Bronchobiliary Fistula as a Late Complication of Hepatic Resection

Park, Hyun Shin; Moon, Gae Hyuk; Kim, Seung Youn; Park, Jin Young; Cho, Jin Kyoung; Kim, In Han; Lee, Jin Woo; Lee, Don Haeng; Kim, Pum Soo; Kim, Hyung Gil; Kim, Young Su

Abstract

A bronchobiliary fistula (BBF), which is defined by an abnormal communication between the biliary system and the bronchial tree, is an uncommon complication after hemihepatectomy, trauma, hydatid disease, choledocholithiasis, and other causes of biliary obstruction. BBF are rare complication of hepatic resection that can present from days to years after operation. Management of fistula is often very difficult and can be associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Early recognition and proper management are essential to avoid a fatal outcome. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) are the diagnostic studies of choice and offer the possibility of therapeutic intervention. Although large series in the literature emphasize the surgical management of BBF, the reoperative procedures tend to be complicated, with a significant morbidity and mortality. Nonsurgical intervention via ERCP or PTC are more recently notably successful when resolution of a distal biliary obstruction is accomplished. Only after aggressive attempts at nonoperative, interventional techniques have failed should operative approaches be entertained. We are reporting a case of BBF secondary to hepatic resection of hepatocellular carcinoma which was managed by surgical operation.