Percutaneous cholecystostomy as a nonsurgical option for treatment of acute cholecystitis in elderly patients

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) in management of acute cholecystitis in elderly patients.

Methods

Retrospective study of elderly patients (age?≥?60?years) undergoing Ultrasound-guided PC for acute cholecystitis, over a period of two years. Patients were reviewed for demographic features, co-morbidity, resolution of symptoms and outcome and complications.

Results

Seventeen patients (11 women, 6 men; mean age, 66?±?7?years) underwent PC for acute cholecystitis. PC was technically successful in all patients and showed positive clinical response within 72?h in 15 patients (88.2%). Complications of PC tube placement occurred in 2 (11.8%) of 17 patients, including bile leakage around the skin in 1 patient ,tube dislodgment in another one and were treated effectively with drain replacement.

Conclusion

Percutaneous cholecystostomy is a safe, effective and technically achievable procedure for treating elderly high-risk patients who present with acute cholecystitis.