Percutaneous cholecystolithotomy: the first 60 patients.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility and possible complications of percutaneous removal of gall stones.

DESIGN

Prospective study of the first 60 patients treated.

SETTING

The London Clinic.

PATIENTS: 60 Consecutive patients with symptomatic gall stones who agreed to have them removed percutaneously.

RESULTS

56 Patients had stones successfully removed percutaneously. In four patients failure of access necessitated a cholecystectomy under the same anaesthetic. Two patients had an empyema of the gall bladder drained initially, followed by a second operation to remove the stones one week later. Seven patients had postoperative complications, and two had recurrences of biliary calculi.

CONCLUSIONS

The techniques and instruments used in percutaneous nephrolithotomy can successfully be adapted for percutaneous removal of gall stones. The procedure is suitable for a wider range of patients than other techniques that leave the gall bladder intact.