Percutaneous cholecystostomy treatment for acute cholecystitis in high risk patients

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous cholecystostomy in treatment of acute cholecystitis in high risk patients. Patients and methods: This retrospective study included 21 patients with clinical and sonographic signs of acute cholecystitis and comorbid disease who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy for management of acute cholecystitis from June 2009 to January 2014. Results: Percutaneous cholecystostomy was technically successful in 19 patients and showed positive clinical response at 72 h in 17 patients. Bile leakage due to catheter dislodgement in one patient was managed by change of catheter and re-insertion. The second patient had partial rupture of gall bladder, five patients underwent cholecystectomy. After cholecystostomy there were reductions of leukocytosis and C – reactive protein. Conclusion: As an alternative to surgery, percutaneous cholecystostomy is a safe and effective method of treatment in critically ill patients with acute cholecystitis