Selective embolization of a bile leak due to resection of an echinococcal cyst

History and admission findings: One year after an Echinococcus granulosa cy st had been resected in a 37-year-old woman she presented for follow-up. Sh e was without symptoms and physical examination was unremarkable. Investigations: Sonography and computed tomography showed renewed growth of the cyst (6.5 cm diameter) in the VIth liver segment. The Echinococcus ant ibody titre was increased to 1 : 20 (normal 1 : 5). Diagnosis, treatment and course: An echinococcal cyst was again diagnosed a nd a pericystectomy with intrahepatic drainage performed, A bile leak devel oped postoperatively through an open bile duct at the operative site. This duct was selectively visualized by endoscopic retrograde choleangiography a nd its distal part embolized with 1.5 ml Histoacryl: there was no further b ile leak. No relevant clinical side effects occurred. Conclusion: Selective embolization is a possible alternative to currently e mployed procedures for stopping bile leaks.