Cholecystostomy is a surgical procedure in which a catheter is inserted into the gallbladder through an incision in the abdominal wall to drain bile and relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease. This procedure is typically performed when a patient is unable to undergo a more invasive gallbladder surgery, such as cholecystectomy, due to severe illness, high surgical risk, or acute conditions like acute cholecystitis. The cholecystostomy catheter allows for the removal of accumulated bile, which can help manage infection, inflammation, and other complications related to gallbladder dysfunction. The primary causes for cholecystostomy include acute cholecystitis, which is often caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to inflammation and infection of the gallbladder. This procedure can also be used in cases of complicated gallbladder disease where other surgical interventions are not immediately feasible. Complications associated with cholecystostomy may include infection at the catheter insertion site, bile leakage, or injury to nearby structures. The presence of the catheter can also cause discomfort and require regular maintenance to prevent blockages or displacement. Long-term issues might include chronic inflammation or complications related to the underlying gallbladder disease. Despite these risks, cholecystostomy provides an important therapeutic option for managing acute and severe gallbladder conditions, and appropriate postoperative care is essential for minimizing complications and improving patient outcomes.
