Técnica de linfadenectomía y resección del lecho vesicular laparoscópica por cáncer vesícula biliar incidental / Lymphadenectomy technique and laparoscopic vesicular bed resection for incidental gallbladder cancer

Resumen El cáncer de vesícula es infrecuente a nivel mundial, a diferencia de su alta incidencia en Chile. Su pronóstico es malo en general, y dependerá de su forma de presentación, siendo mejor en los casos diagnosticados después de una colecistectomía laparoscópica por patología benigna. La reintervención, que incluye la resección hepática y linfadenectomía, es el pilar de la terapia curativa en esta neoplasia. Presentamos la descripción de la técnica quirúrgica realizada en los pacientes con cáncer de vesícula de diagnóstico incidental, en el Servicio de Cirugía de Clínica Alemana de Santiago y en el Hospital de la Fuerza Aérea de Chile. El abordaje laparoscópico representa una alternativa quirúrgica válida en el tratamiento de pacientes con cáncer de vesícula biliar diagnosticados después de la colecistectomía. La estandarización de la técnica debiera contribuir a su mayor empleo y a la obtención de buenos resultados desde un punto de vista oncológico.

Gallbladder cancer is considered an infrequent disease but in Chile has a higher incidence. Prognostic is considered dismal except in those patients in whom the diagnosis is performed after the cholecystectomy specimen study. Reoperation with gallbladder bed resection and lymphadenectomy is considered the treatment in patients with incidental cases. We show the way this operation is performed in Clinica Alemana of Santiago and in the Air Force Hospital. The laparoscopic approach is an alternative to those patients in whom the diagnosis was done after the cholecystectomy. Laparoscopy allows to accomplish same objectives and to obtain identical results that the open approach. The technical standardization should contribute to spread its employment and to improve the results.

Choledochal cysts in children: How to Diagnose and Operate on

OBJECTIVE: To identify the best mode for diagnosing and treating the patients with choledochal cysts. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed with medical records of patients diagnosed with choledochal cysts from January 1994 to December 2017. In all cases, the diagnosis was based on ultrasound examination. All the patients underwent cyst resection and were divided in two groups: bile enteric anastomosis in the high portion of the common hepatic duct or in the dilated lower portion. RESULTS: Eighty-one cases were studied. The age of presentation was 4 y 2 mo ± 4 y 1 mo, and the age for the surgical treatment was 5 y 5 mo ± 4 y 6 mo. In 61 cases, US was the only image examination performed. There were 67 cases of Todani type I (82.7%), 13 cases of type IV (16.0%) and one case of type III (1.2%). Nine patients (29.0%) in the first period and 2 patients (4.0%) in the second period presented with postoperative complications (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: In patients with choledochal cysts, US is the only necessary diagnostic imaging. Performing the bile enteric anastomosis in the lower portion of the common hepatic duct is safer and has a lower risk of complications.

Resultados iniciales de un programa de cirugía hepato-bilio-pancreática laparoscópica en el Hospital Regional de Talca / Initial results of a laparoscopic hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery program at the Regional Hospital of Talca

Resumen Introducción: La cirugía laparoscópica es la vía de abordaje de elección para el tratamiento de múltiples patologías abdominales, sin embargo, su desarrollo en la cirugía hepato-bilio-pancreática (HBP) ha sido más lento y heterogéneo. Objetivo: Presentar los resultados de la implementación y desarrollo de un programa de cirugía HBP laparoscópica en el Hospital de Regional de Talca. Materiales y Método: Estudio de serie de casos que incluye a todos los pacientes operados por una patología HBP por vía laparoscópica como acceso a la cavidad abdominal en el Hospital Regional de Talca entre el 1 de junio de 2014 y el 30 de junio de 2016. Resultados: Fueron 42 pacientes, 25 (59,5%) de sexo femenino. La mediana de edad fue 58 años (IQ25-75 38-64 años). 22 (52,4%) tuvo una cirugía abdominal previa en la mayoría de ellos por vía abierta. 22 (52,4%) pacientes fueron intervenidos por patología maligna. La indicación más frecuente fue la cirugía radical por cáncer de vesícula biliar en 10 (23,8%) casos y la hidatidosis hepática (HH) en 7 (16,7%). 1 (2,4%) paciente portador de una HH requirió de una conversión a laparotomía. 5 (11,9%) presentaron alguna morbilidad posoperatoria, 2 de ellos > III de Clavien. La mediana de recuperación funcional fue de 1 día (1-2) y la de estadía posoperatoria de 3 días (3-4). No hubo mortalidad a 90 días. Con una mediana de seguimiento de 26,5 (18-33) meses, 4 (19%) de los 21 pacientes oncológicos intervenidos con intención curativa presentaron recurrencia de la enfermedad, la mayoría de ellos sistémica y el 95% está libre de recurrencia a los 24 meses. Conclusiones: La implementación y el desarrollo de la cirugía hepato-bilio-pancreática (HBP) por vía laparoscópica puede efectuarse en hospitales de referencia regional con los mismos estándares y resultados internacionales.

