30-day Morbidity and Mortality after Cholecystectomy for Benign Gallbladder Disease (AMBROSE): A Prospective, International Collaborative Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess 30-day morbidity and mortality rates following cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease and identify the factors associated with complications. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Although cholecystectomy is common for benign gallbladder disease, there is a gap in the knowledge of the current practice and variations on a global level. METHODS: A prospective, international, observational collaborative cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease from participating hospitals in 57 countries between January 1 and June 30, 2022, was performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify preoperative and operative variables associated with 30-day postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Data of 21,706 surgical patients from 57 countries were included in the analysis. A total of 10,821 (49.9%), 4,263 (19.7%), and 6,622 (30.5%) cholecystectomies were performed in the elective, emergency, and delayed settings, respectively. Thirty-day postoperative complications were observed in 1,738 patients (8.0%), including mortality in 83 patients (0.4%). Bile leaks (Strasberg grade A) were reported in 278 (1.3%) patients and severe bile duct injuries (Strasberg grades B-E) were reported in 48 (0.2%) patients. Patient age, ASA physical status class, surgical setting, operative approach and Nassar operative difficulty grade were identified as the five predictors demonstrating the highest relative importance in predicting postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: This multinational observational collaborative cohort study presents a comprehensive report of the current practices and outcomes of cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease. Ongoing global collaborative evaluations and initiatives are needed to promote quality assurance and improvement in cholecystectomy.

Feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease with portal cavernoma: Can prior portal vein decompression be avoided?

Backgrounds/Aims: Biliary surgery in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction with portal cavernoma (PC) is technically challenging, and associated with the risk of bleeding. Therefore, prior portal vein decompression is usually recommended before definitive biliary surgery. Only a few studies have so far reported the safety of isolated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We aimed to evaluate our experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with PC without prior portal decompression. Methods: Prospectively maintained data for patients with PC who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstone disease without portal decompression were analyzed. Clinical features, imaging, intraoperative factors, conversion rate, complications of surgery, and long-term outcomes were assessed. Results: Sixteen patients underwent cholecystectomy without portal decompression from 2012 to 2021, of which interventions 14 were laparoscopic cholecystectomies. One patient required conversion (7.1%) to open surgery. Jaundice was present in 5 patients (35.7%), and underwent endoscopic stone clearance before surgery. Median intraoperative blood loss, operative time, and hospital stay were 100 mL (20-400 mL), 105 min (60-220 min), and 2 days (1-7 days), respectively. Blood transfusion was required in two patients (14.2%). Prior endoscopic or percutaneous intervention was associated with significant blood loss and prolonged intraoperative time. Conclusions: In centers with experience, prior portal decompression can be avoided in patients with PC requiring isolated cholecystectomy to treat gallstones or their complications. Laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible for these patients, and gives excellent outcomes in the selected group.

A 'twist' in the tale of a 'simple' laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Duplication of the gall bladder.

The duplication of the gall bladder (GB) is unusual biliary anatomy that can be encountered during cholecystectomy and can create intraoperative confusion if missed on pre-operative imaging. Here, we describe a case of duplication of GB in a young female, which was detected during laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an operative surprise. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done successfully with the removal of both the GBs. She was discharged uneventfully and remained symptom-free at a 6-month follow-up.

Thoracoscopic enucleation of oesophageal submucosal tumours in prone position gives excellent long-term outcome: A single-centre experience.

Background: Thoracoscopic enucleation of oesophageal leiomyomas has been adopted by many centres. The procedure when performed in prone position gives good results. The long-term outcome has not been reported earlier. This single-centre study establishes the role of this particular technique. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained hospital database was performed and after following the study criteria eleven cases of oesophageal submucosal tumours were included in the study. All patients underwent thoracoscopic enucleation in the prone position by a single surgeon. Peri-operative data were recorded and patients followed up for a mean period of 78 months (range = 24-120 months). Results: Thoracoscopic enucleation in prone position was done for all patients with no conversions to an open procedure. Two patients had a mucosal rent during dissection that was repaired. There was no post-operative morbidity greater than Clavien-Dindo Grade 2. Long-term follow-up is available for eight patients (73%) with no recurrence of disease or symptoms. Conclusion: Oesophageal submucosal tumours (predominantly leiomyomas) are benign neoplasms with an indolent biological behaviour and deserve a procedure that would serve the purpose of minimal post-operative morbidity coupled with excellent outcome. Thoracoscopic enucleation in the prone position provides a physiological benefit that translates into better peri-operative outcomes without compromising the long-term outcome and should be the preferred form of treatment for oesophageal submucosal tumours.

Thoracoscopic oesophago-oesophagostomy in the prone position for oesophageal stenosis caused by dilated azygos vein in polysplenia-associated heterotaxy.

