BACKGROUND: Ten patients with postoperative external biliary fistula treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy are reported. METHODS: Nine of these patients were operated for hepatic hydatid disease and one for a liver abscess. Mean daily output of bile through the fistulae which were present for 5-39 days was approximately 500 cc. RESULTS: Treatment was successful in nine patients with closure of the fistulae in 2-15 days (mean, 7 days). No response was obtained in one patient who was reoperated, and an intrahepatic biliary duct was found to be completely eroded by the cyst wall. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy should be the first-line treatment for postoperative external biliary fistulae related to hepatic hydatid disease.
BACKGROUND: Ten patients with postoperative external biliary fistula treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy are reported. METHODS: Nine of these patients were operated for hepatic hydatid disease and one for a liver abscess. Mean daily output of bile through the fistulae which were present for 5-39 days was approximately 500 cc. RESULTS: Treatment was successful in nine patients with closure of the fistulae in 2-15 days (mean, 7 days). No response was obtained in one patient who was reoperated, and an intrahepatic biliary duct was found to be completely eroded by the cyst wall. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy should be the first-line treatment for postoperative external biliary fistulae related to hepatic hydatid disease.
Authors: George Skroubis; Constantine Vagianos; Andreas Polydorou; Evangelos Tzoracoleftherakis; John Androulakis Journal: World J Surg Date: 2002-03-26 Impact factor: 3.352