Document Type

Article

Department

Orthopaedic Surgery

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the utility of percutaneous cholecystostomy tube in patients with acute calculus cholecystitis, who are considered unfit for immediate surgery.
Study Design: Observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2010 to December 2014.
Methodology: All adult patients who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement for acute calculous cholecystitis were included. These patients were divided into two groups for further analysis. Group-I consisted those who had interval cholecystectomy after tube placement and Group-II were those who had no further treatment. Recurrence of symptoms, infections and operation related complications were noted.
Results: Sixty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 58.5 years. Forty-four patients (67.7%) were males. Forty-three patients underwent interval cholecystectomy (Group-I) and 22 did not (Group-II). Mean operative time was 134.9 +57.8 minutes. Five (11.6%) patients were converted to open cholecystectomy, two (4.6%) developed CBD injury, and seven (16.2%) developed surgical site infection. In Group-II, three patients (13.6%) developed recurrence of symptoms and 19 (86.4%) remained symptom-free. Catheter related problems occurred in four (18%) patients. Mean follow-up was 19 +8 months. Conclusion: Percutaneous cholecystostomy is a good alternative for patients unfit to undergo immediate surgery. Recurrence of symptoms after tube removal are in a low range; therefore, it can be considered a definitive management for high risk patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy after tube placement becomes technically challenging.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan

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