Diagnostic percutaneous aspiration of the gallbladder.

Percutaneous aspiration of the gallbladder was performed for nine hospitalized patients, most commonly to establish the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis and its complications in the critically ill patient or patient with sepsis. In five patients, aspiration alone was performed; in four, permanent percutaneous catheter drainage followed diagnostic aspiration. Ultrasonic guidance was used, and aspiration/drainage was performed at bedside for seven of the patients.