Biliopleural fistula following gun shot injury in right axilla

BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Feb 9:2015:bcr2014207454. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2014-207454.

Abstract

A biliopleural fistula (BPF) is a rare and atypical manifestation of thoracoabdominal trauma. A stepwise approach for the management is recommended for a successful outcome. We report a case of a 22-year-old man who was referred to our hospital with respiratory discomfort after sustaining a gunshot injury in the right axilla. On investigations he had haemopneumothorax, central liver contusion with perihepatic fluid and a bullet lodged at the level of right renal hilum. He was at first managed by placing a right intercostal tube drain, which initially drained blood and subsequently started draining bile. He was managed successfully with endoscopic biliary stenting, pigtail drainage of subphrenic collection and antibiotics.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Axilla / injuries
  • Biliary Fistula / etiology*
  • Biliary Fistula / surgery
  • Drainage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pleural Diseases / etiology*
  • Pleural Diseases / surgery
  • Respiratory Tract Fistula / etiology*
  • Respiratory Tract Fistula / surgery
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Gunshot / complications*
  • Wounds, Gunshot / surgery
  • Young Adult