Background: Incisionless near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography (NIFC) is emerging as a promising tool to enhance the visualization of extrahepatic biliary structures during laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Methods: We conducted a single-blind, randomized, 2-arm trial comparing the efficacy of NIFC (n = 321) versus white light (WL) alone (n = 318) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Using the KARL STORZ Image1 S imaging system with OPAL1 technology for NIR/ICG imaging, we evaluated the detection rate for 7 biliary structures—cystic duct (CD), right hepatic duct (RHD), common hepatic duct, common bile duct, cystic common bile duct junction, cystic gallbladder junction (CGJ), and accessory ducts —before and after surgical dissection. Secondary calculations included multivariable analysis for predictors of structure visualization and comparing intergroup biliary duct injury rates. Results: Predissection detection rates were significantly superior in the NIFC group for all 7 biliary structures, ranging from 9.1% versus 2.9% to 66.6% versus 36.6% for the RHD and CD, respectively, with odds ratios ranging from 2.3 (95% CI 1.6–3.2) for the CGJ to 3.6 (1.6–9.3) for the RHD. After dissection, similar intergroup differences were observed for all structures except CD and CGJ, for which no differences were observed. Significant odds ratios ranged from 2.4 (1.7–3.5) for the common hepatic duct to 3.3 (1.3–10.4) for accessory ducts. Increased body mass index was associated with reduced detection of most structures in both groups, especially before dissection. Only 2 patients, both in the WL group, sustained a biliary duct injury. Conclusions: In a randomized controlled trial, NIFC was statistically superior to WL alone visualizing extrahepatic biliary structures during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Registration number: NCT02702843

Background: laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common procedures performed in general surgery. The anatomical differences of the gallbladder and the presence of factors related to inflammation can cause technical issues during surgery. Objective: the aim of the present study was to determine the value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as predictors of difficult cholecystectomy and to evaluate their application during presurgical planning within a university residency program. Material and methods: we conducted a retrospective and analytical study in a tertiary university hospital. A total of 104 adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to symptomatic cholelithiasis between January and July 2019 were included. The patients were categorized into two groups: difficult cholecystectomy and non-difficult cholecystectomy. Results: there were statistically significant differences in ESR and CRP values between both groups (p < 0.001). Sensitivity of ESR was 100%, specificity was 45%, with a PPV of 40% and NPV of 100%. Sen- sitivity of CRP was 87.5%, specificity was 86.3%, with a PPV of 70% and NPV of 95%. Both parameters were elevated in 14 of 16 difficult cholecystectomies and in 2 of 44 non-difficult cholecystectomies. Sensitivity of CRP was 87.5%, specificity was 86.3%, with a PPV of 70% and NPV of 95%. Conclusion: measuring ESR and CRP has proved to be a reliable method to predict difficult chole- cystectomies due to symptomatic cholelithiasis. This could be applied for surgical planning within a university residency program.

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