Conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy: Risk factor analysis based on clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound parameters.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The standard of care for gallbladder disease is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Difficult dissection of the hepatocytic triangle and bleeding can result in conversion to open cholecystectomy, which is associated with increased morbidity. Identifying risk factors for conversion in the context of acute cholecystitis will allow patient care to be individualized and improve outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study included all patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines, admitted to a tertiary care academic center, from January 1991 to January 2012. Using logistic regression, we analyzed variables to identify risk factors for conversion. Variables that were found to be significant predictors of conversion in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate model. We then performed an exploratory analysis to identify the risk factor summation pathway with the highest sensitivity for conversion. RESULTS: The study included 321 patients with acute cholecystitis. Their mean age was 49 years (±16.8 SD), 65% were females, and 35% were males. Thirty-nine cases (12.14%) were converted to open surgery. In the univariate analysis, older age, male sex, gallbladder wall thickness, and pericholecystic fluid were associated with a higher risk for conversion. In the multivariate analysis all of the variables, except pericholecystic fluid, were associated with conversion. Our risk factor summation model had a sensitivity of 84%. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative clinical data can be utilized to identify patients with a higher risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy. Being aware of such risk factors can help improve perioperative planning and preparedness in challenging cases.

Conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy: Risk factor analysis based on clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound parameters. / Conversión de colecistectomía laparoscópica a abierta: análisis de factores de riesgo con base en parámetros clínicos, de laboratorio y de ultrasonido.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The standard of care for gallbladder disease is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Difficult dissection of the hepatocytic triangle and bleeding can result in conversion to open cholecystectomy, which is associated with increased morbidity. Identifying risk factors for conversion in the context of acute cholecystitis will allow patient care to be individualized and improve outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study included all patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines, admitted to a tertiary care academic center, from January 1991 to January 2012. Using logistic regression, we analyzed variables to identify risk factors for conversion. Variables that were found to be significant predictors of conversion in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate model. We then performed an exploratory analysis to identify the risk factor summation pathway with the highest sensitivity for conversion. RESULTS: The study included 321 patients with acute cholecystitis. Their mean age was 49 years (±16.8 SD), 65% were females, and 35% were males. Thirty-nine cases (12.14%) were converted to open surgery. In the univariate analysis, older age, male sex, gallbladder wall thickness, and pericholecystic fluid were associated with a higher risk for conversion. In the multivariate analysis all of the variables, except pericholecystic fluid, were associated with conversion. Our risk factor summation model had a sensitivity of 84%. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative clinical data can be utilized to identify patients with a higher risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy. Being aware of such risk factors can help improve perioperative planning and preparedness in challenging cases.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the treatment of obesity: evidence based update through randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses.

Bariatric surgery was introduced in 1953, but during the last 20 years its popularity has increased after the development of significant Romaevidenced based breakthroughs in the field. Currently, approximately 150 long-term randomized clinical trials and 40 meta-analyses support and give credibility to the surgical approaches for the treatment of obesity and its related metabolic disturbances. Bariatric surgery has demonstrated improved outcomes compared to medical treatment, conduct therapy, and endoscopic procedures. Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (RYGB) and Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the surgical procedures most frequently performed, due to their satisfactory results and security profile. There is sufficient evidence in medical literature to perform these procedures when indicated; however, there are still several controversies regarding technical aspects that need to be further explored.

Contrast-enhanced swallow study sensitivity for detecting esophagojejunostomy leakage. / Sensibilidad del trago de contraste hidrosoluble para la detección de fugas de anastomosis esofagoyeyunal.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Sixty percent of the patients with gastric carcinomas are candidates for surgical resection through total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy, the latter of which is associated with leaks in up to 12.3% of cases. There is no standardized procedure for diagnosing anastomotic leaks. The aim of the present study was to establish the diagnostic sensitivity of the contrast-enhanced swallow study for detecting esophagojejunostomy leakage after total gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients that underwent total gastrectomy due to gastric adenocarcinoma, within the time frame of 2002 and 2017. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory factors were identified, emphasizing the clinical and radiologic detection of anastomotic leaks. Descriptive statistics were carried out and the sensitivity of the contrast-enhanced swallow study for diagnosing leakage was calculated. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 61.5 years. A total of 55.2% of the patients were men and 44.8% were women. Gastric adenocarcinoma was the indication for gastrectomy in 100% of the cases. Anastomotic leak presented in 31.01% of the patients. Diagnostic sensitivity of the contrast-enhanced swallow study for detecting leaks was 66%. CONCLUSIONS: According to our analysis, the contrast-enhanced swallow study had limited diagnostic efficiency for detecting anastomotic leaks, with a sensitivity of 66%. We suggest maintaining high diagnostic suspicion in patients with studies that are initially negative and basing decisions on a more extensive approach.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy as treatment for acute cholecystitis: What has happened over the last five years? A literature review. / Colecistostomía percutánea como tratamiento de colecistitis aguda: ¿qué ha pasado en los últimos 5 años? Revisión de la literatura.

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most frequent diseases faced by the general surgeon. In recent decades, different prognostic factors have been observed, and effective treatments described, to improve the results in patients with said pathology (lower morbidity and mortality, shorter hospital stay, and minimum conversion of laparoscopic to open procedures). In general, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis, but it is not exempt from complications, especially in patients with numerous comorbidities or those that are critically ill. Percutaneous cholecystostomy emerged as a less invasive alternative for the treatment of acute cholecystitis in patients with organ failure or a prohibitive surgical risk. Even though it is an effective procedure, its usefulness and precise indications are subjects of debate. In addition, there is little evidence on cholecystostomy catheter management. We carried out a review of the literature covering the main aspects physicians involved in the management of acute cholecystitis should be familiar with.

Myths and realities in the management of the open abdomen with negative pressure systems. A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The open abdomen is a useful resource for treating patients with abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. Currently, early closure assisted with negative pressure devices is considered standard of treatment, and its use has demonstrated favorable outcomes and a decreased rate of complications. PRESENTATION OF A CASE: We present a case of a 32-year-old male patient with diagnosis of non-seminomatous germinal testicular tumor (Stage IIIB (T3-N3-M1), which was summited to surgery, as a complication he presented massive bleeding, that culminated in acute compartment syndrome. With the aforementioned findings the patient re entered the operating room and was managed with open abdomen combined with a medial retraction technique of the abdominal fascia. Currently, the patient has not presented recurrence or late complications after a year. DISCUSSION: The use of negative pressure techniques for open abdomen management began to be generalized in 1995. Subsequently, this technique evolved to V.A.C therapy (Vacuum-assisted closure therapy). Currently, these negative pressure techniques have become the most used method for the temporary closure and management of open abdomen. Controversies continue to limit its widespread use and effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Adequate application of negative pressure therapy in combination with techniques of medial retraction of the abdominal fascia, have proved to be useful in management for patients with open abdomen.

Recurrent giant Brunner's gland adenoma.

Benign duodenal tumours are extremely rare, with an incidence of 0.008% among general population; those originating from Brunner's Gland represent 11% of this neoplasms. Most cases remain asymptomatic and are often diagnosed during routine endoscopic procedures, however their clinical presentation may be variable making resection treatment of choice in order to prevent complications. Recurrence has not been reported previously on literature. 59-year-old male presented to the emergency department nine months following endoscopic resection of a 2x1.5cm Brunner's gland adenoma complaining of bloating, weight loss and gastro intestinal bleeding, diagnostic approach revealed a 10x4cm mass occupying the duodenum. Tumour size did not allow for endoscopic resection and surgical removal was performed with excellent outcome and no further recurrence at 30 months.