Percutaneous cholecystostomy versus gallbladder aspiration for acute cholecystitis: A prospective randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE. This study was performed to determine and compare the effectiveness and incidence of complications of percutaneous cholecystostomy and gallbladder aspiration in cases of severe acute cholecystitis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Fifty-eight patients with severe acute cholecystitis who did not improve after antibiotic treatment were included in this study. The patients were randomized into either the percutaneous cholecystostomy group (n = 30) or the gallbladder aspiration group (n = 28). Under sonographic guidance, percutaneous cholecystostomy was performed in the usual manner using a 6.5- or 7-French catheter. Gallbladder aspiration was carried out with a 21-gauge needle under sonographic guidance. The technical success, clinical response, and complications in each group were evaluated. RESULTS. Percutaneous cholecystostomy and gallbladder aspiration were technically successful in 30 patients (100%) and 23 patients (82%), respectively (not statistically significant). In five patients (18%) of the gallbladder aspiration group, aspiration was unsuccessful because of replacement of bile with dense biliary sludge or pus. Good clinical response was obtained in 27 patients (90%) of the percutaneous cholecystostomy group and in 14 patients (61%) of the gallbladder aspiration group (p < 0.05). As for complications, dislodgment of the catheter occurred in one patient of the percutaneous cholecystostomy group and minor bleeding in one patient after gallbladder aspiration. No major complications or procedure-related deaths occurred in either group. CONCLUSION. For severe acute cholecystitis, percutaneous cholecystostomy was superior to gallbladder aspiration in terms of clinical effectiveness and had the same complication rate as gallbladder aspiration.