The Chait Trapdoor cecostomy catheter: an alternative access device to pigtail catheters for chronic cholecystostomy drains.

Acute cholecystitis is a well known complication in the critically ill patient population. These patients are often at high risk for morbidity and mortality associated with cholecystectomy. Percutaneous cholecystostomy has been shown to be an effective procedure in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in this patient population. Some patients require prolonged catheter drainage before definitive therapy. In four patients with patent cystic ducts, standard drainage catheters were exchanged for 10.2-F Chait pediatric cecostomy catheters. The low profile of the catheter and the "Trapdoor" feature allow maintenance and increased patient satisfaction while maintaining drainage and access.