CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS—Correlation of Preoperative with Operative and Postoperative Data to Enhance Diagnostic Insight

One hundred cases of common bile duct explorations were reviewed in an attempt to obtain information that might give insight into the diagnosis and definitive treatment of choledocholithiasis. Fifty of the hundred patients had common duct stones. Correlations were made between the incidence of choledocholithiasis as proved at operation, and the following factors: Kind and number of choledochal exploratory criteria used, the clinical diagnosis of common duct stones, and the pathologic features of gallbladders removed.The incidence of stones was statistically related to aging.The most frequent choledochal exploratory criteria were common duct dilatation or thickening (63 cases) and history of jaundice (50 cases).The most reliable single criterion in “diagnosing” common duct stones was palpable common or hepatic duct stones, the diagnosis having been correct in 15 of 17 such cases.The most reliable combination of criteria was a history of jaundice, plus palpable stones, with correct diagnosis in all such cases.The clinical diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was correct in only 17 per cent of cases.The correlation of the incidence of common duct stones with the degree of gallbladder disease—that is, acute or chronic—did not provide information that might be helpful in diagnosing choledocholithiasis.The incidence of proven retained common duct stones was 3 per cent, the non-fatal postoperative complication rate was 21 per cent and operative mortality was 1 per cent.     

Primary carcinoma of the gallbladder; review of 173 cases

One hundred seventy-three cases of primary carcinoma of the gallbladder were analyzed. In the group studied they made 2.11 per cent of all malignant tumors found at autopsy and were found in 1.89 per cent of all cases in which operation was done on the biliary tract. There was no appreciable change in the incidence of this tumor at autopsy during the period studied (1918-1948) at the Los Angeles County Hospital. Sixty-eight per cent of the cases were in females. A particularly high incidence was noted in Mexican females. Upper abdominal pain, loss of weight, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, and palpable mass or enlarged liver were the most common clinical features. Approximately one-third of the patients in whom the lesion was found at operation and one-fifth of all the patients whose records were studied had a history of chronic gallbladder disease. All but two of the 38 patients operated on were dead or had clinical recurrence within two years. One was alive and well 12 years after cholecystectomy. The most common gross appearance, particularly at autopsy, was a large tumor mass replacing the gallbladder and radiating to nearby organs, particularly the liver. In about one-third of the cases the tumor was grossly limited to the gallbladder. Polypoid tumors occurred in only about 10 per cent of the cases and most of the tumors were diffusely growing adenocarcinoma. Perforation appeared in nine cases, usually with fistula to the gastrointestinal tract. All of the tumors were histologically adenocarcinoma, usually of simple glandular structure. No purely squamous cell growth occurred. Gallstones were found in 79.8 per cent of the cases.     

PRIMARY CARCINOMA OF THE GALLBLADDER—Review of 173 Cases

One hundred seventy-three cases of primary carcinoma of the gallbladder were analyzed. In the group studied they made 2.11 per cent of all malignant tumors found at autopsy and were found in 1.89 per cent of all cases in which operation was done on the biliary tract. There was no appreciable change in the incidence of this tumor at autopsy during the period studied (1918-1948) at the Los Angeles County Hospital. Sixty-eight per cent of the cases were in females. A particularly high incidence was noted in Mexican females.Upper abdominal pain, loss of weight, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, and palpable mass or enlarged liver were the most common clinical features. Approximately one-third of the patients in whom the lesion was found at operation and one-fifth of all the patients whose records were studied had a history of chronic gallbladder disease.All but two of the 38 patients operated on were dead or had clinical recurrence within two years. One was alive and well 12 years after cholecystectomy.The most common gross appearance, particularly at autopsy, was a large tumor mass replacing the gallbladder and radiating to nearby organs, particularly the liver. In about one-third of the cases the tumor was grossly limited to the gallbladder. Polypoid tumors occurred in only about 10 per cent of the cases and most of the tumors were diffusely growing adenocarcinoma. Perforation appeared in nine cases, usually with fistula to the gastrointestinal tract. All of the tumors were histologically adenocarcinoma, usually of simple glandular structure. No purely squamous cell growth occurred.Gallstones were found in 79.8 per cent of the cases.     

