Prospective evaluation of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for treatment of acute cholecystitis

Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is known to be safe in the treatment of acute cholecystitis (AC), the optimal timing of laparoscopic intervention remains controversial. The objective of this study is to prospectively compare the safety and cost effectiveness of early versus delayed LC in AC. Our study population consisted of 43 patients presenting with AC (localized tenderness, white blood cell count >10.0 or temperature >38.0 degrees C, and ultrasound confirmation) who were prospectively randomized to early versus delayed LC during their first admission. Exclusion criteria included a history of peptic ulcer disease or evidence of gallbladder perforation. All patients were treated with bowel rest and antibiotics (piperacillin 2 g intravenous piggyback every 6 hours). Early treatment patients underwent LC as soon as the operating schedule allowed. Delayed treatment patients received anti-inflammatory medication (indomethacin 50 mg per rectum every 12 hours) in addition to bowel rest and antibiotics and underwent operation after resolution of symptoms or within 5 days if symptoms failed to resolve. Early LC was performed in 21 patients, whereas 22 patients underwent delayed LC. There was no difference in age, temperature, or white blood cell count on admission between groups. Early LC slightly reduced operative time and conversion rate. There was no difference in complications. Estimated blood loss was significantly lower in those receiving early LC. There was also a significant reduction in total hospital stay and hospital charges with early LC. We conclude that delay in operation combined with anti-inflammatory medication showed no advantage with regard to operative time, conversion, or complication rate. Furthermore, early laparoscopic intervention significantly reduced operative blood loss, hospital days, and hospital charges.     

Prospective evaluation of emergency versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for early cholecystitis

Treatment of acute cholecystitis is still under debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) in comparison with conservative treatment followed by delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) in the management of acute cholecystitis. This prospective comparative study involved two groups of patients presenting with acute cholecystitis within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms. ELC was performed in 82 consecutive patients, whereas DLC was performed in 87 patients who previously underwent medical treatment. Surgical variables, hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity were evaluated in both groups. Time of surgery and conversion rate were lower in the ELC group. Postoperative morbidity was similar in both groups. Overall hospital stay was shorter in the ELC group. ELC within 72 hours of the onset of acute cholecystitis is a safe procedure with better results than DLC in terms of surgical timing, conversion rate, and hospital stay.     

Cost utility of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

Background

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is safe and effective. However, the potential cost savings of this management strategy have not been well studied in a North American context. This study aimed to estimate the cost effectiveness of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Canada.

Methods

A decision analytic model estimating and comparing costs from a Canadian providing institution after either early or delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy was used. The health care resources consumed were calculated using local hospital data, and outcomes were measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained during 1 year. Uncertainty was investigated with one-way sensitivity analyses, varying the probabilities of the events and utilities.

Results

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy was estimated to cost approximately $2,000 (Canadian dollars) less than delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy per patient, with an incremental gain of approximately 0.03 QALYs. Sensitivity analysis showed that only extreme values of bile duct injury or bile leak altered the direction of incremental gain.

Conclusions

Adoption of a policy in favor of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy will result in better patient quality of life and substantial savings to the Canadian health care system.     

Early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a prospective randomized trial

Background: The role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is not yet clearly established. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and to compare the results with delayed cholecystectomy.Methods: Between January 2001 and November 2002, 40 patients with a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis were assigned randomly to early laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 24 h of admission (early group, n = 20) or to initial conservative treatment followed by delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 6 to 12 weeks later (delayed group, n = 20).Results: There was no significant difference in the conversion rates (early, 25% vs delayed, 25%), operating times (early, 104 min vs delayed, 93 min), postoperative analgesia requirements (early, 5.3 days vs delayed, 4.8 days), or postoperative complications (early, 15% vs delayed, 20%). However, the early group had significantly more blood loss (228 vs 114 ml) and shorter hospital stay (4.1 vs 10.1 days).Conclusions: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is safe and feasible, offering the additional benefit of a shorter hospital stay. It should be offered to patients with acute cholecystitis, provided the surgery is performed within 72 to 96 h of the onset of symptoms.     

腹腔镜手术治疗早期急性胆囊炎与慢性胆囊炎的疗效比较

目的:探讨腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)治疗早期急性胆囊炎的手术疗效。方法:回顾性分析我院2004年1月至2006年2月间收治的51例行腹腔镜手术的早期急性胆囊炎病例,231例慢性胆囊炎病例,比较两组间各项临床资料。结果:早期急性胆囊炎组和慢性胆囊炎手术组的中转开腹率分别是1.96%和1.73%,无显著性差异,两组均未出现严重并发症。结论:急性胆囊炎自发病起48h内早期施行腹腔镜,中转开腹率极低,手术安全可靠,可将腹腔镜手术治疗作为早期急性胆囊炎的常规治疗手段。     

Meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials on the safety and effectiveness of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

Background:

In many countries laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is mainly performed after the acute episode has settled because of the anticipated increased risk of morbidity and higher conversion rate from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed with meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC; performed within 1 week of onset of symptoms) versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (performed at least 6 weeks after symptoms settled) for acute cholecystitis. Trials were identified from The Cochrane Library trials register, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and reference lists. Risk ratio (RR) or mean difference was calculated with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.) based on intention‐to‐treat analysis.

Results:

Five trials with 451 patients were included. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of bile duct injury (RR 0·64 (95 per cent c.i. 0·15 to 2·65)) or conversion to open cholecystectomy (RR 0·88 (95 per cent c.i. 0·62 to 1·25)). The total hospital stay was shorter by 4 days for ELC (mean difference ?4·12 (95 per cent c.i. ?5·22 to ?3·03) days).

Conclusion:

ELC during acute cholecystitis appears safe and shortens the total hospital stay. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Early versus delayed-interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been advocated for the management of acute cholecystitis, but little evidence exists to support the superiority of this approach over delayed-interval operation. The current systematic review was undertaken to compare the outcomes and efficacy between early and delayed-interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in an evidence-based approach using metaanalytical techniques. METHODS: A search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, was conducted to identify relevant articles published between January 1988 and June 2004. Only randomized or quasi-randomized prospective clinical trials in the English language comparing the outcomes of early and delayed-interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis were recruited. Both qualitative and quantitative statistical analyses were performed. The effect size of outcome parameters was estimated by odds ratio or weighted mean difference where feasible and appropriate. RESULTS: A total of four clinical trials comprising 504 patients met the inclusion criteria. Failure of conservative treatment requiring emergency cholecystectomy occurred for 43 patients (23%) in the delayed group. Metaanalyses demonstrated a significantly shortened total length of hospital stay in the early group (weighted mean difference, -1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.42 to -0.99; p < 0.001). Pooled estimates did not show any significant differences between the two approaches in terms of operation time, conversion rate, overall complication rate, incidence of bile leakage, and intraabdominal collection. CONCLUSIONS: The safety and efficacy of early and delayed-interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis were comparable. Because evidence suggested that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy reduced the total length of hospital stay and the risk of readmissions attributable to recurrent acute cholecystitis, it is therefore a more cost-effective approach for the management of acute cholecystitis.     

Timing of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

OBJECTIVE: Although many surgeons advocate early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in acute cholecystitis, debate still exists regarding its optimal timing. This study compares the outcome of LC performed within and after 72 hours of admission in patients with acute cholecystitis. METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2006, LC was performed in 196 consecutive patients with acute cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed within 72 hours of admission in 82 patients (group 1) and after 72 hours in 114 patients (group 2). Data were collected prospectively. RESULTS: Both groups were matched in terms of age, sex, body mass index, fever, white blood cell count, and ultrasound findings. The overall conversion rate was 5%. No significant difference existed in conversion rates between group 1 (2.4%) and group 2 (7%) (P=0.3). The operation time (105 versus 126 minutes, P=0.008), complications (0% versus 6%, P=0.02), and total hospital stay (5 versus 12 days, P<0.001) were significantly reduced in group 1. No deaths occurred in this study. CONCLUSION: Early LC can be performed safely in most patients with acute cholecystitis, but we recommend intervention within 72 hours of admission to minimize the complication rate and shorten the operation time and total hospital stay.     

早期与晚期腹腔镜胆囊切除术治疗急性胆囊炎有效性和安全性的评价

目的:评价早期与晚期腹腔镜胆囊切除术治疗急性胆囊炎的有效性和安全性。方法:计算机检索PubMed、EMbase、Cochrane数据库、中国生物医学文献数据库、中文科技期刊数据库,均从建库检索至2010年1月,并筛选已获文献的参考文献,纳入早期与晚期腹腔镜胆囊切除术的随机对照试验。由2名研究者独立进行质量评价和数据提取,采用RevMan5.0.2软件进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入5个随机对照试验,合计425例患者。Meta分析结果显示,两组间的并发症(RR=0.92,95%CI:0.44-1.92;P=0.83)和中转开腹率(RR=0.95,95%CI:0.60-1.50;P=0.82)差异无统计学意义。总住院时间早期组短于晚期组(MD=-3.35,95%CI:-4.03--2.67;P0.01),差异有统计学意义。结论:早期腹腔镜胆囊切除术治疗急性胆囊炎安全有效,可缩短住院时间。     

Prospective randomized comparative study of single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus conventional four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) versus conventional 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

From November 2009 to August 2010, 51 patients with symptomatic gallstone or gallbladder polyps were randomized to SILC (n = 24) or 4-port LC (n = 27).

