A systematic review comparing the efficacy of 980 nm vs. 1470 nm wavelengths in laser hemorrhoidoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a minimally invasive surgical option for the management of hemorrhoidal disease that has been increasingly adopted by surgeons over the last decade. Two wavelengths; 980 nm and 1470 nm have been employed in LHP. However, no data exist comparing the effects of these two wavelengths for this indication. This systematic review investigates both wavelengths for the management of hemorrhoids via the LHP procedure. METHODS: This systematic analysis and meta-analysis was performed following the PICOS and PRISMA guidelines. A systematic research of MEDLINE, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases from inception until March 2024 was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 19 studies including seven randomized control trials (RCT) and 12 non-randomized control trials with a total of 2492 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The duration of LHP with both wavelengths was significantly shorter compared to open hemorrhoidectomy, postoperative pain and the rate of postoperative complications were significantly lower following LHP. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of recurrence between LHP with the 980-nm wavelength and open hemorrhoidectomy. However, LHP with 1470-nm wavelength resulted in significantly higher recurrence rate compared to hemorrhoidectomy. CONCLUSION: Although no direct studies have compared the two wavelengths used in LHP, the outcomes of LHP seem to be independent of the wavelength used. Both wavelengths, when correctly used provide similar results, which are mostly better compared to open hemorrhoidectomy in terms of postoperative complications and postoperative pain, but not in terms of recurrence, where at least for the 1470-nm wavelength, LHP seems to show a higher recurrence rate when compared to open hemorrhoidectomy. Although a direct comparison of both wavelengths was not possible, technical issues regarding number of shots and energy per pile represent relevant parameters for recurrence after LHP.

European Society of Coloproctology: Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistula.

AIM: The primary aim of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) Guideline Development Group (GDG) was to produce high-quality, evidence-based guidelines for the management of cryptoglandular anal fistula with input from a multidisciplinary group and using transparent, reproducible methodology. METHODS: Previously published methodology in guideline development by the ESCP has been replicated in this project. The guideline development process followed the requirements of the AGREE-S tool kit. Six phases can be identified in the methodology. Phase one sets the scope of the guideline, which addresses the diagnostic and therapeutic management of perianal abscess and cryptoglandular anal fistula in adult patients presenting to secondary care. The target population for this guideline are healthcare practitioners in secondary care and patients interested in understanding the clinical evidence available for various surgical interventions for anal fistula. Phase two involved formulation of the GDG. The GDG consisted of 21 coloproctologists, three research fellows, a radiologist and a methodologist. Stakeholders were chosen for their clinical and academic involvement in the management of anal fistula as well as being representative of the geographical variation among the ESCP membership. Five patients were recruited from patient groups to review the draft guideline. These patients attended two virtual meetings to discuss the evidence and suggest amendments. In phase three, patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcomes questions were formulated by the GDG. The GDG ratified 250 questions and chose 45 for inclusion in the guideline. In phase four, critical and important outcomes were confirmed for inclusion. Important outcomes were pain and wound healing. Critical outcomes were fistula healing, fistula recurrence and incontinence. These outcomes formed part of the inclusion criteria for the literature search. In phase five, a literature search was performed of MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Embase (Ovid) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews by eight teams of the GDG. Data were extracted and submitted for review by the GDG in a draft guideline. The most recent systematic reviews were prioritized for inclusion. Studies published since the most recent systematic review were included in our analysis by conducting a new meta-analysis using Review manager. In phase six, recommendations were formulated, using grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations, in three virtual meetings of the GDG. RESULTS: In seven sections covering the diagnostic and therapeutic management of perianal abscess and cryptoglandular anal fistula, there are 42 recommendations. CONCLUSION: This is an up-to-date international guideline on the management of cryptoglandular anal fistula using methodology prescribed by the AGREE enterprise.

