Internal fistulization by EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) after PTGBD for cholecystitis due to placement of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) in the bile duct: A case report

Abstract

A 76-year-old female was referred to our hospital for acute cholecystitis and right segmental cholangitis after placement of a SEMS, which was deployed to resolve bile duct strictures caused by unresectable hilar malignant tumor. Although the acute cholecystitis resolved by PTGBD, the PTGBD tube could not be removed because of severe outflow obstruction of the cystic duct. After completion of internal fistulization by EUS-GBD, the PTGBD tube could be removed. After the removal of the PTGBD tube, the patient's QOL was well maintained, and she was discharged. Internal fistulization using EUS-GBD after placement of a PTGBD tube might be useful in patients with cholecystitis following SEMS placement for bile duct strictures caused by unresectable malignant tumors.