Acute cholecystitis management in high-risk, critically ill, and unfit-for-surgery patients: the Italian Society of Emergency Surgery and Trauma (SICUT) guidelines.

Dealing with acute cholecystitis in high-risk, critically ill, and unfit-for-surgery patients is frequent during daily practice and requires complex management. Several procedures exist to postpone and/or prevent surgical intervention in those patients who temporarily or definitively cannot undergo surgery. After a systematic review of the literature, an expert panel from the Italian Society of Emergency Surgery and Trauma (SICUT) discussed the different issues and statements in subsequent rounds. The final version of the statements was discussed during the annual meeting in Rome (September 2022). The present paper presents the definitive conclusions of the discussion. Fifteen statements based on the literature evidence were provided. The statements gave precise indications regarding the decisional process and the management of patients who cannot temporarily or definitively undergo cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis management in high-risk, critically ill, and unfit-for-surgery patients should be multidisciplinary. The different gallbladder drainage methods must be tailored according to each patient and based on the expertise of the hospital. Percutaneous gallbladder drainage is recommended as the first choice as a bridge to surgery or in severely physiologically deranged patients. Endoscopic gallbladder drainage (cholecystoduodenostomy and cholecystogastrostomy) is suggested as a second-line alternative especially as a definitive procedure for those patients not amenable to surgical management. Trans-papillary gallbladder drainage is the last option to be reserved only to those unfit for other techniques. Delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with percutaneous gallbladder drainage is suggested in all those patients recovering from the conditions that previously discouraged surgical intervention after at least 6 weeks from the gallbladder drainage.

Colorectal neoplastic emergencies in immunocompromised patients: preliminary result from the Web-based International Register of Emergency Surgery and Trauma (WIRES-T trial).

Association of advanced age, neoplastic disease and immunocompromission (IC) may lead to surgical emergencies. Few data exist about this topic. Present study reports the preliminary data from the WIRES-T trial about patients managed for colorectal neoplastic emergencies in immunocompromised patients. The required data were taken from a prospective observational international register. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee with approval n. 17575; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03643718. 839 patients were collected; 753 (80.7%) with mild-moderate IC and 86 (10.3%) with severe. Median age was 71.9 years and 73 years, respectively, in the two groups. The causes of mild-moderate IC were reported such malignancy (753-100%), diabetes (103-13.7%), malnutrition (26-3.5%) and uremia (1-0.1%), while severe IC causes were steroids treatment (14-16.3%); neutropenia (7-8.1%), malignancy on chemotherapy (71-82.6%). Preoperative risk classification were reported as follow: mild-moderate: ASA 1-14 (1.9%); ASA 2-202 (26.8%); ASA 3-341 (45.3%); ASA 4-84 (11.2%); ASA 5-7 (0.9%); severe group: ASA 1-1 patient (1.2%); ASA 2-16 patients (18.6%); ASA 3-41 patients (47.7%); ASA 4-19 patients (22.1%); ASA 5-3 patients (3.5%); lastly, ASA score was unavailable for 105 cases (13.9%) in mild-moderate group and in 6 cases (6.9%) in severe group. All the patients enrolled underwent urgent/emergency surgery Damage control approach with open abdomen was adopted in 18 patients. Mortality was 5.1% and 12.8%, respectively, in mild-moderate and severe groups. Long-term survival data: in mild-moderate disease-free survival (median, IQR) is 28 (10-91) and in severe IC, it is 21 (10-94). Overall survival (median, IQR) is 44 (18-99) and 26 (20-90) in mild-moderate and severe, respectively; the same is for post-progression survival (median, IQR) 29 (16-81) and 28, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed as the only factor influencing mortality in mild-moderate and severe IC is the ASA score. Colorectal neoplastic emergencies in immunocompromised patients are more frequent in elderly. Sigmoid and right colon are the most involved. Emergency surgery is at higher risk of complication and mortality; however, management in dedicated emergency surgery units is necessary to reduce disease burden and to optimize results by combining oncological and acute care principles. This approach may improve outcomes to obtain clinical advantages for patients like those observed in elective scenario. Lastly, damage control approach seems feasible and safe in selected patients.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute calculous cholecystitis in elderly. More complex but equally safe and effective.

