Epidemiology of pyogenic liver abscesses in Germany: Analysis of incidence, risk factors and mortality rate based on routine data from statutory health insurance.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) represent potentially life-threatening abdominal conditions that require immediate diagnosis and therapy. European and American incidence figures vary between one and 15 per 100,000 per year. Structured epidemiological data for European countries are not available. OBJECTIVE: To systematically characterize the epidemiology and clinical outcome of PLA in Germany. METHODS: In representative statutory health insurance data from four million people in 2013-2019, the prevalence and incidence with clinical coding of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD)-10 code K75.0 were selected (n = 1118). Furthermore, demographics, relevant comorbidities, hospitalizations, mortality and complications were determined within one year. RESULTS: The incidence of PLA was approximately seven per 100,000. The average age at diagnosis was 66 years; 65% were male. Of these, biliary disease was documented in over 60% and infectious intestinal diseases were found in 21% within the same or previous calendar year. PLA patients had high comorbidity indices. Liver transplant status, malignancies of the liver and biliary system, liver cirrhosis and pancreatitis were strongly associated. Intensive care was documented in 27% of PLA cases. Nine percent died within 12 months, most with an underlying malignant disease. CONCLUSION: Pyogenic liver abscess is a rare disease with high morbidity. Predisposing and risk factors include intestinal and biliary diseases as well as hepatic malignancies. Further research should focus on PLA therapy within prospective surveys and controlled clinical trials.

Asociación entre los factores socioeconómicos y las complicaciones postoperatorias de la colecistectomía / Association between socioeconomic factors and postoperative complications of cholecystectomy

El objetivo de este artículo es determinar si los factores socioeconómicos inciden en las complicaciones posoperatorias de la colecistectomía. Para ello, se definió realizar un estudio de tipo observacional, analítico y enfoque cuantitativo, en 100 pacientes en los que se les realizó colecistectomía. Se aplicó un modelo de regresión logística en el que se incorporaron como variables, factores de riesgo, características socioeconómicas, junto con una variable de control. Se aplicaron tres modelos con variables dependientes alternativas que están delimitadas por el tipo de complicación posoperatoria registrado. Los resultados encontrados mostraron que las mujeres manifiestan un mayor riesgo de presentar complicaciones posteriores a la colecistectomía, igual ocurre en los pacientes de mayor edad. Asimismo el riesgo es mucho menor en las personas con niveles de educación superior y en los pacientes en los que se realizó colecistectomía laparoscópica, alcanzando solo un 5% de riesgo de presentar complicaciones. Las complicaciones posoperatorias luego de la colecistectomía se minimizan al emplear la técnica laparoscópica y los factores socioeconómicos incidirían en el riesgo de padecer complicaciones posoperatorias luego de dicha cirugía, lo que la convierte a la colecistectomía laparoscópica en una operación segura y con muchos otros beneficios y ventajas sobre la cirugía tradicional o convencional.

The article ́s goal isto determine if socioeconomic factors influence the postoperative complications of cholecystectomy. For this, the observational study was defined, analytical and quantitative study was conducted in 100 patients who underwent cholecystectomy. A logistic regression model was applied in which risk factors, socioeconomic characteristics, along with a control variable, were incorporated as variables. Three models were run with alternative dependent variables that are delimited by the type of postoperative complication recorded. The results found showed that women show a higher risk of presenting complications after cholecystectomy, the same occurs in older patients. Likewise, the risk is much lower in people with higher education levels and in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, they only have a 5% risk of presenting complications. Postoperative complications after cholecystectomy are minimized by using the laparoscopic technique and socioeconomic factors would influence the risk of suffering postoperative complications after said surgery, which makes laparoscopic cholecystectomy a safe operation with many other benefits and advantages over traditional or conventional surgery.

