Structured learning and mentoring: shortening the learning curve in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

BACKGROUND: Technological advances have made the laparoscopy procedure popular for simultaneous cholecystectomy and bile duct exploration. We aimed to assess the implementation of a structured mentorship program for training in laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). We explored the effectiveness thereof in facilitating the learning of LCBDE as a single-stage treatment of common bile duct stones (CBD) with gallbladder in situ. METHODS: The surgical databases of a mentor (experienced in LCBDE) and a mentee (new to LCBDE) were analyzed. The analysis retrospectively compared the mentor's first 100 cases (MF) with the mentee's first 100 (MEF) cases, and the mentor's last 100 cases (ML) with the mentee's initial cases. Data included demographics, technical details, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients underwent LCBDE. For MF vs. MEF (both n = 100), MF had a lower transcystic approach rate (5% vs. 70%; p < 0.001) than MEF. Postoperative median hospital stay was significantly shorter in the MEF group compared to the MF group (2 vs 5, p < 0.001). No mortality or significant complications were observed in either group. For ML (n = 100) vs. MEF, the ML group had a higher transcystic rate (87% vs. 70%; p = 0.005). No differences in mortality or conversion were observed between the groups. Bile leak was lower in the ML (3% vs. 6%, p = 0.498) group than the MEF group. Postoperative median hospital stay did not significantly differ between the ML and MEF group (1 vs 2 days, p = 0.952). CONCLUSIONS: Structured mentorship significantly influenced the successful adoption of LCBDE by the mentee, shortening the learning curve to provide outcomes in the first 100 cases, comparable to highly experienced centers. These results support the implementation of structured training and continuous mentoring to facilitate the learning curve of laparoscopic bile duct exploration.

Laparoscopic bile duct exploration during pregnancy: a multi-center case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The physiological changes of pregnancy increase the risk of gallstone formation and choledocholithiasis. Traditionally, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been the main approach for managing choledocholithiasis during pregnancy, but recent progress in laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) has demonstrated this technique as a safe and effective alternative option. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study of all patients who underwent LBDE during pregnancy from five centers with proven experience in LBDE between January 2010 and June 2020 was performed. The primary endpoint was to analyze the role of LBDE during pregnancy and to further characterize its position as a safe and effective alternative for the management of choledocholithiasis. A systematic review of the published literature relating to LBDE during pregnancy until February 2022 was also performed. RESULTS: Five institutions reported performing LBDE during pregnancy in 8 patients. Median surgical time was 75 min (range: 60-140 min). The bile duct was cleared successfully in all patients, and the median hospital stay was 2 days (range: 1-3 days). The literature review identified a total of 7 patients with a successful CBD clearance rate of 86%. There were no major maternal, fetal, or pregnancy-related complications in any of the total 15 patients included. The symptomatic common bile duct lithiasis with deranged liver function tests was the most frequent indication (n=7). CONCLUSION: LBDE during pregnancy appears to be safe and effective. More evidence reporting outcomes of LBDE during pregnancy is needed before any strong recommendations can be made.

Transductal versus transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration: an institutional review of over four hundred cases.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have failed to demonstrate significant differences between single- and two-staged approaches for the management of choledocholithiasis with concomitant gallstones in terms of post-operative morbidity. However, none of these studies paid specific attention to the differences between the methods of accessing the bile duct during laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to report outcomes of transcystic versus transductal laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) from our experience of over four hundred cases. METHODS: Retrospective review of 416 consecutive patients who underwent LCBDE at a single-centre between 1998 and 2018 was performed. Data collected included pre-operative demographic information, medical co-morbidity, pre-operative investigations, intra-operative findings (including negative choledochoscopy rates, use of holmium laser lithotripsy and operative time) and post-operative outcomes. RESULTS: Transductal LCBDE via choledochotomy was achieved in 242 patients (58.2%), whereas 174 patients (41.8%) underwent transcystic LCBDE. Stone clearance rates, conversion to open surgery and mortality were similar between the two groups. Overall morbidity as well as minor and major post-operative complications were significantly higher in the transductal group. The main surgery-related complications were bile leak (5.8% vs 1.1%, p = 0.0181) and pancreatitis (7.4% vs 0.6%, p = 0.0005). Median length of post-operative stay was also significantly greater in the transductal group. CONCLUSION: This study represents the largest single study to date comparing outcomes from transcystic and transductal LCBDE. Where possibly, the transcystic route should be used for LCBDE and this approach can be augmented with various techniques to increase successful stone clearance and reduce the need for choledochotomy.

