Gallbladder perforation: Diagnostic accuracy of new CT difficulty score in predicting complicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PURPOSE: To formulate and evaluate the diagnostic performance and utility of a new CT difficulty score in predicting difficult laparoscopic surgery in cases of gallbladder (GB) perforation. METHODS: This prospective single centre study included a total of 48 diagnosed cases of GB perforation on CT between December 2021 and June 2023, out of which 24 patients were operated. A new 6-point CT difficulty scoring system was devised to predict difficult laparoscopic approach, based on patterns of inflammation around the perforated GB that were found to be surgically relevant. The pre-operative imaging findings on CT were studied in detail and correlation coefficients of various imaging findings were calculated to predict difficult surgery. RESULTS: On CECT, the type of perforation, according to the revised Niemeier's classification could be exactly delineated in all 48 patients. A CT difficulty score of ≥ 3 was found to a good predictor difficult laparoscopic approach, with statistical significance (p = 0.001), sensitivity of 94.44%, specificity of 83.33%, PPV of 94.44% and NPV of 83.33%. Inflammatory changes around duodenum showed maximum correlation coefficient of 0.744 (p = 0.0001), around colon showed a correlation coefficient of 0.657 (p = 0.0005), and in the omentum had a correlation coefficient of 0.5 (p = 0.013)). Inter-observer agreement was also calculated for various findings and it was found to have moderate to strong agreement (κ value 0.5-1.0). CONCLUSION: The CT difficulty scoring system can be an effective tool in predicting difficult laparoscopic surgery in cases of GB perforation in an emergency setting which can help in decision making and improved patient outcome.

Short-term outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in minimally invasive oesophagectomy: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although fast-track treatment pathways are well established in colorectal surgeries, their role in oesophageal resections has not been well studied. This study aims to prospectively evaluate the short-term outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in patients undergoing minimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIE) for oesophageal malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied a prospective cohort of 46 consecutive patients from January 2019 to June 2022 who underwent MIE for oesophageal malignancy. The ERAS protocol mainly consists of pre-operative counselling, pre-operative carbohydrate loading, multimodal analgesia, early mobilisation, enteral nutrition and initiation oral feed. Principal outcome measures were the length of post-operative hospital stay, complication rate, mortality rate and 30-day readmission rate. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of patients was 49.5 (42, 62) years, and 52.2% were female. The median (IQR) post-operative day of intercoastal drain removal and initiation of oral feed was 4 (3, 4) and 4 (4, 6) days, respectively. The median (IQR) length of hospital stay was 6 (6.0, 7.25) days, with a 30-day readmission rate of 6.5%. The overall complication rate was 45.6%, with a major complication (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) rate of 10.9%. Compliance with the ERAS protocol was 86.9%, and the incidence of major complications was associated with failure to follow the protocol ( P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: ERAS protocol in minimally invasive oesophagectomy is feasible and safe. This may result in early recovery with shortened length of hospital stay without an increase in complication and readmission rates.

Left hepatectomy for hepatic hydatid cyst with intra-biliary rupture: Better to be radical.

Echinococcal liver cysts are predominantly located in the right lobe of the liver and are mostly asymptomatic. A frank intra-biliary rupture (IBR) of hydatid cyst is uncommon, having variable clinical presentation and treatment options. We present a case of a 60-year-old male patient who presented with pain in the upper abdomen associated with vomiting but without jaundice. On investigations, he was diagnosed to have a left lobe hepatic hydatid cyst (HHC) with IBR for which left hepatectomy with bile duct exploration was performed. It highlights the benign nature of the disease for which seldom major hepatectomies have to be performed.

Jejunal mucinous adenocarcinoma: Unusual presentation of a rare pathology.

Mucinous adenocarcinoma of jejunum is a rare tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients usually present after fifth decade of their life with non-specific symptoms. Delayed diagnosis is commonplace and often the reason for advanced disease and poor prognosis. These tumors may masquerade as other common malignancies, with a conclusive diagnosis only after the final histopathological examination. We present a case of jejunal mucinous adenocarcinoma, disguised as cecal malignancy, in an old female patient, managed with radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. The report reiterates that the mucinous variant of jejunal adenocarcinoma is a rare pathology with an unusual advanced presentation.

