An abdominal mass.

BACKGROUND

A 93-year-old woman, with life-threatening comorbidities, was admitted to our hospital for fever, nausea, vomiting, and a large and tender abdominal mass. The CT scan showed a gallbladder empyema with a large stone inside.

RESULTS

Having considered the age of the patient and the presence of life-threatening comorbidities, we decided to drain percutaneously the gallbladder under US guidance. After drainage, the patient showed immediate relief from pain and she made a fast and full recovery.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous drainage of gallbladder empyema is an effective procedure and a good alternative for patients unfit to undergo surgery due to severe comorbidities.