Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred approach in cirrhosis: a nationwide,population-based study

Background/aim

To assess the impact of open versus laparoscopic surgery in cirrhotic patients undergoing a cholecystectomy using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS).

Methods

All patients with cirrhosis who underwent a cholecystectomy (open or laparoscopic) between 2003 and 2006 were queried from the NIS. Associated complications including infection, transfusion, reoperation, liver failure and mortality were determined.

Results

A total of 3240 patients with cirrhosis underwent a cholecystectomy: 383 patients underwent an open cholecystectomy (OC) whereas 2857 patients underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), which included 412 patients converted (LCC) from a LC to an OC. Post-operative infection was higher in OC as opposed to a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (TLC) or LCC (3.5% versus 0.7% versus 0.2%, P < 0.0001). The need for a blood transfusion was significantly higher in the OC and LCC groups as compared with the TLC group (19.2% versus 14.4% versus 6.2%, P < 0.0001). Reoperation was more frequent after OC or LCC versus TLC (1.5% versus 2.5% versus 0.8%, P = 0.007). In-hospital mortality was higher after OC as compared with TLC and LCC (8.3% versus 1.3% versus 1.4%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Patients with cirrhosis have increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality after an open as opposed to a laparoscopic or conversion to an open cholecystectomy. LC should be the preferred initial approach in cirrhotic patients.     

Emergency pancreatoduodenectomy for complex injuries of the pancreas and duodenum

Background

This single-centre study evaluated the outcome of a pancreatoduodenectomy for Grade 5 injuries of the pancreas and duodenum.

Methods

Prospectively recorded data of patients who underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy for trauma at a Level I Trauma Centre during a 22-year period were analysed.

Results

Nineteen (17 men and 2 women, median age 28 years, range 14–53 years) out of 426 patients with pancreatic injuries underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy (gunshot n = 12, blunt trauma n = 6 and stab wound n = 1). Nine patients had associated inferior vena cava (IVC) or portal vein (PV) injuries. Five patients had initial damage control procedures and underwent a definitive operation at a median of 15 h (range 11–92) later. Twelve had a pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) and 7 a standard Whipple. Three patients with APACHE II scores of 15, 18, 18 died post-operatively of multi-organ failure. All 16 survivors had Dindo-Clavien grade I (n = 1), grade II (n = 7), grade IIIa (n = 2), grade IVa (n = 6) post-operative complications. Factors complicating surgery were shock on admission, number of associated injuries, coagulopathy, hypothermia, gross bowel oedema and traumatic pancreatitis.

Conclusions

A pancreatoduodenectomy is a life-saving procedure in a small cohort of stable patients with non-reconstructable pancreatic head injuries. Damage control before a pancreatoduodenectomy will salvage a proportion of the most severely injured patients who have multiple injuries.     

Detection of pancreatic cancer using serum protein profiling

Background

Currently, no suitable biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer (PC) are available. Proteins present in the serum could reflect a state of the disease. In this study, these profiles as a diagnostic marker for PC were evaluated.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from PC patients (n = 50 calibration set, n = 39 validation set) and healthy volunteers (n = 110 and n = 75 respectively) according to a uniform standardized collection and processing protocol. For peptide and protein isolation, automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) with Weak Cation Exchange (WCX) magnetic beads (MB) was performed using a 96-channel liquid handling platform. Protein profiles were obtained by mass spectrometry (MS) and evaluated by linear discriminant analysis with double cross-validation.

Results

A discriminating profile for PC has been identified, with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 89% in the calibration set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 90%. These results were validated with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 91% (AUC 90%).

Conclusion

Serum profiles of healthy controls and PC can be discrimated between. Further research is warranted to evaluate specificity and whether this biosignature can be used for early detection in a high risk population.     

The role of peri-hepatic drain placement in liver surgery: a prospective analysis

Background

The standard use of an intra-operative perihepatic drain (IPD) in liver surgery is controversial and mainly supported by retrospective data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of IPD in liver surgery.

