The Utility of Routinely Performing a Short-Interval Cholecystogram following Cholecystostomy Tube Placement

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of routinely performing short-interval cholecystogram (SIC) following percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) placement and to identify predictive factors for early PCT dislodgment. Materials and Methods We conducted retrospective review of 224 adult patients who underwent PCT placement for acute cholecystitis at a single tertiary care medical center. SIC was defined as occurring at least 1 day after PCT placement and prior to the patient being discharged from the hospital. Early PCT dislodgment was defined as occurring within 2 months of placement. Results Among 224 patients, 181 (80%) patients underwent SIC on average 3 days after PCT. Of these, 175 (97%) had PCT appropriately positioned, while 6 (3%) showed tube malposition outside the gallbladder. Patients who underwent a SIC demonstrated a similar rate of early tube dislodgment compared to those discharged without this procedure (12.6 vs. 14.3%, p = 0.81). Notably, patients with a body mass index exceeding 40 kg/m2 had a higher likelihood of early cholecystostomy tube dislodgment (29 vs. 14%, p = 0.038). Conclusion Routinely performing a SIC following PCT may offer limited benefit. We recommend selectively performing this study on patients with clinically suspected tube dislodgement.