[Quality of life of ostomates in Germany]. / Lebensqualität von Menschen mit einem künstlichen Darmausgang in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: The presence of an ostomy may have a serious impact on the quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the QoL of ostomates in Germany. METHOD: An online survey was performed using the validated Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) by Eypasch et al. Ostomates ≥ 18 yrs. with an ostomy duration ≥ 3 months were eligible to participate. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires from 519 participants (79.3 % female) with a median age of 50 yrs. (range 19-83 yrs.) and a median ostomy duration of 3 yrs. (range 3 months-58 yrs.) were analyzed. The most common indications for an ostomy were Crohn's disease (36.5 %), colorectal cancer (19.8 %) and ulcerative colitis (18.2 %). The mean GIQLI-Score in the study population was 94.8 ± 24.6, with higher scores corresponding with better QoL and healthy individuals reach 125.8. Limitations were recorded with regard to sleep, tiredness, energy level, endurance, fitness and sexuality. Individuals with a stoma due to Colitis (103,0 ± 24,5), colorectal cancer (99,2 ± 21,7) and Crohn's (95,0 ± 22,8) had the highest mean GIQLI-scores amongst all ostomates. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study confirm that ostomates have a reduced QoL compared to the healthy population. Amongst all ostomates, those with colitis, colorectal cancer and Crohn's have a better QoL compared to ostomy carriers with other diagnoses.

The effect of preoperative stoma site marking on risk of stoma-related complications in patients with intestinal ostomy - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative stoma site marking on stoma-related complications in patients with intestinal ostomy. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINHAL, and Google Scholar were searched up to August 2021 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomised studies of interventions (NRSI) that involved patients with intestinal ostomies comparing preoperative stoma site marking to no marking and which reported at least one patient-relevant outcome. Outcomes were prioritised by stakeholder involvement. Random-effects meta-analyses produced odds ratios (ORs) or standardised mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The ROBINS-I tool and the GRADE approach were used to assess the risk of bias and certainty of evidence, respectively. RESULTS: This review included two RCTs and 25 NRSI. The risk of bias was high in RCTs and serious to critical in NRSI. Although preoperative site marking reduced stoma-related complications (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: [0.31-0.65]), dependence on professional or unprofessional care (narrative synthesis), and increased health-related quality of life (SMD: 1.13 [0.38-1.88]), the evidence is very uncertain. Preoperative site marking may probably reduce leakage (OR: 0.14 [0.06-0.37]) and may decrease dermatological complications (OR: 0.38 [0.29-0.50]) and surgical revision (OR: 0.09 [0.02-0.49]). The confidence in the cumulative evidence was moderate to very low. CONCLUSION: Despite low quality evidence, preoperative stoma site marking can prevent stoma-related complications and should be performed in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery given that this intervention poses no harm to patients.

Peritoneal spillage is not an issue in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasingly being performed via the minimally invasive route. However, reports of postoperative wound and port site seeding as well as peritoneal spillage have been worrisome. We investigated the risk of peritoneal spillage in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for CRC. METHODS: Cytology specimens were gained from the retrieval bag following intracorporeal resection and specimen retrieval using an endoscopic retrieval bag. Histopathologic examination of the cytology specimens was performed for the presence of malignant cells. RESULTS: Cytology specimens of 73 (34 female and 39 male) consecutive patients with a median age of 71 years were included for analysis. Advanced CRC in stages III and IV was present in 41% of the study population. Malignant cells were not found in any specimen. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic oncologic resection of colorectal cancer is not a risk factor for peritoneal spillage. Minimally invasive oncologic colorectal resection is safe without the increased risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Routine preoperative mechanical bowel preparation with additive oral antibiotics is associated with a reduced risk of anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing elective oncologic resection for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) following colorectal resection is a serious issue. AL in oncologic patients might negatively affect the overall survival. Recently, mechanical bowel preparation with additive oral antibiotics (MBP + AB) prior to surgery has been suggested as a means of reducing AL. However, it is unclear whether this positive effect is secondary to MBP alone or secondary to the additive oral antibiotic (MBP + AB). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mechanical bowel preparation with additive oral antibiotics (MBP + AB) and without additive oral antibiotics (MBP - AB) on the rate of AL following colorectal resection for cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical management for colorectal cancer with anastomosis from January 2014 till September 2017 were included for analysis. Cases undergoing MBP + AB were included in the study group. Patients undergoing MBP - AB were included in the control group. Both groups were compared with regard to the rate of AL. RESULTS: Four hundred and ninety-six patients: 125 undergoing MBP + AB and 371 undergoing MBP - AB were included for analysis. Significantly, more male patients were included in the MBP - AB group compared to the MBP + AB group: 60.1% vs. 45.6% respectively (p = 0.03). Both groups were similar with regard to age distribution and clinicopathological findings (p > 0.05). The rate of AL was significantly higher in the control group (MBP - AB) compared to study group (MBP + AB) (9.1% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Mechanical bowel preparation with additive oral antibiotics prior to elective colorectal resection with anastomosis significantly reduces the risk of AL. Therefore, mechanical bowel preparation with additive non-absorbable oral antibiotics should be recommended in all cases prior to elective colorectal surgery.

Extra nodular metastasis is a poor prognostic factor for overall survival in node-positive patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause for cancer-related death in industrialized nations. Nodal involvement has been identified as a relevant prognostic feature in CRC. Extra nodal metastasis (ENM) describes the spread of malignant cells beyond the nodal capsule. ENM is thought to be an independent risk factor for poor survival. This study examined ENM as an independent risk factor for poor overall survival in patients with node-positive CRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from a prospectively maintained CRC database was retrospectively analyzed. Blinded slides of patients with stage III and IV CRC following radical surgical resection were re-examined for the presence of ENM. The effect of ENM on overall survival was examined using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: One hundred forty-seven cases with node-positive CRC (UICC stages III and IV) including 78 cases with ENM were included for analysis. ENM was seen in 60 patients with colon cancer (58.8%) and in 18 patients with rectal cancer (40%), p = 0.033. ENM-positive patients had a significantly higher odd for cancer-related death compared to ENM-negative patients ratio of [OR 0.44: 0.22-0.88, CI 95%, p = 0.021], p = 0.02. The median overall survival was significantly longer in patients without ENM, 51.0 ± 33 vs. 30.5 ± 42 months, p = 0.02. CONCLUSION: Extra nodal metastasis is an independent prognostic factor in patients with node-positive colorectal cancer. Extra nodal metastasis is associated with high odds of tumor-related mortality and poor overall survival.

Routine Virtual Ileostomy Following Restorative Proctocolectomy for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is the most feared complication in colorectal surgery. A diverting ileostomy is routinely used to prevent or reduce morbidity and mortality following AL. However, a diverting ileostomy cannot prevent AL. Besides, diverting ileostomy might be associated with relevant complications. Herein, we introduce the virtual ileostomy as an alternative to diverting ileostomy in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of eight patients, five females and three males with a median age of 19.5 ± 6.0 years (range 16.0-31.0 years), undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA and virtual ileostomy for FAP are presented. RESULTS: All cases were laparoscopically managed. The virtual ileostomy was released between postoperative day 7 and 9. No AL was registered. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all cases. CONCLUSION: A diverting ileostomy was prevented via the use of virtual ileostomy in all cases. Thus, virtual ileostomy is a good alternative to diverting ileostomy in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA for FAP.

Tissue sublimation follow transarterial embolization of a follicular nodular hyperplasia of the liver-report of a case.

BACKGROUND: Follicular nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a common benign liver tumor for which conservative management is indicated. Surgical or interventional management is indicated in symptomatic cases. Transarterial embolization (TAE) has been extensively used to manage unresectable liver tumors. Sublimation describes a change of physical state from solid to gas. Hepatic tissue sublimation following TAE has so far not been reported in medical literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30 year - old male patient presenting with pain to the upper abdomen due to a large FNH was managed with TAE. Routine radiographic control on post-intervention day one was within normal limits. Imaging due to right upper quadrant pain with fever and elevated inflammatory markers and liver enzymes on day two after TAE revealed a marked reduction of the FNH accompanied by the presence of a large volume of gas collection without signs of abscess formation. This change of state from solid to gas without sign of abscess formation within 2 days after TAE was described as hepatic tissue sublimation. The patient was managed conservatively and discharge 12 days after TAE. CONCLUSION: Tissue sublimation has hardly been reported in medical literature. This to the best of our knowledge is the first documented case of hepatic tissue sublimation following TAE.

Outcome of acute perforated cholecystitis: a register study of over 5000 cases from a quality control database in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Acute perforated cholecystitis (APC) is probably the most severe complication of acute cholecystitis. However, data on the outcome of cholecystectomy for APC are limited to small series. This study investigated the outcomes of cholecystectomy for APC. METHODS: Data from a prospectively maintained quality control database in Germany were analyzed. Cases with APC were compared to cases without gallbladder perforation with regard to demographic characteristics, clinical findings and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 5704 patients with APC were compared to 39,661 patients without perforation. Risk factors for APC included: the male gender, advanced age (>65 years), ASA score >2, elevated white blood count (WBC), positive findings on abdominal ultrasound sonography and fever. The APC group differed significantly from the control group with regard to fever (29.8 vs. 12.2 %), elevated WBC (83.8 vs. 65.4 %) and positive findings from ultrasound sonography (84.9 vs. 78.9 %), p < 0001. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) was ordered significantly more often in the APC group compared to the control group (2.3 vs. 1.0 %, p = 0.001). Surgery lasted significantly longer in the APC group (92.3 ± 40.8 vs. 73.7 ± 34.1, p < 0.001). The rates of conversion (18.9 vs. 6.8 %), bile duct injury (1.4 vs. 0.5 %), re-intervention (6.9 vs. 2.9 %) and mortality (4.3 vs. 1.3 %) were significantly higher in the APC group (p < 0.001). Similarly, the length of stay (13.4 ± 11.4 vs. 9.0 ± 8.3, p < 0.001) was significantly longer in the APC group. CONCLUSION: Acute perforated cholecystitis is a severe complication of acute cholecystitis. Surgical dissection could be challenging with high risks of bile duct injury and conversion. The rates of morbidity and mortality are higher compared to those of patients without perforation.

Advancement Flap for Treatment of Complex Cryptoglandular Anal Fistula: Prediction of Therapy Success or Failure Using Anamnestic and Clinical Parameters.

BACKGROUND: Multiple new procedures for treatment of complex anal fistula have been described in the past decades, but an ideal single technique has yet not been identified. Factors that predict the outcome are required to identify the best procedure for each individual patient. The aim of this study was to find those predictors for advancement flap at midterm follow-up. METHODS: From 2012 to 2015 in a tertiary university clinic, all patients who underwent advancement flap for treatment of complex cryptoglandular fistula were prospectively enrolled. Pre- and postoperatively standardized anamnestic and clinical examinations were performed. Predictive factors for therapy failure were identified using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Out of 65 patients, 61 (93%) completed all examinations and were included in the study. Therapy failure after a mean follow-up period of 25 months occurred in total n = 11 patients (18%). There was no significant disturbance of continence among the entire study cohort as shown by the incontinence score (preop 0.34 ± 0.91 pts., postop 0.37 ± 0.97 pts.; p = 0.59). Univariate analysis for risk factors for therapy failure revealed age (p = 0.004), history of surgical abscess drainage (p = 0.04), BMI (p = 0.002), suprasphincteric fistula (p = 0.019) and horseshoe abscess (p = 0.036) as independent parameters for therapy failure. During multivariate analysis, only history of surgical abscess drainage (OR = 8.09, p = 0.048, 95% CI 0.98-64.96), suprasphincteric fistula (OR = 6.83, p = 0.032, 95% CI 1.17-6.83) and BMI (OR = 1.23, p = 0.017, 95% CI 1.03-1.46) were independent parameters for therapy failure. CONCLUSION: Advancement flap for treatment of complex fistula is effective and has low risk of disturbed continence. BMI, suprasphincteric fistula and history of surgical abscess drainage are predictors for therapy failure.

New trend in colorectal cancer in Germany: are young patients at increased risk for advanced colorectal cancer?