ACUTE GALLBLADDER DISEASE—Experiences with 103 Consecutive Cases

One hundred and three cases of acute cholecystitis in patients ranging in age from 19 to 88 years were reviewed. Operation was done in all cases. Seventy per cent of the patients were women.Primary cholecystectomy was done in 72.8 per cent of the series. Primary cholecystostomy was performed in the remainder, and one-fourth of these patients had a secondary cholecystectomy. No specific time, with relation to interval after onset of symptoms, was chosen for operation.Jaundice was present in 14.5 per cent of patients at the time of admittance to hospital. Serum amylase was above normal in five of 27 patients on whom this determination was carried out. All five were women.The gallbladder was perforated in 13 cases. Common duct exploration was done in 25 cases and in 12 of them stones were found.The morbidity rate for the series was 11.6 per cent; the mortality rate 9.7 per cent.     

ERCP/EST-LC治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石临床疗效及并发症

目的:考察内镜下逆行胰胆管造影术/十二指肠乳头括约肌切开术加腹腔镜胆囊切除术(endoscopic retrograde pancreatic angiography/endoscopic sphincterotomy-1aparoscopic cholecystectomy,ERCP/EST-LC)对胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的临床疗效和安全性。方法:选80例胆囊结石合并胆总管结石患者,随机数字表法分为两组,每组40例,对照组进行LCBDE-LC手术,研究组进行ERCP/EST-LC手术,以手术成功率、围术期相关指标和术后并发症等指标考察对患者的临床疗效。结果:对照组手术成功率为95.0%,研究组患者手术成功率为97.5%,两组无显著差异(P>0.05),研究组患者的手术时间和术中出血量与对照组相比均无显著差异(P>0.05),研究组胃肠功能恢复时间为39.64±5.34 h,显著长于对照组的37.19±3.17 h(P<0.05),研究组住院时间为14.17±2.06 d,显著长于对照组的11.85±2.71 d(P<0.05)。两组患者的胆道感染、急性胰腺炎、肠穿孔、结石残留以及胆管炎的发生率无显著差异(P>0.05),对照组胆漏发生率为7.50%,显著高于研究组的0.00%(P<0.05),而研究组术后出血发生率为10.00%,显著高于对照组的2.50%(P<0.05),对照组并发症总发生率为12.50%,研究组为15.00%,两组比较无显著差异(P>0.05)。对照组术后一年复发率为15.00%,研究组的复发率为17.50%,经统计分析,两组术后复发率无显著差异(P>0.05),其余患者无腹痛、发热、黄疸等情况。结论:ERCP/EST-LC治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石临床疗效确切、并发症少,安全性高。     

Migration of gall stones.

The factors influencing the migration of gall stones are ill understood. Altogether 331 patients undergoing cholecystectomy were studied prospectively. The diameters of the cystic and common bile ducts and of stones in the gall bladder and bile ducts were measured. Increasing pressure was applied to the freshly excised gall bladder in an attempt to evacuate stones through the cystic duct. Stones passed in 33 (60.0%) of patients with choledocholithiasis, 45 (67.2%) of patients with pancreatitis, and 7 (3.2%) of patients without either pancreatitis or choledocholithiasis. Stones migrated in 6 (3.0%) who had a normal cystic duct diameter (less than or equal to 4 mm) and in 46 (32.5%) with a duct over 4 mm diameter. Common bile duct stones were often larger than the diameter of the cystic duct and when reintroduced into the gall bladder would not migrate. The passage of debris (less than or equal to 1 mm) through the cystic duct bore no relation to the presence or absence of choledocholithiasis or a dilated cystic duct. Small stones (1-4 mm diameter) must migrate to initiate and facilitate further migration; some must increase in size in the common bile duct. Increased biliary pressure consequently dilates the duct system retrogradely, allowing larger stones to follow. Patients at risk of stone migration and thereby pancreatitis and jaundice have large ducts that can be detected by ultrasound assessment.     

INDICATIONS FOR AND RESULTS FOLLOWING EXPLORATION OF THE COMMON BILE DUCT FOR STONES

Among 100 consecutive patients who had removal or drainage of the gallbladder and exploration of the common bile duct for stones, there were no serious, immediate or late complications and there were no operative deaths. Ninety-six of the 100 patients had stones in the gallbladder, in the common duct, or in both, and 52 of these patients had one or more stones in the common duct.Ten patients died subsequently of unrelated causes. Six patients were lost to followup. Of the 84 patients whose present condition is known, 75 or 89 per cent have had a completely satisfactory result. Six more patients have minor residual symptoms, and for them the result has been classified as good. In three patients, the results were unsatisfactory. Cholangiograms taken before the removal of the T-tube showed residual stones in two patients. In each instance, the stone or stones have been subsequently passed and both patients are in excellent condition.     

Indications for and results following exploration of the common bile duct for stones

Among 100 consecutive patients who had removal or drainage of the gallbladder and exploration of the common bile duct for stones, there were no serious, immediate or late complications and there were no operative deaths. Ninety-six of the 100 patients had stones in the gallbladder, in the common duct, or in both, and 52 of these patients had one or more stones in the common duct. Ten patients died subsequently of unrelated causes. Six patients were lost to followup. Of the 84 patients whose present condition is known, 75 or 89 per cent have had a completely satisfactory result. Six more patients have minor residual symptoms, and for them the result has been classified as good. In three patients, the results were unsatisfactory. Cholangiograms taken before the removal of the T-tube showed residual stones in two patients. In each instance, the stone or stones have been subsequently passed and both patients are in excellent condition.     

Endoscopic papillotomy and removal of gall stones.

Endoscopic papillotomy was attempted in 59 patients with extrahepatic obstruction of the biliary duct system and was actually performed in 50 patients. A special high-frequency diathermy knife was introduced via a duodenoscope into the terminal common bile duct and the roof of the papilla was incised. In 33 out of 39 patients with choledocholithiasis the stones passed into the duodenum spontaneously or were removed endoscopically. Papillary stenosis without ductal stones was successfully treated with this method in eight out of 11 patients. One perforation of the duodenocholedochal junction occurred and was repaired surgically. Endoscopic papillotomy and stone extraction is a relatively safe and effective method of treating extrahepatic jaundice.     

Early cancer in congenital choledochal cyst

We report a case of 35-yr-old woman with early cancer in congenital choledochal cyst. She had a five-year history of intermittent right upper abdominal pain and intermittent jaundice. In this period she had a few abdominal ultrasonographies, but the cholelithiasis had not been found. Now, she was admitted to our hospital because she felt right upper abdominal pain with slight jaundice and subfebrile temperature four weeks ago. Abdominal ultrasonography showed enormous dilatation of the common bile duct, which was suspected as choledochal cyst. Computed tomography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed cystic dilatation of extrahepatic bile duct. An anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction was not found. The patient with congenital choledochal cyst was operated on. The excision of choledochal cyst was done with hepaticojejunostomy Roux-en-Y. There were no lymph nodes metastases. On the central part of choledochal cysts mucosa, it was shown a white plain area of thickness 0.3 cm and 0.8 cm in diameter. Histologically it was well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, which was limited to the mucosa and which did not penetrate to other parts of the bile duct wall. From our knowledge, only small number cases of early cholangiocarcinoma in choledochal cyst were until now reported. Nearly eight years after the operation the patient feels very well, and has optimal working ability (Karnofsky 100%).     

腹腔镜下胆道镜经胆囊管行胆道探查取石术的临床分析

目的：探讨腹腔镜下胆道镜经胆囊管行胆道探查取石术（LTCBDE）的可行性以及安全性。方法：124 例胆囊合并胆总管结石 患者,根据手术方式分为LTCBDE 组和腹腔镜胆总管切开取石T管引流术（LCTD组）,各62 例,比较两组的手术情况、疗效及安 全性。结果：LTCBDE 的手术时间、术后引流时间、肛门排气时间、术后住院时间及补液量较LCTD 组显著减少（P<0.05）;LTCBDE 组并发症发生率及复发率分别为3.23%、1.61%,显著低于LCTD 组的20.97%、11.29%（P<0.05）。结论：LTCBDE 创伤小、患者痛 苦少、术后恢复快、并发症少且复发率低,是治疗胆囊结石合并胆总管结石的一种安全可行的微创治疗手段,值得在临床中推广 应用。     

Diagnosis and Treatment of Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: A Report of 39 Cases

This study focuses on providing diagnosis and treatment for xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC). Clinical data from 39 patients diagnosed with XGC by pathological examination between 2002 and 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. As a result, in this group of patients, the male to female ratio was 30:9 and the average age of XGC onset was 62.2?years. Clinical manifestation of the disease was similar to general cholecystitis and preoperative CT examination showed that there were only 4 XGC cases, while the others were possibly misdiagnosed. Intraoperative observations showed that all the patients had gallbladder wall thickening. This was associated with gallbladder stones in 37 patients (94.9?%), choledocholith in 11 patients (28.2?%), and Mirizzi syndrome in 5 patients (12.8?%). In this study, intraoperative frozen section pathology was conducted in 14 patients and no gallbladder cancer was found. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed on 7 patients, of which two were transferred to laparotomy. Of the remaining 32 cases, 25 were subjected to open cholecystectomy, 3 to partial cholecystectomy, and 4 to the cholecystectomy and partial liver wedge resection. It was concluded that XGC is a unique type of cholecystitis with atypical clinical manifestations and is often difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Pathological examination is a key to diagnose XGC and cholecystectomy is the primary surgical treatment. In patients with choledochectasia or jaundice, for whom we cannot exclude calculus of common bile duct, common bile duct exploration should be considered. The prognosis of XGC appears to be good with the above approaches.     

SPECIALTY CONFERENCE: The Treatment of Retained Gallstones

Various techniques are available to evaluate patients suspected of having common duct stones before an operation on the biliary tract. In patients without jaundice, intravenous cholangiography with tomography may provide satisfactory visualization of the biliary system and its contents. Sonography and computerized axial tomography are useful noninvasive methods. Endoscopic retrograde and transhepatic cholangiography are invasive techniques; but, when successful, they provide the most precise preoperative information obtainable about the presence or absence of stones in the biliary system. The most appropriate diagnostic procedures must be carefully selected for each patient. Each year in 3,000 to 4,000 cases, stones are found remaining in the bile ducts after common duct exploration for the removal of stones. Retained stones can be treated by nonoperative extraction, by irrigation techniques and by surgical removal. Extraction methods probably deserve first consideration, if experienced personnel are available. The technique of irrigation of the common bile duct with cholic acid or other solutions, although limited in success, may also be tried; if these procedures fail, then reoperation is indicated.     

The Prevention of Residual Biliary Calculi

Residual calculi following cholecystectomy may be expected in approximately seven percent of cases. The vast majority of these are overlooked during operation; truly re-formed stones are rare.Calculi are missed during cholecystectomy because of failure to explore the common bile duct. This is due to (1) the presence of silent choledochal stones, and (2) reliance on negative cystic duct cholangiograms in the presence of indications for common duct exploration.Overlooking of silent stones during cholecystectomy may be prevented by routine operative cholangiography. Ideally, false-negative cystic duct cholangiograms should be eliminated by the use of fluoroscopic cholangiography.Retained calculi following duct exploration may be prevented by (a) routine biliary endoscopy and (b) completion fluoroscopic cholangiography.Re-formation of ductal calculi can probably be prevented by appropriate biliary drainage procedures performed during the initial choledochotomy. Selection of patients for primary biliary decompression remains an experimental problem.     

Congenital Cystic Malformation of the Bile Ducts: Report of a Case and Review of Related Literature

A 20-year-old woman had a cyst of the proximal part of the common bile duct and a cyst of the left hepatic duct; these lesions were diagnosed preoperatively by intravenous cholangiography and successfully operated upon. At the time of writing, she has been followed up for one year.Congenital defects in the biliary system are rare and, in a review of the literature, only two cases were found similar to this one. It is generally accepted that these lesions are congenital, but the exact pathogenesis is unknown.Alonso-Lej, Rever and Pessagno² reviewed the literature in 1959 and found 403 authentic congenital cysts of the hepatic ducts. The most common congenital defect is a single choledochal cyst of the lower end of the common bile duct. Pain, jaundice and tumour are the main symptoms.Until the advent of intravenous cholangiography, these lesions were seldom recognized preoperatively. Means of operative repair as well as complications and prognosis are reviewed.     

ERCP术治疗胆总管结石的有效性及安全性分析

目的:分析经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术(ERCP)术治疗胆总管结石的有效性及安全性。方法:选择2017年1月～2018年8月在我院接受择期ERCP治疗的164例胆总管结石患者为研究对象,分析患者的手术情况、取石效果、手术前后胃肠疾病生活质量指数(GIQLI)量表评分和并发症的发生情况。结果:胆总管结石患者手术时间为(37.90±4.21)min、术中出血量(10.86±1.29)mL、术后通气时间(4.38±0.65)d、切口疼痛时间(1.02±0.12)d、住院时间(8.62±0.96)d、手术成功率为97.56%(160/164)、一次取净结石率为95.73%(157/164)、二次取净结石率为1.82%(3/164)。术后,胆总管结石患者GIQLI评分均显著高于术前(P0.05)。胆总管结石患者术后发生胰腺炎5例、胆管炎1例、出血6例、高淀粉酶血症4例。结论:ERCP术是胆总管结石患者的有效治疗手段,但需积极预防并处理相关并发症。     

