Alterations of hemostasis after laparoscopic and open surgery

Background: After tissue injury caused by trauma or surgery, alterations of hemostasis are observed and there is a risk for postoperative thromboembolic complications. Laparoscopic surgery, by causing limited tissue injury, appears to be associated with a lower risk for thromboembolism than open surgery. We conducted a prospective randomized study in order to detect potentially existing differences in activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways between open and laparoscopic surgery.

Methods: Forty patients suffering from chronic cholelithiasis were randomly assigned to undergo open (group A n = 20) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group B n = 20) by the same surgical and anesthesiology team. Demographic data were comparable. Blood samples were taken (a) preoperatively, (b) at the end of the procedure, (c) 24 h postoperatively and (d) 72 h postoperatively. The following parameters were measured and compared within each group and between groups: platelets (PLT), soluble fibrin monomer complexes (SFMC), fibrin degradation products (FDP), D-dimers (D-D), fibrinogen (FIB), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT). Thrombin–antithrombin III complexes (TAT) were measured at 24 and 72 h postoperatively. Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) was measured at 24 and 72 h postoperatively in 11 patients of group A and 13 patients of group B, respectively.

Results: Demographics were comparable between groups. Immediately postoperatively, TAT and F1 + 2 were significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (p < 0.05). They also increased significantly postoperatively as compared to preoperative levels within each group (p < 0.05).

D-dimers were significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (p < 0.01) immediately postoperatively. D-dimers also increased significantly postoperatively in group B as compared to preoperative levels (p < 0.001).

FIB decreased slightly in both groups at 24 h postoperatively but there was a significant increase in group A as compared to group B (p < 0.01).

SFMC were detected twice in group A and only once group B.

FDP levels over 5 μg/ml were detected more often in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). No patient from either group suffered thromboembolism or abnormal bleeding as a postoperative complication.

Conclusions: Open surgery as compared to laparoscopic procedures leads to activation of the clotting system of a higher degree. Although of a lower degree, hypercoagulability is still observed in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and, therefore, routine thromboembolic prophylaxis should be considered.     

Prognostic significance of blood coagulation tests in lung cancer.

Previous studies have shown that activation of coagulation has an impact on the clinical course of lung cancer. This study was carried out to assess the potential prognostic significance of platelet count (P), prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), anti-thrombin III (AT-III), fibrinogen (F), D-dimer (DD), factor II (F-II), factor VII (F-VII), factor X (F-X), protein C clotting (PCC), plasminogen (PL), and antiplasmin (AP) in 343 consecutive new lung cancer patients. A set of 32 anthropometric, clinical, physical, laboratory, radiological, and pathological variables was recorded prospectively for all patients. Patients were carefully followed-up, and their subsequent clinical course recorded. The most frequent abnormalities were of DD, F, and AT-III followed by F-VII, F-X, and F-II. Among the 12 clotting variables, the strongest relationships were those of F-II and F-X (Spearman rank (rs)=0.565), PT and F-VII (rs=0.562), F-VII and F-X (rs=0.514), PL and AP (rs=0.515), F and P (rs=0.490), AT-III and PCC (rs=0.476). Univariate analyses of survival showed that prolonged PT (p<0.043), and abnormally elevated DD (p<0.003), F (p<0.031), and P (p<0.047) were all associated with a poor prognosis. The multivariate model, however, did not confirm the prognostic significance of the coagulation factors. The results show subclinical activation of blood coagulation in lung cancer patients with early disease. In addition, clotting activation is confirmed as a predictor of survival, although not independently of other prognostic factors.     

凝血状况对社区获得性肺部感染患者病情影响的研究

目的：探讨凝血状况对社区获得性肺炎(CAP)患者病情评估的价值。方法选取2014年4月至2016年2月期间我院接诊的168例 CAP 患者为研究对象,归为观察组,再根据1∶1的配对比例选取同期来我院体检的168例健康成人作为对照组。并根据肺炎严重程度指数(PSI)将观察组患者分为中高风险组(n =63)和低风险组(n =105)。比较各组的凝血酶原时间(PT)、活化的部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)、凝血酶时间(TT)、纤维蛋白原(Fib)、血小板(PLT)、D-二聚体(DD)等指标,采用简单线性相关分析各凝血指标与肺炎严重程度指数(PSI)评分的相关性,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评价各凝血指标及 PSI 评分对 CAP 患者死亡的预测价值。结果共有15例(8.9%)患者因 CAP 或并发症死亡。观察组的 PT、APTT、Fib、PLT、DD 均显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。中高风险组的血 PT、APTT、TT、DD 水平及 PT、DD 的异常率均显著高于低危组,差异有统计学意义(P <0.05)。简单线性相关分析结果表明 DD 与 PSI 评分呈显著正相关(r =0.508,P <0.01),而 PT、APTT、TT、Fib、PLT 等与 PSI 评分无显著相关性(r =0.143、0.106、0.129、0.085、0.098,P 值均>0.05)。ROC 曲线分析结果表明 PT、DD、PSI 评分在预测 CAP 的生存状况方面的 AUC 分别为0.552(95% CI 0.461~0.646,P >0.05)、0.916(95% CI 0.883~0.956,P <0.01)、0.889(95% CI 0.842~0.931,P <0.01)。结论 CAP 可以引起凝血功能的紊乱,DD 与其病情严重程度密切相关,可作为患者病情评估和预后预测的重要指标。     

重症肺炎患者部分血栓前凝血及纤溶系统变化检测及临床意义

目的探讨重症肺炎患者部分血栓前凝血及纤溶系统变化。方法选择本院收治的重症肺炎患者60例为研究组,同期来院健康体检者60名为对照组,两组均抽外周静脉血,检测患者血细胞(PLT、WBC)、凝血指标(PT、APTT、Fg)、纤溶指标(D-D、FDP),并进行组间比较。结果研究组PLT低于对照组,WBC、PT、APTT、Fg明显高于对照组,D-D阳性率、FDP阳性率均高于对照组,两组间比较上述指标差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);研究组不同程度血小板减少患者PT、APTT、Fg差异显著(P<0.05),血小板水平与PT、APTT、Fg呈明显负相关(r=-0.408、-0.517、-0.452,P<0.05);研究组不同程度WBC增多患者,PT、APTT、Fg差异显著(P<0.05),WBC水平与PT、APTT、Fg呈明显正相关(r=0.392、0.533、0.497,P<0.05)。结论重症肺炎患者存在一定程度的凝血及纤溶功能失调,临床应加强对该指标监测,在抗感染治疗的同时,调整凝血系统功能,对缓解重症病情有积极意义。     

Laboratory evaluation of the effect of prophylaxis for thromboembolism with fractionated heparin in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the effect of prophylaxis for thromboembolism with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) during hospitalization on the biological hemostasis system in patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: This was a prospective paired cohort study without a control group (i.e., a before-after study). The subjects were 20 patients operated on laparoscopically for uncomplicated cholelithiasis. All patients received LMWH 2 h before the operation and 24 h after the first dose. Mean duration of surgery was 70 min. Pneumoperitoneum was accomplished at 14 mmHg, and all patients were operated on in the inverted Trendelenberg position (30 degrees). Patients were mobilized within 24 h, and were discharged within 48 h after surgery. As parameters of hemostasis we studied anti-Xa factor activity (anti-Xa), antithrombin III (AT III), partial active thromboplastin time (PTT) and fibrinogen. Samples were taken for laboratory analyses under basal conditions the day before the operation (first determination), 1 h after the first preoperative dose of LMWH was given (second), at the end of the operation (third), 24 h after surgery (fourth), and on postoperative day 7 (fifth). RESULTS: Mean basal values of all parameters were within the normal range. Mean anti-Xa activity was significantly higher in the second and third determinations than in the first and fifth measurements (p < 0.05). Mean PTT was significantly elevated on the second determination and decreased thereafter; however, none of the results differed significantly from the normal value. Mean AT III was significantly lower in the third determination in comparison with the first and fifth measurements. Fibrinogen was significantly higher in the fourth and fifth determinations than in the second and third measurements. Among all parameters and sampling times, the only values outside the normal range were anti-Xa activity on the second, third and fourth determinations. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma anti-Xa factor activity was increased preoperatively, and remained elevated for 24 h after surgery, returning to basal values on postoperative day 7. Partial thromboplastin time was slightly prolonged after the first dose of LMWH, indicating good antithrombotic action.     

不同穴位按摩对老年患者腹腔镜胆囊切除术后胃肠功能影响

目的 观察老年患者腹腔镜胆囊切除术后单穴与多穴位按摩对改善胃肠功能的效果.方法 选择2014年12月-2017年2月在上海市中医医院住院行腹腔镜胆囊切除术及胆囊切除加胆管探查术的老年患者72例,采用随机数字分组法分为3组,单穴位按摩为A组、多穴位按摩为B组、常规护理为C组,每组24例.3组患者均采用腹腔镜胆囊手术常规治...     

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Results of an Early Experience

Ninety consecutive patients over a 6-month period with acute (31 patients) or chronic (59 patients) cholecystitis underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy on an ambulatory (49 patients), one-night (33 patients), or two-night (5 patients) basis. Three patients required open procedures for 1) perforated duodenal ulcer at 48 h, postoperatively, 2) a cholecystoduodenal fistula, and 3) Mirizzis syndrome with erosion of the common duct. The procedure is safe, efficacious, and should be offered to patients with acute and chronic biliary disease.     

Laparoscopic and laparotomic cholecystectomy: a randomized trial comparing postoperative respiratory function

BACKGROUND: The fact that pulmonary complications occur in 20-60% of the patients subjected to abdominal operations clearly indicates that the lungs are the most endangered organ during the postoperative period. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact of cholecystectomy on postoperative respiratory disturbances by comparing the laparotomic cholecystectomy with laparoscopic gallbladder removal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A hundred cholecystectomized patients were included in the prospective randomized clinical trial. Half of the patients were operated on by the laparotomic procedure, whereas the other half underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Spirometric parameters, arterial blood gases, and acid-base balance were determined before the operation, and at 6, 24, 72 and 144 h postoperatively. Abdominal distension was assessed by auscultating intestinal peristaltics, abdominal circumference measurement, and time interval to restitution of defecation. RESULTS: Six hours postoperatively, the values of ventilation parameters decreased on average by 40-50% from the baseline preoperative values in both groups of patients. The group of patients submitted to laparotomic cholecystectomy had significantly lower spirometric values and slower recovery of the ventilation parameters than the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. Abdominal circumference was significantly greater and the time needed for restitution of peristaltics and defecation was significantly longer in the laparotomic cholecystectomy group compared to the group of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant impairments including hypoxia, hypocapnia and hyperventilation were observed in the patients submitted to laparotomic cholecystectomy, indicating the presence of objective respiratory risk, especially in elderly patients and patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases or cardiac insufficiency.     

婴幼儿体外循环术中自体血液回收对血液成分及凝血功能的影响

目的：观察体外循环中采用自体血液回收输注后对婴幼儿血液成分及凝血功能的影响。方法：随机将80例患儿分为观察组和对照组各40例。观察组使用血液回收机,将术中及体外循环机器余血全部回收处理,并于术后6小时内回输至患儿体内。对照组不使用血液回收机,术中及体外循环机器余血弃用。收集两组患儿性别,年龄,体重,术中体外循环时间,主动脉阻断时间;术前、术后15min、24h、第5天的血色素(Hb)、红细胞压积(Hct)、血小板(PLT);术前、术后15min、24h、72h凝血酶原时间(PT)、国际标准化比值(INR)、活化部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)、纤维蛋白原(FIB)、凝血酶时间(TT)、D-D二聚体(D-D)、纤维蛋白原降解产物(FDP);术后24h引流量,围术期异体血使用率、围术期红细胞使用量、术后凝血酶原复合物(PCC)使用率。结果：两组患儿性别、年龄、体重、术中体外循环时间及主动脉阻断时间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。两组患儿术前Hb、Hct、PLT、PT、INR、APTT、FIB、TT、D-D、FDP比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。两组患儿各时点两组患儿术后15minPT、INR、APTT、TT、D-D、FDP与术前比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两组患儿术后不同时点PT、INR、APTT、FIB 、TT、D-D、FDP组间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。两组患儿术后15min的Hb、Hct组间比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两组患儿术后24h、术后第5天的Hb、Hct、PLT与术前比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),组间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。两组患儿库血使用率与库血使用量比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两组患儿术后24h引流量和PCC使用率组间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。结论：小儿心脏体外循环手术后使用自体血液回收在不同时点的凝血功能指标与不使用自体血液回收相比较无明显差异。使用自体血液回收可明显减少异体血使用率和使用量,且不增加并发症,可在小儿心脏手术中积极应用。     

