Analysis of the Data of Patients Developing Acute Cholangitis and Cholecystitis During Standby for Cholecystectomy at Our Hospital

Abstract

At our hospital, between April 2012 and end-December 2016, 74 patients underwent cholecystectomy for gallstones after a waiting period. We compared the clinical data of the 12 patients who developed acute cholangitis/cholecystitis while standing by for cholecystectomy (Group A) with those of the 62 patients who did not (Group B). We investigated the risk factors for the development of acute cholangitis/cholecystitis and surgical complications in the entire patient population. Significant differences in the number of cases with a previous history of acute grade 2 or 3 cholecystitis prior to the operation were observed between Group A and Group B. In regard to the laboratory data, the preoperative WBC count, serum CRP, and serum creatinine were significantly increased, and the serum albumin was significantly decreased in Group A as compared to Group B. In imaging studies, gallbladder wall thickening (≧5mm) and abscess were seen significantly more frequently in Group A as compared to Group B. Furthermore, investigation of the surgical outcomes revealed a higher conversion rate to open surgery, higher amount of blood loss, and higher rate of postoperative complications in Group A as compared to Group B. Our results suggest that a previous history of severe cholecystitis is a risk factor for the development of acute cholangitis/cholecystitis in patients standing by for surgery and for the development of surgical complications.