The fortuitous repair of a common bile duct injury following placement of a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram catheter

Common bile duct injuries are associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality and are discussed frequently in the literature. These injuries may be difficult to diagnose intraoperatively and are often challenging to repair, necessitating referral to hepatobiliary surgery specialists at academic institutions. This case report highlights the management of a completely disrupted common bile duct identified post-operatively using a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) catheter to bridge the gap between the proximal and distal ductal injury prior to operative repair. In addition, the management of this patient’s sickle cell crisis post-operatively using red blood cell exchange transfusion is discussed.