Laparoscopic cholecystostomy tube placement

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common procedures performed in the world today Acute calculus cholecystitis is the most frequent complication of cholelithiasis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the best treatment for acute calculus cholecystitis when performed within 72 hours. Acute cholecystitis tends to be one of the highest risks for conversion to open surgery-due to unclear anatomy, excessive bleeding or technical complications. Here we present 2 cases with severe acute cholecystitis that required placement of laparoscopic cholecystostomy (LC) tube. Patient subsequently underwent interval cholecystectomy, when the inflammation had subsided. LC tube placement can be a safe alternative in such situations to avoid complications and conversion to open procedure.