Purpose: to check if embolization of the cystic duct with or without gallbladder embolization, via a preexistent percutaneous tract is a safe and efficient alternative to cholecystectomy in high risk patients.
Materials & methods: From 2013 to 2017, 5 patients, 2 female and 3 male age 76-91 years (average 78.8 ) with existent gallbladder drainage who were not candidates for surgical cholecystectomy because of sever comorbidities underwent intervention. Cystic duct embolization via the drainage tube tract was performed in all and in 4 patients additional sclerozation of the gallbladder with 3% Aetoxysclerol was added. Follow up was prior to the safety drain removal after 2-3 weeks and ultrasonographic and clinical follow up.
Results: No major nor minor complications at the early follow up period were recorded. One patient developed one year after the procedure bile leak through the old drainage tract, that was successfully recannulated and resclerosed. No patient developed signs of acute cholecystitis during follow-up period.
Conclusion: Cystic duct embolization +\- gallbladder embolization is a safe and efficient alternative to cholecystectomy in high risk patients.
