amputations, 45 per cent were successful. The most common contraindications to granting prostheses were debility and dementia. The mean time interval from first amputation to latest observation was 3.5 years (range, 5 weeks to 13.5 years). At three years 49 per cent of the patients survived and at five years 31 per cent survived. Despite major impediments, satisfactory rehabilitation is accomplished frequently enough to justify optimism for a considerable number of geriatric amputees.     

Anastomotic aneurysms of the femoral artery: aetiology and treatment

The aetiology and treatment of 35 femoral false anastomotic aneurysms in 29 patients presenting over the 4-year period 1984-88 were reviewed retrospectively. The mean interval between primary anastomosis and false aneurysm repair was 6 years (range from 2 weeks to 16 years). Twenty-two (63 per cent) false aneurysms had occurred after previous aortobifemoral bypass grafting for occlusive aortoiliac disease. Seven (20 per cent) presented as acute surgical emergencies. Review of the records of the initial operations revealed that superficial wound infections with positive bacteriological cultures had been present in eight cases (23 per cent) and a further two (6 per cent) had lymph fistulae. Thirty-two false aneurysms were repaired, by simple reanastomosis in 14 cases, interposition grafting in 17 cases and in one case by complete revision to an aortobifemoral bypass graft. The risk of a further operative repair was less (P less than 0.05) following interposition grafting, than after simple revision. False aneurysm repairs, when compared with primary reconstructions done during the same period, were associated with more superficial wound infections (37 versus 10 per cent) and more explorations for haemorrhage within 30 days (19 versus 7 per cent).     

Risk of aortic aneurysm surgery as assessed by preoperative gated heart pool scan

Gated heart pool scan measuring left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was performed preoperatively in 72 patients presenting for elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Patients with a positive cardiac history were more likely to have a LVEF of less than or equal to 45 per cent (P less than 0.001). The operative mortality rate was 4 per cent. Each of three patients who died had a LVEF less than or equal to 35 per cent and developed cardiac failure which led to renal failure. Five other patients developed cardiac failure manifested by acute pulmonary oedema during the early postoperative period. There was no statistically significant association between a positive cardiac history and the occurrence of postoperative cardiac failure or death. However, patients with a LVEF of less than or equal to 45 per cent were more likely to develop postoperative cardiac failure (P = 0.004) while patients with a LVEF of less than or equal to 35 per cent had a greater chance of dying (P less than 0.001). No patient died with a LVEF greater than 35 per cent. Preoperative evaluation of LVEF can select patients at high risk of cardiac death from repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Such patients could be followed conservatively if they remain asymptomatic and the aneurysm does not enlarge. If operation is considered mandatory, patients with a low LVEF should receive intensive perioperative monitoring with enhancement of ventricular performance.     

Sex-based analysis of the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND: Complicated acute cholecystitis, for example when empyema or gangrene is present, is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between sex, the severity of acute cholecystitis and the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Of 674 patients in whom laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted, 348 had chronic cholecystitis and 326 had acute cholecystitis. The medical records of the latter were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The proportion of male patients significantly increased with the severity of cholecystitis: 37.4 per cent of those with chronic cholecystitis were men, compared with 44.4 per cent of those with uncomplicated acute cholecystitis and 57 per cent of those with complicated acute cholecystitis (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age (odds ratio 2.24; P = 0.004) and male sex (odds ratio 1.76; P = 0.029) independently predicted complicated acute cholecystitis. The conversion rate to open operation was 6.4 per cent in men and 5.9 per cent in women (P = 0.843). The postoperative complication rate was 10.3 and 8.2 per cent respectively (P = 0.528). CONCLUSION: Male sex was identified as a risk factor for more severe acute cholecystitis, but outcome for men after laparoscopic cholecystectomy was not significantly different from that for women.     

Management of symptomatic gallstones in the elderly

In a study of 544 patients with symptomatic gallstones 158 subjects were aged greater than 70 years. Elderly patients had a significantly higher incidence of emergency presentation, jaundice, cholangitis, ductal stones, biliary drainage procedures, and acute complications requiring urgent or emergency surgery (P less than 0.001); they had more than twice the incidence of postoperative complications in comparison with patients aged less than 70 years. There was an increased perioperative mortality in the elderly (1.3 per cent after cholecystectomy and 2.9 per cent after bile duct exploration, P = 0.039). Conservative treatment in 11 per cent of elderly patients resulted in no mortality due to gallstones, but 3 of 17 patients had recurrent biliary symptoms. It was estimated that 38 per cent of the bile duct explorations in the elderly might have been avoided by referral for endoscopic sphincterotomy, but surgical treatment of gallstones in the district general hospital is relatively safe and specialist referral should be considered only in the relatively small number of 'high risk' cases.