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Feasibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with miniaturized instrumentation in 50 consecutive cases.

A new technique utilizing miniaturized (2 mm) instrumentation to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is introduced. The safety and efficacy of this mini-LC were assessed. Fifty consecutive mini-LCs were performed using one 10-mm port and three 2-mm ports (cumulative port size 16 mm). A 2-mm fiberoptic video-laparoscope was placed in the mid-epigastrium through a 2-mm port. A 10-mm umbilical port was then placed under direct visualization, allowing access for standard laparoscopic instruments. Two additional 2-mm ports were placed in the right upper quadrant allowing insertion of grasping instruments. Parameters reviewed included total operative time (OT), postoperative length of stay (LOS), anatomic pathology, complications, and rate of conversion to conventional LC and open cholecystectomy. Results were compared to those of 50 consecutive conventional LCs using two 10-mm and two 5-mm ports (cumulative port size 30 mm). The OT for the mini-LC and conventional LC were 88 +/- 5.9 and 78 +/- 5 minutes (mean +/- SD), respectively, (p = NS), and postoperative LOS for the mini-LC and conventional LC were 1.5 +/- 0. 2 and 1.8 +/- 0.4 days (mean +/- SD), respectively, (p = NS). Of the 50 mini-LC cases, 5 required conversion to conventional LC. One cystic duct leak was detected and successfully treated conservatively; no common bile duct injuries occurred; and no patients required conversion to open cholecystectomy. This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of minilaparoscopic instruments for the performance of cholecystectomy. The data reveal that this new technique is comparable to conventional LC.

Adult↗

[Surgical therapy in cholecysto-/choledocholithiasis. Results of a Germany-wide questionnaire sent to 859 clinics with 123,090 cases of cholecystectomy].

BACKGROUND: With the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the choice of procedure (laparoscopic vs open) and surgical management in gallstone disease are of interest. The purpose of this study was to examine the current approach and various strategies for cholecystectomy in Germany. METHODS: A retrospective survey at 859 (of 1,200, 67.6%) hospitals in Germany was conducted. Data from 123,090 patients that had undergone cholecystectomy were analyzed. RESULTS: 71.9% of the procedures were finished laparoscopically (LC: 88.537), whereas 22.5% (27.727) were done in the open technique (KC). Conversion to open surgery was required in 7.1% of the laparoscopically started operations, mainly in cases of adhesions and unclear anatomic situations (64.3%). When common bile duct (CBD) stones were diagnosed preoperatively, 74.4% of the participants favored primary endoscopic extraction (ERC), followed by LC. In cases of intraoperative diagnoses, the LC was finished and postoperative ERC and extraction were carried out in more than half of the hospitals (58.4%). Sixteen percent were converted to an open operation with simultaneous exploration of the CBD. Laparoscopic desobstruction of the CBD was extremely rare (4.4%). The intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was the most strongly recommended approach for intraoperative diagnostics, but was generally routine practice in only 6% of the hospitals conducting LCs. Forty-nine percent of the respondents reported the use of IOC in selected cases and 43% of the hospitals did not perform any intraoperative diagnostics in LC. Compared with OC, the results show a lower incidence of postoperative reinterventions (0.9 vs 1.8%) and fatal outcomes (0.04 vs 0.53%) for LC. In contrast, CBD injuries were more frequent in the LC group (0.32 vs 0.12%). The median duration of hospitalization was 6.1 days (range 2.8-12) in the LC group compared with 10.4 days (range 3-28) in the OC group. CONCLUSIONS: LC is the standard procedure for the treatment of uncomplicated gallstone disease. Even after adjustment for differences in patient comorbidities, there are logical differences between the hospitals as to the type of cholecystectomy used for acute cholecystitis, the management of CBD stones, and the intraoperative diagnostics in LC.

Cholangiography↗

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis during infancy and childhood: cost analysis and review of current indications.

Eleven consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs) were performed between January 1994 and June 1996 compared with seven open cholecystectomies (OCs) performed previously at King Khalid University Hospital. The comparison included surgical, clinical, and economic factors, together with a review of the literature. In the laparoscopic group the main indication for cholecystectomy was symptomatic gallstones. Other indications include mucocele of the gallbladder and chronic cholecystitis. A total of eight children in both group had sickle cell disease. The first two LCs were performed in the presence of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. There is a learning curve to pass through with LC. The operating time for LC ranged between 65 and 135 minutes (mean +/- SD 89.81 +/- 21.89 minutes). There was no major morbidity or mortality. The average postoperative parenteral analgesia required for LC (50.45 +/- 24.57 mg) was significantly less than for OC (135.14 +/- 62.02 mg), and the mean length of hospitalization for LC was significantly shorter than that for OC (1.68 +/- 0.46 vs. 6.07 +/- 0.30) days. Although the average operative cost per LC (2522 SR) was significantly more expensive than for OC (350 SR), the ultimate cost of LC was significantly less than for OC (5790.00 +/- 787 vs. 12,343 +/- 139 SR) because the total period of hospitalization was much shorter. In conclusion, LC is safe, effective, and less expensive than OC and therefore is the approach of choice for cholecystectomy in children.

Child↗

Risk factors resulting in conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard treatment for symptomatic gallbladder diseases. However, there still is a substantial proportion of patients in whom laparoscopic cholecystectomy cannot be successfully performed, and for whom conversion to open surgery is required. METHODS: In this study, 1,000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed at Ankara Numune Hospital, Fourth Department of Surgery, from March 1992 to July 1999 were prospectively analyzed. The patients studied included 804 women (80.4%) and 196 men (19.6%) with a mean age of 43.8 years (range, 30-80 years). From the data collected, only factors available to the surgeon preoperatively were considered for analysis. These factors included age, gender, history of acute cholecystitis, jaundice or pancreatitis, previous abdominal surgery, obesity and concomitant disease, white blood cell (WBC) count, preoperative liver function tests, ultrasound findings of the gallbladder, preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and suspicion of common bile duct stones. Also we analyzed the case numbers as a measure of institutional experience. RESULTS: Of the 1,000 patients in whom laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted, 48 (4.8%) required conversion to open surgery. The most common reason for conversion was inability to define anatomy in patients with inflamed contracted gallbladder (n = 34). Significantly independent predictive factors for conversion were male gender, previous abdominal surgery, acute cholecystitis, thickened gallbladder wall on preoperative ultrasonography, and suspicion of common bile duct stones. CONCLUSIONS: An appreciation for the aforementioned predictors of conversion will allow appropriate planning by the patient, the institution, and the surgeon.

Acute Disease↗

Early scheduled laparoscopic cholecystectomy following percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage for patients with acute cholecystitis.

AIM: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of early scheduled laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) following percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) for patients with acute cholecystitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 31 patients with acute cholecystitis were treated by early scheduled LC following PTGBD (group 1). These patients were compared with 9 patients treated by early LC without PTGBD (group 2) and with 12 patients treated by delayed LC following conservative therapy (group 3) for the success rate of intraoperative cholangiography, the conversion rate to open cholecystectomy, operative time, and hospital stay. Early scheduled LC following PTGBD was defined as scheduled LC when the patient's condition recovered and it was performed 1-7 days (mean: 4 days) after admission. The patients' age in group 1, 2, and 3 was 66 +/- 13, 65 +/- 10, and 64 +/- 9 years, respectively, without significant difference. Most of the patients had additional diseases. RESULTS: The success rate of intraoperative cholangiography was 97% (30/31) in group 1, 67% (6/9) in group 2, and 67% (8/12) in group 3. The conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was 3% (1/31) in group 1, 33% (3/9) in group 2, and 33% (4/12) in group 3. The operative time for LC was 89 +/- 33 min in group 1, 116 +/- 24 min in group 2, and 135 +/- 30 min in group 3. The mean hospital stay after LC was 9 +/- 4 days in group 1, 9 +/- 3 days in group 2, and 17 +/- 7 days in group 3. In group 1, the success rate of intraoperative cholangiography was higher, the conversion rate to open cholecystectomy was lower, and operative time was shorter than in groups 2 and 3 with significant difference (p <0.05, p <0.05, and p <0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that early scheduled LC following PTGBD is a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with acute cholecystitis especially in elderly and complicated patients.