Total robotic choledochal cyst excision with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in adults.

INTRODUCTION: Choledochal cyst (CDC) excision with bilio-enteric anastomosis has been reported by a laparoscopic approach. With the advent of robotic surgery, it is likely to simplify the performance of such complex procedures. Herein, we present our technique of total robotic CDC excision with intra-corporeal Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ). METHODS: The patient was placed in a reverse Trendelenburg position. The robotic ports were placed in a "C"-shaped manner, with the camera port placed ~2 cm below the umbilicus. A 12-mm assistant port was placed in between the camera and the left-sided robotic port. Robotic dissection and excision of extrahepatic part CDC were performed, and subsequently, intra-corporeal robotic RYHJ with jejunojejunostomy was completed. Intra-operatively, indocyanine green dye was used to delineate the biliary anatomy and to check the anastomotic integrity. RESULTS: All three patients were female with a median age of 21 (18-34) years. Two patients had type IVa, and one had a mixed variant of type I(C) with type VI. The median operative time was 420 min, whereas docking and console time was 22 (20-25) min and 400 (360-450) min, respectively. The median blood loss and length of hospital stay were 50 (50-100) ml and 6 (5-6) days, respectively. One patient has mild acute pancreatitis in the post-operative period, which was managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Robotic CDC excision and reconstruction seem to be a safe, feasible, and effective surgical option that provides the benefits of minimal access surgery but also greatly aids in complex dissection and reconstruction.

Total robotic lateral pancreaticojejunostomy and modified Frey's procedure for chronic calcific pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical intervention has been shown to have good post-operative outcomes in patients with chronic pancreatitis with pain refractory to oral analgesics. We present our initial experience with robotic lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) and modified Frey's procedure (MFP). METHODOLOGY: Patients with chronic calcific pancreatitis were evaluated with routine biochemical and radiological investigations. The indication of surgery was intractable pain which was recorded by an Intensity Frequency, Consequence (IFC) pain score. The patient was placed in a reverse Trendelenburg position with four 8-mm robotic ports and one 12-mm assistant port. Robotic ultrasound was utilized to identify the pancreatic duct. After retrieving all the calculi, which was confirmed by pancreatoscopy with the help of a video choledochoscope and performing the head coring in particular cases, the Roux-en-Y LPJ was performed. RESULTS: Among five patients (4 males, one female), robotic LPJ was performed in 2 and MFP in 3 patients. The cohort's median age was 32 (interquartile range (IQR), 28, 40) years, and the median (IQR) pancreatic duct size was 9 (9, 13) mm. The median (IQR) duration of the procedure was 385 (380, 405) minutes, with a median (IQR) blood loss of 100 (50-100) ml, and the patients were discharged on median post-operative day 5. The patients continue to do well at a median follow-up of 3-30 months without the requirement of oral analgesics. CONCLUSION: Robotic LPJ and MFP are feasible in experienced hands with good post-operative outcomes and enhanced quality of life. Intra-operative pancreatoscopy with the help of a choledochoscope can be utilized to ascertain the complete clearance of pancreatic duct stones and the consequent pain relief.

Management of Obscurely Dilated Common Bile Duct with Normal Liver Function Tests: A Pragmatic Approach.

OBJECTIVE: Dilated common bile duct (CBD) (8-15 mm) with normal liver function tests is seen not infrequently, while management of such patients is ambiguous. We propose a treatment algorithm for this cohort of patients after observing them over a period of 8 years. METHODS: Seventy-eight such patients were managed from 2009 to 2017 and categorized as: Group A-dilated CBD with post-cholecystectomy status (n = 15); B-dilated CBD with cholelithiasis (n = 34); C-dilated CBD without cholelithiasis (n = 16); D-dilated CBD with no cause identified and underwent CBD excision (n = 13). Causes for CBD dilatation were evaluated. The outcome of patients in Group B + C without any cause (n = 33) was compared with Group D. RESULT: Median age, CBD diameter, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were 51 years (13-79), 10 mm (8-20), 0.6 mg/dl (0.2-2.5) and 126 IU (60-214), respectively. Group-A patients who did not manifest any cause of CBD dilatation were managed conservatively. The aetiology was identified in 17/50 patients in Group B & C [acute pancreatitis (n = 6), passed CBD calculi (n = 3), perivaterian diverticulum (n = 3), viral aetiology (n = 4) and tumour (n-1)]. In Group-C, 7 patients with no obvious cause underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy, pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 1), and the rest were managed conservatively (n = 8). There was no significant difference in the complication between Group B + C (without any cause) and Group D (3/33 vs. 1/13; p = 0.58) at a median follow-up of 72 months (30-90). CONCLUSION: Dilated CBD with normal LFT's without apparent cause is mostly benign and of no consequence. Excision of the CBD is not required for most of these patients.

