BN SO07 - Percutaneous cholecystostomy in patients with severe acute calculous cholecystitis. What next? An analysis of 102 cases

Abstract Background Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) can be a life-saving treatment for patients presenting with fulminant acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC). In the case of those who make a good recovery and are fit for surgery, PC is often advocated. However, in those who are higher risk for surgery, there is currently no strong consensus regarding further management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of PC and interval LC versus PC alone in patients with ACC. Method We conducted a single-centre retrospective case-control evaluation of the outcomes of patients who have undergone a PC due to severe ACC, comparing those who have gone on to have an interval LC versus those who had PC only. The primary outcomes were the rate of readmissions with recurrent biliary disease and late mortality. Results While the rate of readmissions did not differ between groups (p= 0.583), in the surgical cohort most recurrent gallstone events occurred before LC. ASA score >2 and Tokyo grade 3 were significant positive predictors of all-cause mortality (95% CI 1.6 to 12.6, OR 4.5, p=0.004, and 95% CI 1.2 to 12.2, OR 3.8, p=0.027, respectively). Surgery was found to be a negative predictor of mortality (95% CI 0.04 to 0.5, OR 0.2, p=0.003). Conclusion Those who do not go on to have their gallbladder removed after PC, face significantly worse outcomes. Every effort should be made to optimise these patients to facilitate operative management.