Therapeutic Efficacy of Percutaneous Cholecystostomy in Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and complications of percutaneous cholecystostomy in acalculou s acute cholecystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed percutaneous cholecystostomy under ultrasound guidance for the treatment of 18 patients with acalculous acute cholecystitis. We retrospectively analyzed the therapeutic efficacy and complications. RESULTS: A dramatic improvement in clinical condition was observed in 16(88%) patients within 24 --48 hours. One patient was successfully treated with second trial because of technical failure at initial trial. No major complications occured except a gallbladder laceration. Most of patients complained minor symptoms such as fever, pain, mild dyspnea and refered pain to right shoulder, and these symptoms were resolved within one week. There was no complications related to vasovagal reflex. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of acalculous acute cholecystitis, percutaneous cholecystostomy is a safe and effective method.