The Incidence of Sub‐hepatic Collections after Cholecystectomy*

Abstract

Percutaneous aspiration and drainage is increasingly being used in the diagnosis and management of surgical complications. The purpose of this study was to determine the natural history of right upper quadrant collections in cholecystectomy patients. Twenty‐seven consecutive patients undergoing cholecystectomy were examined ultrasonically. Collections in the subphrenic space, gallbladder fossa or wound were specifically sought. All patients had conventional T‐tube and wound drainage post‐operatively. Six collections were seen at the initial examination performed at a mean time of 6 days after surgery. Nineteen patients were re‐examined at a mean of 12.6 days post‐operatively and three of the collections seen initially had resolved, but 3 patients had developed new abnormalities. By 30 days, all collections had resolved except for one patient with a large subphrenic collection which required surgical drainage. It is concluded that collections are relatively common post‐cholecystectomy and most resolve spontaneously.