Post-traumatic bronchobiliary fistula

BMJ Case Rep. 2019 Apr 5;12(4):e228294. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-228294.

Abstract

Post-traumatic bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare entity, with only a few cases reported worldwide. Bilioptysis is pathognomonic of the condition, however, bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage along with CT are used for confirmation. We describe this condition in a young woman who presented to us with bilioptysis following a laparotomy for blunt torso trauma. Diagnosis was made of BBF, followed by surgical management and complete recovery. We emphasise the signs of early diagnosis, confirmatory tests, individualised treatment and advocate surgical management as the gold standard of treatment.

Keywords: biliary intervention; gastrointestinal surgery; general surgery; trauma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Biliary Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Biliary Fistula / pathology*
  • Biliary Fistula / surgery
  • Bronchial Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchial Fistula / pathology*
  • Bronchial Fistula / surgery
  • Bronchoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Cough
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Thoracic Injuries / complications*
  • Thoracic Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Injuries / physiopathology
  • Thoracic Injuries / surgery
  • Thoracotomy*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / complications*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / physiopathology
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / surgery
  • Young Adult