HEMOBILIA AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC - CASE-REPOR T AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now the most widely performed operativ e procedure with an unmatched success. An unusual complication develop ed in our practice. We report a case of haemobilia secondary to an art erio-biliary fistula due to a monopolar diathermy burn. This unusual o bservation emphasises the high risk of thermal injuries which are seri ous, difficult to diagnose or manage and often unrecognised at the tim e of the operation. A comprehensive review of the literature, up to De cember 1995, revealed 6 other cases of haemobilia of various aetiologi es, occurring after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.