Value of endoscopic ultrasonography in the observation of the remnant pancreas after pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is proven to be a more specific and sensitive method for detecting pancreatic lesions. However, usefulness of EUS after pancreatectomy has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the observational capability of EUS for the remnant pancreas (RP) after pancreatectomy. PATIENT AND METHODS: This single-center, retrospective study enrolled 395 patients who underwent pancreatectomy at Onomichi General Hospital between December 2002 and March 2016, 45 patients who underwent EUS for RP were included for analysis. We evaluated the usefulness of EUS for RP using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Complete observation of the RP was done in 42 patients (93%). In the initial surgical procedure, 21 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and 24 patients underwent distal pancreatectomy (DP). PD and DP were observed in 85% (18/21) and 100% (24/24) cases, respectively. A comparison of the detection capability of EUS and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that EUS was significantly superior to contrast-enhanced CT or MRI (p < 0.01). Eight of the 45 patients showed recurrence lesions in the RP. The median recurrence period was 33 months. Predictive factors for recurrence in the univariate and multivariate analyses were significantly different in space occupying lesion with EUS findings (p < 0.01) and elevated CA19-9(p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EUS was able to observe the RP in almost all cases. In addition, the detection capability of EUS was significantly superior to those of CT or MRI. We recommend that all patients with RP should undergo EUS, and a longer follow-up must be performed.

Validation of the Tokyo guideline 2018 treatment proposal for acute cholecystitis from a single-center retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The revised Tokyo guideline 2018 (TG18) recommends early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) who satisfy the Charlson Comorbidity Index criteria and the ASA Physical Status Classification (ASA-PS). Our study aims to determine the efficacy of the TG18 treatment strategy. METHODS: We enrolled 324 patients who had been diagnosed with AC according to the TG18 and who underwent cholecystectomy between 2010 and 2018. Perioperative variables and surgical outcomes were analyzed according to the TG18 treatment strategy and severity grading. RESULTS: The Charlson Comorbidity Index and ASA-PS scores were significantly higher in patients with Grade II and Grade III AC than in those with Grade I AC. In patients with a higher severity grading, LC failed, necessitating blood transfusion and bailout surgery. Among patients treated by the TG18 strategy were a higher proportion with Grade I or II AC; their ASA-PS scores were significantly lower than patients with Grade III AC. Compared to patients not treated by the TG18 strategy, this group demonstrated significant differences in the achievement of LC, bailout surgery, postoperative hospital stays, and 90-day mortality rates. Intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion were significantly higher in those not treated by the TG18 strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the TG18 treatment strategy is well-designed and efficacious. Given the high rate of blood transfusion and conversion surgery in treatment strategies other that TG18, special attention should be paid when selecting the optimal treatment strategy.

Efficacy of the physiobiological parameter-based grading system for predicting the long-term prognosis after curative surgery for resectable pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Several prognostic scoring systems based on cancer-related inflammation have been developed. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel physiobiological parameter-based grading system (PGS) for predicting the long-term prognosis after curative-intent surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: One-hundred fifty-nine consecutive patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Patients were stratified according to the PGS score with a cut-off value of 40.5 being estimated by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Propensity score matching analysis (PSM) was performed to compare between patients with low and high scores in the physiobiological parameter-based grading system. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that CEA elevation (p = 0.032), tumor size ≥20 mm (p < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), high-PGS (p < 0.001), CA19-9 elevation (p < 0.001), Prognostic nutritious index (PNI) ≤40 (p = 0.002) and positive Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) (p = 0.001) were risk factors for poor overall survival. CEA elevation (p = 0.006), Tumor size ≥20 mm (p < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), high-PGS (p < 0.001), CA19-9 elevation (p < 0.001), PNI ≤40 (p = 0.017) and positive GPS (p < 0.001) were identified as risk factors for poor recurrence-free survival. The multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size ≥20 mm (p = 0.007, p = 0.008, respectively) and high PGS score (p = 0.041, p = 0.018, respectively) were independently associated with poor overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Patients with high-PGS showed a significantly worse long-term prognosis even after PSM. CONCLUSION: The PGS is a novel nomogram that could effectively predict long-term outcomes following curative surgery in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Impact of low skeletal muscle mass index and perioperative blood transfusion on the prognosis for HCC following curative resection.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the prognostic factors including low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and perioperative blood transfusion for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following curative surgery. METHODS: This study included 139 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 2005 and 2016. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify variables associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: Low SMI was significantly related with poor OS, while blood transfusion had a strong impact on RFS. The male ratio and body mass index in the low SMI group were significantly higher than those in the high SMI group. There were no significant differences in age, virus etiology, laboratory data, liver function, tumor makers, and operative variables between the groups. Tumor factors such as tumor diameter, tumor number, poor differentiation, and intrahepatic metastasis (IM) did not significantly differ between the two groups. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss volume, and recurrence ratio were significantly higher in the blood transfusion group than in the non-transfusion group. IM was associated with poor OS and RFS. CONCLUSIONS: Low SMI and blood transfusion were independently related with long-term prognosis in patients with HCC following curative surgery.