The ABCdE score for PREdicting Lithotripsy Assistance during transcystic Bile duct Exploration by Laparoendoscopy (PRE-LABEL).

BACKGROUND: Common bile duct (CBD) stones are reported in ~ 15% of patients who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones. Prior to lithotripsy techniques, transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) was limited to smaller CBD stones. The addition of lithotripsy to LCBDE increases cost, operative time and staffing requirements. Predicting which patients might require lithotripsy would be useful in operative planning. The primary aim was to investigate clinical variables for predicting lithotripsy assistance during transcystic bile duct exploration by laparoendoscopy (PRE-LABEL). Secondary aims were to develop and validate a predictive scoring tool. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients who underwent transcystic LCBDE at a single centre in the UK was performed to investigate clinical variables for PRE-LABEL and develop a scoring tool (ABCdE score: age, bilirubin, CBD diameter, ERCP). Binary logistic regression was used to investigate which independent variables (predictors) were associated with lithotripsy assistance during transcystic LCBDE. The ABCdE score was applied to both UK and Spain patient cohorts to determine its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. RESULTS: From 8 pre-operative clinical variables analysed, age ≤ 40 years, bilirubin > two-times upper limit of normal, CBD diameter ≥ 10 mm and ERCP failure of stone extraction were independent predictors of requiring lithotripsy during transcystic LCBDE and formed the ABCdE score. The hazard ratios were 2.87, 3.79, 2.78 and 10.06, respectively. An ABCdE score ≥ 2 resulted in 71% sensitivity, 81% specificity and 79% accuracy in predicting lithotripsy during LCBDE (UK cohort). Validation using a contemporary cohort from Spain yielded similar sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the only study to date reporting independent predictors of requiring lithotripsy assistance during transcystic LCBDE. ABCdE score ≥ 2 can highlight patients that may require lithotripsy in order to avoid failure of transcystic LCBDE and therefore avoid choledochotomy or post-operative ERCP.

Laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty: an alternative procedure for end-stage achalasia.

BACKGROUND: Primary achalasia is a rare oesophageal motor disorder characterized by the absence of swallow-induced relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter and diminished or absent oesophageal body peristalsis. Around 5% of these patients will develop end-stage achalasia, where oesophagectomy may be advocated. We present the laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty as an alternative 'oesophagus-preserving' procedure in patients with end-stage achalasia. METHODS: We present a retrospective review of four patients who underwent laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty. Data collected included pre-operative demographic information and investigations; and post-operative outcomes. Patients were scored pre- and post-operatively using Reflux Symptom Index, Eating Assessment Tool-10 and Voice Handicap Index-10 questionnaires. RESULTS: Four patients underwent laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty during the study period. In one patient, it was performed as a rescue procedure during attempted myotomy following multiple perforations of friable mucosa. In the other three patients, laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty was performed for end-stage achalasia. None of the patients had post-operative complications and all patients were discharged on the second post-operative day. All patients experienced improvement in swallowing symptoms (EAT-10; p = 0.03) but developed post-operative gastroesophageal reflux. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first published case series of laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty for end-stage achalasia. It appears to be a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of end-stage achalasia, offering an alternative minimally invasive procedure to oesophagectomy. Laparoscopic hand-sewn cardioplasty can also be used as a 'rescue' procedure during myotomy in patients who have poor-quality mucosa which perforates intra-operatively or is at high risk of perforation/leaking post-operatively.