复发性胆源性胰腺炎的临床特征及危险因素分析

目的:研究复发性胆源性胰腺炎(RGP)的临床特征及危险因素。方法:选择从2012年1月至2017年1月在本院接受治疗的80例RGP患者作为观察组,另选同期在本院接受治疗的胆源性胰腺炎(GP)患者86例作为对照组,分析观察组患者的临床特征及两组患者的致病因素,采用Logistic回归分析RGP的危险因素。结果:在RGP患者的临床特征中,复发次数均较多,平均达到(3.21±0.23)次。发病诱因则主要是胆囊结石、胆总管结石及高脂血症;临床症状主要是黄疸、呕吐、恶心、腹痛、腹胀;并发症主要包括胆管炎、胰腺脓肿以及腹水;临床体征主要有出血征象、腹肌紧张、腹部压痛等。观察组的男性、重度胰腺炎、合并胆总管结石、胆胰管开口狭窄、有高脂血症、手术治疗的患者致病率分别高于对照组,并且观察组急性生理与慢性健康评分(APACHE-Ⅱ)明显高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。由多因素Logistic回归分析可知,导致RGP的危险因素有男性、高APACHE-Ⅱ评分、重度胰腺炎、合并胆总管结石、胆胰管开口狭窄、有高脂血症以及手术治疗。结论:RGP患者的临床特征具有一定的规律性,其中男性、高APACHE-Ⅱ评分、重度胰腺炎、合并胆总管结石、胆胰管开口狭窄、有高脂血症以及手术治疗是导致RGP发生的危险因素。     

Ectopic pregnancy; early diagnosis,clinical errors and conservative operation

This report of eight years' experience with extrauterine pregnancy by a single gynecologist is an exposition of how the diagnosis was made or why it was missed. Of 26 diagnoses of ectopic pregnancy, five were false (20 per cent); and in three cases (10 per cent) the diagnosis was not made promptly-a total error of 30 per cent. Ectopic pregnancy will be discovered earlier if obstetric patients are always examined shortly after missing the first menstrual period.A palpable adnexal mass was present in 19 of 21 ectopic pregnancies (90 per cent). A mass was palpable in only one of five cases erroneously diagnosed as ectopic pregnancy (20 per cent).Decidual casts were passed by four patients, two of whom did not have ectopic pregnancy. If two gynecologists do not agree on the question of extrauterine pregnancy, a third opinion should be sought or culdoscopy employed. Enucleation of the conceptus and salvage of the oviduct is advocated.     

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY—Early Diagnosis,Clinical Errors and Conservative Operation

This report of eight years'' experience with extrauterine pregnancy by a single gynecologist is an exposition of how the diagnosis was made or why it was missed.Of 26 diagnoses of ectopic pregnancy, five were false (20 per cent); and in three cases (10 per cent) the diagnosis was not made promptly—a total error of 30 per cent.Ectopic pregnancy will be discovered earlier if obstetric patients are always examined shortly after missing the first menstrual period.A palpable adnexal mass was present in 19 of 21 ectopic pregnancies (90 per cent). A mass was palpable in only one of five cases erroneously diagnosed as ectopic pregnancy (20 per cent).Decidual casts were passed by four patients, two of whom did not have ectopic pregnancy.If two gynecologists do not agree on the question of extrauterine pregnancy, a third opinion should be sought or culdoscopy employed.Enucleation of the conceptus and salvage of the oviduct is advocated.     

COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING SUBTOTAL GASTRECTOMY

Four hundred consecutive cases in which subtotal gastrectomy was done for duodenal and gastric ulcer were reviewed. The mortality rate was 3.5 per cent. There were 57 complications, an incidence of 14 per cent. Of the fatal complications, duodenal stump disruption was the most common and serious—11 cases and 7 deaths. The other fatal complications included various types of obstruction, pulmonary embolus, hemorrhagic pancreatitis and separation of the abdominal incision. Of the nonfatal complications, obstruction of the stoma, anastomotic bleeding, pneumonia, venous thrombosis and wound infection were the most common.Catheter duodenostomy is helpful in the closure of a difficult duodenal stump. Where this was done in the present series there were no fatalities.Electrolyte balance, correction of protein deficiencies, blood replacement and the judicious use of antibiotics are important prophylactic factors against postoperative complications.