Management of acute cholecystitis after biliary stenting for malignant obstruction: comparison of percutaneous gallbladder drainage and aspiration.

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes between percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PGBD) and percutaneous gallbladder aspiration (PGBA) for acute cholecystitis after biliary stenting for malignant biliary obstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six and 14 patients underwent PGBD and PGBA, respectively, for acute cholecystitis after biliary stenting for malignant obstruction. The technical success rate, clinical effectiveness, and safety were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in all patients. Clinical effectiveness rate was significantly higher in the PGBD group than in the PGBA group [100% (26/26) vs. 57% (8/14), p < 0.01]. In the PGBA group, clinical effectiveness rate was significantly lower in patients with tumor involvement of the cystic duct [13% (1/8) with involvement vs. 83% (5/6) without involvement, p = 0.03]. There were no deaths related to the procedure or acute cholecystitis aggravation. Pleural effusion and biliary peritonitis occurred in 1 patient each after PGBD and intra-abdominal bleeding occurred in 1 patient after PGBA as complications requiring treatment.

CONCLUSION

Although PGBD was a more effective treatment for acute cholecystitis after biliary stenting for malignant obstruction, PGBA may be a less invasive option for high-risk patients without tumor involvement of the cystic duct.