Helical CT cholangiography for the detection and localization of bile ductleakage

OBJECTIVE. We describe the use of helical CT cholangiography or helical CT after administration of biliary TV contrast material to verify and localize bile duct leakage. CONCLUSION. Helical CT cholangiography revealed bile leaks in seven patient s after penetrating trauma or liver or gallbladder surgery and excluded bil e leaks in two patients with blunt liver trauma. Endoscopic retrograde chol angiography was performed in only one of seven patients with bile leakage a nd was avoided in an additional two patients in whom CT cholangiography exc luded leakage. The method is a feasible, noninvasive tool for the detection and localization of bile leaks and may help avoid endoscopic retrograde ch olangiography.