Combined Interventional Radiological and Endoscopical Approach for the Treatment of a Postoperative Biliary Stricture and Fistula

A 43-year old woman was admitted 11 days after open cholecystectomy with a iatrogenic bile duct injury. On admission the patient showed an uncontrolled biliary fistula through an external drain placed at an emergency laparotomy for biliary peritonitis with fever and jaundice. PTC showed a biliary stricture type II (Bismuth). A percutaneous drainage was performed to decompress the biliary system. Three weeks later, percutaneous balloon dilatation of the stricture was performed. However, bile leakage persisted. In a combined transhepatic/ endoscopic procedure, the percutaneous biliary drainage was replaced by a nasobiliary tube. One week later, no stricture was found and the biliary leak was sealed. The patient could be discharged without symptoms or signs of cholestasis. The multidisciplinary management of post-operative biliary fistula is presented, comparing the role of interventional radiology, endoscopy and surgery.