BACKGROUND: The role of colonoscopy in the screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been unequivocally established. In Germany, screening colonoscopy with full insurance reimbursement is available for individuals aged 55 and above, and/or for persons with well-known risk factors for CRC. However, advanced CRC is not uncommon in individuals below 55 years. This study was designed to investigate the incidence of advanced CRC in patients < 55 years. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from a prospectively maintained CRC database of a university hospital in Germany was performed. Using the recommended age for screening colonoscopy as cutoff, the study population was divided into two groups: < 55 years (study group) and ≥ 55 years (control group). Both groups were compared with regard to the extent of CRC using the UICC stages. Only surgically managed patients were included for analysis. Advanced CRC was defined as UICC stage III or IV. RESULTS: Complete follow-up data was available for 609 patients treated between 2009 and 2013. The study group included 83 patients, 42 females and 41 males with a median age of 48.0 ± 10 years, while the control group was made up of 526 patients, 230 females and 296 males with a median age of 75.5 ± 8.3 years. Both groups were comparable with regard to gender distribution, p = 0.24. Significantly more patients from the study group were diagnosed with advanced CRC in comparison to the control group, 56.6 vs. 43.9%, p = 0.03. There was no statistically significant difference amongst both groups with respect to cancer-related mortality, 10.8 vs. 12.5%, p = 0.66. CONCLUSION: Patients below the recommended age for screening colonoscopy might be at increased risk for advanced CRC. There is need to decrease the recommended age for screening colonoscopy to prevent CRC or enable an early diagnosis in patients below 55 years.

Calprotectin could be a potential biomarker for acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is a common cause for a visit to the emergency department and appendectomy represents the most common emergency procedure in surgery. The rate of negative appendectomy however has remained high despite modern diagnostic apparatus. Therefore, there is need for a better preoperative screening of patients with suspected appendicitis. Calprotectin represents a predominant protein in the cytosol of neutrophil granulocytes and has been extensively investigated with regard to bowel pathologies. This study investigates the expression of calprotectin in the lumen of the vermiform appendix of patients undergoing appendectomy for suspected appendicitis. METHODS: Appendix specimens from patients undergoing emergency appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis were examined. Acute appendicitis was confirmed on histopathology. The qualitative expression of calprotectin in the vermiform appendix specimens was analyzed using specific calprotectin antibodies. RESULTS: Vermiform appendix specimens from 52 patients (22 female and 30 male) including 11 with uncomplicated and 41 with complicated appendicitis were analyzed. Strong immunostainings were achieved with calprotectin antibody in the lumen of all specimens irrespective of the extent of appendicitis. Immunostaining was negative in the uninflamed appendix. CONCLUSIONS: High calprotectin activity could be demonstrated within the lumen of vermiform appendix specimens following appendectomy for acute appendicitis. The high luminal accumulation of calprotectin-carrying cells could be interpreted as an invitation to study the expression of calprotectin in stool as a new diagnostic aid in patients with suspected appendicitis.

Aquaporin-1 and 8 expression in the gallbladder mucosa might not be associated with the development of gallbladder stones in humans.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystolithiasis is a highly prevalent condition in the Western world. Gallbladder stone-related conditions represent the second most common gastrointestinal pathology. Cholesterol stones represent over 80% of gallstones. Cholesterol stones develop secondary to crystallization of bile cholesterol. Water resorption from gallbladder bile via aquaporin in the gallbladder mucosa might play a role in the development of cholesterol stones. This study investigated the expression of Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) and Aquaporin-8 (AQP8) in the human gallbladder mucosa and their possible association with the formation of gallbladder stones. METHODS: The expression of AQP1 and AQP8 in the gallbladder mucosa was examined via immunohistochemical staining. The expression of both AQP1 and AQP8 in the gallbladder mucosa of stone carriers (study group) was compared to that of nonstone carriers (control group). RESULTS: Eighty-four gallbladder specimens from 44 male (52·2%) and 40 female (47·6%) patients were analysed. The study group included 47 specimens from stone carriers, while 37 specimens from stone-free gallbladders were included in the control group. Immunostaining for both AQP1 and AQP8 was positive in 80 cases. AQP1 was expressed both over the apical and intercellular membrane, while AQP8 was expressed only over the apical membrane. A similar distribution was recorded in specimens from the cystic duct. Immunostaining with AQP1 was generally stronger in comparison with AQP8. No significant (P > 0·05) relationship was found between aquaporin expression and the presence or absence of gallbladder stones. CONCLUSION: AQP1 and AQP8 are both expressed in the gallbladder and cystic duct mucosa. However, their role in the development of gallbladder stones is still to be proven.

A proposal for a preoperative clinical scoring system for acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute cholecystitis is a common diagnosis for which surgery is usually indicated. However, the heterogeneity of clinical presentation makes it difficult to standardize management. The variation in clinical presentation is influenced by both patient-dependent and disease-specific factors. A preoperative clinical scoring system designed to included patient-dependent and clinical factors might be a useful tool in clinical decision making. METHODS: The data of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a university hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Patient-dependent factors (age, sex, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score) and disease-specific factors (history of biliary colics, white blood count, C-reactive protein, and gallbladder wall thickness) were used to compute a clinical score between zero and nine for each patient. Cholecystitis was classified as mild (score ≤ 3), moderate (4 ≤ score ≤ 6), or severe (score ≥ 7). RESULTS: Cholecystitis was mild in 45 cases, moderate in 105 cases, and severe in 27 cases. Among patient-dependent factors, the male gender, age >65 y, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score >2 correlated significantly with high scores, P = 0.001. Equally, high white blood count, elevated C-reactive protein, and gallbladder wall thickness >4 mm correlated significantly with high scores, P = 0.001. These findings were confirmed on multivariate analyses. High scores correlated significantly with the duration of surgery (P = 0.007), the need of intensive care unit management (P = 0.001) and the length of stay (P = 0.001). However, there was no significant association between the preoperative score and the rate of conversion (P = 0.103) or the rate of complication (P = 0.209). CONCLUSIONS: This preoperative clinical scoring system has a potential to select patients with severe cholecystitis and therefore might be a useful tool in clinical decision making.

Surgical management of empyematous cholecystitis: a register study of over 12,000 cases from a regional quality control database in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Acute cholecystitis is a common indication for surgery. Surgical outcomes depend among other factors on the extent of gallbladder inflammation. Data on the outcomes of patients undergoing cholecystectomy due to acute empyematous cholecystitis are rare. METHODS: Data from a prospectively maintained quality control database in Germany were analyzed. Cases with empyematous cholecystitis were compared to cases without gallbladder empyema with regard to baseline features, clinical parameters and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 12,069 patients with empyematous cholecystitis (EC) were compared to 33,296 patients without empyema. The male gender, advanced age, ASA score >2, elevated white blood count and fever were confirmed as risk factors for EC. The EC group differed significantly from the control group with regard to fever (28.0 vs. 9.5 %), elevated WBC (82.5 vs. 62.3 %) and positive findings from ultrasound sonography (87.4 vs. 76.9 %), p < 0001. Surgery lasted significantly longer in the EC group (86.1 ± 38.5 vs. 72.2 ± 33.6, p < 0.001). The rates of conversion (15.2 vs. 5.8 %), bile duct injury (0.8 vs. 0.4 %), re-intervention (5.5 vs. 2.6 %) and mortality (2.8 vs. 1.2 %) were significantly higher in the EC group, p < 0.001. Similarly, the length of stay (11.9 ± 10.5 vs. 8.8 ± 8.3, p < 0.001) was significantly longer in the EC group. CONCLUSION: Empyematous cholecystitis is a severe form of acute cholecystitis with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Even the experienced laparoscopic surgeon should expect dissection difficulties, therefore the threshold for conversion in order to prevent bile duct injury should be low.

Does the Tokyo guidelines predict the extent of gallbladder inflammation in patients with acute cholecystitis? A single center retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Tokyo guidelines provide criteria for the diagnosis and classification of acute cholecystitis in three severity grades. However, no data exists on the predictive value of these guidelines. The aim of this study was to analyze the accuracy of the Tokyo guidelines as a predicting parameter for the severity of acute cholecystitis in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the charts of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a primary care hospital within a five-year period was performed. The preoperative severity grades were compared with the histological extent of inflammation. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight patients; 79 with severity grade I, 33 with grade II and 26 with grade III were analyzed. The incidence of uncomplicated cholecystitis decreased with increasing severity grade, while the incidence of complicated cholecystitis increased with increasing severity. However, complicated cholecystitis was evident in an unexpectedly high number of cases with severity grade I. There was a significant correlation (χ (2)(1) = 10. 43, p = 0.01) between the preoperative severity grade and the extent of gallbladder inflammation on histopathology. Conversion to open surgery (14 vs. 5, p = 0.002) and complications (17 vs. 7, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with preoperative severity grade II/III compared to patients with severity grade I. CONCLUSION: Worsening clinical severity correlated significantly with worseing pathology, findings from blood test and clinical outcomes; rates of conversion and morbidity. However, the Tokyo guidelines may have a tendency to underestimate the extent of inflammation in male patients with severity grade I and over estimate the difficulty of dissection in severity grade II.

Major Esophageal Dilation After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in Symptomatic Patients: Does It Prevent Effective Weight Loss and How Should It be Treated?

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal dilation (ED) has been described as a long-term complication following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with an incidence of 0.5-50%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of major ED on weight loss and find methods to diagnose ED and possible treatment strategies based on a classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing LAGB between 2004 and 2008 in three community-based hospitals. ED was classified in four stages of dilation using gastrografin swallow. We report body mass index (BMI), failure rates and reoperations among these patients, with a mean follow-up period of 6.7 years. RESULTS: Nineteen (18.4%) of 103 patients who underwent LAGB presented with esophageal dilation. Band deflation failed for all nine patients (8.7%) with major ED. The mean BMI at LAGB (BMI 1), revision (BMI 2), and 1 year after conversion (BMI 3) were 45.9±3.2, 42.8±4.9 and 30.3±5.5 kg/m2, respectively. No significant difference was found comparing BMI 1 and BMI 2 (p=0,065, EWL1: 14.2±21.7 kg/m2). In contrast, the weight loss after the revision surgery was significant (p=0.001, EWL2: 67.1±30 kg/m2). No significant difference was found concerning age, gender, ASA, preoperative (LAGB) weight, and mean interval between LAGB and revision comparing patients with major ED (IV) to patients with milder forms (ED I-III). CONCLUSION: ED is a serious long-term complication after LAGB and seems to prevent effective weight loss in stage IV. Furthermore, untreated dilation could cause long-term damage to the esophagus. Therefore, we suggest routine radiographic follow-up after LAGB even in asymptomatic patients and a treatment based on a classification with an early surgical revision for major ED.

Primary cholecystectomy is feasible in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: While early cholecystectomy is generally accepted as the standard procedure for young and fit patients with acute cholecystitis, controversy exits on the management of elderly and severely sick patients. We postulated that primary cholecystectomy is feasible in this subgroup. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of young and fit patients to those of elderly patients undergoing surgery for acute cholecystitis. METHODS: The outcomes of elderly patients (≥70 years) undergoing surgery for acute cholecystitis in a primary care center in Germany were retrospectively compared to those of younger patients (<70 years). RESULTS: 152 patients, 74 aged ≥ 70 years (study group) and 78 < 70 years (control) were included for analysis. The study group was significantly older at the time of surgery (78 vs. 68 years, p = 0.02). Severe cholecystitis was seen in a significant number of cases in the study group, p = 0.01. Equally, the mean WBC (19.5 vs. 17, p = 0.02), CRP (26 vs. 22, p = 0.04) and APACHE II score (17 vs. 8, p = 0.01) were significantly higher in the study group. There was no significant difference in the duration of anesthesia (123 vs. 133 min, p = 0.70) and surgery (72 vs. 81 min, p = 0.90) amongst both groups. There was no significant difference in rate of complication amongst both groups (24 vs. 14%, p = 0.11). Two cases of mortality were recorded (1.3%) in the study group. CONCLUSION: The age of the patient cannot be the sole factor in deciding whether or not a patient with acute cholecystitis is fit for surgery.