PERCUTANEOUS CHOLECYSTOSTOMY - SAFETY OF THE TRANSPERITONEAL ROUTE

PURPOSE: The authors analyzed the safety and efficacy of transperitoneal percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) in patients with acute cholecystitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four consecutive patients underwent transperitoneal PC for treatment of acute cholecystitis. A trocar technique was used for placement of the drainage catheter. RESULTS: PC was technically successful in all patients. In 27.(79%) of 34 patients, symptoms of acute cholecystitis resolved within 7 days. Minor complications occurred in two patients (5%). Both patients developed a hematoma adjacent to the gallbladder; these resolved without treatment. No cases of bile leak or bile peritonitis occurred. CONCLUSION: The transperitoneal route is safe and effective for PC.