Robotic Cholecystectomy for Chronic Cholecystitis for a Patient with Recurrent Gallstone Pancreatitis and a Percutaneous Cholecystostomy Tube
Charles C. Vining, MD, FACS, FSSO; Mark Knab, MD, FACS, FSSO; Rushin D. Brahmbhatt, MD
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

A 66-year-old man with chronic pancreatitis and prior exploratory laparotomy and appendectomy for perforated appendicitis presented with persistent right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and weight loss after placement of a percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) tube for gallstone pancreatitis and chronic cholecystitis. Imaging confirmed gallbladder distension with equivocal wall thickening. He underwent robotic cholecystectomy with removal of the PC tube. The procedure was notable for extensive intra-abdominal adhesions requiring prolonged adhesiolysis. A critical view of safety was achieved, and the gallbladder was removed without complication. This case illustrates the technical considerations and challenges of delayed cholecystectomy following PC tube drainage.