Laparoscopic management of type II Mirizzi syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Mirizzi syndrome is an uncommon complication of longstanding gallstone disease. Pre-operative diagnosis is challenging, and to date, there is no consensus on the standard management for this condition. Until recently open cholecystectomy was the standard of care for type II Mirizzi syndrome (McSherry classification). The objective of this study was to assess the incidence and management of type II Mirizzi syndrome in patients with proven or suspected choledocholithiasis undergoing laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration and present our experience in the laparoscopic management of this rare condition over the last 21 years. METHODS: Prospective data collection of eleven cases of type II Mirizzi syndrome amongst a series of 425 laparoscopic bile duct explorations was performed between 1998 and 2019. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic, intra-operative, and post-operative data were recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of type II Mirizzi syndrome was 2.6% in 425 laparoscopic CBD explorations. All operations were completed laparoscopically with closure of the defect over a decompressed CBD (T-tube n = 3, antegrade stent n = 5, transcystic drain n = 2), and in one case a non-drained duct was closed with Endoloop. Stone clearance rate was 100% (11 cases). In two patients the transinfundibular approach was used in conjunction with holmium laser lithotripsy to enable choledochoscopy and successful stone clearance. Three patients were complicated in the post-operative period with bile leak (n = 2) and lower respiratory tract infection (n = 1). An incidental gallbladder carcinoma was found in one patient. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of type II Mirizzi syndrome is feasible and safe when performed by experienced laparoscopic foregut surgeons. Laparoscopy and choledochoscopy can be combined with novel approaches and techniques to increase the likelihood of treatment success.

Quantifying tension in tension-free hiatal hernia repair: a new intra-operative technique.

BACKGROUND: A similar technique to measure crural closure tension has not been described before and with this method there is now a possibility to optimise this operation with objective measures, a hundred years after it was first described. The aims of this study were to develop a reliable method for measuring the tension of crural closure during hiatal hernia repair and to describe the tension characteristics of crural closure. METHODS: 50 patients underwent crural tension measurement. Hiatal surface area (HSA) was measured intraoperatively and a Sauter FH 50 Universal Digital Force Gauge was used to measure the tension of crural closure during cruroplasty. Outcome measures included the mean tension of the crural closure and the presence of any muscle splitting during the cruroplasty. RESULTS: A combined total of 148 interrupted cruroplasty sutures were performed in all fifty patients. Each interrupted suture had three tension measurements recorded. The mean standard deviation amongst 148 sets of tension measurements was 0.27. Age, hiatal width and HSA were positively correlated with crural tension with r values of 0.44 (p = 0.0015), 0.81 (p < 0.0001) and 0.78 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Strength of association was low for age (r2 = 0.19) but moderate for hiatal width and HSA (r2 = 0.65 and 0.61, respectively). The presence of muscle splitting occurred at higher crural closure tension (5.3 N vs. 1.62 N, p < 0.0001). The lowest observed mean crural closure tension causing muscle splitting was 3.52 N (IQR 3.93-6.77 N). CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a technique for measuring the tension of crural closure during laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia which is reproducible, quick, of low cost and requires only minimal additional equipment. Initial findings suggest that crural closure tension up to ~ 4 N could be the permissible tension threshold for suture cruroplasty and higher tension often results in muscle splitting during cruroplasty.

Holmium laser lithotripsy improves the rate of successful transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

PURPOSE: Transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) seems safer than transductal LCBDE and is associated with fewer biliary complications. It has traditionally been limited to smaller bile duct stones however. This study aimed to assess the ability of laser-assisted bile duct exploration by laparoendoscopy (LABEL) to increase the rate of successful transcystic LCBDE in patients with bile duct stones at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Patients undergoing LCBDE between 2014 and 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Baseline demographic and medical characteristics were recorded, as well as intra-operative findings and post-procedure outcomes. Standard LCBDE via the transcystic route was initially attempted in all patients, and LABEL was only utilised if there was failure to achieve transcystic duct clearance. The transductal route was utilised for failed transcystic extraction. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-nine consecutive patients underwent LCBDE; 119 (66.5%) underwent unaided transcystic extraction, 29 (16.2%) required LABEL to achieve transcystic extraction and 31 (17.3%) failed transcystic extraction (despite the use of LABEL in 7 of these cases) and hence required conversion to transductal LCBDE. As such, LABEL could be considered to increase the rate of successful transcystic extraction from 66.5% (119/179) to 82.7% (148/179). Patients requiring LABEL were however more likely to experience major complications (CD III-IV 5.6% vs 0.7%, p = 0.042) although none were specifically attributable to the laser intra-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: LABEL is an effective adjunct to LCBDE that improves the rate of successful transcystic extraction.