Management options for post-esophagectomy chylothorax.

Chylothorax, although an uncommon complication of esophagectomy, is associated with high morbidity and mortality if not treated promptly. Consequently, knowledge of the thoracic duct (TD) anatomy is essential to prevent its inadvertent injury during surgery. If the TD is injured, early diagnosis and immediate intervention are of paramount importance; however, there is still no universal consensus about the management of post-operative chylothorax. With increasing advances in the spheres of interventional radiology and minimally invasive surgery, there are now several options for managing TD injury. We review this topic in detail to provide a comprehensive and practical overview to help surgeons manage this challenging complication. In particular, we discuss an appropriate step-up approach to prevent the morbidity associated with open surgery as well as the metabolic, nutritional, and immunological disorders that accompany a prolonged illness.

Laparoscopic retrieval of impacted and broken dormia basket using a novel approach.

We encountered a 73-year-old patient who presented with right upper abdominal pain and jaundice. On evaluation, he was found to have cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was attempted, but during the procedure, the wire snapped and the dormia basket got retained in the common bile duct (CBD). Laparoscopic CBD exploration was performed and the basket with calculus was found impacted in the lower CBD. The basket was disengaged by holding its tip through another dormia introduced through choledochoscope and basket with all calculi retrieved. Clearance of CBD was ascertained with choledochoscopy and CBD was closed primarily. He did well in the post-operative period and was discharged on the 5th post-operative day. At 1-year follow-up, the patient was doing well. Laparoscopic CBD exploration is a feasible and safe option for the retained dormia basket. We utilised the 'dormia with dormia technique' to retrieve the impacted basket which has not been reported before.

Early recurrence after laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy in a patient with gallbladder cancer.

Laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy for gallbladder cancer (GBC) has been performed at various oncology centres reporting its technical feasibility. Considering GBC an aggressive malignancy, laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy should be dealt with caution. We recently encountered a case of carcinoma gallbladder who underwent laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy elsewhere and presented with early recurrence. The patient's records were evaluated and he underwent re-resection. Hereby, we discuss the factors that could lead to early recurrence after laparoscopic radical cholecystectomy and measures that can be taken to prevent it.

Utilization of Gastric Conduit in the Management of Combined Corrosive Esophageal and Stomach Stricture.

BACKGROUND: Corrosive stricture of esophagus may be associated with variable involvement of stomach. We analyzed the outcome of gastric conduit used in the management of corrosive esophageal stricture with concomitant antro-pyloric stricture. STUDY DESIGN: Among 101 esophageal replacements performed, 53 patients had combined esophagus and stomach strictures. Colon was used as a conduit in 43 patients, while stomach was used in ten patients. Indications, perioperative complications and early/late outcomes of patients with gastric pull-up were reviewed and compared with those undergone colon pull-up. RESULTS: The indications of using gastric conduit were impromptu in four patients [colonic conduit ischemia (n = 2) and an oversight of antro-pyloric stricture after forming the gastric conduit (n = 2)]. Six patients had preconceived gastric conduit (distal antro-pyloric stricture with distended stomach). The median age was 29 years (range 16-50), and median BMI was 15.4 kg/m2 (range 14.5-20.1). The stomach was drained using loop gastrojejunostomy (n = 7) or Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (n = 3). One patient died due to sepsis secondary to anastomotic leak. Median hospital stay was 9 days (range 7-22). At median follow-up of 25 months (range 14-80), the remaining nine patients are able to have solid diet and have gained weight. The level of esophageal stricture was low (p = 0.01), and duration of surgery (p = 0.02) and median hospital stay (p = 0.04) were significantly less in patients with gastric conduit plus drainage as compared to patients undergone colonic pull-up. CONCLUSION: Gastric conduit in a subject with distal antro-pyloric stricture can be used safely along with gastrojejunostomy in selected patients of corrosive esophageal stricture.

