Percutaneous management of a bronchobiliary fistula after radiofrequency ablation in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma

Korean J Radiol. 2009 Jul-Aug;10(4):411-5. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2009.10.4.411. Epub 2009 Jun 25.

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure for the treatment of hepatic tumors. While RFA is associated with relatively low morbidity, sporadic bronchobiliary fistulae due to thermal damage may occur after RFA, although the incidence is rare. We describe a patient with a bronchobiliary fistula complicated by a liver abscess that occurred after RFA. This fistula was obliterated after placement of an external drainage catheter into the liver abscess for eight weeks.

Keywords: Bronchobiliary fistula; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Liver abscess; Percutaneous drainage; Radiofrequency ablation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biliary Fistula / etiology*
  • Biliary Fistula / surgery*
  • Bronchial Fistula / etiology*
  • Bronchial Fistula / surgery*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / adverse effects*
  • Drainage / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Abscess / etiology
  • Liver Abscess / surgery
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*