Preoperative anthropomorphic and nutritious status and fistula risk score for predicting clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a life-threatening postoperative complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the fistula risk score (FRS) and preoperative body composition factors for predicting the occurrence of clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: In this study, 136 consecutive patients who underwent PD between 2006 and 2018 were enrolled. The risk factors of CR-POPF (grades B and C) were analyzed. Preoperative visceral adipose tissue area (VATA), skeletal mass index (SMI), and subcutaneous adipose tissue area (SATA) were calculated from computed tomography data. RESULTS: The overall 30-day mortality and morbidity rates were 0.7 and 38%, respectively. The incidence rates of grade B and C CR-POPF were 27 and 4%, respectively. A univariate analysis revealed that male sex, habitual smoking, prognostic nutritional index (PNI) < 45, VATA ≥90, VATA/SATA ≥0.9, VATA/SMI ≥ 1.4, and FRS > 4 were significantly associated with the incidence of CR-POPF. A multivariate analysis revealed that PNI < 45, VATA/SMI ≥ 1.4 and FRS > 4 were the independent risk factors of CR-POPF. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative anthropomorphic imbalance, PNI, and FRS were independent risk factors for CR-POPF. Patients with high-risk factors should be closely monitored during the postoperative period.

Using the preoperative prognostic nutritional index as a predictive factor for non-cancer-related death in post-curative resection gastric cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Therefore, identifying the predictive factors for surgical morbidity, disease recurrence, and long-term survival is necessary for preventing GC patient mortality. We aimed to evaluate the factors that contribute to the poor prognoses of GC patients. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, the data of 182 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for GC was reviewed. The data included patients' cancer stage and preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) score. We identified the prognostic factors using a univariate analysis and the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. The associations between PNI and other clinicopathologic factors for GC were compared via logistic regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to evaluate patients' survival in relation to these factors. The median follow-up period was 3.5 years. Multivariable cumulative incidence method based on Fine and Gray's method was performed to evaluate the association between non GC-related death and potential prognostic factors. RESULTS: There were significant differences in overall survival (OS) between comorbidities (myocardial infarction: P = 0.040, liver disease: P = 0.017), cancer stages (I vs. II: P = 0.049, I vs. III: P < 0.001), tumor size (P = 0.002), lymphatic vessel infiltration (P < 0.001), serum CA 19-9 (P = 0.024), and PNI scores (P = 0.002). Moreover, only PNI score was determined to be an independent prognostic factor for survival. Furthermore, stage I GC patients with high PNI scores had significantly longer OS than those with low PNI scores (P < 0.001), but these groups were not significantly different in terms of recurrence-free survival (P = 0.756). Stage II and III GC patients showed no significant difference in terms of OS and recurrence-free survival, regardless of PNI scores. Finally, Fine and Gray's method revealed that PNI score was an independent prognostic factor for non-GC-related death (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative PNI is effective in predicting the prognosis of post-curative gastrectomy GC patients and can be used to predict non-GC-related death and the OS of post-curative gastrectomy patients with stage I GC.

[A Case of Rectal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Treated with Multidisciplinary Therapy but with a Poor Prognosis].

A 70-year-old man presented to our hospital with weight loss. A colonoscopy revealed advanced cancer in the lower rectum. Computed tomography showed a tumor larger than 5 cm in the lower rectum with metastasis to the right lateral lymph node. The patient was diagnosed with advanced locally rectal cancer, and chemoradiotherapy(35 Gy plus S-1)was added after 6 courses of mFOLFOX6, and laparoscopic abdominal perineal resection and right lateral lymph nodes dissection were performed. Histopathological examination revealed endocrine cell carcinoma(pT3[A], pN0, M0, pStage Ⅱa). Four months after the operation, recurrence was found in the pelvis, lymph nodes, and lungs, and he died 9 months after the operation. Neuroendocrine carcinoma is relatively rare, so the further accumulation of cases and establishment of treatment methods are desired.