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery is the preference access for the treatment of various abdominal pathologies, however, its development in hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgery has been slower and heterogeneous. Aim: Present the results of the implementation and development of a laparoscopic HBP surgery program at the Regional Hospital of Talca. Materials and Method: Case series study in which were included all patients submitted to laparoscopic surgery for treatment of HPB pathology as access to the abdominal cavity in the Regional Hospital of Talca between June 1, 2014 and June 30, 2016. Results: There were 42 patients, 25 (59.5%) female. The median age was 58 years (IQ25-75 38-64 years). 22 (52.4%) had previous abdominal surgery in most of them by open route. 22 (52.4%) patients were operated on for malignant pathology. The most frequent indication was radical surgery for gallbladder cancer in 10 (23.8%) cases and hepatic hydatidosis (HH) in 7 (16.7%). 1 (2.4%) patient carrying a HH required a conversion to laparotomy. 5 (11.9%) presented some postoperative morbidity, 2 of them > Clavien III. The median functional recovery was 1 day (1-2) and the postoperative stay was 3 days (3-4). There was no mortality at 90 days. With a median follow-up of 26.5 (18-33) months, 4 (19%) of the 21 oncological patients operated on with curative intent presented recurrence of the disease, most of them systemic and 95% free from recurrence at 24 months. Conclusions: Implementation and development of HBP surgery by laparoscopy is feasible and it can be performed in regional referral hospitals with the same international standards and results.

Primeras experiencias con drenaje biliar percutáneo de urgencia en la colangitis aguda / First experiences in performing urgent percutaneous biliary drainage for acute cholangitis

Introducción: la obstrucción biliar es motivo frecuente de morbilidad en los pacientes con metástasis hepáticas, adenopatías periportales y cáncer hepatobiliopancreático. La colangitis aguda es la complicación más temida, debido a su mortalidad. En este trabajo se presentan los primeros abordajes percutáneos realizados por cirujanos del Hospital Clínicoquirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras como herramienta para el tratamiento urgente de esta entidad. Objetivo: caracterizar el drenaje percutáneo transparietohepático de urgencia en pacientes con colangitis aguda e ictericia obstructiva. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y aplicado con 30 pacientes atendidos de esta forma en dicha institución entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2010. Resultados: el diagnóstico etiológico preponderante fue el de tumor maligno de la cabeza del páncreas. La localización baja de la lesión duplicó a la localización alta. La mejoría clínica de la ictericia se evidenció en la mayoría de los pacientes después de una semana tras el procedimiento: el drenaje percutáneo constituyó el método definitivo en el 73,3 por ciento de los pacientes. Las edades medias para los distintos diagnósticos etiológicos exhibieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. No hubo complicaciones ni mortalidad relacionadas con el procedimiento. Conclusiones: el drenaje biliar percutáneo guiado por ultrasonido es una herramienta útil y segura para el tratamiento de urgencia de la colangitis aguda. Es un método que pueden realizar los cirujanos generales con entrenamiento adecuado y específico, y tiene asociadas pocas complicaciones(AU)

Introduction: bile duct obstruction is a frequent source of morbidity among patients with liver metastasis, periportal lymph nodes and hepatobilopancreatic cancer. Acute cholangitis is the most feared complication because of its mortality. The present paper showed the first percutaneous approaches performed by surgeons in Hermanos Ameijeiras clinical and surgical hospital as a tool for treatment of this urgent complication. Objective: to characterize the urgent transparietohepatic bile drainage performed on patients with acute cholangitis and obstructive jaundice. Methods: this is a prospective, descriptive and applied study with 30 patients cared for in this institution from January 2008 through December 2010. Results: the most frequent etiology was malignancy of the pancreas head; the lower location of the lesion doubled the upper location. Most of the patients clinically improved their jaundice problems after one week of procedure. The percutaneous drainage was the definitive procedure in 73.3 percent of patients. Average ages for the various etiologic diagnoses showed statistically significant differences. There were no complications or death related with the procedure. Conclusions: US-guided percutaneous biliary drainage is a safe useful tool for the urgent treatment of acute cholangitis, it can be performed by general surgeons with specific adequate training and has few associated complications(AU)

