Management of Iatrogenic Bile-Duct Injury After Cholecystectomy, 1995–2025: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) constitutes a major complication of cholecystectomy. The optimal timing, method, and setting for definitive repair remain subjects of debate. This study aimed to systematically evaluate management strategies, timing of repair, and prognostic factors influencing postoperative outcomes following IBDI. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines (PROSPERO CRD420251003227). PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched through March 2025. Eligible randomized trials and cohort studies reporting management outcomes were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently. Pooled analyses were conducted using random-effects models. Twenty-eight studies (2 randomized trials, 24 cohort studies, 2 systematic reviews) involving >18,000 patients were analyzed. Surgical repair achieved higher success than endoscopic therapy (92.6% vs. 76.1%; RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.35) and reduced stricture risk (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.15–0.38). Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy provided durable outcomes (success 83.5%; stricture 8.9%). Early (<2 weeks) or delayed (>6 weeks) repair after sepsis control was associated with lower morbidity (9–11%) compared with intermediate repair (2–6 weeks). Referral to hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) centers reduced complications (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.23–0.46). Overall morbidity and mortality were 22.7% and 2.9%. Outcomes following IBDI are determined primarily by surgical expertise and patient stability rather than timing alone. In optimized patients, both early and delayed reconstruction are safe and effective, whereas intermediate repair and non-specialist interventions increase risk. Timely referral to HPB centers should be considered standard practice.