二氧化碳气腹时间对老年腹腔镜胆囊切除术患者凝血-纤溶和血管内皮细胞活性的影响

目的 观察二氧化碳(CO2)气腹时间对老年人腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)患者凝血-纤溶和血管内皮细胞活性的影响.方法 胆石症择期行LC患者45例,年龄＞60岁,术后根据气腹持续时间分组:气腹时间≤60 min组21例;气腹时间＞60 min组24例.于入院检查时(术前)、术毕、术后第1、2、3天抽取静脉血检测凝血酶原时间(PT)、激活部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)、凝血酶原片段1+2(F1+2)浓度、抗凝血酶-Ⅲ(AT-Ⅲ)活性、纤维蛋白原(Fib)浓度、组织纤溶酶原激活物(t-PA)浓度、纤溶酶原激活物抑制物-1(PAI-1)浓度、D-二聚体(D-D)浓度、血管性血友病因子(vWF)活性.结果 (1)凝血指标:术后第3天,＞60 min组的,F1+2为 (1.60±0.26) μg/L,高于≤60 min组的(1.32±0.24) μg/L(P＜0.05);AT-Ⅲ为(84.82±20.21)%,低于≤60 min组的(97.49±16.87)%(P＜0.05);术后第2、3天的Fib分别为(3.87±0.62)、(3.98±0.77)g/L,高于≤60 min组的 (3.42±0.72)、(3.42±0.63)g/L(P＜0.05).(2)纤溶-抗纤溶指标:＞60 min组术后第2 、3天的PAI-1为(33.93±10.42)、(32.90±11.25) μg/L高于≤60 min组的(26.69±9.49)、(26.31±7.06)μg/L(P＜0.05).(3)血管内皮细胞活性指标:＞60 min组术后第2 、3天的vWF为(174.53±44.03)%、(176.31±47.6)%,高于≤60 min组的(134.37±37.74)%、(131.21±36.34)% (P＜0.05).结论 老年LC患者,术后有明显的凝血-纤溶激活和血管内膜损伤;随气腹时间延长,凝血激活和纤溶抑制程度高,凝血-纤溶相对不平衡,血管内膜损伤更明显,可能增加血栓形成风险.

Abstract：

Objective To observe the effect of duration of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on coagulation, fibrinolysis and endothelial activation in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods The 45 elderly patients with cholelithiasis scheduled for LC, aged over 60 yeas, were placed in different groups respectively after surgery according to the duration of pneumoperitoneum. The duration of pneumoperitoneum was ≤60 minutes in group A (n=21),and more than 60 minutes in group B (n=24). Venous blood samples were taken on admission (baseline), at the end of surgery, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day after surgery for determination of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2), antithrombin 3 (AT-Ⅲ activity), fibrinogen (Fib), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), D-dimer (D-D), von Willebrand factor (vWF activity). Results Concerning the coagulation activation, at the 3rd postoperative day, the level of F1+2 was significantly higher in group B than in group A [(1.60±0.26) μg/L vs. (1.32±0.24) μg/L, P＜0.05]; AT-III was significantly higher in group B than in group A [(84.82%±20.21%) vs. (97.49%±16.87%), P＜0.05]. At the 2nd and 3rd postoperative day, the levels of Fib were significantly higher in group B than in group A [(3.87±0.62) g/L vs. (3.42±0.72) g/L, (3.98±0.77) g/L vs. (3.42±0.63) g/L, respectively, P＜0.05]. Concerning fibrinolysis, But at the 2nd and 3rd postoperative day, the level of PAI-1 was significantly higher in group B than in group A [(33.93±10.42) μg/L vs. (26.69±9.49) μg/L, (32.90±11.25) μg/L vs. (26.31±7.06) μg/L respectively, P＜0.05]. Concerning endothelial activation, at the 2nd and 3rd postoperative day, vWF was significantly higher in group B than in group A [(174.53%±44.03%) vs. (134.37%±37.74%), (176.31%±47.6%) vs. (131.21%±36.34%), respectively, P＜0.05]. Conclusions Marked activations of coagulation-fibrinolysis and endothelial activation are observed postoperatively in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Along with prolonged duration of pneumoperitoneum, more pronounced alterations of increased coagulation, reduced fibrinolysis and endothelial activation are observed, which could constitute an imbalanced situation of coagulation-fibrinolysis and increases the risk of venous thrombosis.     

Evaluation of immune response in patients after open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a so called mini-invasive surgical procedure, and on this basis, we investigated whether and how the immune response is modified in patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to patients who underwent open cholecystectomy. METHODOLOGY: In a prospective, nonrandomized trial, 35 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 31 open cholecystectomy. Immune activity (neutrophils, total lymphocytes, lymphocyte subpopulations, human leukocyte antigen (HLA-DR), interleukin 6, skin Multitest) was evaluated before surgery and respectively, 1, 3, and 6 days postoperatively. RESULTS: One day after surgery, an increase in interleukin 6 (P < 0.01) was noted in patients who had undergone open cholecystectomy, while this parameter was almost unchanged in patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Moreover, skin tests showed a hypo or anergic response in the majority (81.8%) of open cholecystectomy patients compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients (10.5%), (P < 0.01). Finally, monocyte antigen HLA-DR was also reduced in open cholecystectomy patients (P < 0.05). In this group, we noted 2 cases (6.45%) of respiratory tract infection. CONCLUSIONS: Even though laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires a longer surgery, it reduces postoperative pain, and hospitalization. It also facilitates rapid recovery, a return to normal activity, avoids postoperative immunosuppression and shows a better postoperative morbidity compared to open surgery.     

Effect of general and epidural anesthesia on hemostasis and fibrinolysis in hepatic patients

Abstract

This study was designed to compare the effect of general anesthesia using isoflurane and epidural anesthesia using ropivacaine on hemostasis in hepatic patients. Sixty patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either general or epidural anesthesia which further subdivided into control and hepatic subgroups. Blood samples were collected preoperatively, immediate post-operatively and on third post-operative day to measure hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count (PLT),), prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and thrombin time (TT). Specific hemostatic and fibrinolytic parameters were also included; von Willebrand factor (vWF), soluble platelet selectin (sP-selectin), prothrombin fragment (PF₁₊₂), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and D-dimer. Hemoglobin showed a significant post-operative decrease in all subgroups. Post-operative changes of PLT, PT, PTT and TT were comparable between general and epidural anesthesia. General anesthesia showed a marked significant increase in specific parameters compared to epidural anesthesia. This study concluded that epidural ropivacaine anesthesia provided better hemostatic stability especially in hepatic patients.     

Antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the effectiveness of ondansetron in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and the effect of this anesthetic on hospital stay. METHODS: this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was done in the General Surgery Service of the Getafe University Hospital. Patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy to treat uncomplicated cholelithiasis, and who had an ASA status of I-II, were recruited. Before surgery the patients received either ondansetron 4 mg or placebo intravenously. This study was approved by the local ethics committee. RESULTS: 56 patients were included, 29 in the ondansetron group and 27 in the placebo group. In the latter, 4 patients were later excluded because of conversion to open surgery. Postoperative nausea and emetic episodes were experienced by 7% of the patients in the ondansetron group and 47% in the placebo group (p = 0.0007). Oral intake started 7 h after surgery in the ondansetron group and 11 h after surgery in the placebo group (p = 0.04), with a mean difference of 4 h. Hospital stay was 30 h and 48 h respectively (p = 0.01), with a mean difference of 18 h. CONCLUSION: ondansetron given prior to surgery at a dose of 4 mg prevents postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and reduces hospital stay.     

不稳定心绞痛血凝/纤溶系统变化临床研究

目的 探讨对强化药物治疗反应不同的两组不稳定性心绞痛病人血凝及纤溶指标变化规律，及其在不稳定性心绞痛危险度分层中的意义。方法 不稳定心绞痛病人共163例作为治疗组（UA组），依强化治疗72小时病情是否得到良好控制分为UAA、UAB两个亚组，另20例稳定性心绞痛为对照组SA组，所有病例均进行凝血酶原时间（PT）、分凝血活酶时间（APTT）、纤维蛋白原（FG）、D－二聚体（DD）测定，并于第3天、5天、7天、10天UA再重复测定上述指标。随访90天内被迫采取心脏介入治疗、发生心肌梗死及死亡情况。结果 临床首次检测结果均提示PT、APTT在UAA、UAB与SA间无差异、也无预后意义（P＞0.05)，UAA组FG血液浓度水平于病程经五天达高峰后迅速下降，而DD血液浓度水平于第三天后开始逐步下降；UAB组则FG、DD血液浓度水平至病程第十天则仍然保持它们在第5天及第3天的高峰水平，UAA、UAB两组病人的短期预后亦有明显差异（P＜0.05)。结论 DD、FG血液浓度水平在起病后前十天保持高水平是难治性不稳定性心绞痛的血液学标志，同时也是提示病人近期预后较差的预报因子。     

Hemostatic and fibrinolytic effects of systemic prostaglandin E1 therapy in patients with peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND: The study was designed to evaluate if there is any evidence of a hyperfibrinolytic bleeding-risk under systemic treatment with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The in vivo effect of PGE1 on the fibrinolytic and hemostatic process was tested on 15 patients before and after treatment with Alprostadil for 21 days using D-dimers (DD), fibrinogen, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), antithrombin (AT), ProC-Global, plasminogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor activity (PAI), alpha 2-antiplasmin, coagulation factor XII, basal and activated fibrinolytic capacity (fib. cap.). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in DD, fibrinogen, PT, PTT, AT, ProC-Global, plasminogen, PAI, alpha 2-antiplasmin, coagulation factor XII, basal and activated fibrinolytic capacity observed after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Summarizing this study there is no hyperfibrinolytic bleeding-risk after the systemic therapy with Alprostadil to be expected.     

Regulation of coagulo-fibrinolytic activity and lupus anticoagulants in systemic lupus erythematosus

We determined the following coagulo-fibrinolytic activities in 24 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 20 healthy adults: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (A-PTT), factor VIII: coagulant activity), von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF: Ag), antithrombin-III (AT-III), plasminogen (PLG), alpha 2 plasmin inhibitor (alpha 2 PI), alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor-plasmin complex (PIC), protein C (PC: activity and antigen concentration), and protein S (PS: total PS and free PS). PLG, AT-III, PC antigen concentration and total PS were significantly decreased in ten female controls as compared with ten male controls. Therefore, we used the ten healthy females as controls and excluded two male SLE patients in the analysis of the correlations of coagulo-fibrinolytic activities with lupus anticoagulant (LA), clinical and laboratory features in 22 female patients with SLE. In the SLE patients, PT was significantly shortened, while A-PTT was prolonged. PLG, PC activity and antigen, and total PS were significantly increased, and free PS levels were decreased in SLE. The shortened PT and decreased free PS suggest hypercoagulable states in SLE patients. A significant prolongation of A-PTT and a decrease of F VIII activity were observed in the six LA-positive SLE patients, and the results were considered as known effects of LA. Furthermore, vWF: Ag, AT-III and PC antigen levels were significantly increased in the LA-positive patients as compared with LA-negative patients. These changes indicate both vascular endothelial cell damages and a compensatory increase in coagulation inhibitors in the LA-positive patients.     

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.     

Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for subacute calculous cholecystitis: early or interval — a prospective study

Background/Purpose

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for subacute cholecystitis and to compare it with interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

The study was performed in 74 patients who had been diagnosed with subacute cholecystitis between January 2000 and June 2005. The patients were divided into two groups. The early laparoscopic cholecystectomy group was composed of 31 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy 24?h after admission to the hospital. The interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy group was composed of 43 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy 8–12 weeks after medical treatment.

Results

There was no significant difference between the conversion rate, intraoperative bleeding, need for intraoperative cholangiography, minor bile duct injury, and postoperative complications in the two groups. Eleven patients in the interval group underwent urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy or additional procedures because of recurrent cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, or biliary pancreatitis. The early group had a significantly shorter total hospital stay (P = 0.031), lower cost of treatment (P = 0.042), and less difficulty with Calot's triangle dissection (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be done without hesitation in patients with subacute cholecystitis, in the light of obstacles observed in the interval group, such as dissection difficulty, lack of success in “cooling down”, and additional problems such as choledocholithiasis and biliary pancreatitis.     

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the treatment of biliary lithiasis: outpatient surgery or short stay unit?

OBJECTIVE: Analysis of clinical and surgical factors in a series of patients subjected to laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an outpatient unit and their relationship with time of discharge and patient acceptance. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Eighty one consecutive patients underwent to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy during year 2002 within S.A.S. (Andalusian Health Service) from a surgical waiting list. Retrospective and comparative study between two groups: group A includes patients discharged between 24 and 48 hours after intervention; group B includes patients discharged in less than 24 hours. We analyse the clinical and surgical characteristics and post-operative outcome of both groups of patients. RESULTS: Group A was composed of 53 patients and group B of 28 patients. Factors of clinical significance which determined discharge after 24 hours included: early post-surgical incidences or complications (p = 0.017), inability to tolerate oral diet (p = 0.002), and doubts and feelings insecurity of patients regarding discharge by traditional means 62.3% (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and reliable procedure with a high acceptance rate and few complications. Perhaps traditional culture has to be changed to obtain better results.     

Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized evidence comparing general anesthesia vs regional anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND In an effort to further reduce the morbidity and mortality profile of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the outcomes of such procedure under regional anesthesia(RA) have been evaluated. In the context of cholecystectomy, combining a minimally invasive surgical procedure with a minimally invasive anesthetic technique can potentially be associated with less postoperative pain and earlier ambulation.AIM To evaluate comparative outcomes of RA and general anesthesia(GA) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.METHODS A comprehensive systematic review of randomized controlled trials with subsequent meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of outcomes were conducted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards.RESULTS Thirteen randomized controlled trials enrolling 1111 patients were included. The study populations in the RA and GA groups were of comparable age(P = 0.41),gender(P = 0.98) and body mass index(P = 0.24). The conversion rate from RA to GA was 2.3%. RA was associated with significantly less postoperative pain at 4 h [mean difference(MD):-2.22, P 0.00001], 8 h(MD:-1.53, P = 0.0006), 12 h(MD:-2.08, P 0.00001), and 24 h(MD:-0.90, P 0.00001) compared to GA. Moreover, it was associated with significantly lower rate of nausea and vomiting [risk ratio(RR): 0.40, P 0.0001]. However, RA significantly increased postoperative headaches(RR: 4.69, P = 0.03), and urinary retention(RR: 2.73, P = 0.03). The trial sequential analysis demonstrated that the meta-analysis was conclusive for most outcomes, with the exception of a risk of type 1 error for headache and urinary retention and a risk of type 2 error for total procedure time.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that RA may be an attractive anesthetic modality for daycase laparoscopic cholecystectomy considering its associated lower postoperative pain and nausea and vomiting compared to GA. However, its associated risk of urinary retention and headache and lack of knowledge on its impact on procedure-related outcomes do not justify using RA as the first line anesthetic choice for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.