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.