The role of ultrasonographic percutaneous cholecystostomy in treatment of acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The Authors propose ultrasonographic percutaneous cholecystostomy in the treatment of acute cholecystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period between July 1991-December 1993, 26 patients with acute cholecystitis (18 calculous and 8 acalculous) were observed. The cholecystostomy was performed in principle on patients aged over 70 years and in those with acalculous acute cholecystitis. To rationalize the indication for cholecystostomy in patients aged under 70 years with calculous acute cholecystitis, the Authors elaborated a Risk Score. RESULTS: The cholecystostomy was performed in 23 patients, 15 with calculous and 8 with acalculous acute cholecystitis, and was successful in 22 patients (95.7%). In the group with acalculous acute cholecystitis, the cholecystostomy was the resolutive treatment, while in that with calculous acute cholecystitis was associated, when indicated, to the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The cholecystostomy interrupted the natural history of the disease and has a low morbidity and mortality. It is an effective and rationale contribution to the treatment of the acute cholecystitis.