Obliteration of the gallbladder without formal cholecystectomy. A feasibility study

E. Salomonowitz, M. P. Frick, R. L. Simmons, J. F. O'Leary, G. Lund, A. H. Cragg and K. Amplatz

Obliteration of the gallbladder without formal cholecystectomy was attempted in 36 rabbits, using an open technique for cannulation of the gallbladder during laparotomy. The gallbladder was cannulated, the proximal cystic duct was occluded with cyanoacrylate-nitrocellulose 2% wt/wt, and the gallbladder mucosa was exposed to various sclerosing agents to induce fibrosis. Heated 60% diatrizoate meglumine and absolute alcohol induced a controllable chronic cholecystitis with transmural fibrosis within two weeks, a result not seen with morrhuate sodium or in the control groups. All animals survived without complications, and no instances of common bile duct damage or occlusion was noted. The results reported are promising and indicate the need for further studies of this technique for its efficacy and safety.