Cholecystocutaneous fistula after cholecystectomy

Cholecystocutaneous fistula is an exceedingly rare type of external biliary fistula, where an abnormal connection forms between the gallbladder and the skin. Cholecystocutaneous fistula commonly develops in the setting of chronic calculus cholecystitis or following a previous surgical intervention involving the biliary tract. Patients with cholecystocutaneous fistula often present with systemic symptoms, such as fever, nausea, and vomiting, as well as localized symptoms in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, where the external opening of the fistula is typically found. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and fistulograms (computed tomography or X-ray) are commonly used. Computed tomography has proven to be more effective than ultrasonography in delineating the fistulous tract and the associated fluid collections. Open cholecystectomy with excision of the fistulous tract is considered the gold standard and is curative in the majority of cases. However, a laparoscopic approach has become a viable alternative, especially in the hands of experienced surgeons.