Abstract | BACKGROUND: The mortality rate for cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in the elderly is 10% in low risk patients and increases threefold in high risk patients. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy may serve as a rapid and relatively safe tool to relieve symptoms of sepsis and decrease gallbladder distension. OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and effectiveness of PTC in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in elderly debilitated high risk patients. METHODS: RESULTS: Eight patients showed rapid regression of the clinical symptoms following PTC drainage. One patient with bacterial endocarditis was febrile for 5 days after catheter insertion, but with rapid resolution of the biliary colic and sepsis. One patient died from perforation of the gallbladder and small bowel. PTC catheters were withdrawn 3-25 days after the procedure and the patients remained free of biliary symptoms. Two patients underwent successful elective cholecystectomy 3 weeks later. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | Marius Berman, Israel L Nudelman, Zeev Fuko, Osnat Madhala, Margalit Neuman-Levin, Shlomo Lelcuk |
Journal | The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ
(Isr Med Assoc J)
Vol. 4
Issue 5
Pg. 331-3
(May 2002)
ISSN: 1565-1088 [Print] Israel |
PMID | 12040818
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Acute Disease
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cholecystitis
(diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
- Decompression, Surgical
(adverse effects)
- Female
- Humans
- Liver
(diagnostic imaging, surgery)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Treatment Outcome
- Ultrasonography
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