Percutaneous cholecystolithotomy. A minimally invasive alternative to cholecystectomy and to shock wave lithotripsy
D. P. Griffith, M. J. Gleeson, M. F. Appel, P. S. Bentlif, F. L. Hochman, B. D. Toombs and M. D. Skolkin
Litho Center, Baylor College of Medicine, St Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Tex.
Recently introduced treatment alternatives for gallstones include peroral
pharmacological chemolysis plus shock wave lithotripsy and percutaneous
cholecystolithotomy. Herein we report on the treatment preferences of 23
patients with symptomatic gallstones and our initial experience with
percutaneous cholecystolithotomy in 6 of these patients. All patients were
rendered stone free after one procedure. Percutaneous cholecystolithotomy,
which is applicable to all types of gallstones, is a safe, practical,
low-morbidity alternative to cholecystectomy in selected patients.