[Percutaneous cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis].

Seventy-two patients with acute cholecystitis were treated with initial ultrasound-guided percutaneous transperitoneal cholecystostomy (PTCS). PTCS could be performed in all 72 patients almost without procedure related complications, and subsequent elective treatment could be done in all, except three patients where acute cholecystectomy was necessary because of accidental catheter dislocation. Seven patients died of their severe underlying illness without relationship to PTCS or cholecystitis. Eight patients with acalculous cholecystitis had no further treatment after removal of the drainage catheter. It is concluded that PTCS is a safe method for acute drainage in patients with acute cholecystitis.