Methods

All patients included in a previous, randomized trial were analysed to determine the association between IPD placement, post-operative complications (PC) and treatment. A multivariate analysis identified predictive factors of PC.

Results

One hundred and ninety-nine patients were included in the final analysis of which 114 (57%) had colorectal liver metastases. IPD (n = 87, 44%) was associated with pre-operative biliary instrumentation (P = 0.023), intra-operative bleeding (P < 0.011), Pringle’s manoeuver(P < 0.001) and extent of resection (P = 0.001). Seventy-seven (39%) patients had a PC, which was associated with pre-operative biliary instrumentation (P = 0.048), extent of resection (P = 0.002) and a blood transfusion (P = 0.001). Patients with IPD had a higher rate of high-grade PC (25% versus 12%, P = 0.008). Nineteen patients (9.5%) developed a post-operative collection [IPD (n = 10, 11.5%) vs. no drains (n = 9, 8%), P = 0.470]. Seven (8%) patients treated with and 9(8%) without a IPD needed a second drain after surgery, P = 1. Resection of ≥3 segments was the only independent factor associated with PC [odds ratio (OR) = 2, P = 0.025, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–3.7].

Discussion

In spite of preferential IPD use in patients with more complex tumours/resections, IPD did not decrease the rate of PC, collections and the need for a percutaneous post-operative drain. IPD should be reserved for exceptional circumstances in liver surgery.     

Wirsungostomy as a salvage procedure after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

Mortality rates associated with postoperative peritonitis or haemorrhage secondary to pancreatic fistula (PF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remain high. This study analysed the results of an alternative management strategy for these life-threatening complications.

Methods

All patients undergoing PD between January 2004 and April 2011 were identified. Patients who underwent further laparotomy for failure of the pancreatico-digestive anastomosis were identified. Since 2004, this problem has been managed by dismantling the pancreatico-digestive anastomosis and canulating the pancreatic duct remnant with a thin polyethylene tube (Escat tube), which is then passed through the abdominal wall. Main outcome measures were mortality, morbidity and longterm outcome.

Results

From January 2004 to April 2011, 244 patients underwent a PD. Postoperatively, 21 (8.6%) patients required re-laparotomy to facilitate a wirsungostomy. Two patients were transferred from another hospital with life-threatening PF after PD. Causes of re-laparotomy were haemorrhage (n = 12), peritonitis (n = 4), septic shock (n = 4) and mesenteric ischaemia (n = 1). Of the 21 patients who underwent wirsungostomy, six patients subsequently died of liver failure (n = 3), refractory septic shock (n = 2) or mesenteric ischaemia (n = 1) and nine patients suffered complications. The median length of hospital stay was 42 days (range: 34–60 days). The polyethylene tube at the pancreatic duct was removed at a median of 4 months (range: 2–11 months). Three patients developed diabetes mellitus during follow-up.

Conclusions

These data suggest that preservation of the pancreatic remnant with wirsungostomy has a role in the management of patients with uncontrolled haemorrhage or peritonitis after PF.     

Simultaneous pancreatectomy and liver transplantation: a single-institution experience

Background:

There is wide debate among transplant centres regarding the indications for liver transplantation (LT) in malignancy. We report a single-centre experience with simultaneous LT and total pancreatectomy or pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively established database of patients who underwent simultaneous LT and total pancreatectomy or pancreaticoduodenectomy. We analysed demographics, indications, approach and outcomes.

Results:

Between 1991 and 2006, 11 patients (four male; median age 51 years) underwent simultaneous LT and total pancreatectomy (n = 4) or pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 7). Indications included metastatic neuroendocrine tumour (n = 5), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 2), metastatic periampullary adenocarcinoma (n = 1), periampullary adenocarcinoma with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) (n = 2) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with ESLD (n = 1). The three patients with ESLD had non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis or cryptogenic cirrhosis. Median postoperative length of stay was 31 days (21–110 days). Overall median survival was 101 months (95% confidence interval 70.6–131.4). One-year survival was 91%, 2-year 90%, 5-year 67% and 10-year 33%. Postoperative complications included: re-operation (n = 4); anastamotic leak (n = 2); abdominal abscess (n = 3), and organ rejection (n = 1).

