[Acute cholecystitis. Percutaneous cholecystectomy guided by ultrasound as a therapeutic alternative for seriously ill patients].

Ultrasound guided percutaneous cholecystostomy was performed in nine episodes of acute cholecystitis in seven patients unsuitable for laparotomy owing to advancedage (mean 79 years) and the presence of other serious disease. No serious complications were observed (the importance of satisfactory local anaesthesia and minimal catheter manipulation is emphasized); and satisfactory pain relief was obtained almost instantaneously. The procedure would seem to be an acceptable alternative to cholecystectomy in cases of severe acute cholecystitis where laparotomy must be avoided.