Objective    To evaluate the clinical efficacy and outcomes of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) under type-B ultrasonic guide as an alternative treatment option for critically ill patients of acute cholecystitis.     Methods    The clinical data of 53 high-risk patients of acute cholecystitis were retrospectively analyzed

who received PC from January 1999 to August 2005.     Results    All cases were successfully punctured and intubated

and 4 received reoperation because of blocked tube or fall-off. Fifty-two (97.3%) gained bile drainage effectively. No complications occurred due to the procedures in the cholecystostomy and intubation. One patient required emergency cholecystectomy on day 1 after the procedures because of deteriorating conditions. Forty-one accepted selective cholecystectomy in 2 weeks to 3 months after cholecystostomy. The follow-up period was 6 months to 3 years.     Conclusion    PC is an effective

convenient and safe method in managing acute cholecystitis in high-risk patients

with high achievement ratio and less complications.