Conclusions:

We report a series of pancreatectomy or pancreaticoduodenectomy and simultaneous LT in patients with extensive malignancy or impending liver failure that prevented pancreatectomy. This series provides evidence that combined pancreatic resection and LT can be a strategy in both radical resections and cases with ESLD that would otherwise preclude operative intervention.     

Management of choledocholithiasis in an emergency cohort undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a single-centre experience

Introduction

Minimally-invasive options for the management of choledocholithiasis in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy include laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches. This study reviews the effectiveness of both approaches in an emergency setting.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for a cohort of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Outcomes assessed were duct clearance, the number of procedures performed (NPP), length of stay (LOS) and complication rate.

Results

A total of 182 patients who underwent emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomies received intervention for choledocholithiasis. The duct clearance rate was lower in the laparoscopic group, 63% versus 86% (P = 0.001). However, the median NPP was also lesser in the laparoscopic group, 1 (interquartile range (IQR) 1–2) versus 2 (IQR 2–2) (P < 0.001), as was the median LOS, 5 days (IQR 3–8) versus 7 days (IQR 6–10) (P = 0.009). Forty-eight laparoscopic endobiliary stents were attempted; stent deployment was successful in 37 patients. A larger proportion of patients with laparoscopic endobiliary stents had duct clearance by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) compared with those without, although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.208).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic clearance is not as effective as post-operative ERCP in an emergency cohort, but is associated with fewer procedures required and a shorter inpatient stay. Thus, laparoscopic clearance may still be an attractive option for surgeons especially where conditions are favourable during an emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Minimally invasive versus the conventional open surgical approach of a radical cholecystectomy for gallbladder cancer: a retrospective comparative study

Background

Laparoscopic surgery has traditionally been contraindicated for the management of gall bladder cancer (GBC). This study was undertaken to determine the safety and feasibility of a laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy (LRC) for GBC and compare it with an open radical cholecystectomy (ORC).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of primary GBC patients (with limited liver infiltration) and incidental GBC (IGBC) patients (detected after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy) who underwent LRC between June 2011 and October 2013. Patients who fulfilled the study criteria and underwent ORC during the same period formed the control group.

Results

During the study period, 147 patients with GBC underwent a radical cholecystectomy. Of these, 24 patients (primary GBC– 20, IGBC – 4) who underwent a LRC formed the study group (Group A). Of the remaining 123 patients who underwent ORC, 46 matched patients formed the control group (Group B). The median operating time was higher in Group A (270 versus 240 mins, P = 0.021) and the median blood loss (ml) was lower (200 versus 275 ml, P = 0.034). The post-operative morbidity and mortality were similar (P = 1.0). The pathological stage of the tumour in Group A was T_1b (n = 1), T₂ (n = 11) and T₃ (n = 8), respectively. The median lymph node yield was 10 (4–31) and was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.642). During a median follow-up of 18 (6–34) months, 1 patient in Group A and 3 in Group B developed recurrence. No patient developed a recurrence at a port site.

Conclusion

LRC is safe and feasible in selected patients with GBC, and the results were comparable to ORC in this retrospective comparison.     

Determinants and outcomes of adherence to recommendations from a multidisciplinary tumour conference for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The multidisciplinary tumour conference (MTC) represents the standard of care in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clinical outcomes in relation to adherence and non-adherence to MTC recommendations have not been studied.

Methods

A total of 137 patients with HCC and cirrhosis whose cases were submitted to a first MTC discussion between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010 were identified. Clinical data, management recommendations, adherence, treatment regimens and overall survival were reviewed.

