Minicholecystostomy and radiologic stone extraction in high-risk cholelithiasis patients. Preliminary experience.

The treatment of gallstone disease in elderly patients continues to pose problems for surgeons because of a high associated complication rate. We have presented our preliminary experience with a new technique consisting of minicholecystostomy under local anesthetic, followed by radiologic intervention for stone extraction. In this paper, we outline important details of the surgical and radiologic technique and details of our results and complications. This approach has been proved safe and effective in 21 high-risk patients. On the basis of our early results, we suggest that this technique should be given a more extensive trial.