Biliary intervention via minicholecystostomy

Minicholecystostomy was performed in 24 elderly patients, under local anaesthesia. All had symptomatic gallstones removed utilizing endoscopy and fluoroscopy. These procedures were well tolerated, with no significant complications, despite severe coexistent disease. One patient has had recurrent problems due to gallstones and one has died from disseminated malignancy. The remaining 22 are well and symptom-free. This combined surgical and radiological approach is a useful alternative procedure for patients with gallstones who are a poor risk for general anaesthesia.