Bm. Sammak et al., CASE-REPORT - RADIOLOGICAL AND ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF BILE LEAK FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY, Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology, 12(1), 1997, pp. 34-38
Due to the ever increasing popularity of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
(LC), many radiologists and gastroenterologists have noticed an epidem
ic of bile duct injuries due to subsequent complications. We report on
five cases of post-LC minor bile duct injuries and document our preli
minary experience in their management. Although the majority of minor
bile leaks resolve spontaneously, particularly if a surgical drain has
been left in situ, percutaneous drainage (PD) can be used alone or in
addition to endoscopic management to treat symptomatic bile leaks and
biloma formation. Bile leaks without associated abdominal collections
should be first identified by endoscopic cholangiography followed by
sphincterotomy and/or stenting. Surgery should only be reserved for ca
ses of major bile duct injury if PD and endoscopic management have fai
led initially.