Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for mild and moderate acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The timing of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis (AC) remains controversial. Traditionally, LC for AC is performed within 3 days. We designed this study so that the cut-off time of LC for AC was within 7 days of admission, based on severity. METHODOLOGY: A total of 103 patients were divided into 2 groups: patients undergoing LC within 7 days of admission [early LC (ELC), n = 41] and patients undergoing LC between 8 days and 5 weeks of admission [delayed LC (DLC), n = 62]. The outcomes compared were complication rate, conversion rate, postoperative hospital days, and operation time. Statistical analyses were performed in mild, moderate and all AC cases. Results: Of all AC cases, successful LC was performed in 93 patients, and no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups. In DLC for moderate AC, percutaneous cholecystectomy (PC) with or without endoscopic nasal bile drainage (ENBD) was performed more frequently than ELC. CONCLUSIONS: DLC had no advantage over ELC. ELC for AC is preferable in cost­effect. Even if the operation cannot be scheduled early, proper initial treatment, including percutaneous cholecystectomy with or without endoscopic nasal bile drainage for moderate AC, enables DLC a safe option.

Resection and reconstruction of pancreatic artery aneurysms caused by the compression of the celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Some patients with the compression of the celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament (MAL) suffer pancreatic artery aneurysms (PAAs) due to excessive blood flow from the superior mesenteric artery. These aneurysms are in peril because they are prone to rupture irrespective of size. Here, we present two cases of resection and reconstruction of PAAs caused by the compression of the celiac trunk by the MAL. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient 1 was a 44-year-old man who was first diagnosed to have a visceral artery aneurysm with a diameter of 4 cm accidentally found by ultrasound examination at a regular medical check-up. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed the compression of the celiac trunk by the MAL and a PAA originating from the first jejunal artery. First, laparoscopic excision of the MAL followed by a stent placement into the celiac trunk was performed. Although the stent was patent, the PAA still grew. The patient underwent resection and reconstruction of the PAA. Reconstruction of the pancreatic arterial arcade was needed because clamping of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) resulted in disappearance of the hepatic arterial blood flow. The follow-up CT 2 years and 9 months after the operation revealed no recurrence of aneurysms and the patent anastomosis. Patient 2 was a 68-year-old man who presented with an epigastric pain. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed the compression of the celiac trunk by the MAL and a PAA approximately 6 cm in diameter originating from the IPDA. The PAA was surrounded by a relatively low-intensity area, suggesting impending rupture of the PAA. The patient underwent resection and reconstruction of the PAA under an emergency situation. Reconstruction of the pancreatic arterial arcade was needed because clamping of the inflow IPDA resulted in disappearance of the hepatic blood flow. The follow-up CT 1 year and 8 months after the operation revealed no recurrence of aneurysms and the patent anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Although long-term follow-up is needed, resection and reconstruction is one of the therapeutic choices for PAAs caused by the compression of the celiac trunk by the MAL in order to prevent catastrophic aneurysm rupture.