Acute Disease↗

Changes in the blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and cytokine profile during laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: It has long been known that a hypercoagulability state develops after surgery. A surge in circulating cytokine levels is also commonly found in the postoperative period. These cytokines have all been shown to be capable of inducing a hypercoagulability state. Recently laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been introduced, and its advantages over the open procedure seem related to the reduced surgical trauma. LC is associated with a diminished acute-phase response compared with the open procedure. Our present knowledge on the influence of laparoscopic upon coagulation and fibrinolysis is incomplete and based on a few studies. METHODS: The aim of this prospective, nonrandomized study was to investigate hemostatic system alterations in patients who undergo open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In addition we also measured the plasma cytokine profile to explore any relationship between changes in plasma cytokine levels and postoperative coagulation profile. Between September 1999 and April 2002, 71 patients were nonrandomly assigned to open (group 1) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (group 2). All patients from group 1 were operated by a surgical team different from ours, who prefers the OC procedure. The patients with acute cholecystitis were excluded. Prothrombin fragment 1.2 (F1.2), thrombin-antithrombin (TAT), fibrinogen, soluble fibrin, antithrombin III (AT), protein C, plasminogen, and D-dimer levels were measured at baseline and at 1, 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively. Serial serum levels of IL-1beta and IL-6 were measured by colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Plasma levels of F1.2, TAT, fibrinogen, soluble fibrin, and D-dimer increased significantly in group 1. Plasma levels of AT, protein C, and plasminogen decreased in both groups. In the OC group, the serum IL-3 and IL-6 levels began to significantly increased as early as 1 h from the beginning of the operation, revealing a peak at the sixth hour. When IL-6 and IL-1 levels were markedly elevated also, F1.2, fibrinogen, and soluble fibrin levels were increased. CONCLUSIONS: Only mild hypercoagulability was observed in patients who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The cytokine surge was correlated with hypercoagulability. There was in fact a positive correlation between IL-6 level and hypercoagulability. The correlation between cytokine levels and coagulation activation may be related to the type of surgery performed. Further studies are required to investigate these issues.

Adult↗

Increased cholecystectomy rate in the laparoscopic era: a study of the potential causative factors.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that an increased cholecystectomy rate in the laparoscopic era may be due to a reduced threshold for surgery or diagnostic confusion with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aims to determine the validity of these suggestions. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to patients who had undergone cholecystectomy between 1988-1990 (open) and 1998-2000 (laparoscopic). Patients were asked about abdominal pain, fatty food intolerance, jaundice, and indigestion pre- and postoperatively. Questionnaires included Rome II criteria for the diagnosis of IBS and SF-36 quality-of-life data. Histological severity of gallbladder disease was assessed using a standard scoring system. RESULTS: A total of 124 of 196 patients in the open group and 264 of 400 patients in the laparoscopic group replied. There was no difference between the groups in gender, age at surgery, IBS incidence, or quality-of-life scores. The laparoscopic group reported a lower incidence of preoperative fat intolerance (45.8 vs 58.1%, p < 0.05) and a higher incidence of persistent postoperative abdominal pain (27.3 vs 17.7%, p < 0.05). Mean histopathology severity scores were higher in the open group (4.42 vs 3.95, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increased cholecystectomy rate in the laparoscopic era cannot be attributed to diagnostic confusion with IBS. However, a reduction in the threshold for surgery may have contributed to the increased rate of cholecystectomy.

