Recognition and management of biliary complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
BACKGROUND
Injuries to the extrahepatic biliary tree at laparoscopic cholecystectomy cause major morbidity and are a major source of litigation. Injuries are often diagnosed late, leading to further complications and decreasing the chance of a successful repair.


METHODS
A prospective study was carried out of all patients with extrahepatic biliary injuries from cholecystectomy who were referred to the surgeons of the Universities of Melbourne Hepatobiliary Group between 1997 and 1999.


RESULTS
Twenty-seven patients sustained biliary injuries to the extrahepatic biliary tree. Twenty patients (74%) had unrecognized injuries at the time of cholecystectomy. The median time to referral was 9 days. Only two of 11 operative cholangiograms were interpreted as showing a biliary injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Biliary injuries are still occurring at laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Guidelines about the management of a suspected biliary injury are discussed. Clinical, radiological and pathological assessment should enable prompt diagnosis and management should be instituted early, preferably with the involvement of a hepatobiliary specialist.
Thomson
Benjamin N J
BN
thomsonben@hotmail.com
Cullinan
Mark J
MJ
Banting
Simon W
SW
Collier
Neil A
NA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001659:Biliary Tract / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices