When Should We Perform Intraoperative Cholangiography? A Prospective Assessment of 1000 Consecutive Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) has been historically used to detect common bile duct (CBD) stones, delineate biliary anatomy, and avoid or promptly diagnose bile duct injuries (BDIs) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). We aimed to determine the usefulness of routine IOC during LC in an urban teaching hospital. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients undergoing LC with routine IOC from 2016 to 2018 was prospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes of interest were: CBD stones, BDI, and anatomical variations of the biliary tract. Secondary outcomes of interest were: IOC success rate, IOC time, and readmission for residual lithiasis. A comparative analysis was performed between patients with and without preoperative suspicion of CBD stones. RESULTS: A total of 1003 LC were analyzed; IOC was successful in 918 (91.5%) patients. Mean IOC time was 10 (4 to 30) minutes. Mean radiation received by the surgeon per procedure was 0.06 millisieverts (mSv). Normal IOC was found in 856 (93.2%) patients. CBD stones and aberrant biliary anatomy were present in 58 (6.3%) and 4 (0.4%) cases, respectively. Two patients (0.2%) underwent unnecessary CBD exploration because of false-positive IOC. Four patients (0.4%) with normal IOC were readmitted for residual CBD stones. Five (0.5%) minor BDI undetected by the IOC were diagnosed. Patients with preoperative suspicion of CBD stones had significantly higher rates of CBD stones detected on IOC as compared with those without suspicion (23.2% vs. 2.1%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Routine use of IOC resulted in low rates of BDI diagnosis, aberrant biliary anatomy identification and/or CBD stones detection. Selection of patients for IOC, rather than routine use of IOC appears a more reasonable approach.

Metástasis hepática de adenoma pleomorfo / Hepatic metastasis of a pleomorphic adenoma

El adenoma pleomorfo es el tumor benigno más frecuente de las glándulas salivales. Puede sufrir transformación maligna y metastatizar a otros órganos distantes y, en otros casos, hacerlo como un tumor benigno. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 82 años con lesión hepática detectada por ecografía en estudio urológico de rutina. La tomografía computarizada reveló una imagen sólida en los segmentos V-VI-VII del hígado. Se efectuó biopsia de la lesión de cuyo examen se informó metástasis de adenoma pleomorfo salival. Se realizó hepatectomía derecha y la anatomía patológica describió un tumor de 10 cm de diámetro, con margen libre, compatible con adenoma pleomorfo salival, 32 años después de la cirugía de su tumor primario. Luego de 8 años, en el seguimiento se hallaron cuatro nódulos hepáticos y una nueva imagen ósea en la vértebra L4 sugerente de recurrencia de la enfermedad. Se decidió administrar radioterapia corporal estereotáctica a la lesión ósea y evaluar la respuesta para decidir el futuro tratamiento de los nódulos hepáticos, debido a su lento crecimiento.

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most benign tumor of the salivary glands. It can undergo a malignant transformation to carcinoma and metastasize to distant organs, sometimes it can metastasize as a benign tumor. We present the case of an 82 years old male with hepatic lesion detected by ultrasound in routine urologic follow-up. CT scan revealed a solid image placed in segments V-VI-VII of the liver. A CT guided fine needle biopsy was made. Pathologic analysis reported a pleomorphic salivary adenoma metastasizing in the liver. Right hepatectomy was performed. Pathology study described a 10 cm diameter tumor with free margin, compatible with pleomorphic salivary adenoma, 32 years after surgery for the primary tumor. After 8 years of follow up, four hepatic nodules and a bone image in L4 vertebra that seemed to be a disease recurrence were found. It was decided to administer stereotactic body radiotherapy to the bone lesion and evaluate the response to decide the future treatment of the hepatic nodules, due to its slow growth.

[Hepatic metastasis of a pleomorphic adenoma]. / Metástasis hepática de adenoma pleomorfo.

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most benign tumor of the salivary glands. It can undergo a malignant transformation to carcinoma and metastasize to distant organs, sometimes it can metastasize as a benign tumor. We present the case of an 82 years old male with hepatic lesion detected by ultrasound in routine urologic follow-up. CT scan revealed a solid image placed in segments V-VI-VII of the liver. A CT guided fine needle biopsy was made. Pathologic analysis reported a pleomorphic salivary adenoma metastasizing in the liver. Right hepatectomy was performed. Pathology study described a 10 cm diameter tumor with free margin, compatible with pleomorphic salivary adenoma, 32 years after surgery for the primary tumor. After 8 years of follow up, four hepatic nodules and a bone image in L4 vertebra that seemed to be a disease recurrence were found. It was decided to administer stereotactic body radiotherapy to the bone lesion and evaluate the response to decide the future treatment of the hepatic nodules, due to its slow growth.

Resultados de la cirugía pancreática en pacientes mayores de 70 años / Outcomes of pancreatic surgery in patients older than 70 years

INTRODUCCIÓN: La proporción de pacientes añosos está creciendo rápidamente. Conocer los verdaderos resultados de la cirugía pancreática en este grupo etario ayudaría para la toma de decisiones terapéuticas. El objetivo es evaluar los resultados quirúrgicos de resecciones pancreáticas en pacientes mayores de 70 años. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo que incluye a pacientes tratados mediante resección pancreática en el período 2009-2014. Se dividió la muestra en 2 grupos. G1: pacientes menores de 70 años y G2: pacientes mayores de 70 años. Se compararon los resultados quirúrgicos en ambos grupos. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 73 resecciones pancreáticas; 51 (70%) pacientes pertenecieron al G1 y 22 (30%) al G2. No hubo diferencias significativas entre G1 y G2 en cuanto al tiempo operatorio ni a los días de internación. Tampoco se obtuvo diferencia significativa en incidencia de retardo del vaciamiento gástrico, fístula pancreática ni fístula biliar. La mortalidad global de la serie fue del 4,1%: del 2% en G1 y del 13,6% en G2 (p: 0,04). Al realizar un subanálisis en G2, la mortalidad en este grupo ocurrió únicamente en pacientes con comorbilidades significativas con ASA ≥ 3 (p: 0,004). Ambos grupos con enfermedad maligna presentaron similar sobrevida global y libre de enfermedad. CONCLUSIONES: La edad no debería ser un factor limitante para realizar resecciones pancreáticas. Los pacientes añosos presentan similares resultados quirúrgicos, y su mortalidad perioperatoria aumentada se debería a la presencia de comorbilidades importantes asociadas, y no a la edad como variable independiente

INTRODUCTION: The proportion of elderly patients is growing rapidly. Knowing the results of pancreatic surgery in this group of patients would help surgeons to make therapeutic decisions. The objective is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of pancreatic resections in patients over 70 years. METHODS: Retrospective study including patients undergoing pancreatic resection during the period 2009-2014. The sample was divided into 2 groups. G1: Patients under 70 years and G2: Patients older than 70 years. Surgical results between the 2 groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy three pancreatic resections were performed, 51 (70%) patients belonged to G1 and 22 (30%) to G2. There were no significant differences between G1 and G2 in terms of operative time and hospitalization days. No significant difference was obtained in the incidence of delayed gastric emptying, pancreatic fistula or biliary fistula. The overall mortality in the series was 4.1% showing difference between both groups, with 2% in G1 and 13.6% in G2 (P=.04). When a sub-analysis in G2 was made, mortality in this group occurred only in patients with significant comorbidities with ASA ≥ 3 (P=.004). Both groups with oncologic disease had similar overall survival and disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Age should not be a limiting factor for pancreatic resections. The elderly have similar results as younger patients and their increased perioperative mortality is due to the presence of important associated comorbidities rather than age as an independent risk factor

Outcomes of pancreatic surgery in patients older than 70 years.

INTRODUCTION: The proportion of elderly patients is growing rapidly. Knowing the results of pancreatic surgery in this group of patients would help surgeons to make therapeutic decisions. The objective is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of pancreatic resections in patients over 70 years. METHODS: Retrospective study including patients undergoing pancreatic resection during the period 2009-2014. The sample was divided into 2 groups. G1: Patients under 70 years and G2: Patients older than 70 years. Surgical results between the 2 groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy three pancreatic resections were performed, 51 (70%) patients belonged to G1 and 22 (30%) to G2. There were no significant differences between G1 and G2 in terms of operative time and hospitalization days. No significant difference was obtained in the incidence of delayed gastric emptying, pancreatic fistula or biliary fistula. The overall mortality in the series was 4.1% showing difference between both groups, with 2% in G1 and 13.6% in G2 (P=.04). When a sub-analysis in G2 was made, mortality in this group occurred only in patients with significant comorbidities with ASA ≥ 3 (P=.004). Both groups with oncologic disease had similar overall survival and disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Age should not be a limiting factor for pancreatic resections. The elderly have similar results as younger patients and their increased perioperative mortality is due to the presence of important associated comorbidities rather than age as an independent risk factor.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda en la Argentina. Resultados de un estudio prospectivo en 23 centros.

In Argentina there are no multicenter studies evaluating the management of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) nationwide. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study is to know how the patients with AP are treated in Argentina. The secondary objective is to assess whether the results comply with the recommendation of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty three center participated in the study. They include in a database hosted online consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis from june 2010 to june 2013. RESULTS: 854 patients entered the study. The average age was 46.6 years and 495 (58%) belonged to the female sex. The most common cause (88.2%) of AP was biliary. Some prognostic system was used in 99 % of patients and the most used was Ranson (74.5%). Were classified as mild 714 (83.6%) patients and severe 140 (16.4%). Systemic complications occurred in 43 patients and local complications in 21. 86 patients underwent dynamic CT scans and 73 patients had pancreatic and / or peripancreatic necrosis. Mortality was 1.5%. There was no difference in mortality in relation to the size, complexity or affiliation of the center. The comply of key recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide was over 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis and treatment of patients with AP in 23 health centers located throughout the country was optimal. The management complied with most of the recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda en la Argentina. Resultados de un estudio prospectivo en 23 centros.

In Argentina there are no multicenter studies evaluating the management of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) nationwide. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study is to know how the patients with AP are treated in Argentina. The secondary objective is to assess whether the results comply with the recommendation of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty three center participated in the study. They include in a database hosted online consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis from june 2010 to june 2013. RESULTS: 854 patients entered the study. The average age was 46.6 years and 495 (58%) belonged to the female sex. The most common cause (88.2%) of AP was biliary. Some prognostic system was used in 99 % of patients and the most used was Ranson (74.5%). Were classified as mild 714 (83.6%) patients and severe 140 (16.4%). Systemic complications occurred in 43 patients and local complications in 21. 86 patients underwent dynamic CT scans and 73 patients had pancreatic and / or peripancreatic necrosis. Mortality was 1.5%. There was no difference in mortality in relation to the size, complexity or affiliation of the center. The comply of key recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide was over 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis and treatment of patients with AP in 23 health centers located throughout the country was optimal. The management complied with most of the recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology Guide.

[Liver trasplantation for the treatment of non-resectable metastases of neuroendocrine tumors: first report in Argentina]. / Trasplante hepático como tratamiento de las metástasis de tumores neuroendócrinos: primer reporte en la Argentina.

Neuroendocrine tumors are uncommon cancers characterized by a slow grow rate. Unresectable liver metastases are the main cause of death in patients with these tumors. This is the first Argentine report of a liver transplantation as an indication for the treatment of unresectable liver metastases from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. We present a 48-year-old woman with diagnosis of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with multiple bilobar unresectable liver metastases. A splenopancreatectomy was performed after a complete staging revealed absence of extrahepatic disease. Six months later, a follow-up performed with thoracoabdominal CT scan and octreo-scan was consistent with no tumor recurrence or extrahepatic disease. As the huge hepatomegaly caused a notorius deterioration in the patient's quality of life, we decided to include her in the waiting list for liver transplantation. Priority points were requested to the MELD (model for end stage liver disease) Exceptions Experts Committee with a positive response. Twelve months after the primary surgery, with a MELD score of 23 points, a deceased donor liver transplantation was performed without evidence at that moment of residual disease. Eighteen months after liver transplantation, the patient required the surgical repair of a stenosis in the biliary anastomosis. At the surgery peritoneal tumor recurrence was diagnosed. Now, 24 months after liver transplantation the patient has an excellent quality of life and a well functioning graft. We report this case of a liver transplantation as an indication for the treatment of liver metastases from a neuroendocrine tumor and we review the literature on this controversial issue.

Rescue policy for discarded liver grafts: a single-centre experience of transplanting livers 'that nobody wants'.

BACKGROUND: There is a worldwide need to expand the donor liver pool. We report a consecutive series of elective candidates for liver transplantation (LT) who received 'livers that nobody wants' (LNWs) in Argentina. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2009, outcomes for patients who received LNWs were analysed and compared with outcomes for a control group. To be defined as an LNW, an organ is required to fulfil two criteria. Firstly, each liver must be officially offered and refused more than 30 times; secondly, the liver must be refused by at least 50% of the LT programmes in our country before our programme can accept it. Principal endpoints were primary graft non-function (PNF), mortality, and graft and patient survival. RESULTS: We transplanted 26 LNWs that had been discarded by a median of 12 centres. A total of 2666 reasons for refusal had been registered. These included poor donor status (n= 1980), followed by LT centre (n= 398) or recipient (n= 288) conditions. Incidences of PNF (3.8% vs. 4.0%), in-hospital mortality (3.8% vs. 8.0%), 1-year patient (84% vs. 84%) and graft (84% vs. 80%) survival were equal in the LNW and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantable livers are unnecessarily discarded by the transplant community. External and internal supervision of the activity of each LT programme is urgently needed to guarantee high standards of excellence.

Acute liver failure due to concomitant arterial, portal and biliary injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: is transplantation a valid life-saving strategy? A case report.

BACKGROUND: Combined iatrogenic vascular and biliary injury during cholecystectomy resulting in ischemic hepatic necrosis is a very rare cause of acute liver failure. We describe a patient who developed fulminant liver failure as a result of severe cholestasis and liver gangrene secondary to iatrogenic combine injury or the hepatic pedicle (i.e. hepatic artery, portal vein and bile duct) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-years-old woman underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. During laparoscopy, a severe bleeding at the liver hilum motivated the conversion to open surgery. Many sutures were placed across the parenchyma for bleeding control. After 48 hours, she rapidly deteriorated with encephalopathy, coagulopathy, persistent hypotension and progressive organ dysfunction including acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis and mechanical ventilation. An angiography documented an occlusion of right hepatic artery and right portal vein. In the clinical of acute liver failure secondary to liver gangrene, severe coagulopathy and progressive secondary multi-organ failure, the patient was included in the waiting list for liver transplantation. Two days later, the patient was successfully transplanted with initial adequate liver graft function. However, she developed bilateral pneumonia and severe gastrointestinal bleeding and finally died 24 days after transplantation due to bilateral necrotizing pneumonia. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of acute liver failure due to portal triad injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a catastrophic complication. Probably, the indication of liver transplantation as a life-saving strategy in patients with late diagnosis, acute liver failure, severe coagulopathy and progressive secondary multi-organ failure could be considered but only minimizing immunosuppressive regimen to avoid postoperative infections.

Liver surgery in the presence of cirrhosis or steatosis: Is morbidity increased?

BACKGROUND DATA: The prevalence of steatosis and hepatitis-related liver cirrhosis is dramatically increasing together worldwide. Cirrhosis and, more recently, steatosis are recognized as a clinically important feature that influences patient morbidity and mortality after hepatic resection when compared with patients with healthy liver. OBJECTIVE: To review present knowledge regarding how the presence of cirrhosis or steatosis can influence postoperative outcome after liver resection. METHODS: A critical review of the English literature was performed to provide data concerning postoperative outcome of patients presenting injured livers who required hepatectomy. RESULTS: In clinical studies, the presence of steatosis impaired postoperative outcome regardless the severity and quality of the hepatic fat. A great improvement in postoperative outcome has been achieved using modern and multidisciplinary preoperative workup in cirrhotic patients. Due to the lack of a proper classification for morbidity and a clear definition of hepatic failure in the literature, the comparison between different studies is very limited. Although, many surgical strategies have been developed to protect injured liver surgery, no one have gained worldwide acceptance. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should take the presence of underlying injured livers into account when planning the extent and type of hepatic surgery. Preoperative and perioperative interventions should be considered to minimize the additional damage. Further randomized trials should focus on the evaluation of novel preoperative strategies to minimize risk in these patients. Each referral liver center should have the commitment to report all deaths related to postoperative hepatic failure and to use a common classification system for postoperative complications.

[Laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct lithiasis associated with gallbladder lithiasis]. / Tratamiento laparoscópico de la litiasis de la vía biliar principal asociada a litiasis vesicular.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic bile duct exploration has become one of the main options for the treatment of choledocholithiasis associated with cholelithiasis. Our objective is to describe the results of a consecutive series of patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed 101 (66 female/16 male) patients who underwent laparoscopic bile duct exploration. Age was 58 +/- 18 years. We analyzed operaion time, hospital stay and postoperative complications according to the surgical approach (transcystic or choledochotomy). Clinical follow up was carried out for 90 days after surgery and then subsequently by telephone. RESULTS: 1435 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed between January 1998 and December 2005. Of those, 101 of those patients underwent laparoscopic bile duct exploration for cholelithiasis and common bile duct stones. We evaluated clinical, laboratory and ultrasound predictors: 70 patients had positive and 31 negative predictors. Laparoscopic transcystic approach was successful in 78 patients and laparoscopic choledochotomy in 17 patients. Operation time was 154 +/- 59 minutes and hospital stay 4.31 +/- 3.44 days. Six patients (5.9%) were converted to open surgery. Two patients were re-operated for postoperative bile leakage. The overall effectiveness was 94%. Postoperative mortality was 0.99%. Median follow up was 51 months. Three patients died of unrelated conditions, three underwent ERCP and one had transfistular extraction for retained stones (3.96%). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic treatment for common bile duct stones associated with gallbladder stones is a highly effective procedure with a low incidence of retained stones.

Tratamiento laparoscópico de la litiasis de la vía biliar principal asociada a litiasis vesicular / Laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct lithiasis associated with gallbladder lithiasis

Introducción. El abordaje laparoscópico es una de las opciones principales de tratamiento de la litiasis coledociana asociada a litiasis vesicular. Nuestro objetivo es describir los resultados de una serie consecutiva de pacientes. Pacientes y método. Se analizó retrospectivamente a 101 pacientes (66 mujeres y 35 varones) en los que se exploró la vía biliar por vía laparoscópica. La edad era de 58 ± 18 años. Se evaluaron el tiempo operatorio, los días de internación y las complicaciones postoperatorias según la vía de instrumentación (transcística o transcoledociana). El seguimiento consistió en la evaluación clínica hasta los 90 días del postoperatorio con seguimiento ulterior por vía telefónica. Resultados. De 1.435 colecistectomías laparoscópicas realizadas entre enero de 1998 y diciembre de 2005, se intervino a 101 pacientes por litiasis vesicular y coledociana. Se evaluaron predictores clínicos, de laboratorio y ecográficos; 70 pacientes tenían predictores positivos y 31, negativos. La vía transcística laparoscópica fue exitosa en 78 pacientes y la coledocotomía laparoscópica fue exitosa en 17 pacientes. El tiempo operatorio fue 154 ± 59 min y el de internación, 4,31 ± 3,44 días. Se convirtió a 6 (5,9%) pacientes. Se reoperó a 2 pacientes por bilirragia postoperatoria. La efectividad general fue del 94%. La mortalidad postoperatoria fue del 0,99%. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 51 meses. Tres pacientes fallecieron por patologías no relacionadas. En 3 pacientes se debió realizar una colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica terapéutica y en un paciente, la extracción transfistular por litiasis residual alejada (3,96%). Conclusiones. El tratamiento laparoscópico de la litiasis de la vía biliar principal asociado a litiasis vesicular es un procedimiento con alta efectividad y baja incidencia de litiasis residual alejada (AU)

Introduction. Laparoscopic bile duct exploration has become one of the main options for the treatment of choledocholithiasis associated with cholelithiasis. Our objective is to describe the results of a consecutive series of patients. Patients and method. We retrospectively analyzed 101 (66 female/16 male) patients who underwent laparoscopic bile duct exploration. Age was 58 ± 18 years. We analyzed operaion time, hospital stay and postoperative complications according to the surgical approach (transcystic or choledochotomy). Clinical follow up was carried out for 90 days after surgery and then subsequently by telephone. Results. 1435 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed between January 1998 and December 2005. Of those, 101 of those patients underwent laparoscopic bile duct exploration for cholelithiasis and common bile duct stones. We evaluated clinical, laboratory and ultrasound predictors: 70 patients had positive and 31 negative predictors. Laparoscopic transcystic approach was successful in 78 patients and laparoscopic choledochotomy in 17 patients. Operation time was 154 ± 59 minutes and hospital stay 4.31 ± 3.44 days. Six patients (5.9%) were converted to open surgery. Two patients were re-operated for postoperative bile leakage. The overall effectiveness was 94%. Postoperative mortality was 0.99%. Median follow up was 51 months. Three patients died of unrelated conditions, three underwent ERCP and one had transfistular extraction for retained stones (3.96%). Conclusions. Laparoscopic treatment for common bile duct stones associated with gallbladder stones is a highly effective procedure with a low incidence of retained stones (AU)

Metástasis hepáticas de cáncer colorrectal / Hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

Las metástasis hepáticas ocurren entre el 20-30% de los pacientes afectaados por cáncer colorectal. la resección quirúrgica es el único tratamiento con intención curativa. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir los resultados de una serie consecutiva de pacientes.

Litiasis pulmonar secundaria a fístula colecistopleural / Secondary pulmonary lithiasis following cholecystopleural fistual

La litiasis pulmonar secundaria a fístula colecistopleural es una entidad infrecuente en la evolución de la colelitiasis que genera un potencial riesgo de vida para el paciente. Solo se ha publicado un caso en la bibiliografía angloparlante donde fue necesria una resección pulmonar para su tratamiento