Costs Associated With Early Vascular and Biliary Complications in Liver-Transplanted Patients in a Hospital in Antioquia, Colombia 2019: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: Vascular and biliary complications associated with liver transplants involve high morbidity and mortality as well as cost overrun for health systems. Efforts to prioritize their prevention require not only clinical information but also information on costs that reflect the economic burden on health systems. The objective of this study was to describe cost overrun incurred from early vascular and biliary complications after liver transplant. METHODS: This cases series included liver transplant patients treated at the San Vicente Foundation University Hospital, Rionegro, Antioquia, from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018. All liver transplant patients treated during the above period were included; the absence of clinical records on the variables of interest was considered the exclusion criterion. A probabilistic analysis of patient cost was performed. Monte Carlo simulations as well as a 1-way sensitivity analysis per transplant cost component were performed. RESULTS: Records from 154 patients were assessed. The average patient age was 56.9 (SD 10.9) years; 42.9% of patients were women. Of all, 36.4% patients were classified as Child C, and the average Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 19.6. The average cost for patients without complications was $27 834.82, whereas that for patients with early vascular complications was $36 747.83 and for those with early biliary complications was $38 523.74. CONCLUSION: Early vascular and biliary complications after liver transplant increase healthcare costs, with the increase being significant in patients with biliary complications.

Biliary leakage following pancreaticoduodenectomy: Prevalence, risk factors and management.

BACKGROUND: Few studies investigated biliary leakage after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) especially when compared to postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). This study was to determine the incidence of biliary leakage after PD, predisposing factors of biliary leakage, and its management. METHODS: We retrospectively studied all patients who underwent PD from January 2008 to December 2017 at Gastrointestinal Surgery Center, Mansoura University, Egypt. According to occurrence of postoperative biliary leakage, patients were divided into two groups. Group (1) included patients who developed biliary leakage and group (2) included patients without identified biliary leakage. The preoperative data, operative details, and postoperative morbidity and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 555 patients. Forty-four patients (7.9%) developed biliary leakage. Ten patients (1.8%) had concomitant POPF. Multivariate analysis identified obesity and time needed for hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction as independent risk factors of biliary leakage, and no history of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatiography (ERCP) as protective factor. Biliary leakage from hepaticojejunostomy after PD leads to a significant increase in development of delayed gastric emptying, and wound infection. The median hospital stay and time to resume oral intake were significantly greater in the biliary leakage group. Non-surgical management was needed in 40 patients (90.9%). Only 4 patients (9.1%) required re-exploration due to biliary peritonitis and associated POPF. The mortality rate in the biliary leakage group was significantly higher than that of the non-biliary leakage group (6.8% vs 3.9%, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and time needed for hepaticojejunostomy reconstruction are independent risk factors of biliary leakage, and no history of preoperative ERCP is protective factor. Biliary leakage increases the risk of morbidity and mortality especially if concomitant with POPF. However, biliary leakage can be conservatively managed in majority of cases.

A literature-based cost analysis of tissue plasminogen activator for prevention of biliary stricture in donation after circulatory death liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to approximate the cost-effectiveness of tPA utilization for prevention of biliary strictures (PTBS) in donation after circulatory death liver transplantation (DCD-LT). METHODS: Previously-reported PTBS rates in DCD-LT with and without tPA were used to calculate the number needed to treat (NNT) for prevention of one PTBS. The incremental cost of PTBS was then used to determine the cost effectiveness of tPA for prevention of PTBS. RESULTS: The incidence of PTBS in the setting of tPA administration was 20%, while incidence in patients without tPA use was 43% (p < 0.001). Meta-analysis demonstrated a risk reduction of 15.7%, which translated into a NNT of 6.4. Cost associated with treating 6.4 patients was $50,353. Based on an incremental cost of $81,888 associated with PTBS management, use of tPA in DCD-LT protocols was estimated to save $31,528 per PTBS prevented. CONCLUSION: Utilization of tPA in DCD-LT protocols represents one possible cost-effective strategy for prevention of PTBS in DCD-LT.

Understanding drivers of hospital charge variation for episodes of care among patients undergoing hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.

BACKGROUND: Understanding factors associated with variation in hospital charges may help identify means to increase savings. The aim of the present study was to define potential variation in hospital charges associated with hepatopancreatobiliary(HPB) surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent an HPB procedure between 2009-2013 were identified. Total hospital charges were tabulated for room and board, surgical/anaesthesia services, medications, laboratory/radiology services and other miscellaneous charges. RESULTS: Approximately 2545 patients underwent either a pancreas (66.8%) or liver/biliary (33.2%) resection. The mean total charges for all patients were $42,357 ± 33,745 (pancreas: $46,352 ± 34,932 versus the liver: $34,303 ± 29,639; P < 0.001). Morbidity (pancreas, range: 7-18%; liver, range: 9-18%) and observed:expected (O:E) length of stay (LOS)(pancreas, range: 0.67-1.64; liver, range: 1.06-3.35) varied among providers (both P < 0.001). While a peri-operative complication resulted in increased total hospital charges (complication: $66,401 ± 55,124 versus no complication: $39,668 ± 29,250; P < 0.001), total charges remained variable even among patients who did not experience a complication (P < 0.001). Surgeons within the lowest quartile of O:E LOS had lower total charges ($33 879 ± $27 398) versus surgeons in the highest quartile ($49,498 ± 40 971) (P < 0.001). Surgeons with the highest O:E LOS had higher across-the-board charges (operating room, highest quartile: $10,514 ± $4496 versus lowest quartile: $7842 ± $3706; medication, highest quartile: $1796 ± $3799 versus lowest quartile: $925 ± $2211; radiology, highest quartile: $2494 ± $4683 versus lowest quartile: $1424 ± $3247; P = 0.001; laboratory, highest quartile: $4236 ± $5991 versus lowest quartile: $3028 ± $3804; all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After accounting for in-hospital complications, the total mean hospital charges for HPB surgery remained variable by case type and provider. While the variation in charges was associated with LOS, provider-level differences in across-the-board charges were also noted.

Biliary complications in pediatric liver transplantation: Incidence and management over a decade.

This study analyzed how features of a liver graft and the technique of biliary reconstruction interact to affect biliary complications in pediatric liver transplantation. A retrospective analysis was performed of data collected from 2001 to 2011 in a single high-volume North American pediatric transplant center. The study cohort comprised 173 pediatric recipients, 75 living donor (LD) and 98 deceased donor (DD) recipients. The median follow-up was 70 months. Twenty-nine (16.7%) patients suffered a biliary complication. The majority of leaks (9/12, 75.0%) and the majority of strictures (18/22, 81.8%) were anastomotic. There was no difference in the rate of biliary complications associated with DD (18.4%) and LD (14.7%) grafts (P = 0.55). Roux-en-Y (RY) reconstruction was associated with a significantly lower rate of biliary complications compared to duct-to-duct reconstruction (13.3% versus 28.2%, respectively; P = 0.048). RY anastomosis was the only significant factor protecting from biliary complications in our population (hazard ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.85). The leaks were managed primarily by relaparotomy (10/12, 83.3%), and the majority of strictures were managed by percutaneous biliary intervention (14/22, 63.6%). Patients suffering biliary complications had inferior graft survival (P = 0.04) at 1, 5, and 10 years compared to patients without biliary complications. Our analysis demonstrates a lower incidence of biliary complications with RY biliary reconstruction, and patients with biliary complications have decreased graft survival.

Burden of digestive diseases in Portugal: trends in hospitalizations between 2000 and 2010.

OBJECTIVE: Data on the burden of gastrointestinal diseases are incomplete, particularly in Southern European countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the burden of digestive diseases in Portugal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study based on the national hospitalizations database that identified all consecutive episodes with a first diagnosis of a digestive disease between 2000 and 2010 using ICD-9-CM codes. Comparative analyses were carried out to assess hospitalization trends of major indicators over time and across regions. RESULTS: More than 75,000 deaths attributable to digestive diseases were observed, representing 16% of the overall in-hospital mortality. Over half of these (59%) were premature deaths (in patients <75 years of age). Biliary tract disease was the most common digestive disorder leading to hospitalization (249,817 episodes, 5210 episodes of acute stone-related cholecystitis in 2010, with an 11% increase compared with 2000). Gastric cancer was responsible for the highest number of in-hospital deaths (10,278) and alcohol-related liver disorders accounted for the highest in-hospital premature deaths (7572). Both costs and the in-hospital mortality rate for major digestive diseases showed a significant positive relation with progression of time (ß=0.195, P<0.001); however, when adjusted for age, this was not significant. Significant positive associations were found between age and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio=1.032, P<0.001) and between costs and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio=1.054, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In Portugal, digestive diseases represent a major burden, with evidence of an increasing trend. An ageing population contributes strongly towards this increase, placing further demands on healthcare organizations. Diseases such as gastric cancer, biliary tract disease and alcohol-related liver disorders may require particular attention.

