Percutaneous cholecystostomy in the management of acute cholecystitis.

Background: Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) has been used in managing acute cholecystitis in the setting of a patient with severe comorbidities where emergency cholecystectomy would carry significant mortality. The present study aims to assess the role, efficacy and complications of PC in acute cholecystitis.

Methods: Retrospective review of case notes of patients who underwent PC at Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, Australia between July 1997 and December 2002.

Results: Sixteen patients (mean age 75 years; range 50-96) underwent PC. Indications for PC were significant comorbidities (n = 6), failure of conservative treatment (n = 4), bile duct malignancy (n = 2), sepsis of unknown origin (n = 2), patient declined surgery (n = 1) and local perforation (n = 1). Technical success rate was 94%. Clinical response to PC was observed in 15 patients. Overall mortality was 18% (3/16) with one death caused by PC failure. Interval cholecystectomy was performed in seven patients (44%).

Conclusions: Percutaneous cholecystostomy is a useful alternative means of treating non-resolving acute cholecystitis in circumstances where emergency surgery is hazardous. It also offers effective palliation in patients not suitable for subsequent surgery.