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Extrahepatic gallstones and abscess formation post-cholecystostomy: a rare complication in high-risk acute cholecystitis management
  1. Meiling MacDonald-Nethercott1,2,
  2. Naeem Ahmed3,
  3. Nicola Tanner3 and
  4. Guy Finch3
  1. 1General Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
  2. 2General Surgery, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Northampton, UK
  3. 3Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Northampton, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Meiling MacDonald-Nethercott; meiling.macdonald{at}uhl-tr.nhs.uk

Abstract

This intriguing case report explores an interesting complication following percutaneous cholecystostomy for the management of acute cholecystitis in an elderly female with multiple comorbidities. Despite initial improvement, she later presented with recurrent symptoms, due to a collection of gallstones, that had migrated through the cholecystostomy tract, requiring exploration, stone retrieval and abscess drainage. While percutaneous cholecystostomy remains an effective treatment for managing acute cholecystitis in high-risk surgical candidates, this case highlights the rare yet critical risk of extrahepatic gallstones and abscess formation. It emphasises the necessity for vigilance in detecting and managing complications associated with percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy, ensuring timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

  • Biliary intervention
  • Liver disease
  • Gastrointestinal surgery
  • General surgery
  • Ultrasonography

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Footnotes

  • Contributors The following authors were responsible for drafting of the text, sourcing and editing of clinical images, investigation results, drawing original diagrams and algorithms and critical revision for important intellectual content: MMN, NA, NT and GF. The following authors gave final approval of the manuscript: MMN, NA, NT and GF.

  • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

  • Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research. They should not be used in isolation to guide treatment choices or public health policy.

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.