Ultrasonography assessment of hepatobiliary abnormalities in 3359 subjects with Opisthorchis viverrini infection in endemic areas of Thailand.

A cross sectional study on hepatobiliary abnormalities in opisthorchiasis was performed in 8936 males and females aged from 20 to 60 years from 90 villages of Khon Kaen province, Northeast Thailand. All were stool-examined for Opisthorchis viverrini infection by standard quantitative formalin/ethyl acetate concentration technique. Of these, 3359 participants with stool egg positive underwent ultrasonography of the upper abdomen. The hepatobiliary abnormalities detected by ultrasound are described here. This study found a significantly higher frequency of advanced periductal fibrosis in persons with chronic opisthorchiasis (23.6%), particularly in males. Risks of the fibrosis included intensity of infection, and age younger than 30 years. Height of left lobe of the liver, cross-section of the gallbladder dimensions post fatty meal, sludge, and, interestingly, intrahepatic duct stones were significantly associated with the advanced periductal fibrosis. Eleven suspected cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cases were observed. This study emphasizes the current status of high O. viverrini infection rate and the existence of hepatobiliary abnormalities including suspected CCA in opisthorchiasis endemic areas of Thailand.

[Assessment of a occupatiental risk for abnormalities of the urinary and hepatobiliary systems and the reproductive health status in metallurgists].

Two hundred metallurgists and 190 administrators underwent comprehensive examination to assess a risk for abnormalities of the excretory and reproductive function systems: an urologist's examination, ultrasonography, urinalysis, and serum tests. Spermograms and testosterone levels were studied to evaluate reproductive function. Major biochemical functions of the liver were investigated. The metallurgists were ascertained to be at high risk for urogenital and hepatobiliary diseases. The maximum prevalence of urolithiasis was noted in steel founders and rollers. The criteria for early diagnosis and a risk for urolithiasis in metallurgists may include elevated blood uric acid levels and a higher resistance index. There was reproductive dysfunction, namely: increased spermatic viscosity, reduced motility of spermatozoa, lower testosterone levels.

Making cost-effectiveness analyses clinically relevant: the effect of provider expertise and biliary disease prevalence on the economic comparison of alternative diagnostic strategies.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to assess the incremental cost-effectiveness of initial magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and initial endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) compared with initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and to evaluate the effect of MRCP provider expertise on the relative cost-effectiveness of the three methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with suspected biliary disease and referred for ERCP were prospectively evaluated with EUS, MRCP, or ERCP within 24 hours of referral, according to institutional review board-approved protocol. Performance characteristics were measured for EUS and MRCP, with ERCP as the reference standard. A decision analysis compared the clinical and economic effects of three diagnostic strategies (ERCP, EUS followed by ERCP [EUS-ERCP], and MRCP followed by ERCP [MRCP-ERCP]) using prospective EUS and MRCP test characteristics and Medicare reimbursements. The added costs per additional correct diagnosis and per additional false-positive finding averted and the rates and costs of ERCP-related complications were calculated for EUS-ERCP and MRCP-ERCP. Two additional MRCP readers reviewed MRCP data to evaluate interobserver variability and estimate provider expertise. Additional economic analyses incorporated these estimates. RESULTS: Compared with initial ERCP, EUS-ERCP demonstrated 72% of biliary abnormalities and reduced ERCP-related complications by 60%; the corresponding percentages for MRCP-ERCP were 48% and 40%. Initial EUS and initial MRCP decreased the number of ERCP procedures performed by 69% and 49%, respectively. Each correct diagnosis made with ERCP that would not have been made with initial EUS or initial MRCP cost an additional 4,875 dollars or 2,580 dollars, respectively. Each false-positive diagnosis averted with initial ERCP that would have been made with EUS-ERCP or MRCP-ERCP cost an additional 9,750 dollars or 1,548 dollars, respectively. The decision model was most sensitive to disease prevalence. As provider expertise increased, the additional cost of an additional correct diagnosis increased for ERCP compared with MRCP-ERCP, with disease prevalence accentuating provider effects. CONCLUSION: Initial EUS and initial MRCP are less costly than initial ERCP, but provider expertise, biliary disease prevalence, and procedural costs influence incremental cost-effectiveness.

