Chemical ablation of the gallbladder using alcohol in cholecystitis after palliative biliary stenting

Figure 1 Abdominal CT scan revealing a markedly enlarged and distended gallbladder with a thickened wall.

Figure 2 Cholangiographic findings. A: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography showed a severe irregular segmental stricture at the mid-CBD, without visualization of the cystic duct; B: A covered metal stent, 60 mm in length, was implanted in the narrowed CBD.

Figure 3 Chemical ablation therapy. A: Before chemical ablation of the gallbladder, the gallbladder volume was measured by infusing contrast medium through the drain tube; the contrast medium did not pass into the CBD; B: Three weeks later (after a total of three chemical ablation sessions), cholecystography showed a marked collapse in the lumen of the gallbladder.