Results

Mean surgical time (43.5 vs 46.5 min), median blood loss (1 vs 1 mL) and mean hospital stay (1.5 vs 1.8 d) were similar for both the SILC and 4-port LC group. There were no open conversions and no major complications. The mean total wound length of the SILC group was significantly shorter (1.76 vs 2.25 cm). The median visual analogue pain score at 6 hours after surgery was similar (4.5 vs 4.0) but the SILC group had a significantly worse pain score on day 7 (1 vs 0). There was no difference in time to resume usual activity (mean, 5.6 vs 5.0 d). The median cosmetic score of SILC was significantly higher than at 3 months after surgery (7 vs 6).

Conclusions

SILC was feasible and safe for properly selected patients in experienced hands.     

Urgent versus interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a comparative study

Background/Purpose: The surgical management of patients presenting with acute cholecystitis remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) during the “index” (acute) admission with acute cholecystitis, and to compare that with a policy of interval LC. Methods: Between October 2000 and October 2001, 50 patients who had suffered with acute cholecystitis underwent LC. Thirty-three patients underwent surgery during the index admission (group I), of whom 11 patients had surgery within 96 h of admission. Seventeen patients were referred by colleagues to outpatients for, and underwent, an interval LC (group II). Results: All operations were completed laparoscopically. There was no difference between the groups in the operating time (median [interquartile range]: 78 [61–124] versus 93 [53–128] min) or postoperative hospital stay (median, 1 day). The delay in performing an urgent LC beyond 96 h did not affect the operating time or postoperative stay but significantly increased the total hospital stay (median [interquartile range]: 5 (5–8) versus 13 [8–17] days; P = 0.001). Conclusions: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during the index admission with acute cholecystitis can be performed safely and successfully. Earlier surgery has a beneficial impact for patients and the National Health Service. Received: March 1, 2002 / Accepted: May 12, 2002 Offprint requests to: B.J. Ammori Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK     

Routine early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis after conclusion of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective review was to assess the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis since the conclusion of a randomized controlled trial in 1997. METHODS: Records of all patients admitted for acute cholecystitis in whom early laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted between July 1997 and December 2004 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients were recruited to this study. Forty-three surgeons performed the procedures. The conversion rate increased significantly in the early period after the trial from 21 per cent to 42 per cent (39 of 92 patients) and decreased significantly to 24 per cent (13 of 54 patients) in the later period. The proportion of operations performed by higher surgical trainees increased significantly from 17 per cent in the early period to 56 per cent in the later period. This increase was associated with a fall in conversion rate without any significant increase in duration of operation or complication rate. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that the results achieved in a randomized trial can be translated into clinical practice by the entire surgical unit. A structured training programme with the inclusion of an experienced surgeon assisting both trainees and specialists should minimize this learning curve.     

急性胆囊炎行腹腔镜胆囊切除手术时机的前瞻性研究

[摘 要] 目的 探讨急性胆囊炎行腹腔镜胆囊切除术的手术时机。方法 将西安市第九医院2014年1月至2017年10月收治的急性胆囊炎患者随机分为急诊手术组、延期手术组、择期手术组三组,每组40例,进行前瞻性对照临床研究。急诊手术组发病72 h内行腹腔镜胆囊切除术;延期手术组入院后经抗感染、对症治疗,腹痛缓解,体温血象正常,发病4～14 d行腹腔镜胆囊切除术;择期手术组经抗感染、对症治疗,腹痛缓解,体温血象正常,3个月后择期行腹腔镜胆囊切除术。观察三组中转开腹率、出血量、手术时间、术后并发症、住院天数、总费用、术者评定的手术难度。结果 延期手术组1 例由于胆囊三角解剖不清而中转开腹,其他两组无中转开腹。择期手术组、急诊手术组、延期手术组在手术时间和术中出血量方面依次增加（P＜0．01）。早期手术组的住院时间及住院费用明显少于延期手术组、择期手术组（P＜0．01）。延期手术组的手术难度明显高于其他两组（P＜0．01）;急诊手术组的手术难度与择期手术组无统计学差异（P＞0.05）。三组病例并发症的发生无差异。结论 急性胆囊炎患者行急诊、延期、择期腹腔镜胆囊切除术均是安全的。发病72 h内早期手术,具有操作相对容易,立即解除病痛,住院时间短,治疗费用低的优势。     

Safety and success of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

Although elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is today's gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis, its safety and effectiveness for acute cholecystitis remain controversial. The authors present a retrospective study comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the acute versus the elective setting. A total of 605 patients were treated surgically for gallstone disease between August 1991 and January 1999. A total of 269 patients (44.5%) underwent surgery for acute cholecystitis as soon as possible after diagnosis, and elective cholecystectomy was performed on 336 patients (55.5%) for symptomatic gallstones. Initial open cholecystectomy was performed on 52 (19.3%) of the acute patients and 16 (4.8%) of the elective patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted on 217 of the acute patients (80.7%), with 11 cases (5.1%) converted to open cholecystectomy, and on 320 (95.2%) of the elective patients, with 6 cases (1.9%) converted to open cholecystectomy. The mean (+/-SD) operative time for the acute and elective patients was 105 (+/-38) and 85 (+/-21) minutes, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no perioperative mortality in either laparoscopic group. Surgical complications related to laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the acute and elective groups occurred in six (2.9%) and eight (2.5%) cases, respectively (P = NS). The current study shows that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is safe and efficient. Low conversion rates can be maintained with strict guidelines for appropriate patient selection, adequate experience, and proper laparoscopic technique.     

急性胆囊炎单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术与传统腹腔镜手术的对比研究

目的:探讨"三点法"经脐单孔腹腔镜胆囊切除术(single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy,SILC)治疗急性胆囊炎的可行性。方法:回顾分析2016年3月至2017年3月因急性胆囊炎行腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)(LC组,n=46)与SILC(SILC组,n=38)患者的临床资料,比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、术中置管率及留置时间、术后6 h疼痛指数、术后体温变化、术后切口感染及脂肪液化率、肠蠕动恢复时间、术后住院时间、手术相关并发症等指标。结果:SILC组中32例成功完成手术,LC组中44例成功完成手术,术后两组均发生1例胆漏。两组术后留置腹腔引流管率及置管时间、术后体温大于37.5℃的患者例数差异无统计学意义。LC组手术时间优于SILC组(P0.05),SILC组术后疼痛评分、肠道蠕动恢复时间、术后切口感染及脂肪液化率、术后住院时间优于LC组(P0.05)。结论:急性胆囊炎发作时间小于72 h者可作为SILC的手术适应证。与LC相比,SILC具有创伤小、美容效果好、术后康复快及住院时间短等优点。     

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

Background: The timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis remains controversial. Methods: One hundred ninety-four patients with acute cholecystitis were reviewed. The conversion rates for the various number of days of symptoms before surgery were analyzed. The conversion rate dramatically increased from 3.6% for those patients with 4 days of symptoms to 26% for those patients with 5 days of symptoms. The mean number of days of symptoms prior to surgery in those patients who underwent successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 4.1 as compared to 8.0 in those patients who required open cholecystectomy (p < 0.0001). Based on this data the patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 109 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 4 days of onset of symptoms and group 2 consisted of 85 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy after more than 4 days following onset of symptoms. Results: The conversion rate from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy was 15%. The conversion rate for group 1 was 1.8% as compared to 31.7% for group 2 (p < 0.0001). Indications for conversion were inability to identify the anatomy secondary to inflammatory adhesions (68%), cholecystoduodenal fistula (18%), and bleeding (14%). The major complication rate for group 1 was 2.7% as compared to 13% for group 2 (p= 0.007). The mortality rate for all patients with attempted laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis was 1.5%. The average procedure time for group 1 was 100 ± 37 min vs 120 ± 55 min in group 2. The average number of postoperative hospital days in group 1 was 5.5 ± 2.7 days as compared to 10.8 ± 2.7 days in group 2. Conclusions: We advocate early laparoscopic cholecystectomy within 4 days of onset of symptoms to decrease major complications and conversion rates. This decreased conversion rate results in decreased length of procedure and hospital stay. Received: 28 March 1996/Accepted: 12 September 1996