Springer Verlag, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 10(15), p. 1902-1903
DOI: 10.1007/s11605-011-1501-2
Full text: Unavailable
A 93-year-old woman, with life-threatening comorbidities, was admitted to our hospital for fever, nausea, vomiting, and a large and tender abdominal mass. The CT scan showed a gallbladder empyema with a large stone inside. Having considered the age of the patient and the presence of life-threatening comorbidities, we decided to drain percutaneously the gallbladder under US guidance. After drainage, the patient showed immediate relief from pain and she made a fast and full recovery. Percutaneous drainage of gallbladder empyema is an effective procedure and a good alternative for patients unfit to undergo surgery due to severe comorbidities.