Drenagem biliar na paliação dos tumores malignos da confluência biliopancreática: estudo comparativo das abordagens cirúrgica e endoscópica ecoguiada / Biliary drainage in the palliative management of malignant tumors in the biliopancreatic junction: a comparative study of surgical and endosonography-guided approaches

Introdução: A maioria dos pacientes acometidos pela neoplasia que envolve a confluência biliopancreática é diagnosticada em fase avançada. A Colangiopancreatografia Retrógrada Endoscópica (CPRE) é o método de escolha para a drenagem da via biliar obstruída. Todavia, existe um índice de insucesso em torno de 10%. Nesses casos, técnicas alternativas serão aplicadas, como drenagem percutânea trans-hepática e drenagens cirúrgicas. Objetivo: Avaliar o sucesso técnico, clínico, qualidade de vida e sobrevida da drenagem biliar pela cirurgia convencional e técnica endoscópica ecoguiada em pacientes portadores de neoplasia maligna da confluência biliopancreática. Método: No período de abril de 2010 a setembro de 2013, foram estudados 32 pacientes portadores de neoplasia maligna da confluência biliopancreática. Todos os que foram incluídos nesse estudo apresentaram falha na drenagem biliar por CPRE. Três deles foram excluídos por insucesso técnico (falha na confecção da anastomose hepaticojejunal e da formação da fístula coledocoduodenal ecoguiada). O Grupo I foi formado por 15 pacientes submetidos à Hepaticojejunostomia (HJT) em "Y" de Roux e derivação gastrojejunal. O Grupo II foi formado por 14 pacientes submetidos à coledocoduodenostomia ecoguiada (CDT). O sucesso clínico foi avaliado pela queda da bilirrubina sérica total em mais de 50% nos sete primeiros dias após o procedimento. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo questionário SF-36 e a sobrevida pela curva de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: O sucesso técnico foi de 93,75% (15/16) no Grupo I e de 87,5% (14/16) no Grupo II (p = 0,598). O sucesso clínico ocorreu em 14 (93,33%) pacientes pertencentes ao Grupo I e em 10 (71,43%) do Grupo II. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,169). O comportamento médio dos escores de qualidade de vida foi estatisticamente igual entre as técnicas ao longo do seguimento (p > 0,05 Técnica * Momento). Houve alteração média estatisticamente significativa ao...

Introduction: Most patients with neoplasm in the biliopancreatic junction are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the method of choice for drainage of obstructed biliary tract. However, there is a failure rate of about 10%. In such cases, alternative techniques, such as, percutaneous transhepatic drainage and surgical drainage are applied. Aim: To evaluate the technical and clinical success, quality of life and patient survival of biliary drainage by conventional surgery and endosonography-guided technique in patients with malignant neoplasm of the biliopancreatic junction. Methodology: From April 2010 to September 2013, 32 patients with malignant neoplasm of the biliopancreatic junction were studied. All patients included in this study had failed biliary drainage by ERCP. Three patients were excluded due to technical failure (failure in the construction of hepatico-jejuno anastomosis and formation of endosonography-guided choledochoduodenal fistula). Group I comprised of 15 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJT) and gastrojejunal bypass. Group II consisted of 14 patients who underwent endosonography-guided choledochoduodenostomy (CDT). Clinical success was assessed by the decrease of more than 50% in total serum bilirubin in the first seven days after the procedure. Quality of life was assessed by SF-36 questionnaire and survival by Kaplan-Meier curve. Results: Technical success rate was 93.75% (15/16) in group I and 87.5% (14/16) in group II (p = 0.598). Clinical success occurred in 14 (93.33%) patients in group I and 10 (71.43%) patients in group II. There was no significant statistically difference (p = 0.169). The average quality of life score were statistically equal between the techniques during follow-up (p > 0.05 * Technical Moment). There were statistically significant mean changes during follow-up of functional capacity score, physical health, pain, social...

Is Preoperative Subclassification of Type I Choledochal Cyst Necessary?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of postoperative biliary stricture and its risk factors in patients undergoing surgery for type I choledochal cyst. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 patients with type I choledochal cyst underwent laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy between August 2004 and August 2011. Their medical records and radiologic images (including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, pancreatobiliary computed tomography, or ultrasound) were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the frequency of postoperative biliary stricture and its risk factors. RESULTS: Postoperative biliary stricture was found in 10 (28.6%) of 35 patients. It developed more frequently in patients with type Ia choledochal cyst (53.8%, 7 of 13 patients) than in patients with type Ic choledochal cyst (13.6%, 3 of 22 patients), which was statistically significant (p = 0.011). There were no significant associations between other factors and postoperative biliary stricture. CONCLUSION: Type Ia is a risk factor of postoperative anastomotic stricture. Therefore, preoperative radiologic subclassification of type Ia and Ic may be useful in predicting postoperative outcomes of choledochal cysts.

Is Preoperative Subclassification of Type I Choledochal Cyst Necessary?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of postoperative biliary stricture and its risk factors in patients undergoing surgery for type I choledochal cyst. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 35 patients with type I choledochal cyst underwent laparoscopic cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy between August 2004 and August 2011. Their medical records and radiologic images (including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, pancreatobiliary computed tomography, or ultrasound) were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the frequency of postoperative biliary stricture and its risk factors. RESULTS: Postoperative biliary stricture was found in 10 (28.6%) of 35 patients. It developed more frequently in patients with type Ia choledochal cyst (53.8%, 7 of 13 patients) than in patients with type Ic choledochal cyst (13.6%, 3 of 22 patients), which was statistically significant (p = 0.011). There were no significant associations between other factors and postoperative biliary stricture. CONCLUSION: Type Ia is a risk factor of postoperative anastomotic stricture. Therefore, preoperative radiologic subclassification of type Ia and Ic may be useful in predicting postoperative outcomes of choledochal cysts.

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in canine bile duct injury: a critical analysis / Politetrafluoroetileno expandido na lesão do ducto biliar em cães: uma análise crítica

PURPOSE: Analyze the morphological and structural outcomes of a patch of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in the treatment of an iatrogenic injury of the common bile duct. METHODS: In Group 1 (Sham), 7 dogs underwent 3 laparotomies with intervals of 30 days between them. In Group 2, 10 dogs underwent transient common bile duct obstruction. After 30 days, this biliary occlusion was undone and a patch of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene replaced a fragment removed from the duct's wall. Thirty days after this last surgery, cholangiographic assessment of prosthesis patency and macro and microscopic evaluation of the biliary tract were performed. Daily clinical inspection completed the study outcomes. The Wilcoxon non-parametric test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In all dogs enlargement of the biliary tree diameter was observed 30 and 60 days after the first surgical procedure. Partial adhesion of the patch to the common bile duct as a free luminal foreign body was found in 6 dogs. The prosthesis was completely integrated to surrounding tissue in the remaining four. CONCLUSION: Although a feasible option for the treatment of biliary duct iatrogenic lesions, the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis must be used with caution considering the potential risks for complications.

OBJETIVO: Analisar, evolutivamente, a morfologia e a estrutura de um fragmento de politetrafluoretileno expandido utilizado no tratamento de uma lesão iatrogênica do ducto biliar comum. MÉTODOS: No grupo 1 (Simulação), sete cães foram submetidos a três laparotomias com intervalos de 30 dias entre elas. No grupo 2, em dez cães realizou-se uma obstrução tansitória do ducto biliar comum. Após 30 dias, a oclusão biliar foi desfeita e um fragmento da parede ductal foi substituído por um retalho de politetrafluoretileno expandido. Trinta dias após esta última operação, foram efetuadas uma avaliação colangiográfica da perviedade da prótese e uma análise macro e microscópica do trato biliar. Inspeções clínicas diárias completaram o estudo evolutivo. O teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon foi utilizado para análises estatísticas. RESULTADOS: Decorridos 30 e 60 dias do primeiro procedimento cirúrgico, observou-se, em todos os cães, aumento do diâmetro da árvore biliar. Em seis cães verificou-se a presença do fragmento da prótese parcialmente aderido à parede do ducto biliar comum e também solta no lúmen da via biliar. A prótese estava completamente integrada aos tecidos circunvizinho nos demais quarto animais. CONCLUSÃO: A prótese de politetrafluoretileno expandido apresenta-se como uma opção factível para o tratamento das lesões iatrogênicas do ducto biliar, entretanto, deve ser utilizada com cautela, considerando o risco potencial de complicações.

Reconstrucción de lesiones de la vía biliar principal: la evolución hacia la técnica de Hepp-Couinaud / Surgical repair of bile duct injuries: experience in 25 patients

Background: Bile duct injury (BDI) is a complex problem, where adequate reconstruction has an impact on quality of life of patients. Aim: To describe the experience and results of bile duct reconstruction in BDI at reference center. Material and Methods: Retrospective review of 25 patients aged 44 +/- 14 (76 percent females) with BDI that were subjected to a surgical repair in a regional hospital between January 2000 and June 2009. The protocol, repair technique and postoperative morbidity and mortality are described. Results: In 40 percent of cases, the injury occurred during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The repair was performed using a Roux-en-Y hepato-jejunostomy (RYHJ) in 20 patients. In 14 patients (70 percent), the modified Hepp-Couinaud technique was used. Thirty two percent of patients had postoperative complications and one patient died due to a sepsis and liver failure. One patient presented RYHJ stenosis that was managed with percutaneous dilatation. Conclusions: The majority of patients of this series were managed using a RYHJ with the Hepp-Couinaud technique, with acceptable results in terms of postoperative morbidity and stenosis.

Introducción: La lesión de vía biliar (LVB) es una complicación de enfrentamiento complejo, donde una adecuada reconstrucción tiene impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Objetivo: Describir la experiencia y resultados de la reconstrucción de via biliar por LVB en un centro de referencia. Material y Método: Diseño de estudio: Cohorte retrospectiva. Período de estudio: Enero de 2000 a Junio de 2009. Población: Pacientes mayores de 18 años con LVB que fueron sometidas a reconstrucción de vía biliar por el equipo de cirugía hepatopancreática y biliar del Hospital Regional de Temuco. Maniobra: Se describe el protocolo de evaluación y la técnica de reconstrucción. Resultados: La cohorte está constituida por 25 pacientes. La edad promedio es 44 +/- 13,7 años y el 76 por ciento género femenino. La lesión se produjo más frecuentemente en una colecistectomía laparoscópica (40 por ciento). La reparación se ha realizado con hepaticoyeyuno anastomosis en Y de Roux (HPYA) en 20 pacientes, utilizando la técnica de Hepp-Couinaud modificada en el 70 por ciento de ellos. Ocho pacientes presentaron alguna morbilidad asociada a la reparación y un paciente falleció en el postoperatorio. Un paciente presentó estenosis de HPYA cuya terapia fue dilataciones por vía percutanea. Conclusión: La HPYA con técnica de Hepp-Couinaud es la técnica más utilizada por nuestro equipo en la reconstrucción de vía biliar por LVB con resultados aceptables en términos de morbilidad postoperatoria y estenosis.

Variedades anatómicas del árbol biliar: implicancia quirúrgica / Anatomy variations of biliary tree: surgical implicance

La anatomía de las vías biliares presenta frecuentes variaciones. La anatomía "normal" se describe en aproximadamente la mitad de los casos. Las variedades de las vías biliares deben ser conocidas por los médicos especialistas en diagnóstico por imágenes y cirujanos hepatobiliares, a fin de optimizar su desempeño en sus respectivas áreas. Con ese fin fueron estudiadas en forma prospectiva 690 colangiografías (538 intra-operatorias; 90 resonancias; y 62 trans-catéteres biliares). Se utilizó la clasificación de Blumgart y los resultados fueron: tipo A: 284 (41,16 por ciento); B: 178 (25,80 por ciento). C1: 110 (15,94 por ciento); C2: 38 (5,51 por ciento).; D1: 8 (1,16 por ciento); D2: 23 (3,33 por ciento); E1: 18 (2,61 por ciento); E2: 27 (3,91 por ciento); F: 4 (0,58 por ciento). Como conclusiones, es importante señalar que: a) la colangiografía intra-operatoria debe ser sistemática, por un lado, para descartar litiasis coledociana; y por el otro, para detectar variaciones anatómicas y predecirlas antes de las cirugías resectivas; y b) la colangiorresonancia es ideal como estudio preoperatorio en posibles donantes vivos de órganos.

The anatomy of the biliary tract have frequent variations. Normal anatomy is described in about half of cases. The varieties of the bile ducts should be known by physicians and hepatobiliary surgeons specializing in diagnostic imaging, in order to optimize performance in their respective areas. To this end 690 cholangiographies (538 intra-operative, 90 resonances, and 62 trans-catheter bile) were prospectively studied. We used the classification of Blumgart and the results were as follows: type A: 284 (41.16 percent), B: 178 (25.80 percent). C1: 110 (15.94 percent), C2: 38 (5.51 percent)., D1: 8 (1.16 percent), D2: 23 (3.33 percent), E1: 18 (2.61 percent) , E2: 27 (3.91 percent), F: 4 (0.58 percent). As conclusion, it is important to note that: a) intra-operative cholangiography should be systematic, on the one hand, to exclude cholelithiasis and, on the other hand, to detect and predict anatomical changes before resective surgery and b) cholangioresonance is an ideal preoperative study in potential living donors of organs.

Exploración laparoscopica de la vía biliar: validación de un modelo de entrenamiento / Laparoscopic exploration of the bile duct: validation of a training model

Para determinar la capacidad de las evaluaciones realizadas con un modelo de entrenamiento para diferenciar el desempeño entre individuos con diferentes niveles de experiencia, se realizó un estudio en 14 individuos distribuidos en tres grupos con distinto nivel de entrenamiento en cirugía laparoscópica: 5 novatos (A), 5 intermedios (B) y 4 expertos (C), en las tareas colangiografía intraoperatoria, exploración transcística, colocación del tubo de Kehr y coledocoscopia. Se emplearon las pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis y Mann-Whitney para detectar diferencias entre los grupos. Los resultados de la evaluación de la tarea colangiografía intraoperatoria fueron semejantes para todos los grupos. En las otras estaciones el grupo de expertos resultó superior a los otros dos, que no mostraron entre sí diferencias relevantes. Observamos que el modelo es capaz de discriminar entre sujetos que poseen diferente nivel de experiencia en este procedimiento, lo que indica que las habilidades que el mismo evalúa son relevantes en el desempeño del cirujano en la ELVB. El modelo evaluado permite diferenciar entre cirujanos que poseen experiencia en cirugía laparoscopica de vía biliar principal y aquellos que no la tienen, por lo que recomendamos que los individuos en formación lo empleen como herramienta de entrenamiento y evaluación.

To determine the success of the proposed model to distinguish the performance of individuals with different levels of experience, three groups based on their surgery level experience was evaluated: 5 novice (A), 5 intermediate (B), and 4 expert (C) in the tasks of: intraoperative cholangiography, transcystic exploration, t-tube introduction and choledocoscope. Both tests, the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance and the Mann-Whitney significance test, were employed to detect skills differences between the groups. The results of the evaluation on the task for intraoperative cholangiography were similar for all the groups. Yet, on the other tasks the group of experts turned out to be superior to the other two groups, which did not show significant differences between them. We observe that such model is capable of recognizing variations between subjects that possess different level of experience in this procedure, which indicates that the skills that this model evaluates are relevant in the performance of the surgeon in the LCBDE. The evaluated model allows one to differentiate between those subjects who have experience in laparoscopic biliary tract surgery and those that do not have it. It is recommended that those individuals currently schooling should use it as a training and evaluation tool.

Prevention of bile leak after liver surgery: a fool-proof method

Bile leak is not uncommon after liver surgeries. There is no adequate method described to prevent this morbid complication. At the end of the liver procedure, transcystic normal saline was injected under pressure with distal clamping. Leaking saline on the cut surface of the liver was sutured. The process was repeated till no leaking was observed. A suction drain was kept for any bile leak. Open liver resection and hydatid cyst surgery cases were included. There were 24 cases, with 13 males and 11 females. The age range was from 4 to 80 years, with a mean of 48 years [SD +/- 17.7]. The number of leak sites that could be sutured were 0-4 [mean of 2.3 +/- 0.5]. None had bile leak postoperatively. Transcystic injection under pressure with distal clamping demonstrates the leak sites. Suturing them prevents the postoperative bile leak

Lesiones iatrogénicas de la vía biliar en cirugía laparoscópica: experiencia en diez años / Iatrogenic lesions of the biliary tract in laparoscopic surgery: A 10-year experience

La lesión iatrogénica de la vía biliar es, sin duda, el más desastroso accidente que pudiera sufrir un paciente en el transcurso de una colecistectomía laparoscópica. Constituye una nueva enfermedad generada por el cirujano que implica riesgos, sufrimientos y en el mejor de los casos convierte al paciente en un lisiado biliar. Dada la importancia del problema, se realizó un análisis de 5 312 pacientes colecistectomizados por cirugía laparoscópica en el período comprendido entre mayo de 1997 a mayo de 2007, en el Hospital Militar Central Dr. Carlos J. Finlay. Ocurrieron 22 lesiones de la vía biliar, de ellas 12 se diagnosticaron y repararon en el acto quirúrgico. Como tratamiento se preconizó la anastomosis T-T con colocación de sonda en T de Kehr y las derivaciones biliodigestivas de acuerdo con el tipo de lesión. La mortalidad global fue de 0,06.

Iatrogenic lesion of biliary tract is undoubtedly the most disastrous accident suffered by a patient during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It is a new disease generated by the surgeon that implies risks, sufferings and, at best, the patient becomes a biliary cripple. Due to the significance of this problem, we made an analysis of 5 312 patients cholecystectomized by laparoscopic surgery in Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Central Military Hospital from May 1997 to May 2007.There were 22 biliary tract lesions, 12 of them were diagnosed and repaired during the surgical act. The recommended treatment was T-T anastomosis with placing of Kehr T- tube and biliodigestive bypass according to the type of lesion. Global mortality was of 0.06.

Palliative surgical bypass versus percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage on unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the survival probability of unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients who have been managed by palliative surgical bypass versus percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A historical (retrospective) cohort study was performed by retrospective and prospective data collection. From January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2002, all unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients who received only one type of palliative surgical bypass or PTBD in Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University were included in the present study. The patients were followed until December 31, 2004. Survival analysis was completed for all of the patients. STATISTIC ANALYSIS: Survival analysis was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method, Cox regression analysis, and Log-rank test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: During the study period, 83 patients were included. Palliative surgical bypass was performed in 42 patients and PTBD was performed in 41 patients. Demographic data, peri-operative complication rate, and late complication rate were comparable. The median survival time of the palliative surgical bypass group was 160 days,(95% CI: 85.33, 234.67) and 82 days (95% CI: 29.76, 134.24)for PTBD group. Comparing survival experience by Log-rank test gave statistical significant diference (p = 0.0276). Hazard ratio was 0.599 (p = 0.03) CONCLUSION: Survival rate of the palliative surgical bypass group was higher than the PTBD group. The survival rate of both groups was comparable to previous reports.

Controversies in surgical intervention and percutaneous biliary drainage for malignant obstructive Jaundice

Management of malignant jaundice is frequently a real challenge. Most patients present in advanced stages of the disease, and usually there are co-morbidities. Some investigations may not be diagnostic or conclusive. There are controversies about the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for jaundice. Surgical intervention and percutaneous biliary drainage are two lines of treatment with much controversy. Of this work was to assess the controversies in the management of malignant obstructive jaundice as regards benefits, drawbacks and basis of selection of surgical intervention versus percutaneous biliary drainage. 37 patients were included in this study. Detailed medical history, clinical examination and complete y laboratory and imaging investigations for the hepato-biliaiy tract were done. Decision of treatment was guided by the data of the patients, stage and extent of the disease, expected morbidity of the procedure and expected prognosis. 23 males and 14 females with mean age 58.6 +/- 17.4 years were studied. Diagnosis of the studied patients included 17 [45.9%] patients with pancreatic head carcinoma, 12 [32.4%] patients with cholangiocarcinoma, 6 [16.2%] patients with periampullary tumours, one [2.7%] patient with intrahepatic metastatic tumour one [2.7%] patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. Resectable tumours were found in 4 [10.8%] patients, while unresectable tumours were found in 33 [89.2%] patients. The treatment of the patients included surgical intervention for 14 [37.8%] patients and percutaneous biliary drainage for 23 [62.1%] patients. The mean survival duration was 11 +/- 4.8 months after resectional surgery, 6.5 +/- 2.4 months after palliative surgical bypass, while it was 4.7 +/- 1.2 months after percutaneous biliary drainage. Selection of therapeutic procedure was guided and individualized by the data of the patient. Whenever the tumour is operable, resectional surgery is the treatment of choice. However, in the majority of patients, the tumours were inoperable and treatment was palliative. Palliative surgical bypass was associated with less morbidity and longer survival than stenting, and was preferable for lower biliary obstruction. However, precutaneous biliary drainage was more suitable for hilar biliary obstruction. It can be the sole therapeutic procedure for jaundice of patients unfit for surgical intervention. Percutaneous biliary drainage was beneficial for patients with advanced inoperable tumours, with bad general conditions and deteriorated uncorrectable liver functions. It also included diagnostic cholangiography, especially 1 ERCP is not feasible, allowed internal/external drainage and the simultaneous positioning of several protheses

Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy versus hepaticodudenostmy for biliary reconstruction after excision of choledochal cysts in children

Primary cyst excision combined with biliary reconstruction is the standard treatment of choledochal cysts. Roux-eu-Y hepatico-jejunostomy [RYHJ] or hepatico-duodenostomy [HD] is the most commonly used techniques for biliary reconstruction. This study was undertaken to compare the operative details and postoperative functional results of patients treated with either RYHJ or HD on both early and long term follow up. This retrospective study included 27 patients with choledochal cysts, who were treated during the period from 1993 to 2005. Complete excision of the extra-hepatic cysts was done in all patients. The study population was classified into two groups according to the method used for biliary reconstruction. Group 1 included 18 patients who undergone RYHJ, while group 2 included 9 patients treated with HD. All patients were studied as regard to the details of clinical presentation, diagnostic tools, operative details, and outcome. Statistical comparison was done with unpaired t and x[2] tests, with P value less than 0.05 considered significant. The age and sex distributions were comparable among both groups. The mean operative time was longer in group 1 than in group 2 [160.4 versus 131.1 minutes, P =0.003]. Intraoperative blood transfusion was not required in any patient. The start of oral postoperative feeding was similar in both groups [2.6 versus 2.1 days]. The hospital stay was comparable in both groups [5.1 versus 4.8 days]. There were no major intraoperative complications in either group. Postoperative cholangitis occurred in 4 patients [2 in each group]. Adhesive bowel obstruction occurred in 2 children in group I [treated successfully by conservative management]. One late mortality due to liver failure occurred 6 months after RYHJ with preoperative severe liver cirrhosis. Total excision of choledochal cyst is usually feasible. Both RYHJ and HD are effective techniques for biliary reconstruction following excision of the cyst with satisfactory and comparable results on both early and long-term follow up. Hepatico-duodenostomy may be preferred due to shorter operative time and avoidance of intestinal anastomosis; however more patients with HD are required before reaching a solid conclusion

Aplicación de un programa de aprendizaje en colecistectomía laparoscópica para residentes / Learning program for residence based on laparoscopic cholectystectomy

Antecedentes: Todavía existen controversias sobre el aprendizaje de la colecistectomía laparoscópica. Debe ser posterior o simultáneo al de la cirugía biliar convencional?. Es imprescindible la utilización de recursos extraordinarios?. Objetivos: Presentar un programa de aprendizaje para residentes basado en el sistema tradicional de enseñanza de la cirugía convencional y sus resultados. Lugar de aplicación: División de Cirugía General de un hospital público. Diseño: Estudio observacional prospectivo basado en criterios básicos. Población: Seis médicos residentes de las promociones 1999, 2000 y 2001 a razón de dos por promoción. Método: Sistema de enseñanza y entrenamiento basado en los preceptos tradicionales, que asignan responsabilidades crecientes de acuerdo a la experiencia y capacidad del educando. Se realizó una evaluación práctica de seis residentes de cuarto año durante el último trimestre de sus respectivos ciclos. Resultados: Desde junio de 1995 a mayo de 2001 los residentes intervinieron en 746 colecistectomías laparoscópicas, en 482 con el rol de cirujano. No hubo mortalidad en la serie. La morbilidad fue de 2,08 por ciento y 27 casos (5,6 por ciento) superaron la capacidad del cirujano residente y fueron resueltos por el médico de planta a cargo. Los seis residentes de cuarto año operaron un total de 52 pacientes durante sus últimos tres meses de residencia. En esta serie la morbilidad fue del 4 por ciento y hubo 2 conversiones (3,85 por ciento). Conclusiones: El sistema utilizado resultó seguro para el paciente y eficaz para el educando. Creemos que el aprendizaje de la colecistectomía laparoscópica debe comenzar desde el inicio en la residencia, puede ser simultáneo al aprendizaje de la cirugía biliar convencional y desarrollarse bajo los mismos preceptos. No nos parece imprescindible la utilización de recursos extraordinarios para la adquisición de destrezas en colecistectomía laparoscópica

Colecistectomía laparoscópica sin clips / Laparoscopic cholecystectomy without clips

Antecedentes: el uso del "clip" simplificó las maniobras de hemostasia y bilistasia durante la colecistectomía laparascópica (CL), pero incorporó una nueva morbilidad a ésta intervención. Objetivo: comparar la CL hecha de la forma más difundida, con la que apela a reemplazar el "clip" por un punto en el cístico y por hemostasia bipolar en la arteria cística. Lugar de aplicación: Unidad de Cirugía Ambulatoria, Fundación "Carlos Oulton", Córdoba. Diseño: estudio prospectivo de comparación de 2 series. Población: 179 mujeres y 71 hombres, operados entre el 04-12-98 y 06-09-2000, 90 con "clips" y 89 sin "clips". Métodos: en cada serie se recogió, de manera prospectiva, la siguiente información: duración de la intervención, tiempo de internación, analgesia postoperatoria y morbilidad vinculada a la técnica utilizada. Resultados: la duración de la intervención fue 6' promedio más larga en la serie sin "clips". En 11 casos de ésta serie el cirujano apeló a un "clip" y en 3 a un "endoloop" para asegurar la bilistasia. La hemostasia bipolar de la arteria cística no necesitó "clips" en ningún caso. La duración de la internación, lo mismo que el consumo de analgésicos, fue idéntica en ambas series. Hubo una reinternación por biloma en la serie de CL sin "clips". Conclusiones: el "clip" metálico simplifica los gestos de cierre del cístico durante la CL, pero se le atribuye responsabilidad en el incremento de bilomas y bilirragias postoperatorias, ya que la bilistasia que ofrece es menos segura que la provista por un punto o una ligadura. La asociación de hemostasia monopolar y "clips" metálicos es potencialmente letal para la vía biliar principal. La hemostasia de la arteria cística con coagulación bipolar es una técnica segura. Se propone reemplazar el "clip" por un punto o una ligadura en el cístico y por hemostasia bipolar en la arteria, con el objetivo de hacer más segura la intervención