Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing single‐incision versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background:

Single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) may offer advantages over conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized clinical trials on SILC versus LC until May 2012. Odds ratio (OR) and weight mean difference (WMD) were calculated with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.) based on intention‐to‐treat analysis.

Results:

Thirteen randomized clinical trials included a total of 923 procedures. SILC had a higher procedure failure rate than LC (OR 8·16, 95 per cent c.i. 3·42 to 19·45; P < 0·001), required a longer operating time (WMD 16·55, 95 per cent c.i. 9·95 to 23·15 min; P < 0·001) and was associated with greater intraoperative blood loss (WMD 1·58, 95% of c.i. 0·44 to 2·71 ml; P = 0·007). There were no differences between the two approaches in rate of conversion to open surgery, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, adverse events, wound infections or port‐site hernias. Better cosmetic outcomes were demonstrated in favour of SILC as measured by Body Image Scale questionnaire (WMD ? 0·97, 95% of c.i. ? 1·51 to ? 0·43; P < 0·001) and Cosmesis score (WMD ? 2·46, 95% of c.i. ? 2·95 to ? 1·97; P < 0·001), but this was based on comparison with procedures in which multiple and often large ports (10 mm) were used.

Conclusion:

SILC has a higher procedure failure rate with more blood loss and takes longer than LC. No trial was adequately powered to assess safety. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis: Any controversy?

Objective: The timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis remains controversial. This article reviews the latest evidence for the timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the management of acute cholecystitis. Methodology: Trials comparing early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC; carried out within 1 week of onset of symptoms) versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC; carried out at least 6 weeks after symptoms settled) for acute cholecystitis were identified from Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library and PubMed database. Only meta‐analyses and randomized clinical trials were reviewed. Results: A total of seven prospective randomized trials including 670 patients and four meta‐analyses were reviewed. ELC was superior to DLC in terms of a shorter hospital stay without any significant difference in perioperative mortality and morbidity. Conclusions: Current evidence supports ELC as the preferred treatment strategy for acute cholecystitis. It allows a shorter hospital stay, but shares similar operative morbidity, mortality and conversion rate as DLC.     

Two‐year results of the randomized clinical trial DILALA comparing laparoscopic lavage with resection as treatment for perforated diverticulitis

Background

Traditionally, perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis was treated with resection and colostomy (Hartmann's procedure), with inherent complications and risk of a permanent stoma. The DILALA (DIverticulitis – LAparoscopic LAvage versus resection (Hartmann's procedure) for acute diverticulitis with peritonitis) and other randomized trials found laparoscopic lavage to be a feasible and safe alternative. The medium‐term follow‐up results of DILALA are reported here.

Methods

Patients were randomized during surgery after being diagnosed with Hinchey grade III perforated diverticulitis at diagnostic laparoscopy. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with one or more secondary operations from 0 to 24 months after the index procedure in the laparoscopic lavage versus Hartmann's procedure groups. The trial was registered as ISRCTN82208287.

Results

Forty‐three patients were randomized to laparoscopic lavage and 40 to Hartmann's procedure. Patients in the lavage group had a 45 per cent reduced risk of undergoing one or more operations within 24 months (relative risk 0·55, 95 per cent c.i. 0·36 to 0·84; P = 0·012) and had fewer operations (ratio 0·51, 95 per cent c.i. 0·31 to 0·87; P = 0·024) compared with those in the Hartmann's group. No difference was found in mean number of readmissions (1·37 versus 1·50; P = 0·221) or mortality between patients randomized to laparoscopic lavage or Hartmann's procedure. Three patients in the lavage group and nine in the Hartmann's group had a colostomy at 24 months.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic lavage is a better option for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis than open resection and colostomy.     

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of safety of laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy for suspected appendicitis in pregnancy

Background:

Laparoscopic appendicectomy has gained wide acceptance as an alternative to open appendicectomy during pregnancy. However, data regarding the safety and optimal surgical approach to appendicitis in pregnancy are still controversial.

