Management of Cholecystostomy Tubes Lacks Standardization

A systematic review encompassing 22,349 patients revealed substantial variability in postinsertion management of cholecystostomy tubes for acute cholecystitis. While 92.7% of studies utilized follow-up imaging, protocols varied significantly regarding timing and necessity. Tube removal averaged over four weeks post-insertion in many cases, and interval cholecystectomies were predominantly carried out after five weeks. The high clinical heterogeneity and reliance on retrospective studies complicate a unified approach, underscoring the need for standardized management practices.