BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cholecystectomy (CCY) is considered the gold standard intervention for acute cholecystitis (AC). However, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) can be performed in patients unfit for surgery. Interval CCY after EUS-GBD is typically not performed as the formation of cholecystoenteric fistula increases the technical complexity of CCY. We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the outcomes of interval CCY following EUS-GBD. METHODS: We conducted a literature search of multiple electronic databases for studies reporting on outcomes of interval CCY following EUS-GBD. Primary outcomes were pooled proportions of technical success of interval CCY, and surgical techniques (rate of open, laparoscopic, and conversion from laparoscopic to open). Secondary outcomes were adverse events (AEs). A meta-analysis of proportion was performed using the random-effects model. I RESULTS: Of 1002 citations, 15 studies with 707 patients were included. The pooled proportion of successful interval CCY was 32.9% (confidence interval (CI): 11.8-53.9%
I CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that interval CCY is technically feasible and safe after EUS-GBD. Endoscopists should still consider the local surgical expertise and recommendations before performing EUS-GBD in patients who could eventually become surgical candidates afterward.