Role of laparoscopy in the immediate, intermediate, and long-term management of iatrogenic bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PURPOSE: Bile duct injuries (BDI) during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy still remain as one of the most feared complications in surgery. The use of laparoscopy for its management is a controversial subject of discussion. The purpose of this study is to assess the amount of possibilities that a laparoscopic approach allows in its resolution. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all the patients diagnosed with BDI at our center was carried out. The analysis was made considering three different scenarios in which laparoscopy can be used: (1) intraoperative management of BDI; (2) postoperative management of bile peritonitis; (3) deferred treatment of BDI. RESULTS: We analyzed 22 patients in total who were divided into three groups according to the different scenarios proposed. In the first group, the applicability of laparoscopy was 45%, some complications occurred in two patients, and primary patency was obtained in seven. In the second group, four of them presented a grade III complication. In the third group, the applicability of laparoscopy was 13.6%. Only one patient presented a IIIa complication and primary patency was obtained in all of them. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy plays a more important role in BDI management every day. This approach, in selected cases, is associated with good long-term results and perioperative advantages of a minimally invasive approach.

Incidence of venous thromboembolism and bleeding after pulmonary lobectomy: evaluating the timing for thromboprophylaxis.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important postoperative complication after major lung cancer resective surgery, such as lobectomy. It is recommended to start chemical thromboprophylaxis within the first 12 h following the procedure. Postoperative bleeding is also a relevant complication in patients with predisposing conditions. However, the criterion for classifying a patient as "high risk of bleeding" is not standardized and is left to the expertise of the attending physician or surgeon. We aim to describe the incidence and risk factors for postoperative VTE and hemorrhage after pulmonary lobectomy; and to assess the impact of the timing of thromboprophylaxis on the incidence of postoperative thrombotic or hemorrhagic events. A retrospective observational study of 358 lobectomies performed in a single center was performed, analyzing the rates of postoperative thrombotic and hemorrhagic events and predisposing factors, including postoperative thromboprophylaxis management. Cumulative incidence of VTE was 3.07% (95% CI 1.54-5.43), and early postoperative bleeding was 10.05% (95% CI 7.14-13.64). Underlying pulmonary disease was associated with VTE (p = 0.001) and open approach was associated with hemorrhagic events (p = 0.01). The use of thromboprophylaxis and timing of its initiation were not associated with a higher incidence of events. VTE and postoperative hemorrhage are relevant complications following pulmonary lobectomy. Compliance with VTE prophylaxis guidelines is essential. Even so, a case-by-case risk evaluation of VTE and bleeding remains preferable and safe in order to decide on the most suitable timing of thromboprophylaxis.