About Cholecystostomy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with small incision.Provides rapid relief from gallbladder pressure and infection.Can be a life-saving intervention for critically ill patients.Performed under local anesthesia, reducing risks associated with general anesthesia.Serves as a bridge to definitive surgery (cholecystectomy) when the patient is stable.Typically guided by real-time imaging (ultrasound/CT) for precision./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Acute calculous or acalculous cholecystitis in a critically ill patient.
- Empyema (pus-filled) or gangrenous gallbladder.
- Patients with severe sepsis or organ failure from gallbladder infection.
- High surgical risk patients (e.g., with severe heart, lung, or liver disease) who cannot undergo immediate cholecystectomy.
- As a palliative procedure for inoperable gallbladder cancer causing obstruction.
- Complications of gallstones like perforation or abscess formation.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical evaluation including blood tests and imaging (ultrasound/CT).
- Review of patient's medications; may need to adjust blood thinners.
- Informed consent process explaining the procedure, risks, and alternatives.
- Fasting for several hours before the procedure as advised.
- Administration of intravenous antibiotics to control infection.
- Establishment of IV access for fluids and medications.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or hematoma at the puncture site.
- Infection at the catheter site or within the abdomen.
- Injury to nearby organs like the liver, intestines, or blood vessels.
- Bile leakage into the abdomen (bile peritonitis).
- Catheter dislodgement, blockage, or malfunction.
- Reaction to contrast dye or local anesthetic.
- Failure to adequately drain the gallbladder.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial monitoring in a recovery area for vital signs and pain control.
- The drainage catheter remains in place for several days to weeks until infection resolves.
- Instructions on caring for the catheter and drainage bag at home.
- Prescription of pain medications and a course of antibiotics.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor drainage and plan for eventual cholecystectomy.
- Gradual return to normal activities, avoiding heavy lifting while the catheter is in place.
- Dietary advice, often starting with clear liquids and advancing as tolerated.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks (with catheter), 4-6 weeks for full recovery post-definitive surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cholecystostomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cholecystostomy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cholecystostomy. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cholecystostomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 150 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 1-2 weeks (with catheter), 4-6 weeks for full recovery post-definitive surgery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 525 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 1-2 weeks (with catheter), 4-6 weeks for full recovery post-definitive surgery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Cholecystostomy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cholecystostomy.
Emma Das, a 42-year-old high school...
Emma Das, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had been managing her type 2 diabetes for a decade. Her life was upended by a sudden, severe attack of abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. Diagnosed with acute cholecystitis and gallstones, her condition was complicated by her diabetes and a high surgical risk due to poorly controlled blood sugar and a recent cardiac workup. Her surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Chen, explained that emergency gallbladder removal was too dangerous. He recommended a cholecystostomy, a temporary drain placed through her skin into the gallbladder to relieve the infection and 'cool things down.' Terrified and in pain, Emma agreed. The image-guided procedure under local anesthesia was uncomfortable but quick. For six weeks, she managed the external drain bag, a constant physical and emotional reminder of her illness, while working with her doctors to optimize her health. After her condition stabilized, she successfully underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Her recovery was smooth. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear and frustration, feeling betrayed by her own body, to profound gratitude. The cholecystostomy was a humbling but life-saving 'pause button' that gave her a safe path to definitive cure.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Cholecystostomy
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform cholecystostomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist