SP4.8 - A Systematic Review on The Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous cholecystolithotomy (PCCL)

Abstract

Abstract Aims To summarize the evidence available thus far on the safety and efficacy of percutaneous cholecystolithotomy (PCCL). So, the research question we set out to answer is: Is PCCL a safe and efficacious procedure? Methods This is a secondary research project involving a literature search to gather evidence on the research question raised above. An SR protocol and search strategy are developed, literature search is conducted using two search engines: Ovid Medline and Ovid Embase. The two search terms used were: (a) (Percutaneous and (removal or extract) and (Gallstones* or Gall stone* or cholelithiasis or cholecystolithiasis*)), (b) Cholystolithomy. Our inclusion/exclusion criteria are clear and appropriate. PRISMA protocol was followed. Results The collected data from the 29 studies that fit our criteria is analyzed, and the results showed that the procedure is safe and effective compared to the gold standard which is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The clinical and technical success is over 90%, and the combined complication rate is 14.8%, 9.3% major complication rate, and 6.9% minor complication rate. The 30-day mortality of the procedure is 0.8%. Conclusions This systematic review shows that PCCL is a safe and efficacious procedure with high technical and clinical success rates. The reported low 30-day mortality and major complication rates, despite multiple comorbidities and frequently old and sick patients, make PCCL outcomes comparable to the gold standard treatment. However, the current evidence is based on single-center data with heterogeneous reporting standards. Further research should aim at an appropriate sample size, a clear definition of recorded variables, and a refinement of current technologies and techniques.