What Is Gallbladder Puncture And How Does It Work?

Gallbladder puncture, technically speaking, is not a surgical procedure but rather a minimally invasive drainage technique. It is commonly used in cases of acute suppurative cholangitis, where there is severe local inflammation and significant edema. Under such circumstances, performing traditional surgery may carry a higher risk of complications, including potential damage to surrounding organs or the biliary tract. The inflamed and swollen tissues become fragile, making surgical intervention more complex and increasing the difficulty of healing after gallbladder removal.

In patients with severe symptoms who are not suitable candidates for emergency surgery, percutaneous gallbladder drainage may be performed. This involves inserting a needle through the skin and liver into the gallbladder to drain the infected bile. The accumulated bile is no longer normal—it has become pus due to infection. Removing this infected fluid from the abdominal cavity is essential for the inflammation to subside and for the patient's condition to improve.

This procedure is often necessary when the neck of the gallbladder is obstructed, commonly due to gallstones, tumors, or polyps. When blockage occurs, the infected bile cannot flow into the intestines. In such cases, antibiotic therapy alone is often insufficient to resolve the infection. Draining the pus through puncture, combined with appropriate anti-inflammatory treatment, allows the gallbladder to stabilize.

After the acute phase has passed—typically after one to two months of recovery and inflammation reduction—patients may then undergo a scheduled cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery). This two-step approach reduces surgical risks and improves overall outcomes for patients with severe gallbladder infections.