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Background The ideal method for managing concomitant gallbladder stones and common bile duct (CBD) stones is debatable. The currently preferred method is two-stage endoscopic stone extraction followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This prospective randomized trial compared the success and cost effectiveness of single- and two-stage management of patients with concomitant gallbladder and CBD stones. Methods Consecutive patients with concomitant gallbladder and CBD stones were randomized to either single-stage laparoscopic CBD exploration and cholecystectomy (group 1) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for endoscopic extraction of CBD stones followed by LC (group 2). Success was defined as complete clearance of CBD and cholecystectomy by the intended method. Cost effectiveness was measured using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed to compare outcomes. Results From February 2009 to October 2012, 168 patients were randomized: 84 to the single-stage procedure (group 1) and 84 to the two-stage procedure (group 2). Both groups were matched with regard to demographic and clinical parameters. The success rates of laparoscopic CBD exploration and ERCP for clearance of CBD were similar (91.7 vs. 88.1 %). The overall success rate also was comparable: 88.1 % in group 1 and 79.8 % in group 2 ( p  = 0.20). Direct choledochotomy was performed in 83 of the 84 patients. The mean operative time was significantly longer in group 1 (135.7 ± 36.6 vs. 72.4 ± 27.6 min; p  ≤ 0.001), but the overall hospital stay was significantly shorter (4.6 ± 2.4 vs. 5.3 ± 6.2 days; p  = 0.03). Group 2 had a significantly greater number of procedures per patient ( p  < 0.001) and a higher cost ( p  = 0.002). The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of postoperative wound infection rates or major complications. Conclusions Single- and two-stage management for uncomplicated concomitant gallbladder and CBD stones had similar success and complication rates, but the single-stage strategy was better in terms of shorter hospital stay, need for fewer procedures, and cost effectiveness.

To evaluate the utility and safety of a short-type double-balloon endoscope (DBE) in the treatment of biliary disease in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy. This study was conducted as a multicenter, single-arm, prospective trial at five tertiary academic care centers and three community-based hospitals in Japan. Consecutive patients with biliary disease with altered GI anatomy were prospectively included in this study. A total of 311 patients underwent double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). The success rate of reaching the target site, the primary end point, was 97.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 95.4-99.1). The success rate of biliary cannulation and contrast injection of the targeted duct, the secondary end point, was 96.4% (95% CI: 93.6-98.2), and the therapeutic success rate was 97.9% (95% CI: 95.4-99.2). Adverse events occurred in 33 patients (10.6%, 95% CI: 7.1-14.0) and were managed conservatively in all patients with the exception of 1 in whom a perforation developed, requiring emergency surgery. ERC using a short-type DBE resulted in an excellent therapeutic success rate and a low rate of adverse events. This treatment can be a first-line treatment for biliary disease in patients with surgically altered GI anatomy.

INTRODUCTION:The role of prophylactic biliary stenting after clearance of choledocholithiasis in patients awaiting cholecystectomy for concomitant cholelithiasis is controversial. We planned a randomized controlled trial to study the effect of prophylactic biliary stenting after achieving biliary clearance in reducing recurrence of choledocholithiasis and biliary complications in patients awaiting cholecystectomy.METHODS:Patients with concomitant cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis were included, and those who had evidence of clearance of choledocholithaisis (documented on occlusion cholangiogram during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography [ERC]) were randomized to prophylactic biliary stenting or no stenting. Choledocholithaisis recurrence rate (primary outcome), biliary complications and need for repeat/emergency ERC (secondary outcomes) were compared till 3 months after clearance.RESULTS:Between September 2021 and July 2022, 70 patients were randomized into group A, stenting (n = 35), and group B, no stenting (n = 35). Sixty-six patients were included in the final analysis. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups. Ten (15.2%) patients had recurrence of choledocholithiasis, and it was comparable between the 2 groups (7/34 [20.6%] and 3/34 [9.4%], P = 0.306). Five patients (2 cholecystitis and 3 post-ERC pancreatitis) from the stent group while none from the no stent group developed complications, and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.024). None of the patients in both the groups needed emergency ERC during the follow-up.DISCUSSION:This randomized trial shows a higher complication rate with prophylactic stenting, while there is no benefit in preventing choledocholithiasis recurrence in patients waiting for cholecystectomy after biliary clearance (CTRI registration number: CTRI/2021/09/036538).

