Minimally invasive treatment of patients with bronchobiliary fistula: A case series

Abstract

Introduction: Bronchobiliary fistula is an uncommon complication secondary to hepatobiliary surgery. Bilioptysis is a pathognomic finding for bronchobiliary fistulas. Diagnosis may be easily established in the light of clinical history, which can be aided by imaging studies to pinpoint the exact location. Some diagnostic procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatectomy are also useful for treatment. Case presentation: We present three Turkish patients with bronchobiliary fistula secondary to previous hepatic surgery due to hydatid cyst in two, a 19-year-old and a 47-year-old man, and iatrogenic trauma of the common bile duct by endoscopy in a 35-year-old man. All of the patients were successfully treated by minimally invasive methods including percutaneous drainage and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Conclusion: We suggest that bronchobiliary fistula could be managed through conservative treatment methods which do not require in-hospital follow-up, particularly in uncomplicated cases. Otherwise, surgical management can be unavoidable. © 2009 Aydin et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.