Incidence and management of biliary complications after 291 liver transplants following the introduction of transcystic stenting.

BACKGROUND: Biliary complications occur frequently after liver transplantation, and many are historically related to T tubes. Stents placed through the donor cystic duct have been used to attempt to reduce tube-related complications yet maintain access to the biliary tree. METHODS: The outcomes of all liver transplant procedures performed at the University of Michigan between December 7, 1990 (when transcystic stenting was first used), and April 6, 1995, were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative variables were studied in relationship to biliary complications. The management of complications was also reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 291 transplants qualified for study. The overall biliary complication rate was 25%, with no difference between the 237 patients who received transcystic stents, the 28 who received T tubes, and the 26 who received no tube. Among the complications patients experienced, 65% had stricture(s), 44% had stone or sludge formation, and 40% had a leak. Complications attributable solely to transcystic stents occurred in 4% of cases. Advanced age was the only preoperative variable associated with complications. Primary sclerosing cholangitis was associated with intrahepatic strictures, and prolonged cold ischemia time and rejection were associated with stone or sludge formation. Nonoperative management had the highest success rate for anastomotic stricture (76%) and the lowest for intrahepatic strictures (65%). Only one death was directly attributable to a biliary complication. CONCLUSION: Transcystic stenting reduces the incidence of significant tube-related complications, but not the frequency of other biliary complications. Biliary complications can usually be managed percutaneously or endoscopically, although intrahepatic strictures and large, early leaks frequently require reoperation. Aggressive, early management of these complications can reduce excess mortality to less than 2%.

The incidence, timing, and management of biliary tract complications after orthotopic liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the incidence and timing of biliary tract complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) in 1792 consecutive patients. These results were then compared with those of previously reported series. Finally, recommendations were made on appropriate management strategies. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Technical complications after OLTx have a significant impact on patient and graft survival. One of the principal technical advances has been the standardization of techniques for biliary reconstruction. Nonetheless, biliary complications still occur. A 1983 report from the University of Pittsburgh reported biliary complications in 19% of all transplants, and an update in 1987 reported biliary complications in 13.2% of transplants. METHODS: The medical records of all patients who underwent liver transplantation and were hospitalized between January 1, 1988 and July 31, 1991 were reviewed. The case material consisted of the medical records of 217 patients treated for 245 biliary complications. RESULTS: Primary biliary continuity was established by either choledochocholedochostomy over a T-tube (C-C, n = 129) or a Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy with an internal stent (C-RY, n = 85). The overall incidence for biliary complication in this large series was 11.5%. Strictures (n = 93) and bile leak (n = 58) were the most common complications (69.6%). Most biliary complications (n = 143, 66%) occurred within the first 3 months after surgery. In general, leaks occurred early, and strictures developed later. Bile leaks were equally frequent in both C-C and C-RY (27.1% and 25.9%, respectively); strictures were more common after a C-RY type of reconstruction (36.4% and 52.9%, respectively). Twenty-one patients died, an incidence of 9.6%. Fifteen of the 21 biliary-related deaths were among patients treated for rejection before the recognition of biliary tract pathologic findings. CONCLUSIONS: Progress has been made on improving the results of biliary reconstruction after OLTx. Nonetheless, patients continue to experience biliary complications after OLTx, and these complications cause considerable loss of grafts and life. If significant additional improvement in patient and graft survival are to be obtained, the technical performance of OLTx must continue to improve.