Methods:

This was a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies comparing laparoscopic and open appendicectomy in pregnancy identified using PubMed and Scopus search engines from January 1990 to July 2011. Two reviewers independently extracted data on fetal loss, preterm delivery, wound infection, duration of operation, hospital stay, Apgar score and birth weight between laparoscopic and open appendicectomy groups.

Results:

Eleven studies with a total of 3415 women (599 in laparoscopic and 2816 in open group) were included in the analysis. Fetal loss was statistically significantly worse in those who underwent laparoscopy compared with open appendicectomy; the pooled relative risk (RR) was 1·91 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1·31 to 2·77) without heterogeneity. The pooled RR for preterm labour was 1·44 (0·68 to 3·06), but this risk was not statistically significant. The mean difference in length of hospital stay was ? 0·49 (?1·76 to ? 0·78) days, but this was not clinically significant. No significant difference was found for wound infection, birth weight, duration of operation or Apgar score.

Conclusion:

The available low‐grade evidence suggests that laparoscopic appendicectomy in pregnant women might be associated with a greater risk of fetal loss. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Minimal‐access colorectal surgery is associated with fewer adhesion‐related admissions than open surgery

Background:

This study aimed to describe national intermediate‐term admission rates for incisional hernia or clinically apparent adhesions following colorectal surgery, and to compare rates following laparoscopic and open approaches.

Methods:

Patients undergoing primary colorectal resection between 2002 and 2008 were included from the Hospital Episode Statistics database. Subsequent inpatient admissions were extracted for up to 3 years after the initial operation or to the end of the study period. Outcomes examined were admissions with a diagnosis of, or operative interventions for, incisional hernia or adhesions.

Results:

A total of 187 148 patients were included between 2002 and 2008, with median follow‐up of 31·8 (interquartile range 13·1–35·3) months. Some 8885 (4·7 per cent) of these patients were admitted with a diagnosis of, or underwent a repair of, an incisional hernia. In multiple regression analysis, use of laparoscopy was not a predictor of operative intervention for incisional hernia (odds ratio 1·09, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·99 to 1·21; P = 0·083). Some 15 125 (8·1 per cent) of the patients were admitted with a diagnosis of adhesions or had a procedure for division of adhesions. Overall, 3·5 per cent (6637 of 187 148) of patients underwent adhesiolysis. Patients selected for a laparoscopic procedure had lower rates of admission for adhesions (6·3 per cent (692 of 11 013) for laparoscopic versus 8·2 per cent (14 433 of 176 135) for open surgery; P < 0·001) and reintervention for adhesions (2·8 per cent (305 of 11 013) versus 3·6 per cent (6325 of 176 135) respectively; P < 0·001) than those undergoing an open procedure. In multiple regression analysis, patients selected for a laparoscopic procedure had lower subsequent intervention rates for adhesions (odds ratio 0·80, 95 per cent c.i. 0·71 to 0·90; P < 0·001).

Discussion:

Patients undergoing colorectal resection who are selected for the laparoscopic approach have a lower risk of developing clinically significant adhesions. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the safety and effectiveness of day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background:

Although day‐case laparoscopic cholecystectomy can save bed costs, its safety has to be established. The aim of this meta‐analysis is to assess the advantages and disadvantages of day‐case surgery compared with overnight stay in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods:

Randomized clinical trials addressing the above issue were identified from The Cochrane Library trials register, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded and reference lists. Data were extracted from these trials by two independent reviewers. For each outcome the relative risk, weighted mean difference or standardized mean difference was calculated with 95 per cent confidence intervals based on available case analysis.

Results:

Five trials with 215 patients randomized to the day‐case group and 214 to the overnight‐stay group were included in the review. Four of the five trials were of low risk of bias. The trials recruited 49·1 per cent of patients presenting for cholecystectomy. There was no significant difference between day case and overnight stay with respect to morbidity, prolongation of hospital stay, readmission rates, pain, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and return to normal activity and work. In the day‐case group 80·5 per cent of patients were discharged on the day of surgery.

Conclusion:

Day‐case laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic gallstones. Copyright © 2008 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Meta‐analysis of the cumulative risk of endometrial malignancy and systematic review of endometrial surveillance in extended tamoxifen therapy

Background

Optimal management of the endometrium in patients with oestrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer taking extended tamoxifen therapy (for 10 years) remains uncertain. A meta‐analysis was performed to determine the cumulative risk ratio (RR) for endometrial malignancy following extended compared with standard tamoxifen treatment. A systematic review was undertaken to identify whether routine endometrial surveillance in patients receiving tamoxifen is associated with earlier detection and reduced incidence of endometrial malignancy.

Methods

Two independent searches were undertaken in the Cochrane Library, PubMed and MEDLINE. A meta‐analysis was performed of RCTs reporting on endometrial malignancy risk in extended tamoxifen therapy. A systematic review included prospective studies investigating the benefit of endometrial surveillance during tamoxifen therapy.

Results

Four RCTs reported on endometrial risk in extended tamoxifen therapy. The cumulative risk of endometrial malignancy increased twofold from 1·5 to 3·2 per cent with extended therapy compared with the standard 5 years of tamoxifen (RR 2·29, 95 per cent c.i. 1·60 to 3·28; P < 0·001). Four studies analysed the value of endometrial screening in 5‐year cohorts. Endometrial cancer rates of up to 2 per cent were reported, which is higher than rates in the large extended tamoxifen trials.

Conclusion

Extended adjuvant tamoxifen is associated with an increase in endometrial cancer. No clear benefit has been shown for routine endometrial surveillance in asymptomatic patients on tamoxifen therapy.     

Long‐term follow‐up of the Medical Research Council CLASICC trial of conventional versus laparoscopically assisted resection in colorectal cancer

Background:

Laparoscopic resection is used widely in the management of colorectal cancer; however, the data on long‐term outcomes, particularly those related to rectal cancer, are limited. The results of long‐term follow‐up of the UK Medical Research Council trial of laparoscopically assisted versus open surgery for colorectal cancer are presented.

Methods:

A total of 794 patients from 27 UK centres were randomized to laparoscopic or open surgery in a 2:1 ratio between 1996 and 2002. Long‐term follow‐up data were analysed to determine differences in survival outcomes and recurrences for intention‐to‐treat and actual treatment groups.

Results:

Median follow‐up of all patients was 62·9 (interquartile range 22·9 ? 92·8) months. There were no statistically significant differences between open and laparoscopic groups in overall survival (78·3 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 65·8 to 106·6) versus 82·7 (69·1 to 94·8) months respectively; P = 0·780) and disease‐free survival (DFS) (89·5 (67·1 to 121·7) versus 77·0 (63·3 to 94·0) months; P = 0·589). In colonic cancer intraoperative conversions to open surgery were associated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 2·28, 95 per cent c.i. 1·47 to 3·53; P < 0·001) and DFS (HR 2·20, 1·31 to 3·67; P = 0·007). In terms of recurrence, no significant differences were observed by randomized procedure. However, at 10 years, right colonic cancers showed an increased propensity for local recurrence compared with left colonic cancers: 14·7 versus 5·2 per cent (difference 9·5 (95 per cent c.i. 2·3 to 16·6) per cent; P = 0·019).

Conclusion:

Long‐term results continue to support the use of laparoscopic surgery for both colonic and rectal cancer. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Population‐based study of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery 2006–2008

Background:

Clinical guidelines recommend that, where clinically appropriate, laparoscopic tumour resections should be available for patients with colorectal cancer. This study aimed to examine the introduction of laparoscopic surgery in the English National Health Service.

Methods:

Data were extracted from the National Cancer Data Repository on all patients who underwent major resection for a primary colorectal cancer diagnosed between 2006 and 2008. Laparoscopic procedures were identified from codes in the Hospital Episode Statistics and National Bowel Cancer Audit Project data in the resource. Trends in the use of laparoscopic surgery and its influence on outcomes were examined.

Results:

Of 58 135 resections undertaken over the study period, 10 955 (18·8 per cent) were attempted laparoscopically. This increased from 10·0 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 8·1 to 12·0) per cent in 2006 to 28·4 (25·4 to 31·4) per cent in 2008. Laparoscopic surgery was used less in patients with advanced disease (modified Dukes' stage ‘D’ versus A: odds ratio (OR) 0·45, 95 per cent c.i. 0·40 to 0·50), rectal tumours (OR 0·71, 0·67 to 0·75), those with more co‐morbidity (Charlson score 3 or more versus 0: OR 0·69, 0·58 to 0·82) or presenting as an emergency (OR 0·15, 0·13 to 0·17). A total of 1652 laparoscopic procedures (15·1 per cent) were converted to open surgery. Conversion was more likely in advanced disease (modified Dukes' stage ‘D’ versus A: OR 1·56, 1·20 to 2·03), rectal tumours (OR 1·29, 1·14 to 1·46) and emergencies (OR 2·06, 1·54 to 2·76). Length of hospital stay (OR 0·65, 0·64 to 0·66), 30‐day postoperative mortality (OR 0·55, 0·48 to 0·64) and risk of death within 1 year (hazard ratio 0·60, 0·55 to 0·65) were reduced in the laparoscopic group.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic surgery was used more frequently in low‐risk patients. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Is early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis preferable to delayed surgery?: Best evidence topic (BET)

A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) in patients presenting with a short history of acute cholecystitis provides better post-operative outcomes than a delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC). A total of 92 papers were found using the reported searches of which 10 represented the best evidence; 3 meta-analyses, 4 randomized control trials, 1 prospective controlled study and 2 retrospective cohort studies were included. The authors, date, journal, study type, population, main outcome measures and results were tabulated. No significant difference in complication or conversion rates were shown between the ELC and the DLC group, in the meta-analyses of Gurusamy et?al, Lau et?al and Siddiqui et?al. The ELC group had a decreased hospital stay whereas the DLC group presented a considerable risk for subsequent emergency surgery during the interval period, with a high rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy. All three meta-analyses were based on the randomized control trials of Lo et?al, Lai et?al, Kolla et?al and Johansson et?al; the results of each study are summarized. We conclude that there is strong evidence that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis offers an advantage in the length of hospital stay without increasing the morbidity or mortality. The operating time in ELC can be longer, however the incidence of serious complications (i.e. common bile duct injury), is comparable to the DLC group. Larger randomized studies are required before solid conclusions are reached.     

Randomized clinical trial of honey-impregnated dressings for venous leg ulcers

Background:

The efficacy of honey as a treatment for venous ulcers has not been evaluated, despite widespread interest. This trial aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of honey as a dressing for venous ulcers.

Methods:

This community‐based open‐label randomized trial allocated people with a venous ulcer to calcium alginate dressings impregnated with manuka honey or usual care. All participants received compression bandaging. The primary outcome was the proportion of ulcers healed after 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were: time to healing, change in ulcer area, incidence of infection, costs per healed ulcer, adverse events and quality of life. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results:

Of 368 participants, 187 were randomized to honey and 181 to usual care. At 12 weeks, 104 ulcers (55·6 per cent) in the honey‐treated group and 90 (49·7 per cent) in the usual care group had healed (absolute increase 5·9 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) ? 4·3 to 15·7) per cent; P = 0·258). Treatment with honey was probably more expensive and associated with more adverse events (relative risk 1·3 (95 per cent c.i. 1·1 to 1·6); P = 0·013). There were no significant differences between the groups for other outcomes.

Conclusion:

Honey‐impregnated dressings did not significantly improve venous ulcer healing at 12 weeks compared with usual care. Registration number: ISRCTN 06161544 ( http://www.controlled‐trials.com ). Copyright © 2008 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Same-admission versus delayed cholecystectomy for mild acute biliary pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) performed after the mild acute biliary pancreatitis (MABP) is still controversial. We conducted a review to compare same-admission laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SA-LC) and delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) after mild acute biliary pancreatitis (MABP).

Methods

We systematically searched several databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) for relevant trials published from 1 January 1992 to 1 June 2018. Human prospective or retrospective studies that compared SA-LC and DLC after MABP were included. The measured outcomes were the rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy (COC), rate of postoperative complications, rate of biliary-related complications, operative time (OT), and length of stay (LOS). The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, United Kingdom).

Results

This meta-analysis involved 1833 patients from 4 randomized controlled trials and 7 retrospective studies. No significant differences were found in the rate of COC (risk ratio [RR]?=?1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78–1.97; p =?0.36), rate of postoperative complications (RR?=?1.06; 95% CI, 0.67–1.69; p =?0.80), rate of biliary-related complications (RR?=?1.28; 95% CI, 0.42–3.86; p =?0.66), or OT (RR?=?1.57; 95% CI, ??1.58–4.72; p =?0.33) between the SA-LC and DLC groups. The LOS was significantly longer in the DLC group (RR?=???2.08; 95% CI, ??3.17 to ??0.99; p =?0.0002). Unexpectedly, the subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in LOS according to the Atlanta classification (RR?=???0.40; 95% CI, ??0.80–0.01; p =?0.05). The gallstone-related complications during the waiting time in the DLC group included gall colic, recurrent pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, jaundice, and acute cholangitis (total, 25.39%).

Conclusion

This study confirms the safety of SA-LC, which could shorten the LOS. However, the study findings have a number of important implications for future practice.

     

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of interferon after curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with viral hepatitis

Background:

A combined antiviral and tumoricidal effect of interferon (IFN) is assumed to occur after resection or ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:

An electronic search of the Medline, Embase and Central databases from January 1998 to October 2007 was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating adjuvant effects of IFN after curative treatment of HCC. A meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the effects of IFN on 2‐year outcome.

Results:

Seven trials enrolling a total of 620 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Adjuvant treatment with IFN significantly reduced the 2‐year mortality rate after curative treatment of HCC, with a pooled risk ratio of 0·65 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·52 to 0·80); P < 0·001) in absence of any significant heterogeneity (I² = 0 per cent, P = 0·823 for χ²). The effect on reduction of tumour recurrence was less pronounced but still significant (pooled risk ratio 0·86 (95 per cent c.i. 0·76 to 0·97); P = 0·013). IFN had to be discontinued in 8–20 per cent of patients.

Conclusion:

IFN has a significant beneficial effect after curative treatment of HCC in terms of both survival and tumour recurrence. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of prophylactic gastroenterostomy for unresectable advanced pancreatic cancer

Background:

The value of prophylactic gastroenterostomy (usually combined with a biliary bypass) in patients with unresectable cancer of the pancreatic head is controversial.

Methods:

A systematic review of retrospective and prospective studies, and a meta‐analysis of prospective studies, on the use of prophylactic gastroenterostomy for unresectable pancreatic cancer were performed.

Results:

Analysis of retrospective studies did not reveal any advantage or disadvantage of prophylactic gastroenterostomy. Three prospective studies comparing prophylactic gastroenterostomy plus biliodigestive anastomosis with no bypass or a biliodigestive anastomosis alone were identified (altogether 218 patients). For patients who had prophylactic gastroenterostomy, the chance of gastric outlet obstruction during follow‐up was significantly lower (odds ratio (OR) 0·06 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·02 to 0·21); P < 0·001). The rates of postoperative delayed gastric emptying were similar in both groups (OR 1·93 (95 per cent c.i. 0·57 to 6·53); P = 0·290), as were morbidity and mortality. The estimated duration of hospital stay after prophylactic gastroenterostomy was 3 days longer than for patients without bypass (weighted mean difference 3·1 (95 per cent c.i. 0·7 to 5·5); P = 0·010).

