This procedure is performed in patients with acute severe infection/ inflammation of the gall bladder which is called as acute cholecystitis. Usually, these patients are treated with antibiotics followed by surgical removal of the gallbladder. Some of these patients can become too ill, that surgery cannot be performed. In these patients, under imaging guidance a fine tube can be inserted into the gall bladder to drain the infected bile from the gall bladder. The procedure is performed under aseptic conditions in the angiography suite. During the procedure, local anaesthesia (pain killer) is injected into the skin at the access site to prevent discomfort. An injection of a mild sedative is also given to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
This drainage, along with antibiotics control and treat the infection. Once the patient has recovered from the infection, the gallbladder can be safely removed.