Percutaneous cholecystostomy as treatment for acute cholecystitis: What has happened over the last five years? A literature review

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most frequent diseases faced by the general surgeon. In recent decades, different prognostic factors have been observed, and effective treatments described, to improve the results in patients with said pathology (lower morbidity and mortality, shorter hospital stay, and minimum conversion of laparoscopic to open procedures). In general, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis, but it is not exempt from complications, especially in patients with numerous comorbidities or those that are critically ill. Percutaneous cholecystostomy emerged as a less invasive alternative for the treatment of acute cholecystitis in patients with organ failure or a prohibitive surgical risk. Even though it is an effective procedure, its usefulness and precise indications are subjects of debate. In addition, there is little evidence on cholecystostomy catheter management. We carried out a review of the literature covering the main aspects physicians involved in the management of acute cholecystitis should be familiar with.