Results

There were 419 MTC discussions on 137 patients with cirrhosis and HCC. The MTC recommendations made in 145 discussions on 90 separate patients were not followed. Patient-related reasons for deviation from MTC recommendations included failure to attend for follow-up (n = 24, 16.6%), clinical deterioration (n = 19, 13.1%) and patient preference (n = 13, 9.0%). Physician-related reasons for discordance included treating physician preference (n = 43, 29.7%) and finding that the patient was not a candidate for the recommended intervention (n = 37, 25.5%). After the first MTC discussion, 62.0% of patients received the recommended treatment; these patients were more likely to be alive at 1 year compared with those who did not receive the recommended treatment (P = 0.007). More of the patients who followed recommendations underwent liver transplantation (25.6% versus 14.4%; P = 0.10).

Conclusions

There are patient-related as well as physician-related reasons for non-adherence to recommendations. Non-adherence affects clinical outcomes and can be avoided in selected cases.     

Incidental pT2-T3 gallbladder cancer after a cholecystectomy: outcome of staging at 3 months prior to a radical resection

Introduction

Patients with incidental pT2-T3 gallbladder cancer (IGC) after a cholecystectomy may benefit from a radical re-resection although their optimal treatment strategy is not well defined. In this Unit, such patients undergo delayed staging at 3 months after a cholecystectomy to assess the evidence of a residual tumour, extra hepatic spread and the biological behaviour of the tumour. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients who had delayed staging at 3 months after a cholecystectomy.

Methods

From July 2003 to July 2011, 56 patients with T2-T3 gallbladder cancer were referred to this Unit of which 49 were diagnosed incidentally on histology after a cholecystectomy. All 49 patients underwent delayed pre-operative staging using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) followed selectively by laparoscopy at 3 months after a cholecystectomy. Data were collected from a prospectively held database. The peri-operative and long-term outcomes of patients were analysed. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

There were 38 pT2 and 11 pT3 tumours. After delayed staging, 24/49 (49%) patients underwent a radical resection, 24/49 (49%) were found to be inoperable on pre-operative assessment and 1/49 (2%) patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy and were found to be unresectable. The overall median survival from referral was 20.7 months (54.8 months for the group who had a radical re-resection versus 9.7 months for the group who had unresectable disease, P < 0.001). These results compare favourably with the reported outcome of fast-track management for incidental pT2-T3 gallbladder cancer from other major series in the literature.

Conclusion

Delayed staging in patients with incidental T2-T3 gallbladder cancer after a cholecystectomy is a useful strategy to select patients who will benefit from a resection and avoid unnecessary major surgery.     

Surgical management of hepatic hemangiomas: a multi-institutional experience

Background

The management of hepatic hemangiomas remains ill defined. This study sought to investigate the indications, surgical management and outcomes of patients who underwent a resection for hepatic hemangiomas.

Methods

A retrospective review from six major liver centres in the United States identifying patients who underwent surgery for hepatic hemangiomas was performed. Clinico-pathological, treatment and peri-operative data were evaluated.

Results

Of the 241patients who underwent a resection, the median age was 46 years [interquartile range (IQR): 39–53] and 85.5% were female. The median hemangioma size was 8.5 cm (IQR: 6–12.1). Surgery was performed for abdominal symptoms (85%), increasing hemangioma size (11.3%) and patient anxiety (3.7%). Life-threatening complications necessitating a hemangioma resection occurred in three patients (1.2%). Clavien Grade 3 or higher complications occurred in 14 patients (5.7%). The 30- and 90-day mortality was 0.8% (n = 2). Of patients with abdominal symptoms, 63.2% reported improvement of symptoms post-operatively.

Conclusion

A hemangioma resection can be safely performed at high-volume institutions. The primary indication for surgery remains for intractable symptoms. The development of severe complications associated with non-operative management remains a rare event, ultimately challenging the necessity of additional surgical indications for a hemangioma resection.     

Treatment of malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: middle-term (2-year) outcomes of a prospective observational multicentre study

Background

Information on malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) is mostly from retrospective studies in highly selected patients. The aim of this prospective, multicentre study was to assess treatment and outcomes of malignant pNENs in clinical practice.

Patients and methods

Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed, histologically-proven pNENs were included and followed-up for 2 years. Tumours were defined as malignant when nodal or distant metastases were present or invasion of extrapancreatic structures/organs was evident.

Results

A total of 140 patients with malignant pNENs were included. Ninety-eight patients (70.0%) underwent a surgical resection (76 radical and 22 palliative). Other non-surgical treatments were used in 101 patients (72.1%): somatostatin analogues (n = 63), chemotherapy (n = 30), ablative treatments (n = 15) and peptide-receptor radionuclide therapy (n = 14). No relationship was observed between the 2010 WHO classification and type of treatment. A surgical resection was more often performed in incidentally detected tumours located in the pancreas body tail. Two-year progression-free survival was 63.8%: 82% after a radical resection, 44% after a palliative resection and 41% without a resection. A radical resection and Ki67 proliferative index >5% and >10% were the only significant prognostic determinants in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

A radical resection is the cornerstone treatment of malignant pNENs and represents, together with Ki67 assessment, the most powerful prognostic factor for 2-year outcomes.     

Detailed liver-specific imaging prior to pre-operative chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases reduces intra-hepatic recurrence and the need for a repeat hepatectomy

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) reduces the accuracy of liver imaging which may understage patients pre-operatively. Retrospective review of a prospective database to determine whether liver-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to pre-operative chemotherapy affects intra-hepatic recurrence and long-term outcome after hepatectomy.

Patients and methods

Between 2003 and 2009, 242 patients with CRLM underwent a hepatectomy after ≥3 cycles of oxaliplatin or irinotecan-based chemotherapy. All had a liver-specific MRI immediately pre-operatively. The outcome of patients who had a liver-specific MRI prior to chemotherapy (PCI group, n = 92) was compared with those who did not (non-PCI group, n = 150).

Results

A liver-specific MRI pre-chemotherapy changed the staging in 56% of patients. At a median (range) follow-up of 55 (6–94) months, there was a higher incidence of intra-hepatic recurrence at a new site in the non-PCI group (65% vs. 48% in the PCI group, P = 0.041) and an increased rate of recurrence in patients with the same number of lesions pre- and post-chemotherapy [hazard ratio (HR) 2.02, 1:10–3.37, P = 0.024]. The non-PCI group underwent more repeat hepatectomies than the PCI group (24.7% vs. 13%, P = 0.034), achieving similar long-term survival.

Conclusions

A liver-specific MRI prior to chemotherapy reduces intra-hepatic recurrence and avoids a repeat hepatectomy.     

All cholecystectomy specimens must be sent for histopathology to detect inapparent gallbladder cancer

Objectives

Traditionally, a gallbladder removed for presumed benign disease has been sent for histopathological examination (HPE), but this practice has been the subject of controversy. This study was undertaken to compare patients in whom gallbladder cancer (GBC) was diagnosed after cholecystectomy on HPE with GBC patients in whom the gallbladder was not sent for HPE and who therefore presented late with symptoms.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 170 GBC patients diagnosed after cholecystectomy was conducted. All patients presented to one centre during 2000–2011. These patients were divided into two groups based on the availability of histopathology reports: Group A included patients who presented early with HPE reports (n = 93), and Group B comprised patients who presented late with symptoms and without HPE reports (n = 77).

Results

The median time to presentation in Group A was significantly lower than in Group B (29 days vs. 152 days; P < 0.001). Signs or symptoms suggestive of recurrence (pain, jaundice or gastric outlet obstruction) were present in four (4.3%) patients in Group A and all (100%) patients in Group B (P < 0.001). Patients deemed operable on preoperative evaluation included all (100%) patients in Group A and 38 (49.4%) patients in Group B (P < 0.0001). The overall resectability rate (69.9% vs. 7.8%) and median survival (54 months vs. 10 months) were significantly higher in Group A compared with Group B (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Patients in whom a cholecystectomy specimen was sent for HPE presented early, had a better R0 resection rate and longer overall survival. Hence, routine HPE of all cholecystectomy specimens should be performed.     

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour of the duodenum: single institution experience

Background

Primary gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) of the duodenum are rare. The aim of this study was to review the surgical management of GISTs in this anatomically complex region.

Methods

Retrospective review from January 1999 to August 2011 of patients with primary GISTs of the duodenum.

Results

Forty-one patients underwent resection of duodenal GISTs. All operations were performed with intent to cure with negative margins of resection. The most common location of origin was the second portion of the duodenum. Local excision (n = 19), segmental resection with primary anastomosis (n = 11) and a pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 11) were performed. Two patients underwent an ampullectomy with local excision. Peri-operative mortality and overall morbidity were 0 and 12, respectively. Patients with high-risk GISTs (P = 0.008) and those who underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy (P = 0.021) were at a greater risk for morbidity. The median follow-up was 18 months. Eight patients developed recurrence. High-risk GISTs and neoplasms with ulceration had the greatest risk for recurrence (P = 0.017, P = 0.029 respectively). The actuarial 3- and 5-year survivals were 85% and 74%, respectively.

Conclusion

The choice and type of resection depends on the proximity to the ampulla of Vater, involvement of adjacent organs and the ability to obtain negative margins. The morbidity depends on the type of procedure for GIST.     

Management of incidental and suspicious gallbladder cancer: focus on early referral to a tertiary centre

Objectives

This study was conducted to assess the management of incidental gallbladder cancer and indeterminate gallbladder lesions. Its secondary aim referred to the devising of a management pathway for these patients.

Methods

Patients referred with incidental gallbladder cancer and indeterminate gallbladder lesions during 2002–2011 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Collated data included operative findings, histopathological data and survival outcomes.

Results

The study included a total of 104 patients, 40 of whom had incidental gallbladder cancer following cholecystectomy. In this group, the index cholecystectomy was considered curative (T-is/T1a stage) in three patients; 11 patients underwent further resection, and 26 patients were inoperable. One-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 91.1%, 91.0% and 60.7%, respectively, in patients who underwent re-resection. Of the 64 patients with indeterminate gallbladder lesions, 54 patients underwent modified radical cholecystectomy. Seven patients were found to have gallbladder cancer. One-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 85.9%, 43.1% and 42.8%, respectively. Five-year overall survival in patients treated with surgery for gallbladder cancer was 59.9%.

Conclusions

The majority of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer were not amenable to further potentially curative resection. The radiological suspicion of gallbladder cancer should lead to prompt referral to a tertiary hepatobiliary unit for further management.     

Cirrhosis is not a contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: results and practical recommendations

Background

Gallstones appear more frequently in patients with cirrhosis and open cholecystectomy in this patient population is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with cirrhosis and to provide recommendations for management.

Methods

Retrospective review of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with cirrhosis from March 1999 to May 2008 was performed. Peri-operative characteristics and subgroup analysis were performed in patients with Child–Pugh''s classes A, B and C cirrhosis.

Results

A total of 68 patients were reviewed in this study. In all, 69% of the patients were Child''s class A. The most common indication for cholecystectomy was chronic/symptomatic cholelithiasis (68%). Compared with patients with Child''s class B and C, laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with Child''s class A was associated with significantly decreased operative time (P= 0.01), blood loss (P= 0.001), conversion to open cholecystectomy (P= 0.001) and length of hospital stay (P= 0.001).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with cirrhosis is feasible with no mortality and low morbidity, especially in patients with Child''s class A cirrhosis.     

Index admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy for patients with acute biliary symptoms: results from a specialist centre

Background:

Index admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ALC) is the treatment of choice for patients admitted with biliary symptoms but is performed in less than 15% of these admissions. We analysed our results for ALC within a tertiary hepatobiliary centre.

Methods:

Data from all cholecystectomies carried out under the care of the two senior authors from 1998 to 2008 were prospectively collected and interrogated.

