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 South Korea, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in South Korea with surgical gastroenterology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | USD 945 – USD 2,835 | 3-7 days | ~ 1-2 weeks (with catheter), 4-6 weeks for full recovery post-definitive surgery | Know More |
| Thailand | USD 960 – USD 2,880 | 3-7 days | ~ 1-2 weeks (with catheter), 4-6 weeks for full recovery post-definitive surgery | Know More |
| South Korea | USD 960 – USD 2,880 | 3-7 days | ~ 1-2 weeks (with catheter), 4-6 weeks for full recovery post-definitive surgery | Know More |
| India | USD 546 – USD 1,637 | 3-7 days | ~ 1-2 weeks (with catheter), 4-6 weeks for full recovery post-definitive surgery | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 4,031 – USD 12,093 | 3-7 days | ~ 1-2 weeks (with catheter), 4-6 weeks for full recovery post-definitive surgery | Know More |
Dr. surendran r provided exceptional care...
Dr. surendran r provided exceptional care for my surgical gastroenterology condition. The treatment was personalized and effective.