Prevalencia de colecistolitiasis y cáncer de vesícula en una población rural aymara de Chile

Background: The prevalence of cholelithiasis and gallbladder cancer may be different across ethnic groups. Aim: To study the prevalence of cholelithiasis and gallbladder cancer among Aymara individuals. Material and Methods: An abdominal ultrasound was carried out in a sample of 182 Aymara women aged 46 ± 16 years and 76 Aymara men aged 55 ± 16 years. In addition, the histopathological reports of both patients with a history of previous cholecystectomy and those operated after the study were reviewed. Results: Ultrasound was normal in 150 participants (58%), 76 had cholelithiasis (30%) and 32 (12%) had a history of cholecystectomy. Pathological reports of the excised gallbladder were available for 106 cases and showed a chronic cholecystitis in 98% of cases. Gallbladder cancer was not reported. Conclusions: There is a 42% prevalence of cholelithiasis and no gallbladder cancer in this sample of Aymara population.

Colelitiasis en pacientes obesos sometidos a cirugía bariátrica: estudio y seguimiento postoperatorio a 12 meses / Cholelithiasis in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: 12-month postoperatively study and monitoring

Introducción: Chile se caracteriza por ser uno de los países con mayor prevalencia de patología biliar en el mundo. Dentro de los factores de riesgo de la patología biliar se encuentran el sexo femenino, la edad, el sobrepeso y la obesidad. Estos factores asociados a la disminución rápida de peso son característicos de los pacientes obesos sometidos a cirugía bariátrica. Se ha reportado que los pacientes sometidos a esta cirugía tienen una alta incidencia de colelitiasis a 12 meses postoperatorio. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de patología biliar en pacientes obesos sometidos a cirugía bariátrica, y analizar la aparición de esta patología durante el seguimiento postoperatorio a un año. Material y método: Serie de casos retrospectiva, incluyendo 221 pacientes sometidos a cirugía bariátrica, con seguimiento a 12 meses. Se realizó revisión de registros clínicos, consignando peso y ecografía abdominal en el control al año. Resultados: Un 18,09% de los pacientes tenía antecedentes de colecistectomía previa. Un 13,57% de los pacientes presentaba colelitiasis en el preoperatorio y se realizó colecistectomía de forma concomitante en todos ellos. Se realizó seguimiento a un año en 151 pacientes. En las ecografías al año, un 3,54% presentaba colelitiasis. Conclusiones: Existe una elevada prevalencia de colelitiasis en la población sometida a cirugía bariátrica. La aparición de esta patología en el primer año fue menor a la reportada en la literatura. Se debe considerar un seguimiento cercano para la detección de esta patología durante el primer año postoperatorio.

Introduction: Chile is known for being one of the countries with higher prevalence of gallstone disease in the world. Among the risk factors for biliary pathology are female gender, age, overweight and obesity. These factors associated with rapid weight loss are characteristic of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. It has been reported that patients undergoing these surgeries have a high incidence of cholelithiasis to 12 months postoperatively. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of gallstone disease in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery, and analyze the occurrence of this disease during the postoperative follow-up up to 12 months. Material and methods: Retrospective case series including 221 patients undergoing bariatric surgery, with follow-up up to 12 months. Review of clinical records and abdominal ultrasound was conducted. Results: A 18.09% of patients had a history of previous cholecystectomy. A 13.57% of patients had preoperative cholelithiasis and a concomitant cholecystectomy was performed in all of them. Follow up was conducted in 151 patients. In ultrasound examinations at one year, 3.54% had cholelithiasis. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of cholelithiasis in the population undergoing bariatric surgery. The emergence of this disease in the first year was lower than that reported in the literature. Patients should be closely monitored for the detection of this disease during the first postoperative year.

The Lowest Prevalence of Cholelithiasis in the Americas - An Autopsy-based Study

OBJECTIVES: This study used autopsy to evaluate the prevalence of cholelithiasis and its associated risk factors in a population of healthy, young subjects who suffered a violent or natural death. METHODS: This study is a prospective evaluation of autopsies of 446 individuals from 2011 to 2013 in Brazil. Of that sample, 330 (74%) subjects died from violent deaths and 116 (26%) died naturally. The presence of biliary calculi, previous cholecystectomy, gender, age, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI) and alcohol use were evaluated. RESULTS: In the natural death group, 6.9% (95% CI 3.39 to 13.28) (3.08% of the male subjects and 11.76% of the female subjects) exhibited evidence of gallbladder disease. In the violent death group, only 2.12% (95% CI 0.96 to 4.43) (2.17% of the male subjects and 1.85% of the female subjects) of the subjects exhibited evidence of gallbladder disease. Age was correlated with the prevalence of gallbladder disease, but BMI was correlated with only gallbladder disease in the natural death group. CONCLUSIONS: This population has the lowest prevalence of cholelithiasis in the Americas. Dietary habits, physical activity, ethnicity, alcohol consumption and genetic factors may be responsible for this low prevalence.

Morbilidad postoperatoria en pacientes con hidatidosis hepática complicada / Post surgery morbidity in patients with complicated hepatic hydatidosis

Introduction: Hepatic echinococcosis (HE) surgery is common in southern's Chile hospitals; however, related publications are scarce and with conflicting results, especially with regard to postoperative morbidity (POM), due to the diversity in it severity. The aim of this study is to determine POM in patients undergoing surgery for complicated HE (CHE). Material and Methods: Case series part of a prospective cohort. Patients undergoing surgery for CHH in hospitals Hernán Henríquez Aravena hospital and Clínica Mayor of Temuco, between 2000 and 2012 were included. The main outcome variable was development of POM using the Clavien scale. Other variables of interest were hospital stay, mortality and recurrence. Descriptive statistics were applied and incidence of POM was determined. Results: 73 patients with a median age of 41 years and 58.9% female were studied. The median ultrasound diameter cysts were 15.0 cm. The average surgical time was 125.4 ± 26.3 min. The surgical procedure used most often was the pericystectomy (84.9%); and 84.9% of cases was performed concomitantly some other surgical procedure. The incidence of POM was 19.2%, 78.6% of whose cases were Grade I or II Clavien. The aetiology was 10.9% of medical complications and 8.2% of surgical complications. 1.4% of mortality was recorded; and with a median follow up of 97 months, no recurrence was verified. Conclusions: POM in a cohort of patients with CHE is lower than the published and low severity. Subgroups with higher POM were: patients with coexistence of more than one complication, those with colangiohydatidosis and patients with liver abscess of hydatid origin.

Introducción: La cirugía de la hidatidosis hepática (HH) es habitual en hospitales del sur de Chile; sin embargo, las publicaciones relacionadas son escasas y sus resultados disímiles, en especial respecto de la morbilidad postoperatoria (MPO), debido a la diversidad en la gravedad. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la incidencia de MPO en pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente por HH complicada. Material y Método: Serie de casos, parte de una cohorte prospectiva. Se incluyeron pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente por HH complicada, en el hospital Hernán Henríquez Aravena y en la Clínica Mayor de Temuco, entre 2000 y 2012. La variable resultado principal fue desarrollo de MPO aplicando la escala de Clavien. Otras variables de interés fueron estancia hospitalaria, mortalidad y recurrencia. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva y, se determinó incidencia de MPO. Resultados: 73 pacientes, con mediana de edad de 41 años (16 a 84 años); 58,9% de género femenino. La mediana del diámetro ultrasonográfico de los quistes fue de 15,0 cm. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 125,4 ± 26,3 min. El procedimiento quirúrgico utilizado con mayor frecuencia fue periquistectomía (84,9%); y en 84,9% de los casos se realizó de forma concomitante algún otro procedimiento quirúrgico. La incidencia de MPO fue 19,2% (10,9% de tratamiento médico y 8,2% de tratamiento quirúrgico); 78,6% de cuyos casos eran Grado I o II de Clavien. Se registró 1,4% de mortalidad; y con una mediana de seguimiento de 97 meses, no se verificó recurrencia. Conclusiones: La incidencia de MPO en pacientes con HH complicada es inferior a la publicada y de bajo nivel de gravedad. Los subgrupos de complicaciones evolutivas con mayor MPO fueron la co-existencia de más de una complicación, la colangiohidatidosis y el absceso hepático de origen hidatídico.

Mini-Gastric Bypass to Control Morbid Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus: What Radiologists Need to Know

Laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass surgery is a safe and simple surgical intervention for treating morbid obesity and diabetes mellitus and is now being performed more frequently. Radiologists must be critical in their postoperative evaluation of these patients. In this pictorial review, we explain and illustrate the surgical technique, normal postoperative anatomy, and associated complications as seen on imaging examinations, including fluoroscopy and computed tomography.

Cholelithiasis in obese adolescents treated at an outpatient clinic / Litíase biliar em adolescentes obesos atendidos em ambulatório

OBJECTIVE: to describe the frequency and the factors associated with cholelithiasis in obese adolescents. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study performed with the adolescents between 10 and 19 years of age treated at the Child and Adolescent Obesity Outpatient Clinic from May to December of 2011. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) > P97, and overweight as BMI > P85, for age and gender, according to the 2007 World Health Organization reference. A questionnaire concerning the presence of signs and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and intolerance to fat, was administered. Patients were asked about how many kilograms they had lost and in how much time. Laboratory parameters were: triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Cholelithiasis and hepatic steatosis were diagnosed by ultrasonography. RESULTS: cholelithiasis was diagnosed in 6.1% (4/66) of the obese adolescents, most of whom were female (3/4); hepatic steatosis was identified in 21.2% (14/66). Intolerance to dietary fat was reported by all patients with cholelithiasis (4/4) and by 17.7% (11/62) of the group without cholelithiasis (p = 0.001). The average weight loss was 6.0 ± 2.9 kg in the patients with cholelithiasis and 3.2 ± 4.8 kg in the group without cholelithiasis (p = 0.04). However, there was no difference between the two groups regarding the time of weight loss (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: cholelithiasis and hepatic steatosis are frequent among obese adolescents and should be investigated systematically in the presence or absence of symptoms. .

