Acute Care Surgeon: Use of the Endo GIA Stapler for Cystic Duct Ligation in Emergent Cholecystectomy

Introduction Endo GIA stapler use is a method to ligate cystic ducts during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the elective and emergent setting. Its use has not been widely described in the acute care surgery (ACS) setting. Our study aims to determine factors predicting Endo GIA use by acute care surgeons and evaluate when applied its safety and efficacy in emergent cholecystectomy. Additionally, we investigate the use of Endo GIA stapler with respect to conversion to open surgery, reduction in postoperative morbidity, and impact on length of stay in an ACS setting. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by ACS in a public university training hospital over 1 year. Variables associated with Endo GIA stapler use were identified through multivariate logistic regression and subsequently, assessed after optimizing the model to control for confounding effects. Results Of the 118 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed, the Endo GIA Stapler was used for cystic duct ligation in 20 cases. Surgeons’ dictated reason for stapler use included dilated cystic duct (45%), short cystic duct remnant (15%), inadequate room for clip ligation and division (10%), and nonspecific (45%). Patient demographic variables for Endo GIA stapled and clipped groups were not significantly different. Logistic regression revealed a significantly higher likelihood of Endo GIA stapler use in patients with comorbid biliary duct disease, preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and a trend towards significance in patients with previous emergency department (ED) visits. There was no significant difference in conversion to open surgery, postoperative morbidity, and postoperative length of stay. Conclusion Comorbid biliary duct disease, previous ED visits, and preoperative ERCP are predictive of patients requiring use of the Endo GIA stapler for cystic duct ligation during emergent cholecystectomy. The use of Endo GIA stapler by Acute Care Surgeons is safe and effective. How to cite this article Truche P, Blitzer D, Scott E, Hanna J, Gracias V, Peck G. Acute Care Surgeon: Use of the Endo GIA Stapler for Cystic Duct Ligation in Emergent Cholecystectomy. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(1):44-48.