EP.FRI.4 Cholecystostomy presents as a viable option in acute biliary sepsis during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim To audit and evaluate gallstone related admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess cholecystostomy as an interim and potentially life-saving measure in acute biliary sepsis Methods Patients attending with gallstone disease related complaints from January to September 2020 were assessed, along with data collection on ‘hot’ gallbladder operations, elective cholecystectomies and cholecystostomies performed. Data was assessed on a month by month basis Results There were 306 gallstone related acute admissions in this audit time period. August had the highest number of admissions with 42 (14%) and March the lowest with 21 (7%). Despite 15 hot cholecystectomies (94%) being performed from January to March, only 1 was performed from April to September (6%). 116 elective cholecystectomies were performed during the time period, with 94 (81%) occurring from January to March. 15 cholecystostomies (9 radiologically, 6 surgically) were performed in the period, with 12 (80%) occurring from March onwards. All cholecystostomy patients have been subsequently listed for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Conclusions This study demonstrates a drop in elective surgery from March 2020 onwards consistent with the COVID-19 pandemic peak. Furthermore, acute admissions related to gallstones decreased over a similar timeframe. Cholecystostomy proved itself to be a viable and potentially life-saving option in dealing with acute biliary sepsis during the COVID-19 pandemic