OBJETIVO: descrever a frequência e os fatores associados à litíase biliar em adolescentes obesos. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo tipo corte transversal com adolescentes entre 10 e 19 anos atendidos em ambulatório de obesidade infanto-juvenil, no período de maio a dezembro de 2011. A obesidade foi definida como índice de massa corporal > P97 e o sobrepeso > P85, para idade e sexo, segundo o referencial OMS 2007. Foi aplicado um questionário com dados relacionados à presença de sinais e sintomas, como: dor abdominal, náusea, vômito e intolerância à gordura. Os pacientes foram questionados sobre quantos quilos perderam e em quanto tempo. As variáveis laboratoriais foram: triglicerídeos, colesterol total, lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) e lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL), aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT). A litíase biliar e a esteatose hepática foram diagnosticadas por ultrassonografia. RESULTADOS: a litíase biliar foi diagnosticada em 6,1% (4/66) dos adolescentes obesos, a maioria do sexo feminino (3/4); a esteatose hepática foi identificada em 21,2% (14/66). Intolerância à gordura da dieta foi referida por todos os portadores de litíase biliar (4/4) e por 17,7% (11/62) do grupo sem litíase biliar (0,001). A média de perda de peso foi de 6,0 ± 2,9 kg nos pacientes com litíase biliar e 3,2 ± 4,8 kg no grupo sem litíase biliar (p = 0,04). Porém, em relação ao tempo de perda não houve diferença entre os dois grupos (p = 0,11). CONCLUSÕES: a litíase biliar e a esteatose hepática são frequentes entre adolescentes obesos e devem ser investigadas sistematicamente na presença ou ausência de sintomas. .

Prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires, Argentina / Prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Cholelithiasis is an important cause of morbidity in the world and it varies significantly depending on the region of study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study performed in a public hospital with tertiary care in Gastrointestinal Surgery. From July 2010 to December 2011, 1,875 healthy volunteers who underwent liver, gallbladder and pancreas ultrasound imaging were included and a questionnaire containing the individual’s medical history was administered. The presence of cholelithiasis and its eventual risk factors were studied. RESULTS: Of 1,875 individuals, 866 were males (46.2

) and 1,009 females (53.8

), older than 20 years old with an average age of 46.1 + 16.7 years. Cholelithiasis was found in 410 inidviduals (21.9

) diagnosed at the time of the study and 125 (67

) who had already undergone a cholecystectomy due to gallstones. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires, capital city of Argentina, is 21.9

. A significant association was found between cholelithiasis and female gender, age, body mass index, history of colic pain, family history of cholelithiasis, smoking, fatty liver and number of pregnancies.

Ultrasound detected asymptomatic cholelithiasis: an age-based protocol for management / Colelitiasis asintomática detectada por ultrasonido: un protocolo basado en la edad para el tratamiento

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to examine the correlation between age and gender and the presence of ultrasound findings of acute or chronic cholecystitis in adult patients with cholelithiasis. METHOD: The demographic data of all patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis and cholecystitis on ultrasound between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2006 were reviewed and statistically analysed. RESULTS: Five hundred adults, 373 females (74.6%) and 127 males (25.4%), were diagnosed with cholelithiasis during the five-year period. Ages ranged from 18 to 94 years with a median age of 47 years. The diagnosis of cholecystitis was equivocal in 11 patients. Of the remaining 489, 22.1% (108) were diagnosed as positive for cholecystitis by ultrasound, the remaining 77.9% (381) being negative. No association was found between gender and cholecysytitis in bivariate analysis, (χ² = 1.82, df =1, p = 0.177). A statistically significant relation was found between age group category and ultrasound-determined cholecystitis status (χ² = 32.58, df = 4, p < 0.001). Higher proportions of persons in the 20-39-year (40.9%) and 40-59-year (20.4%) age groups had cholecystitis on ultrasound examination compared to other age categories where corresponding rates were approximately 11% or less. CONCLUSION: Patients 60 years or older who were diagnosed with cholelithiasis on ultrasound examination were less likely to have cholecystitis than younger patients.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio fue emprendido para examinar la correlación entre edad y género, y los hallazgos en ultrasonidos de colecistitis aguda o crónica en pacientes adultos con colelitiasis. MÉTODO: Se revisaron y analizaron estadísticamente los datos demográficos de todos los pacientes diagnosticados con colelitiasis y colecistitis a partir de ultrasonidos realizados entre el enero 1 de 2002 y diciembre 31 de 2006. RESULTADOS: Quinientos adultos - 373 hembras (74.6%) y 127 varones (25.4%) - fueron diagnosticados con colelitiasis durante el periodo de cinco años. Las edades fluctuaron de 18 a 94 con una edad mediana de 47 años. El diagnóstico de colecistitis fue equívoco en 11 pacientes. De los restantes 489, 22.1% (108) fueron diagnosticados positivos a la colecistitis por ultrasonido, resultando los restantes 7.9% (381) negativos. No se halló ninguna asociación entre el género y la colecistitis en el análisis bivariado, (χ² = 1.82, df =1, p = 0.177). Se halló una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la categoría del grupo etario y la condición de colecistitis determinada por el ultrasonido (χ² = 32.58, df = 4, p < 0.001). Las proporciones más altas de personas en los grupos de edad de 20 - 39 años (40.9%) y 40 - 59 años (20.4%) tenían colecistitis al ser examinadas con ultrasonido, comparadas a otras categorías de edad en las que las tasas correspondientes fueron aproximadamente 11% o menos. CONCLUSIÓN: Los pacientes de 60 o más años de edad, a quienes se les diagnosticó colelitiasis en el examen de ultrasonido, presentaban menos probabilidad de tener colecistitis que los pacientes más jóvenes.

Alta frecuencia de pancreatitis aguda asociada a patología biliar en niños chilenos / Elevated frequency of acute pancreatitis associated to biliary illness in Chilean children

Acute Pancreatitis (AP) in children presents significant morbimortality. Most common etiologies in this age group are trauma, systemic illness and idiopathic pancreatitis. This is different from adult AP, where lithiasis and alcohol consumption are the predominant causes. In Chile, where billiary disease is highly prevalent, there is little information regarding AP among children. Objective: To determine the main clinical characteristics of acute pancreatitis in a group of Chilean children. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study (1998-2008) of patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of AP. The diagnosis was confirmed by elevation of pancreatic enzymes and through images. Demographic data, etiology, complications and resolutions, need for parenteral nutrition, and use of antibiotics were examined. Results: Eighteen patients were identified (8,3 +/- 4 y.o.). Etiology of AP was listed as: lithiasis and alterations of biliary duct: 38,8 percent, idiopathic: 22,2 percent, secondary to medications: 22,2 percent and other: 16.8 percent. Two patients presented peripancreatic infected collections; a similar number formed pancreatic pseudocysts. Six patients (33,3 percent) required one type of surgical procedure as part of their treatment. Two-thirds of all patients required treatment in ICU. One half of the patients required parenteral nutrition, and two thirds received IV antibiotics. The median length of hospital stay was 20 days (ave 24,9 +/- 14,3 ds). There was no mortality in this serie. Conclusions: Unlike previously described, biliary AP was the most common cause in this serie. Biliary pathology should be actively studied among Chilean children with AP.

La pancreatitis aguda (PA) en niños presenta una morbimortalidad considerable. Las etiologías más frecuentes en este grupo etario son la PA secundaria a trauma, por enfermedades sistémicas y la PA idiopática, a diferencia de la población adulta en que predomina la litiasis biliar y el consumo de alcohol. En Chile, donde la patología biliar es altamente prevalente, existe escasa información clínica respecto de la PA en niños. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas de la pancreatitis aguda en un grupo de niños chilenos. Método: Estudio retrospectivo (1998-2008) de pacientes hospitalizados con PA. Se confirmó el diagnóstico por elevación de enzimas pancreáticas e imágenes; se obtuvieron los datos demográficos y se analizó: etiología, complicaciones y su resolución, necesidad de nutrición parenteral y uso de antibióticos. Resultados: Se identificaron 18 pacientes (8,3 +/- 4 años). Etiología de la PA: litiasis y alteraciones anatómicas de la vía biliar (38,8 por ciento), idiopática (22,2 por ciento), drogas (22,2 por ciento), otras (16.8 por ciento). Dos pacientes presentaron colecciones peripancreáticas infectadas; igual número evolucionó con formación de pseudoquistes pancreáticos. Seis pacientes (33,3 por ciento) requirieron algún tipo de procedimiento quirúrgico como parte de su tratamiento. Dos tercios de los pacientes ingresaron a la Unidad de Pacientes Críticos. La mitad de los pacientes recibió nutrición parenteral y dos tercios antibióticos endovenosos. La mediana de hospitalización fue de 20 días (promedio 24,9 +/- 14,3 días). No hubo mortalidad en la serie. Conclusiones: A diferencia de lo descrito en la literatura, la PA biliar fue la etiología más frecuente en esta serie. La patología biliar debe ser estudiada activamente en niños chilenos con PA.

Prevalence of cholelithiasis in patients with chagasic megaesophagus / Prevalência de colelitíase em pacientes com megaesôfago chagásico

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of cholelithiasis in the general population ranges from 9 to 18 percent. This prevalence is known to be higher in the presence of parasympathetic nerve damage of the biliary tract either due to surgery (vagotomy) or neuronal destruction (Chagas disease). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of cholelithiasis and chagasic or idiopathic megaesophagus. METHODS: The ultrasound scans of 152 patients with megaesophagus submitted to cardiomyotomy and subtotal esophagectomy surgery were evaluated. The presence of cholelithiasis was compared between chagasic and idiopathic esophagopathy and ultrasound and clinical findings were correlated with age, sex and race. RESULTS: A total of 152 cases of megaesophagus, including 137 with chagasic megaesophagus and 15 with idiopathic megaesophagus, were analyzed. The mean age was 56.7 years (45-67) in the 137 patients with chagasic megaesophagus and 35.6 years (27-44) in the 15 cases of idiopathic megaesophagus, with a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.0001). The group with chagasic megaesophagus consisted of 59 (43 percent) women and 78 (56.9 percent) men, while the group with idiopathic megaesophagus consisted of 8 (53.3 percent) women and 7 (46.6 percent) men, showing no significant difference between the groups. Of the 137 patients with confirmed chagasic megaesophagus, 39 (28.4 percent) presented cholelithiasis versus one case (6.6 percent) in the 15 patients with idiopathic megaesophagus. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cholelithiasis is high in patients with chagasic megaesophagus and preoperative ultrasound should be performed routinely in these patients in order to treat both conditions during the same surgical procedure.

INTRODUÇÃO: A prevalência de colelitíase observada na população em geral varia de 9 a 18 por cento. Sabe-se que a prevalência de colelitíase é elevada quando existe lesão nervosa parassimpática das vias biliares, causada tanto por procedimentos cirúrgicos (vagotomias),quanto por destruição neuronal, como observado na forma digestiva da doença de Chagas. Propusemo-nos verificar a associação entre megaesôfago de etiologia chagásica e a presença de colelitíase. MÉTODOS: Avaliou-se prospectivamente o exame ultrassonográfico de 152 pacientes portadores de megaesôfago submetidos à cirurgia de cardiomiotomia e esofagectomia subtotal. Analisou-se comparativamente a esofagopatia chagásica e a idiopática com a presença de colelitíase, correlacionando os dados ultrassonográficos com os achados clínicos, idade, sexo e raça. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 152 casos de megaesôfago, sendo 137 de etiologia chagásica e 15 idiopáticos. Entre os chagásicos, a idade média foi de 56,7 anos (45-67); e nos idiopáticos, a média de idade foi de 35,6 anos (27-44), verificando-se diferença significativa (p < 0,0001) em relação à média de idade. Dos 137 chagásicos, 78 (56,9 por cento) eram do sexo masculino; entre os 15 idiopáticos, 7 (46,6 por cento) eram do sexo masculino. A comparação entre os grupos em relação ao gênero não mostrou diferença significativa. Dentre os 137 chagásicos detectou-se 39 (28,4 por cento) casos de colelitíase e, dentre os 15 casos de megaesôfago idiopático, constatou-se colelitíase em apenas um (6,6 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: Conclui-se que portadores de megaesôfago chagásico possuem alta prevalência de colelitíase, e que a ultrassonografia deve ser realizada rotineiramente no pré-operatório, a fim de tratar ambas as afecções no mesmo ato cirúrgico.

Colesterolosis y cáncer de la vesícula biliar / Association between cholesterolosis and gallbladder cancer

Background: Cholesterolosis is frequently observed in cholecystectomies performed for lithiasis or chronic cholecystitis. Aim: To determine the degree of association between cholesterolosis and gallbladder cancer. Material and Methods: In a prospective study of gallbladder cancer, all gallbladders obtained during cholecystectomies were processed for pathological study, following a special protocol. As part of this study, 23304 surgical samples obtained between 1993 and 2002 were studied, looking for a relationship between cholesterolosis and chronic cholecystitis, adenomas, dysplasia and gallbladder cancer. Results: Seventy nine percent of patients were women. Cholesterolosis was observed in 3,123 cases (13.4 percent). Cholesterolosis was more common in women (14.2 percent) than in men (10.2 percent) (p < 0.001). In the same period, 29 patients were diagnosed with adenomas (0.12 percent), 179 cases with dysplasia not associated with gallbladder cancer (0.8 percent) and 739 gallbladder cancer (3.2 percent). The frequency of cholesterolosis was 13.8 percent in chronic cholecystitis, 13.7 percent in adenomas, 12.1 percent in dysplasias and 1.35 percent in patients with gallbladder cancer (p < 0.01). Of the thirteen cases with gallbladder cancer and cholesterolosis, 10 were early gallbladder carcinomas. Patients with cholesterolosis were 9.2 times less likely to have cancer than those who did not have cholesterolosis. Conclusions: Cholesterolosis has a strong negative association with gallbladder cancer.

Encuesta nacional sobre tratamiento quirúrgico de patología del hígado, vía biliar y páncreas / An enquiry about liver, biliary and pancreatic surgery in Chile

Background: Chile has a high incidence of cholelithiasis and associated complications, that usually require surgical treatment. Aim: Lo carry out an enquiry about biliary diseases and their surgical treatment in public and prívate surgical services in Chile. Material and Methods: An enquiry about liver and biliary diseases and their treatment was designed and sent by electronic mail to 35 surgical services. Results: Lhe enquiry was answeredby 17 services. A total of 9.505 cholecystectomies were reported. Between21 and 98 percent of the procedures were laparoscopic. Iatrogenic lesions of the biliary tree were reported in 0.3 percent of the procedures. Choledocolithiasis was found associated to cholelithiasis in 0 to 21 percent of procedures. However, the use of intraoperative cholangiography was incidental. Lhe incidence of gallbladder cancer in cholecystectomies for cholelithiasis fluctuated between 0.2 and 8.9 percent. Liver metastases derived from colorectal cancer were the most common liver tumor operated. Hydatidosis was more common in southern Chile. Pancreatic excision was almost exclusively performed in Metropolitan Santiago. Conclusions: This information will allow the establishment of information and collaboration channels among the surgical services throughout Chile.

Se trata de una encuesta realizada con el objeto de conocer la frecuencia e incidencia de las principales patologías y técnicas quirúrgicas de la esfera hepato-bilio-pancreática atendida en centros de salud públicos y privados del país durante el año 2007. La encuesta fue respondida por 17 instituciones nacionales. Entre los resultados resaltan el total de colecistectomías reportadas de 9.505, de las cuales entre un 21 y 98 por ciento son realizadas por vía laparoscópica. Lesiones iatrogénicas de vía biliar ocurrieron dentro de un rango de 0 a 1,5 por ciento, con una mediana de 0,3 por ciento. La frecuencia de coledocolitiasis asociada a la colelitiasis ocurrió entre un 0 a 21 por ciento, aunque el empleo de colangiografía intraoperatoria es en general de ocurrencia incidental. La incidencia de cáncer vesicular en colecistectomías por colelitiasis es claramente distinta según se trate de instituciones de centro-norte y sur del país, con incidencias que varían entre 0,2 y 8,9 por ciento. Las metástasis hepáticas operadas son principalmente de origen colorrectal, y son los tumores hepáticos más frecuentemente tratados. La hidatidosis hepática manifiesta en esta encuesta su conocida distribución geográfica, siendo más frecuentemente tratada en los centros del sur del país. La cirugía pancreática resectiva tiende a estar concentrada en las instituciones de la región metropolitana.

Cholelithiasis in patients on the kidney transplant waiting list

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of cholecystopathy in chronic renal patients awaiting kidney transplants. INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and management of cholelithiasis in renal transplant patients is not well established. METHODS: A total of 342 chronic renal failure patients on the waiting list for a kidney transplant were studied. Patients were evaluated for the presence of cholelithiasis and related symptoms, previous cholecystectomies and other abdominal surgeries, time on dialysis, and general data (gender, age, number of pregnancies, and body mass index). RESULTS: Cholelithiasis was found in 41 out of 342 patients (12 percent). Twelve of these patients, all symptomatic, had previously undergone cholecystectomies. Five out of 29 patients who had not undergone surgery were symptomatic. Overall, 17 patients (41.5 percent) were symptomatic. Their mean age was 54 (range 32-74) years old; 61 percent were female, and their mean body mass index was 25.4. Nineteen (76 percent) out of 25 women had previously been pregnant, with an average of 3.6 pregnancies per woman. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of cholelithiasis was similar to that reported in the literature for the general population. However, the high frequency of symptomatic patients points toward an indication of routine pre-transplant cholecystectomy to avoid serious post-transplant complications.

Frecuencia y características clínicas, bioquímicas e histológicas del hígado graso no alcohólico en pacientes con enfermedad litiásica vesicular / Frequency and clinical, biochemical and histological characteristics of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with gallstone disease

BACKGROUND: In 1980, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD) was described. It is related to the genesis of gallstones and is considered as a manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. In order to determine the frequency, anatomoclinical characteristics and biochemical and histological alterations in NAFLD, patients underwent cholecystectomy (GD). For this reason, we considered carrying out this study. METHODS: This was a prospective and observational study. The study population was comprised of patients with gallstone disease who were treated at the [quot ]Hospital Español[quot ] in Veracruz, Mexico from January 1, 2005 to November 30, 2006 and underwent cholecystectomy and liver biopsy. Analyzed variables were anthropometric characteristics and risk factors, and in each patient biochemical tests, abdominal ultrasound (US) and histological liver study were performed. RESULTS: In 95 patients, according to liver biopsy diagnoses, we found a frequency of 54.74% of NAFLD associated with gallstones. Females were more affected (71.15%) and the average age was 55.6 +/- 17.87 years. Risk factors were obesity (67.3%), diabetes mellitus (17.3%), and dyslipidemia (76.92%). Patients with NAFLD had elevated levels of glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglycerides and HDLcholesterol, and aminotransferases. Abdominal US did not show sufficient specificity and sensitivity to detect NAFLD. Histological findings showed stage I steatosis in 51.93%, stage II in 28.84% and stage III in 19.23%. Cirrhosis was found in 3.15%. DISCUSSION: Results of our study confirm the high frequency of NAFLD in association with gallstone disease. We consider this the first work to analyze and describe the primary clinical, biochemical and morphological characteristics.

Epidemiology of Gallstone Disease in Gondar University Hospital; as seen in the Department of Radiology

Background: Gallstone disease is a world wide problem and remains to be one of the most common health problems leading to surgical intervention. The magnitude of Gallstone disease in Ethiopia is not well known. Objective: To assess the magnitude of gallbladder stones in Gondar university hospital among patients visiting at the department of radiology for ultrasound examination. Methods: A retrospective observational study design was used over the period of September 2004 to January 2006 at the department of radiology; Gondar university hospital. Patients above the age of 14 years and whose Gallbladder was examined by ultrasound were considered as the study subjects. Results: Among a total of 1603 study subjects; the proportion of patients with cholelithiasis was 5.2. Of the patients with gallstone disease 55 were females and 28 were males with a ratio of 2:1. The prevalence of cholelithiasis in the age group 35-64 was 7.3; 10.1for females and 4.8for males. The ratio of symptomatic to asymptomatic cholelithiasis was 1:1 (34/34). The prevalence of cholelithiasis among patients clinically suspected to have cholelithiasis was 27.2. Of the 68 patients with cholelithiasis; 22.1had evidences of complication; 5 (7.4) choledocholithiasis; 3 (4.4) acute cholecystitis; 4 (5.9) chronic cholecystitis; 2 with gallbladder (GB) hydrops and one patient with porcelain GB. Conclusion: The prevalence of cholelithiasis (5.2) in Gondar university hospital suggesting that cholelithiasis is not an uncommon disease in the area. A further community based and multi centered study is recommended to determine the prevalence of gallstone disease in Ethiopia

Resultados de la colecistectomía videolaparoscópica en el adulto mayor / Analysis of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elderly

Se presenta la experiencia en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la patología vesicular litiásica, mediante videolaparoscopia, en una serie prospectiva de 119 pacientes de 60 o más años de edad, de ambos sexos, operados entre Marzo de 2003 y Marzo de 2004, en el Departamento y Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau analizando la patología médica asociada, presente en el 70 por ciento, los hallazgos relevantes del estudio ecotomográfico preoperatorio (99,1 por ciento), las cifras de conversión a cirugía laparotómica (19 por ciento), la morbilidad (8,4 por ciento) y la mortalidad (0 por ciento).

We report our surgical experience in videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy in 119 patients with 60 or more years old, operated between March 2003 and March 2004, at the Barros Luco's Surgical Department and Service. We analized the medical pathology (70 percent of patients); the relevant finding at the preoperative ultrasonic study (99,2 percent of patients); the conversion rate (19 percent) and postoperatory results.

Cholelithiasis and biliary sludge in Down’s syndrome patients

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Although studies have demonstrated increased frequency of gallbladder abnormalities among Down’s syndrome (DS) patients in some countries, there is only one paper on this subject in the Brazilian literature. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and evolution of lithiasis and biliary sludge among DS patients in a maternity and children’s hospital in Rio de Janeiro. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study followed by a retrospective cohort study on all individuals with an ultrasound diagnosis of gallbladder abnormalities. METHODS: 547 DS patients (53.2 percent male, 46.8 percent female) attending the Instituto Fernandes Figueira in 2001 underwent abdominal ultrasound examination at ages of between one day and three years (mean: five months). Clinical and ultrasound data were analyzed. RESULTS: In 50 patients (9.1 percent), the ultrasound demonstrated gallbladder abnormalities (6.9 percent lithiasis and 2.1 percent biliary sludge). Spontaneous resolution was observed in 66.7 percent of the patients with biliary sludge and 28.9 percent with lithiasis. Cholecystectomy was carried out on 26.3 percent of the patients with gallstones. CONCLUSION: The results from this study and comparison with the literature suggest that DS patients are at risk of developing lithiasis and biliary sludge and should be monitored throughout the neonatal period, even if there are no known risk factors for gallstone formation. Most frequently, these gallbladder abnormalities occur without symptoms and spontaneously resolve in most non-symptomatic patients. DS patients should be monitored with serial abdominal ultrasound, and cholecystectomy is indicated for symptomatic cases or when cholecystitis is present.

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar prevalência, características clínicas e evolução de litíase e lama biliar em pacientes com síndrome de Down (SD) num hospital materno-infantil no Rio de Janeiro. Apesar de estudos revelarem aumento das anormalidades biliares em pacientes com SD em alguns países, no Brasil existe apenas um trabalho abordando o tema. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal seguido por um estudo de coorte retrospectivo de todos os indivíduos com diagnóstico ultra-sonográfico de anormalidades da vesícula biliar. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 547 pacientes com SD (53,2 por cento sexo masculino, 46,8 por cento feminino) atendidos no Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IFF-Fiocruz) em 2001. Todos os pacientes incluídos neste estudo foram submetidos a ultra-sonografia abdominal quando tinham idades variando entre um dia e três anos (mediana cinco meses). Dados clínicos e ultra-sonográficos foram avaliados. RESULTADOS: Em 50 (9,1 por cento) crianças, a ultra-sonografia demonstrou alteração da vesícula biliar (6,9 por cento litíase e 2,2 por cento lama biliar). Houve resolução espontânea em 66,7 por cento dos pacientes com lama biliar e em 28,9 por cento dos pacientes com litíase. A colecistectomia foi realizada em 26,3 por cento dos pacientes com cálculo biliar. CONCLUSÃO: Resultados deste estudo e a comparação com a literatura sugerem que a SD deve ser considerada como fator de risco para desenvolvimento de litíase e lama biliar em crianças, sobretudo no período neonatal, sem que existam outros fatores predisponentes para formação de cálculo biliar. Na maioria das vezes, estas alterações são assintomáticas e, freqüentemente, têm evolução favorável, permanecendo desta forma ou tendo resolução espontânea. Pacientes devem ser acompanhados com ultra-sonografias seriadas. Tratamento cirúrgico está indicado para casos sintomáticos ou na presença de colecistite.

Litiasis biliar pediátrica en una población de alta prevalencia / Childhood cholelithiasis in a high prevalent population

Bile duct disease and gallstone (cholelithiasis) have been considered an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain in children compared to adults. However, there are significant differences with the adult gallstone disease: increased proportion of patients with an underlying condition, higher incidence of acalculous cholecystitis and lower frequency of choledocolithiasis. With ultrasound examination, it is possible to detect early gallstone in the fetal period and in asymptomatic patients, explaining the increase in gallstone incidence. This disease is more common than suggested in western literature and its diagnosis is increasing as well. The high prevalence of gallstone in adult population in Chile creates an ideal setting for cholesterol and gallstone candidate gene testing. Although the clinical diagnosis of gallstone is simple, there is no consensus about the best therapy in children, explained partially by the lack of knowledge of the natural history of the disease. The role of gallstone disease acquired early in life in gallbladder carcinoma deserves special attention.

Las enfermedades de la vía biliar y los cálculos vesiculares (colelitiasis) han sido consideradas como una causa poco frecuentes de dolor abdominal agudo en niños, a diferencia de lo que ocurre en adultos. Sin embargo, existen diferencias sustanciales con el adulto como son una mayor proporción de casos con causa identificable, mayor incidencia de colecistitis sin cálculos y menor frecuencia de coledocolitiasis. Con la masificación del ultrasonido es posible detectar litiasis biliar en etapa intrauterina, y en pacientes asintomáticos, lo que estaría explicando, en parte, el aumento de su incidencia. La litiasis biliar es más frecuente de lo sugerido clásicamente en la literatura occidental y su diagnóstico está en aumento. La alta prevalencia de colelitiasis en población adulta chilena, posicionan a nuestro país como un escenario ideal para el estudio de genes candidatos asociados a la etiopatogénesis de la litiasis de colesterol. Si bien el diagnóstico de la litiasis es relativamente simple, no hay consenso en la terapia de elección, lo que se explica fundamentalmente por una historia natural desconocida. El rol de la litiasis de colesterol a edades tempranas en la etiopatogénesis de procesos neoplásicos de la vía biliar merece especial atención.