Diagnostic accuracy of updated risk assessment criteria and development of novel computational prediction models for patients with suspected choledocholithiasis.

BACKGROUND: There are risks of choledocholithiasis in symptomatic gallstones, and some surgeons have proposed the identification of choledocholithiasis before cholecystectomy. Our goal was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the latest guidelines and create computational prediction models for the accurate prediction of choledocholithiasis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed symptomatic gallstone patients hospitalized with suspected choledocholithiasis. The diagnostic performance of 2019 and 2010 guidelines of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and 2019 guideline of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) in different risks. Lastly, we developed novel prediction models based on the preoperative predictors. RESULTS: A total of 1199 patients were identified and 681 (56.8%) had concurrent choledocholithiasis and were included in the analysis. The specificity of the 2019 ASGE, 2010 ASGE, and 2019 ESGE high-risk criteria was 85.91%, 72.2%, and 88.42%, respectively, and their positive predictive values were 85.5%, 77.4%, and 87.3%, respectively. For Mid-risk patients who followed 2019 ASGE about 61.8% of them did not have CBD stones in our study. On the choice of surgical procedure, laparoscopic cholecystectomy + laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration can be considered the optimal treatment choice for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis instead of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP). We build seven machine learning models and an AI diagnosis prediction model (ModelArts). The area under the receiver operating curve of the machine learning models was from 0.77 to 0.81. ModelArts AI model showed predictive accuracy of 0.97, recall of 0.97, precision of 0.971, and F1 score of 0.97, surpassing any other available methods. CONCLUSION: The 2019 ASGE guideline and 2019 ESGE guideline have demonstrated higher specificity and positive predictive value for high-risk criteria compared to the 2010 ASGE guideline. The excellent diagnostic performance of the new artificial intelligence prediction model may make it a better choice than traditional guidelines for managing patients with suspected choledocholithiasis in future.

Trends in same-admission cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for acute gallstone pancreatitis: A nationwide analysis across a decade.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Gallstones are the leading cause of acute pancreatitis in developed countries. National and international guidelines recommend that a cholecystectomy should be performed during the index hospitalization for acute gallstone pancreatitis. We aimed to delineate the national trends for same-admission cholecystectomy and ERCP for acute gallstone pancreatitis over the last ten years. METHODS: We used the 2004, 2009 and 2014 National Inpatient Sample database including patients with a principal diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and a secondary diagnosis of choledocholithiasis or cholelithiasis. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years and elective admission. Primary outcome was the trend in incidence rate of same admission cholecystectomy from 2004 to 2014. The secondary outcomes were: 10-year trend in 1) Incidence of gallstone pancreatitis, 2) proportion of gallstone pancreatitis compared to all other etiologies of acute pancreatitis, 3) incidence rate of same-admission ERCP, 4) length of hospital stay, and 5) total hospitalization costs and charges. RESULTS: The proportion of admissions during which a same-admission cholecystectomy was performed decreased from 48.7% in 2004 to 46.9% in 2009 to 45% in 2014 (trend p < 0.01). During the same time interval, the percentage of admissions during which an ERCP was performed decreased from 25.1% to 18.7% (Trend p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the guidelines for same-admission cholecystectomy for patients admitted with acute gallstone pancreatitis have been declining over the past decade. On the other hand, decline in rate of ERCP in patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis and no signs of cholangitis demonstrates adherence to guidelines in this regard.

Ursodeoxycholic acid for the prevention of symptomatic gallstone disease after bariatric surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (UPGRADE trial).

BACKGROUND: The number of bariatric interventions for morbid obesity is increasing worldwide. Rapid weight loss is a major risk factor for gallstone development. Approximately 11 % of patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass develop symptomatic gallstone disease. Gallstone disease can lead to severe complications and often requires hospitalization and surgery. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prevents the formation of gallstones after bariatric surgery. However, randomized controlled trials with symptomatic gallstone disease as primary endpoint have not been conducted. Currently, major guidelines make no definite statement about postoperative UDCA prophylaxis and most bariatric centers do not prescribe UDCA. METHODS: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind multicenter trial will be performed for which 980 patients will be included. The study population consists of consecutive patients scheduled to undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy in three bariatric centers in the Netherlands. Patients will undergo a preoperative ultrasound and randomization will be stratified for pre-existing gallstones and for type of surgery. The intervention group will receive UDCA 900 mg once daily for six months. The placebo group will receive similar-looking placebo tablets. The primary endpoint is symptomatic gallstone disease after 24 months, defined as admission or hospital visit for symptomatic gallstone disease. Secondary endpoints consist of the development of gallstones on ultrasound at 24 months, number of cholecystectomies, side-effects of UDCA and quality of life. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and budget impact analyses will be performed. DISCUSSION: The UPGRADE trial will answer the question whether UDCA reduces the incidence of symptomatic gallstone disease after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Furthermore it will determine if treatment with UDCA is cost-effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register (trialregister.nl) 6135 . Date registered: 21-Nov-2016.

