Percutaneous Cystic Duct Interventions and Drain Internalization for Calculous Cholecystitis in Patients Ineligible for Surgery

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and outcomes of percutaneous cholecystostomy drain internalization in patients with calculous cholecystitis who were not surgical candidates. Materials and Methods: Percutaneous cystic duct interventions were attempted in 17 patients (with the intent to place dual cholecystoduodenal stents) who were deemed unfit for surgery and had previously undergone percutaneous cholecystostomies for acute calculous cholecystitis. Baseline demographics, technical success, time from percutaneous cholecystostomy to internalization (dual cholecystoduodenal stent placement), stent patency duration, and adverse event rates were evaluated. Results: Fifteen (88%) of 17 procedures to cross the cystic duct were technically successful. Of these 17 patients, 13 (76%) underwent successful placement of dual cholecystoduodenal stents. Two of these 13 patients (who had successful dual cholecystoduodenal stent placement) needed repeat percutaneous cholecystostomy drains (1 patient had stent migration leading to recurrent cholecystitis, and the other had a perihepatic biloma). The 1-year patency rate was 77% (95% CI, 47%–100%). Conclusions: Dual cholecystoduodenal stent placement in nonsurgical patients is a technically feasible treatment option with the goal to remove percutaneous cholecystostomy drains.