Percutaneous Cholecystostomy: A Bridge to Less Morbidity

• Published in: Arab Journal of Interventional Radiology Vol. 6; no. 1; pp. 003 - 009
• Main Author: Singh, Anil Kumar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: A-12, 2nd Floor, Sector 2, Noida-201301 UP, India Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd 01.01.2022
• Subjects: biliary system; cholecystectomy; cholecystitis; computer tomography; gall bladder perforation; percutaneous cholecystostomy; Review Article; biliary system; percutaneous cholecystostomy; cholecystectomy; cholecystitis; gall bladder perforation; computer tomography
• ISSN: 2542-7075; 2542-7083
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744213

Abstract Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is a minimally invasive procedure for decompressing gall bladder (GB) or biliary system in emergency settings, performed in patients with GB or biliary diseases who are at high risk for surgical exploration. Indications range from acute cholecystitis in seriously ill patients to overdistended GB with impending perforation to overt GB perforation. This procedure, by allowing biliary drainage, helps in controlling the infection and optimizing the patient's condition for definitive treatment in the form of elective surgery if possible, thus acting as a bridge to a definitive treatment option. In some cases, such as acute acalculous cholecystitis, it may obviate the need for surgery, and in malignant biliary obstruction, it may be used as a palliative measure to keep GB decompressed. This review article focuses on and revisits many aspects of PC including technical aspects, clinical indications, outcomes, and safety of the procedure, in addition to its role as bridge therapy versus definitive therapy versus palliative option. It includes observations based on the author's own work experience and review of the literature.