Safety of Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Early Removal: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Insights

Early removal of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) drainage during hospitalization did not increase complications. However, removing the PC catheter before seven days was linked to higher rates of recurrent gallstone disease and readmissions.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Innovation
  • Patient Safety

Background:

  • Management guidelines for percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) are not well-established.
  • This study aimed to evaluate the safety of early PC removal concerning complications and disease recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the safety and outcomes of early versus delayed percutaneous cholecystostomy removal.
  • To compare complication rates, recurrent disease, and readmissions based on PC removal timing.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational study of 151 patients undergoing PC for acute cholecystitis (2012-2017).
  • Patients were grouped by inpatient (IPR) versus outpatient (OPR) removal, and by removal within 7 days (G1) versus after 7 days (G2).
  • Evaluated PC-related complications, recurrent disease, and readmissions.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in complications between IPR and OPR groups.
  • Group 1 (PC removed ≤7 days) showed a higher rate of recurrent disease (32.1% vs. 14.7%) and readmissions (30.3% vs. 13.6%) compared to Group 2 (PC removed >7 days).
  • Group 1 also had a shorter antibiotic duration (11 days vs. 15 days).

Conclusions:

  • Percutaneous cholecystostomy removal during the initial hospital stay is safe regarding complications.
  • Removing the PC catheter before seven days may increase the risk of recurrent gallstone disease and hospital readmissions.
Abstract

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