Sex Disparities in the Presentation of Gallbladder Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Although gallbladder disease is more common in women, there is a trend toward more complicated cases in male patients. METHODS: All cholecystectomies captured by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for the year 2016 were reviewed. This encompassed 38 736 records. Records were reviewed for age, sex, procedure performed, operative time, postoperative diagnosis, functional status, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, preoperative lab values (total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, white blood cell count, and aspartate aminotransferase. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Male patients are more likely to undergo cholecystectomy for a diagnosis of cholecystitis, gallstone pancreatitis, or cholangitis than women who are more likely to carry a diagnosis of biliary dyskinesia. The average operative time increases for both sexes as the patients become older. The average operative time is higher for men than women in all age groups and the variance becomes greater as the patients become older. Age, sex, postoperative diagnosis, ASA class, and functional status were all independently significant in predicting operative time. There was no difference in need for cholangiogram between the sexes. Female patients were more likely to have their cholecystectomy completed laparoscopically and they were more likely to have their surgery performed as an outpatient. CONCLUSION: These data show that women were more likely to present with uncomplicated gallbladder disease, while men were more likely to present with complicated gallbladder disease. This suggests that male patients present at a more advanced stage of disease.

Utility of a routine bench cholangiogram for ex situ split liver procedure.

BACKGROUND: Biliary complications can result in a significant morbidity for split liver graft recipients. Biliary drainage for segment 1 and 4 is highly variable and could be the source of bile leaks. Use of a bench cholangiogram (BCH) can accurately define the segmental biliary system and identify any significant biliary radicles that need retention or repair during bench preparation of split grafts. This study evaluates the clinical relevance of routine BCH in split liver transplantation (SLT). METHODS: Retrospective review of 100 BCH images performed during ex situ deceased donor SLT between January 2009 and January 2015. The radiographs were reviewed by two surgeons and the biliary anatomy was compared using Huang and Reichert classification. RESULTS: 100 BCH images were reviewed. Variant anatomy was frequently identified in the intrahepatic bile duct system, the number and drainage patterns of segment 1&4 duct was diverse. BCH results guided the line of parenchymal transection to obtain a single segment 2&3 duct in 15 cases. A surgical intervention in the form of suture ligation of significant segment 1 or 4 duct at bench preparation was performed in 6 cases. BCH images guided surgical control of post-operative bile leak in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Bench cholangiogram is a useful tool to guide liver parenchymal transection and potentially reduce the incidence of biliary complications.

Use of intraoperative cholangiography in patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis with preoperative imaging or endoscopic study.

BACKGROUND: Cholecystectomy is one of the most performed procedures worldwide. Many surgeons defend the use of routine intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), but this action is getting less practiced because other preoperative tools that can omit IOC. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the utility of performing intraoperative cholangiography in patients whom got a preoperative imaging or endoscopy study. We analized the association between the diagnostic-therapeutic approach and hospital readmissions because of bile duct obstruction. METHOD: Retrospective and comparative study of 117 patients admitted with choledocholithiasis and submitted to cholecystectomy between January 2014 and December 2016. The statistical analysis was performed comparing groups using chi squared test with a statistical significance of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Patients whom got a preoperative study and had performed an intraoperative cholangiography didn't readmitted. The study reported nine readmissions, being residual gallbladder stone the diagnostic. Patients whom didn't get an intraoperative cholangiography reported the most readmissions. The studied group who registered the most readmissions was the one who didn't get performed an intraoperative cholangiography nor a preoperative study. No mortality was reported. CONCLUSION: Patients who had IOC performed reported less readmissions for residual stone.

ANTECEDENTES: La colecistectomía es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos más realizados. Muchos cirujanos defienden la colangiografía transoperatoria (CTO) sistemática, pero su uso es cada vez menos frecuente por la disponibilidad de otras herramientas de estudio empleadas preoperatoriamente que pueden obviar este procedimiento. OBJETIVO: Valorar la utilidad de la CTO cuando se cuenta con un estudio de imagen o endoscópico preoperatorio. Analizar la relación entre el reingreso por un cuadro obstructivo de vía biliar y el abordaje al que se sometió el paciente. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo y comparativo de 117 pacientes ingresados por coledocolitiasis en un periodo de 2 años. Las variables analizadas fueron demográficas, diagnóstico, CTO, estudio previo y reingreso. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de coledocolitiasis en quienes se realizó colecistectomía. El análisis estadístico se hizo comparando grupos mediante la prueba de ji al cuadradocon una significancia estadística de p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: El grupo con estudio preoperatorio y CTO no presentó reingresos. Hubo nueve reingresos, siendo el diagnóstico de lito residual. Los grupos sin CTO presentaron más reingresos. El grupo con mayor número de reingresos fue el que no se realizó CTO y no contaba con estudio preoperatorio. No se reportó mortalidad. CONCLUSIÓN: Los grupos en los que se realizó CTO presentaron menos reingresos por lito residual.

Radiation Doses to Operators in Hepatobiliary Interventional Procedures.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study is to provide a summary of operators' radiation doses during hepatobiliary fluoroscopic guided procedures. In addition, patient dose in these procedures was also documented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 283 transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) and 302 biliary procedures, including 52 percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC), 36 bilioplasty and 214 biliary catheter changes (BCC) performed over 14 months, were included. Electronic personal dosimeters were used to measure operator radiation doses. Effective dose (E) was calculated using modified Niklason algorithm. Patient dose was measured as dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time (FT). RESULTS: For TACE, E for radiologist ranged between 0 and 9.96 µSv, for radiographer 0-0.99 µSv and for nurse 0-4.65 µSv. The patient DAP and FT ranged between 1.5 and 421.9 Gy cm2 and 1.91-67.25 min. For PTC, E for the radiologist ranged between 0.33 and 55.89 µSv, for radiographer 0-38.61 µSv and for nurse 0-3.18 µSv. Patient DAP and FT ranged between 1.7 and 218.4 Gy cm2 and 2.07-71.53 min. For bilioplasty, E ranged between 0.09 and 9.24 µSv for radiologist, 0-0.84 µSv for radiographer and 0-1.38 µSv for nurse. The patients' DAP and FT ranged from 0.7 to 52.54 Gy cm2 and 1.13-24.47 min. For BCC, E ranged from 0 to 12.78 µSv for radiologist, 0-8.43 µSv for radiographer and 0-4.05 µSv for nurse. Patient DAP and FT ranged between 0.12 and 117.3 Gy cm2 and 0.57-15.83 min. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that doses to all operators performing hepatobiliary interventional procedures can be very low.

Colangiografia transcolecística percutânea em cães / Percutaneous transcholecystic cholangiography in dogs

Enfermidades que acometem o sistema biliar dos cães, principalmente as relacionadas a processos obstrutivos, não são raras, sendo em sua maioria, de etiologia grave, necessitando de tratamento cirúrgico. Os métodos de diagnóstico por imagem para investigação de obstruções biliares atualmente realizados na medicina veterinária como a ultrassonografia, radiografia convencional e tomografia computadorizada, apresentam algumas restrições, como sensibilidade insuficiente, e em muitas regiões inviabilidade de realização. Desta forma, vários pacientes são submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos antes da obtenção do diagnóstico preciso, que caracterize e identifique o local de obstrução. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho objetivou padronizar e descrever a técnica de colangiografia transcolecística percutânea em cães, consistindo na injeção percutânea de contraste no interior da vesícula biliar por meio de punção ecoguiada, permitindo a visualização e avaliação semiológica das vias biliares intra e extra-hepáticas, mediante projeções radiográficas. A técnica foi executada 10 vezes em seis cães clinicamente saudáveis, sendo a punção da vesícula biliar realizada através do nono espaço intercostal direito próximo ao esterno com auxílio de um cateter 20G, injetando a dose de 1ml de contraste para cada 4kg de peso vivo. Após a injeção do contraste foram efetuadas radiografias seriadas da região abdominal, em projeção lateral esquerda e ventrodorsal, as primeiras projeções foram realizadas imediatamente após a injeção do contraste sendo repetidas após cinco e dez minutos. Nenhum dos animais apresentou quaisquer efeitos colaterais decorrentes da técnica, sendo verificados por meio de observação dos mesmos e provas de função hepática comparativas pré e pós procedimento. A técnica demonstrou eficácia na demonstração radiográfica da árvore biliar, possibilitando a avaliação semiológica das vias biliares intra e extra-hepáticas. Tal avaliação permite identificar, caracterizar e localizar possíveis processos obstrutivos que acometem as vias biliares na espécie canina.(AU)