This double-blind study randomly assigned adults with obesity (or overweight and with one or more weight-related coexisting conditions) without diabetes to 68 weeks of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide (2.4 mg) or placebo, plus lifestyle intervention. Semaglutide therapy was associated with sustained, clinically relevant weight reduction.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a standard treatment for cholelithiasis. In situations where laparoscopic cholecystectomy is dangerous, a surgeon may be forced to change from laparoscopy to an open procedure. Data from the literature shows that 2 to 15% of laparoscopic cholecystectomies are converted to open surgery during surgery for various reasons. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for the conversion of laparoscopic cholecystectomy to open surgery. A retrospective analysis of medical records and operation protocols was performed. The study group consisted of 263 patients who were converted into open surgery during laparoscopic surgery, and 264 randomly selected patients in the control group. Conversion risk factors were assessed using logistic regression analysis that modeled the probability of a certain event as a function of independent factors. Statistically significant factors in the regression model with all explanatory variables were age, emergency treatment, acute cholecystitis, peritoneal adhesions, chronic cholecystitis, and inflammatory infiltration. The use of predictive risk assessments or nomograms can be the most helpful tool for risk stratification in a clinical scenario. With such predictive tools, clinicians can optimize care based on the known risk factors for the conversion, and patients can be better informed about the risks of their surgery.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) levels on oxidative stress, as measured by thiol-disulfide homeostasis parameters, in geriatric patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods A total of 62 patients aged 65 years and older diagnosed with cholelithiasis were included. Patients were randomly assigned to either the low-pressure group (10 mmHg) or the high-pressure group (15 mmHg). Standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed under general anesthesia by the same surgical team. Preoperative and postoperative blood samples were collected to evaluate oxidative stress parameters (native thiol, total thiol, disulfide), as well as basic biochemical markers (AST, ALT, urea, creatinine) and hematological indices (WBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count). Results Postoperative AST levels were significantly higher in the high-pressure group compared to the low-pressure group ( p  = 0.031), while ALT differences were not statistically significant. Although disulfide and oxidized thiol ratios were higher in the high-pressure group preoperatively, no significant differences were observed between the groups postoperatively. Conclusion While higher intra-abdominal pressure may be associated with mild hepatic stress, it does not appear to cause significant oxidative imbalance in geriatric patients. Both low and high-pressure pneumoperitoneum levels can be used safely during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly individuals, provided that appropriate perioperative management is ensured.

Background Gallstone disease remains a major health issue. There have been significant changes in the management and demographics of patients with these conditions. We aimed to evaluate trends in hospitalization, management, and post-procedural adverse events for patients with gallstone disease. Methods The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify discharges for symptomatic cholelithiasis and cholecystitis between 2005 and 2014. Temporal trends were evaluated by calculating annual percent changes (APCs). Joinpoint regression was used to assess inflection points. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate associations between urban and rural divisions and mortality, use of interventional procedures, and post-procedural adverse events. Results From 77,394,755 unweighted discharges, there was a decline in discharges for cholelithiasis (APC − 5.5%, 95% confidence intervals, CI, − 7.6 to − 3.4%) and cholecystitis from 2012 to 2014 (APC − 4.5%, 95% CI − 7.2 to − 1.7%). Interventions were more likely at urban hospitals for symptomatic cholelithiasis (odds ratio, OR, 1.49, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.66) and cholecystitis (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.86 to 2.05). In-hospital mortality significantly decreased annually for patients with cholecystitis (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.93). In-hospital mortality between rural and urban centers was comparable for symptomatic cholelithiasis (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.03) and cholecystitis (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.04). Conclusions Hospitalizations for gallstone disease have decreased since the 2010s. In-hospital mortality between urban and rural centers is similar, but urban hospitals utilize a higher rate of procedural interventions. Future studies should evaluate practice trends and costs across inpatient and ambulatory settings between rural and urban divisions.

BackgroundRapid weight loss is associated with a high incidence of cholelithiasis.ObjectivesTo identify the incidence of gallstone formation after weight loss surgery and to detect the efficacy of 6 months regimen of prophylactic Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).MethodsRCT included a total of 1530 morbid obese patients who were subjected to either laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), or greater curve plication (GCP). Patients with previous or concomitant cholecystectomy and missed follow-up were excluded, leaving 1432 patients to analyze. They were randomly allocated into two groups receiving either UDCA or placebo with a minimum follow-up of one year for assessment of cholelithiasis and weight loss.ResultsThe overall incidence of cholelithiasis after surgery was 9.7%. There was a significant decrease in the incidence of gallstone formation from 22% in placebo to 6.5% in treated group with UDCA. The mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was significantly higher in those who develop gallstones than others. Of those developing gallstones, there was 64.7 % with SG versus 28.1% and 7.2% in OAGB and GCP, respectively, which is statistically significant. NNT to prevent cholelithiasis is six, AR% is 70.4%, and RR is 3.4%.ConclusionsCholelithiasis after SG and OAGB was higher than GCP. %EWL was rapid and higher in OAGB and SG contributing to the higher rate of symptomatic cholelithiasis and could be predictive for post-bariatric cholelithiasis. A 6-month use of UDCA is an effective prophylaxis decreasing gallstone formation after bariatric surgery at short-term follow-up.

Background Obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for cholelithiasis. As a treatment for obesity, bariatric surgery may increase the incidence of cholelithiasis. The risk factors for cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery remain uncertain. The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors for postoperative cholelithiasis after weight-loss surgery and propose suggestions for clinical decision making. Methods Four databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane, were systematically searched for all reports about cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery, and literature screening was performed following prespecified inclusion criteria. The included studies were all evaluated for quality according to the NOS scale. Data extraction was followed by analysis using Reviewer Manager 5.4 and StataSE 15. Results A total of 19 articles were included in this meta-analysis, and all studies were of high quality. A total of 20,553 patients were included in this study. Sex [OR = 0.62, 95% CI (0.55, 0.71), P  < 0.00001] and race [OR = 1.62, 95% CI (1.19, 2.19), P  = 0.002] were risk factors for cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery. Surgical procedure, preoperative BMI, weight-loss ratio, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were neither protective nor risk factors for cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery. Conclusion Caucasian race and female sex are risk factors for developing cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery; surgical procedure, BMI, weight loss ratio, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and smoking are not risk factors for cholelithiasis after bariatric surgery.

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and gallbladder or biliary diseases.DesignSystematic review and pairwise and network meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL from inception until 31 July 2021.Eligibility criteriaRandomised controlled trials of adult patients with type 2 diabetes who received dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors compared with placebo or other antidiabetes drugs.Main outcome measuresComposite of gallbladder or biliary diseases, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and biliary diseases.Data extraction and data synthesisTwo reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the studies. The quality of the evidence for each outcome was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework (GRADE) approach. The meta-analysis used pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsA total of 82 randomised controlled trials with 104 833 participants were included in the pairwise meta-analysis. Compared with placebo or non-incretin drugs, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors were significantly associated with an increased risk of the composite of gallbladder or biliary diseases (odds ratio 1.22 (95%confidence interval 1.04 to 1.43); risk difference 11 (2 to 21) more events per 10 000 person years) and cholecystitis (odds ratio 1.43 (1.14 to 1.79); risk difference 15 (5 to 27) more events per 10 000 person years) but not with the risk of cholelithiasis and biliary diseases. The associations tended to be observed in patients with a longer duration of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor treatment. In the network meta-analysis of 184 trials, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors increased the risk of the composite of gallbladder or biliary diseases and cholecystitis compared with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors but not compared with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.ConclusionsDipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors increased the risk of cholecystitis in randomised controlled trials, especially with a longer treatment duration, which requires more attention from physicians in clinical practice.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42021271647.