Bile leak from the hepatic bed after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Chir Ital. 2002 Jul-Aug;54(4):507-9.

Abstract

The aim of our study was to identify the best treatment for bile leakage from the gallbladder or hepatic bed as a result of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Two hundred and fifty laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed in our department from January 1997 to January 1999 and bile leak was identified in 5 cases (2%). In one case, a right subphrenic collection was detected and resolved with a percutaneous drainage. At ERCP all cases showed a small leak from an accessory hepatic duct (2 pts.) or from the hepatic bed (3 pts.), successfully managed with an immediate endoscopic sphincterotomy, with placement of a nasobiliary tube or a biliary endoprosthesis. The incidence of leakage from an accessory hepatic or from Luschka's duct is not well known. This complication can be successfully managed with endoscopic treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bile*
  • Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / adverse effects*
  • Cholecystitis / surgery
  • Edema / surgery
  • Emergencies
  • Empyema / surgery
  • Gallbladder Diseases / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic