Percutaneous Cholecystostomy: Long-Term Outcomes in 324 Patients

Interventional radiology‐operated percutaneous cholecystoscopy with ultrasonic lithotripsy and stone basket retrieval: A treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis in non‐operative candidates

“…Due to an ageing population with multiple co‐morbidities, there is increasing demand for non‐surgical alternatives to treat symptomatic gallstone disease in poor surgical candidates . PC, while effective as a temporizing measure to relieve obstruction, results in definitive cholecystectomy in only one‐third of cases, as many patients remain ineligible . Consequently, patients often require continual tube exchanges, resulting in high rates of catheter‐related complications, financial burden, and a detriment to quality of life .…”

“…Moreover, while endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography are effective methods for extracting common bile duct stones, reports of cystic duct stone extraction or percutaneous use of these tools in the literature are scarce . This has motivated Interventional Radiologists to develop innovative strategies for managing this selective patient population with the ultimate goal of PC removal …”

“…The incidence of gallstones is approximately 1 in 200 persons annually, of which 1–4% results in symptomatic cystic duct obstruction . For decades, surgical cholecystectomy has been the first‐line treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis . With an ageing patient population having multiple medical co‐morbidities, the role for percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) drainage has continued to evolve, and has become the standard of care in patients with contraindications to surgery .…”

“…PC discontinuation without definitive treatment—including gallstone or gallbladder removal—leads to recurrent cholecystitis in more than 33% of patients . Moreover, complication rates increase over time with indwelling catheters, and dislodgment occurs in 8–30% . This in turn has a negative impact on quality of life and healthcare costs …”

“…[1][2][3] For decades, surgical cholecystectomy has been the first-line treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis. 1,[4][5][6] With an ageing patient population having multiple medical co-morbidities, the role for percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) drainage has continued to evolve, and has become the standard of care in patients with contraindications to surgery. [4][5][6] Although PC is optimal as a bridge to cholecystectomy, 4% of patients require continual tube exchanges due to persistent gallstone burden and co-morbidities prohibiting surgery.…”