Identification of risk factors for open conversion from laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis based on computed tomography findings.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is performed widely for acute cholecystitis (AC). This study was conducted to identify the predictors for conversion cholecystectomy (CC) for AC. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 395 patients who underwent emergency surgery for AC between 2011 and 2019. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to establish the significance of the risk factors for CC in patients with grades II and III AC. RESULTS: There were 162 TG18 GII and GIII patients in the LC group and 31 in the CC group. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in performance status (p = 0.039), C-reactive protein levels (p = 0.016), albumin levels (p = 0.002), gallbladder (GB) wall thickness (p = 0.045), poor contrast of the GB wall (p = 0.035), severe inflammation around the GB (p < 0.001), enhancement of the liver bed (p = 0.048), and duodenal edema (p < 0.001) between the groups. Multivariate analysis identified hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.043) and duodenal edema (p = 0.014) as independent risk factors for CC. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with grade I AC underwent LC and had better surgical outcomes than those with grades II and III AC. The most appropriate surgical procedure should be selected based on preoperative imaging of the GB and the neighboring organs and by the presence of hypoalbuminemia.

Grade IV traumatic pancreatic injury with primary duodenum malignant lymphoma following pancreatoduodenectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic pancreatic injury with a main pancreatic duct injury has a high incidence of mortality and requires a prompt and appropriate treatment. However, the best approach, and treatment options, which may be limited, remains controversial especially for the elderly patients. Herein, we present a case of traumatic pancreatic injury in an elderly patient for whom pancreatoduodenectomy was safe and effective. CASE PRESENTATION: An 87-year-old man was diagnosed with a traumatic pancreatic injury with a main pancreatic duct injury. In addition, the horizontal segment of the duodenum was largely eradicated. There were no comorbidities, and his vital signs were stable. A pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged. Pathological examination revealed a primary follicular lymphoma of the duodenum. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrated that pancreatoduodenectomy could be performed safely for a severe pancreatic injury in an elderly patient. However, special attention should be paid to select the optimal surgical procedure. Further, this was a rare case, as initially a primary follicular lymphoma of the duodenum was suspected as a duodenal injury coexisting with a traumatic pancreatic injury because of the increased duodenal thickness.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the rectum resected by transanal total mesorectal excision after neoadjuvant imatinib treatment: A case report.

This report describes the combination of a transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) and neoadjuvant therapy with Imatinib mesylate (IM) for a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the lower rectum. A 49-year-old man presented with a submucosal tumor with ulcer located 3 cm above the anal verge. Histopathologically, a biopsy showed spindle-shape cells, positive for C-kit and CD34, negative for smooth muscle actin, desmin and S-100 protein. Genetically, this GIST had the mutation in KIT exon 11. IM (400 mg/d) was administered as neoadjuvant therapy for 80 days. The GIST shrank from 4.7 to 3.3 cm in diameter. Abdominal and transanal approach were started at the same time. The tumor was resected by TaTME successfully. The manometric pressure data and anal function were preserved before and after surgery. TaTME and neoadjuvant therapy with IM provide a treatment option which can preserve anal function for the lower rectal GIST.

Amputation neuroma derived from a remnant cystic duct 30 years after cholecystectomy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Amputation neuroma is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Amputation neuroma arising from a remnant cystic duct after cholecystectomy is rare. Herein, we present a case of amputation neuroma derived from a remnant cystic duct along with a review of the literature. PRESENTAION OF THE CASE: A 60-year-old woman visited our hospital due to a tumor located in the hepatoduodenal ligament. A gallbladder adenoma was resected by open cholecystectomy 30 years prior. Endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated branched intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas and a tumor with a low-echoic pattern in the extrahepatic biliary system. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a 6-mm tumor in the artery phase. Surrounding lymph nodes were not swollen. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed that the tumor presented with slightly high intensity on T2 weighted imaging. Operative findings revealed that the whitish nodule was moderately attached to surrounding tissues. The remnant cystic duct and the tumor could not be separated; however, no direct invasion toward common bile duct was observed. Rapid intraoperative pathological examination demonstrated that the tumor was a neuroma. The peration time was 251 min and blood loss was 80 ml. The patient was discharged nine days after surgery with no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: It is difficult to distinguish amputation neuroma from malignant tumors because radiological findings of a neuroma mimic findings of malignancy. Intraoperative diagnosis is necessary to select an appropriate surgical procedure due to the difficulty of preoperative diagnosis.

Intracholecystic papillary neoplasm of the gallbladder protruding into the common bile duct: A case report.

The current study indicates the case of intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN) protruding into the common bile duct (CBD) without superficial spread. A 58-year-old woman presented to hospital with a fever that lasted for three days. Laboratory tests revealed elevated hepatobiliary enzyme levels. CT, MRI and endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a polypoid, papillary tumor inside the gallbladder cavity, which also extended to the CBD. On peroral cholangioscopy, a papillary tumor with mucin production was found at the middle bile duct. Biliary biopsy and bile cytology indicated adenocarcinoma. Based on a diagnosis of ICPN extending to the CBD, the patient underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy and gallbladder bed resection. However, pathological examination revealed that the ICPN was confined to the gallbladder and cystic duct, whereas the CBD was tumor-free. The present case indicates that when ICPN increases in size, it may protrude into the CBD due to an increased intracholecystic pressure, which increases the risk of overestimation of tumor extension and may result in unnecessary additional bile duct resection.

Characteristics recurrence pattern of cholangiolocellular carcinoma as intrahepatic bile duct tumor growth following curative resection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cholangiolocellular carcinoma (CoCC) is a rare primary liver tumor that shows mass-forming growth in most cases. At present, no effective treatment for hepatic recurrence CoCC has been established. We present a case involving a patient with recurrent disease that showed an intraductal growth (IG type) pattern of recurrence. The patient was treated with repeat hepatectomy with bile duct reconstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 76-year-old man with a history of S8 subsegmentectomy for CoCC. At 8 months after surgery, tumor marker elevation was observed. Computed tomography revealed a tumor occupying the right hepatic duct (B5-8) to B4 and the junction of the cystic duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and a thrombus biopsy with peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) confirmed the recurrence of CoCC in the intrahepatic bile duct. Although extended right lobectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection was the optimal curative procedure, it was thought that it would be difficult due to his poor liver function. However, a slow-glowing recurrent tumor blocked the posterior branch of the portal vein; thus, the right liver lobe gradually shrank, and the estimated remnant liver volume increased in response, allowing curative surgery to finally be performed. At 10 months after surgery, the patient is alive without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: We reported a case of IG-type recurrence in the bile duct, which is an unusual pattern of intrahepatic recurrence, after initial surgery for CoCC. A slow-growing recurrent tumor exerted similar effects to PVE, which allowed for curative surgery to be performed.

Liver abscess caused by fish bone perforation of stomach wall treated by laparoscopic surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Formation of a liver abscess due to gastrointestinal perforation by a foreign body is rare. In addition, there are few case reports on laparoscopic surgical treatment of a liver abscess caused by perforation of the gastrointestinal tract by a foreign body. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old man visited our hospital because of fever and anorexia. There were no physical findings except for fever. He had no comorbidities or surgical history. Laboratory tests showed increased inflammatory marker and liver enzyme levels. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic lesion in the left lobe of the liver. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an air-containing abscess in the left side of the liver and a high-density linear object. We diagnosed a liver abscess secondary to stomach perforation by a foreign body. Emergency laparoscopic surgery identified a fish bone in the abscess that formed between the stomach and liver. We succeeded in removing the fish bone laparoscopically. The patient was discharged without any postoperative complications on day 11. CONCLUSIONS: A liver abscess secondary to perforation of the gastrointestinal tract by a foreign body usually requires surgical treatment. Foreign body removal is important to prevent recurrence of liver abscess. In cases with the foreign body located at the liver margin, a laparoscopic approach to the abscess is very useful.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a patient with left-sided gallbladder: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Left-sided gallbladder is a relatively rare anatomical variation that is frequently associated with a biliary system anomaly. Here, we describe a case of left-sided gallbladder with acute cholecystitis treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: An 86-year-old man with acute upper abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomography demonstrated that the gallbladder was centrally dislocated and the wall enhancement was discontinued. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed that the gallbladder wall was thickened and abnormally swollen. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. The round ligament was attached to the right side of the gallbladder, and the left-sided gallbladder was diagnosed by intraoperative findings. The patient was discharged 5 days after surgery without postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: A flexible and optimal port site should be inserted in cases of left-sided gallbladder with acute cholecystitis. An assessment of the extra- and intrahepatic biliary system is essential to avoid biliary injury in cases of left-sided gallbladder with acute cholecystitis.

[A Case of Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection of Anorectal Malignant Melanoma].

A 56-year-old woman with complaints of anal bleeding and pain visited our hospital, and an elastic soft mass was detected in the anal canal on digital examination.Colonoscopy showed a black Isp polypoid lesion with a black pit from the anal canal to the lower rectum(P-Rb).She was diagnosed with malignant melanoma based on colonoscopic biopsy.Tumor marker levels(CEA, CA19-9)were not increased.No distant metastasis was detected on abdominal CT.No direct invasion was detected on MRI of the pelvis.The patient underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection and D2 lymph node dissection. Histopathology showed a malignant melanoma(pT4b, N0, M0, pStageⅡC).The patient received interferon therapy as adjuvant therapy.There is no sign of recurrence 2 years and 1 month after the surgery.Anorectal malignant melanoma is relatively rare, so establishment of therapy by the accumulation of cases is desired.

Cytomegalovirus enterocolitis in a patient with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency after capecitabine treatment: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used for cancer treatment. The reduced activity of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), the key enzyme in 5-FU inactivation, increases a patient's risk of developing severe 5-FU related toxicity. However, screening for DPD deficiency is rarely performed before 5-FU administration. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Our patient was a 69-year-old man with rectal cancer (T2N1bM0 stage IIIA) who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection. He developed severe neutropenia and diarrhea 15 days after the administration of capecitabine for adjuvant chemotherapy, and was admitted to our hospital. Four days after admission, he was transferred to the intensive care unit for sepsis. DPD protein screening revealed DPD deficiency. On day 27, massive melena suddenly appeared. He died of continual bleeding 41 days after admission. Pathological autopsy revealed cytomegalovirus enterocolitis. DISCUSSION: The administration of 5-FU to patients with DPD deficiency is lethal. Genotypic and phenotypic assessments are reliable tests for DPD deficiency. A genetic study can effectively screen for DPD deficiency; however, its use has not been established in the national insurance system. Patients with DPD deficiency tend to develop severe neutropenia, so clinicians should pay attention to opportunistic infections such as cytomegalovirus enterocolitis. CONCLUSION: Screening for DPD deficiency is necessary prior to 5-FU administration.

A spontaneous mesenteric hematoma with a fistula between the transverse colon resected by laparoscopic surgery: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: A spontaneous mesenteric hematoma is rare, and its etiology is unclear. We present a very rare case of spontaneous mesenteric hematoma with a fistula to the transverse colon. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 90-year-old male visited our hospital because of lower abdominal pain. The physical examination revealed tenderness in the lower abdomen. The laboratory data revealed anemia and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The abdominal contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT) indicated a mass with coexisting low- and high-density areas adjacent to the transverse colon. The mass was diagnosed as a mesenteric hematoma. We selected conservative therapy, because the patient's condition was stable. After 15 days from discharge, he was admitted to the hospital again for the complaint of bloody stool. A fistula with blood flowing out at the splenic flexure was reported on colonoscopy. In the laparoscopic operative findings, the hematoma adhered to the stomach, pancreas and omentum. A hand-assisted laparoscopic transverse colectomy including hematoma in the mesentery was successful. The pathological reports revealed that a spontaneous mesenteric hematoma formed the fistula to the colon. The patient was discharged without any postoperative complication on day 10. DISCUSSION: Generally, laparotomy is often chosen for the treatment of mesenteric hematoma. The laparoscopic approach for mesenteric hematoma is useful under the specific condition that the preoperative patient's condition is stable. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case of a spontaneous mesenteric hematoma with a fistula to the colon resected safely by laparoscopic surgery.

Efficacy and safety of early cholecystectomy for comorbid acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis: Retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the optimal timing and usefulness of early cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in patients with comorbid acute cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2011-2016, 252 patients who underwent early cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and 7 who underwent delayed cholecystectomy were enrolled and compared. Patients with comorbid acute cholangitis were then divided into those who underwent urgent cholecystectomy (within 72 h after symptom onset), semi-urgent cholecystectomy (3-14 days after symptom onset), or delayed cholecystectomy (3 months after symptom onset). RESULTS: There were no significant intergroup differences in postoperative complication rate (p = 0.561), operation time (p = 0.496), or intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.151) between those with and those without acute cholangitis. Postoperative stays were significantly longer in the comorbid acute cholangitis group (p = 0.004). In the patients with acute cholangitis, the urgent cholecystectomy, semi-urgent, and delayed cholecystectomy groups had comparable intra- and postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: Early cholecystectomy within 14 days after symptom onset was safely performed for patients with concomitant acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis after the successful treatment of acute cholangitis.