Management of Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Drains: A Consensus Statement

Percutaneous cholecystostomy drains (PCDs) are frequently used in patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) who are poor surgical candidates. However, standardized guidance on the indications, follow-up, and management of PCDs is lacking in the literature.

To gather expert consensus recommendations and develop guidelines on the management of PCDs in patients with AC.

This Delphi consensus study was conducted between August 2024 and April 2025. Statements were generated following a structured literature review and evaluated through a 3-round Delphi process. Consultant surgeons and interventional radiologists practicing in Ireland and the UK were invited to participate through national surgical societies and professional networks. The primary outcome was the level of agreement among experts on statements addressing indications, follow-up imaging, duration of drainage, and timing of definitive surgery following percutaneous cholecystostomy. Consensus was predefined as agreement of 80% or greater among panelists.

The panel included 45 experts (39 surgeons [86.7%] and 6 interventional radiologists [13.3%]). After 3 Delphi rounds, consensus was reached on 20 statements regarding PCD management. The panel agreed that laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be the first-line management for AC. Use of PCDs was considered an appropriate alternative strategy to cholecystectomy for patients with severe AC who were poor candidates for surgery. Transhepatic drains were preferred to transperitoneal drains, and panelists agreed drains should remain in situ for at least 4 to 6 weeks postinsertion. The panel agreed that cholangiography should be performed prior to PCD removal. A completion cholecystectomy was considered feasible with low perioperative complications in most cases. The optimal time for interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy was agreed to be 6 to 8 weeks after drain insertion. Endoscopic drainage was considered a novel technique that could be used where available. There was no consensus on the management of AC during pregnancy or the feasibility of clamping tests.

In this Delphi consensus study, expert agreement was achieved on key aspects of the management and follow-up of PCDs. These recommendations may help standardize clinical practice and inform decision-making in the management of AC.