Abdominal Pain↗

Hemodynamic and pulmonary changes during open, carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum and abdominal wall-lifting cholecystectomy. A prospective, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum effects are still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate cardiopulmonary changes in patients subjected to different surgical procedures for cholecystectomy. METHODS: In this study, 15 patients were assigned randomly to three groups according to the surgical procedure to be used: open cholecystectomy (OC), CO2 pneumoperitoneum cholecystectomy (PP), and laparoscopic gasless cholecystectomy (abdominal wall lifting [AWL]), respectively. A pulmonary artery catheter was used for hemodynamic monitoring in all patients. A subcutaneous multiplanar device (Laparo Tenser) was used for abdominal wall lifting. To avoid misinterpretation of results, conventional anesthesia was performed with all parameters, and the position of the patients held fixed throughout surgery. The following parameters were analyzed: mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI), central venous pressure (CVP), systemic vascular resistances index (SVRI), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), pulmonary vascular resistances index (PVRI), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), end-tidal CO2 pressure (ETCO)2, CO2 arterial pressure (PaCO2), and arterial pH. RESULTS: All the operations were completed successfully. The Laparo Tenser allowed good exposition of the surgical field. A slight impairment of the cardiopulmonary functions, with reduction of SVRI, MAP, and CI and elevation of pulmonary pressures and vascular resistance, followed induction of anesthesia. However, these effects tended to normalize in the OC and AWL groups over time. In contrast, CO2 insufflation produced a complex hemodynamic and pulmonary syndrome resulting in increased right- and left side filling pressures, significant cardiac index reduction, derangement of the respiratory mechanics, and respiratory acidosis. All of these effects normalized after desufflation. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiopulmonary adverse effects of general anesthesia were significant but transitory and normalized during surgery. Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum caused a significant impairment in cardiopulmonary functions. In high-risk patients, gasless laparoscopy may be preferred for reliability and absence of cardiopulmonary alterations.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Incisional hernias after laparoscopic vs open cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was retrospectively to compare the incidence of incisional hernia formation at trocar sites in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with that after conventional open cholecystectomy. METHODS: In all, 271 patients with cholelithiasis underwent either laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC group, n = 142) or open cholecystectomy (OC group, n = 129). In the OC group, the surgical approach was to use a right subcostal incision in 20.2%, right transrectal laparotomy in 73.6%, and midlaparotomy in 6.2%. Laparotomy closure was performed by continuous absorbable suture for the peritoneum and discontinuous absorbable stitches for muscle and fascia. Laparoscopic access was achieved by use of four trocars (two 10 mm and two 5 mm). Umbilical port closure was performed by suture of fascia using discontinuous stitches. Closure of the remaining ports was performed by suture of the skin. RESULTS: Both patient groups were statistically similar with respect to general risk factors. Follow-up was performed in 84 (65.1%) OC and 123 (86.6%) LC patients and ranged from 2 to 10 years (mean, 8 years) and 1 to 5 years (mean, 3 years) respectively. Five (5.9%) OC and two (1.6%) LC patients developed incisional hernias, although the difference between groups was not significant. All hernias in OC patients appeared after transrectal laparotomy. The LC hernias appeared at the umbilical port, and one of the patients developed an additional xiphoides port-associated hernia. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic technique showed a lower (although not significantly) incidence of incisional hernias than the open procedure.

Adult↗

Telerobotic-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy: our experience on 29 patients.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The role of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) is still debated and not clearly defined. METHODS: The authors report their initial experience with CAS, comparing 29 patients submitted to cholecystectomy, using a Zeus remote-controlled robot and an Aesop remote voice-activated endoscope robot, with 29 patients submitted to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The surgical field and the arms of the robot were under the direct and real-time control of the surgeon, who stayed at the workstation and maneuvered the Zeus, using joysticks. The workstation was in the same room as the patient. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients underwent telerobotic-assisted cholecystectomy (TLAC); 1 procedure was converted to standard LC and 1 to open cholecystectomy. The conversions were due to choledocholithiasis and cholecystitis. During TLAC, the mean operating time and transition time (from the induction of anesthesia to incision of the skin) were, respectively, 75 min (range, 60-170 min) and 45 min (range, 25-60 min). We did not observe any complications related to TLAC. The limitations of TLAC were the lack of tactile feedback, the increase in surgical time, and the expensive cost of the procedure to reach the same result as that of LC. CONCLUSIONS: After this initial experience, we believe that TLAC could be considered only for training in CAS, but that it is without advantages in terms of its higher cost compared with LC.

Adolescent↗

Bile duct injuries associated with laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy: an 11-year experience in one institute.

PURPOSE: Bile duct injury (BDI) represents the most serious complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The aim of this retrospective single-institution study was to evaluate the real incidence of BDI during laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy (OC) in a tertiary academic center in Athens, Greece. METHODS: Between January 1991 and December 2001, 3637 patients underwent cholecystectomy in our department; as LC in 2079 patients (LC group) and as OC in 1558 patients (OC group). All the LCs were performed or supervised by five staff surgeons and all the OCs were performed or supervised by another five staff surgeons. RESULTS: There were 13 BDIs associated with LC (0.62%) and 6 associated with OC (0.38%) (P = 0.317). There was one death associated with BDI after LC. Only two (15.4%) of the BDIs associated with LC occurred within the proposed learning curve limit of 50 LCs per individual surgeon. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and is not associated with a higher incidence of BDI than OC. Moreover, we did not find that the learning curve for LC affected BDI occurrence.

Adult↗

Impact of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the management of cholelithiasis in children with sickle cell disease.

Children with sickle cell disease, well known to have a high incidence of cholelithiasis, are frequently admitted to the hospital for episodes of abdominal pain. Before the advent of laparoscopy, few children with sickle cell and cholelithiasis underwent cholecystectomy unless absolutely necessary, because of the high morbidity of an open cholecystectomy (OC). We reviewed our records of all children with sickle cell disease and cholelithiasis treated from 1985 to 1992 to investigate the impact of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). During that period, 32 children underwent cholecystectomy: 10 OC and 22 LC (all since December 1990). Before December 1990, all children had either classic biliary tract symptoms or abdominal pain of unknown etiology. However, of the 22 LC children, five had asymptomatic cholelithiasis. Only three of the 32 patients had choledocholithiasis, although 30 of 32 had elevated total bilirubins. Two LC children presented with choledocholithiasis and were initially treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy and stent placement. A standard intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) through the cystic duct was performed in all OC cases. In 19 of 22 LC cases, an IOC through the gallbladder was performed before any dissection; unsuspected choledocholithiasis was not found, but the IOC did allow visualization of the course of the cystic duct, facilitating its subsequent dissection. Total operative length was comparable between the two groups, but the LC patients' postoperative length of stay was half that of the OC patients (2.1 v 4.6 days). Postoperative complications in the OC group included three children who had severe pain, atelectasis, fever, and hypoxemia (30%).

Adolescent↗

Randomised controlled trial of laparoscopic versus mini cholecystectomy. The McGill Gallstone Treatment Group.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has gained wide acceptance for treatment of cholelithiasis in preference to open cholecystectomy, though it has not been formally compared with mini cholecystectomy (MC). We have compared these two techniques in a randomised trial. 70 patients with ultrasound-proven cholelithiasis were randomly allocated LC (38) or MC (32); 37 and 25, respectively, underwent the assigned procedure. The mean hospital stay (including 1 preoperative day) was significantly shorter in the LC than the MC group (median 3 [interquartile range 2-3] vs 4 [3-5], p = 0.001) as was duration of convalescence (mean 11.9 [SD 9.1] vs 20.2 [16.5] days, p = 0.04). The rate of return to normal activities was 1.77 times greater in the LC group than in the MC group (95% confidence interval 1.01-3.11, p = 0.03). In regression analysis, the type of cholecystectomy done was the only variable significantly associated with the duration of convalescence. Although there was significant postoperative improvement in all of three quality of life scores in both groups, LC patients improved more quickly than did MC patients. This randomised trial shows the superior effectiveness of LC over MC in treating cholelithiasis.

Adolescent↗

Laparoscopic converted to open cholecystectomy minimally prolongs hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: There has been little information about the length of stay (LOS) after laparoscopic converted to open cholecystectomy (CON) in the past few years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the LOS and postoperative complications for elective CON in a more recent time period. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients admitted to the Day Surgery Unit for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) converted to open cholecystectomy (OC) from January 2000 through December 2003. Indications for CON, operative time, LOS, pain control, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The CON rate was 3%, and the reason for CON to open was most commonly cited as inability to identify anatomy. On average, patients were discharged on postoperative day 3 (range 2 to 8). The postoperative complication rate was 17%. CONCLUSIONS: When the dissection is tedious, the surgeon should feel comfortable in converting from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy. This can be done with the knowledge that it does not add significant length of stay as previously reported.

Adult↗

Outcomes of cholecystectomy after endoscopic sphincterotomy for choledocholithiasis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for treatment of symptomatic common bile duct stones (CBDS) after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is associated with increased conversion and complications compared with other indications. We examined factors associated with conversion and complications of LC after ES. A retrospective study of 32 patients undergoing ES for CBDS followed by cholecystectomy was undertaken. Surgical outcomes for this group were compared with a control population of 499 LCs for all other indications. Factors associated with open cholecystectomy and complications in the ES group were analyzed. Patients undergoing LC preceded by ES had a significantly higher complication (odds ratio [OR] = 7.97; 95% CI, 2.84-22.5) and conversion rate (OR = 3.45; 95% CI, 1.56-7.66) compared with LC for all other indications. Pre-ES serum bilirubin greater than 5 mg/dL was predictive of conversion (positive predictive value = 63%, P < 0.005). Patients with symptomatic CBDS that undergo LC after ES have higher complication and conversion rates than patients undergoing LC without ES. Pre-ES serum bilirubin is useful in identifying patients who may not have a successful laparoscopic approach at cholecystectomy.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Urinary retention after elective cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports about urinary retention rate after elective cholecystectomy. We designed a prospective study to assess the problem. METHODS: A total of 121 female and 19 male patients were included in the study with a prospective study protocol. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 107 patients and open cholecystectomy in 33 patients. RESULTS: Neither gender nor age affected rate. Postoperative micturition difficulty developed in 10 patients. Of these patients, 9 could void with helping measures, and only 1 needed catheterization. Only 1 patient who underwent laparoscopic surgery required catheterization (0.7%). The open approach caused a higher incidence of postoperative micturition difficulty than did the laparoscopic approach (15.2% versus 4.7%; P = 0.04). Only large amounts of perioperative fluid administration and meperidine use had statistically significant effects on micturition problems. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary retention is a rare complication after elective cholecystectomy. Helping measures are very effective and should be tried before inserting a urethral catheter.

Adult↗

[Integral management of the process of laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important objectives of public healthcare services is to guarantee integral healthcare to patients; activity is currently focussed on process management. Analysis of a "key" process could have health, social and economic effects if measures to improve the results are designed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the process of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our hospital in order to determine its strong and weak points. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a prospective observational study of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) process in the Jarrio Hospital between January 2001 and December 2002. A working group was formed and a process flowchart was designed by consensus. The different steps of the process were evaluated through the main indicators of quality: accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness, including cost, the convalescence period, and patient satisfaction. The results were compared with the standards defined by the Andalusian Health Council, bibliographic sources, and hospital commissions. The statistical analysis was performed with 95% confidence intervals of the main results. RESULTS: A series of 86 patients who underwent LC was evaluated. The results for accessibility showed wide variability in delays for specialist consultations, the waiting list for surgery, and urgent diagnostic tests, often exceeding the standards. The laparoscopic approach was more frequent than open cholecystectomy; morbidity and mortality with LC were below the reference standards and compliance with established prophylaxis protocols was close. The efficiency markers showed that the length of hospital stay for elective LC was close to the standard; however, for cholecystitis preoperative length of stay was longer than the standard. Overall patient satisfaction with medical care and non-medical services was high. CONCLUSIONS: Quality analysis of a process allowed us to identify strong points such as the high rate of laparoscopic cholecystectomy -showing good effectiveness and efficiency- the quality of informed consent, and patient satisfaction. Required improvements consisted of shortening preoperative length of stay in acute cholecystitis and waiting lists, informing patients about the length of the convalesce period, eliminating routine type and screen, and admitting patients on the day of surgery.

Acute Disease↗

Cholecystectomy in Sweden 1989 and 1994: long admissions assessed by the inpatient registry.

The purpose of this study was to compare cholecystectomy in Sweden (pop. 8.9 million) 1989 to 1994 when the diffusion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was completed, focusing on long hospital admissions as a proxy indicator of adverse events. This was an observational study of all patients operated on with cholecystectomy in 1989 and 1994 (n = 19,432) from the National Inpatient Registry. The risk of a long admission was analyzed by multivariate analyses. Odds ratios of long admissions were computed considering gender, age groups, acute or chronic gallstone disease, 1989 and 1994, county level of operations per 1000 inhabitants, and hospital categories. Stratified analyses were performed by acuteness of disease, and year. Long admissions were defined as lasting longer than 20 days in 1989 and 14 days in 1994. Odds ratios of a long admission increased steeply with age and acute gallstone disease. The county level of operations per 1000 inhabitants had no influence on risk nor did hospital category. The absolute number of those operated on with an acute gallstone disease changed little between 1989 and 1994, whereas operations for chronic disease increased significantly. Stratification revealed that their risk of a long admission was increased both in 1989 and 1994, particularly for women. Those with chronic gallstone disease had no increased risk. After the introduction of the laparoscope and a rise in the number of cholecystectomies, patients with chronic gallstone disease seem to have a constant risk of long hospital stay. However, because patients with acute disease had an increased risk in both 1989 and 1994, further longitudinal analyses are needed to analyze the level of complications in this group.

Adult↗