Single-stage laparoscopic management of acute gallstone pancreatitis: outcomes at different timings.

BACKGROUND: Definitive therapy for gallstone pancreatitis requires eradication of gallstones with cholecystectomy and common bile duct (CBD) clearance. Current guidelines recommend this be done within the same admission and preferably by laparoscopic cholecystectomy and CBD exploration. We report our experience of laparoscopic single-stage management with cholecystectomy and intraoperative cholangiogram followed by laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) when necessary performed at three different stages. METHODS: From January 1998 to December 2012, 134 patients (100 females and 34 males) underwent single-stage laparoscopic management of gallstone pancreatitis. Patients were classified according to the timing of surgery: "A", ≤7 days from symptom onset (n=27); "B", 8 to 30 days (n=58) and "C", >30 days (n=49). RESULTS: LBDE was performed in 30 patients with a success rate of 100%. CBD stones were found in 25 patients (A: 22.2%, B: 22.4%, C: 12.2%). CBD stones were more common in patients undergoing surgery within 30 days of presentation than after this time point (P=0.35). Multiple choledocholithiasis was more frequent in patients treated within 7 days (P=0.04). The 30-day mortality after surgery was 0, with no conversion to an open approach. Overall complication rate was 11.9%, which did not differ significantly between patients treated within 7 days or after this time point (P=0.83). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility and reproducibility of single-stage laparoscopic management of acute gallstone pancreatitis, which has a low complication rate at any stage. Patients undergoing early treatment have a higher incidence of choledocholithiasis and multiple stones than those treated after 30 days, supporting the passage of stones with time.

Small bowel obstruction due to laparoscopic barbed sutures: an unknown complication?

BACKGROUND: In recent years there has been an increasing uptake in the use of barbed sutures, particularly in minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures where they may reduce operating time and improve surgical efficiency. However, little is known about the adverse events associated with these new materials and concerns have arisen regarding their safety in certain procedures. METHODS: We performed a search of electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database). We reveal up to 15 cases of small bowel obstruction (SBO) complicating laparoscopic pelvic surgery that have been reported to date adding two cases of SBO in our own practice following the use of barbed sutures in laparoscopic operations, both requiring surgical re-intervention in the early post-operative period. RESULTS: Fifteen similar cases of small bowel obstruction were identified, all of which occurred in patients undergoing surgery below the transverse colon . Surgical re-intervention was required in all cases although 60% of these were performed laparoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: These cases highlight that although barbed sutures provide an attractive means to allow easier and faster laparoscopic suturing, they should be used carefully in inframesocolic surgery and the suture end cut and buried to avoid inadvertent attachment to the small bowel or its mesentery. Barbed suture entanglement should be considered as an uncommon yet potentially serious differential cause for SBO presenting in the early period after laparoscopic surgery where a barbed suture has been used.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. Lessons learned after 200 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is a reliable, reproducible and cost-effective treatment for common bile duct stones. Several techniques have been described for choledochotomy closure. AIMS: To present our experience and the lessons learned in more than 200 cases of LCBDE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and July 2012, 206 patients with common bile duct stones underwent LCBDE. At the beginning of the series, we performed the closure of the CBD over a T-tube (36 patients), subsequently we favoured closure over an antegrade stent (133 patients) but due to a high incidence of acute pancreatitis in the last 16 patients we have performed primary closure. RESULTS: The 3 closure groups were matched for age and sex. Jaundice was the most frequent presentation. A total of 185 (88,5%) patients underwent choledochotomy whereas in 17 (8,7%) patients the transcystic route was used. The group that underwent choledochotomy had a larger size of stones compared to the transcystic group (9,7 vs 7,6mm). In the stented group we found an 11,6% incidence of pancreatitis and 26,1% of hyperamylasemia. In the primary closure group we found a clear improvement of complications and hospital stay. The increased experience of the surgeon and age (younger than 75) had a positive impact on mortality and morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Primary closure of the common bile duct after LCBDE seems to be superior to closure over a T tube and stents. The learning curve seems to have a positive impact on the outcomes making it a safe and reproducible technique especially for patients aged under 75.

