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What is a cholecystostomy?
A cholecystostomy is a procedure in which the doctor puts a tube into your gallbladder to drain it.

When is it used?
This procedure is done when the outlet (neck) of the gallbladder is blocked by gallstones or a tumor. When the gallbladder contracts, it can be painful. It may become swollen or infected. It may begin to decompose.
Your surgeon may feel that it is safer to drain the gallbladder than to remove it. (Gallbladder removal is called a cholecystectomy.) Draining the gallbladder may allow it to heal. However, this procedure will not cure any tumors or stones lodged in the neck of the gallbladder.
As an alternative you could choose not to have treatment, recognizing the risks of your condition. You should ask your doctor about these choices.

How do I prepare for a cholecystostomy?
Plan for your care and recovery after the operation.
Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.
Follow any instructions your doctor may give you. Eat a light meal, such as soup or salad, the night before the procedure. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.

What happens during the procedure?
Either local or general anesthesia may be given. A local anesthetic numbs part of your body while you remain awake. It is usually given with an intravenous (IV) sedative to help you relax and be comfortable. A general anesthetic relaxes your muscles, makes you feel as if you are in a deep sleep, and prevents you from feeling pain.

The doctor makes a cut in your abdomen, puts a tube into your gallbladder, and leads the tube out to your skin. The doctor then closes the cut in the abdomen and connects the tube to a drainage bag.

What happens after the procedure?
You must stay in the hospital until your gallbladder is drained and better, which may take 1 to 4 days. Your doctor will then remove the bag and drainage tube. Because the intestines recover slowly, you cannot eat for the first few days after the operation and are fed intravenously. After this time, you can return to a normal diet.

You may still need to have the gallbladder surgically removed in the future.
Ask your doctor what other steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?
Your gallbladder may be emptied and may not have to be removed.
After the blockage of the neck of the gallbladder is relieved with a cholecystostomy, it may be safer to remove the gallbladder later, if necessary.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• There are some risks associated with general anesthesia. Discuss these risks with your doctor.

• The local anesthesia may not numb the area quite enough, and you may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia. Local anesthesia is considered safer than general anesthesia.

• The tube might leak or not drain the gallbladder entirely.

• You may get an infection and the doctor may reopen the cut and put in a tube to drain the infection. You may need antibiotics.

You should ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.
 
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor immediately if:

• You have unusual abdominal pain.

• You feel nauseated.

• You vomit.

• You develop a fever.

• The drainage tube comes out of the cut.

• There is any leakage from the tube or drainage bag.

Call the doctor during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.

• You want to make another appointment.