Radiology &

Imaging

The preferred treatment for acute cholecystitis is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Conversion to open surgery may be necessary in cases where the anatomy is unclear or complications are encountered. Laparoscopic tube cholecystostomy remains an alternative to open surgery in cases where the gallbladder is judged too inflamed to allow for laparoscopic removal and in cases where the patient is too sick to tolerate a more extensive procedure. It also provides access for diagnostic cholangiography. Laparoscopic tube cholecystostomy is safe and remains a useful option in select patients with complicated acute cholecystitis. Cholecystostomy tube placement is often performed in patients with limited life expectancy, but can have a significant impact on quality of life.