Laparoscopic and open transhiatal oesophagectomy for corrosive stricture of the oesophagus: An experience.

BACKGROUND: Oesophagectomy for corrosive stricture of the oesophagus (CSE) is rarely performed due to high risk of iatrogenic complications. The aims of this study were to review our experience of transhiatal oesophagectomy (THE) in patients with CSE as well as to compare results of open and laparoscopic methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data of patients with CSE who underwent open transhiatal oesophagectomy (OTE) or laparoscopic-assisted transhiatal oesophagectomy (LATE) by a single surgical team from 2012 to 2016. All study patients had either failed endoscopic dilatation or had a long stricture which was not amenable to endoscopic dilatation. RESULTS: Totally, 35 patients were included in the study, of which 19 (54.3%) were female. OTE was performed in 20 (57%) patients, and LATE was performed in 15 (43%) patients. Gastric and colonic conduits were used in 23 (65.7%) and 10 (34.3%) patients, respectively. Demographic and clinical parameters were comparable between LATE and OTE groups (P > 0.05). Median intra-operative blood loss, post-operative requirement of analgesic and hospital stay were lower in LATE group (P ≤ 0.05). There was no hospital mortality (30 days), but three patients (8.6%) died during a median follow-up of 36 months. CONCLUSION: THE is a safe procedure for patients with CSE, and LATE may be an alternative approach in selected patients.

Thoracoscopic oesophagectomy for end-stage achalasia.

Achalasia cardia is an oesophageal motility disorder characterised by aperistalsis and failure of relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. The management is predominantly palliative with focus on addressing the sphincter that involves either pneumatic dilatation or Heller myotomy which relieves dysphagia in the majority of the cases. End-stage achalasia (ESA) is characterised by failed myotomy, massively dilated and tortuous oesophagus with nutritional deterioration due to progressive dysphagia and vomiting. In these subgroups of patients, oesophagectomy may be the last resort. While oesophagectomy has been described for ESA before, thoracoscopic oesophagectomy has not been reported previously. Hereby, we report our experience of performing minimally invasive oesophagectomy (thoracoscopic) with the gastric pull-up.

Step-Down Approach for Pharyngoesophageal Corrosive Stricture: Outcome and Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pharyngoesophageal stricture (PES) is an Achilles' heel in the management of corrosive injury. Advances in endoscopic techniques were utilized in its management. We classified the stricture as per its dilatability and then planned their treatment. METHODS: PES was sub-categorized based on endoscopic dilatation and availability of cervical oesophagus: group-1 stricture with available cervical oesophagus; group-2 stricture with some part of upper oesophagus made available after endoscopic dilatation and anastomosis in cervico-pharyngeal area; group-3 stricture not amenable for dilatation, anastomosis done at the pharynx. Endoscopic dilatation was performed using through-the-scope pyloric balloon. Number and duration of dilatation sessions before surgery, incidence of tracheostomy, time and incidence for re-stricture and present status of swallowing were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 226 patients managed, 46 underwent oesophageal replacement for PES. Group 1, 2 and 3 had 12, 14 and 20 patients, respectively. An average 3 (2-4) preoperative balloon dilatation sessions were performed over 6-8 weeks. Tracheostomy was required in 1, 0, 8 patients (p = 0.010), and median hospital stay was 10, 9 and 13 days (p = 0.09) in group 1, 2, 3, respectively. Re-stricture developed in 4/12, 4/14, 9/20 patients with average sessions of dilatation required in post-operative period was 4, 3.5 and 8 in group 1, 2, 3, respectively. >90% of patients are taking normal diet in each group. CONCLUSION: We attempted to avoid the high anastomosis by dilating the PES and step down the level of anastomosis in two-third patients. We thereby avoided tracheostomy, aspiration and swallowing problems related to high strictures.