Conclusion:

Prophylactic gastroenterostomy should be performed during surgical exploration of patients with unresectable pancreatic head tumours because it reduces the incidence of long‐term gastroduodenal obstruction without impairing short‐term outcome. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Significance of preoperative ultrasound measurement of gallbladder wall thickness

Evaluation of patients with signs and symptoms of biliary tract disease usually includes ultrasound assessment of the gallbladder. Does measurement of the thickness of the gallbladder wall yield any significant information to the clinical surgeon? The records of all my patients undergoing cholecystectomy since 1990 were reviewed. The entire series consists of 401 consecutive patients, in whom 388 procedures were completed laparoscopically, with 14 patients requiring conversion to an open cholecystectomy. Each patient's preoperative evaluation included a gallbladder ultrasound, which included measurement of the diameter of the gallbladder wall. The entire series of cholecystectomies was evaluated according to the ultrasound measured diameter of the gallbladder wall. A thin gallbladder wall was less than 3 mm in diameter. A thick gallbladder wall was 3 mm or greater in diameter. Of the 401 consecutive patients who underwent cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallbladder disease, 86 (21.5%) were removed laparoscopically for acalculous disease. Eleven per cent of patients with acalculous cholecystitis had acute cholecystitis and 89 per cent had chronic cholecystitis. Every patient with either a thin or thick gallbladder wall with acalculous cholecystitis had a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Three-hundred fifteen patients had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for calculous cholecystitis. In patients with calculous cholecystitis, 28.3 per cent had acute cholecystitis and 71.7 per cent had chronic cholecystitis. The gallbladder wall was found to be greater than 3 mm in 38 per cent of patients with acute calculous cholecystitis and greater than 3 mm in 41 per cent of patients with chronic calculous cholecystitis. One-hundred, forty-two patients, out of a series total of 401, had a gallbladder wall thickness greater than 3 mm by preoperative sonography and 14 of these patients (10%) required conversion to an open cholecystectomy. A preoperative gallbladder ultrasound evaluation for symptomatic cholecystitis, which documents a thick gallbladder wall (> or =3 mm) with calculi, is a clinical warning for the laparoscopic surgeon of the potential for a difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure which may require conversion to an open cholecystectomy procedure.     

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in an Academic Hospital: Evaluation of Changes in Perioperative Outcomes

Objective:

Evaluate changes in perioperative outcomes over an 82-month period in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy by a single attending surgeon in an academic hospital.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 1025 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy from September 1992 to February 1997 was compared to the initial 600 patients from May 1990 to August 1992. Statistical analysis included Chi square with Yates correction and Fischer''s exact test.

Results:

Over the 82-month period there were no significant differences in the overall conversion rate to open cholecystectomy (p=0.26), intraoperative complications (p = 0.81), postoperative complications (p = 0.054) or mortality rates (p=0.66). There were 3 (0.5%) bile duct injuries in the initial 600 patients and only 1 (0.1%) in the group of 1025 patients (p=0.065). There was an increase (p<0.001) in laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed for acute cholecystitis and biliary dyskinesia and an increase (p<0.001) in the percentage of cases performed overall and for acute cholecystitis by the surgery residents over the last 54 months. Despite this, the conversion rates to open cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis decreased (p < 0.001) over the last 54 months. Additionally, more patients (p < 0.001) were discharged on the day of surgery in the most recent group.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely by surgery residents under the direct super-vision of an experienced laparoscopist without significant changes in perioperative outcomes. Despite an increased percentage of cases being performed for acute cholecystitis over the last 54 months, conversion rates to open cholecystectomy and biliary tract injury rates have decreased, and the perioperative morbidity has remained the same.     

经皮肝穿刺胆囊引流联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术与急诊腹腔镜胆囊切除术对中度急性胆囊炎疗效的Meta分析

目的 系统评价经皮肝穿刺胆囊引流联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术与急诊腹腔镜胆囊切除术的治疗方案选择对中度急性胆囊炎的治疗效果及不良反应。方法 检索PubMed、EMBASE、Web of Science、Cochrane Library、中国期刊全文数据库（CNKI）、维普中文科技期刊数据库（VIP）、中国生物医学文献数据库（CBM）、万方数据库中有关经皮肝穿刺胆囊引流术联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术与急诊腹腔镜胆囊切除术对中度急性胆囊炎治疗的随机对照试验研究，检索时限为建库之日起至2018 年5 月。所有检索出并纳入研究的文献均由2 名研究者进行独立的文献质量评价和数据提取。文献数据统一采用RevMan 5.3 软件进行分析，对无法进行Meta分析的文献指标进行描述性分析。结果 总共纳入11 篇文献，包括1 283 例中度急性胆囊炎患者。Meta分析结果显示：在发生中度急性胆囊炎时经皮肝穿刺胆囊引流术联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术与急诊腹腔镜胆囊切除术相比可降低中转开腹率（RR 0.45，95%CI 0.23～0.85，P=0.01），减少术中出血量（SMD -41.50，95%CI -51.18～-31.82，P＜0.001）和术后并发症发生率（RR 0.50，95%CI0.31～0.81，P＜0.001），但两种治疗方式在手术时间上的差异并无统计学意义（SMD 1.10，95%CI -4.27～6.47，P=0.69）。此外，经皮肝穿刺胆囊引流术联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术比急诊腹腔镜胆囊切除术能够更好地缩短患者术后住院时间（SMD -1.21，95%CI -2.17～-0.25，P=0.01）。结论 在治疗中度急性胆囊炎时，经皮肝穿刺胆囊引流术联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术比急诊腹腔镜胆囊切除术具有更好的效果。     

Meta‐analysis of standard,restrictive and supplemental fluid administration in colorectal surgery

Background:

Optimal fluid therapy for colorectal surgery remains uncertain.

Methods:

A simple model was applied to define standard, restrictive and supplemental fluid administration. These definitions enabled pooling of data from different trials. Randomized controlled trials on fluid amount (standard versus restrictive or supplemental amount) and on guidance for fluid administration (goal‐directed fluid therapy by oesophageal Doppler‐derived variables versus conventional haemodynamic variables) in patients with colorectal resection were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was postoperative morbidity. Secondary endpoints were mortality, cardiopulmonary morbidity, wound infection, anastomotic failure, recovery of bowel function and hospital stay. A random‐effects model was applied.

Results:

Nine randomized controlled trials were included. Restrictive fluid amount (odds ratio (OR) 0·41 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·22 to 0·77); P = 0·005) and goal‐directed fluid therapy by means of oesophageal Doppler‐derived variables (OR 0·43 (95 per cent c.i. 0·26 to 0·71); P = 0·001) significantly reduced overall morbidity. There were no significant differences in the secondary endpoints analysed.

Conclusion:

Using standardized definitions, this meta‐analysis suggests that restrictive rather than standard fluid amount according to current textbook opinion, and goal‐directed fluid therapy rather than fluid therapy guided by conventional haemodynamic variables, reduce morbidity after colorectal resection. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Nationwide trends in the incidence and outcome of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumour in the imatinib era

Background

The incidence, treatment and outcome of patients with newly diagnosed gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) were studied in an era known for advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

Nationwide population‐based data were retrieved from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. All patients with GIST diagnosed between 2001 and 2012 were included. Primary treatment, defined as any treatment within the first 6–9 months after diagnosis, was studied. Age‐standardized incidence was calculated according to the European standard population. Changes in incidence were evaluated by calculating the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). Relative survival was used for survival calculations with follow‐up available to January 2017.

Results

A total of 1749 patients (54·0 per cent male and median age 66 years) were diagnosed with a GIST. The incidence of non‐metastatic GIST increased from 3·1 per million person‐years in 2001 to 7·0 per million person‐years in 2012; the EAPC was 7·1 (95 per cent c.i. 4·1 to 10·2) per cent (P < 0·001). The incidence of primary metastatic GIST was 1·3 per million person‐years, in both 2001 and 2012. The 5‐year relative survival rate increased from 71·0 per cent in 2001–2004 to 81·4 per cent in 2009–2012. Women had a better outcome than men. Overall, patients with primary metastatic GIST had a 5‐year relative survival rate of 48·2 (95 per cent c.i. 42·0 to 54·2) per cent compared with 88·8 (86·0 to 91·4) per cent in those with non‐metastatic GIST.

Conclusion

This population‐based nationwide study found an incidence of GIST in the Netherlands of approximately 8 per million person‐years. One in five patients presented with metastatic disease, but relative survival improved significantly over time for all patients with GIST in the imatinib era.