Cholecystostomy as an Exclusive Access to Remove Cystic, Common Hepatic, and Common Bile Duct Stones.

Abstract

<b>OBJECTIVE.</b> The purpose of this article was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of percutaneous fluoroscopic-guided stone retrieval from the cystic duct and antegrade common bile duct (CBD) stone advancement into the duodenum exclusively through a cholecystostomy tube. <b>MATERIALS AND METHODS.</b> Twenty-one patients with acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis or an impacted cystic duct stone who underwent percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The patients had a contra-indication for cholecystectomy (17 patients because of comorbidities and one who declined surgery) or had failed endoscopic retrograde stone removal attempts (three patients). <b>RESULTS.</b> The 21 patients underwent subsequent percutaneous CBD (17 patients) and cystic duct (nine patients) stone removal on follow-up sessions through the percutaneous cholecystostomy track using moderate sedation. A total of 32 stone removal procedures were performed. Seventeen patients underwent balloon dilatation sphincterotomy, after which the CBD stones were pushed forward into the duodenum using a compliant balloon. Seven patients also had stone removal from the cystic duct by a stone retrieval basket. The primary technical success rate for removal of all CBD and cystic duct stones was 76%. The secondary technical success rate was 100%. The clinical success rate was 74%. All patients tolerated the procedures well without major complication. The clinical follow-up interval ranged from 2 to 2310 days (median, 30 days), with no incidence of postprocedural complications. <b>CONCLUSION.</b> Percutaneous transcholecystic common bile and cystic duct stone removal through an existing cholecystostomy access is a safe and effective procedure that is well tolerated.