What is the primary purpose of a cholecystostomy during gallbladder surgery?

The primary purpose of a cholecystostomy during gallbladder surgery is to drain the gallbladder. This procedure is typically performed in patients who have acute cholecystitis, especially when surgery is too risky due to the patient's health conditions or when the inflammation is severe. By placing a drain into the gallbladder, the buildup of bile and pressure can be alleviated, which helps resolve the acute condition and serves as a temporary solution.

While it may appear that draining the gallbladder could also relieve pressure from bile ducts, the focus of the cholecystostomy specifically targets the gallbladder itself as a clinical intervention. This distinction highlights the intervention's purpose in managing complications directly related to the gallbladder, rather than addressing potential issues in the bile ducts.

Moreover, while removing the gallbladder is a standard treatment for gallbladder issues, that process is called a cholecystectomy and is different from a cholecystostomy, which is typically more palliative in intent. Performing a biopsy of gallbladder tissue is not a primary indication for this procedure and is usually achieved through other methods. Thus, the emphasis on draining the gallbladder aligns with the specific