Results:

1710 patients underwent cholecystectomy of which 439 (26%) were ALC. Pateints operated on acutely did not have a significantly different complication rate (P= 0.279; 4% vs.3%). Factors predicting complications were abnormal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P= 0.037), dilated common bile duct (CBD) (P= 0.026), cholangitis (P= 0.040) and absence of on table cholangiography (OTC) (P= 0.011). There were no bile duct injuries. Patients undergoing ALC had a higher rate of conversion to an open procedure (P < 0.001:10% vs.3%). The proportion of complicated disease was higher in the ALC group (P < 0.001; 70% vs.31%). Only complicated disease (P= 0.006), absence of OTC (P < 0.001) and age greater than 65 years (P < 0.001) were predictive of conversion on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely in patients with acute biliary symptoms and should be considered the gold standard for management of these patients thus avoiding avoidable readmissions and life-threatening complications. A higher conversion rate to an open procedure must be accepted when treating more complicated disease. It is the severity of disease rather than timing of surgery which most probably predicts complications and conversions.     

Portal vein arterialization: a salvage procedure for a totally de-arterialized liver. The Paul Brousse Hospital experience

Background

Portal vein arterialization (PVA) has been used as a salvage inflow technique when hepatic artery (HA) reconstruction is deemed impossible in liver transplantation (LT) or hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. Outcomes and the management of possible complications have not been well described.

Methods

The present study analysed outcomes in 16 patients who underwent PVA during the period from February 2005 to January 2011 for HA thrombosis post-LT (n = 7) or after liver resection (n = 1), during curative resection for locally advanced HPB cancers (requiring HA interruption) (n = 7) and for HA resection without reconstruction (n = 1). In addition, a literature review was conducted.

Results

Nine patients were women. The median age of the patients was 58 years (range: 30–72 years). Recovery of intrahepatic arterial signals and PVA shunt patency were documented using Doppler ultrasound until the last follow-up (or until shunt thrombosis in some cases). Of five postoperative deaths, two occurred as a result of haemorrhagic shock, one as a result of liver ischaemia and one as a result of sepsis. The fifth patient died at home of unknown cause. Three patients (19%) had major bleeding related to portal hypertension (PHT). Of these, two underwent re-exploration and one underwent successful shunt embolization to control the bleeding. Four patients (25%) had early shunt thrombosis, two of whom underwent a second PVA. After a median follow-up of 13 months (range: 1–60 months), 10 patients (63%) remained alive with normal liver function and one submitted to retransplantation.

Conclusions

Portal vein arterialization results in acceptable rates of survival in relation to spontaneous outcomes in patients with completely de-arterialized livers. The management of complications (especially PHT) after the procedure is challenging. Portal vein arterialization may represent a salvage option or a bridge to liver retransplantation and thus may make curative resection in locally advanced HPB cancers with vascular involvement feasible.     

Total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation as the initial treatment for minimal-change chronic pancreatitis

Objectives

Patients with minimal-change chronic pancreatitis (MCCP) are traditionally managed medically with poor results. This study was conducted to review outcomes following total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation (TP/IAT) as the initial surgical procedure in the treatment of MCCP.

Methods

All patients submitted to TP/IAT for MCCP were identified for inclusion in a single-centre observational study. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify pertinent preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data.

Results

A total of 84 patients with a mean age of 36.5 years (range: 15–60 years) underwent TP/IAT as the initial treatment for MCCP. The most common aetiology of chronic pancreatitis in this cohort was idiopathic (69.0%, n = 58), followed by aetiologies associated with genetic mutations (16.7%, n = 14), pancreatic divisum (9.5%, n = 8), and alcohol (4.8%, n = 4). The most common genetic mutations pertained to CFTR (n = 9), SPINK1 (n = 3) and PRSS1 (n = 2). Mean ± standard error of the mean preoperative narcotic requirements were 129.3 ± 18.7 morphine-equivalent milligrams (MEQ)/day. Overall, 58.3% (n = 49) of patients achieved narcotic independence and the remaining patients required 59.4 ± 10.6 MEQ/day (P < 0.05). Postoperative insulin independence was achieved by 36.9% (n = 31) of patients. The Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey administered postoperatively demonstrated improvement in all tested quality of life subscales.

Conclusions

The present report represents one of the largest series demonstrating the benefits of TP/IAT in the subset of patients with MCCP.