Learning curve for performing laparoscopic common bile duct exploration in biliary surgery 2.0 era.

BACKGROUND: Recent trials and metanalysis have demonstrated the favorable results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) for the treatment of cholecysto-choledocholithiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the LC + LCBDE learning curve including transcystic and transductal approaches and its effect on the outcomes. METHODS: We identified all unselected patients who underwent LC + LCBDE by a single surgeon between May 2017 and July 2021. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative data were analyzed using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis to evaluate the learning curve. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients were included. Total postoperative complications rate was 12.7%, including bile leakage in six (5.5%) patients. Mean length of hospital stay was 2.7 (1-14) days. No patient had conversion to open surgery. The CUSUM graph divided the learning curve into three distinct phases: (1) Learning (1-38), (2) Competence (39-61) and (3) Proficiency (62-110). There was a significant increase in the transcystic approach rate with each phase (44.7% vs 73.9% vs 98%; P < .001). A significant decrease in the operative time (150.9 vs 117.6 vs 99.9 min; P < .001) and complication rate (21.1% vs 21.7% vs 2%; P = .01) were observed across the three phases. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the learning curve for complete competence in LC + LCBDE is approximately 60 cases, provided that proper training is available. The initial learning phase can be carried out safely and efficiently with acceptable results.

Multi-institutional expert update on the use of laparoscopic bile duct exploration in the management of choledocholithiasis: Lesson learned from 3950 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Recently there has been a growing interest in the laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones with gallbladder in situ (LBDE), which is favoring the expansion of this technique. Our study identified the standardization factors of LBDE and its implementation in the single-stage management of choledocholithiasis. METHODS: A retrospective multi-institutional study among 17 centers with proven experience in LBDE was performed. A cross-sectional survey consisting of a semi-structured pretested questionnaire was distributed covering the main aspects on the use of LBDE in the management of choledocholithiasis. RESULTS: A total of 3950 LBDEs were analyzed. The most frequent indication was jaundice (58.8%). LBDEs were performed after failed ERCP in 15.2%. The most common approach used was the transcystic (63.11%). The overall series failure rate of LBDE was 4% and the median rate for each center was 6% (IQR, 4.5-12.5). Median operative time ranged between 60-120 min (70.6%). Overall morbidity rate was 14.6%, with a postoperative bile leak and complications ≥3a rate of 4.5% and 2.5%, respectively. The operative time decreased with experience (P = .03) and length of hospital stay was longer in the presence of a biliary leak (P = .04). Current training of LBDE was defined as poor or very poor by 82.4%. CONCLUSION: Based on this multicenter survey, LBDE is a safe and effective approach when performed by experienced teams. The generalization of LBDE will be based on developing training programs.

Pancreatic insulinomas: Laparoscopic management.

Insulinomas are rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that are most commonly benign, solitary, and intrapancreatic. Uncontrolled insulin overproduction from the tumor produces neurological and adrenergic symptoms of hypoglycemia. Biochemical diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of Whipple's triad, along with corroborating measurements of blood glucose, insulin, proinsulin, C-peptide, ß-hydroxybutyrate, and negative tests for hypoglycemic agents during a supervised fasting period. This is accompanied by accurate preoperative localization using both invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities. Following this, careful preoperative planning is required, with the ensuing procedure being preferably carried out laparoscopically. An integral part of the laparoscopic approach is the application of laparoscopic intraoperative ultrasound, which is indispensable for accurate intraoperative localization of the lesion in the pancreatic region. The extent of laparoscopic resection is dependent on preoperative and intraoperative findings, but most commonly involves tumor enucleation or distal pancreatectomy. When performed in an experienced surgical unit, laparoscopic resection is associated with minimal mortality and excellent long-term cure rates. Furthermore, this approach confers equivalent safety and efficacy rates to open resection, while improving cosmesis and reducing hospital stay. As such, laparoscopic resection should be considered in all cases of benign insulinoma where adequate surgical expertise is available.