BACKGROUND: Heterotaxy syndrome is associated with a plethora of cardiovascular and other multi-system anomalies with a high childhood mortality. A dilated azygos vein as part of the polysplenia variant of heterotaxy syndrome may cause oesophageal stenosis owing to a prolonged compression. We describe our technique of extramediastinal oesophago-oesophagostomy in the prone position for this rare congenital syndromic malformation with an excellent outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 17-year-old boy with heterotaxy syndrome presented with intermittent dysphagia and postprandial emesis with failure to thrive. Despite the presence of diverse anatomic abnormalities, it was only his symptom of dysphagia due to oesophageal stricture that merited surgical intervention. He underwent an azygos-preserving extramediastinal oesophago-oesophagostomy in the prone position without segmental resection with the establishment of continuity using a modified Collard-type anastomosis. RESULTS: The patient had an uneventful convalescence, with imaging after 1 year showing no re-stenosis. After a follow-up of 3 years, the patient is free of symptoms and has gained weight. CONCLUSION: Oesophageal stenosis may result from prolonged compression by anomalous vasculature. An isolated correctable anatomic derangement, young age with good functional reserve, other associated anomalies not causing any symptoms, the physiological advantages of executing the surgery in a prone position and availability of expertise in minimally invasive surgery ensured excellent outcomes. The hitherto unreported technique may open up avenues for further research regarding the behaviour of the oesophageal muscular tube with transection and re-anastomosis for rare benign abnormalities.

SMA syndrome: management perspective with laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesentery artery syndrome (SMAS) is a rare vasculo-anatomic occlusive pathologic entity for which a period of conservative medical management is advocated with surgery reserved for nonresponsive cases. We present our management plan that entails a single admission approach and complete rendering of medical and surgical treatment to the patient on a background of the socioeconomic and cultural trends prevalent in this geographic region. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 22 cases of SMAS admitted in our health care system who underwent a period of preoperative conditioning followed by laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy from September 2009 to June 2019 was performed. Patients were followed up at regular intervals. RESULTS: The mean follow-up of the cohort was 41.2 months (2-108 months). The median length of stay was 6 days. The mean postoperative stay was 4.13 days. A subgroup of six patients who had severe physiological depletion required a period of preoperative optimisation. Five of the 22 (22.7%) patients suffered from postoperative complications in the form of delayed return of bowel functions. None of the patients had complications more than Clavien-Dindo grade 2 with no mortality. Long-term data are available for 19 patients (86.3%) which showed no symptom recurrence. CONCLUSION: Management of SMAS that entails an antecedent medical therapy followed by surgery can be accomplished in a single admission with good to excellent results in the intermediate and long-term follow-up. Physiologically depleted patients do require a period of intensive preconditioning but on long-term follow-up, they have excellent results.

Deficiency of Adenosine Deaminase 2 in Adults and Children: Experience From India.

OBJECTIVE: Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is a potentially fatal monogenic syndrome characterized by variable manifestations of systemic vasculitis, bone marrow failure, and immunodeficiency. Most cases are diagnosed by pediatric care providers, given the typical early age of disease onset. This study was undertaken to describe the clinical phenotypes and treatment response both in adults and in children with DADA2 in India. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of pediatric and adult patients with DADA2 diagnosed at various rheumatology centers across India was conducted. Clinical characteristics, diagnostic findings, and treatment responses were analyzed in all subjects. RESULTS: In total, 33 cases of DADA2 were confirmed in this cohort between April 2017 and March 2020. Unlike previous studies, nearly one-half of the confirmed cases presented during adulthood. All symptomatic patients exhibited features of vasculitis, whereas constitutional symptoms and anemia were more common in pediatric patients. Cutaneous and neurologic involvement were common, and 18 subjects had experienced at least one stroke. In addition, the clinical spectrum of DADA2 was expanded by recognition of novel features in these patients, including pancreatic infarction, focal myocarditis, and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) was initiated in 25 patients. All of the identified disease manifestations showed marked improvement after initiation of TNFi, and disease remission was achieved in 19 patients. Two cases were complicated by tuberculosis infection, and 2 deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: This report presents the first case series of patients with DADA2 from India, diagnosed by adult and pediatric care providers. The findings raise awareness of this syndrome, particularly with regard to its presentation in adults.

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumours in morbidly obese: Amalgamated strategy to optimise outcome.

The association of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs) with obesity has been reported and researched on. Rendering of a laparoscopic treatment treating these concurring pathologies in unison has not been described. Two morbidly obese patients with duodenal NETs underwent a resectional procedure, with curative intent, in the form of laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy with roux-en-y gastrojejunostomy with partial duodenectomy and a laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass-mini gastric bypass with remnant gastrectomy and partial duodenectomy. Both patients had an uneventful convalescence with acceptable weight loss and no evidence of tumour recurrence on follow-up. The indolent nature of NETs, as compared to the morbidity of obesity provides the rationale for treating this particular cohort of patients with a surgical procedure that would serve to remove the tumour and also provide therapeutic benefit for obesity. With experience in advanced laparoscopic procedures, this can be accomplished safely with acceptable results.

Adaptations and Safety Modifications to Perform Safe Minimal Access Surgery (MIS: Laparoscopy and Robotic) During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Practice Modifications Expert Panel Consensus Guidelines from Academia of Minimal Access Surgical Oncology (AMASO).

The pandemic of COVID-19 across the globe triggered national lockdowns hampering normal working for all the essential services including healthcare. In order to reduce transmission and safety of patients and healthcare workers, the elective surgeries have been differed. The visits to the hospitals for follow-ups and consultations received temporary halt. However, we cannot halt the treatment for cancer patients who may or may not be COVID-19 positives. These are emergencies and should be treated ASAP. Conducting emergency surgeries during pandemic like COVID-19 is challenge for surgeons and the entire hospital infrastructure. The available information about COVID-19 and its propensity of contamination through droplets and aerosol need some modifications for conducting surgeries successfully without contaminating the hospital buildings, protecting healthcare teams and the patient. With these objectives, some modifications in the operating theater including surgical techniques for minimal access, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery are proposed in this review article. This review article also discusses the safety measures to be followed for the suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient and the guidelines and recommendations for healthcare teams while treating these patients. Although there is little evidence of viral transmission through laparoscopic or open approaches, modifications to surgical practice such as the use of safe smoke evacuation and minimizing energy device used to reduce the risk of exposure to aerosolized particles to healthcare team are proposed in this review article.

Laparoscopic excision and redo hepaticojejunostomy for remnant choledochal cyst with anastomotic stricture in an adult: A case report.

The laparoscopic management of hepatobiliary pathology is an established mode of treatment. Incomplete excision of choledochal cyst with the resultant complications is a distinct surgical pathology, the treatment of which can be rendered based on the philosophy of minimally invasive approach which is now an acceptable treatment for the primary condition itself. We describe a case of hepaticojejunostomy site stricture associated with incomplete cyst excision managed laparoscopically. A redo procedure is technically demanding considering the presence of adhesions and a difficult to discern anatomy, but resulted in an excellent outcome. At centres with significant experience in laparoscopic surgery, redo procedures with a favourable impression on pre-operative work-up can be effectively treated with laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic evaluation and resection of type-II choledochal cyst arising from right hepatic duct mimicking gall bladder duplication.

A Type II choledochal cyst arising from the right hepatic duct may mimic a gall bladder duplication. Both are rare and may not get differentiated before operative exploration. While a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) may be helpful, laparoscopy may be the final tool for evaluation and effective surgical treatment. We report such a case of a 22-year-old male whose MRCP was suggestive of a cystic lesion in the gall bladder fossa and was taken up for surgery with a pre-operative diagnosis of gall bladder duplication with a single cystic duct. He underwent elective laparoscopic evaluation, mobilisation, discerning of anatomy and diagnosis, excision of cyst and concomitant cholecystectomy. This case highlights that these two rare entities can mimic each other on imaging; however, a laparoscopic approach serves the dual purpose of diagnosing and treating this unique pathoanatomical entity.

Biliary obstruction in gall bladder cancer is not sine qua non of inoperability.

BACKGROUND: The presence of biliary obstruction in patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC) is generally viewed as an indicator of advanced disease, inoperability and poor prognosis. METHODS: Data was collected from patients with GBC with obstructive jaundice who underwent resection during the period January 2001 to October 2003. Systematic analysis of prospective data was undertaken; patients were analyzed for resectability, post-operative morbidity, mortality and disease-free survival. RESULTS: During this period 14 patients with GBC with biliary obstruction underwent resection with curative intent. In these jaundiced patients, the resectability rate was 27.45% (14 of 51). In the jaundiced group the mortality was 7.14% the morbidity rate 50%, the mean disease free survival was 23.46 months (median 26 months and range of 2 to 62 months). Seven patients (50%) survived more than two years. CONCLUSION: Biliary obstruction in gall bladder cancer is not sine qua non of inoperability and resection results in meaningful prolongation of survival.

Skeletal metastasis in gall bladder cancer.

This report describes an interesting and unusual case of carcinoma gallbladder with skull metastasis.

Peroperative enteroscopy and polypectomy in Peutz-Jegher syndrome.

We report a 32-year-old who lady when presented with anemia and was detected to have Peutz-Jegher syndrome. She had malignancies of the colon and ovary over a 2-year follow up and was successfully managed. On screening the family two more members were confirmed to have Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and have been put on surveillance.

Frey's procedure using the harmonic scalpel.

Frey's procedure, which is performed for chronic pancreatitis, principally involves coring of the head of the pancreas and pancreaticojejunostomy. The coring of the inflamed and enlarged pancreatic head is the most difficult and time-consuming part of this operation and is often associated with considerable bleeding. We used the harmonic scalpel to perform Frey's procedure in six consecutive patients, which reduced intraoperative bleeding and made the operation technically easier.