[Value and limitation of ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage in acute lithiasic cholecystitis]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of ultrasound guided percutaneous cholecystostomy in the treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis. From July 1987 to December 1980, 32 patients (mean age = 80) were treated prospectively by this procedure. There was only one death (3%). Successful treatment was achieved in 70% of the patients and was related with mobilization of the gallstone impacted in the infundibulum of the gallbladder. When mobilization of the impacted stone cannot be obtained, surgery is indicated within one week, as later surgery is much more difficult. Twenty-three percent of the patients successfully cured later died from non biliary disease; this indicates the very poor condition of most of the patients. In our experience, percutaneous cholecystostomy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure in the treatment of elderly high-risk patients presenting with acute calculous cholecystitis.