AIM: Acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) is one of the most common pathologies in the elderly. Laparoscopy is the gold standard for ACC treatment, regardless of age. This study aimed to compare different classes of elderly patients affected by ACC and assess whether laparoscopy has the same safety and effectiveness as younger patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aging ≠ 70 y-o presenting with ACC treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy were prospectively enrolled from 2010 to 2020. Three groups were identified: age 70-75 (Group 1); age 76-80 (Group 2); Age > 80 (Group 3). Major postoperative complications were considered as more than grade II according to the Clavien and Dindo classification. Demographic, intra-, and postoperative outcomes were compared. A multivariate analysis was also performed to identify predictive factors of morbidity. RESULTS: We reviewed 832 patients: 302 (36.3%) were ≠ 70 y-o. Group 1 accounted for 124 patients (41.1%), group 2 for 74 (24.5%) and group 3 for 104 (34.3%). Male gender was significantly less represented with increasing ages (p<0.001). ASA score >2 (p=0.010), CACI score (p<0.001), and ERD score (p<0.001) were more frequent in group 3. No significant differences were found about AAST distribution and comorbidities. Conversion to open rate was significantly higher in group 1 (6.5%) and group 3 (8.7%) (p=0.019). Common bile duct stones rate was higher in group 3 (14.5% vs 13.5% vs 31.7%; p<0.001). Median postoperative hospital length of stay was increasingly longer (p<0.001). AAST grade ≠ 3 (OR 3.187; 95% CI 1.356-7.489; p=0.008), age ≠ 70 y-o (OR 3.358; p<0.001), and CBD stones (OR 2.912; 95% CI 1.456-5.824; p=0.003) were identified as predictive factors of morbidity between < and ≠ 70 ys. Among the three groups of elderly, age > 80 ys was associated with an increase of OR of postoperative complication by 2.94 (95% CI 1.099-7.912; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy can be safely offered in elderly patients, although longer postoperative hospital stay. The presence of associated CBD stones may increase the risk of morbidity. KEY WORDS: Acute calculous cholecystitis, Cholecystectomy, Common bile duct lithiasis, Elderly, Frailty, Laparoscopy.

Molecular Characterization of Peritoneal Involvement in Primary Colon and Ovary Neoplasm: The Possible Clinical Meaning of the P2X7 Receptor-Inflammasome Complex.

INTRODUCTION: Colon cancer (CC) and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are common and severe neoplasms frequently sharing a massive inflammatory involvement of peritoneum. A detailed molecular characterization of such carcinomatosis has not been performed, so far. METHODS: Omental adipocytes were isolated from thirty-three adult women who underwent primary surgery for CC or EOC. Expression of several pro-inflammatory genes was determined by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence. Data were related to the clinical phenotype of the patients. RESULTS: CD68, FGFR1, and IL-6 were significantly more expressed in adipocytes from CC patients and VEGF in adipocytes from EOC. TNFα, TGFß, or MCP-1, as well as the pro-inflammatory platform P2X7R-NLRP3, did not differ between the 2 cancers. White blood cell count, mirroring systemic inflammation, was related to adipocyte P2X7R (R = 0.508, p = 0.003), NLRP3 (R = 0.405; p = 0.02), and MCP-1 (R = 0.448; p = 0.009). P2X7R and NLRP3 were the only inflammatory factors significantly more expressed in patients carrying both omental and peritoneal carcinosis, who were also characterized by a higher leukocytosis. None of the tested inflammatory markers was associated with tumor grading for both neoplasms; however, the presence of metastases was associated with a higher adipocyte expression of FGFR1 and TGFß. CONCLUSION: We show here that rarely measured molecules seem to specifically characterize omental carcinomatosis of CC or EOC, while more common inflammatory agents like TNFα, TGFß, or MCP-1 do not; the P2X7R-NLRP3 complex marks omental and peritoneal carcinosis and is related to circulating white blood cells and MCP-1, involved in monocyte-macrophage tissue infiltration; increased TGFß and FGFR1 characterize the tumoral dissemination.

A fully implantable device for intraperitoneal drug delivery refilled by ingestible capsules.

Creating fully implantable robots that replace or restore physiological processes is a great challenge in medical robotics. Restoring blood glucose homeostasis in patients with type 1 diabetes is particularly interesting in this sense. Intraperitoneal insulin delivery could revolutionize type 1 diabetes treatment. At present, the intraperitoneal route is little used because it relies on accessing ports connecting intraperitoneal catheters to external reservoirs. Drug-loaded pills transported across the digestive system to refill an implantable reservoir in a minimally invasive fashion could open new possibilities in intraperitoneal delivery. Here, we describe PILLSID (PILl-refiLled implanted System for Intraperitoneal Delivery), a fully implantable robotic device refillable through ingestible magnetic pills carrying drugs. Once refilled, the device acts as a programmable microinfusion system for precise intraperitoneal delivery. The robotic device is grounded on a combination of magnetic switchable components, miniaturized mechatronic elements, a wireless powering system, and a control unit to implement the refilling and control the infusion processes. In this study, we describe the PILLSID prototyping. The device key blocks are validated as single components and within the integrated device at the preclinical level. We demonstrate that the refilling mechanism works efficiently in vivo and that the blood glucose level can be safely regulated in diabetic swine. The device weights 165 grams and is 78 millimeters by 63 millimeters by 35 millimeters, comparable with commercial implantable devices yet overcoming the urgent critical issues related to reservoir refilling and powering.

A delayed conversion may increase the risk of major complications in acute cholecystitis approached laparoscopically. A retrospective comparative cohort study.

AIM: Aim of this study was to evaluate whether timing of laparoscopy lasting longer than two hours before converting to open surgery can worsen the postoperative course during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis (AC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 1,161 patients who underwent urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for AC during the period 2001-2017 were retrospectively analyzed. A conversion to open surgery was performed in 70 (6%) patients. Among these, two groups of patients were identified: group 1 (n=51; 73%) included patients who underwent laparotomy within 2 hours from the beginning of the operation, and group 2 (n=19; 27%) included patients who underwent conversion to open surgery after more than 2 hours of laparoscopy. Patients were analyzed for demographic data and comorbidities. Major outcome measures were mortality, morbidity and length of stay. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Reasons for conversion to open surgery included severe inflammation (46%), visceral adhesions (27%), inability to manage common bile duct stones (17%), intolerance to pneumoperitoneum (7%) and the presence of a cholecystoduodenal fistula (1%). By comparing these groups, no significant differences were noted regarding overall morbidity (29% vs 42%, p=0.31), mortality (2% vs 5%, p=0.46) and mean postoperative length of stay (8.7 vs 8.2 days, p=0.75). Major postoperative complications (grade III-V according to Clavien and Dindo classification) were significantly more frequent in group 2 (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: When approaching AC laparoscopically, the decision to convert to open surgery within two hours may prevent the occurrence of major postoperative complications. Early conversion does not seem to affect the mortality and length of hospital stay. KEY WORDS: Acute Cholecystitis, Conversion, Laparoscopy.

Physiological parameters for Prognosis in Abdominal Sepsis (PIPAS) Study: a WSES observational study.

Background: Timing and adequacy of peritoneal source control are the most important pillars in the management of patients with acute peritonitis. Therefore, early prognostic evaluation of acute peritonitis is paramount to assess the severity and establish a prompt and appropriate treatment. The objectives of this study were to identify clinical and laboratory predictors for in-hospital mortality in patients with acute peritonitis and to develop a warning score system, based on easily recognizable and assessable variables, globally accepted. Methods: This worldwide multicentre observational study included 153 surgical departments across 56 countries over a 4-month study period between February 1, 2018, and May 31, 2018. Results: A total of 3137 patients were included, with 1815 (57.9%) men and 1322 (42.1%) women, with a median age of 47 years (interquartile range [IQR] 28-66). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 8.9%, with a median length of stay of 6 days (IQR 4-10). Using multivariable logistic regression, independent variables associated with in-hospital mortality were identified: age > 80 years, malignancy, severe cardiovascular disease, severe chronic kidney disease, respiratory rate ≥ 22 breaths/min, systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg, AVPU responsiveness scale (voice and unresponsive), blood oxygen saturation level (SpO2) < 90% in air, platelet count < 50,000 cells/mm3, and lactate > 4 mmol/l. These variables were used to create the PIPAS Severity Score, a bedside early warning score for patients with acute peritonitis. The overall mortality was 2.9% for patients who had scores of 0-1, 22.7% for those who had scores of 2-3, 46.8% for those who had scores of 4-5, and 86.7% for those who have scores of 7-8. Conclusions: The simple PIPAS Severity Score can be used on a global level and can help clinicians to identify patients at high risk for treatment failure and mortality.

Laparoscopic resection of multiple aneurysms of the gastroepiploic arterial arcade.

BACKGROUND: Gastroepiploic arterial aneurysms (GEAA) represent a very rare disorder [1, 2]. The risk of GEAA rupture is high, and it is associated with a high mortality rate [3]. GEAAs are usually identified following rupture or are incidentally diagnosed. In emergency, an open surgical approach to treat GEAAs has been most frequently reported [4]. Alternatively, if the patient is hemodynamically stable, an angiography and embolization can be attempted. Herein we report the case of a patient presenting with two fissurated GEAAs that were successfully excised laparoscopically after failure of the endovascular approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 83-year-old lady was admitted for acute epigastric pain. Upon admission, her general status was stable. The abdomen was soft and slightly painful at deep palpation in epigastrium, with no sign of peritonism. In her past medical history, she had a transient ischemic attack and atrial fibrillation episodes for which a pacemaker had been placed. Her blood examinations showed a slight anemia (hemoglobin 10.5 g/dl). An abdominal ultrasonography identified two solid, circular, nodules next to the gastric anterior wall that, in a following angio-TC, were diagnosed as two aneurysms of the gastro-epiploic arterial arcade (GEA), one measuring 17 mm × 13 mm, the other 39 mm × 33 mm. Both showed X-ray signs of impending rupture and intraluminal "thrombization". The patient underwent selective angiography, during which, after an attempt of common hepatic artery catheterism, a dissection and, consequently, an occlusion of the hepatic artery and the celiac trunk unfortunately occurred. Therefore, after a catetherism of the superior mesenteric artery, only a partial and incomplete embolization procedure was possible. As a matter, at the end of the angiographic procedure, reperfusion of the GEA coming from the splenic and hepatic artery was recognized. After 24 h, repeated abdominal CT scan with contrast showed the persistence of the aneurysms with no dimensional changes and the presence of a small active extravasation of contrast from the lateral aneurysm. RESULTS: Laparoscopic surgical exploration was then warranted. Two voluminous GEA arcade aneurysms, very close to greater curvature of the stomach, were identified. After a cautious visceral dissection, the right and left gastroepiploic arteries were clipped and sectioned. Due to the presence of strength adhesions between the aneurysms and the greater curvature of the stomach, we decided to perform double aneurismectomy "en bloc" with the excision of the adjacent greater gastric curve by using an articulated laparoscopic stapler (Endo GIA™ 60 mm Articulating Medium/Thick Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology, MEDTRONIC, Minneapolis, US). No intraoperative complications were reported. The patient was discharged in fifth post-operative day. CONCLUSIONS: In case of failure of a non-surgical management of ruptured GEA aneurysms, the laparoscopic resection is a safe and effective procedure.

Less is more: an outcome assessment of patients operated for gallstone ileus without fistula treatment.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of gallstone ileus (GI) consists of surgical removal of the impacted bilestone with or without cholecystectomy and repair of the biliodigestive fistula. The objective of this study was to assess whether sparing patients a definitive biliary procedure adversely influenced the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of GI were reviewed. Two groups were identified: patients who underwent a definitive biliary procedure with relieving the intestinal obstruction (group 1/G1) and those who did not have a definitive biliary procedure (group 2/G2). In G2, patients were evaluated on long-term follow-up for the risk of recurrent GI disease, cholecystitis, cholangitis and gallbladder cancer. RESULTS: Among 1075 patients admitted for small bowel obstruction, 20 (1.9%) were diagnosed with gallstone ileus. 3 (15%) of these belong to G1, 17 (85%) to G2. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 35% (7/20) with one complication exceeding grade II in each group. No deaths were reported. Mean follow-up was 50 months. During follow-up, one of G2 patients had recurrent disease. No biliary tract infections or gallbladder cancer were identified. CONCLUSION: Enterolithotomy without fistula closure is confirmed to be safe and effective for the management of gallstone ileus both on a short- and long-term basis.

Acute appendicitis complicating De Garengeot's hernia treated with combined laparoscopic-open technique: a case series and literature review.

An acute appendicitis in the context of a De Garengeot's hernia is a very rare event and represents a hard challenge for surgeons. As only few cases have been reported in literature, there is no consensus about its optimal surgical strategy of treatment. Here we present two consecutive cases of female patients presenting an uncommon acute appendicitis in a femoral hernia treated with a combined laparoscopic/open technique. KEY WORDS: Acute appendicitis, De Garengeot's hernia, Laparoscopy.

Use of the new da Vinci Xi® during robotic rectal resection for cancer: a pilot matched-case comparison with the da Vinci Si®.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of robotic rectal resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer, with the use of the new da Vinci Xi® (Xi-RobTME group) and the da Vinci Si® (Si-RobTME group). METHODS: Ten patients with histologically confirmed rectal cancer underwent robot-assisted TME with the use of the new da Vinci Xi. The outcomes of Xi-RobTME group were compared with a Si-RobTME group selected using a case-matched methodology. RESULTS: Overall operative times and mean hospital stays were shorter in the Xi-RobTME group. Surgeries were fully robotic with a complete take-down of the splenic flexure in all Xi-RobTME cases, while only four cases of the Si-RobTME group were fully robotic, with two cases of complete take-down of the splenic flexure. CONCLUSIONS: The new da Vinci Xi could offer some advantages with respect to the da Vinci Si in rectal resection for cancer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An unusual case of repeated splenectomy: traumatic rupture of an accessory spleen in a previously splenectomized patient.

The traumatic rupture of an accessory spleen is a very rare condition and only few cases have been reported in the literature. We describe the case of a 51-year-old man undergone splenectomy for trauma several years before, who developed hemoperitoneum due to a laceration of a voluminous accessory spleen, following an accidental two-meter fall. As a conservative management of the injury was not possible, an accessory splenectomy was then required. Thus, a briefly review of the literature about this uncommon topic was perfomed. KEY WORDS: Accessory spleen, Laparotomy, Trauma.

Robot-assisted versus laparoscopic rectal resection for cancer in a single surgeon's experience: a cost analysis covering the initial 50 robotic cases with the da Vinci Si.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare surgical parameters and the costs of robotic surgery with those of laparoscopic approach in rectal cancer based on a single surgeon's early robotic experience. METHODS: Data from 25 laparoscopic (LapTME) and the first 50 robotic (RobTME) rectal resections performed at our institution by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon (>100 procedures) between 2009 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed and compared. Patient demographic, procedure, and outcome data were gathered. Costs of the two procedures were collected, differentiated into fixed and variable costs, and analyzed against the robotic learning curve according to the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method. RESULTS: Based on CUSUM analysis, RobTME group was divided into three phases (Rob1: 1-19; Rob2: 20-40; Rob3: 41-50). Overall median operative time (OT) was significantly lower in LapTME than in RobTME (270 vs 312.5 min, p = 0.006). A statistically significant change in OT by phase of robotic experience was detected in the RobTME group (p = 0.010). Overall mean costs associated with LapTME procedures were significantly lower than with RobTME (p < 0.001). Statistically significant reductions in variable and overall costs were found between robotic phases (p < 0.009 for both). With fixed costs excluded, the difference between laparoscopic and Rob3 was no longer statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a significant optimization of robotic rectal surgery's costs with experience. Efforts to reduce the dominant fixed cost are recommended to maintain the sustainability of the system and benefit from the technical advantages offered by the robot.