Gallstone Recurrence and Gallbladder Function Following Percutaneous Cholecystolithotomy

Abstract

To determine the frequency of recurrent symptoms and gallstones following successful percutaneous cholecystolithotomy (PCCL) and to evaluate the effect of the procedure on gallbladder function. Between 1988 and 1991, 32 patients underwent successful PCCL for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones. Outcome was assessed clinically (mean follow-up, 24 months) in 31 patients and by means of serial ultrasound examination (mean follow-up, 26 months) in 23 patients. Symptomatic relief following the procedure was good, with only five of 31 patients (16%) experiencing recurrent symptoms during the follow-up period. Eight patients died of unrelated causes with no recurrence of symptoms. Nine (39%) of the remaining 23 patients have either retained gallstone fragments (four patients [16%]) or recurrent gallstones (five patients [22%]). Gallbladder motility was studied after PCCL in 10 patients, including four with retained or recurrent stones, and nine gallbladders were shown to be functioning well. PCCL is a useful treatment for symptomatic gallstones in patients at high risk for surgery. It preserves gallbladder function, but recurrent gallstones are a significant problem.