Obstructive biliary pathway diseases are not rare in dogs, especially those with severe clinical signs and those that need surgical treatment. Image diagnostic exams to evaluate biliary tract, like ultrasound, conventional X-ray and CT, have been used in veterinary medicine with some restrictions such as low sensibility, and in many regions unfeasibility of achievement. Due to this, most of the pacients with biliary obstruction sings are submitted to surgical procedure before an accurate diagnostic of the disease. This paper aimed to standardize and describe the percutaneous transcolecystic cholangiography in dogs that consists in the injection of contrast inside of the gall bladder guided by ultrasound. It allows to see all the bililary tract, using X-ray. The technique was performed 10 times in six clinical healthy dogs. The puncture was performed in the 9th intercostal right space near to the sternum using a 20G catheter, the dose was 1ml per 4kg. After contrast injection, serial radiographs of the abdominal region were made, in left lateral projection and ventrodorsal, the first projections were performed immediately after contrast injection and repeated after five and ten minutes. No animal showed any side effect due to the technique, this was confirmed by observation and by hepatic function evaluation. The technique was considered efficacious to visualize all the biliary tree and to see any possible obstruction in ill dogs.(AU)

The Routine Use of Cholangiography for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in the Modern Era.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of routine versus selective intra-operative cholangiogram (IOC) for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains an area of debate. In this study, we investigated the routine use of IOC in a single center, to determine whether it confers a reduced risk of common bile duct (CBD) injury and improved patient outcomes. We also identified several preoperative predictive factors for CBD stone detection on IOC to investigate the feasibility of a predictive model. METHODS: We identified 1005 LCs with routine IOC over a 2-year period at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital from October 1, 2013, to September 30, 2015. Outcomes measured included CBD stone detection on IOC, CBD injury, complication rates, readmission rate, and mortality. We also calculated sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios for detection of CBD stones on IOC from preoperative biochemistry and radiological investigations. RESULTS: We identified a CBD stone detection rate of 10.1% and a readmission rate of 0.03%, with no reported CBD injuries and 1 reported mortality. Of the preoperative predictive factors investigated, the most specific for CBD stone detection on IOC was bilirubin at 89%. The most sensitive was preoperative MRCP at 77%. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that routine IOC is an effective method of detecting CBD stones and CBD injuries, resulting in improved patient outcomes and economic benefits for health services. We have also identified several predictive factors for CBD stones on IOC.

Conocimientos vigentes en torno a las lesiones iatrogénicas de vías biliares / Updated knowledge about iatrogenic injuries of the biliary ducts

Con la llamada era laparoscópica, lejos de disminuir la incidencia de las lesiones iatrogénicas de las vías biliares, se ha producido un aumento de ésta y se han añadido otras que no se presentaban en la cirugía convencional y por lo general son más graves y complejas por su localización más proximal, su frecuente asociación con lesión vascular y por el mecanismo térmico involucrado. Estas lesiones trascienden el orden científico, para constituir un problema socioeconómico, pues además de lacerar el prestigio de los cirujanos y de las instituciones médicas donde laboran, y de encarecer los servicios de salud que se brindan a la población, pueden determinar incapacidad laboral en los enfermos y ocasionar la pérdida de vidas humanas en edades productivas. Se evidencian insuficiencias en la identificación y reparación oportunas de dichas lesiones, así como escasos reportes en la bibliografía médica sobre este tema. Con esta revisión se pretende profundizar en los diversos aspectos cognoscitivos actuales relacionados con esta lamentable complicación quirúrgica y fundamentalmente para su prevención(AU)

With the so called laparoscopic age, far from a decrease in the incidence of iatrogenic injuries of the biliary ducts, an increase has taken place, and others have been added that are not commonly present in conventional surgery and which are generally more serious and complex for their more proximal localization, their frequent association with vascular injury, and for the involved thermal mechanism. These injuries go beyond the scientific scope, and become a socioeconomic problem, since they not only damage the surgeon prestige and that of medical institutions where they work, or make healthcare services provided to the population more difficult based on the expenses, but also determine disability in ill patients and produce the loss of humans lives at productive ages. Inadequacies are shown in the identification and opportune repair of these injuries, as well as few reports in the medical literature about this topic. With this review, it is sought to deepen in the diverse updated cognitive aspects related to this regrettable surgical complication, and mainly for its prevention(AU)

Variability of diagnostic approach, surgical technique, and medical management for children with biliary atresia in Canada - Is it time for standardization?

BACKGROUND: The Canadian 4-year native liver survival rate for biliary atresia (BA) after Kasai Portoenterostomy (KP) is 39%. The Canadian Biliary Atresia Registry (CBAR) was used to examine variability of surgical and medical management of BA. METHODS: Gastroenterologists and surgeons in all 14 Canadian pediatric tertiary centers were invited to complete an online survey of their BA management practices. RESULTS: Of gastroenterologists, diagnostic procedures included liver biopsy (92%), HIDA scan (58%), and percutaneous cholangiogram (46%). Surgeons reported Roux-en-Y lengths of 20-50cm with 78% avoiding diathermy at the portal plate; 16% performed laparoscopic exploration, but none laparoscopic KP. Postoperative corticosteroids and antibiotics were used by 24% and 85% of gastroenterologists, respectively, with similar rates for surgeons. At discharge, gastroenterologists prescribed oral antibiotics (80%), and ursodeoxycholic acid (95%), while surgeons reported lower rates (62% and 55%). Considerable variation existed in follow-up monitoring. No center had a standard protocol for evaluating suspected cholangitis. There was a lack of consensus for defining failed KP and referral criteria for transplant evaluation. CONCLUSION: In Canada, treatment of BA is not centralized, and there is variability in diagnostic approaches and management. Collaboration through CBAR will allow for implementation and evaluation of standardized surgical and medical management with a goal to improve outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Survey study. Level IV evidence.

Evolution in the utilization of biliary interventions in the United States: results of a nationwide longitudinal study from 1998 to 2013.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bile duct surgery (BDS), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), and ERCP are alternative interventions used to treat biliary disease. Our aim was to describe trends in ERCP, BDS, and PTC on a nationwide level in the United States. METHODS: We used the National Inpatient Sample to estimate age-standardized utilization trends of inpatient diagnostic ERCP, therapeutic ERCP, BDS, and PTC between 1998 and 2013. We calculated average case fatality, length of stay, patient demographic profile (age, gender, payer), and hospital characteristics (hospital size and metropolitan status) for these procedures. RESULTS: Total biliary interventions decreased over the study period from 119.8 to 100.1 per 100,000. Diagnostic ERCP utilization decreased by 76%, and therapeutic ERCP utilization increased by 35%. BDS rates decreased by 78% and PTC rates by 24%. ERCP has almost completely supplanted surgery for the management of choledocholithiasis. Fatality from ERCP, BDS, and PTC have all decreased, whereas mean length of stay has remained stable. The proportion of Medicare-insured, Medicaid-insured, and uninsured patients undergoing biliary procedures has increased over time. Most of the increase in therapeutic ERCP and decrease in BDS occurred in large, metropolitan hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Although therapeutic ERCP utilization has increased over time, the total volume of biliary interventions has decreased. BDS utilization has experienced the most dramatic decrease, possibly a consequence of the increased therapeutic capacity and safety of ERCP. ERCPs are now predominantly therapeutic in nature. Large urban hospitals are leading the shift from surgical to endoscopic therapy of the biliary system.

A retrospective comparison of robotic cholecystectomy versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy: operative outcomes and cost analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic-assisted surgery is gaining popularity in general surgery. Our objective was to evaluate and compare operative outcomes and total costs for robotic cholecystectomy (RC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent single-procedure RC and LC from January 2011 to July 2015 by a single surgeon at a large academic medical center. Demographics, diagnosis, perioperative variables, postoperative complications, 30-day readmissions, and operative and hospital costs were collected and analyzed between those patient groups. RESULTS: A total of 237 patients underwent RC or LC, and comprised the study population. Ninety-seven patients (40.9 %) underwent LC, and 140 patients (50.1 %) underwent RC. Patients who underwent RC had a higher body mass index (p = 0.03), lower rates of coronary artery disease (p < 0.01), and higher rates of chronic cholecystitis (p < 0.01). There were lower rates of intraoperative cholangiography (p < 0.01) and conversion to an open procedure (p < 0.01), however longer operative times (p < 0.01) for patients in the RC group. There were no bile duct injuries in either group, no difference in bile leak rates (p = 0.65), or need for reoperation (p = 1.000). Cost analysis of outpatient-only procedures, excluding cases with conversion to open or use of intraoperative cholangiography, demonstrated higher total charges (p < 0.01) and cost (p < 0.01) and lower revenue (p < 0.01) for RC compared to LC, with no difference in total payments (p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic cholecystectomy appears to be safe although costlier in comparison with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term implications of robotic technology, the cost to the health care system, and its role in minimally invasive surgery.

Is endoscopic treatment beneficial in patients with clinically suspicious of common bile duct stones but no obvious filling defects during the ERCP examination?

BACKGROUND: Sometimes, no definite filling defect could be found by cholangiogram (ERC) during the endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatiographic (ERCP) exam; even prior images had evidence of common bile duct stones (CBDS). We aimed in estimating the positive rate of extraction of CBDS who had treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy/endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EST/EPBD) with negative ERC finding. METHODS: One hundred forty-one patients with clinically suspicious of CBDS but negative ERC, who had received EST/EPBD treatments was enrolled. Potential factors for predicting CBDS, as well as the treatment-related complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Nearly half of the patients with negative ERC, had a positive stone extraction. Only patients with high probability of CBDS were significantly associated with positive stone extraction. Moreover, patients with intermediate probability of CBDS had higher rates of overall complications, including post-ERCP pancreatitis. In addition, no significant difference of post-ERCP pancreatitis was found between EST and EPBD groups in any one group of patients with the same probability of CBDS. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding patients with negative ERC, therapeutic ERCP is beneficial and safe for patients present with high probability of CBDS. Moreover, under the same probability of CBDS, there was no significance difference in post-ERCP pancreatitis between EST and EPBD.

Impact of intraoperative cholangiography on postoperative morbidity and readmission: analysis of the NSQIP database.

BACKGROUND: The debate regarding the merits of routine use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) continues to rage. We aim to analyze the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database to identify patterns of utilization of cholangiography during LC as well as its impact on patient outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing LC with or without IOC in the 2012 and 2013 ACS NSQIP database. Only patients without any preoperative biochemical evidence of the CBD stone were included in the analysis. Comparison between two groups and data analysis focused on the following primary outcomes: 30-day mortality, readmission, return to operating room and NSQIP collected morbidity. RESULTS: Twenty-one percentage of patients undergoing LC without any biochemical abnormality are undergoing IOC. There were no statistically significant differences in thirty-day outcomes between two patient populations with regard to mortality, morbidity, cardiac, central nervous system, wound, deep vein thrombosis, sepsis, respiratory and urinary tract complications. Patients undergoing LC plus IOC were found to have statistically significant reduction in the rate of readmission related to the first operation (adjusted odds ratio 0.80, 95 % CI 0.70-0.92; P value = 0.002). Readmissions related to biliary complications including retained CBD following cholecystectomy were 1.61 times more likely in patients who underwent LC without cholangiography. CONCLUSION: The use of IOC at the time of LC appears to be associated with a statistically significant decrease in re-admission rates, especially readmissions related to biliary complications.

Selective Intraoperative Cholangiography in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is probably one of the most frequent surgical procedure performed worldwide. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is required more often than in open procedures due to the need to clarify the anatomy or to diagnose common bile duct (CBD) stones. AIM: The present study analyzes the value of IOC performed on selective basis following preoperative and intraoperative criteria. Our experience covers 15 years of surgical activity in Elias Surgery Department and, as a result of a continuous scientific concern on the matter, we developed a set of criteria that are analyzed and discussed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied the patients subjected to LC in our department between January 2013 and December 2014. A group of 945 patients was analyzed; IOC was performed in 147 cases. All IOC were selective procedures. The criteria were divided in two groups: Preoperative criteria (clinical, lab tests and imaging findings); Intraoperative criteria (dilated biliary ducts and obscure biliary anatomy). RESULTS: IOC was performed in 147 cases. We had a positive result, a finding that changed surgical management of the patient after IOC in over 50% of cases. The biliary tree anatomy was cleared in 100% of cases. IOC required a median period of time of 11 minutes. There were no complications caused by IOC. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative cholangiography, performed either routinely or selectively, represents an important tool in diagnosing unsuspected CBD stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Criteria for selective IOC may significantly reduce the number of useless cholangiograms and are to be considered in daily practice. The main predictive factors used for selective intraoperative cholangiography in our study were: history of jaundice, elevated values of ALP, GGTP, SGO, SGP, and CBD diameter.

Meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of laparoscopic ultrasonography and intraoperative cholangiography in detection of common bile duct stones.

Introduction During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is currently regarded as the gold standard in the detection of choledocholithiasis. Laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) is an attractive alternative with several potential advantages. Methods A systematic review was undertaken of the published literature comparing LUS with IOC in the assessment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Results Twenty-one comparative studies were analysed. There were 4,566 patients in the IOC group and 5,044 in the LUS group. The combined sensitivity and specificity of IOC in the detection of CBD stones were 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83-0.89) and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.98-0.98) respectively with a pooled area under the curve (AUC) of 0.985 and a diagnostic odds ratio (OR) of 260.65 (95% CI: 160.44-423.45). This compares with a sensitivity and specificity for LUS of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.87-0.92) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99-0.99) respectively with a pooled AUC of 0.982 and a diagnostic OR of 765.15 (95% CI: 450.78-1,298.76). LUS appeared to be more successful in terms of coming to a clinical decision regarding CBD stones than IOC (random effects, risk ratio: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93-0.98, df=20, z=-3.7, p<0.005). Furthermore, LUS took less time (random effects, standardised mean difference: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93-0.98, df=20, z=-3.7, p<0.005). Conclusions LUS is comparable with IOC in the detection of CBD stones. The main advantages of LUS are that it does not involve ionising radiation, is quicker to perform, has a lower failure rate and can be repeated during the procedure as required.

Current practices in biliary surgery: Do we practice what we teach?

INTRODUCTION: Since the widespread adoption of laparoscopic techniques in biliary surgery, the incidence of bile duct injures (BDI) has not significantly declined despite increased operative experience and recognition of the critical view of safety (CVS) method for anatomic identification. We hypothesized that operative approaches in clinical practice may vary from well-described technical recommendations. The objective of this study was to access how practicing surgeons commonly identify anatomy during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: We performed a cohort study assessing practices in biliary surgery among current practicing surgeons. Surgeons belonging to the Midwest Surgical Association and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons were surveyed. Items surveyed include preferred methods for cystic duct identification, recognition of the CVS, and use of intraoperative imaging. RESULTS: In total, 374 of 849 surgeons responded. The CVS was not correctly identified by 75 % of surgeons descriptively and by 21 % of surgeons visually. 56 % of surgeons practiced the infundibular method for identification of the cystic duct; 27 % practiced the CVS method. Intraoperative cholangiography was used by 16 % and laparoscopic ultrasound by <1 %. CONCLUSION: A majority of surgeons preferably do not use the CVS method of identification during LC. A large percentage of practicing surgeons are unable to describe or visually identify the CVS. These results suggest an urgent need to reexamine the tenets of how LC is being taught and disseminated and present a clear target for improvement to reduce BDI.

Complications of pediatric cholecystectomy: impact from hospital experience and use of cholangiography.

BACKGROUND: Complications after cholecystectomy in children are poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for major surgical complications for children undergoing cholecystectomy. STUDY DESIGN: All children 4 to 18 years old with gallbladder disease who underwent cholecystectomy from 1999 to 2006 were identified from the California Patient Discharge Database. Patient, hospital, and surgical factors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors predictive of bile duct injury (BDI) and postoperative ERCP. RESULTS: A cohort of 6,931 children treated at 360 hospitals was evaluated. Most children underwent cholecystectomy at a non-children's hospital (84%). Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) was performed in 2,053 (30%) children. Of 5,101 children tracked through the year after cholecystectomy, 153 (3%) required readmission for surgical complications. Bile duct injury occurred in 25 (0.36%) children, and postoperative ERCP was performed in 711 (10%) children. Older age (odds ratio = 0.80; 99% CI, 0.67-0.95) was associated with decreased risk of BDI. Increased hospital tendency for routine IOC use was associated with increased likelihood of BDI (odds ratio = 12.92; 99% CI, 1.31-127.15). Receiving surgical care at a children's hospital was associated with a decreased likelihood of postoperative ERCP (odds ratio = 0.39; 99% CI, 0.23-0.66). As anticipated, choledocholithiasis, cholecystitis, IOC, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy were associated with increased risk of postoperative ERCP (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Serious complications and readmissions from pediatric cholecystectomy are uncommon. Surgeons performing cholecystectomy in young children must have an elevated concern about BDI. Routine IOC or surgical volume might not be helpful in lowering BDI rates.

Teaching cholangiography in a surgical residency program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the time associated with routine cholangiography in a residency teaching program. DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography by a single surgeon from April 2010 to September 2011. Cholangiogram time, demographic, and operative information was recorded, and factors associated with increased cholangiogram times were compared using Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and linear regression; a p value <0.05 was considered significant. SETTING: Academic-affiliated community-based surgical residency program. PARTICIPANTS: 10 surgical residents, PGY 1-5. RESULTS: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography was performed in 54 patients. The average patient age was 43 years; 69% were Caucasian and 74% were female. Cholangiography was successful in 96% of patients. The average time for cholangiograms performed by residents was 11 minutes (range, 6-22 minutes) and average operating room time was 68 minutes (range, 32-103 minutes). The average percentage of case time for cholangiography was 17% (range, 9%-63%). Minor technical complications related to cholangiograms occurred in 33% of cases, with the most common being difficulty with clipping the catheter (20%). There was no significant difference in completion rate or cholangiogram time based on resident level of experience (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative cholangiogram can be safely performed by residents at every level during laparoscopic cholecystectomy without adding significant time to the operation.

Is routine intraoperative cholangiogram necessary in the twenty-first century? A national view.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) can define biliary ductal anatomy. Routine IOC has been proposed previously. However, current surgeon IOC utilization practice patterns and outcomes are unclear. METHODS: Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2004-2009 was queried for patients with acute biliary disease undergoing cholecystectomy (CCY). Analyses only included surgeons performing ≥10 CCY/year. We dichotomized surgeons into a routine IOC group vs. selective. Outcomes included bile duct injury, complications, mortality, length of stay, and cost. RESULTS: Of the nonweighted patients, 111,815 underwent CCY. A total of 4,740 actual surgeon yearly volumes were examined. On average, each surgeon performed 23.6 CCYs and 7.9 IOCs annually, using IOC in 33 % of cases. The routine IOC group used IOC for 96 % of cases, whereas selective IOC group used IOC ∼25 % of the time. Routine IOC surgeons had no difference in mortality (0.4 %) or rate of bile duct injury (0.25 vs. 0.26 %), but higher overall complications (7.3 vs. 6.8 %, p = 0.04). Patients of routine IOC surgeons received more additional procedures and incurred higher costs. CONCLUSION: Routine IOC does not decrease the rate of bile duct injury, but is associated with significant added cost. Surgeons' routine use of IOC is correlated with increased rates of postsurgical procedures, and is associated with increased overall complications. These data suggest routine IOC may not improve outcomes.

Effect of intended intraoperative cholangiography and early detection of bile duct injury on survival after cholecystectomy: population based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the routine use of intraoperative cholangiography can improve survival from complications related to bile duct injuries. DESIGN: Population based cohort study. SETTING: Prospectively collected data from the Swedish national registry of gallstone surgery and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, GallRiks. Multivariate analysis done by Cox regression. POPULATION: All cholecystectomies recorded in GallRiks between 1 May 2005 and 31 December 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evidence of bile duct injury, rate of intended use of intraoperative cholangiography, and rate of survival after cholecytectomy. RESULTS: During the study, 51,041 cholecystectomies were registered in GallRiks and 747 (1.5%) iatrogenic bile duct injuries identified. Patients with bile duct injuries had an impaired survival compared with those without injury (mortality at one year 3.9% v 1.1%). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that early detection of a bile duct injury, during the primary operation, improved survival. The intention to use intraoperative cholangiography reduced the risk of death after cholecystectomy by 62% (hazard ratio 0.38 (95% confidence interval 0.31 to 0.46)). CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of bile duct injury recorded is probably from GallRiks' ability to detect the entire range of injury severities, from minor ductal lesions to complete transections of major ducts. Patients with bile duct injury during cholecystectomy had impaired survival, and early detection of the injury improved survival. The intention to perform an intraoperative cholangiography reduced the risk of death after cholecystectomy.

Variation in the use of intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The role of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) in prevention of common bile duct (CBD) injuries and the management of CBD stones is controversial, and current variation in use of IOC has not been well described. STUDY DESIGN: Multilevel hierarchical models using data from the Texas Hospital Inpatient Discharge Public Use data files (2001 to 2008) were used to evaluate the percentage of variance in the use of IOC that was attributable to patient, surgeon, and hospital factors. RESULTS: A total of 176,981 cholecystectomies were performed in 212 hospitals in Texas. There was wide variation in IOC use, ranging from 2.4% to 98.4% of cases among surgeons and 3.7% to 94.8% of cases among hospitals, even after adjusting for case mix differences. The percentage of variance in IOC use attributable to the surgeon was 20.7% and an additional 25.7% was attributable to the hospital. IOC use was associated with increased age, gallstone pancreatitis or CBD stones, Hispanic race, decreased illness severity, insurance, and later year of cholecystectomy. ERCP (24.0% vs 14.9%, p < 0.0001) and CBD exploration (1.63% vs 0.42%, p < 0.0001) were more commonly performed in patients undergoing IOC. CONCLUSIONS: Uncertainty regarding the benefit of IOC leads to wide variation in use across surgeons and hospitals. The surgeon and hospital are more important determinants of IOC use than measured patient characteristics. Our study highlights the need for further evaluation of comparative effectiveness of IOC in the prevention of CBD injuries and retained stones, taking into account patient risk factors, surgeon skill, cost, and availability of local expertise.