Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Gallstone Extraction in High-Risk Patients: An Alternative to Cholecystectomy or Long-Term Drainage?

Background: Acute cholecystitis in nonsurgical candidates is often managed with cholecystostomy tube drainage. After symptom resolution, management options include cholecystectomy, long-term tube drainage, or tube removal. Percutaneous cholecystolithotomy (PCCL) can offer another therapeutic option for patients who are poor operative candidates.