Laparoscopic management of cholecystoenteric fistulas.
BACKGROUND
Cholecystoenteric fistulas are a rare complication of gallstone disease and affect 3-5% of patients with cholelithiasis. Most fistulas are diagnosed intraoperatively.


METHODS
Between January 1997 and June 2003, 12428 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our department. Cholecystoenteric fistula was diagnosed intraoperatively and treated in 63 patients: 45 patients (71.4%) had cholecystoduodenal fistulas, while cholecystogastric and cholecystocolic fistulas were found in 9 patients (14.3%) and 4 patients (6.3%), respectively; and 5 patients (7.9%) were found to have Mirizzi syndrome type I along with a cholecytoenteric fistula. The operation could be completed laparoscopically in 59 patients. An endostapler was used in 47 patients to transect the fistula and in 12 patients the defect in the bowel was repaired with intracorporeal sutures.


RESULTS
Major morbidity occurred in 3 patients (4.76%). One patient developed a loculated subdiaphragmatic collection which was treated by ultrasound guided aspiration and antibiotic therapy. Prolonged biliary drainage occurred in 2 patients. In addition, 7 patients (11.11%) had minor postoperative complications. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.2 days. All the patients are asymptomatic at a mean follow-up of 2.4 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Cholecystoenteric fistula is a difficult problem usually diagnosed intraoperatively. A high degree of suspicion at operation is mandatory. A stapled cholecystofistulectomy may be the procedure of choice since it avoids contamination of the peritoneal cavity. Complete laparoscopic management of cholecystoenteric fistulas is possible in well-equipped high-volume centers.
Chowbey
Pradeep K
PK
Department of Minimal Access Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India. chowbey1@vsnl.com
Bandyopadhyay
Samik K
SK
Sharma
Anil
A
Khullar
Rajesh
R
Soni
Vandana
V
Baijal
Manish
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001658:Biliary Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D042882:Gallstones / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies