Getting Out of a PCCL: Percutaneous Cholecystolithotomy as a Salvage Treatment Option for Gallstone Removal in Patients Deemed Unfit for Standard Surgical Approaches

Abstract

Definitive management of acute cholecystitis or symptomatic cholelithiasis in exceedingly high-risk patients remains a clinical dilemma. In certain cases, treatment through a percutaneous approach following standard techniques and principles similar to those of percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be considered. However, one potential challenge, particularly among a high-risk population, is the possible necessity to stay on obligate anticoagulation for pre-existing medical reasons. To date, there have been no prior reports documenting the role of this procedure in patients on systemic anticoagulation, particularly clopidogrel. Here we report a case of a percutaneous cholecystolithotomy performed on an elderly patient unable to stop dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel) secondary to recent drug eluting stent placement for myocardial infarction.