MS O01 - HPB Outcomes following Cholecystostomy Insertion for Acute Cholecystitis: A National Registry-based Study

Abstract Background Acute cholecystitis (AC) is a commonly encountered surgical emergency. In cases of severe AC or cholangitis, or in patients with significant comorbidities, percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) may be employed. International data suggest PC is associated with significantly worse patient outcomes, but limited data exist in the Irish context. Method All patients with AC presenting to public hospitals in Ireland between January 2017 and July 2023 were identified using the National Quality Assurance and Improvement System (NQAIS). Data were collected on patient demographics including age, co-morbidities, length of stay/LOS, operative intervention, endoscopic intervention, critical care admissions, in-patient mortality, and readmissions. All patients managed with PC were identified, and their outcomes compared to patients managed without PC. Results In total, 20,886 patients were admitted with AC. 975 (5%) patients underwent PC and 19,911 patients (95%) were managed without percutaneous cholecystostomy. In comparison to non-cholecystostomy cohort, the PC cohort was older (median 72 v 58 years, p<0.001), less likely to be female (39% v 57% p<0.001), had proportionally longer LOS (<0.001), higher mortality rates (<0.001), were more likely to be admitted to critical care (<0.001), and more likely to be re-admitted to hospital within 30 days (<0.001). Conclusion Cholecystostomy insertion occurs in older patients with more comorbidities. These patients have higher in-hospital mortality rates, higher rates of critical care admission, longer LOS, and increased 30-day readmission rates.