Endoscopic assessment of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare chronic liver disease of unknown etiology for which the only known curative treatment is liver transplantation. The disease is defined by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts, causing biliary strictures and cholestasis. Common complications of the disease are the presence of biliary lithiasis requiring stone extraction, and development of dominant bile duct strictures requiring balloon dilatation and stent placement through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The increased development of cholangiocarcinoma is a dreaded complication in PSC, as it is often detected in an advanced stage and is associated with a poor prognosis. Several endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic ultrasound, confocal laser endomicroscopy and peroral cholangioscopy are applied in the management of PSC and detection of cholangiocarcinoma. Tissue sampling through different types of biopsies and biliary brush combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization are used to differentiate benign dominant strictures from biliary neoplasia. Nonetheless early detection of cholangiocarcinoma in PSC remains a clinical challenge requiring a specialized diagnostic workup. The aim of this review is to discuss the role of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy in management of PSC, providing an overview of current literature.

Changing demographics in laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in the United States: hospitalizations from 1998 to 2010.

In the clinical experience at a community hospital, younger patients appear to be receiving more laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The purpose of this study was to determine if LC is increasing in the younger patient population and if obesity is associated with the increase in LC. Patients undergoing LC were identified from the Healthcare Cost Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. There were 4,449,643 LCs from 1998 to 2010. Patients 15 to 24 years of age had the largest increase in LC (3.2%) and obesity (10.8%) from 1998 to 2010. In the 15- to 24-year age group, the following variables were associated with obesity: female, white, private payer, nonteaching hospital, urban location, southern region, large hospital bed size, and 3+ Charlson group, all P < 0.05. Additionally in the 15- to 24-year age group, median length of stay (nonobese 2 days vs obese 3 days) and median cost (nonobese $19,170 vs obese $22,802) were both increased (P < 0.001). The percentage of younger people having LC is increasing with highest increases in the obese population. The obese youth also have longer length of stay with an increase in hospital cost. These results suggest a rising disease burden associated with obesity among people ages 15 to 24 years. Gallstone disease burden will likely increase with the increase in prevalence of obesity and would add to healthcare economic burden.

Pancreaticobiliary complications after composite visceral transplantation: incidence, risk, and management strategies.

BACKGROUND: Combined liver/small-bowel (L/SB) and multivisceral (MV) transplantation has been increasingly used with significant improvement in outcome. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with pancreaticobiliary (PB) complications in this unique population. DESIGN AND SETTING: Single-center cohort study using a prospectively completed database. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: From May 1990 to November 2008, records of 271 consecutive patients who received 289 composite visceral grafts were retrospectively reviewed; 151 of the allografts were L/SB (52%) and the remaining 138 were MV. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Type, incidence, risk factors, clinical features, and management of PB complications. RESULTS: PB complications were diagnosed in 44 patients with an incidence of 16%. Biliary complications developed in 20 patients (ampullary stenosis in 9, bile duct casts/stones in 6, and bile duct leaks in 5), pancreatic complications occurred in 19 patients (necrotizing pancreatitis in 7, edematous pancreatitis in 6, and pancreatic duct fistulae in 6), and combined biliary and pancreatic complications occurred in 5 patients. The risk of PB complications was significantly higher in MV graft recipients compared with L/SB recipients with a rate of 25% compared with 9%, respectively. ERCP was instrumental in the diagnosis and/or treatment of ampullary stenosis, bile duct casts and stones, bile duct leaks, and recurrent acute pancreatitis. Combined endoscopic and surgical intervention was required in most cases of pancreatic duct fistulae. Surgical intervention was performed in patients with pancreatic allograft necrosis and complex anastomotic biliary leaks. LIMITATIONS: Single-center study. CONCLUSIONS: PB complications are common after composite visceral transplantation. Awareness of these complications is important to the transplantation team to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate intervention in an attempt to minimize morbidity and mortality.

