Endoscopic stenting in the treatment of bile leakage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
BACKGROUND
Bile leakage is one of the most common complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery, and biliary decompression is a key factor in treatment. We retrospectively investigated 6 patients with bile leakage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy who were treated with endoscopic stent.


METHODS
From March 1995 to May 1999, six patients (4 men and 2 women) aged 30-64 years (mean, 51 years) with bile leakage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled. Biliary stent (10 French, 6-10 cm) placement with (n = 4) or without (n = 2) sphincterotomy was attempted. The symptoms, results and outcomes were reviewed.


RESULTS
The interval from operation to presentation of bile leakage ranged from 1 to 10 days. Bile leakage was detected from cystic duct stump in 5 patients (83%) and from right IHD in 1 patient (17%). Plastic stent placement was successfully in all patients. Endoscopic stenting healed bile leakage successfully in 5 cases (83%). One patient required surgical correction due to persistent bile leakage. The mean duration between stent placement and cessation of bile leakage was 6.8 days (range 1 to 24 days).


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic stenting is a safe, rapid and effective treatment for bile leakage after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Huang
K L
KL
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Chow
W K
WK
Peng
Y C
YC
D000328:Adult; D001646:Bile; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents