THE ROLE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHIC PERCUTANEOUS CHOLECYSTOSTOMY IN TREATMENT OF ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS

Background/Aims: The Authors propose ultrasonographic percutaneous cho lecystostomy in the treatment of acute cholecystitis. Materials and Me thods: During the period between July 1991-December 1993, 26 patients with acute cholecystitis (18 calcolous and 8 acalcolous) were observed . The cholecystostomy was performed in principle on patients aged over 70 years and in those with acalcolous acute cholecystitis. To rationa lize the indication for cholecystostomy in patients aged under 70 year s with calcolous acute cholecystitis, the Authors elaborated a Risk Sc ore. Results: The cholecystostomy was performed in 23 patients, 15 wit h calcolous and 8 with acalcolous acute cholecystitis, and was success ful in 22 patients (95.7%). In the group with acalcolous acute cholecy stitis, the cholecystostomy was the resolutive treatment, while in tha t with calcolous acute cholecystitis was associated, when indicated, t o the surgery. Conclusions: The cholecystostomy interrupted the natura l history of the disease and has a low morbidity and mortality. It is an effective and rationale contribution to the treatment of the acute cholecystitis.