Risk factors for gallstone-related hospitalization during pregnancy and the postpartum.

OBJECTIVES: Gallbladder disease is a leading nonobstetrical cause for hospitalization in the first year postpartum. The aim of this study was to define the incidence and risk factors for postpartum hospitalization as a result of gallstone-related disease. METHODS: We identified 6,670 women with discharge diagnoses related to biliary disease from linked birth certificate and hospital discharge databases for Washington State from 1987 through 2001. Cases were women with gallstone-related diagnoses at delivery or as primary diagnosis in the postpartum. Four controls who were within 1 yr postpartum were randomly selected for each case and matched for year of delivery. From the birth certificates, we obtained data about patient demographics, reproductive history, and pregnancy-related risk factors. In a retrospective case-control study, we developed multiple logistic regression models to identify independent risk factors for hospitalization. RESULTS: We identified 6,211 women as cases (0.5% of all births) during the study period. The median time to hospitalization was 95 days (interquartile range 46-191 days), with a median length of stay of 3 days. Seventy-six percent were diagnosed with uncomplicated cholelithiasis, 16% with pancreatitis, 9% with acute cholecystitis, and 8% with cholangitis. Seventy-three percent of hospitalized women underwent cholecystectomy, and 5% underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for hospitalization included maternal race, age, being overweight or obese prepregnancy, pregnancy weight gain, and estimated gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization for gallstone-related disease is common in the first year postpartum, most commonly for uncomplicated cholelithiasis. Risk factors for hospitalization include prepregnancy body mass index, race, Hispanic ethnicity, and maternal age.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in biliary surgery]. / L'antibioprophylaxie en chirurgie biliaire.

Prophylactic antibiotics in gallbladder surgery is designed to reduce the incidence of postoperative wound infections. Bacteria isolated from the biliary tract are generally the same as those found in the pus of wounds. Prospective and placebo-controlled trials have shown the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in high-risk patients presenting one or more of the following criteria: age over 70 years, recent episode of acute chollecystitis, emergency cholecystectomy, presence of common duct stones, jaundice or diabetes mellitus in patients with no risk factors for gallbladder surgery, prophylactic antibiotics may not be essential. The efficacy of antibiotics in the prevention of wound infections has been demonstrated with first, second and third generation cephalosporins, ampicillin associated with clavulanate, ureido-penicillins, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides and quinolones. A single injection of antibiotic given one hour before incision is as effective as multiple-dose regimens. Currently, the choice of antibiotic should be mainly based on its cost. There is no evidence at the present time for systematic prophylactic antibiotics in laparoscopic surgery. Endoscopic procedures of the biliary tract do not require prophylactic antibiotics when obstruction has not been demonstrated.

Overview of therapeutic modalities for the treatment of gallstone diseases.

The management of gallstone diseases has been revolutionized in less than 2 years by the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, the rapid adoption of LC has occurred without comparative randomized trials with other available therapies. Thus, the evaluation of LC versus other therapies can only be based on case series. The criteria used for this evaluation are clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and the patient's level of acceptance and satisfaction with the procedure. The techniques of both LC and open cholecystectomy (OC) have the advantage over other approaches, such as extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy or bile acid therapy, of eliminating not only the gallstones but also the gallbladder, thereby preventing recurrence of the disease. Additionally, medical therapies are effective in only a subgroup of patients. Since the complications of surgery are more frequent and more severe in older patients and, due to life expectancy, the risk of recurrence is lower in this population, cost-effectiveness analyses have shown that medical therapies may be preferable in older patients in the subgroup eligible for the respective medical therapies. Compared with OC, LC results in a reduction in hospital stay and time to return to work, in lower cost, and in higher patient satisfaction with the procedure. However, a major concern with the laparoscopic approach has been an increase in the incidence of bile duct injury, particularly during the learning phase of the procedure. Clearly, this problem must be solved. The development of training courses in laparoscopy and the adoption of rigorous criteria for ductal identification are critical in preventing such injuries. Bile duct injury can probably be reduced at least to the level of OC (about 1 in 1,000). Acute cholecystitis may also be treated by LC, but the safety and timing of surgery should be conclusively evaluated. Patients with gallbladder stones and choledocholithiasis are usually treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy either before or soon after laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic techniques of common bile duct exploration that will obviate the need for endoscopic sphincterotomy are in the developmental stages. When such a technique is available, comparative trials with endoscopic sphincterotomy will be necessary to assess the best approach.