Biliary tract injuries after lap cholecystectomy—types, surgical intervention and timing

Bile duct lesions, including leaks and strictures, are immanent complications of open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Endoscopic procedures have gained increasing potential as the treatment of choice in the management of postoperative bile duct injuries. Bile duct injury (BDI) is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of LC. Several series have described a 0.5% to 0.6% incidence of BDI during LC. Early recognition and an adequate multidisciplinary approach are the cornerstones for the optimal final outcome. Suboptimal management of injuries often leads to more extensive damage to the biliary tree and its vasculature. Early referral to a tertiary care center with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons and skilled interventional radiologists would appear to be necessary to assure optimal results.